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the_o same_o awe_n and_o regard_n for_o the_o threaten_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o frown_n and_o smile_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o this_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o keep_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v man_n that_o we_o do_v hearty_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n upon_o it_o which_o oblige_v man_n to_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o life_n he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o a_o man_n believe_v let_v he_o attend_v rather_o to_o what_o he_o do_v than_o to_o what_o he_o talk_v he_o that_o lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n make_v a_o more_o credible_a and_o effectual_a profession_n of_o infidelity_n than_o he_o who_o in_o word_n only_o deny_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o imagine_v that_o that_o man_n believe_v christianity_n who_o by_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n do_v deny_v and_o renounce_v it_o if_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o christian_n it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v evidence_n this_o by_o our_o action_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o the_o heathen_n do_v that_o we_o who_o worship_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n shall_v not_o allow_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o sin_n as_o those_o do_v who_o
perfectos_fw-la philosophos_fw-la turpiter_fw-la vivere_fw-la that_o some_o great_a philosopher_n lead_v very_o filthy_a life_n celsus_n and_o porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n among_o all_o their_o witty_a invective_n against_o christian_a religion_n have_v nothing_o against_o it_o that_o reflect_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o as_o do_v the_o wicked_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n the_o great_a enmity_n to_o religion_n be_v to_o profess_v it_o and_o to_o live_v unanswerable_o to_o it_o this_o consideration_n ought_v great_o to_o affect_v we_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o with_o great_a passion_n and_o vehemency_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o 3.18_o phil._n 3.18_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o a_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a christian_a therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v christian_n as_o they_o tender_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o will_v conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n to_o the_o injury_n and_o disparagement_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v almost_o entreat_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v quit_v their_o profession_n and_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n that_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o their_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o initiate_v themselves_o in_o heathenish_a rite_n and_o superstition_n or_o be_v circumcise_v for_o jew_n or_o turk_n for_o it_o be_v real_o better_a upon_o some_o account_n that_o such_o man_n shall_v abandon_v their_o profession_n than_o keep_v on_o a_o vizard_n which_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o scare_v other_o from_o religion_n 3._o and_o last_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o danger_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o by_o not_o live_v answerable_o to_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v may_v prevail_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o former_a consideration_n hypocrite_n be_v instanced_a in_o scripture_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o sinner_n that_o shall_v have_v the_o sharp_a torment_n and_o the_o fierce_a damnation_n when_o our_o saviour_n will_v set_v forth_o the_o great_a severity_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o the_o evil_a servant_n he_o express_v it_o thus_o 24.51_o mat._n 24.51_o he_o shall_v cut_v he_o in_o sudden_a and_o appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o hypocrite_n so_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o hypocrite_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o high_a punishment_n thou_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o hope_v in_o he_o for_o salvation_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o live_v a_o wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n thou_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o presume_v on_o he_o and_o will_v find_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o this_o thy_o confidence_n will_v be_v thy_o confusion_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o hope_v will_v be_v thy_o advocate_n and_o saviour_n will_v prove_v thy_o accuser_n and_o thy_o judge_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o even_o moses_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v may_v very_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o false_a christian_n 5.45_o joh._n 5.45_o there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o and_o will_v condemn_v you_o even_o jesus_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o man_n have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n name_v upon_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o secure_v they_o from_o hell_n that_o it_o will_v sink_v they_o the_o deep_a into_o it_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o poor_a heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o sad_o to_o condole_v their_o case_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n weep_v not_o for_o they_o weep_v for_o yourselves_o there_o be_v no_o such_o miserable_a person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o degenerate_a christian_a because_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a misery_n from_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a do_v thou_o lament_v the_o condition_n of_o socrates_n and_o cato_n and_o aristides_n and_o doubt_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o can_v thou_o who_o be_v a_o impious_a and_o profane_a christian_a think_v that_o thou_o shall_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n do_v thou_o believe_v that_o the_o moral_a heathen_a shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o can_v thou_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o impudence_n to_o hope_v that_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n no_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o deep_a dye_n and_o clothe_v with_o black_a aggravation_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pagan_a may_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v unjust_a towards_o man_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o upon_o easy_a term_n than_o thou_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n better_a have_v it_o be_v thou_o have_v never_o know_v one_o syllable_n of_o the_o gospel_n never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o have_v take_v it_o upon_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v bear_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o poor_a indian_a rather_o than_o that_o be_v breed_v among_o christian_n and_o profess_v thyself_o of_o that_o number_n thou_o shall_v lead_v a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o these_o argument_n that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a awaken_v man_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o life_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o real_a reformation_n of_o they_o that_o i_o may_v oblige_v all_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n to_o do_v to_o