still_o retain_v a_o quick_a sense_n of_o pain_n and_o misery_n so_o that_o fear_n rely_v upon_o a_o natural_a love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v complicate_v with_o a_o necessary_a desire_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n and_o therefore_o religion_n usual_o make_v its_o first_o entrance_n into_o we_o by_o this_o passion_n hence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n more_o than_o once_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o second_o phrase_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o fitness_n of_o it_o to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o negative_a and_o positive_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o that_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n will_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o active_a principle_n and_o will_v be_v employ_v one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v be_v do_v something_o if_o a_o man_n abstain_v from_o evil_a he_o will_v do_v good_a now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o strait_a connexion_n between_o these_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v express_v by_o either_o of_o they_o but_o most_o fit_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n because_o that_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o forsake_v of_o sin_n virtus_fw-la est_fw-la vitium_fw-la fugere_fw-la &_o sapientia_fw-la prima_fw-la stultitia_fw-la caruisse_fw-la virtue_n begin_v in_o the_o forsake_v of_o vice_n and_o the_o first_o part_n of_o wisdom_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n which_o mention_n these_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v constant_o put_v depart_v from_o evil_a first_o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a 24._o ps_n 34.14_o &_o 37.27_o be_v 1.16_o 17._o &_o 55.7_o eph._n 4.23_o 24._o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v first_o to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o then_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n 3.11_o 1_o pet._n 3.11_o etc._n etc._n let_v he_o eschew_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a to_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v this_o far_a consideration_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n consist_v most_o of_o prohibition_n thou_o shall_v not_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a'th_a our_o observance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o fit_o express_v by_o depart_v from_o evil_n which_o yet_o include_v obedience_n likewise_o to_o the_o positive_a precept_n imply_v in_o those_o prohibition_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v this_o that_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o three_o way_n 1._o by_o a_o direct_a proof_n of_o it_o 2._o by_o show_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n 2._o by_o vindicate_a religion_n from_o those_o common_a imputation_n which_o seem_v to_o charge_v it_o with_o ignorance_n or_o imprudence_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o this_o and_o because_o religion_n comprehend_v two_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v speculative_a may_v more_o proper_o be_v call_v knowledge_n and_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v practical_a may_v be_v call_v wisdom_n or_o prudence_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v distinct_o to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n 1._o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n commend_v its_o self_n to_o we_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o excellent_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v first_o it_o be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n because_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a to_o be_v know_v and_o those_o be_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n god_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o perfection_n it_o be_v delightful_a to_o know_v the_o creature_n because_o there_o be_v particular_a excellency_n scatter_v and_o disperse_v among_o they_o which_o be_v some_o shadow_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n but_o in_o god_n all_o perfection_n in_o their_o high_a degree_n and_o exaltation_n meet_v together_o and_o be_v unite_v how_o much_o more_o delightful_a than_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o such_o a_o object_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o beauty_n and_o brightness_n what_o be_v amiable_a and_o what_o be_v excellent_a what_o will_v ravish_v our_o affection_n and_o raise_v our_o wonder_n please_v we_o and_o astonish_v we_o at_o once_o and_o that_o the_o finite_a measure_n and_o capacity_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o able_a to_o take_v in_o and_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n but_o do_v not_o altogether_o take_v away_o the_o delightfulness_n of_o the_o knowledge_n for_o as_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n to_o have_v a_o endless_a prospect_n so_o be_v it_o some_o pleasure_n to_o a_o finite_a understanding_n to_o view_v unlimited_a excellency_n which_o have_v no_o shore_n or_o bound_n though_o it_o can_v comprehend_v they_o there_o be_v a_o pleasure_n in_o admiration_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o proper_o cause_v admiration_n when_o we_o discover_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o a_o object_n which_o we_o understand_v to_o be_v excellent_a and_o yet_o we_o see_v we_o know_v not_o how_o much_o more_o beyond_o that_o which_o our_o understanding_n can_v full_o reach_v and_o comprehend_v and_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n be_v excellent_a and_o desirable_a so_o likewise_o to_o know_v he_o in_o those_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o above_o all_o in_o that_o stupendous_a work_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v such_o a_o mystery_n and_o so_o excellent_a a_o piece_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o desire_v to_o pry_v into_o it_o 1.12_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o and_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v excellent_a so_o likewise_o of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n a_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a for_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n be_v to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o goodness_n and_o pity_n and_o patience_n and_o clemency_n in_o pardon_v injury_n and_o pass_v by_o provocation_n in_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o in_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o and_o be_v please_v withal_o and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o perfection_n and_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v deserve_o account_v a_o piece_n of_o excellent_a knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n we_o live_v in_o and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n we_o live_v under_o how_o much_o more_o to_o know_v the_o statute_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o law_n of_o eternity_n those_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o great_a monarch_n and_o universal_a king_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o this_o make_v david_n to_o admire_v the_o law_n of_o god_n at_o that_o strange_a rate_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o above_o all_o other_o knowledge_n i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n 119.96_o psal_n 119.96_o but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a second_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o goodness_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v measure_v by_o its_o end_n
the_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a humour_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o from_o the_o experience_n they_o have_v have_v of_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o every_o body_n but_o especial_o their_o superior_n and_o governor_n have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o own_o end_n in_o short_a it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o noise_n about_o a_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a state-engine_n and_o a_o politic_a device_n invent_v at_o first_o by_o some_o great_a prince_n or_o minister_n of_o state_n to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n and_o order_n and_o if_o so_o from_o hence_o say_v the_o atheist_n we_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v how_o from_o such_o a_o original_a it_o may_v be_v general_o propagate_v and_o become_v universal_o current_a have_v the_o stamp_n of_o public_a authority_n upon_o it_o beside_o that_o people_n have_v always_o be_v find_v easy_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o from_o hence_o likewise_o we_o may_v see_v the_o reason_n why_o this_o notion_n have_v continue_v so_o long_o for_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o instrument_n of_o government_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v always_o be_v cherish_v and_o keep_v up_o and_o now_o he_o triumph_v and_o think_v the_o business_n be_v very_o clear_a thus_o it_o be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o most_o probable_o towards_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n when_o all_o mankind_n be_v under_o one_o universal_a monarch_n some_o great_a nabuchadnezzar_n set_v up_o this_o image_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o command_v all_o people_n and_o nation_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v it_o and_o this_o be_v find_v a_o successful_a device_n to_o awe_v people_n into_o obedience_n to_o government_n it_o have_v be_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n and_o be_v like_a to_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o fine_a conjecture_n i_o have_v these_o four_o thing_n 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that_o whoever_o make_v a_o politic_a advantage_n of_o other_o man_n principle_n ought_v to_o be_v presume_v to_o contrive_v those_o principle_n into_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v much_o more_o common_a because_o more_o easy_a for_o man_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n of_o those_o principle_n or_o opinion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o put_v into_o man_n but_o find_v there_o so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n of_o a_o god_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o probability_n of_o this_o conjecture_n which_o the_o atheist_n applaud_v himself_o most_o in_o it_o will_v be_v conclude_v in_o the_o affirmative_a it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a since_o politician_n reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o more_o ready_a submission_n to_o government_n from_o man_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o they_o find_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n prepossess_v to_o their_o hand_n with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n than_o that_o they_o plant_v it_o there_o 4._o we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o supposition_n as_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o arcanum_fw-la imperii_fw-la a_o secret_a of_o government_n to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n among_o the_o people_n when_o the_o governor_n themselves_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o cheat_n for_o we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n of_o which_o we_o have_v any_o record_n and_o of_o other_o age_n we_o can_v possible_o judge_v that_o prince_n have_v not_o be_v more_o secure_a from_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o another_o world_n nay_o many_o of_o they_o more_o subject_a to_o these_o than_o other_o man_n as_o i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n and_o those_o no_o mean_a one_o what_o make_v caligula_n creep_v under_o the_o bed_n when_o it_o thunder_v what_o make_v tiberius_n that_o great_a master_n of_o the_o craft_n of_o government_n complain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o grievous_a sting_n and_o lash_v he_o feel_v in_o his_o conscience_n what_o make_v cardinal_n woolsey_n that_o great_a minister_n of_o state_n in_o our_o own_o nation_n to_o pour_v forth_o his_o soul_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n have_v i_o be_v as_o diligent_a to_o please_v my_o god_n as_o i_o have_v be_v to_o please_v my_o king_n he_o will_v not_o have_v forsake_v i_o now_o in_o my_o gray_a hair_n what_o reason_n for_o such_o action_n and_o speech_n if_o these_o great_a man_n have_v know_v that_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o cheat_n but_o if_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o secret_a i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n do_v not_o come_v from_o the_o court_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o politician_n and_o a_o juggle_v of_o state_n to_o cozen_v the_o people_n into_o obedience_n and_o now_o from_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v to_o some_o more_o certain_a and_o universal_a cause_n than_o fear_n or_o tradition_n or_o state-policy_n viz._n to_o this_o that_o god_n himself_o have_v wrought_v this_o image_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o so_o weave_v it_o into_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o his_o be_v that_o like_a phidias_n his_o picture_n in_o minerva_n shield_n it_o can_v never_o total_o be_v deface_v without_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a nature_n i_o know_v but_o one_o objection_n that_o this_o discourse_n be_v liable_a to_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o real_o be_v than_o the_o general_a agreement_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v many_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v i._n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n do_v dissent_v from_o the_o multitude_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o believe_v but_o one_o supreme_a deity_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o various_a benefit_n man_n receive_v from_o he_o have_v several_a title_n bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o although_o they_o do_v servile_o comply_v with_o the_o people_n in_o worship_v god_n by_o sensible_a image_n and_o representation_n yet_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o writing_n that_o they_o despise_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o superstitious_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o pretend_v to_o universal_a consent_n from_o their_o have_v have_v the_o vote_n of_o the_o multitude_n in_o most_o nation_n for_o several_a age_n together_o because_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a separate_v from_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o wise_a signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o great_a many_o cipher_n will_v do_v without_o figure_n 2._o the_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o heathen_a about_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o they_o show_v that_o man_n sink_v into_o the_o most_o degenerate_a condition_n into_o the_o great_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n imaginable_a do_v yet_o retain_v some_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o property_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v intimate_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o stick_n close_o to_o they_o see_v man_n will_v rather_o have_v any_o god_n than_o none_o and_o rather_o than_o want_v a_o deity_n they_o will_v worship_v any_o thing_n 3._o that_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o false_a god_n devise_v be_v rather_o
outcry_n of_o all_o be_v 77._o p._n 57_o 77._o that_o i_o abuse_v his_o first_o demonstration_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o direct_a falsification_n both_o of_o his_o word_n and_o sense_n by_o cog_a in_o the_o word_n all_o make_v his_o principle_n run_v thus_o that_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o christian_n this_o indeed_o i_o make_v to_o be_v his_o principle_n ground_v upon_o his_o word_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v a_o little_a before_o and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v at_o first_o unanimous_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a disperse_v in_o great_a multitude_n over_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v firm_o believe_v by_o all_v those_o faithful_a to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o the_o contradict_a or_o desert_v of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o damnation_n so_o that_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_n imaginable_a be_v by_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n strong_o apply_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o first_o believer_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o these_o first_o believer_n to_o who_o he_o say_v these_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v strong_o apply_v be_v all_o those_o faithful_a he_o speak_v of_o before_o which_o be_v disperse_v over_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o word_n plain_o show_v what_o be_v these_o less_o than_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n and_o he_o himself_o a_o little_a after_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o follow_a age_n so_o that_o i_o make_v his_o principle_n run_v no_o otherwise_o than_o he_o himself_o have_v lay_v it_o and_o if_o it_o contradict_v what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n i_o wonder_v more_o at_o his_o confidence_n in_o charge_v such_o falsification_n upon_o i_o as_o every_o man_n eye_n will_v present_o confute_v he_o in_o methinks_v though_o a_o man_n have_v all_o science_n and_o all_o principle_n yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o have_v some_o conscience_n i_o shall_v only_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o the_o two_o solid_a point_n as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o of_o his_o letter_n and_o i_o have_v do_v i_o have_v charge_v he_o that_o he_o make_v tradition_n certainty_n a_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n and_o yet_o that_o he_o go_v about_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o which_o i_o say_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v be_v needless_a to_o avoid_v this_o inconvenience_n which_o he_o find_v himself_o sore_o press_v with_o all_o he_o distinguish_v between_o speculative_a and_o practical_a self-evidence_n and_o say_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v practical_o self-evident_a may_v be_v demonstrate_v but_o those_o that_o be_v speculative_o so_o can_v but_o he_o must_v not_o think_v to_o shelter_v himself_o from_o so_o palpable_a a_o absurdity_n by_o this_o impertinent_a distinction_n for_o let_v thing_n be_v evident_a how_o they_o will_v speculative_o or_o practical_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o they_o be_v principle_n evident_a of_o themselves_o they_o need_v nothing_o to_o evidence_n they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v first_o principle_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o make_v they_o more_o evident_a because_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v they_o by_o now_o if_o mr._n s._n have_v in_o truth_n believe_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n be_v a_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n he_o shall_v by_o all_o mean_n have_v let_v it_o alone_o for_o it_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a condition_n to_o shift_v for_o itself_o but_o his_o blind_a way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v enough_o to_o cast_v a_o mist_n about_o the_o clear_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n but_o perhaps_o by_o the_o self-evident_a certainty_n of_o tradition_n mr._n s._n only_a mean_n that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o himself_o for_o i_o dare_v say_v it_o be_v so_o to_o no_o body_n else_o and_o if_o that_o be_v his_o meaning_n he_o do_v well_o enough_o to_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o need_v the_o other_o point_n be_v about_o his_o first_o principle_n such_o as_o these_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n faith_n be_v faith_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o say_v 11._o say_v p._n 11._o must_v principle_n all_o that_o can_v be_v solid_o conclude_v either_o about_o rule_n or_o faith_n of_o these_o he_o have_v mighty_a store_n and_o bless_v himself_o in_o it_o as_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o his_o full_a barn_n soul_n take_v thy_o ease_n thou_o have_v principle_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n and_o out_o of_o a_o excess_n of_o good_a nature_n pity_v my_o case_n who_o do_v undertake_v to_o write_v a_o discourse_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n 74._o p._n 74._o without_o so_o much_o as_o one_o principle_n to_o bless_v myself_o with_o but_o the_o mischief_n be_v that_o after_o all_o this_o stir_n about_o they_o they_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o and_o of_o the_o very_a same_o stamp_n with_o that_o frivolous_a one_o aristotle_n speak_v of_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o be_v 1_o analyt_v poster_n l._n 1_o which_o he_o reject_v as_o a_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a proposition_n such_o be_v mr._n s_n first_o principle_n surfeit_v of_o too_o much_o truth_n as_o a_o ingenious_a writer_n of_o his_o own_o church_n say_v of_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o burst_v with_o self-evidence_n and_o yet_o by_o ten_o thousand_o of_o they_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o advance_v one_o step_n in_o knowledge_n because_o they_o produce_v no_o conclusion_n but_o themselves_o whereas_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o principle_n to_o yield_v a_o conclusion_n different_a from_o themselves_o and_o to_o convince_v mr._n s._n full_o of_o the_o foolery_n of_o these_o principle_n i_o will_v try_v what_o can_v be_v do_v with_o they_o either_o in_o a_o categorical_a or_o hypothetical_n syllogism_n e._n g._n a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n tradition_n be_v a_o rule_n ergo_fw-la tradition_n be_v a_o rule_n again_o if_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n than_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n but_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n ergo._n how_o be_v any_o man_n the_o wise_a for_o all_o this_o but_o it_o may_v be_v mr._n s._n can_v make_v better_a work_n with_o they_o and_o manage_v they_o more_o dextrous_o so_o as_o to_o principle_n any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v solid_o conclude_v in_o any_o controversy_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v at_o last_o to_o have_v give_v mr._n s._n full_a satisfaction_n since_o he_o have_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o very_a point_n he_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v no_o principle_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o be_v have_v but_o such_o as_o these_o i_o do_v declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o neither_o have_v any_o principle_n nor_o will_v have_v any_o the_o text_n of_o each_o sermon_n job_n 28.28_o and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n page_n 1_o 2_o pet._n 3.3_o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n p._n 101_o prov._n 14.34_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n p._n 129_o psalm_n 19.11_o and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n p._n 151_o phil._n 3.8_o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n p._n 179_o 1_o joh._n 5.3_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a p._n 213_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n p._n 243_o phil._n 3.20_o for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n p._n 273_o job_n xxviii_o 28._o and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n in_o this_o chapter_n job_n discourse_v of_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o unsearchable_a perfection_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o result_n of_o his_o discourse_n be_v this_o that_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o author_n of_o it_o no_o less_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n than_o that_o which_o make_v the_o world_n and_o contrive_v this_o vast_a and_o regular_a frame_n of_o nature_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o philosophy_n of_o it_o and_o comprehend_v so_o vast_a a_o design_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o man_n and_o lie_n level_v to_o humane_a understanding_n and_o that_o be_v
