assistance_n to_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o that_o assistance_n carry_v a_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la into_o the_o mind_n as_o aquinas_n call_v it_o 2._o 2._o a_o 3_o ad_fw-la 2._o and_o by_o that_o he_o say_v the_o mind_n be_v unite_v to_o truth_n that_o its_o assent_n be_v only_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o damnation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v thus_o illuminate_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o not_o that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o convince_v other_o who_o have_v not_o that_o inward_a sense_n which_o they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o do_v at_o first_o indite_v they_o may_v give_v such_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a testimony_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o may_v firm_o conclude_v these_o book_n to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o assurance_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n may_v be_v more_o effectual_a and_o powerful_a in_o they_o than_o all_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n or_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_a those_o can_v be_v deceive_v who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v and_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o ancient_a schoolman_n do_v make_v the_o great_a firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o depend_v on_o outward_a motive_n but_o on_o inward_a grace_n which_o so_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o fix_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v it_o this_o sort_n of_o faith_n be_v no_o blind_a assent_n but_o after_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o have_v to_o make_v its_o assent_n reasonable_a it_o take_v so_o fast_o a_o hold_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o discern_v the_o excellency_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o he_o that_o have_v it_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v go_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o and_o although_o the_o apprehension_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o that_o of_o science_n yet_o the_o hypostasis_fw-la as_o 1._o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o may_v be_v so_o firm_a that_o no_o temptation_n may_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v it_o and_o he_o that_o can_v die_v for_o his_o religion_n have_v a_o strong_a and_o better_a fâ—ith_n than_o he_o that_o think_v himself_o never_o so_o infallible_a in_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o that_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a faith_n which_o purify_v the_o 9_o heart_n and_o thereby_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o not_o 6._o by_o cavil_v and_o wrangle_v about_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o overcome_v the_o world_n 4._o and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o only_o such_o a_o one_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n when_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o utmost_a infallibility_n in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v effectual_o on_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n we_o may_v go_v infallible_o to_o hell_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o i._n e._n to_o improve_v their_o sound_a faith_n into_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n for_o alas_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a faith_n if_o our_o work_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o it_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n 46._o lord_n say_v christ_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v why_o do_v we_o pretend_v to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v his_o command_n it_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v always_o in_o 18._o a_o good_a thing_n and_o no_o doubt_n our_o faith_n be_v such_o but_o then_o let_v we_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n too_o that_o we_o may_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v that_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v 14._o redeem_v by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o our_o obligation_n arise_v every_o way_n from_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o lord_n so_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o as_o christ_n jesus_n so_o he_o die_v for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n we_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n to_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o have_v receive_v he_o who_o command_v we_o to_o forsake_v they_o for_o than_o we_o receive_v and_o reject_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n 19_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n say_v st._n paul_n what_o shall_v those_o then_o do_v that_o profess_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o their_o lord_n who_o be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v the_o separate_a religion_n and_o morality_n when_o this_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o whereas_o their_o religion_n consist_v only_o of_o some_o solemn_a rite_n and_o sacrifice_n let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n of_o as_o dangerous_a a_o separation_n between_o faith_n and_o work_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o between_o receive_v christ_n and_o do_v his_o will._n for_o those_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o we_o own_o christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o do_v they_o because_o he_o command_v we_o and_o the_o apostle_n have_v sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o comprehensive_a word_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n 12._o 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 13._o and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n iii_o preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 22_o d_o 1688_o 9_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o s._n peter_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o christian_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n but_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o carry_v so_o much_o terror_n and_o severity_n in_o they_o as_o though_o none_o but_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n and_o all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o despair_n although_o mankind_n be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o punishment_n denounce_v against_o the_o ungodly_a and_o sinner_n yet_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o equity_n of_o his_o command_n the_o freedom_n of_o their_o choice_n the_o contempt_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a impenitency_n take_v away_o all_o just_a cause_n of_o complaint_n but_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v seem_v hardly_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o grace_n and_o design_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o righteous_a here_o be_v not_o vain_a proud_a self-conceited_a hypocrite_n such_o who_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n but_o such_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v off_o from_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o be_v redeem_v from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n 20._o who_o have_v purify_v their_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o 9_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n yet_o of_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v say_v if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v but_o how_o can_v this_o agree_v with_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o sinner_n be_v court_v and_o encourage_v to_o repent_v with_o the_o hope_n and_o promise_v of_o salvation_n do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v this_o a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o shall_v the_o 15._o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v what_o joy_n in_o 10._o heaven_n can_v there_o be_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v if_o after_o his_o repentance_n it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o come_v to_o heaven_n do_v not_o christ_n himself_o invite_v those_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v give_v rest_n to_o 28._o their_o soul_n but_o what_o rest_n can_v they_o have_v who_o notwithstanding_o their_o come_n to_o he_o do_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n attain_v to_o eternal_a rest_n how_o can_v that_o