every_o man_n as_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v to_o we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o will_v become_v our_o profession_n and_o be_v honourable_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o will_v remove_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n shall_v gain_v any_o considerable_a ground_n in_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o unworthy_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n it_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n at_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v have_v christian_a religion_n effectual_o recommend_v it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o then_o indeed_o it_o will_v look_v with_o so_o amiable_a a_o countenance_n as_o to_o invite_v many_o to_o it_o and_o carry_v so_o much_o majesty_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o as_o to_o command_v reverence_n from_o its_o great_a enemy_n and_o make_v man_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v in_o we_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o good_a god_n grant_v that_o as_o we_o have_v take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n so_o we_o may_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n may_v teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n phil._n iii_o 20._o for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o word_n we_o need_v to_o look_v back_o no_o further_o than_o the_o 18_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a vehemency_n and_o passion_n speak_v of_o some_o among_o the_o philippian_n who_o indeed_o profess_v christianity_n but_o yet_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o
will_n among_o man_n a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v our_o great_a enemy_n to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o do_v inculcate_v these_o precept_n more_o vehement_o and_o forbid_v malice_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o contention_n more_o strict_o and_o peremptory_o than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o do_v but_o attentive_o read_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o as_o christianity_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o wise_a require_v such_o duty_n of_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o persection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o the_o health_n to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o contentment_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a as_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o useful_a and_o substantial_a and_o they_o omit_v nothing_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n nor_o do_v they_o restrain_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o regular_a inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n they_o forbid_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a to_o serve_v our_o humour_n and_o passion_n to_o reproach_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o fool_n and_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v either_o to_o our_o private_a harm_n and_o prejudice_n or_o to_o public_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o from_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n particular_o that_o upon_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o righteous_a and_o patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o all_o even_a to_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o they_o st._n paul_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n but_o of_o admirable_a sense_n and_o weight_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o same_o apostle_n make_v this_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o our_o part_n 2.19_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n st._n james_n describe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o by_o these_o character_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n st._n peter_n call_v the_o gospel_n 4._o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n the_o several_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 7._o v._o 5_o 6_o 7._o without_o which_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a passaage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o venerable_a esteem_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n will_v most_o plain_o appear_v by_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o they_o and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o good_a or_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n first_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n good_a single_o and_o personal_o consider_v and_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v distribute_v likewise_o into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n or_o such_o as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o respect_n god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o natural_a light_n prompt_v man_n to_o except_v the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o significancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o refer_v more_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v inward_o reverence_v and_o love_n god_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o inward_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o he_o by_o external_a worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o by_o our_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o our_o confidence_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o constant_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o many_o favour_n and_o benefit_n which_o every_o day_n and_o every_o minute_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o continual_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o shall_v not_o entertain_v any_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n nor_o give_v that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o any_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o worship_v he_o in_o any_o manner_n that_o be_v either_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o avoid_v the_o profane_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o his_o name_n by_o curse_v or_o customary_a swear_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v express_o require_v of_o we_o as_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o particular_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n but_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o such_o precept_n as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n christian_n religion_n
ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o safe_a path_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v entertain_v we_o with_o pleasure_n all_o along_o in_o the_o way_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o happiness_n at_o the_o end_n 2_o tim_n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o translate_a foundation_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o instrument_n of_o contract_n whereby_o two_o party_n do_v oblige_v themselves_o mutual_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seal_n assix_v to_o it_o which_o be_v very_o fuitable_a to_o a_o covenant_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o a_o foundation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n have_v observe_v there_o use_v ancient_o to_o be_v inscription_n on_o foundation-stone_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v seal_n may_v likewise_o signify_v a_o inscription_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v very_a current_n thus_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o inscription_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v signify_v a_o inscription_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o a_o inscription_n upon_o a_o seal_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o a_o foundation_n but_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o according_o the_o seal_v affix_v to_o this_o instrument_n or_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n say_v to_o have_v a_o inscription_n on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n contract_v on_o god_n part_n there_o be_v this_o impress_n or_o inscription_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v own_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o on_o our_o part_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n for_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o any_o one_o or_o to_o have_v his_o name_n call_v upon_o by_o we_o do_v according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o phrase_n among_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v denominate_v from_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o new_a 2.7_o jam._n 2.7_o do_v they_o not_o blaspheme_v that_o worthy_a name_n by_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o expression_n 14._o 1_o pet._n 〈◊〉_d 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o sixteenth_o verse_n vary_v if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o take_v strict_o for_o injustice_n or_o unrighteousness_n but_o sometime_o use_v more_o large_o for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o general_a and_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v here_o in_o the_o text_n because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o context_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o because_o christianity_n lay_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a oblige_v himself_o by_o his_o procession_n to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n 2._o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o answer_v this_o obligation_n i._o what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o holy_a example_n and_o to_o have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o and_o then_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v according_o 1._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o theatning_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a design_n the_o proper_a intention_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o those_o truth_n but_o to_o better_a our_o life_n for_o every_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o proper_a argument_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o discourse_n and_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o death_n do_v all_o tend_v to_o this_o the_o ultimate_a issue_n of_o all_o be_v the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v most_o express_o and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o tit._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v strict_o command_v holiness_n and_o that_o universal_a the_o purity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o chastity_n of_o our_o body_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5.22_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o require_v we_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n â—_o â—_o cor._n 7._o â—_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n peter_n that_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n 1.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly-kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o powerful_a argument_n against_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n
doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o so_o general_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o other_o be_v because_o the_o interest_n and_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o but_o whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n oral_a tradition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v we_o any_o help_n in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o uncertain_a and_o less_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o especial_o if_o we_o may_v take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o traditionary_a sense_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o decretal_n of_o their_o pope_n and_o the_o act_n of_o some_o of_o their_o council_n than_o which_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n more_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o whence_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o infallible_a traditional_a sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o not_o from_o the_o head_n and_o representative_n of_o their_o church_n this_o may_v abundant_o suffice_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o that_o passage_n which_o mr._n s._n make_v such_o a_o rude_a clamour_n about_o as_o if_o i_o have_v therein_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o dare_v never_o trust_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o view_n of_o those_o word_n of_o i_o upon_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o ground_v this_o calumny_n but_o the_o world_n understand_v well_o enough_o that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shift_n of_o mr._n she_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o party_n and_o a_o pitiful_a art_n to_o avoid_v the_o vindication_n of_o sure-footing_a a_o task_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o undertake_v and_o yet_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o call_v faith_n vindicate_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o man_n live_v ever_o deny_v viz._n that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o plain_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o prove_v it_o so_o foolish_o as_o will_v make_v any_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a of_o itself_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o he_o prove_v it_o from_o logic_n and_o nature_n and_o metaphysic_n and_o ethic_n etc._n etc._n i_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o likewise_o from_o arithmetic_n and_o geometry_n the_o principle_n whereof_o he_o 93._o he_o sure-footing_a p._n 93._o tell_v we_o be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o oral_a tradition_n he_o may_v also_o have_v proceed_v to_o astrology_n and_o palmistry_n and_o chemistry_n and_o have_v show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o lend_v their_o assistance_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o that_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o his_o etc._n his_o faith_n vindic_n p._n 6.7_o etc._n etc._n argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a and_o predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la in_o faith-proposition_n because_o forsooth_o whoever_o affirm_v any_o proposition_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a affirm_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a very_o true_a but_o will_v any_o man_n argue_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la for_o be_v the_o proposition_n true_a or_o false_a these_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o both_o that_o be_v they_o be_v subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la but_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o his_o clear_a style_n and_o way_n of_o reason_v i_o shall_v for_o his_o satisfaction_n transcribe_v mr._n s_n whole_a argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_a his_o word_n be_v these_o our_o argument_n from_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v particular_o strengthen_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o i_o mean_v