and_o use_v and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n which_o serve_v the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o the_o more_o necessary_a any_o thing_n be_v to_o such_o a_o end_n the_o better_a it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v that_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o great_a end_n which_o be_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n curious_a speculation_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o we_o and_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o nor_o serve_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n be_v but_o a_o more_o specious_a and_o ingenious_a sort_n of_o idleness_n a_o more_o pardonable_a and_o creditable_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n that_o man_n that_o do_v not_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o use_n and_o necessity_n for_o he_o to_o know_v be_v but_o a_o ignorant_a man_n whatever_o he_o may_v know_v beside_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n be_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n and_o necessity_n to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v happy_a this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o be_v 17.3_o joh._n 17.3_o the_o only_a way_n to_o it_o to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n to_o know_v our_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v it_o except_o we_o know_v it_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o other_o knowledge_n a_o man_n may_v be_v endue_v withal_o he_o be_v but_o a_o ignorant_a person_n who_o do_v not_o know_v god_n the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v the_o preserver_n and_o protector_n of_o his_o life_n his_o sovereign_n and_o his_o judge_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n his_o sure_a refuge_n in_o trouble_n his_o best_a friend_n or_o worst_a enemy_n the_o present_a support_n of_o his_o life_n his_o hope_n in_o death_n his_o future_a happiness_n and_o his_o portion_n for_o ever_o who_o do_v not_o know_v his_o relation_n to_o god_n the_o duty_n that_o he_o owe_v he_o and_o the_o way_n to_o please_v he_o who_o can_v make_v he_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n if_o a_o man_n by_o a_o vast_a and_o imperious_a mind_n and_o a_o heart_n large_a as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o seashore_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o solomon_n can_v command_v all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o art_n of_o word_n and_o thing_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o mastery_n in_o all_o language_n and_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n measure_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o tell_v the_o star_n and_o declare_v their_o order_n and_o motion_n can_v discourse_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o state_n the_o intrigue_n of_o all_o court_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n can_v speak_v of_o tree_n from_o the_o cedar-tree_n that_o be_v in_o lebanon_n even_o unto_o the_o hyssop_n that_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o of_o beast_n also_o and_o of_o fowl_n and_o of_o creep_a thing_n and_o of_o fish_n and_o yet_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o duty_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o impertinent_a vanity_n and_o a_o more_o glitter_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n and_o such_o a_o man_n like_o the_o philosopher_n who_o whilst_o he_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n will_v but_o sapienter_fw-la descendere_fw-la in_o infernum_fw-la be_v undo_v with_o all_o this_o knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n go_v down_o to_o hell_n 2._o second_o that_o to_o be_v religious_a be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o likewise_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n and_o concernment_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v a_o expression_n job_n 22.21_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a be_v profitable_a to_o himself_o and_o prov._n 9.12_o if_o thou_o be_v wise_a thou_o shall_v be_v wise_a for_o thyself_o intimate_v that_o wisdom_n regard_v a_o man_n be_v own_o interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o do_v not_o take_v care_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o concernment_n according_a to_o that_o of_o old_a ennius_n nequicquam_fw-la sapere_fw-la sapientem_fw-la qui_fw-la sibi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la prodesse_fw-la non_fw-la quiret_fw-la that_o man_n have_v but_o a_o empty_a title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o be_v not_o real_o wise_a who_o be_v not_o wise_a for_o himself_o as_o self-preservation_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n so_o care_v of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o wisdom_n he_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o other_o man_n but_o careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o his_o own_o that_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v busy_a but_o he_o be_v not_o wise_a he_o be_v employ_v indeed_o but_o not_o so_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v now_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o direct_v a_o man_n to_o a_o care_n of_o his_o own_o proper_a interest_n and_o concernment_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n our_o chief_a end_n and_o high_a interest_n be_v happiness_n and_o this_o be_v happiness_n to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o if_o it_o may_v however_o from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o enjoy_v if_o it_o may_v be_v all_o good_a however_o the_o chief_a to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o pain_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n but_o from_o anxiety_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n but_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v so_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o as_o long_o as_o may_v be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o ever_o now_o religion_n design_n our_o great_a and_o long_a happiness_n it_o aim_v at_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o great_a good_a for_o religion_n wise_o consider_v that_o man_n have_v immortal_a spirit_n which_o as_o they_o be_v spirit_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n and_o because_o they_o be_v immortal_a be_v capable_a of_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n now_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o eternity_n be_v infinite_o the_o 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or_o not_o which_o a_o testimony_n from_o god_n do_v suppose_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o those_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n i_o mean_v miracle_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o a_o infidel_n will_v as_o well_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n to_o a_o atheist_n but_o when_o we_o dispute_v against_o those_o who_o deny_v a_o god_n no_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v from_o god_n but_o must_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o and_o whatever_o argument_n prove_v that_o will_v also_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n humane_a testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n universal_a tradition_n and_o write_v history_n both_o these_o be_v plain_o and_o beyond_o dispute_n on_o our_o side_n first_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a tradition_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o god_n and_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o we_o have_v 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all_o those_o fine_a and_o free_a operation_n which_o the_o ignorant_a attribute_n to_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o belief_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v any_o person_n pretend_v to_o reason_n or_o wit_n that_o can_v assent_v to_o such_o a_o heap_n of_o absurdity_n which_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a that_o they_o may_v be_v feel_v so_o that_o if_o every_o man_n have_v his_o due_n it_o will_v certain_o fall_v to_o the_o atheist_n share_n to_o be_v the_o most_o credulous_a person_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v thing_n upon_o the_o slight_a reason_n for_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o only_o he_o find_v himself_o he_o know_v not_o why_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o to_o laugh_v at_o those_o that_o do_v not_o ii_o the_o second_o imputation_n be_v singularity_n the_o affectation_n whereof_o be_v unbecoming_a a_o wise_a man_n to_o this_o charge_n i_o answer_v i._o if_o by_o religion_n 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of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n great_a interest_n and_o happiness_n i_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a account_n for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v why_o he_o do_v not_o live_v as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n do_v that_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o die_v as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o perish_v with_o they_o he_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o company_n he_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o have_v his_o last_o end_n like_o they_o who_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o commendable_a to_o be_v singular_a in_o
any_o excellency_n and_o i_o have_v show_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a excellency_n to_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a be_v not_o a_o disparagement_n but_o a_o praise_n every_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o be_v thus_o singular_a iii_o the_o three_o imputation_n be_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o foolish_a bargain_n because_o they_o who_o be_v religious_a hazard_n the_o part_n with_o a_o present_a and_o certain_a happiness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v future_a and_o uncertain_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o future_a reward_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n bless_a be_v he_o who_o have_v believe_v and_o not_o see_v and_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v be_v 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that_o the_o greatness_n of_o any_o good_a and_o happiness_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o dishearten_v man_n from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v with_o reason_n entreat_v such_o as_o be_v atheistical_o incline_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n serious_o and_o impartial_o and_o if_o there_o be_v weight_n in_o these_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o they_o to_o sway_v with_o reasonable_a man_n i_o will_v beg_v of_o such_o that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o passion_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n first_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o serious_o and_o diligent_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o every_o man_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v our_o serious_a study_n and_o consideration_n these_o principle_n of_o religion_n do_v for_o what_o 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part_n than_o that_o eternity_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o time_n i_o will_v therefore_o put_v the_o matter_n into_o a_o temporal_a case_n that_o wicked_a man_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n may_v see_v the_o imprudence_n of_o a_o irreligious_a and_o sinful_a course_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o this_o their_o way_n be_v their_o folly_n even_o themselves_o be_v judge_n be_v that_o man_n wise_a as_o to_o his_o body_n and_o his_o health_n who_o only_o clothes_v his_o hand_n but_o leave_v his_o whole_a body_n naked_a who_o provide_v only_o against_o the_o toothache_n and_o neglect_v whole_a troop_n of_o mortal_a disease_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o rush_v in_o upon_o he_o just_o thus_o do_v he_o who_o take_v care_n only_o for_o this_o vile_a body_n but_o neglect_v his_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n who_o be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v small_a and_o temporal_a 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soul_n wise_a for_o eternity_n resolve_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n fear_v god_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n look_v beyond_o thing_n present_a and_o sensible_a unto_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o be_v eternal_a labour_v to_o secure_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o another_o world_n and_o refer_v all_o the_o action_n of_o this_o short_a and_o die_a life_n to_o that_o state_n which_o will_v short_o begin_v but_o never_o have_v a_o end_n and_o this_o will_v approve_v itself_o to_o be_v wisdom_n at_o the_o last_o whatever_o the_o world_n judge_v of_o it_o now_o for_o not_o that_o which_o be_v approve_v of_o man_n now_o but_o what_o shall_v final_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n be_v true_a wisdom_n that_o which_o be_v esteem_v so_o by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o all_o wisdom_n the_o first_o rule_n and_o measure_n the_o best_a and_o most_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o neglect_a religion_n may_v think_v themselves_o wise_a and_o may_v enjoy_v this_o their_o delusion_n for_o a_o while_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a who_o now_o account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o great_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o more_o than_o common_a wit_n and_o understanding_n to_o slight_a god_n and_o to_o baffle_v religion_n and_o to_o level_v all_o the_o discourse_n of_o another_o world_n with_o the_o poetical_a description_n of_o the_o fairy-land_n i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o all_o these_o witty_a fool_n shall_v be_v unhappy_o undeceive_v and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o enjoy_v their_o delusion_n any_o long_a shall_v call_v themselves_o fool_n for_o ever_o but_o why_o shall_v i_o use_v so_o much_o importunity_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o excellent_a so_o useful_a and_o so_o necessary_a the_o thing_n itself_o have_v allurement_n in_o it_o beyond_o all_o argument_n for_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n i_o can_v offer_v any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o to_o your_o understanding_n to_o raise_v your_o esteem_n of_o it_o i_o can_v present_v nothing_o beyond_o this_o to_o your_o affection_n to_o excite_v your_o love_n and_o desire_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v to_o set_v the_o thing_n before_o man_n and_o to_o offer_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n and_o if_o man_n natural_a desire_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o happiness_n will_v not_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v religious_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v argument_n if_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o beauty_n will_v not_o charm_v man_n affection_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o compel_v a_o like_n and_o to_o urge_v and_o push_v forward_o a_o match_n to_o the_o make_v whereof_o consent_n be_v necessary_a religion_n be_v matter_n of_o our_o free_a choice_n and_o if_o man_n will_v obstinate_o and_o wilful_o set_v themselves_o against_o it_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n pertinacioe_fw-mi nullum_fw-la remedium_fw-la posuit_fw-la deus_fw-la god_n have_v provide_v no_o remedy_n for_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o man_n but_o if_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o be_v fool_n and_o to_o be_v miserable_a he_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o inherit_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n 2_o pet._n three_o 3._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n know_v this_o first_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v of_o a_o famous_a prophecy_n before_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o he_o call_v scoffer_n shall_v come_v that_o you_o
may_v be_v mindful_a of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o in_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n etc._n etc._n the_o prophecy_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v probable_o that_o famous_a prediction_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n and_o before_o the_o fulfil_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n express_o tell_v we_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o 24.11_o mat._n 24.11_o now_o the_o scoffer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o false_a teacher_n who_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v describe_v all_o along_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n there_o be_v false_a prophet_n also_o among_o the_o people_n even_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o you_o these_o he_o tell_v we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o scoff_n at_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o deride_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n in_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v come_v scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v which_o be_v scoff_v at_o religion_n 2._o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n they_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n 3._o i_o shall_v represent_v to_o you_o the_o heinousness_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o vice_n i._n first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v which_o be_v scoff_v at_o religion_n there_o shall_v come_v scoffer_n these_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o deride_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o they_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n in_o those_o time_n there_o be_v a_o common_a persuasion_n among_o christian_n that_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n 3.2_o 2_o thes_n 3.2_o as_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o tell_v we_o now_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a these_o scoffer_n twit_v the_o christian_n withal_o and_o because_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v when_o some_o look_v for_o he_o they_o conclude_v he_o will_v not_o come_v at_o all_o upon_o this_o they_o deride_v the_o christian_n as_o endure_a persecution_n in_o a_o vain_a expectation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o happen_v they_o see_v all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o apprehension_n of_o christian_n concern_v the_o approach_a end_n of_o it_o for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v either_o be_v render_v from_o the_o time_n or_o else_o which_o seem_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o atheistical_a discourse_n of_o these_o man_n save_v or_o except_o that_o the_o father_n be_v fall_v asleep_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v save_v that_o man_n die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o they_o see_v no_o change_n or_o alalteration_n they_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o go_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n one_o generation_n of_o man_n pass_v away_o and_o another_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o but_o the_o world_n remain_v still_o as_o it_o be_v and_o thus_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v thing_n may_v hold_v on_o for_o ever_o so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o deny_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o consequent_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o shall_v sentence_v man_n to_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n they_o deride_v as_o the_o fancy_n and_o dream_n of_o a_o company_n of_o melancholy_a man_n who_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o world_n and_o please_v themselves_o with_o vain_a conceit_n of_o happiness_n and_o ease_n in_o another_o life_n but_o as_o for_o they_o they_o believe_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o give_v all_o manner_n of_o licence_n and_o indulgence_n to_o their_o lust_n but_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o ii_o the_o character_n which_o be_v here_o give_v of_o these_o scoffer_n they_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o when_o they_o deny_v a_o future_a judgement_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o sensuality_n st._n judas_n in_o his_o epistle_n give_v much_o the_o same_o character_n of_o they_o that_o st._n peter_n here_o do_v ver_fw-la 18_o 19_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n mocker_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o ungodly_a lust_n sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n so_o that_o we_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n they_o be_v who_o profane_o scoff_v at_o religion_n man_n of_o sensual_a spirit_n and_o of_o licentious_a life_n for_o this_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v of_o the_o scoffer_n of_o that_o age_n be_v not_o a_o accidental_a thing_n which_o happen_v to_o those_o person_n but_o be_v the_o constant_a character_n of_o they_o who_o deride_v religion_n and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o impiety_n it_o be_v both_o the_o usual_a preparation_n to_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequent_a of_o it_o to_o deride_v god_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o impiety_n and_o man_n do_v not_o usual_o arrive_v to_o this_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n at_o first_o but_o they_o come_v to_o it_o by_o several_a step_n the_o psalmist_n very_o elegant_o express_v to_o we_o the_o several_a gradation_n by_o which_o man_n at_o last_o come_v to_o this_o horrid_a degree_n of_o impiety_n blessed_n be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 1â—_n psal_n 1_o 1â—_n nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a man_n be_v usual_o first_o corrupt_v by_o bad_a counsel_n and_o company_n which_o be_v call_v walk_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a next_o they_o habituate_v themselves_o to_o their_o vicious_a practice_n which_o be_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n and_o then_o at_o last_o they_o take_v up_o and_o settle_v in_o a_o contempt_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v call_v sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a for_o when_o man_n once_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o wicked_a course_n the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o their_o mind_n sway_v their_o understanding_n and_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v those_o truth_n which_o contradict_v their_o lust_n every_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o passion_n be_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o man_n understanding_n which_o natural_o draw_v towards_o atheism_n and_o when_o man_n judgement_n be_v once_o bias_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o their_o interest_n for_o when_o man_n live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o become_v expedient_a for_o they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o then_o they_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o so_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o find_v argument_n to_o fortify_v themselves_o in_o this_o persuasion_n man_n of_o dissolute_a life_n cry_v down_o religion_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o it_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v tie_v up_o by_o the_o strict_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n more_o than_o any_o reason_n they_o have_v against_o it_o which_o make_v they_o despise_v it_o they_o hate_v it_o because_o they_o be_v reprove_v by_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v 20._o john_n 3.19_o 20._o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v i_o remember_v it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o one_o who_o have_v do_v more_o by_o his_o write_n to_o debauch_v the_o age_n with_o atheistical_a principle_n than_o any_o man_n that_o live_v in_o it_o that_o when_o reason_n be_v against_o a_o man_n than_o a_o man_n will_v be_v against_o reason_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o such_o man_n enmity_n
to_o religion_n religion_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o religion_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v terrible_a enemy_n to_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v continnual_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o gall_v their_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o kick_v against_o religion_n and_o spurn_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n and_o this_o may_v probable_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o many_o man_n who_o be_v observe_v to_o be_v sufficient_o dull_a in_o other_o matter_n yet_o can_v talk_v profane_o and_o speak_v against_o religion_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o salt_n and_o smartness_n because_o religion_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o fret_v they_o and_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o vexatio_fw-la that_fw-mi intellectum_fw-la the_o inward_a trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o their_o mind_n give_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o wit_n and_o sharpness_n in_o rally_v upon_o religion_n their_o conscience_n be_v gall_v by_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o winch_v and_o fling_v as_o if_o they_o have_v some_o metal_n for_o let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v have_v from_o atheistical_a principle_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o none_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a of_o danger_n or_o more_o fearful_a of_o death_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o prosperity_n they_o ever_o and_o anon_o feel_v many_o inward_a sting_n and_o lash_n but_o when_o any_o great_a affliction_n or_o calamity_n overtake_v they_o they_o be_v the_o most_o poor_a spirit_a creature_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o sum_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n religion_n will_v curb_v he_o in_o his_o lust_n and_o therefore_o he_o cast_v it_o off_o and_o put_v all_o the_o scorn_n upon_o it_o he_o can_v beside_o that_o man_n think_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o apology_n for_o their_o vice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v contrary_a to_o any_o principle_n they_o profess_v their_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o they_o think_v to_o vindicate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o practice_n by_o laugh_v at_o those_o for_o fool_n who_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v be_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o heinousness_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o vice_n and_o to_o make_v this_o out_o we_o will_v make_v these_o three_o supposition_n which_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v 1._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a 2._o suppose_v the_o matter_n be_v doubtful_a and_o the_o argument_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n 3._o suppose_v it_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a put_v the_o case_n how_o we_o will_v i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o humour_n be_v intolerable_a i._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o supposition_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o humour_n put_v the_o case_n that_o these_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o all_o that_o they_o pretend_v be_v true_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n believe_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a rudeness_n or_o incivility_n at_o least_o to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n indeed_o upon_o this_o supposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n against_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a conversation_n suppose_v then_o the_o atheist_n be_v wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o do_v upon_o good_a ground_n know_v that_o all_o mankind_n beside_o himself_o and_o two_o or_o three_o more_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v either_o so_o wise_a or_o so_o civil_a as_o he_o shall_v be_v he_o will_v keep_v all_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o not_o affront_v other_o man_n about_o these_o thing_n i_o remember_v that_o that_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n be_v render_v by_o josephus_n in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n what_o other_o nation_n account_v god_n let_v no_o man_n blaspheme_v and_o this_o be_v not_o so_o different_a from_o the_o hebrew_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v imagine_v for_o the_o same_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v both_o god_n and_o ruler_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o law_n or_o not_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o though_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_n in_o dispute_n against_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o urge_v it_o with_o all_o its_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a consequence_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o barbarous_a incivility_n for_o any_o man_n scurrilous_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o that_o which_o other_o account_v religion_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o convince_v their_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o provoke_v their_o rage_n but_o now_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n why_o he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o dispute_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n much_o less_o deride_v they_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o religion_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n for_o oppose_v a_o contrary_a religion_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v all_o religion_n can_v pretend_v no_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v indeed_o in_o reason_n and_o common_a humanity_n to_o free_v his_o neighbour_n from_o a_o hurtful_a error_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extinguish_v or_o if_o they_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v it_o for_o he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v but_o with_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o violence_n that_o the_o remedy_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n for_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v found_v in_o a_o natural_a fear_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v to_o expel_v it_o for_o whatever_o violence_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o nature_n by_o endeavour_v to_o reason_n man_n into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n nature_n will_v still_o recoil_v and_o at_o last_o return_n to_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o fear_n will_v be_v augment_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o impiety_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v create_v more_o trouble_n to_o a_o man_n than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v he_o of_o this_o conceit_n because_o nature_n be_v but_o irritate_v by_o the_o contest_v and_o the_o man_n fear_n will_v be_v double_v upon_o he_o but_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o nature_n but_o to_o have_v have_v its_o rise_n from_o tradition_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n the_o difficulty_n of_o remove_v it_o will_v almost_o be_v as_o great_a as_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a that_o which_o man_n take_v in_o by_o education_n be_v next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o will_v not_o recompense_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o cure_n for_o except_o the_o avoid_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o advantage_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n if_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_o settle_v in_o a_o man_n mind_n can_v give_v he_o the_o advantage_n indeed_o that_o man_n make_v of_o they_o be_v to_o give_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v to_o be_v more_o sensual_a and_o more_o unjust_a than_o other_o man_n that_o be_v they_o have_v the_o privilege_n to_o surfeit_v themselves_o and_o to_o be_v sick_a often_o than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o malt_n mankind_n their_o enemy_n by_o their_o unjust_a and_o dishonest_a action_n and_o consequent_o to_o live_v more_o uneasy_o in_o the_o world_n than_o other_o man_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n by_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v virtuous_a do_v real_o promote_v their_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o atheism_n pretend_v