prayer_n command_v he_o to_o take_v his_o rod_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n 6._o to_o speak_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o the_o water_n shall_v issue_v out_o moses_n assemble_v the_o 8._o people_n expostulate_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o strike_v the_o rock_n twice_o and_o the_o water_n come_v where_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o 10._o moses_n all_o this_o while_n yet_o he_o often_o repeat_v it_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o 37._o for_o something_o do_v at_o that_o time_n god_n himself_o say_v moses_n and_o aaron_n rebel_v 21._o against_o he_o and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o sanctify_v 14._o he_o before_o the_o people_n the_o psalmist_n say_v they_o provoke_v his_o spirit_n so_o 33._o that_o he_o speak_v unadvised_a with_o his_o li_n after_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o moses_n be_v a_o mixture_n of_o anger_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o infidelity_n for_o the_o psalmist_n say_v he_o be_v high_o provoke_v and_o god_n himself_o say_v 12._o they_o believe_v he_o not_o to_o sanctify_v he_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o fault_n than_o seem_v to_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o their_o own_o honour_n than_o god_n and_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o attribute_v the_o power_n of_o the_o miracle_n to_o god_n but_o that_o the_o people_n may_v think_v they_o assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o as_o appear_v by_o their_o word_n to_o the_o people_n hear_v now_o you_o rebel_n must_v we_o fetch_v 10._o you_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n which_o expression_n do_v not_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n he_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o he_o be_v so_o tender_a in_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o honour_n that_o he_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o encroach_v upon_o it_o no_o not_o his_o faithful_a servant_n but_o he_o make_v they_o smart_v for_o attempt_v it_o the_o other_o case_n be_v that_o of_o david_n number_v the_o people_n and_o he_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n of_o great_a sincerity_n and_o courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o his_o service_n yet_o of_o a_o sudden_a he_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o people_n number_v without_o any_o apparent_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o although_o he_o be_v discourage_v from_o the_o attempt_n by_o those_o about_o he_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v obey_v and_o what_o come_v of_o it_o true_o before_o the_o thing_n be_v complete_v he_o grow_v very_o uneasy_a at_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o it_o be_v say_v his_o heart_n smite_v he_o after_o that_o he_o have_v number_v the_o 9_o people_n and_o david_n say_v to_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v sin_v great_o in_o what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o in_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o finish_v it_o not_o because_o wrath_n 24._o fall_v for_o it_o against_o israel_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o severity_n against_o david_n be_v it_o such_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n for_o a_o king_n to_o understand_v the_o number_n of_o his_o people_n suppose_v it_o a_o fail_v yet_o why_o shall_v god_n be_v so_o angry_a for_o one_o such_o fail_v in_o he_o that_o have_v serve_v god_n so_o sincere_o as_o david_n have_v do_v there_o must_v be_v something_o extraordinary_a in_o this_o case_n for_o god_n sometime_o suppose_v the_o people_n to_o be_v number_v 1._o and_o in_o some_o case_n he_o require_v or_o allow_v it_o why_o then_o be_v he_o so_o displease_v now_o at_o the_o do_v it_o the_o best_a account_n i_o know_v of_o it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n in_o david_n although_o that_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o design_v by_o he_o which_o be_v general_o look_v on_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o fundamental_a promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o so_o it_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o chronicle_n why_o the_o number_v be_v not_o exact_o take_v because_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v he_o will_v increase_v israel_n like_o the_o star_n of_o 23._o the_o heaven_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a notion_n receive_v among_o the_o people_n that_o since_o god_n promise_v to_o increase_v they_o beyond_o number_n no_o one_o ought_v to_o go_v about_o to_o take_v the_o exact_a number_n of_o they_o for_o this_o must_v seem_v to_o savour_v of_o infidelity_n and_o a_o contempt_n or_o mistrust_n of_o god_n fundamental_a promise_n but_o however_o upon_o such_o occasion_n god_n may_v use_v two_o of_o his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n thus_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v these_o and_o other_o their_o fail_n upon_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o their_o general_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o instead_o of_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n but_o i_o have_v something_o far_a to_o offer_v for_o the_o clear_n these_o two_o difficult_a case_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v between_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o particular_a person_n as_o to_o the_o general_a sincerity_n of_o their_o act_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n political_a justice_n as_o to_o person_n in_o public_a capacity_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n god_n may_v just_o have_v a_o regard_v not_o mere_o to_o the_o action_n themselves_o but_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o people_n they_o be_v relate_v to_o thus_o moses_n mention_n it_o three_o several_a time_n the_o lord_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o your_o 26._o sake_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a with_o i_o for_o your_o sake_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o let_v it_o suffice_v thou_o speak_v no_o more_o to_o i_o of_o this_o matter_n it_o seem_v he_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v as_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o that_o earnest_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o leave_v to_o conduct_v the_o people_n into_o canaan_n but_o god_n will_v not_o grant_v his_o request_n but_o he_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n that_o he_o be_v deny_v furthermore_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o 2d_o your_o sake_n and_o swear_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v over_o jordan_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o blow_v which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o head_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n that_o before_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o number_v the_o people_n the_o anger_n 1._o of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o israel_n and_o he_o move_v david_n against_o they_o to_o say_v go_v number_n israel_n and_o judah_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o people_n may_v provoke_v god_n to_o let_v prince_n fall_v into_o such_o sin_n which_o may_v give_v just_a occasion_n to_o god_n to_o punish_v both_o together_o but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a different_a case_n from_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o particular_a person_n with_o regard_n to_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v establish_v on_o such_o foundation_n that_o we_o need_v not_o give_v way_n to_o despondency_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o particular_a act_n of_o severity_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v the_o different_a consequence_n of_o these_o two_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n which_o in_o short_a be_v that_o the_o advantage_n be_v far_o great_a which_o come_v to_o mankind_n by_o one_o than_o by_o the_o other_o and_o that_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v they_o together_o 1._o as_o under_o equal_a circumstance_n 2._o as_o under_o unequal_a circumstance_n 1._o as_o under_o equal_a circumstance_n and_o here_o we_o have_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o consider_v 1._o those_o who_o have_v conviction_n of_o conscience_n go_v along_o with_o a_o carnal_a mind_n such_o who_o look_v on_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o judge_v only_o by_o appearance_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o those_o who_o do_v allow_v themselves_o all_o the_o liberty_n which_o a_o carnal_a mind_n do_v incline_v they_o to_o have_v very_o much_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o severe_a rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o mortification_n to_o deny_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 and_o these_o be_v think_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a thing_n whereas_o such_o who_o be_v not_o under_o these_o difficulty_n seem_v to_o lead_v the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a life_n