in_o such_o speech_n as_o affirm_v such_o and_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a 12._o p._n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o for_o true_a mean_n existent_a in_o proposition_n which_o express_v only_o the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o a_o thing_n as_o most_o point_n of_o faith_n do_v which_o speak_v abstract_o and_o tell_v not_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o speak_v of_o consist_v or_o the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o proposition_n christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v be_v full_o express_v thus_o a_o trinity_n be_v existent_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o point_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o thing_n or_o action_n past_a as_o creation_n be_v etc._n etc._n for_o existent_n be_v the_o predicate_a in_o these_o two_o only_o affix_v to_o another_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a such_o subject_n shall_v neither_o have_v be_v nor_o not_o have_v be_v or_o have_v be_v and_o have_v not_o be_v at_o once_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o thing_n shall_v neither_o be_v nor_o not_o be_v at_o present_a or_o both_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o present_a regard_v then_o steadfast_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o predicate_v existent_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o express_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o take_v in_o the_o posture_n it_o bear_v in_o those_o proposition_n that_o actual_o exercise_v that_o be_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n in_o its_o most_o actual_a state_n that_o be_v as_o absolute_o exclude_v all_o manner_n or_o least_o degree_n of_o potentiality_n and_o consequent_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v radical_o destroy_v when_o all_o potentiality_n be_v take_v away_o this_o discourse_n hold_v which_o in_o right_a to_o truth_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v unconcern_v in_o the_o drollery_n of_o any_o opposer_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mathematical_o demonstrative_a it_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o whoso_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v a_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n be_v or_o be_v existent_a be_v also_o bind_v to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v not_o existent_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a these_o point_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a the_o same_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o distinction_n or_o division_n apply_v to_o our_o predicate_a existent_n as_o find_v in_o these_o proposition_n for_o can_v that_o predicate_v bear_v a_o pertinent_a distinction_n express_v this_o and_o the_o other_o respect_n or_o thus_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v according_a to_o one_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o thus_o consider_v and_o not_o be_v according_a to_o another_o that_o be_v another_o way_n consider_v but_o this_o evasion_n be_v here_o impossible_a for_o either_o those_o distinguish_a notion_n must_v be_v more_o potential_a or_o antecedent_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o existent_n and_o then_o they_o neither_o reach_v existent_a nor_o supervene_v to_o it_o as_o its_o determination_n or_o actuation_n which_o difference_n ought_v to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o notion_n be_v more_o actual_a or_o determinative_a in_o the_o line_n of_o substance_n or_o be_v than_o existent_n be_v and_o so_o fit_a to_o distinguish_v it_o in_o that_o line_n nor_o last_o can_v any_o determination_n in_o the_o line_n of_o accident_n serve_v the_o turn_n for_o those_o suppose_v existence_n already_o 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n entire_a and_o complete_a antecedent_o to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o affirm_v to_o be_v true_a shall_v in_o any_o regard_n be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o predicate_a pertinent_o exclude_v here_o all_o possibility_n of_o divers_a respect_n the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o subject_n of_o those_o faith-proposition_n for_o those_o subject_n be_v proposition_n themselves_o and_o accept_v for_o truth_n as_o be_v suppose_v they_o be_v incapable_a of_o distinction_n as_o shall_v be_v particular_o show_v hereafter_o beside_o those_o subject_n be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o stand_v in_o the_o abstract_n that_o be_v not_o descend_v to_o subsume_v respect_n even_o in_o that_o regard_n too_o they_o be_v free_v from_o all_o pertinent_a distinguishableness_n the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a whence_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n have_v how_o great_a soever_o the_o conceive_a approach_n towards_o it_o may_v be_v till_o all_o may-not-bee_n or_o potentiality_n to_o be_v otherwise_o be_v utter_o exclude_v by_o the_o actuality_n of_o be_v or_o existence_n which_o put_v or_o discover_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o dim_a twilight_n of_o may-not-bee_n vanish_v and_o disappear_v i_o have_v
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 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apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n do_v spring_n from_o a_o infinite_a jealousy_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o endless_a fear_n of_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v according_a to_o that_o divine_a say_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o he_o can_v never_o sufficient_o admire_v primum_fw-la in_fw-la orle_fw-mi deos_fw-la fecit_fw-la timor_fw-la fear_v first_o make_v go_n so_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o both_o side_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n do_v universal_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o fear_n or_o that_o this_o fear_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n imagine_v there_o be_v a_o god_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v impress_v this_o image_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o all_o man_n shall_v stand_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o 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apt_a to_o imagine_v dreadful_a thing_n this_o likewise_o be_v liable_a to_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n for_o first_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o fear_n be_v something_o that_o be_v dreadful_a that_o be_v something_o that_o threaten_v man_n with_o harm_n or_o danger_n and_o that_o in_o god_n must_v either_o be_v power_n or_o justice_n and_o such_o a_o object_n as_o this_o fear_n indeed_o may_v create_v but_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n as_o well_o as_o power_n and_o justice_n now_o how_o shall_v fear_v put_v man_n upon_o fancy_v a_o be_v that_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a no_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o such_o a_o be_v as_o such_o so_o that_o the_o atheist_n must_v join_v another_o cause_n to_o fear_n viz._n hope_v to_o enable_v man_n to_o create_v this_o imagination_n of_o a_o god_n and_o what_o will_v the_o product_n of_o these_o two_o contrary_a passion_n be_v the_o imagination_n of_o a_o be_v which_o 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will_v be_v no_o hindrance_n or_o prejudice_n to_o any_o such_o design_n but_o very_o much_o for_o the_o advancement_n and_o furtherance_n of_o it_o man_n that_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a do_v easy_o believe_v a_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v