to_o be_v to_o let_v man_n loose_v to_o vice_n which_o be_v natural_o attend_v with_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v this_o reason_n of_o charity_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o dispute_v against_o religion_n much_o less_o to_o rally_v upon_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o be_v undeceive_v in_o these_o principle_n of_o religion_n suppose_v they_o be_v false_a because_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v that_o they_o promote_v a_o man_n happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o world_n there_o can_v be_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o mistake_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o it_o will_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v once_o deceive_v about_o these_o matter_n and_o where_o no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n nor_o of_o reason_n can_v be_v pretend_v there_o certal_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n now_o man_n do_v profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o to_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o these_o thing_n can_v there_o then_o be_v a_o great_a insolence_n than_o for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o come_v into_o company_n to_o rally_v and_o fall_v soul_n upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o know_v the_o company_n have_v a_o reverence_n can_v one_o man_n offer_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o another_o than_o to_o expose_v to_o scorn_v he_o who_o he_o own_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o best_a friend_n the_o patron_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o great_a benefactor_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o every_o man_n that_o own_v a_o god_n say_v this_o of_o he_o but_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n the_o rudeness_n be_v still_o the_o great_a so_o that_o whoever_o do_v open_o contemn_v god_n and_o religion_n do_v delinquere_fw-la in_o majestatem_fw-la populi_fw-la &_o humani_fw-la generis_fw-la '_o he_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o great_a incivility_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v the_o least_o that_o i_o have_v to_o urge_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o it_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o especial_o to_o prevail_v upon_o those_o who_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v too_o often_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n i_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v of_o better_a breed_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o behaviour_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o conversation_n better_o than_o other_o man_n 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o deride_v these_o thing_n and_o here_o i_o suppose_v as_o much_o as_o the_o atheist_n can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n pretend_v to_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o no_o life_n after_o this_o for_o these_o be_v pure_a negative_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o proof_n unless_o a_o man_n can_v show_v they_o to_o be_v plain_o impossible_a the_o utmost_a that_o be_v pretend_v be_v that_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v but_o if_o they_o be_v only_o probable_a so_o long_o as_o no_o argument_n be_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n but_o i_o will_v for_o the_o present_n suppose_v the_o probability_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n and_o upon_o this_o supposition_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o monstrous_a folly_n to_o deride_v these_o thing_n because_o though_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a yet_o the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n be_v infinite_o unequal_a if_o it_o prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o religious_a man_n may_v be_v as_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o atheist_n nay_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o make_v he_o happy_a because_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o his_o conscience_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v free_v from_o many_o fearful_a gird_n and_o twinge_n which_o the_o atheist_n feel_v beside_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o promote_v our_o temporal_a felicity_n it_o be_v more_o for_o a_o man_n health_n and_o more_o for_o his_o reputation_n and_o more_o for_o his_o advantage_n in_o all_o other_o worldly_a respect_n to_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a than_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n and_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o case_n of_o the_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o atheist_n will_v be_v alike_o because_o they_o will_v both_o be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n and_o insensible_a of_o any_o far_a happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o then_o if_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v transmit_v out_o of_o this_o world_n into_o the_o other_o there_o to_o receive_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o their_o action_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n at_o first_o sight_n that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o atheist_n must_v be_v vast_o different_a then_o where_o shall_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o ungodly_a appear_v and_o what_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v affront_v god_n and_o deride_v his_o word_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a and_o religious_a what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v renounce_v and_o to_o feel_v the_o terrible_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o justice_n which_o they_o have_v despise_v so_o that_o though_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a yet_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v infinite_a on_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v a_o monstrous_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o not_o and_o if_o they_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v no_o jest_a matter_n 3._o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a then_o be_v it_o not_o only_o a_o heinous_a impiety_n but_o a_o perfect_a madness_n to_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a i_o have_v already_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v both_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v and_o from_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o principle_n of_o which_o universal_a consent_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v unless_o they_o be_v true_a and_o suppose_v they_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o impiety_n but_o the_o high_a flight_n of_o folly_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o deride_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a contempt_n but_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v and_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o his_o word_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v it_o ridiculous_a by_o turn_v the_o wise_a and_o weighty_a say_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n into_o raillery_n be_v a_o most_o direct_a affront_n to_o the_o god_n that_o be_v above_o thus_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v these_o atheistical_a person_n as_o level_v their_o blasphemy_n immediate_o against_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n they_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o the_o heaven_n and_o their_o tongue_n walk_v through_o the_o earth_n they_o do_v mischief_n among_o man_n but_o the_o affront_n be_v immediate_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o this_o profane_a spirit_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o most_o incorrigible_a temper_n the_o wise_a man_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o scorner_n as_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o sinner_n and_o hard_a to_o be_v reclaim_v because_o he_o despise_v instruction_n and_o mock_n at_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reform_v and_o then_o be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o black_a and_o horrid_a ingratitude_n
bestow_v these_o gift_n on_o man_n as_o aholiab_n and_o bezaleel_n do_v their_o mechanical_a skill_n in_o the_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v of_o god_n tabernacle_n for_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o every_o thing_n to_o attain_v its_o true_a and_o propor_n end_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o gift_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o glorify_v the_o giver_n here_o be_v subject_a enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o praise_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o almighty_a power_n and_o exquisite_a wisdom_n which_o make_v we_o and_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o admire_v what_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o praise_v to_o vindicate_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v upon_o a_o imperfect_a view_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v out_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o the_o seem_a discord_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o divine_a administration_n to_o explain_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o adore_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o the_o angel_n better_a and_o noble_a creature_n than_o we_o be_v desire_v to_o pry_v into_o god_n send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o they_o these_o will_v be_v noble_a exercise_n indeed_o for_o the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o subject_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o best_a trial_n of_o our_o ability_n in_o this_o kind_n satyr_n and_o invective_n be_v the_o easy_a kind_n of_o wit_n almost_o any_o degree_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v to_o abuse_v and_o find_v fault_n for_o wit_n be_v a_o keen_a instrument_n and_o every_o one_o can_v cut_v and_o gash_n with_o it_o but_o to_o carve_v a_o beautiful_a image_n and_o to_o polish_v it_o require_v great_a art_n and_o dexterity_n to_o praise_v any_o thing_n well_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o much_o more_o wit_n than_o to_o abuse_v a_o little_a wit_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ill_a nature_n will_v furnish_v a_o man_n for_o satyr_n but_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o wit_n be_v to_o commend_v well_o and_o perhaps_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v due_o commend_v for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a judgement_n require_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o where_o the_o subject_n be_v great_a and_o excellent_a it_o be_v hard_a not_o to_o sink_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o this_o i_o say_v on_o purpose_n to_o recommend_v to_o man_n a_o noble_a exercise_n for_o their_o wit_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o that_o scoff_a humour_n which_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o ill_o nature_a and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n but_o to_o every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n the_o civil_a government_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n do_v not_o in_o a_o short_a space_n find_v the_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n of_o this_o humour_n but_o i_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n so_o horrid_a a_o impiety_n shall_v dare_v to_o appear_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v we_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v arise_v in_o the_o gospel-age_n and_o they_o do_v appear_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o which_o be_v more_o sad_a and_o strange_a be_v that_o we_o shall_v persist_v in_o this_o profaneness_n notwithstanding_o the_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v abroad_o in_o this_o nation_n god_n have_v of_o late_a year_n manifest_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a dreadful_a manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o this_o insolent_a impiety_n and_o now_o that_o those_o judgement_n have_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o we_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v appear_v once_o for_o all_o and_o it_o be_v time_n for_o he_o to_o show_v himself_o when_o his_o very_a be_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o to_o come_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n when_o man_n begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o make_v it_o the_o scripture_n mention_n two_o thing_n as_o the_o forerunner_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n infidelity_n and_o profane_a scoff_v at_o religion_n 18.8_o luke_n 18.8_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o st._n judas_n out_o of_o a_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o enoch_n express_o mention_n this_o as_o one_o reason_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o convince_v ungodly_a sinner_n of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v against_o he_o for_o judas_n 15._o for_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o come_n i_o wish_v that_o we_o in_o this_o age_n have_v not_o too_o much_o cause_n to_o apprehend_v the_o judge_n to_o be_v at_o the_o door_n this_o impiety_n do_v forerun_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o if_o it_o hold_v on_o among_o we_o may_v not_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o either_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n or_o that_o some_o very_a dismal_a calamity_n great_a than_o any_o our_o eye_n have_v yet_o see_v do_v hang_v over_o we_o but_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v that_o god_n have_v mercy_n still_o for_o we_o and_o that_o man_n will_v pity_v themselves_o and_o repent_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o know_v in_o this_o their_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o their_o peace_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n prov_n fourteen_o 34._o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o which_o lie_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o foundation_n of_o his_o be_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o interest_n and_o do_v love_n or_o hate_n choose_v or_o refuse_v thing_n according_a as_o he_o apprehend_v they_o to_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n or_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n be_v most_o present_a and_o sensible_a therefore_o humane_a nature_n which_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v extreme_o sink_v down_o into_o sense_n be_v most_o powerful_o affect_v with_o sensible_a and_o temporal_a thing_n and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n raise_v against_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o have_v it_o represent_v as_o inconvenient_a and_o hurtful_a to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o religion_n have_v extreme_o suffer_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o as_o if_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o present_a welfare_n and_o do_v rob_v man_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v do_v right_a to_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o among_o man_n can_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n than_o by_o reconcile_a it_o with_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o enemy_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a friend_n to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o make_v every_o man_n happy_a consider_v single_o and_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n but_o be_v excellent_o fit_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o humane_a society_n how_o much_o religion_n tend_v even_o to_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o private_a person_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o consider_v because_o my_o text_n lead_v i_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o other_o namely_o to_o show_v how_o advantageous_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o the_o public_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o aphorism_n of_o solomon_n righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o restrain_v righteousness_n to_o the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n though_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o this_o say_n be_v most_o true_a but_o enlarge_v it_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o strain_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o proverb_n in_o which_o the_o word_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n be_v common_o use_v very_o comprehensive_o so_o as_o to_o signify_v all_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o
this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v far_o from_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o sin_n or_o vice_n in_o general_a righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n you_o see_v then_o what_o will_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n namely_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o long_o enough_o experience_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o age_n be_v to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o question_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n about_o it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i._o shall_v give_v you_o this_o twofold_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n indeed_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v many_o time_n promiscuous_o administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o conclude_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n to_o any_o person_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n but_o god_n do_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o nation_n because_o public_a body_n and_o community_n of_o man_n as_o such_o can_v only_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o the_o next_o all_o those_o public_a society_n and_o combination_n wherein_o man_n be_v now_o link_v together_o under_o several_a government_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v god_n will_v not_o then_o reward_n or_o punish_v nation_n as_o nation_n but_o every_o man_n shall_v then_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o receive_v his_o own_o reward_n and_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n for_o although_o god_n account_v it_o no_o disparagement_n to_o his_o justice_n to_o let_v particular_a good_a man_n suffer_v in_o this_o world_n and_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v another_o day_n a_o come_n which_o will_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a season_n of_o reward_n yet_o in_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o recompense_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a nation_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o prosperity_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o mighty_a success_n and_o long_a prosperity_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o reward_n give_v they_o by_o god_n for_o their_o eminent_a justice_n and_o temperance_n and_o other_o virtue_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n many_o time_n suffer_v the_o most_o grievous_a sin_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o go_v unpunished_a in_o this_o world_n because_o he_o know_v that_o his_o justice_n will_v have_v another_o and_o better_a opportunity_n to_o meet_v and_o reckon_v with_o they_o but_o the_o general_a and_o cry_a sin_n of_o a_o nation_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v public_a judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v prevent_v by_o a_o general_a repentance_n god_n may_v defer_v his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n and_o give_v a_o people_n a_o long_a space_n of_o repentance_n he_o may_v stay_v till_o the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v full_a but_o soon_o or_o late_a they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v his_o vengeance_n and_o usual_o the_o long_a punishment_n be_v delay_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a when_o it_o come_v now_o all_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a because_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a season_n for_o national_a punishment_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n necessary_a for_o the_o present_a vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o overflow_a of_o wickedness_n public_a judgement_n be_v the_o bank_n and_o shore_n upon_o which_o god_n break_v the_o insolency_n of_o sinner_n and_o stay_v their_o proud_a wave_n and_o though_o among_o man_n the_o multitude_n of_o offender_n be_v many_o time_n a_o cause_n of_o impunity_n because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a government_n which_o be_v glad_a to_o spare_v where_o they_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o punish_v yet_o in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o no_o combination_n of_o sinner_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a the_o offender_n be_v the_o more_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o vindicate_v the_o affront_n however_o god_n may_v pass_v by_o single_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o when_o a_o nation_n combine_v against_o he_o when_o hand_n join_v in_o hand_n the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o go_v unpunished_a this_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o settle_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o a_o righteous_a nation_n shall_v be_v happy_a the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o he_o use_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o wicked_a people_n he_o turn_v a_o fruitful_a land_n into_o barrenness_n for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v make_v this_o good_a all_o along_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v the_o interchangeable_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n always_o suit_v to_o their_o manner_n they_o be_v constant_o prosperous_a or_o afflict_a according_a as_o piety_n and_o virtue_n flourish_v or_o decline_v among_o they_o and_o god_n do_v not_o only_o exercise_v this_o providence_n towards_o his_o own_o people_n but_o he_o deal_v thus_o also_o with_o other_o nation_n the_o roman_a empire_n whilst_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o people_n remain_v firm_a be_v strong_a as_o iron_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n but_o upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o their_o manner_n the_o iron_n begin_v to_o be_v mix_v with_o miry_a clay_n and_o the_o foot_n upon_o which_o that_o empire_n stand_v to_o be_v break_v and_o though_o god_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o precedent_n and_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o other_o nation_n shall_v in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v conformable_a to_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o thus_o much_o may_v with_o great_a probability_n be_v collect_v from_o they_o that_o as_o god_n always_o bless_v that_o people_n while_o they_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o his_o judgement_n when_o they_o rebel_v against_o he_o so_o he_o will_v also_o deal_v with_o other_o nation_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o dispensation_n as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o found_v in_o that_o which_o can_v never_o change_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o far_a appear_v from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o every_o particular_a virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o public_a interest_n religion_n wherever_o it_o be_v true_o plant_v be_v certain_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o all_o civil_a office_n and_o moral_a duty_n chastity_n and_o temperance_n and_o industry_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o health_n and_o plenty_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n do_v create_v mutual_a love_n and_o goodwill_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n which_o be_v the_o great_a band_n of_o peace_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wickedness_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n produce_v many_o public_a mischief_n for_o as_o sin_n be_v link_v together_o and_o draw_v on_o one_o another_o so_o almost_o every_o vice_n have_v some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o natural_o follow_v it_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n breed_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v propagate_v spoil_v the_o strain_n of_o a_o nation_n idleness_n and_o luxury_n bring_v forth_o poverty_n and_o want_n and_o this_o tempt_v man_n to_o injustice_n and_o that_o cause_v enmity_n and_o animosity_n and_o these_o bring_v on_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o philosophical_a account_n of_o public_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n st._n james_n give_v we_o 4.1_o jam._n 4.1_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o be_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o from_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o tend_v