yet_o take_v altogether_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a 2._o in_o which_o word_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o inconstancy_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o good_a resolution_n viz._n that_o although_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a yet_o there_o be_v something_o we_o carry_v about_o we_o which_o weaken_v our_o best_a resolution_n and_o betray_v we_o into_o temptation_n our_o flesh_n be_v weak_a which_o be_v so_o near_o we_o as_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o ourselves_o make_v our_o case_n more_o dangerous_a and_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n but_o here_o arise_v one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a necessary_a and_o important_a case_n that_o relate_v to_o practical_a christianity_n which_o i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v it_o the_o case_n be_v this_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o circumstance_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n do_v lessen_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o extenuation_n of_o the_o sin_n why_o do_v our_o saviour_n mention_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o if_o it_o be_v than_o these_o inconvenience_n follow_v 1._o it_o seem_v to_o abate_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n if_o the_o sin_n be_v lessen_v through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v unavoidable_a in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n 2._o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fair_a plea_n and_o excuse_v for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n for_o 1._o the_o original_a inclination_n to_o sin_n in_o mankind_n come_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o very_a frame_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v such_o as_o expose_v they_o to_o continual_a temptation_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o all_o mankind_n find_v it_o too_o true_a now_o 17._o wherever_o the_o flesh_n be_v there_o be_v inclination_n agreeable_a to_o it_o and_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o mind_n all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n will_v appear_v to_o come_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n 2._o the_o frequent_a commission_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n will_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n for_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o sin_v out_o of_o defiance_n to_o god_n or_o his_o law_n or_o with_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o sin_n for_o they_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o wish_v they_o can_v perform_v it_o but_o alas_o the_o flesh_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o they_o have_v many_o conviction_n in_o their_o mind_n many_o good_a purpose_n and_o serious_a resolution_n at_o some_o time_n and_o if_o they_o do_v sin_n it_o be_v not_o with_o their_o whole_a will_n for_o they_o have_v great_a struggle_n and_o check_n of_o conscience_n within_o even_o while_o they_o commit_v those_o sin_n and_o therefore_o what_o can_v their_o continue_n in_o sin_n be_v so_o proper_o attribute_v to_o as_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n 3._o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n after_o repentance_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n for_o he_o that_o have_v once_o smart_v severe_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o suffer_v under_o the_o agony_n of_o conscience_n for_o they_o he_o that_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o not_o mere_o to_o lament_v his_o folly_n and_o to_o abhor_v his_o wickedness_n but_o to_o make_v solemn_a vow_n and_o promise_n and_o resolution_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v fall_v into_o his_o sin_n again_o with_o his_o whole_a mind_n and_o soul_n for_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v once_o thorough_o kindle_v be_v not_o easy_o put_v out_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a fire_n which_o burn_v inward_a and_o can_v hardly_o be_v extinguish_v and_o all_o those_o who_o sin_n against_o conscience_n the_o dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n be_v right_a while_o they_o commit_v their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o even_o these_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v excuse_v by_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o sin_n which_o do_v come_v from_o the_o flesh_n do_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a say_v st._n paul_n 20._o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n etc._n etc._n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a which_o be_v proper_o sin_v of_o the_o flesh._n of_o the_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o as_o i_o have_v also_o tell_v you_o in_o time_n past_a that_o they_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v 21._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o in_o another_o place_n for_o this_o you_o know_v that_o no_o whoremonger_n 5._o nor_o unclean_a person_n nor_o covetous_a man_n who_o be_v a_o idolater_n have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n cometâ—_n 6._o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n will_v god_n be_v so_o severe_a under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o punish_v mankind_n with_o utter_a exclusion_n from_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a misery_n for_o sin_n which_o come_v mere_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n then_o indeed_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n to_o bewail_v the_o sad_a condition_n of_o humanity_n bear_v under_o one_o law_n to_o another_o bound_n create_v sick_a command_v to_o be_v sound_z but_o god_n will_v vindicate_v his_o justice_n at_o the_o great_a day_n and_o mankind_n shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o the_o mere_a weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o will_n and_o choice_n that_o as_o they_o have_v evil_a inclination_n from_o the_o flesh_n so_o they_o have_v good_a inclination_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n aught_o to_o have_v govern_v and_o keep_v under_o the_o law_n of_o their_o member_n that_o other_o by_o the_o same_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o 24._o lust_n thereof_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v enable_v they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o 12._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 that_o if_o man_n do_v fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n that_o 15._o those_o who_o relapse_n into_o sin_n after_o repentance_n and_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o 20._o the_o world_n their_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o short_a if_o man_n â—3_n do_v live_v after_o the_o flesh_n they_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n they_o do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n they_o shall_v live_v all_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o possibility_n of_o fubdue_a the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o if_o man_n neglect_v it_o and_o give_v way_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o this_o very_a thing_n will_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o as_o a_o wilful_a and_o damn_v sin_n but_o here_o the_o difficulty_n still_o rise_v for_o christ_n suppose_v that_o his_o own_o disciple_n even_o the_o most_o forward_o and_o the_o best_a resolve_v may_v fall_v through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o do_v so_o upon_o no_o great_a temptation_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n peter_n deny_v his_o master_n in_o so_o dreadful_a a_o manner_n upon_o so_o slight_a a_o provocation_n as_o the_o damsel_n say_v to_o he_o thou_o also_o be_v wâ—â—h_n jesus_n of_o galilee_n 69._o what_o a_o mean_a low_a and_o timorous_a spirit_n have_v possess_v st._n peter_n at_o that_o time_n be_v this_o he_o who_o but_o a_o few_o hour_n before_o say_v that_o though_o he_o shall_v die_v with_o he_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v he_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n very_o in_o his_o best_a estate_n he_o be_v altogether_o vanity_n what_o st._n peter_n deny_v his_o lord_n who_o make_v that_o confession_n of_o he_o which_o christ_n own_v be_v not_o reveal_v to_o he_o by_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o by_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v
forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o the_o psalmist_n use_v the_o very_a same_o similitude_n of_o a_o father_n pity_n to_o his_o child_n like_a 13._o as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o when_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o god_n thought_n and_o way_n be_v so_o much_o above_o man_n it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n to_o prove_v thereby_o that_o god_n may_v show_v more_o pity_n to_o mankind_n than_o they_o find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o show_v to_o one_o another_o let_v 7._o he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v for_o my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n etc._n etc._n but_o set_v aside_o all_o this_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v draw_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o god_n pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n our_o saviour_n insist_o so_o much_o on_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n wherein_o we_o not_o only_o read_v of_o joy_n in_o 10._o heaven_n at_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o the_o compassion_n of_o god_n almighty_n towards_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v set_v forth_o with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o indulgent_a father_n run_v into_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o son_n when_o he_o see_v he_o at_o a_o distance_n come_v towards_o he_o what_o now_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o be_v we_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n as_o