vehement_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n lust_n and_o the_o power_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n do_v sway_v their_o mind_n and_o set_v a_o bias_n upon_o their_o understanding_n towards_o atheism_n 2._o atheism_n be_v imprudent_a because_o it_o be_v unsafe_a in_o the_o issue_n the_o atheist_n contend_v against_o the_o religious_a man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o upon_o strange_a inequality_n and_o odds_o for_o he_o venture_v his_o eternal_a interest_n whereas_o the_o religious_a man_n venture_v only_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o lust_n which_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o he_o to_o be_v without_o or_o at_o the_o utmost_a of_o some_o temporal_a convenience_n and_o all_o this_o while_n be_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 be_v mean_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o that_o there_o be_v rewa_fw-mi d_n to_o be_v expect_v after_o this_o life_n these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v singular_a opinion_n that_o they_o be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n even_o of_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n insomuch_o that_o the_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n do_v hardly_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o name_n of_o above_o five_o or_o six_o person_n who_o deny_v a_o god_n and_o lucretius_n acknowledge_v that_o epicurus_n be_v the_o first_o who_o do_v oppose_v those_o great_a foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n primum_fw-la grajus_n homo_fw-la etc._n etc._n meaning_n epicurus_n 2._o if_o by_o religion_n be_v mean_v a_o live_n up_o to_o those_o principle_n that_o be_v to_o act_v conformable_o to_o our_o 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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
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 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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 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
in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n because_o the_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o of_o late_a year_n religion_n be_v very_o sensible_o decline_v among_o we_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n have_v almost_o be_v universal_o corrupt_v by_o a_o civil_a war._n we_o shall_v therefore_o all_o joint_o endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v the_o ancient_a virtue_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o fashion_n again_o that_o solid_a and_o substantial_a that_o plain_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n free_a from_o the_o extreme_n both_o of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o flourish_v in_o the_o age_n of_o our_o immediate_a forefather_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o idle_a talk_n but_o in_o real_a effect_n in_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o pious_a devotion_n and_o reverence_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o in_o the_o virtuous_a action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o in_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n this_o be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o bring_v down_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o we_o god_n have_v now_o be_v please_v to_o settle_v we_o again_o in_o peace_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o he_o have_v put_v we_o once_o more_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o own_o counsel_n life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v prosperity_n and_o destruction_n be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v choose_v our_o own_o fortune_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n become_v a_o happy_a and_o a_o prosperous_a people_n the_o good_a god_n make_v we_o all_o wise_a to_o know_v and_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o every_o one_o of_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o humble_o beg_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n psalm_n nineteeen_o ii_o and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n in_o this_o psalm_n david_n celebrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n from_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n verse_n 1_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n verse_n 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o among_o many_o other_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o mention_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o come_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o verse_n 11._o and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o much_o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o public_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o support_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v that_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v likewise_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o particular_a person_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o for_o though_o there_o be_v but_o little_a express_a mention_n make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o all_o religion_n do_v suppose_v these_o principle_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o i._o and_o first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o religion_n conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a man_n first_o as_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v pious_a and_o religious_a bring_v a_o double_a advantage_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o understanding_n 2._o it_o bring_v peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o our_o mind_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o that_o it_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o make_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o eternity_n better_o but_o that_o in_o general_a it_o do_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o true_a knowledge_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v the_o follow_a text_n 19.8_o psal_n 19.8_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n 111.10_o psal_n 111.10_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n thou_o through_o thy_o commandment_n haste_v make_v i_o wise_a than_o my_o enemy_n 119.98_o psal_n 119.98_o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o political_a prudence_n i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n 99_o ver_fw-la 99_o for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n 130._o ver_fw-la 104._o ver_fw-la 130._o through_o thy_o precept_n i_o get_v understanding_n the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n give_v light_a it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a now_o religion_n do_v improve_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n by_o subdue_a their_o lust_n and_o moderate_v their_o passion_n the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n do_v sully_v and_o darken_v their_o mind_n even_o by_o a_o natural_a influence_n intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n do_v debase_v man_n mind_n and_o clog_v their_o spirit_n make_v they_o gross_a and_o foul_a listless_a and_o unactive_a they_o sink_v we_o down_o into_o sense_n and_o glue_v we_o to_o these_o low_a and_o inferior_a thing_n like_o birdlime_n they_o hamper_v and_o entangle_v our_o soul_n and_o hinder_v their_o flight_n upward_o they_o indispose_v and_o unfit_a our_o mind_n for_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o intellectual_a consideration_n so_o likewise_o the_o exorbitant_a passion_n of_o wrath_n