to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o more_o easy_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a influence_n both_o upon_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n 1._o upon_o magistrate_n religion_n teach_v they_o to_o rule_v over_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o though_o they_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_n of_o heaven_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a in_o this_o world_n religion_n in_o a_o magistrate_n strengthen_v his_o authority_n because_o it_o procure_v veneration_n and_o gain_v a_o reputation_n to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o reputation_n be_v real_o so_o much_o power_n we_o see_v that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n where_o they_o be_v find_v among_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n will_v command_v some_o reverence_n and_o respect_n but_o in_o person_n of_o eminent_a place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v seat_v to_o a_o great_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o their_o very_a place_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reflection_n to_o double_v the_o beam_n of_o majesty_n whereas_o impiety_n and_o vice_n do_v strange_o lessen_v greatness_n and_o do_v secret_o and_o unavoidable_o derive_v some_o weakness_n upon_o authority_n itself_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o david_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o son_n of_o zurviah_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o this_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o conscious_a to_o his_o crime_n 2._o religion_n have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o 1._o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o conformable_a to_o law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n which_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o loof_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o will_v cease_v when_o ever_o man_n can_v rebel_v with_o safety_n and_o to_o advantage_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a and_o last_a principle_n and_o will_v hold_v a_o man_n fast_o when_o all_o other_o obligation_n will_v break_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v from_o his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o resist_v authority_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o for_o it_o endeavour_n to_o plant_v all_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o fill_v man_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o good_a will_n it_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o secure_v every_o man_n interest_n by_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o by_o enjoin_v that_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v inviolable_o observe_v in_o all_o our_o word_n promise_n and_o contract_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o require_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o render_v man_n unsociable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o as_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n and_o those_o likewise_o which_o be_v not_o so_o common_o repute_v vice_n as_o self-conceit_n and_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o opinion_n and_o all_o peevishness_n and_o incompliance_n of_o humour_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a piety_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n every_o where_o teach_v we_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o temper_n thus_o to_o heal_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o sweeten_v their_o spirit_n to_o correct_v their_o passion_n and_o to_o mortify_v all_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o enmity_n and_o division_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v they_o shall_v do_v the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a place_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o it_o be_v and_o indeed_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o society_n of_o man_n be_v so_o full_a of_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n so_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o true_a religion_n among_o man_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o small_a remainder_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v scatter_v among_o mankind_n humane_a society_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n the_o earth_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o become_v a_o great_a forest_n and_o mankind_n will_v become_v beast_n of_o prey_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v true_a sure_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o virtue_n shall_v find_v itself_o a_o seat_n wherever_o humane_a society_n be_v and_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o world_n until_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n ii_o i_o come_v to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n 2._o that_o as_o for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v arbitrary_a thing_n 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o the_o atheist_n do_v and_o must_v assert_v otherwise_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o government_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v in_o humane_a society_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v any_o superior_a be_v nor_o any_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n for_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o confusion_n will_v probable_o compel_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o order_n but_o then_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o if_o these_o principle_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n government_n will_v be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o now_o it_o be_v because_o it_o will_v want_v its_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n there_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o injustice_n and_o violence_n only_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o not_o by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o another_o world_n therefore_o magistrate_n have_v always_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o cherish_v religion_n and_o to_o maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n nay_o that_o common_a suggestion_n of_o atheistical_a person_n that_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o state-engine_n to_o awe_v man_n into_o obedience_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o do_v as_o full_o contradict_v that_o pretence_n of_o they_o which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v 2._o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v arbitrary_a thing_n found_v only_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v virtue_n or_o vice_n good_a or_o evil_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v frequent_o and_o confident_o assert_v by_o the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o a_o very_a bad_a book_n i_o mean_v the_o leviathan_n now_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o answer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v confident_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o as_o perjury_n perfidiousness_n unrighteousness_n and_o ingratitude_n which_o be_v thing_n not_o only_o condemn_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o
particular_a nation_n and_o government_n but_o by_o the_o general_a verdict_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o these_o have_v a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o comeliness_n in_o they_o and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o sentiment_n of_o humanity_n and_o this_o will_n most_o evident_o appear_v by_o put_v this_o supposition_n suppose_v the_o reverse_n of_o all_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n be_v solemn_o enact_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o falseness_n to_o a_o man_n word_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n i_o ask_v now_o if_o the_o case_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v thus_o alter_v will_v that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v vice_n in_o process_n of_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n grow_v odious_a and_o contemptible_a to_o humane_a nature_n if_o it_o will_v not_o then_o be_v there_o something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o authority_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o any_o arbitrary_a constitution_n but_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a because_o no_o government_n can_v subsist_v upon_o these_o term_n for_o the_o very_a enjoin_v of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n do_v apparent_o destroy_v the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v man_n in_o their_o right_n against_o the_o encroachment_n of_o fraud_n and_o violence_n and_o this_o end_n be_v destroy_v humane_a society_n will_v present_o fly_v in_o piece_n and_o man_n will_v necessary_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o war_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a thing_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o we_o call_v goodness_n and_o virtue_n and_o against_o that_o which_o we_o call_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o evidence_n and_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n i_o shall_v only_o draw_v a_o inference_n or_o two_o from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o if_o this_o discourse_n be_v true_a than_o those_o who_o be_v in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 1._o magistrate_n be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o every_o man_n future_a happiness_n but_o be_v the_o best_a instrument_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o of_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o procure_v the_o private_a and_o public_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o guilty_a to_o themselves_o unpeaceable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o the_o world_n religion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v uphold_v and_o the_o veneration_n of_o it_o maintain_v not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o just_a dread_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o another_o world_n but_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o man_n it_o will_v requite_v all_o the_o kindness_n and_o honour_n we_o can_v do_v it_o by_o the_o advantage_n it_o will_v bring_v to_o civil_a government_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n it_o will_v draw_v down_o upon_o it_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v and_o in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o usual_o make_v this_o good_a so_o that_o the_o civil_a authority_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o out_o of_o reason_n of_o state_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o man_n be_v so_o pious_o dispose_v that_o religion_n by_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o reasonable_a force_n of_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v its_o empire_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_v always_o make_v a_o strong_a opposition_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o accompany_v it_o with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n but_o after_o it_o be_v plant_v this_o extraordinary_a power_n cease_v and_o god_n have_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a and_o humane_a way_n by_o the_o countenance_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o law_n which_o be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n which_o be_v prodigious_o sink_v into_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o a_o humour_n of_o scoff_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a for_o some_o age_n before_o the_o reformation_n atheism_n be_v consign_v to_o italy_n and_o have_v its_o chief_a residence_n at_o rome_n all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v of_o it_o in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o papist_n themselves_o give_v we_o in_o the_o life_n of_o their_o own_o pope_n and_o cardinal_n except_v two_o or_o three_o small_a philosopher_n that_o be_v retainer_n to_o that_o court._n so_o that_o this_o atheistical_a humour_n among_o christian_n be_v the_o spawn_n of_o the_o gross_a superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o court_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o for_o extreme_n in_o religion_n to_o beget_v one_o another_o like_o the_o vibration_n of_o a_o pendulum_fw-la which_o the_o more_o violent_o you_o swing_v it_o one_o way_n the_o far_o it_o will_v return_v the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n atheism_n travel_v over_o the_o alps_n and_o infect_v france_n and_o now_o of_o late_o it_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n and_o invade_v our_o nation_n and_o have_v prevail_v to_o amazement_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v general_o more_o indispose_v to_o it_o and_o can_v worse_o brook_v it_o seriousness_n and_o zeal_n in_o religion_n be_v almost_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o english_a so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o great_a wonder_n than_o that_o in_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a nation_n profaneness_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o gain_v so_o much_o ground_n and_o the_o best_a and_o the_o wise_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v make_v the_o scorn_n of_o fool_n for_o beside_o the_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a discourse_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o bold_a and_o senseless_a abuse_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o resort_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o i_o speak_v it_o know_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o pass_v the_o street_n without_o have_v his_o ear_n grate_v and_o pierce_v with_o such_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a oath_n and_o curse_n as_o be_v enough_o if_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o other_o sin_n to_o sink_v a_o nation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o from_o the_o tribe_n that_o be_v livery_n but_o from_o those_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o shall_v give_v better_a example_n be_v it_o not_o then_o high_a time_n that_o the_o law_n shall_v provide_v by_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o curb_v these_o bold_a and_o insolent_a defier_n of_o heaven_n who_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o be_v monster_n and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o the_o folly_n and_o deformity_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o heathen_n will_v never_o suffer_v their_o god_n to_o be_v revile_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o go_n and_o shall_v it_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v allow_v to_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o to_o breath_n out_o blasphemy_n against_o he_o who_o give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n and_o very_o odious_a to_o god_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n of_o so_o pernicious_a example_n as_o open_a profaneness_n hypocrisy_n be_v a_o more_o modest_a way_n of_o sin_v it_o show_v some_o reverence_n to_o religion_n and_o do_v so_o far_o own_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v counterfeit_v whereas_o profaneness_n declare_v open_o against_o it_o and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v a_o party_n to_o drive_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v
religious_a and_o holy_a life_n do_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n by_o way_n of_o necessary_a disposition_n and_o preparation_n of_o we_o for_o it_o we_o can_v be_v otherwise_o happy_a but_o by_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n without_o this_o we_o can_v possible_o love_v he_o nor_o find_v any_o pleasure_n or_o happiness_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o we_o can_v love_v a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o our_o own_o nor_o delight_n to_o converse_v with_o it_o therefore_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fit_v of_o we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n do_v design_n to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o sensual_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n to_o call_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o inferior_a thing_n and_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a object_n that_o we_o may_v be_v dispose_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o teach_v not_o to_o relish_v the_o delight_n of_o it_o whereas_o shall_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n only_o upon_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o taste_v no_o pleasure_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v sensual_a and_o earthly_a we_o must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o miserable_a when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n because_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o to_o entertain_v ourselves_o withal_o no_o employment_n suitable_a to_o our_o disposition_n no_o pleasure_n that_o will_v agree_v with_o our_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n all_o that_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n signify_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o a_o wicked_a man_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n to_o he_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n clear_o appear_v which_o tend_v so_o direct_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v upon_o all_o account_v calculate_v for_o our_o benefit_n let_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v true_o consider_v and_o cast_v up_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o advantage_n to_o any_o man_n from_o a_o irreligious_a and_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n i_o challenge_v any_o one_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o real_a benefit_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o this_o way_n let_v the_o sinner_n declare_v what_o he_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n have_v lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n be_v more_o for_o his_o health_n than_o if_o he_o have_v live_v chaste_o and_o sober_o have_v falsehood_n and_o injustice_n prove_v at_o the_o long_o run_v more_o for_o the_o advancement_n and_o security_n of_o his_o estate_n than_o truth_n and_o honesty_n will_v have_v do_v have_v any_o vice_n that_o he_o have_v live_v in_o make_v he_o more_o true_a friend_n and_o gain_v he_o a_o better_a reputation_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o find_v that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n and_o that_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o good_a hope_n of_o his_o future_a condition_n which_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n will_v have_v not_o some_o of_o his_o vice_n weaken_a his_o body_n and_o break_a his_o health_n have_v not_o other_o dissipate_v his_o estate_n and_o reduce_v he_o to_o want_v what_o notorious_a vice_n be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o blemish_v a_o man_n reputation_n and_o make_v he_o either_o hate_v or_o despise_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o virtuous_a but_o even_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o be_v ever_o any_o wicked_a man_n free_a from_o the_o sting_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o restless_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n from_o the_o secret_a dread_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n let_v the_o sinner_n free_o speak_v the_o very_a inward_a sense_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o spare_v not_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o he_o will_v deal_v clear_o and_o impartial_o but_o that_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o be_v able_a to_o confirm_v it_o from_o his_o own_o sad_a experience_n for_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o present_a revenge_n which_o it_o take_v upon_o sinner_n beside_o that_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o another_o life_n what_o reason_n then_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v against_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_o for_o the_o benefit_n not_o only_o of_o humane_a society_n but_o of_o every_o particular_a person_n when_o there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o may_v ordinary_o be_v as_o effectual_o promote_v and_o pursue_v no_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o far_o great_a by_o a_o man_n that_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o any_o one_o that_o lead_v the_o contrary_a course_n of_o life_n let_v no_o man_n then_o say_v with_o those_o profane_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o 3.14_o mal._n 3.14_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o commandment_n god_n have_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o master_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n thus_o to_o complain_v of_o he_o he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o law_n but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a nay_o so_o gracious_a have_v he_o be_v to_o we_o as_o to_o link_v together_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o to_o make_v those_o very_a thing_n the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n the_o devil_n be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n when_o he_o charge_v job_n that_o he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n for_o nought_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o hard_a master_n and_o make_v man_n serve_v he_o for_o nought_o who_o reward_v his_o drudge_n and_o slave_n with_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n but_o god_n require_v no_o man_n service_n upon_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a term_n the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o work_n be_v a_o present_a reward_n to_o itself_o and_o for_o whatever_o else_o we_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o he_o he_o offer_v we_o abundant_a consideration_n and_o if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o and_o wise_o love_v themselves_o they_o will_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o become_v religious_a for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v his_o own_o interest_n better_o than_o by_o serve_v god_n religion_n conduce_v both_o to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n charge_v we_o with_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o these_o law_n be_v this_o god_n require_v of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o temporal_a welfare_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n he_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o condition_n that_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n to_o conclude_v religion_n be_v found_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n right_o apprehend_v so_o that_o if_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n do_v not_o blind_a their_o eye_n so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o unfit_a to_o discern_v their_o true_a interest_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a so_o long_o as_o man_n love_v themse_n ve_z and_o desire_v their_o own_o happiness_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v religious_a for_o they_o can_v not_o but_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v so_o convince_v they_o will_v resolve_v to_o pursue_v it_o and_o stick_v to_o it_o phil._n iii_o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n make_v a_o comparison_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o show_v the_o christian_n to_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o substance_n what_o the_o jewish_a be_v only_o in_o type_n and_o shadow_n v._o 3._o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o he_o enumerate_v the_o several_a privilege_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o though_o i_o may_v