one_o like_a to_o ourselves_o who_o either_o do_v not_o see_v fault_n in_o those_o we_o love_v or_o do_v not_o hate_v they_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v or_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o pass_v they_o over_o or_o be_v at_o first_o it_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v angry_a upon_o a_o slight_a provocation_n and_o then_o as_o easy_o make_v friend_n upon_o as_o little_a reason_n as_o we_o be_v make_v angry_a but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o enter_v into_o our_o mind_n concern_v god_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n and_o in_o this_o case_n if_o we_o will_v form_v in_o our_o mind_n right_a and_o true_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v we_o must_v have_v a_o great_a care_n lest_o we_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o look_v like_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n as_o the_o motion_n and_o change_n of_o passion_n do_v therefore_o to_o understand_v his_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n we_o must_v first_o know_v what_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sinner_n mean_v some_o think_v that_o epicurus_n do_v in_o earnest_n 4._o believe_v a_o god_n but_o he_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o deny_v providence_n because_o he_o can_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v manage_v without_o such_o resentment_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o complete_a happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o therefore_o he_o rather_o choose_v to_o make_v he_o careless_a and_o easy_a than_o active_a and_o liable_a to_o passion_n the_o stoic_n attribute_v to_o god_n all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o kind_a and_o oblige_a but_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v that_o ever_o he_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v angry_a or_o displease_v which_o doctrine_n do_v in_o effect_n overthrow_v providence_n with_o respect_n to_o moral_a action_n as_o much_o as_o the_o epicurean_o for_o if_o god_n do_v not_o regard_v the_o difference_n of_o man_n action_n but_o be_v equal_o kind_a to_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n such_o a_o providence_n will_v have_v as_o little_a influence_n on_o man_n life_n as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o we_o must_v then_o suppose_v if_o we_o will_v uphold_v religion_n and_o morality_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n but_o that_o god_n have_v a_o different_a regard_n to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o their_o action_n the_o regard_n he_o have_v to_o man_n for_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a be_v call_v his_o love_n his_o kindness_n his_o goodwill_n his_o grace_n and_o favour_n that_o which_o he_o have_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a be_v call_v his_o hatred_n that_o which_o he_o have_v to_o person_n for_o do_v evil_a be_v his_o anger_n wrath_n displeasure_n indignation_n according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o evil_a action_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prevent_v any_o false_a or_o mean_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n when_o the_o passion_n of_o mankind_n be_v attribute_v to_o it_o we_o must_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n attribute_v to_o god_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o ourselves_o such_o be_v all_o irregular_a motion_n which_o we_o call_v violent_a passion_n arise_v from_o surprise_n mistake_v inadvertency_n weakness_n or_o corrupt_a inclination_n but_o set_v all_o these_o aside_o the_o original_a passion_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o arise_v from_o a_o inclination_n to_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v good_a and_o a_o aversion_n from_o what_o we_o apprehend_v to_o be_v evil_a which_o hold_v as_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o observable_a difference_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o some_o passion_n which_o imply_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o other_o do_v not_o for_o love_n and_o kindness_n and_o joy_n and_o inward_a satisfaction_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o suppose_v their_o object_n good_a but_o what_o agree_v with_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o the_o passion_n contrary_a to_o these_o as_o envy_n ill-will_a and_o revenge_n be_v not_o only_o repugnant_a as_o passion_n but_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o god_n can_v envy_v the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n nor_o bear_v ill-will_n to_o they_o as_o such_o nor_o take_v pleasure_n in_o their_o torment_n and_o of_o this_o nature_n anger_n proper_o take_v be_v as_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o present_a disorder_n and_o disturbance_n within_o from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o injury_n do_v or_o intend_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n on_o those_o who_o do_v it_o all_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o god_n for_o they_o argue_v meanness_n imperfection_n and_o mutability_n we_o must_v therefore_o fix_v on_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o anger_n as_o become_v the_o almighty_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o lie_v in_o 1._o a_o displeasure_n against_o the_o sinner_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o god_n can_v have_v any_o complacency_n in_o those_o who_o displease_v he_o as_o all_o sinner_n do_v whether_o they_o design_v it_o or_o not_o 2._o a_o will_v to_o punish_v sinner_n according_a to_o their_o demerit_n which_o be_v according_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o wisdom_n and_o righteous_a government_n can_v be_v say_v to_o argue_v a_o indecent_a passion_n 3._o the_o actual_a execution_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o great_a provocation_n and_o so_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v angry_a when_o he_o punish_v especial_o when_o he_o do_v it_o sudden_o and_o severe_o as_o man_n in_o their_o passion_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v but_o whatever_o god_n do_v in_o this_o kind_n he_o do_v it_o with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o temper_n of_o a_o judge_n and_o not_o with_o the_o fury_n or_o passion_n of_o a_o angry_a be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o unbecoming_a the_o divine_a nature_n but_o very_o agreeable_a thereto_o and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o in_o strictness_n of_o reason_n be_v understand_v by_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o mankind_n for_o we_o must_v never_o imagine_v that_o god_n act_v according_a to_o sudden_a heat_n and_o passion_n but_o whatever_o he_o do_v be_v according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v represent_v anger_n in_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o passion_n raise_v upon_o great_a provocation_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v lay_v by_o submission_n and_o true_a repentance_n thence_o we_o read_v of_o god_n wrath_n wax_a hot_a of_o his_o 9_o anger_n kindle_v against_o his_o people_n and_o his_o turn_n away_o from_o his_o fierce_a anger_n and_o many_o such_o expression_n but_o so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o fire_n of_o his_o indignation_n the_o sword_n of_o his_o wrath_n the_o stretch_v forth_o of_o his_o hand_n which_o all_o grant_n be_v not_o to_o be_v literal_o understand_v if_o then_o in_o these_o expression_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v interpret_v they_o because_o the_o literal_a sense_n imply_v a_o incongruity_n
such_o a_o case_n the_o mind_n can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o it_o be_v do_v so_o that_o the_o very_a difficulty_n of_o repentance_n lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o great_a peace_n of_o mind_n afterward_o and_o who_o will_v think_v much_o of_o such_o a_o difficulty_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n 2._o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v so_o fundamental_a a_o duty_n that_o we_o can_v place_v our_o happiness_n in_o god_n without_o it_o for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v love_v somewhat_o else_o so_o and_o whatever_o we_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o make_v our_o happiness_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n love_v all_o thing_n above_o he_o for_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o man_n love_n and_o esteem_v by_o what_o they_o court_v and_o pursue_v and_o desire_v and_o delight_n in_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o 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be_v when_o the_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o he_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o apprehension_n we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v he_o when_o we_o adore_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o they_o when_o we_o desire_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n please_v to_o he_o and_o avoid_v what_o we_o know_v to_o offend_v he_o when_o we_o believe_v and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n in_o this_o world_n in_o hope_n of_o be_v happy_a