and_o malice_n envy_n and_o revenge_n do_v darken_v and_o distort_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n do_v tincture_n the_o mind_n with_o false_a colour_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o prejudice_n and_o undue_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v intemperate_a or_o lustful_a or_o passionate_a but_o beside_o the_o guilt_n he_o contract_v which_o be_v continual_o fret_v and_o disquiet_v his_o mind_n beside_o the_o inconvenience_n he_o bring_v upon_o himself_o as_o to_o his_o health_n he_o do_v likewise_o stain_v and_o obscure_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o discern_a faculty_n such_o person_n have_v not_o that_o free_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o understanding_n be_v not_o bright_a enough_o nor_o their_o spirit_n pure_a and_o fine_a enough_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o high_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o reason_n what_o clearness_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n that_o purity_n be_v to_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o as_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o bodily_a eye_n do_v dispose_v it_o for_o a_o quick_a sight_n of_o material_a object_n so_o do_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v freedom_n from_o lust_n and_o passion_n dispose_v we_o for_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a act_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n now_o religion_n do_v purify_v our_o mind_n and_o refine_v our_o spirit_n by_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o lust_n and_o suppress_v the_o fume_n and_o vapour_n of_o it_o and_o by_o scatter_v the_o cloud_n and_o mist_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o filth_n and_o dregs_o of_o sensual_a lust_n the_o more_o nimble_a and_o expedite_a it_o will_v be_v in_o its_o operation_n the_o more_o any_o man_n conquer_v his_o passion_n the_o more_o calm_a and_o sedate_v his_o spirit_n be_v and_o the_o great_a equality_n he_o maintain_v in_o his_o temper_n his_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o unprejudiced_a and_o his_o judgement_n more_o firm_a and_o steady_a and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o solomon_n he_o that_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n be_v of_o great_a understanding_n but_o he_o that_o be_v hasty_a of_o spirit_n exalt_v folly_n ira_fw-la furor_fw-la brevis_fw-la est_fw-la anger_n be_v a_o short_a fit_n of_o madness_n and_o he_o that_o be_v passionate_a and_o furious_a deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o
reason_n spoil_v his_o understanding_n and_o help_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fool_n whereas_o he_o that_o conquer_v his_o passion_n and_o keep_v they_o under_o do_v thereby_o preserve_v and_o improve_v his_o understanding_n freedom_n from_o irregular_a passion_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o a_o man_n be_v wise_a but_o real_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o he_o such_o 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n wherein_o happiness_n chief_o consist_v and_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o world_n do_v always_o aim_v at_o as_o the_o utmost_a felicity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o these_o text_n 97.11_o psal_n 97.11_o light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n great_a peace_n have_v all_o they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n 119.165_o psal_n 119.165_o and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n 3.17_o pro._n 3.17_o and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n 32.17_o isa_n 32.17_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o which_o text_n be_v that_o pleasure_n and_o peace_n do_v natural_o result_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o engage_v himself_o in_o a_o religious_a course_n and_o be_v habituate_v to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n all_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n be_v delightful_a to_o he_o to_o honour_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o praise_v he_o to_o study_v his_o will_n to_o meditate_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o love_v he_o all_o these_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n and_o peace_n along_o with_o they_o what_o great_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n can_v there_o be_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o it_o be_v once_o purify_v and_o refine_v from_o the_o dregs_o of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o raise_v to_o its_o true_a height_n and_o pitch_n than_o to_o contemplate_v and_o admire_v the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o adore_v his_o greatness_n and_o to_o love_v his_o goodness_n how_o can_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v troublesome_a to_o any_o one_o who_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n no_o man_n that_o love_v goodness_n and_o righteous_a ness_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v disquiet_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n that_o be_v terrible_a to_o a_o good_a man_n but_o all_o the_o apprehension_n which_o we_o natural_o have_v of_o he_o speak_v comfort_n and_o promise_v happiness_n to_o such_o a_o one_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o recreation_n and_o delight_n it_o be_v for_o wicked_a man_n to_o dread_a god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o banish_v the_o thought_n of_o he_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n but_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a man_n may_v have_v quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a thought_n even_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n because_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v he_o now_o religion_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o allay_v those_o passion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o ruffle_v and_o discompose_v our_o spirit_n malice_n and_o hatred_n wrath_n and_o revenge_n be_v very_o fret_v and_o vexatious_a and_o apt_a to_o make_v our_o mind_n sore_a and_o uneasy_a but_o he_o that_o can_v moderate_v these_o affection_n will_v find_v a_o strange_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n second_o by_o free_v we_o from_o the_o anxiety_n of_o guilt_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o sting_a and_o torment_v and_o render_v the_o life_n of_o man_n more_o miserable_a and_o unquiet_a and_o whaâ—_n a_o spring_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o apprehend_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o and_o become_v our_o friend_n that_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v perfect_o forgive_v and_o shall_v never_o more_o be_v remember_v against_o we_o what_o unexpressible_a comfort_n do_v overflow_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o well-spent_a life_n and_o a_o conscience_n of_o its_o own_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v give_v this_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o consequent_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n and_o goodness_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o of_o those_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o disposition_n contrary_n to_o god_n they_o be_v envious_a and_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a and_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o till_o this_o be_v cure_v which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o religion_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a that_o be_v please_v and_o content_v