also_o have_v confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n if_o any_o other_o man_n think_v that_o he_o have_v whereof_o he_o may_v trust_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o more_o circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v content_v to_o forgo_v all_o these_o advantage_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n v._o 7._o but_o what_o thing_n be_v gain_v to_o i_o those_o i_o count_v loss_n for_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o these_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o man_n value_v in_o this_o world_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o hazard_v that_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n v._o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o high_a esteem_n he_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n the_o excellency_n whereof_o appear_v so_o great_a to_o he_o that_o he_o value_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o advantage_n which_o he_o have_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o that_o of_o any_o other_o religion_n or_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v the_o external_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o have_v incomparable_o the_o advantage_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o only_o the_o internal_a excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o abstract_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o these_o four_o respect_n first_o as_o it_o do_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n second_o as_o it_o give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n three_o as_o it_o propound_v to_o we_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o law_n four_o as_o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o better_a motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n now_o these_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o any_o religion_n can_v have_v to_o give_v man_n right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o good_a â—ife_n and_o efficacious_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o patient_o to_o bear_v the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o according_a as_o man_n notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o will_v their_o religion_n be_v if_o man_n have_v gross_a and_o false_a conception_n of_o god_n their_o religion_n will_v be_v absurd_a and_o superstitious_a if_o man_n fancy_n god_n to_o be_v a_o ill-natured_a be_v arm_v with_o infinite_a power_n one_o that_o delight_v in_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v all_o advantage_n against_o they_o they_o may_v fear_v he_o but_o they_o will_v bate_v he_o and_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v such_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o they_o fancy_n god_n to_o be_v towards_o they_o for_o all_o religion_n do_v natural_o incline_v man_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o they_o worship_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v we_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o a_o more_o lovely_a character_n of_o god_n than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v it_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o a_o pure_a spirit_n which_o the_o heathen_n do_v not_o general_o believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o not_o only_o the_o heathen_n but_o even_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v extreme_o mistake_v about_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n himself_o do_v command_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o those_o external_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n of_o which_o their_o religion_n do_v consist_v but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o do_v not_o institute_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o of_o the_o carnality_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o proneness_n of_o that_o people_n to_o idolatry_n god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v best_a but_o because_o the_o temper_n of_o that_o people_n will_v then_o admit_v of_o nothing_o better_a and_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o several_a intimation_n of_o 51.16_o psal_n 51.16_o thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burnt-offering_n say_v david_n and_o elsewhere_o more_o express_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o speak_v not_o unto_o your_o father_n say_v god_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n nor_o command_v they_o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n concern_v burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o this_o thing_n command_v i_o they_o say_v obey_v my_o voice_n a_o sufficient_a intimation_n that_o god_n do_v not_o primary_o intend_v to_o appoint_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o impose_v it_o upon_o they_o as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o condescend_v to_o it_o as_o most_o accommodate_v to_o their_o present_a state_n and_o inclination_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o some_o understand_v what_o god_n say_v to_o the_o same_o people_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n 20.25_o ezek._n 20.25_o that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v a_o more_o perfect_a so_o a_o more_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a character_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n no_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o full_o represent_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o tender_a love_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a argument_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n do_v general_o dread_a god_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a and_o revengeful_a and_o therefore_o they_o endeavour_v to_o appease_v he_o by_o the_o horrid_a and_o barbarous_a sacrifice_n of_o man_n and_o of_o their_o own_o child_n and_o all_o along_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v general_o represent_v as_o very_o strict_a and_o severe_a but_o there_o be_v not_o where_o so_o plain_a and_o full_a declaration_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v usual_o style_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o great_a and_o the_o terrible_a god_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o mild_a title_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n the_o god_n of_o all_o patience_n the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n nay_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v love_n itself_o and_o to_o dwell_v in_o love_n and_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o style_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sect_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n do_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n find_v their_o heresy_n of_o two_o god_n the_o one_o evil_a and_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o other_o good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o new_a so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o representation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o give_v at_o least_o some_o colour_n and_o pretence_n for_o a_o imagination_n of_o two_o go_n ii_o christian_a religion_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n it_o have_v make_v our_o duty_n more_o plain_a and_o certain_a in_o many_o instance_n than_o either_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a or_o the_o precept_n of_o moses_n have_v do_v it_o command_v universal_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o good_a
will_n among_o man_n a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v our_o great_a enemy_n to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o do_v inculcate_v these_o precept_n more_o vehement_o and_o forbid_v malice_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o contention_n more_o strict_o and_o peremptory_o than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o do_v but_o attentive_o read_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o as_o christianity_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o wise_a require_v such_o duty_n of_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o persection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o the_o health_n to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o contentment_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a as_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o useful_a and_o substantial_a and_o they_o omit_v nothing_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n nor_o do_v they_o restrain_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o regular_a inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n they_o forbid_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a to_o serve_v our_o humour_n and_o passion_n to_o reproach_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o fool_n and_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v either_o to_o our_o private_a harm_n and_o prejudice_n or_o to_o public_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o from_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n particular_o that_o upon_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o righteous_a and_o patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o all_o even_a to_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o they_o st._n paul_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n but_o of_o admirable_a sense_n and_o weight_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o same_o apostle_n make_v this_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o our_o part_n 2.19_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n st._n james_n describe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o by_o these_o character_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n st._n peter_n call_v the_o gospel_n 4._o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n the_o several_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 7._o v._o 5_o 6_o 7._o without_o which_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a passaage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o venerable_a esteem_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n will_v most_o plain_o appear_v by_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o they_o and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o good_a or_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n first_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n good_a single_o and_o personal_o consider_v and_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v distribute_v likewise_o into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n or_o such_o as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o respect_n god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o natural_a light_n prompt_v man_n to_o except_v the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o significancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o refer_v more_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v inward_o reverence_v and_o love_n god_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o inward_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o he_o by_o external_a worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o by_o our_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o our_o confidence_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o constant_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o many_o favour_n and_o benefit_n which_o every_o day_n and_o every_o minute_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o continual_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o shall_v not_o entertain_v any_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n nor_o give_v that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o any_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o worship_v he_o in_o any_o manner_n that_o be_v either_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o avoid_v the_o profane_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o his_o name_n by_o curse_v or_o customary_a swear_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v express_o require_v of_o we_o as_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o particular_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n but_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o such_o precept_n as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n christian_n religion_n
unrighteousness_n it_o threaten_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o propose_v to_o man_n such_o glorious_a reward_n and_o such_o terrible_a punishment_n as_o no_o religion_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o make_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o more_o effectual_a it_o give_v we_o far_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v before_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o of_o the_o success_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 16.18_o rom._n r._n 16.18_o because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n before_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wickedness_n and_o impenitency_n of_o the_o heathen-world_n be_v a_o much_o more_o excusable_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n and_o have_v general_o but_o very_o uncertain_a and_o obscure_a apprehension_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o urge_v man_n most_o powerful_o to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v the_o most_o prevalent_a argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o athenian_n the_o most_o know_v among_o the_o heathen_a 31._o act._n 17.30_o 31._o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v give_v the_o world_n that_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o it_o never_o have_v before_o for_o he_o who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a do_v declare_v and_o testify_v that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a 10.42_o act._n 10.42_o and_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o shall_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v be_v to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n the_o most_o forcible_a motive_n of_o all_o other_o to_o a_o good_a life_n because_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n and_o misery_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o firm_a sanction_n of_o any_o law_n in_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v the_o obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o for_o what_o can_v restrain_v man_n from_o sin_n if_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o evident_a danger_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n will_v not_o what_o encouragement_n can_v be_v give_v to_o goodness_n beyond_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o endless_a felicity_n iv_o the_o christian_a religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o the_o best_a motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o philosophy_n to_o support_v man_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o this_o life_n be_v incident_a to_o and_o to_o fortify_v their_o spirit_n against_o suffering_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n rack_v their_o wit_n and_o cast_v about_o every_o way_n they_o advance_v all_o sort_n of_o principle_n and_o manage_v every_o little_a argument_n and_o consideration_n to_o the_o utmost_a advantage_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o attempt_n they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o considerable_a comfort_n and_o ease_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n under_o any_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o bed_n be_v short_a than_o that_o a_o man_n can_v stretch_v himself_o upon_o it_o and_o the_o cover_n narrow_a than_o that_o a_o man_n can_v wrap_v himself_o in_o it_o all_o the_o wise_a say_n and_o advice_n which_o philosopher_n can_v muster_v up_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v prove_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o common_a people_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o have_v help_v only_o to_o support_v some_o few_o stout_a and_o ostbinate_a mind_n which_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o philosophy_n will_v have_v hold_v up_o pretty_a well_o of_o themselves_o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v run_v so_o far_o back_o for_o argument_n of_o comfort_n against_o pain_n as_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o question_n and_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n or_o pain_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o any_o great_a evil_n have_v be_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v certain_o sigh_v and_o groan_v as_o pitiful_o and_o cry_v out_o as_o loud_a as_o other_o man_n other_o have_v seek_v to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n by_o dispute_v subtle_o against_o it_o and_o pertinacious_o maintain_v that_o affliction_n be_v no_o real_a evil_n but_o only_a in_o opinion_n and_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o they_o but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a wise_a man_n that_o can_v forbear_v be_v trouble_v at_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o yet_o thus_o possidonius_fw-la as_o tully_n tell_v we_o distinguish_v he_o can_v not_o deny_v pain_n to_o be_v very_o troublesome_a but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o evil_a but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o very_a slender_a comfort_n that_o rely_v upon_o this_o nice_a distinction_n between_o thing_n be_v troublesome_a and_o be_v evil_n when_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n lie_v in_o the_o trouble_n it_o create_v to_o we_o but_o when_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v be_v make_v of_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v throw_v away_o as_o a_o stupid_a paradox_n and_o against_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n other_o have_v endeavour_v to_o delude_v their_o trouble_n by_o a_o grave_a way_n of_o reason_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v fatal_a and_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v trouble_v at_o they_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v trouble_v at_o that_o which_o we_o can_v help_v and_o yet_o perhaps_o it_o may_v as_o reasonable_o be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v help_v be_v one_o of_o the_o just_a cause_n of_o trouble_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n for_o it_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o comfort_n if_o these_o evil_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v because_o than_o we_o may_v be_v careful_a to_o prevent_v they_o another_o time_n but_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a than_o my_o trouble_n be_v as_o fatal_a as_o the_o calamity_n that_o occasion_n it_o and_o though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v trouble_v for_o that_o which_o i_o can_v help_v yet_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v afflict_v it_o be_v a_o smart_a reply_n that_o augustus_n make_v to_o one_o that_o minister_v this_o comfort_n to_o he_o of_o the_o fatality_n of_o thing_n hoc_fw-la ipsum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o quoth_v i_o male_a habet_fw-la this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o ease_n to_o his_o mind_n that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o trouble_v he_o other_o have_v try_v to_o divert_v and_o entertain_v the_o trouble_n of_o other_o man_n by_o pretty_a and_o plausible_a say_n such_o as_o this_o that_o if_o evil_n be_v long_o they_o be_v but_o light_n if_o sharp_a i_o but_o short_a and_o a_o hundred_o such_o like_a now_o be_o apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a comfort_n that_o a_o plain_a and_o ordinary_a man_n lie_v under_o a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o stone_n for_o a_o week_n together_o receive_v from_o this_o fine_a sentence_n for_o what_o pleasure_n soever_o man_n that_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o leisure_n may_v take_v in_o be_v the_o author_n of_o witty_a say_n i_o doubt_v it_o be_v but_o poor_a consolation_n that_o a_o man_n under_o great_a and_o sting_a affliction_n find_v from_o they_o the_o best_a moral_a argument_n to_o patience_n in_o my_o opinion_n be_v the_o advantage_n of_o patience_n itself_o to_o bear_v evil_n as_o quiet_o as_o we_o can_v be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o light_a and_o easy_a but_o to_o toss_v and_o fling_v and_o to_o
be_v restless_a be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o fret_v and_o enrage_v our_o pain_n to_o gall_v our_o sore_n and_o to_o make_v the_o burden_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o sit_v more_o uneasy_a but_o this_o be_v proper_o no_o consideration_n of_o comfort_n but_o a_o art_n of_o manage_v ourselves_o under_o affliction_n so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v they_o more_o grievous_a than_o indeed_o the_o be_v but_o now_o the_o argument_n which_o christianity_n propound_v to_o we_o be_v such_o as_o be_v a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o bear_v suffering_n patient_o our_o religion_n set_v before_o we_o not_o the_o example_n of_o a_o stupid_a stoic_a who_o have_v by_o obstinate_a principle_n harden_v himself_o against_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n beyond_o the_o common_a measure_n of_o humanity_n but_o a_o example_n that_o lie_v level_a to_o all_o mankind_n of_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o that_o have_v a_o tender_a sense_n of_o the_o least_o suffering_n and_o yet_o patient_o endure_v the_o great_a of_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n 1.22_o heb._n 1.22_o who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n god_n think_v it_o expedient_a that_o the_o first_o christian_n shall_v by_o great_a hardship_n and_o persecution_n be_v train_v up_o for_o glory_n and_o to_o animate_v and_o encourage_v they_o hereto_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v crown_v by_o suffering_n 2.10_o heb._n 2.10_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o pattern_n arm_v we_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a calamity_n of_o this_o life_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v his_o example_n with_o this_o advantage_n that_o though_o his_o suffering_n be_v whole_o undeserved_a and_o not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o yet_o he_o bear_v they_o patient_o but_o the_o main_a consideration_n of_o all_o be_v the_o glory_n which_o shall_v follow_v our_o suffering_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v for_o god_n and_o his_o cause_n and_o if_o upon_o any_o other_o innocent_a account_n as_o reward_v of_o our_o patience_n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n christian_n religion_n have_v secure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v infinite_a gainer_n by_o our_o suffering_n and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v upon_o term_n of_o such_o advantage_n to_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o endure_v a_o short_a ffliction_n for_o a_o endless_a happiness_n the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n be_v a_o cordial_a that_o will_v revive_v our_o spirit_n more_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n than_o all_o the_o wise_a say_n and_o consideration_n of_o philosophy_n these_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o christianity_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o they_o be_v firm_a and_o sound_a at_o the_o bottom_n they_o have_v strength_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o work_v upon_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o most_o ordinary_a understanding_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o force_n of_o they_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o great_a example_n and_o in_o contemplation_n of_o this_o glorious_a reward_n with_o what_o resolution_n and_o cheerfulness_n with_o what_o courage_n and_o patience_n do_v vast_a number_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n not_o only_o man_n but_o woman_n not_o only_o those_o of_o great_a spirit_n and_o more_o generous_a education_n but_o those_o of_o the_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n not_o only_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o wise_a but_o the_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a encounter_v all_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n and_o embrace_v torment_n and_o death_n have_v the_o precept_n and_o counsel_n of_o philosophy_n ever_o any_o such_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o with_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o life_n of_o lipsius_n who_o be_v a_o great_a study_a and_o admirer_n of_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n when_o he_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n and_o one_o of_o his_o friend_n who_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o need_v not_o use_v argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o patience_n under_o his_o pain_n the_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v study_v so_o much_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o motive_n enough_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o answer_v he_o with_o this_o ejaculation_n domine_fw-la jesus_n da_fw-la mihi_fw-la patientiam_fw-la christianam_fw-la lord_n jesus_n give_v i_o christian_a patience_n no_o patience_n like_a to_o that_o which_o the_o consideration_n of_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o work_v in_o we_o and_o now_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o clear_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v to_o we_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o law_n and_o the_o power_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n both_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v what_o the_o proper_a tendency_n and_o design_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v and_o what_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o will_v make_v man_n if_o they_o will_v true_o observe_v they_o and_o live_v according_a to_o they_o substantial_o religious_a towards_o god_n chaste_a and_o temperate_a patient_a and_o content_v in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o just_a and_o honest_a kind_a and_o peaceable_a and_o good_a nature_a 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potent_a enemy_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n yet_o our_o case_n be_v not_o hard_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o great_a strength_n on_o our_o side_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o christian_a great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o legion_n of_o devil_n who_o be_v continual_o design_v and_o work_v our_o ruin_n there_o be_v also_o miriads_o of_o good_a angel_n who_o be_v more_o cheerful_a and_o officious_a to_o do_v we_o good_a for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o as_o those_o who_o be_v bend_v to_o do_v wicked_o will_v never_o want_v tempter_n to_o urge_v they_o on_o and_o to_o push_v they_o forward_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o yield_v themselves_o tractable_a to_o good_a motion_n will_v find_v the_o good_a 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satisfaction_n of_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o best_a security_n that_o heaven_n can_v give_v now_o these_o two_o must_v needs_o make_v our_o duty_n very_o easy_a a_o considerable_a reward_n in_o hand_n and_o not_o only_o the_o hope_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o far_o great_a recompense_n hereafter_o 1._o present_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o unexpressible_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n flow_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o be_v present_a payment_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o a_o future_a and_o great_a happiness_n and_o this_o do_v natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o good_a man_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o all_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o only_o delightful_a for_o the_o