with_o he_o in_o another_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n but_o alas_o where_o be_v this_o love_n of_o god_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v no_o very_o hard_a matter_n to_o work_v up_o a_o heat_a and_o devout_a imagination_n to_o the_o fancy_n of_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o mystical_a union_n but_o after_o all_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 3._o as_o the_o true_a love_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v not_o to_o flatter_v and_o admire_v he_o and_o watch_v for_o his_o smile_n but_o to_o observe_v his_o direction_n and_o obey_v his_o order_n and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v most_o for_o his_o service_n and_o although_o such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n be_v hard_a to_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o carnal_a affection_n and_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o we_o can_v take_v one_o true_a step_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o even_o those_o who_o have_v most_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n do_v confess_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a contrition_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o however_o they_o have_v dangerous_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v those_o who_o be_v so_o weak_a to_o believe_v they_o that_o attrition_n with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o put_v man_n into_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o st._n peter_n key_n must_v have_v a_o extraordinary_a virtue_n if_o they_o can_v change_v nature_n into_o grace_n or_o fear_v into_o love_n or_o mere_a horror_n of_o conscience_n into_o true_a repentance_n but_o although_o such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n to_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o the_o love_n of_o other_o thing_n yet_o no_o one_o can_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a duty_n in_o the_o world_n the_o very_a thought_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v imply_v that_o he_o be_v the_o best_a the_o wise_a the_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o therefore_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o desirable_a object_n and_o whither_o then_o shall_v the_o most_o natural_a stream_n of_o our_o affection_n run_v but_o towards_o he_o what_o do_v we_o mean_v to_o suffer_v so_o much_o earth_n and_o filthiness_n to_o obstruct_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o they_o in_o their_o most_o proper_a course_n what_o can_v we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o deceitful_a world_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o least_o proportion_n to_o such_o infinite_a goodness_n oh_o what_o a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o love_n we_o very_o believe_v that_o god_n deserve_v our_o love_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o how_o small_a a_o share_n have_v he_o in_o it_o we_o love_v what_o we_o profess_v to_o despise_v above_o all_o thing_n viz._n our_o sin_n and_o this_o vain_a world_n and_o we_o real_o too_o much_o despise_v what_o we_o still_o profess_v to_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n viz._n god_n and_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n o_o miserable_a condition_n of_o humanity_n make_a to_o be_v happy_a and_o yet_o fond_a of_o misery_n love_v what_o be_v vain_a and_o yet_o despise_v vanity_n hate_v what_o be_v good_a and_o yet_o account_v it_o best_o and_o therefore_o fit_a for_o our_o choice_n and_o love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o 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duty_n to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o our_o conscience_n can_v charge_v we_o with_o gross_a neglect_n or_o insincerity_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n we_o can_v say_v be_v downright_a sin_n yet_o if_o they_o lead_v to_o they_o if_o they_o indispose_v our_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n if_o they_o tend_v to_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n and_o make_v we_o more_o easy_a to_o entertain_v the_o devil_n temptation_n we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v they_o as_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v say_v be_v plain_a and_o express_v and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o tend_v so_o much_o
foundation_n of_o that_o upon_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v 37._o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n we_o need_v not_o to_o question_v but_o wherever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n as_o be_v here_o require_v there_o will_v be_v true_a godliness_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o where_o this_o be_v want_v all_o external_a show_v of_o devotion_n want_v the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o make_v all_o our_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a service_n to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o without_o it_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o our_o fast_n and_o all_o other_o appearance_n of_o devotion_n be_v empty_a and_o infipid_a formality_n not_o but_o that_o the_o act_n themselves_o be_v commendable_a but_o they_o be_v like_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n dull_a and_o heavy_a or_o like_o the_o leaf_n of_o a_o tree_n in_o autumn_n which_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o wind_n but_o be_v dry_a sapless_a and_o soon_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n prevail_v it_o keep_v up_o the_o life_n and_o order_n and_o vigour_n of_o devotion_n and_o preserve_v it_o from_o be_v taint_v by_o hypocrisy_n or_o choke_v by_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o decay_v from_o want_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n thus_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n not_o such_o as_o depend_v on_o the_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n but_o such_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n have_v make_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o he_o and_o what_o now_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o we_o do_v call_v christ_n lord_n lord_n or_o else_o we_o renounce_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o but_o can_v we_o say_v that_o we_o love_v god_n when_o we_o love_v what_o he_o hate_v viz._n sin_n can_v we_o say_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o much_o divide_v between_o he_o and_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n can_v we_o say_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o may_v when_o our_o love_n to_o god_n be_v apt_a to_o grow_v cold_a and_o remiss_a upon_o any_o apprehension_n of_o difficulty_n can_v we_o say_v that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o when_o we_o despise_v and_o scorn_v he_o or_o overreach_v and_o defraud_v he_o or_o oppress_v and_o ruin_v he_o if_o it_o go_v not_o so_o far_o be_v we_o as_o tender_v of_o his_o reputation_n as_o of_o our_o own_o as_o unwilling_a to_o see_v he_o injure_v as_o ready_a to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o necessity_n as_o we_o shall_v desire_v it_o from_o other_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n if_o strict_a sobriety_n and_o temperance_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n where_o be_v those_o virtue_n to_o be_v general_o find_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o particular_a person_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v hardly_o such_o a_o thing_n leave_v as_o a_o sober_a party_n among_o we_o what_o profane_a customary_a swear_v be_v everywhere_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o what_o complaint_n be_v daily_o make_v of_o the_o abound_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n even_o to_o a_o open_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n not_o bare_o of_o christianity_n but_o of_o any_o kind_n of_o religion_n for_o many_o who_o have_v long_o deny_v the_o power_n seem_v to_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o the_o very_a form_n of_o godliness_n unless_o it_o serve_v some_o particular_a end_n and_o design_n so_o that_o if_o we_o look_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v little_a regard_n show_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o those_o who_o commit_v these_o thing_n call_v christ_n lord_n lord._n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o gross_a hypocrisy_n nothing_o will_v have_v be_v think_v more_o absurd_a or_o ridiculous_a than_o for_o one_o who_o use_v no_o kind_n of_o abstinence_n to_o be_v think_v a_o pythagorean_n or_o one_o that_o indulge_v his_o passion_n à _fw-fr stoic_a or_o one_o who_o eat_v flesh_n and_o drink_v wine_n a_o brachman_n or_o banian_n it_o be_v real_o as_o much_o for_o any_o one_o to_o break_v the_o know_a and_o particular_a precept_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o desire_v to_o be_v think_v a_o christian._n for_o a_o loose_a profane_a and_o debauch_a christian_a be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o morality_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n against_o christ_n to_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n and_o yet_o to_o defy_v his_o law_n and_o authority_n a_o