within_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n because_o such_o a_o man_n have_v that_o within_o he_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o he_o can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o that_o be_v remove_v the_o man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o off_o the_o hinge_n and_o till_o that_o be_v put_v into_o its_o right_a frame_n he_o will_v be_v perpetual_o disquiet_v and_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n within_o himself_o the_o prophet_n very_o fit_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o unquiet_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n 57.10.21_o isa_n 57.10.21_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a so_o long_o as_o sin_n and_o corruption_n abound_v in_o our_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v restles_o work_v like_o wine_n which_o will_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o agitation_n till_o it_o have_v purge_v itself_o of_o its_o dregs_o and_o foulness_n second_o religion_n do_v likewise_o tend_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v such_o as_o either_o respect_n our_o health_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n or_o relation_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o these_o religion_n be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o we_o 1._o as_o to_o our_o health_n a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o that_o and_o to_o long_a life_n as_o a_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v these_o follow_a text_n 2._o prov._n 3.1_o 2._o my_o son_n forget_v not_o my_o law_n but_o let_v thy_o heart_n keep_v my_o commandment_n for_o length_n of_o day_n and_o long_a life_n shall_v they_o add_v to_o thou_o and_o v._o 7_o and_o 8._o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n it_o shall_v be_v health_n to_o thy_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o thy_o bone_n and_o v._o 16._o among_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n this_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o v._o 18._o she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o again_o whoso_o find_v i_o find_v life_n but_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n 36._o prov._n 8.35_o 36._o that_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o own_o life_n all_o they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n all_o which_o be_v undoubted_o true_a in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o be_v certain_o mean_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o health_n and_o long_a life_n to_o good_a man_n be_v not_o only_o declaratory_a of_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o but_o likewise_o of_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n do_v oblige_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o do_v in_o their_o
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 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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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of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n how_o gross_o and_o open_o do_v many_o of_o we_o contradict_v the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o our_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n by_o live_v intemperate_o or_o unjust_o or_o profane_o in_o this_o present_a world_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n or_o believe_v not_o one_o word_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o no_o expectation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o who_o will_v bestow_v mighty_a reward_n upon_o those_o who_o faithful_o serve_v he_o but_o will_v come_v in_o flame_a sire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o not_o then_o deceive_v ourselves_o by_o pretend_v to_o this_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o it_o for_o though_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n never_o so_o well_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o happy_a unless_o we_o do_v they_o nay_o we_o be_v but_o the_o more_o miserable_a for_o know_v they_o if_o we_o do_v they_o not_o therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o whether_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o our_o life_n if_o not_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v so_o many_o article_n of_o accusation_n and_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o our_o charge_n will_v be_v this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v that_o gospel_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o make_v confession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o live_v like_o heathen_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n after_o so_o great_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a but_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o to_o live_v as_o if_o it_o be_v false_a be_v the_o great_a repugnancy_n and_o contradiction_n that_o can_v be_v he_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v christianity_n either_o have_v or_o think_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n for_o withhold_a his_o assent_n from_o it_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o live_v contrary_a to_o it_o know_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o he_o be_v a_o miserable_a man_n indeed_o that_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o the_o do_v of_o which_o he_o continual_o stand_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o according_o god_n will_v deal_v more_o severe_o with_o such_o person_n he_o will_v pardon_v a_o thousand_o defect_n in_o our_o understanding_n if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o gross_a carelessness_n and_o neglect_n of_o ourselves_o but_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o will_n have_v no_o excuse_n because_o we_o know_v to_o do_v better_a and_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v so_o do_v thou_o believe_v that_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 and_o do_v thou_o still_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v thou_o convince_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v thou_o still_o persist_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n be_v thou_o full_o persuade_v that_o no_o whoremonger_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o do_v thou_o for_o all_o that_o continue_v to_o practice_v these_o vice_n what_o can_v thou_o say_v man_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o thou_o be_v miserable_a and_o undo_v for_o ever_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v as_o if_o some_o unexpected_a thing_n have_v happen_v to_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o with_o thou_o just_a as_o thou_o believ'd_v it_o will_v be_v when_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v of_o thy_o good_a belief_n when_o thou_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v it_o by_o a_o bad_a life_n how_o can_v thou_o look_v for_o other_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v thou_o for_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o thy_o own_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v thou_o all_o the_o while_o thou_o be_v do_v of_o they_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n there_o be_v no_o consideration_n that_o will_v sting_v our_o conscience_n more_o cruel_o than_o this_o that_o we_o do_v wicked_o when_o we_o know_v to_o have_v do_v better_a and_o choose_v to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a when_o we_o understand_v the_o way_n to_o have_v be_v happy_a to_o conclude_v we_o christian_n have_v certain_o the_o best_a and_o the_o holy_a the_o wise_a and_o