present_a but_o they_o leave_v peace_n and_o contentment_n behind_o they_o a_o peace_n that_o no_o outward_a violence_n can_v interrupt_v or_o take_v from_o we_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n have_v moreover_o this_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o all_o worldly_a joy_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o we_o can_v be_v cloy_v by_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o these_o pleasure_n nor_o by_o the_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o i_o know_v that_o some_o vice_n pretend_v to_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n make_v a_o glorious_a show_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o much_o pomp_n and_o noise_n like_o the_o sport_n of_o child_n and_o fool_n which_o be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a or_o as_o solomon_n elegant_o compare_v they_o like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n which_o make_v a_o little_a noise_n and_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n that_o be_v present_o over_o but_o the_o serious_a and_o the_o manly_a pleasure_n the_o solid_a and_o substantial_a joy_n be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o sensual_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n never_o feel_v his_o heart_n touch_v with_o so_o delicious_a and_o last_a a_o pleasure_n as_o that_o be_v which_o spring_v from_o a_o clear_a conscience_n and_o a_o mind_n full_o satisfy_v with_o its_o own_o action_n 2._o but_o the_o great_a encouragement_n of_o all_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n the_o firm_a persuasion_n whereof_o be_v enough_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o animate_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o resolution_n against_o the_o great_a difficulty_n so_o the_o apostle_n reason_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a for_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o glory_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o victorious_a over_o the_o world_n and_o give_v they_o the_o courage_n to_o resist_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o difficulty_n which_o be_v natural_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o a_o christian_n be_v able_a to_o comfort_v himself_o under_o all_o these_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o end_n which_o be_v everlasting_a life_n he_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v will_v not_o deny_v he_o the_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o not_o that_o he_o have_v such_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o store_n for_o he_o as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v his_o present_a self_n denial_n and_o suffering_n let_v we_o now_o put_v both_o these_o together_o the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v but_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n with_o what_o pleasure_n do_v a_o man_n that_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o sense_n persist_v resolute_o in_o his_o course_n and_o how_o be_v such_o a_o man_n confirm_v in_o his_o purpose_n and_o animate_v in_o his_o holy_a resolution_n when_o he_o find_v that_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n do_v applaud_v his_o choice_n when_o all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n in_o his_o conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o resistance_n of_o temptation_n he_o have_v for_o his_o present_a reward_n the_o two_o great_a pleasure_n of_o innocence_n and_o of_o victory_n and_o for_o his_o future_a encouragement_n the_o joyful_a hope_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o a_o kingdom_n a_o recompense_n so_o great_a as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o lame_a man_n walk_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o one_o willing_a to_o offer_v violence_n to_o his_o strong_a passion_n and_o inclination_n a_o man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o strive_v with_o himself_o and_o to_o conflict_n with_o great_a difficulty_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n what_o poor_a man_n will_v not_o cheerful_o carry_v a_o great_a burden_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n that_o be_v assure_v to_o have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o for_o his_o pain_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v make_v a_o man_n for_o ever_o whatever_o difficulty_n religion_n be_v attend_v withal_o they_o be_v all_o sweeten_v and_o make_v easy_a by_o the_o proposal_n of_o a_o great_a and_o eternal_a reward_n but_o be_v there_o no_o difficulty_n then_o in_o religion_n be_v every_o thing_n so_o plain_a and_o easy_a be_v all_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n so_o smooth_a and_o even_a as_o we_o have_v here_o represent_v they_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o 7.14_o mat_n 7.14_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o 14.22_o act._n 14.22_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o through_o much_o tributation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3.12_o 2_o tim_n 3.12_o and_o that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v and_o run_v and_o fight_v of_o labour_v and_o watch_v and_o give_v all_o diligence_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o grievous_a in_o all_o this_o this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a objection_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o distinct_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v these_o six_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n 2._o that_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n it_o shall_v exclude_v our_o after_o care_n and_o diligence_n 4._o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o much_o mitigate_v and_o allay_v by_o hope_n and_o by_o love_n 5._o there_o be_v incomparable_o more_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n than_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n 6._o if_o we_o do_v but_o put_v virtue_n and_o vice_n a_o religious_a and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o equal_a circumstance_n if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v a_o man_n as_o much_o accustom_a and_o inure_v to_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v be_v to_o the_o other_o than_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o pronounce_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o the_o general_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v the_o persecute_a state_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v intend_v principal_o to_o those_o first_o time_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n at_o first_o indeed_o whoever_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thereby_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o suffering_n which_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n can_v afflict_v they_o withal_o but_o since_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o be_v patron_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v universal_o true_a that_o every_o christian_n have_v suffer_v the_o violence_n of_o persecution_n that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o happen_v only_o in_o some_o few_o age_n and_o to_o some_o person_n so_o that_o this_o be_v accidental_a to_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o ordinary_a difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n give_v extraordinary_a support_n and_o promise_n mighty_a reward_n to_o make_v it_o tolerable_a ii_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n except_o only_o in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o religion_n by_o the_o easy_a
and_o insensible_a degree_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n these_o indeed_o be_v free_v from_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n which_o other_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o bad_a course_n of_o life_n must_v expect_v to_o undergo_v they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n excuse_v from_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n from_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o sudden_a and_o violent_a change_n from_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o affright_a mind_n and_o from_o the_o deep_a and_o pierce_a sorrow_n of_o a_o more_o solemn_a repentance_n whereas_o those_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o before_o must_v look_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o trouble_n because_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o change_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n at_o once_o and_o must_v contend_v with_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o offer_v no_o small_a violence_n to_o themselves_o in_o pluck_v up_o those_o vice_n which_o have_v be_v root_v in_o they_o by_o long_a custom_n and_o continuance_n this_o indeed_o be_v grievous_a and_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_o painful_a like_o the_o pluck_n out_o of_o a_o right_a eye_n or_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o right_a hand_n for_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n must_v strive_v against_o the_o very_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o strong_a appetite_n against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o a_o second_o nature_n but_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reflection_n upon_o religion_n because_o this_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n law_n but_o from_o a_o accidental_a indisposition_n in_o ourselves_o which_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o remove_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v some_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n for_o the_o cure_n when_o that_o be_v once_o wrought_v the_o command_n of_o god_n will_v be_v more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o than_o ever_o our_o sin_n and_o lust_n be_v iii_o nor_n do_v this_o exclude_v our_o after_o care_n and_o diligence_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a he_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o they_o be_v calculate_v for_o slothful_a and_o lazy_a person_n that_o they_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o require_v no_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n on_o our_o part_n he_o only_o aim_v to_o prevent_v a_o tacit_n objection_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o man_n heart_n as_o if_o religion_n be_v a_o most_o grievous_a and_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o there_o be_v more_o trouble_n and_o less_o pleasure_n in_o it_o than_o in_o any_o other_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n this_o he_o utter_o deny_v but_o do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v to_o exclude_v such_o diligence_n and_o industry_n as_o man_n use_v about_o other_o matter_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o require_v a_o very_a vigorous_a prosecution_n and_o great_a earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n i_o shall_v speak_v quite_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o so_o frequent_o command_v seek_v and_o strive_v and_o labour_v beside_o many_o other_o such_o phrase_n that_o import_v diligence_n and_o earnestness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v unfit_a that_o so_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a a_o reward_n as_o the_o gospel_n promise_n shall_v stoop_v down_o like_o fruit_n upon_o a_o full-laden_a bough_n to_o be_v pluck_v by_o every_o idle_a and_o wanton_a hand_n that_o heaven_n shall_v be_v prostitute_v to_o the_o lazy_a desire_n and_o faint_a wish_n to_o the_o cheap_a and_o ordinary_a endeavour_n of_o slothful_a man_n god_n will_v not_o so_o much_o disparage_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n as_o to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o those_o who_o have_v conceive_v so_o low_a a_o opinion_n of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o labour_a for_o and_o sure_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o any_o considerate_a man_n if_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v much_o great_a than_o of_o any_o worldly_a design_n that_o we_o can_v propound_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o not_o great_a if_o the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o industry_n of_o endeavour_n which_o man_n common_o use_v to_o raise_v a_o fortune_n and_o advance_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n will_v serve_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n what_o reason_n have_v any_o man_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o hard_a term_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o usual_o less_o than_o this_o do_v it_o for_o god_n consider_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o press_a necessity_n of_o this_o life_n that_o we_o be_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n and_o that_o we_o have_v great_a need_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o he_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v very_o sedulous_a and_o industrious_a about_o they_o however_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v as_o serious_a to_o save_v their_o immortal_a soul_n as_o they_o be_v to_o support_v these_o die_a body_n if_o they_o will_v but_o provide_v for_o eternity_n with_o the_o same_o solicitude_n and_o real_a care_n as_o they_o do_v for_o this_o life_n if_o they_o will_v but_o seek_v heaven_n with_o the_o same_o ardour_n of_o affection_n and_o vigour_n of_o prosecution_n as_o they_o seek_v earthly_a thing_n if_o they_o will_v but_o love_v god_n as_o much_o as_o many_o man_n do_v the_o world_n and_o mind_n godliness_n as_o much_o as_o man_n usual_o do_v gain_v if_o they_o will_v but_o go_v to_o church_n with_o as_o good_a a_o will_n as_o man_n ordinary_o do_v to_o their_o market_n and_o fair_n and_o be_v in_o as_o good_a earnest_n at_o their_o devotion_n as_o man_n common_o be_v in_o drive_v a_o bargain_n if_o they_o will_v but_o endure_v some_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o same_o patience_n and_o constancy_n as_o they_o can_v do_v storm_n and_o foul_a way_n and_o mischance_n when_o they_o be_v travel_v about_o their_o worldly_a occasion_n if_o they_o will_v but_o avoid_v bad_a company_n as_o man_n use_v to_o do_v cheater_n and_o reject_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n as_o they_o will_v do_v the_o kind_a word_n and_o insinuation_n of_o a_o man_n who_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o have_v a_o design_n to_o overreach_v they_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o such_o a_o one_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v much_o sure_a of_o it_o upon_o these_o term_n than_o any_o man_n that_o do_v all_o the_o other_o thing_n can_v be_v of_o get_v a_o estate_n or_o of_o attain_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o can_v every_o man_n do_v thus_o much_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o man_n shall_v use_v their_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o this_o sure_o every_o man_n can_v do_v for_o to_o use_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o do_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o it_o be_v nonsense_n for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v do_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o if_o we_o will_v do_v thus_o much_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n but_o man_n expect_v that_o religion_n shall_v cost_v they_o no_o pain_n that_o happiness_n shall_v drop_v into_o their_o lap_n without_o any_o design_n and_o endeavour_v on_o their_o part_n and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o please_v while_o they_o live_v god_n shall_v snatch_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v but_o though_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a yet_o it_o be_v sit_v to_o let_v man_n know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o easy_a iu._n all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o much_o allay_v and_o sweeten_v by_o hope_n and_o by_o love_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n so_o great_a as_o be_v enough_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o ourselves_o 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ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o safe_a path_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v entertain_v we_o with_o pleasure_n all_o along_o in_o the_o way_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o happiness_n at_o the_o end_n 2_o tim_n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o translate_a foundation_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o instrument_n of_o contract_n whereby_o two_o party_n do_v oblige_v themselves_o mutual_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seal_n assix_v to_o it_o which_o be_v very_o fuitable_a to_o a_o covenant_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o a_o foundation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n have_v observe_v there_o use_v ancient_o to_o be_v inscription_n on_o foundation-stone_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v seal_n may_v likewise_o signify_v a_o inscription_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v very_a current_n thus_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o inscription_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v signify_v a_o inscription_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o a_o inscription_n upon_o a_o seal_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o a_o foundation_n but_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o 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the_o old_a testament_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o new_a 2.7_o jam._n 2.7_o do_v they_o not_o blaspheme_v that_o worthy_a name_n by_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o expression_n 14._o 1_o pet._n 〈◊〉_d 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o sixteenth_o verse_n vary_v if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o take_v strict_o for_o injustice_n or_o unrighteousness_n but_o sometime_o use_v more_o large_o for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o general_a and_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v here_o in_o the_o text_n because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o context_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o because_o christianity_n lay_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a oblige_v himself_o by_o his_o procession_n to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n 2._o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o answer_v this_o obligation_n i._o what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o holy_a example_n and_o to_o have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o and_o then_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v according_o 1._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o theatning_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a design_n the_o proper_a intention_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o those_o truth_n but_o to_o better_a our_o life_n for_o every_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o proper_a argument_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o discourse_n and_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o death_n do_v all_o tend_v to_o this_o the_o ultimate_a issue_n of_o all_o be_v the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v most_o express_o and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o tit._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v strict_o command_v holiness_n and_o that_o universal_a the_o purity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o chastity_n of_o our_o body_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5.22_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o require_v we_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n â—_o â—_o cor._n 7._o â—_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n peter_n that_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n 1.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly-kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o powerful_a argument_n against_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n
from_o we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o promise_n and_o our_o part_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v confident_a that_o god_n will_v perform_v they_o if_o we_o can_v but_o think_v so_o though_o we_o do_v nothing_o else_o which_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n to_o fool_n but_o the_o hard_a in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o if_o his_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o can_v never_o persuade_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n without_o any_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n will_v bestow_v upon_o he_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n only_o because_o he_o be_v confident_a that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v believe_v of_o he_o that_o he_o love_v to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n upon_o the_o most_o unfit_a and_o unreasonable_a term_n a_o covenant_n 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there_o be_v neither_o a_o heaven_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o nor_o a_o hell_n to_o be_v fear_v after_o this_o life_n how_o can_v many_o christian_n live_v worse_a than_o they_o do_v as_o we_o will_v not_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o unholy_a and_o vicious_a institution_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o bring_v no_o scandal_n upon_o it_o by_o our_o life_n lest_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n say_v as_o salvian_n tell_v we_o they_o do_v in_o his_o time_n si_fw-mi christus_fw-la sancta_fw-la docuisset_fw-la christiani_n sancte_fw-la vixissent_fw-la sure_o if_o christ_n have_v teach_v so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n christian_n will_v have_v live_v holy_a life_n tully_n tell_v we_o that_o one_o of_o the_o shrewd_a argument_n that_o ever_o be_v bring_v against_o philosophy_n be_v this_o quosdam_fw
perfectos_fw-la philosophos_fw-la turpiter_fw-la vivere_fw-la that_o some_o great_a philosopher_n lead_v very_o filthy_a life_n celsus_n and_o porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n among_o all_o their_o witty_a invective_n against_o christian_a religion_n have_v nothing_o against_o it_o that_o reflect_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o as_o do_v the_o wicked_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n the_o great_a enmity_n to_o religion_n be_v to_o profess_v it_o and_o to_o live_v unanswerable_o to_o it_o this_o consideration_n ought_v great_o to_o affect_v we_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o with_o great_a passion_n and_o vehemency_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o 3.18_o phil._n 3.18_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o a_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a christian_a therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v christian_n as_o they_o tender_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o will_v conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n to_o the_o injury_n and_o disparagement_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v almost_o entreat_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v quit_v their_o profession_n and_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n that_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o their_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o initiate_v themselves_o in_o heathenish_a rite_n and_o superstition_n or_o be_v circumcise_v for_o jew_n or_o turk_n for_o it_o be_v real_o better_a upon_o some_o account_n that_o such_o man_n shall_v abandon_v their_o profession_n than_o keep_v on_o a_o vizard_n which_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o scare_v other_o from_o religion_n 3._o and_o last_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o danger_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o by_o not_o live_v answerable_o to_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v may_v prevail_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o former_a consideration_n hypocrite_n be_v instanced_a in_o scripture_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o sinner_n that_o shall_v have_v the_o sharp_a torment_n and_o the_o fierce_a damnation_n when_o our_o saviour_n will_v set_v forth_o the_o great_a severity_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o the_o evil_a servant_n he_o express_v it_o thus_o 24.51_o mat._n 24.51_o he_o shall_v cut_v he_o in_o sudden_a and_o appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o hypocrite_n so_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o hypocrite_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o high_a punishment_n thou_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o hope_v in_o he_o for_o salvation_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o live_v a_o wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n thou_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o presume_v on_o he_o and_o will_v find_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o this_o thy_o confidence_n will_v be_v thy_o confusion_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o hope_v will_v be_v thy_o advocate_n and_o saviour_n will_v prove_v thy_o accuser_n and_o thy_o judge_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o even_o moses_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v may_v very_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o false_a christian_n 5.45_o joh._n 5.45_o there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o and_o will_v condemn_v you_o even_o jesus_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o man_n have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n name_v upon_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o secure_v they_o from_o hell_n that_o it_o will_v sink_v they_o the_o deep_a into_o it_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o poor_a heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o sad_o to_o condole_v their_o case_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n weep_v not_o for_o they_o weep_v for_o yourselves_o there_o be_v no_o such_o miserable_a person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o degenerate_a christian_a because_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a misery_n from_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a do_v thou_o lament_v the_o condition_n of_o socrates_n and_o cato_n and_o aristides_n and_o doubt_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o can_v thou_o who_o be_v a_o impious_a and_o profane_a christian_a think_v that_o thou_o shall_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n do_v thou_o believe_v that_o the_o moral_a heathen_a shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o can_v thou_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o impudence_n to_o hope_v that_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n no_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o deep_a dye_n and_o clothe_v with_o black_a aggravation_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pagan_a may_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v unjust_a towards_o man_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o upon_o easy_a term_n than_o thou_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n better_a have_v it_o be_v thou_o have_v never_o know_v one_o syllable_n of_o the_o gospel_n never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o have_v take_v it_o upon_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v bear_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o poor_a indian_a rather_o than_o that_o be_v breed_v among_o christian_n and_o profess_v thyself_o of_o that_o number_n thou_o shall_v lead_v a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o these_o argument_n that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a awaken_v man_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o life_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o real_a reformation_n of_o they_o that_o i_o may_v oblige_v all_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n to_o do_v to_o every_o man_n as_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v to_o we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o will_v become_v our_o profession_n and_o be_v honourable_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o will_v remove_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n shall_v gain_v any_o considerable_a ground_n in_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o unworthy_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n it_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n at_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v have_v christian_a religion_n effectual_o recommend_v it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o then_o indeed_o it_o will_v look_v with_o so_o amiable_a a_o countenance_n as_o to_o invite_v many_o to_o it_o and_o carry_v so_o much_o majesty_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o as_o to_o command_v reverence_n from_o its_o great_a enemy_n and_o make_v man_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v in_o we_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o good_a god_n grant_v that_o as_o we_o have_v take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n so_o we_o may_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n may_v teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n phil._n iii_o 20._o for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o word_n we_o need_v to_o look_v back_o no_o further_o than_o the_o 18_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a vehemency_n and_o passion_n speak_v of_o some_o among_o the_o philippian_n who_o indeed_o profess_v christianity_n but_o yet_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o