star_n without_o light_n a_o guide_n without_o eye_n a_o man_n without_o reason_n a_o sun_n with_o nothing_o but_o spot_n be_v not_o more_o absurd_a supposition_n than_o a_o christian_a without_o any_o grace_n or_o virtue_n but_o let_v we_o say_v what_o we_o will_v there_o be_v and_o will_v be_v such_o who_o will_v own_o christ_n and_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o sin_n for_o he_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o such_o former_o who_o will_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o ground_n he_o tread_v on_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o mortify_v one_o sin_n for_o his_o sake_n the_o reason_n be_v still_o the_o same_o which_o our_o saviour_n mention_n they_o hope_v that_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o fair_a warning_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o any_o than_o he_o have_v give_v in_o this_o case_n that_o let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o at_o â—he_n great_a day_n depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o worker_n of_o 27._o iniquity_n o_o dreadful_a sentence_n not_o to_o be_v mention_v without_o horror_n not_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o without_o astonishment_n how_o miserable_a for_o ever_o miserable_a must_v their_o condition_n be_v who_o christ_n at_o that_o day_n shall_v bid_v to_o depart_v from_o he_o what_o be_v this_o some_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v but_o to_o put_v all_o christian_n into_o utter_a despair_n for_o who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v say_v that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v true_o we_o have_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o deep_a humility_n and_o serious_a repentance_n and_o timely_a reformation_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n between_o the_o infirmity_n of_o those_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o the_o presumptuous_a sin_n of_o those_o who_o despise_v it_o between_o sin_n commit_v and_o hearty_o repent_v of_o and_o sin_n habitual_o practise_v and_o continue_v in_o without_o any_o mark_n of_o amendment_n such_o must_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n which_o i_o tremble_v at_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o repeat_v but_o there_o be_v other_o who_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o â—heir_a heart_n have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o who_o sincerity_n will_v be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o he_o that_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o at_o that_o day_n come_v you_o 34._o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n sermon_n viii_o preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n march_v the_o 13_o the_o 1691_o 2_o roman_n viii_o 6._o for_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n in_o thâ—se_a word_n be_v imply_v a_o distribution_n of_o mankind_n into_o those_o who_o be_v carnal_o and_o spiritual_o mind_v which_o distinction_n be_v so_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a as_o to_o take_v in_o 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difficulty_n still_o increase_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v time_n to_o come_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o it_o and_o that_o will_v be_v by_o show_v that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a mind_n lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o deliberate_a judgement_n and_o choice_n 2._o in_o the_o prevail_a interest_n 3._o in_o the_o constant_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o action_n 1._o in_o the_o deliberate_a judgement_n and_o choice_n for_o the_o main_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a mind_n lie_v in_o the_o different_a end_n which_o be_v aim_v at_o by_o they_o where_o the_o chief_a end_n be_v the_o please_a ourselves_o and_o the_o enjoy_n of_o any_o thing_n as_o our_o happiness_n under_o the_o supreme_a good_a whatever_o thought_n and_o intention_n we_o may_v at_o some_o time_n have_v to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o turn_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v pursue_v a_o wrong_a end_n we_o have_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v our_o mind_n to_o be_v yet_o carnal_a and_o sell_v under_o sin_n for_o while_o the_o apostle_n represent_v himself_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v his_o conscience_n thorough_o awaken_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n even_o of_o those_o which_o the_o world_n be_v least_o apt_a to_o be_v sensible_a of_o inward_a and_o secret_a sin_n he_o be_v not_o only_o convince_v 22._o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o law_n but_o have_v some_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o he_o have_v some_o hearty_a desire_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o his_o belove_a sin_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o he_o sigh_v and_o lament_v under_o his_o deplorable_a condition_n but_o till_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n come_v to_o set_v he_o free_a he_o be_v in_o a_o miserable_a and_o hopeless_a state_n but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thus_o refine_v and_o purify_v the_o 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other_o thing_n as_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o god_n must_v be_v the_o only_a centre_n of_o his_o hope_n and_o design_n for_o in_o he_o alone_o his_o true_a happiness_n consist_v as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o 25._o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o whatever_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o may_v agree_v to_o a_o carnal_a mind_n but_o a_o carnal_a mind_n can_v never_o love_v god_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v love_v not_o with_o a_o supreme_a transcendent_a degree_n of_o love_n which_o be_v alone_o proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o he_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o love_n be_v beneath_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o love_v he_o as_o we_o do_v his_o creature_n be_v to_o do_v he_o the_o great_a dishonour_n for_o it_o level_v their_o perfection_n and_o suppose_v they_o to_o deserve_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o affection_n from_o we_o but_o there_o may_v be_v many_o spiritual_a notion_n in_o man_n mind_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n about_o mystical_a union_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o divine_a love_n many_o seem_a spiritual_a rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o yet_o there_o may_v not_o be_v this_o spiritual_a mind_n for_o the_o heat_n of_o enthusiasm_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o spiritual_a but_o be_v of_o another_o kind_n they_o be_v spiritual_a as_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o great_a heat_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o force_n of_o a_o vehement_a imagination_n which_o have_v be_v often_o accompany_v with_o as_o vehement_a a_o inclination_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o show_v the_o plain_a difference_n between_o a_o exalt_a fancy_n and_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n a_o spiritual_a mind_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o only_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o of_o their_o excellency_n and_o desirableness_n above_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o our_o choice_n it_o see_v through_o all_o the_o glitter_a vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o soar_v above_o the_o most_o tempt_a and_o bewitch_a folly_n of_o mankind_n here_o it_o frequent_o retire_v from_o the_o noise_n and_o confusion_n the_o hurry_n and_o vexation_n of_o worldly_a affair_n that_o it_o may_v converse_v more_o free_o with_o invisible_a object_n not_o mere_o by_o way_n of_o contemplation_n but_o by_o raise_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o have_v choose_v for_o its_o happiness_n and_o this_o make_v a_o wonderful_a alteration_n in_o the_o thought_n that_o these_o different_a temper_n have_v concern_v the_o same_o thing_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o those_o who_o have_v carnal_a mind_n may_v have_v some_o raise_v and_o spiritual_a thought_n but_o they_o be_v too_o cold_a and_o speculative_a they_o may_v have_v noble_a and_o refine_a speculation_n about_o the_o invisible_a world_n may_v be_v full_o convince_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v can_v not_o be_v what_o they_o be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v of_o incomparable_o great_a value_n than_o those_o which_o be_v so_o much_o more_o admire_a because_o they_o be_v see_v but_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o because_o man_n do_v real_o believe_v spiritual_a thing_n therefore_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v for_o that_o be_v to_o suppose_v all_o to_o be_v saint_n who_o be_v not_o atheist_n but_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o due_a preference_n in_o our_o mind_n of_o that_o invisible_a and_o eternal_a state_n above_o all_o that_o be_v account_v great_a and_o desirable_a here_o as_o gives_z a_o just_a denomination_n to_o one_o that_o he_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v