decline_v suffer_v for_o that_o profession_n there_o be_v many_o that_o walk_v of_o who_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o suffer_v with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o they_o be_v so_o sensual_a and_o wed_a to_o this_o world_n that_o they_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n so_o he_o describe_v they_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n now_o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o sensual_a and_o earthly-minded_n man_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o the_o character_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n they_o be_v such_o as_o mind_n heaven_n and_o another_o world_n and_o prefer_v the_o hope_n of_o that_o to_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o life_n our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o which_o phrase_n be_v please_v to_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o city_n or_o corporation_n and_o to_o the_o privilege_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o who_o be_v free_a of_o it_o and_o heaven_n be_v several_a time_n in_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o under_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o city_n 11.10_o heb._n 11.10_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n that_o he_o look_v for_o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n 12.22_o heb._n 12.22_o it_o be_v call_v likewise_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o uncertain_a condition_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o world_n say_v of_o they_o 14.14_o heb._n 14.14_o that_o here_o they_o have_v no_o continue_a city_n but_o look_v for_o one_o that_o be_v to_o come_v now_o to_o this_o city_n the_o apostle_n allude_v here_o in_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v render_v conversation_n may_v either_o signify_v the_o privilege_n of_o citizen_n or_o their_o conversation_n and_o manner_n or_o may_v take_v in_o both_o these_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o citizen_n we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o word_n of_o near_a affinity_n with_o this_o sometime_o use_v 28._o act._n 22_o 28._o with_o a_o great_a sum_n say_v the_o captain_n to_o paul_n obtain_v i_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o freedom_n according_a to_o this_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v very_o well_o be_v render_v as_o tertullian_n often_o do_v this_o text_n municipatus_fw-la noster_fw-la our_o citizenship_n be_v in_o heaven_n a_o allusion_n perhaps_o as_o the_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n observe_v to_o those_o who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o bear_v at_o rome_n and_o it_o may_v be_v live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o have_v yet_o jus_o civitatis_fw-la romanae_fw-la the_o privilege_n of_o roman_a citizen_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o apostle_n here_o describe_v the_o condition_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v bear_v here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o live_v in_o it_o but_o we_o belong_v to_o another_o corporation_n we_o be_v denizen_n of_o another_o country_n and_o free_a of_o that_o city_n which_o be_v above_o in_o the_o other_o sense_n of_o the_o conversation_n of_o citizen_n we_o find_v the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v towards_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o epistle_n let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o teâ—t_n without_o any_o inconvenience_n include_v both_o these_o 1.27_o phil._n 1.27_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v there_o be_v some_o that_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o be_v so_o addict_v to_o they_o that_o rather_o than_o part_v with_o they_o they_o will_v forsake_v their_o religion_n but_o as_o for_o we_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n and_o according_o we_o converse_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n as_o those_o that_o be_v free_a of_o another_o city_n and_o do_v belong_v to_o it_o so_o that_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n do_v imply_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n second_o the_o effect_n which_o those_o thought_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n these_o two_o thing_n take_v up_o the_o meaning_n of_o my_o text_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i._o the_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v of_o the_o happy_a and_o glorious_a state_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o life_n and_o concern_v this_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n principal_o which_o offer_n themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o state_n second_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o happiness_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o state_n but_o what_o and_o how_o great_a this_o happiness_n be_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o represent_v to_o you_o these_o thing_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n within_o the_o veil_n and_o it_o do_v not_o now_o full_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v so_o much_o in_o general_a concern_v the_o reality_n and_o unspeakable_a felicity_n of_o this_o state_n as_o may_v satisfy_v we_o for_o the_o present_a and_o serve_v to_o inflame_v our_o desire_n after_o it_o and_o to_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o as_o namely_o that_o it_o be_v incomparable_o beyond_o any_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o it_o be_v eternal_a in_o a_o word_n that_o it_o be_v far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v 1._o it_o be_v incomparable_o beyond_o any_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o those_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a ingredient_n which_o do_v abate_v and_o allay_v the_o felicity_n of_o this_o life_n all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v mix_v and_o uncertain_a and_o unsatisfy_v nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o give_v we_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o very_o sweet_a of_o they_o be_v satiate_v and_o cloy_a none_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n be_v pure_a and_o unmixed_a there_o be_v something_o of_o vanity_n mingle_v with_o all_o our_o earthly_a enjoyment_n and_o that_o cause_v vexation_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o be_v either_o purchase_v by_o some_o pain_n or_o attend_v with_o it_o or_o end_n in_o it_o a_o great_a estate_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v get_v without_o care_n nor_o keep_v without_o fear_n nor_o lose_v without_o trouble_n dignity_n and_o greatness_n be_v troublesome_a almost_o to_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v common_o uneasy_a to_o they_o that_o have_v it_o and_o it_o be_v usual_o hate_v and_o envy_v by_o those_o that_o have_v it_o not_o knowledge_n that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o sweet_a pleasure_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o experience_n of_o one_o who_o have_v as_o great_a a_o share_n of_o it_o as_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v 18._o eccles_n 1.17_o 18._o he_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o this_o also_o be_v vexation_n of_o spirit_n for_o in_o much_o wisdom_n there_o be_v much_o grief_n and_o he_o that_o increase_v konwledge_n increase_v sorrow_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o best_a of_o they_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n in_o they_o but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v free_a from_o allay_n and_o mixture_n in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o curse_n 5._o rev._n 22.3_o 5._o and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o night_n there_o nothing_o to_o embitter_v our_o blessing_n or_o obscure_v our_o glory_n heaven_n be_v the_o proper_a region_n of_o happiness_n there_o only_o be_v pure_a joy_n and_o a_o unmingled_a felicity_n but_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o be_v mix_v so_o they_o be_v uncertain_a so_o waver_v and_o inconstant_a be_v they_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n of_o they_o when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o to_o have_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o they_o they_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n we_o know_v not_o how_o for_o this_o reason_n solomon_n very_o elegant_o call_v they_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o why_o will_v thou_o set_v thy_o eye_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o riches_n certain_o make_v to_o themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v like_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n so_o
fugitive_a be_v they_o that_o after_o all_o our_o endeavour_n to_o secure_v they_o they_o may_v break_v loose_a from_o we_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n vanish_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n riches_n make_v to_o themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v like_o a_o eagle_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o riches_n be_v often_o accessary_a to_o their_o own_o ruin_n many_o time_n the_o greatness_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n and_o nothing_o else_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o and_o of_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o owner_n thereof_o the_o fairness_n of_o some_o man_n fortune_n have_v be_v a_o temptation_n to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v more_o powerful_a to_o ravish_v it_o from_o they_o thus_o riches_n make_v to_o themselves_o wing_n so_o that_o he_o that_o enjoy_v the_o great_a happiness_n of_o this_o world_n do_v still_o want_v one_o happiness_n more_o to_o secure_v to_o he_o for_o the_o future_a what_o he_o possess_v for_o the_o persent_a but_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o steady_a and_o constant_a light_n fix_v and_o unchangeable_a as_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o spring_v the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v and_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v certain_a yet_o they_o be_v unsatisfy_v this_o be_v the_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n that_o every_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n can_v trouble_v we_o but_o nothing_o can_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v but_o either_o we_o or_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n or_o both_o be_v so_o fantastical_a that_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v well_o with_o these_o thing_n nor_o well_o without_o they_o if_o we_o be_v hungry_a we_o be_v in_o pain_n and_o if_o we_o eat_v to_o the_o full_a we_o be_v uneasy_a if_o we_o be_v poor_a we_o think_v ourselves_o miserable_a and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o be_v rich_a we_o common_o real_o be_v so_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o low_a condition_n we_o fret_v and_o murmur_n and_o if_o we_o chance_v to_o get_v up_o and_o to_o be_v raise_v to_o greatness_n we_o be_v many_o time_n far_o from_o contentment_n than_o we_o be_v before_o so_o that_o we_o pursue_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n just_a as_o little_a child_n chase_v bird_n when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v come_v very_o near_o it_o and_o have_v it_o almost_o in_o our_o hand_n it_o fly_v far_a from_o we_o than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n from_o afford_v we_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o sweet_a of_o they_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o satiate_v and_o cloy_v we_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o yield_v we_o very_o little_a happiness_n if_o they_o go_v off_o quick_o they_o signify_v nothing_o and_o if_o they_o stay_v long_o we_o be_v sick_a of_o they_o after_o a_o full_a draught_n of_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n we_o present_o loathe_v it_o and_o hate_v it_o as_o much_o after_o the_o enjoyment_n as_o we_o court_v it_o and_o long_v for_o it_o in_o the_o expectation_n but_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o other_o world_n as_o they_o will_v give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n so_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o every_o repetition_n of_o they_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o new_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o the_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n these_o two_o thing_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v which_o never_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o sensual_a delight_n long_o and_o full_a enjoyment_n and_o yet_o a_o fresh_a and_o perpetual_a pleasure_n as_o in_o god_n presence_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n so_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n there_o shall_v be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o 2._o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o life_n be_v not_o only_o incomparable_o beyond_o any_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o may_v be_v be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v very_o great_a in_o itself_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v usual_o in_o scripture_n descirb_v to_o we_o by_o such_o pleasure_n as_o be_v manly_a and_o excellent_a chaste_a and_o intellectual_a infinite_o more_o pure_a and_o refine_a than_o those_o of_o sense_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n at_o any_o time_n descend_v to_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o feast_n and_o a_o banquet_n and_o a_o marriage_n it_o be_v plain_o by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n but_o the_o chief_a ingredient_n of_o this_o happiness_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o the_o height_n of_o our_o love_n and_o the_o perpetual_a society_n and_o friendship_n of_o all_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o those_o glorious_a mansion_n and_o the_o joyful_a concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o in_o cheerful_a expression_n of_o gratitude_n in_o the_o incessant_a praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o fountain_n and_o author_n of_o all_o this_o happiness_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o delightful_a than_o to_o have_v our_o understanding_n entertain_v with_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o his_o work_n and_o of_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n here_o in_o the_o world_n than_o to_o live_v in_o the_o revive_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v continual_o attend_v upon_o he_o who_o favour_n be_v life_n and_o who_o glory_n be_v much_o more_o above_o that_o of_o any_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n than_o the_o great_a of_o they_o be_v above_o the_o poor_a worm_n the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n think_v solomon_n servant_n happy_a in_o have_v the_o opportunity_n by_o stand_v continual_o before_o he_o to_o hear_v his_o wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o happiness_n to_o solomon_n himself_o and_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o great_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o this_o world_n to_o stand_v before_o this_o great_a king_n to_o admire_v his_o wisdom_n and_o to_o behold_v his_o glory_n not_o that_o i_o imagine_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o perpetual_a gaze_v upon_o god_n and_o in_o a_o idle_a contemplation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n for_o as_o by_o that_o bless_a sight_n we_o shall_v be_v infinite_o transport_v so_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v also_o transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o and_o what_o great_a happiness_n can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o be_v like_o the_o happy_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o employment_n god_n may_v have_v for_o we_o in_o the_o next_o life_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o who_o be_v happiness_n itself_o and_o have_v promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a can_v easy_o find_v out_o such_o employment_n and_o delight_n for_o we_o in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o will_v be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o that_o state_n but_o then_o beside_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n there_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o delightful_a exercise_n of_o love_n when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o bless_a angel_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a that_o be_v free_v from_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n which_o do_v now_o render_v the_o conversation_n even_o of_o the_o best_a man_n sometime_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o we_o shall_v then_o meet_v with_o all_o those_o excellent_a person_n those_o brave_a mind_n those_o innocent_a and_o charitable_a soul_n who_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o in_o this_o world_n there_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o many_o of_o our_o dear_a relation_n and_o intimate_a friend_n and_o perhaps_o with_o many_o of_o our_o enemy_n to_o who_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v perfect_o reconcile_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o warm_a contest_v and_o peevish_a difference_n which_o we_o have_v with_o they_o in_o this_o world_n even_o about_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o heaven_n be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a love_n and_o friendship_n there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o kindness_n and_o good_a nature_n there_o and_o all_o the_o prudent_a art_n of_o endearment_n and_o wise_a way_n of_o render_v conversation_n mutual_o pleasant_a to_o one_o another_o and_o what_o great_a happiness_n can_v be_v imagine_v than_o to_o converse_v free_o with_o so_o many_o excellent_a person_n without_o any_o thing_n of_o folly_n or_o disguise_n of_o jealousy_n or_o design_n upon_o one_o another_o for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v none_o of_o those_o vice_n and_o passion_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o envy_n and_o hatred_n of_o wrath_n and_o peevishness_n which_o
do_v now_o so_o much_o spoil_v the_o pleasure_n and_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o mankind_n all_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n schism_n and_o division_n will_v then_o be_v effectual_o hinder_v not_o by_o force_n but_o by_o love_n not_o by_o compulsion_n but_o by_o that_o charity_n which_o never_o fail_v and_o all_o those_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v now_o so_o hot_o agitate_a will_n then_o be_v final_o determine_v not_o as_o we_o endeavour_v to_o end_v they_o now_o by_o canon_n and_o decree_n but_o by_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o convince_a light_n and_o when_o this_o bless_a society_n be_v meet_v together_o and_o thus_o unite_v by_o love_n they_o shall_v all_o join_v in_o gratitude_n to_o their_o great_a patron_n and_o benefactor_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o they_o shall_v sing_v everlasting_a song_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o work_n of_o wonder_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o almighty_a power_n which_o be_v clear_o see_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o particular_o for_o his_o favour_n to_o mankind_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o being_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n and_o for_o all_o his_o merciful_a providence_n towards_o they_o in_o this_o world_n but_o above_o all_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n for_o the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o for_o conduct_v they_o safe_o through_o all_o the_o snare_n and_o danger_n the_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o secure_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o and_o be_v bind_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o to_o all_o eternity_n this_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o employment_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o and_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o as_o there_o may_v be_v ten_o thousand_o more_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v tell_v yet_o generous_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n will_v easy_o understand_v how_o great_a a_o pleasure_n there_o be_v in_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n and_o in_o a_o grateful_a and_o perpetual_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v 3._o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v eternal_a and_o though_o this_o be_v but_o a_o circumstance_n and_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o happiness_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o material_a a_o one_o that_o all_o the_o felicity_n which_o heaven_n afford_v will_v be_v imperfect_a without_o it_o it_o will_v strange_o damp_n and_o allay_v all_o our_o joy_n to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v sometime_o have_v a_o end_n and_o the_o great_a our_o happiness_n be_v the_o great_a trouble_n it_o will_v be_v to_o we_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o must_v have_v a_o period_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n sorrowful_a indeed_o to_o think_v of_o leave_v such_o vast_a possession_n indeed_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v such_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o short_a for_o after_o a_o little_a enjoyment_n it_o will_v cloy_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o it_o but_o be_v so_o excellent_a it_o will_v scarce_o be_v a_o happiness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o eternal_a it_o will_v embitter_v the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n as_o great_a as_o they_o be_v to_o see_v to_o a_o end_n of_o they_o though_o it_o be_v at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n to_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o vast_a treasure_n of_o happiness_n will_v one_o day_n be_v exhaust_v and_o that_o after_o so_o many_o year_n be_v pass_v we_o shall_v be_v as_o poor_a and_o miserable_a again_o as_o we_o be_v once_o in_o this_o world_n god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o the_o vain_a and_o empty_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v temporary_a and_o transient_a but_o that_o the_o great_a and_o substantial_a pleasure_n of_o the_o other_o world_n shall_v be_v as_o lasting_a as_o they_o be_v excellent_a for_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a so_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o crown_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o banish_v all_o fear_n and_o trouble_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o thus_o to_o be_v secure_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v a_o unspeakable_a addition_n to_o it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a as_o it_o shall_v never_o determine_v so_o it_o can_v never_o be_v diminish_v for_o to_o be_v diminish_v and_o to_o decay_n be_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o a_o end_n but_o that_o which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n can_v never_o come_v near_o to_o it_o o_o vast_a eternity_n how_o do_v thou_o swallow_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o entertain_v we_o at_o once_o with_o delight_n and_o amazement_n this_o be_v the_o very_a top_n and_o high_a pitch_n of_o our_o happiness_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v stand_v secure_a and_o look_v down_o with_o scorn_n upon_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o how_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a do_v they_o appear_v to_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o vast_a and_o endless_a enjoyment_n of_o our_o future_a state_n but_o oh_o vain_a and_o foolish_a soul_n that_o be_v so_o little_o concern_v for_o eternity_n that_o for_o the_o trifle_n of_o time_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n can_v find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o forfeit_v a_o everlasting_a felicity_n bless_a god_n why_o have_v thou_o prepare_v such_o a_o happiness_n for_o those_o who_o neither_o consider_v it_o nor_o seek_v after_o it_o why_o be_v such_o a_o price_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o fool_n who_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o who_o fond_o choose_v to_o gratify_v their_o lust_n rather_o than_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o sottish_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o a_o bless_a immortality_n 4._o and_o last_o this_o happiness_n be_v far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o can_v now_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n we_o can_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o any_o of_o those_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o we_o have_v be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n frame_v a_o equal_a idea_n and_o conception_n of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v of_o it_o as_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n do_v of_o solomon_n wisdom_n and_o prosperity_n that_o half_a of_o it_o have_v not_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o felicity_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o state_n do_v far_o exceed_v all_o the_o fame_n which_o we_o hear_v of_o they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o can_v say_v how_o great_a a_o good_a god_n be_v and_o how_o happy_a he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n can_v make_v those_o soul_n that_o love_v he_o and_o those_o who_o he_o love_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o full_a representation_n of_o those_o glory_n we_o can_v now_o see_v god_n and_o live_v a_o full_a description_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o that_o state_n will_v let_v in_o joy_n upon_o we_o too_o big_a for_o our_o narrow_a capacity_n and_o too_o strong_a for_o weak_a mortality_n to_o bear_v we_o be_v now_o but_o child_n and_o we_o speak_v as_o child_n and_o understand_v and_o think_v as_o child_n concern_v these_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o other_o state_n we_o shall_v grow_v up_o to_o be_v man_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v put_v away_o these_o childish_a thought_n now_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v 11._o 1_o cor._n 13.9_o 10_o 11._o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o riddle_n but_o than_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n now_o we_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v know_v even_o as_o also_o we_o be_v know_v as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v excellent_o concern_v this_o very_a matter_n no_o soon_o shall_v we_o enter_v upon_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o a_o strength_n
and_o activity_n as_o much_o above_o that_o of_o the_o most_o know_a person_n in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o great_a philosopher_n and_o wise_a man_n upon_o earth_n be_v above_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o child_n or_o a_o fool_n no_o man_n mind_n be_v now_o so_o well_o frame_v to_o understand_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n as_o our_o understanding_n shall_v then_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o state_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v so_o much_o of_o this_o happiness_n to_o we_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o seek_v after_o it_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v concern_v our_o future_a happiness_n be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o short_a be_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n in_o and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n christ_n indeed_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 5.1_o heb._n 5.1_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v or_o offer_v this_o salvation_n to_o we_o but_o tâ—en_o it_o be_v by_o the_o deny_v of_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n 2.11.12_o tit._n 2.11.12_o and_o by_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o we_o be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n our_o saviour_n promise_v this_o happiness_n to_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o scripture_n do_v exclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o share_n or_o portion_n in_o this_o blessedness_n so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 18.14_o heb._n 18.14_o and_o holiness_n be_v not_o only_o a_o condition_n but_o a_o necessary_a qualisication_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o st._n john_n reason_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o to_o see_v god_n be_v to_o be_v happy_a but_o unless_o we_o be_v like_o he_o we_o can_v see_v he_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v no_o happiness_n to_o that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o like_a to_o god_n in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o from_o hence_o the_o apostle_n inser_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a so_o that_o if_o we_o live_v wicked_a live_v if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n we_o interrupt_v our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o render_v ourselves_o unfit_a for_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o defeat_v all_o the_o design_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n towards_o we_o and_o salvation_n itself_o can_v save_v we_o if_o we_o make_v ourselves_o incapable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n offer_v heaven_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o this_o inheritance_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o but_o we_o must_v be_v qualify_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o be_v make_v meet_a to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o this_o life_n be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o preparation_n for_o our_o future_a state_n our_o soul_n will_v continue_v for_o ever_o what_o we_o make_v they_o in_o this_o world_n such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o a_o man_n carry_v with_o he_o out_o of_o this_o life_n he_o shall_v retain_v in_o the_o next_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o heaven_n perfect_v those_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n which_o be_v begin_v here_o but_o the_o other_o world_n alter_v no_o man_n as_o to_o his_o main_a slate_n he_o that_o be_v filthy_a will_v be_v filthy_a still_o and_o he_o that_o be_v unrighteous_a will_v be_v unrighteous_a still_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o a_o good_a degree_n mortify_v our_o just_n and_o passion_n here_o death_n will_v not_o kill_v they_o for_o we_o but_o we_o shall_v carry_v they_o with_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v admit_v we_o so_o qualify_v into_o the_o place_n of_o happiness_n yet_o we_o shall_v bring_v that_o along_o with_o we_o which_o will_v infallible_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v happy_a our_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o desire_n will_v meet_v with_o nothing_o there_o that_o will_v be_v suitable_a to_o they_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v perpetual_o torment_v with_o those_o appetite_n which_o we_o bring_v with_o we_o out_o of_o this_o world_n because_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o there_o to_o gratify_v they_o withal_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o sense_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o gust_n and_o relish_v for_o so_o that_o if_o a_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a or_o voluptuous_a man_n be_v in_o heaven_n he_o will_v be_v just_a like_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n torment_v with_o a_o continual_a thirst_n and_o burn_v up_o in_o the_o flame_n of_o his_o own_o ardent_a desire_n and_o will_v not_o be_v able_a amid_o all_o the_o plenty_n and_o treasure_n of_o that_o place_n to_o find_v so_o much_o as_o one_o drop_n of_o suitable_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n to_o quench_v and_o allay_v that_o heat_n so_o likewise_o our_o fierce_a and_o unruly_a passion_n if_o we_o shall_v carry_v they_o with_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n how_o inconsistent_a will_v they_o be_v with_o happiness_n they_o will_v not_o only_o make_v we_o miserable_a ourselves_o but_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o all_o those_o with_o who_o we_o shall_v converse_v if_o a_o man_n of_o a_o envious_a and_o malicious_a of_o a_o peevish_a and_o passionate_a temper_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a he_o will_v not_o only_o be_v unhappy_a himself_o but_o will_v disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o other_o and_o raise_v storm_n even_o in_o those_o calm_a region_n vain_a man_n that_o dream_v of_o be_v happy_a without_o any_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n for_o it_o to_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o enjoy_v what_o we_o desire_v and_o to_o live_v with_o those_o who_o we_o love_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o heaven_n suitable_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n all_o the_o joy_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o that_o state_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v relish_v by_o those_o who_o have_v purify_v themselves_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a but_o if_o thou_o be_v carnal_a and_o sensual_a what_o be_v these_o thing_n to_o thou_o what_o happiness_n will_v it_o be_v to_o thou_o to_o see_v god_n and_o to_o have_v he_o always_o in_o thy_o view_n who_o be_v never_o in_o all_o thy_o thought_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o his_o company_n who_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o thyself_o who_o presence_n thou_o dread_a and_o who_o whilst_o thou_o be_v in_o this_o world_n thou_o can_v never_o endure_v to_o think_v upon_o so_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n itself_o can_v signify_v no_o good_a or_o happiness_n to_o that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o dispose_v as_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o heaven_n be_v too_o pure_a a_o air_n for_o corrupt_a soul_n to_o live_v and_o breath_n in_o and_o the_o whole_a employment_n and_o conversation_n of_o that_o place_n as_o it_o will_v be_v unsuitable_a so_o will_v it_o also_o be_v unacceptable_a to_o a_o sensual_a and_o vicious_a person_n from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o this_o bless_a state_n by_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o by_o mortify_v every_o lust_n and_o inordinate_a passion_n in_o our_o soul_n for_o till_o this_o be_v do_v we_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n viz._n the_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o of_o the_o way_n and_o
mean_n whereby_o that_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v ii_o the_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n do_v imply_v likewise_o the_o effect_n which_o those_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o 1._o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n god_n have_v on_o purpose_n make_v this_o world_n troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o reasonable_a and_o considerate_a man_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n that_o god_n and_o heaven_n may_v have_v no_o rival_n here_o below_o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n that_o may_v pretend_v to_o our_o affection_n or_o court_v we_o with_o any_o advantage_n in_o comparison_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o glory_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o eternity_n shall_v present_v itself_o to_o our_o serious_a and_o wake_a thought_n than_o thing_n will_v put_v on_o another_o face_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o value_v so_o much_o in_o this_o life_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o neglect_v to_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o worthy_a to_o have_v be_v the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v these_o thing_n in_o time_n while_o the_o opportunity_n of_o life_n and_o health_n be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n before_o we_o despair_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o 2._o to_o make_v we_o very_o active_a and_o industrious_a to_o be_v as_o good_a and_o to_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v qualify_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o man_n be_v usual_o very_o industrious_a for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n do_v we_o but_o value_v heaven_n half_a as_o much_o as_o it_o deserve_v we_o shall_v take_v infinite_o more_o pain_n for_o that_o so_o often_o as_o we_o consider_v the_o glory_n that_o be_v above_o how_o do_v it_o accuse_v our_o sloth_n and_o condemn_v our_o folly_n that_o we_o be_v less_o concern_v for_o our_o soul_n than_o most_o man_n be_v for_o their_o body_n that_o we_o will_v not_o labour_v half_a so_o much_o for_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n as_o man_n ordinary_o do_v for_o these_o corruptible_a thing_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v haste_v apace_o to_o another_o world_n and_o that_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o lie_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n to_o have_v such_o a_o reward_n set_v before_o we_o to_o have_v crown_n and_o sceptre_n in_o our_o eye_n will_v we_o but_o often_o represent_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n what_o fervour_n shall_v we_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o wing_n and_o shall_v do_v god_n will_n almost_o with_o the_o same_o readiness_n and_o delight_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v who_o continual_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o their_o father_n the_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n shall_v actuate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o be_v continual_o inspire_v we_o with_o new_a vigour_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n how_o shall_v this_o thought_n swell_v our_o resolution_n and_o confirm_v our_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n that_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n 3._o to_o mitigate_v and_o lighten_v the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n how_o rough_a the_o way_n be_v provide_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o lead_v to_o happiness_n the_o incomparable_o great_a good_a of_o the_o next_o life_n will_v to_o a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n weigh_v down_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n afflict_v man_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o soul_n be_v fortify_v with_o consideration_n proper_a to_o support_v we_o under_o they_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a while_n to_o be_v here_o that_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o journey_n travel_v towards_o our_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o all_o the_o delight_n we_o can_v desire_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v we_o much_o to_o endure_v storm_n and_o foul_a way_n and_o to_o want_v many_o of_o those_o accommodation_n we_o may_v expect_v at_o home_n this_o be_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o traveller_n and_o we_o must_v take_v thing_n as_o we_o find_v they_o and_o not_o look_v to_o have_v every_o thing_n just_a to_o our_o mind_n these_o difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n will_v short_o be_v over_o and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v quite_o forget_v and_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v and_o when_o we_o be_v safe_o land_v in_o our_o own_o country_n with_o what_o pleasure_n shall_v we_o look_v back_o upon_o those_o rough_a and_o boisterous_a sea_n which_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o more_o trouble_v we_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o kind_a usage_n we_o shall_v find_v when_o we_o come_v to_o our_o father_n house_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n our_o happiness_n shall_v then_o be_v as_o real_a as_o our_o misery_n be_v here_o upon_o earth_n and_o far_o great_a and_o more_o last_a and_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o though_o we_o suffer_v a_o while_n in_o this_o world_n provide_v we_o escape_v the_o endless_a unsufferable_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o though_o we_o have_v not_o our_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n if_o infinite_o great_a be_v reserve_v for_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o with_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o several_a of_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n will_v be_v unsufferable_a indeed_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a to_o be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o if_o this_o be_v true_a christian_n will_v not_o only_o be_v of_o all_o man_n but_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a but_o out_o religion_n have_v abundant_o assure_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o embrace_v suffering_n with_o so_o much_o cheerfulness_n to_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n and_o to_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v that_o in_o heaven_n they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n the_o seven_o brethren_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o maccabee_n upon_o this_o persuasion_n will_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n that_o storm_n of_o stone_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o st._n stephen_n be_v no_o more_o to_o he_o than_o a_o common_a shower_n when_o he_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o jesus_n in_o who_o cause_n he_o suffer_v stand_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n 4._o to_o make_v we_o sincere_a in_o all_o our_o profession_n word_n and_o action_n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n their_o religion_n will_v not_o be_v only_o in_o show_n and_o pretence_n but_o in_o life_n and_o reality_n no_o man_n will_v put_v on_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o for_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o but_o all_o with_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o be_v as_o curious_a of_o our_o thought_n and_o most_o retire_a action_n as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o open_a theatre_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a assembly_n for_o in_o the_o next_o life_n man_n shall_v not_o be_v reward_v for_o what_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o for_o what_o they_o real_o be_v in_o this_o world_n therefore_o whatever_o we_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o do_v we_o shall_v always_o remember_v that_o the_o day_n of_o revelation_n be_v come_v when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v when_o all_o disguise_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o every_o one_o mask_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o and_o all_o our_o action_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v
bring_v upon_o the_o public_a stage_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n there_o be_v nothing_o now_o hide_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v reveal_v nor_o secret_a which_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v know_v 5._o to_o arm_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n death_n be_v terrible_a to_o nature_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o be_v infinite_o increase_v by_o the_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o what_o may_v follow_v it_o but_o the_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n do_v strange_o relieve_v the_o faint_a spirit_n of_o die_a man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o death_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o take_v away_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o i_o know_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v dismal_a even_o to_o good_a man_n and_o we_o have_v never_o more_o need_v of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n than_o when_o we_o be_v conflict_v with_o this_o last_o enemy_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o comfortable_a consideration_n to_o a_o die_a man_n as_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o happy_a eternity_n he_o that_o look_v upon_o death_n only_o as_o a_o passage_n to_o glory_n may_v welcome_v the_o messenger_n of_o it_o as_o bring_v he_o the_o best_a and_o most_o joyful_a news_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o in_o his_o whole_a life_n and_o no_o man_n can_v stay_v behind_o in_o this_o world_n with_o half_a the_o comfort_n that_o this_o man_n leave_v it_o and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n employ_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n viz._n the_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o thought_n and_o consideration_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o crave_v your_o patience_n but_o a_o little_a long_o till_o i_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n after_o this_o life_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v incomparable_o beyond_o any_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o be_v great_a in_o itself_o and_o eternal_a in_o its_o duration_n and_o far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a how_o much_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v come_v short_a of_o the_o greatness_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o i_o can_v almost_o begin_v again_o and_o make_v a_o new_a attempt_n upon_o this_o subject_n and_o indeed_o who_o will_v not_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v take_v off_o from_o so_o delightful_a a_o argument_n methinks_v it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o and_o to_o let_v our_o mind_n dwell_v upon_o these_o consideration_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o heaven_n and_o unfit_a to_o partake_v of_o so_o great_a a_o glory_n if_o we_o can_v take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o thing_n now_o the_o possession_n whereof_o shall_v be_v our_o happiness_n for_o ever_o with_o what_o joy_n then_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o of_o that_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a which_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heaven_n how_o shall_v we_o welcome_v the_o thought_n of_o that_o happy_a hour_n when_o we_o shall_v make_v our_o escape_n out_o of_o these_o prison_n when_o we_o shall_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o howl_a wilderness_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o ill-natured_a world_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v pass_v all_o storm_n and_o secure_v from_o all_o further_a danger_n of_o shipwreck_n and_o shall_v be_v safe_o land_v in_o the_o region_n of_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n o_o bless_a time_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o death_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o when_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o we_o shall_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o that_o happiness_n and_o glory_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o our_o faith_n have_v believe_v and_o our_o hope_n have_v raise_v we_o to_o the_o expectation_n of_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o resolve_v of_o all_o our_o doubt_n and_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v free_v from_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o be_v happy_a beyond_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o have_v all_o the_o happiness_n secure_v to_o we_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o time_n and_o change_n when_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n and_o other_o thing_n without_o study_n and_o love_v he_o and_o one_o another_o without_o measure_n and_o serve_v and_o praise_v he_o without_o weariness_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n without_o the_o least_o reluctancy_n and_o shall_v still_o be_v more_o and_o more_o delight_v in_o the_o know_n and_o love_v and_o praise_v and_o obey_v of_o god_n to_o all_o eternity_n how_o shall_v these_o thought_n affect_v our_o heart_n and_o what_o a_o mighty_a influence_n ought_v they_o to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n be_v this_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o not_o sensible_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o affect_v we_o so_o strong_o and_o to_o work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o we_o now_o to_o make_v amends_o for_o this_o disadvantage_n we_o shall_v often_o revive_v these_o consideration_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o inculcate_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o reality_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n together_o with_o the_o infinite_a weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o if_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o unspeakable_o happy_a and_o consequent_o wicked_a man_n so_o extreme_o miserable_a in_o another_o world_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o will_v one_o day_n be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o present_a why_o shall_v not_o i_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o commit_v any_o sin_n as_o if_o hell_n be_v naked_a before_o i_o and_o i_o see_v the_o astonish_a misery_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o why_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o if_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o my_o view_n and_o i_o see_v jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n with_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o all_o those_o who_o continue_v faithful_a to_o he_o the_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nearness_n of_o death_n and_o eternity_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v man_n thought_n more_o quick_a and_o pierce_a and_o according_a as_o we_o think_v ourselves_o prepare_v for_o our_o future_a state_n to_o transport_v we_o with_o joy_n or_o to_o amaze_v we_o with_o horror_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o his_o future_a bliss_n be_v already_o enter_v into_o heaven_n have_v begin_v to_o take_v possession_n of_o glory_n and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v his_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o may_v say_v with_o old_a simeon_n lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o terrible_a to_o that_o man_n who_o be_v doubtful_a or_o despair_a of_o his_o future_a condition_n it_o will_v daunt_v the_o stout_a man_n that_o ever_o breathe_v to_o look_v upon_o death_n when_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o hell_n beyond_o it_o when_o the_o apparition_n at_o endor_n tell_v saul_n to_o morrow_n thou_o and_o thy_o son_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o these_o word_n strike_v he_o to_o the_o heart_n so_o that_o he_o fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o strength_n leave_v in_o he_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v die_v as_o if_o a_o express_a messenger_n shall_v come_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o from_o the_o other_o world_n and_o tell_v we_o so_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o always_o live_v as_o those_o that_o must_v die_v and_o as_o those_o that_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a after_o death_n to_o have_v these_o apprehension_n vigorous_a and_o lively_a upon_o our_o mind_n this_o be_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o also_o we_o look_v for_o a_o saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fashion_v like_o unto_o his_o glorious_a body_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o that_o mighty_a power_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a even_o to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o finis_fw-la