i._n e._n that_o his_o mind_n and_o soul_n be_v fix_v upon_o another_o world_n as_o his_o proper_a happiness_n and_o other_o thing_n be_v regard_v and_o value_v in_o subserviency_n to_o it_o 2._o a_o spiritual_a mind_n be_v discern_v by_o the_o prevail_a interest_n for_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v make_v up_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n there_o will_v and_o must_v be_v a_o combat_n between_o they_o for_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o 17._o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v and_o yet_o the_o same_o apostle_n soon_o after_o add_v they_o that_o be_v 14._o christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n the_o mean_v be_v that_o in_o some_o particular_a instance_n and_o less_o remarkable_a case_n the_o flesh_n may_v sometime_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o all_o notorious_a instance_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o he_o reckon_v up_o and_o in_o the_o main_a issue_n of_o all_o lesser_a combat_n the_o spirit_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o the_o flesh_n in_o those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v as_o the_o flesh_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o the_o spirit_n at_o last_o in_o those_o who_o be_v carnal_o mind_v if_o we_o look_v on_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o combat_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o judge_v which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v but_o those_o may_v have_v the_o better_a in_o some_o particular_a skirmish_n who_o may_v lose_v very_o much_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o war_n a_o good_a man_n may_v be_v foil_v by_o surprise_n or_o under_o some_o disadvantage_n but_o he_o will_v recover_v himself_o and_o it_o may_v be_v gain_v ground_n by_o his_o fall_n and_o a_o bad_a man_n may_v in_o some_o fit_n of_o devotion_n seem_v so_o spiritual_o mind_v that_o one_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v he_o be_v quite_o change_v till_o he_o return_v
be_v god_n and_o as_o the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v so_o he_o add_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v 3._o not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v which_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o other_o point_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sad_a and_o amaze_a consideration_n that_o the_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v and_o his_o doctrine_n preach_v but_o the_o apostle_n content_v himself_o with_o these_o two_o account_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v god_n intention_n or_o design_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o make_v man_n condition_n worfe_n and_o more_o desperate_a for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v present_o object_v that_o if_o this_o be_v god_n intention_n the_o world_n will_v not_o have_v receive_v so_o little_a benefit_n by_o it_o but_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n propose_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o few_o will_v have_v advantage_n by_o it_o therefore_o the_o evangelist_n add_v that_o if_o man_n do_v perish_v they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a v_o 19_o so_o that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n i._o the_o wonderful_a condescension_n and_o gracious_a intention_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o miscarry_v as_o to_o their_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o viz._n their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n 1._o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o upon_o this_o day_n we_o have_v particular_a reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o not_o in_o a_o slight_a superficial_a manner_n as_o though_o a_o annual_a commemoration_n of_o it_o be_v all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o but_o our_o mind_n and_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a and_o humble_a sense_n of_o so_o great_a so_o undeserved_a so_o astonish_v a_o condescension_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o it_o the_o more_o amaze_a and_o surprise_v it_o must_v appear_v to_o we_o for_o when_o the_o psalmist_n think_v but_o of_o god_n providence_n towards_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o but_o break_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o 4._o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o so_o regard_v he_o what_o be_v man_n indeed_o a_o 3._o mass_n of_o vanity_n and_o disorder_n weak_a in_o his_o judgement_n wilful_a in_o his_o passion_n uncertain_a in_o his_o best_a resolution_n violent_a in_o his_o worst_a inclination_n strange_o bend_v upon_o what_o tend_v to_o his_o ruin_n and_o hardly_o bring_v to_o understand_v and_o pursue_v his_o true_a interest_n what_o be_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o this_o that_o a_o god_n infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o our_o service_n shall_v concern_v himself_o about_o the_o low_a and_o trifle_a affair_n of_o mankind_n but_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n that_o he_o humble_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o behold_v but_o to_o govern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v upon_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v man_n that_o he_o shall_v visit_v he_o not_o with_o the_o mere_a common_a demonstration_n of_o his_o kindness_n which_o he_o afford_v to_o other_o creature_n but_o that_o when_o mankind_n have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v and_o fall_v off_o from_o god_n by_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o cast_v off_o and_o forget_v by_o he_o that_o then_o god_n shall_v visit_v he_o by_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o imagination_n as_o well_o as_o desert_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o colourable_a pretence_n for_o infidelity_n that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o thing_n for_o mankind_n to_o believe_v but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o in_o this_o sceptical_a and_o unbelieving_a age_n there_o be_v such_o a_o humour_n of_o cavil_v against_o matter_n of_o revelation_n especial_o this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v seem_v as_o if_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o look_v their_o objection_n in_o the_o face_n if_o we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o insist_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o be_v to_o make_v they_o appear_v much_o more_o considerable_a than_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v over_o all_o the_o trifle_a and_o impertinent_a talk_n of_o such_o man_n which_o be_v not_o whisper_v in_o corner_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v become_v a_o matter_n of_o too_o common_a and_o public_a discourse_n and_o i_o shall_v single_a out_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o great_a weight_n in_o it_o viz._n suppose_v god_n shall_v have_v a_o intention_n to_o offer_v term_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n yet_o what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o that_o end_n have_v not_o god_n easy_a method_n of_o do_v it_o than_o by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o son_n be_v it_o not_o more_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v forgive_v sin_n without_o any_o atonement_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o propitiation_n to_o himself_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o own_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o mankind_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o action_n but_o why_o shall_v our_o faith_n be_v cramp_v by_o such_o incredible_a mystery_n as_o these_o concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o evangelist_n describe_v it_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o kindness_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n so_o much_o hard_a if_o we_o must_v believe_v thing_n which_o seem_v so_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o so_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v it_o with_o such_o man_n whether_o these_o late_a pretender_n to_o natural_a religion_n have_v at_o the_o bottom_n any_o real_a kindness_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o or_o not_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a dissatisfaction_n in_o they_o as_o to_o our_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o pretend_a zeal_n for_o natural_a religion_n be_v little_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a shame_n and_o disguise_n to_o avoid_v a_o more_o odious_a imputation_n but_o let_v it_o be_v as_o great_a and_o real_a as_o they_o pretend_v what_o i_o at_o present_a undertake_v be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o none_o who_o do_v embrace_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o christian_n even_o as_o to_o this_o article_n of_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n which_o they_o seem_v most_o to_o stumble_v at_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o show_v how_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_a suppose_n but_o improve_v refine_v establish_v and_o enforce_v the_o most_o note_a and_o allow_v principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o most_o agreeable_a way_n of_o worship_n the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o moral_a duty_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n since_o no_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n can_v deny_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o exact_a and_o particular_a in_o these_o thing_n above_o any_o other_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o in_o pass_v take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o one_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n with_o respect_n to_o religion_n except_o that_o which_o we_o have_v by_o revelation_n which_o have_v not_o some_o notorious_a blunder_n in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v far_o less_o
reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o christianity_n than_o any_o other_o religion_n if_o their_o quarrel_n be_v not_o real_o against_o all_o as_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v let_v they_o look_v abroad_o over_o the_o unchristian_a world_n and_o they_o will_v find_v such_o foolish_a notion_n such_o vain_a superstition_n such_o incoherent_a fable_n such_o immoral_a practice_n allow_v by_o their_o several_a religion_n as_o will_v make_v a_o consider_a man_n wonder_v how_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v so_o debase_v among_o men._n let_v they_o look_v backward_o upon_o the_o passage_n of_o elder_a time_n and_o they_o shall_v find_v either_o they_o set_v up_o false_a god_n with_o the_o true_a or_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o a_o worship_n disagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o mean_a representation_n or_o uncouth_a sacrifice_n or_o impure_a rite_n or_o else_o there_o be_v some_o horrible_a flaw_n as_o to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o morality_n as_o to_o conjugal_a society_n or_o the_o right_n of_o property_n or_o the_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n or_o they_o give_v such_o a_o pitiful_a representation_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v they_o look_v on_o as_o fable_n or_o despise_v as_o unworthy_a our_o regard_v they_o above_o the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o life_n but_o i_o dare_v challenge_v the_o most_o cavil_v sceptic_a to_o find_v any_o just_a fault_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n require_v therein_o be_v pure_a holy_a spiritual_a very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n the_o moral_a precept_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a weighty_a and_o comprehensive_a and_o those_o who_o have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o neither_o commend_v any_o vice_n nor_o sink_v the_o reputation_n of_o any_o virtue_n they_o never_o lessen_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o to_o one_o another_o all_o the_o just_a complaint_n be_v that_o the_o precept_n be_v too_o strict_a and_o severe_a too_o good_a and_o too_o hard_o for_o mankind_n to_o practice_v they_o but_o be_v this_o a_o objection_n against_o our_o religion_n or_o against_o mankind_n if_o they_o think_v that_o let_v our_o religion_n require_v what_o it_o will_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n will_v still_o live_v and_o act_v like_o brute_n and_o go_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o religion_n how_o can_v we_o help_v it_o but_o we_o hope_v the_o blame_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o reason_n or_o religion_n that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n be_v either_o fool_n or_o madman_n i_o e._n either_o want_n sense_n to_o understand_v their_o duty_n or_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o practice_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n with_o that_o clearness_n that_o force_n that_o authority_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n will_v work_v upon_o mankind_n these_o must_v but_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o pass_v over_o and_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o propose_v as_o my_o chief_a design_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o none_o who_o true_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o as_o to_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o upon_o two_o account_n i._o that_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n make_v this_o design_n appear_v very_o credible_a or_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o understanding_n ii_o that_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o reveal_v religion_n stand_v afford_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o prove_v it_o true_a and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o as_o to_o the_o former_a the_o ground_n or_o principle_n which_o i_o go_v upon_o be_v these_o i._o that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n no_o one_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n which_o move_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n do_v convince_v they_o that_o he_o must_v be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n see_v the_o strong_a evidence_n to_o prove_v his_o be_v be_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v then_o suppose_v as_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o end_n with_o respect_n to_o mankind_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o to_o carry_v on_o and_o we_o must_v suppose_v mankind_n to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o another_o but_o our_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n that_o will_v subsist_v in_o happiness_n or_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n otherwise_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n signify_v nothing_o the_o question_n than_o be_v if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o wellbeing_a of_o mankind_n in_o such_o a_o low_a and_o gloomy_a region_n as_o this_o earth_n be_v or_o to_o advance_v they_o into_o a_o far_o better_a place_n and_o better_a company_n and_o more_o noble_a and_o divine_a delight_n and_o those_o not_o depend_v on_o a_o fade_a droop_a die_a life_n but_o on_o the_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o complete_a happiness_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n no_o one_o that_o ever_o dare_v to_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v any_o comparison_n between_o they_o so_o that_o the_o salvation_n tender_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a end_n which_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v carry_v on_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n but_o why_o shall_v mankind_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n or_o expectation_n of_o a_o happiness_n so_o far_o above_o what_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o deserve_v there_o be_v some_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n to_o come_v from_o any_o other_o fountain_n than_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o those_o who_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o although_o with_o many_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n but_o this_o be_v the_o only_a hypothesis_n which_o we_o maintain_v to_o be_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n what_o be_v it_o but_o infinite_a goodness_n which_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o world_n at_o first_o and_o have_v preserve_v it_o ever_o since_o and_o make_v it_o so_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n what_o be_v it_o but_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o suffer_v we_o to_o live_v and_o enjoy_v so_o may_v comfort_n of_o life_n after_o so_o many_o great_a and_o continual_a provocation_n if_o we_o be_v to_o argue_v from_o our_o desert_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o justify_v the_o wonderful_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o the_o sinful_a race_n of_o mankind_n for_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o have_v long_o since_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v daily_o provoke_v to_o punish_v offender_n and_o the_o power_n he_o have_v to_o execute_v his_o justice_n in_o a_o moment_n without_o any_o opposite_a power_n to_o control_v or_o resist_v he_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o wonderful_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n of_o which_o we_o every_o day_n see_v so_o large_a experience_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o he_o do_v not_o only_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v but_o often_o make_v their_o condition_n easy_a and_o prosperous_a as_o to_o this_o world_n have_v health_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o their_o posterity_n enjoy_v the_o same_o thing_n after_o they_o now_o these_o to_o such_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o value_v another_o life_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n god_n can_v do_v to_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o if_o they_o can_v allow_v so_o much_o goodness_n in_o god_n towards_o those_o who_o continual_o offend_v he_o why_o shall_v they_o question_v great_a instance_n of_o it_o towards_o those_o that_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v as_o to_o this_o world_n but_o as_o to_o another_o which_o they_o value_v