most_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o we_o be_v in_o the_o worst_a condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o make_v we_o good_a 1_o john_n 5.3_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a one_o of_o the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v entertain_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o lay_v upon_o man_n heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o severe_a difficult_a to_o be_v keep_v and_o yet_o dangerous_a to_o be_v break_v that_o it_o require_v we_o to_o govern_v and_o keep_v under_o our_o passion_n and_o to_o contradict_v many_o time_n our_o strong_a inclination_n and_o desire_n to_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n to_o love_v cur_n enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_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 to_o forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n that_o be_v do_v to_o we_o and_o to_o make_v reparation_n for_o the_o least_o that_o we_o do_v to_o other_o to_o be_v content_v with_o our_o condition_n patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o ready_a to_o sacrifice_v our_o dear_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o even_o our_o very_a life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_a say_n and_o grievous_a commandment_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o prejudice_n i_o have_v choose_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n if_o it_o be_v impartial_o consider_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a paradox_n to_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o vicious_a practice_n who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o their_o lust_n this_o seem_v a_o strange_a proposition_n to_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o religion_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o never_o try_v the_o experiment_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o measure_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o intrinsical_a goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n which_o they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n against_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n concern_v this_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o make_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_v it_o may_v yet_o be_v ashamed_a to_o deny_v it_o and_o methinks_v i_o have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n in_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v now_o undertake_v that_o every_o reasonable_a man_n can_v choose_v but_o wish_v i_o success_n in_o this_o attempt_n because_o i_o undertake_v the_o proof_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v every_o man_n interest_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o out_o this_o pretence_n against_o religion_n will_v not_o only_o be_v baffle_v but_o we_o shall_v gain_v a_o new_a and_o forcible_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n over_o to_o it_o now_o the_o easiness_n or_o difficulty_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n or_o command_n depend_v chief_o upon_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o
the_o great_a pleasure_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o will_v be_v to_o please_v he_o for_o nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o love_v it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n deny_v himself_o and_o cross_v his_o own_o inclination_n to_o pleasure_v they_o who_o he_o love_v it_o be_v a_o passion_n of_o a_o strange_a power_n where_o it_o reign_v and_o will_v cause_v a_o man_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o thing_n with_o delight_n which_o in_o other_o circumstance_n will_v seem_v grievous_a to_o he_o jacob_n serve_v for_o rachel_n seven_o year_n and_o after_o that_o seven_o year_n more_o and_o they_o seem_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o few_o day_n for_o the_o love_n he_o have_v to_o she_o do_v but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v we_o as_o real_a a_o affection_n for_o he_o as_o some_o man_n have_v for_o their_o friend_n there_o be_v no_o such_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o love_n will_v conquer_v and_o the_o severe_a part_n of_o it_o will_v become_v easy_a when_o they_o be_v once_o undertake_v by_o a_o willing_a mind_n v._o there_o be_v incomparable_o more_o trouble_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n than_o in_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n every_o notorious_a sin_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o inconvenience_n of_o harm_n or_o danger_n or_o disgrace_n which_o the_o sinner_n seldom_o consider_v till_o the_o sin_n be_v commit_v and_o then_o he_o be_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n and_o in_o seek_v the_o way_n out_o of_o a_o present_a inconvenience_n he_o entangle_v himself_o in_o more_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o make_v use_n of_o indirect_a art_n and_o laborious_a craft_n to_o avoid_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o many_o time_n be_v fain_o to_o cover_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o and_o the_o more_o he_o strive_v to_o disentangle_v himself_o the_o more_o be_v he_o snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n into_o what_o perplexity_n do_v david_n sin_n bring_v he_o such_o as_o by_o all_o his_o power_n and_o art_n he_o can_v not_o free_v himself_o from_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o commit_v a_o great_a crime_n to_o avoid_v the_o shame_n of_o a_o less_o and_o can_v find_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceal_v his_o adultery_n but_o by_o plunge_v himself_o into_o the_o guilt_n of_o murder_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v proportionable_o in_o all_o other_o vice_n the_o way_n of_o sin_n be_v crooked_a path_n full_a of_o wind_n and_o turn_n but_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v a_o high_a way_n 35.8_o isa_n 35.8_o and_o lie_v so_o plain_a before_o we_o that_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v therein_o there_o need_v no_o skill_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n self_n true_a and_o honest_a if_o we_o will_v but_o resolve_v to_o deal_v just_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o our_o neighbour_n nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v easy_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o artifice_n and_o reach_v require_v to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o speak_v as_o he_o think_v and_o to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v be_v deal_v withal_o himself_o and_o as_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n be_v full_a of_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n so_o likewise_o of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o wilful_o commit_v any_o sin_n but_o his_o conscience_n smite_v he_o for_o it_o and_o his_o guilty_a mind_n be_v frequent_o gall_v with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reflection_n upon_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a action_n have_v nothing_o of_o regret_n and_o disquiet_n in_o it_o no_o man_n conscience_n ever_o trouble_v he_o for_o not_o be_v honest_a no_o man_n reason_n ever_o challenge_v he_o for_o not_o be_v drink_v no_o man_n ever_o break_v his_o sleep_n or_o be_v haunt_v with_o fear_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n because_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n but_o with_o the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v know_o wicked_a but_o he_o be_v guilty_a to_o himself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o carry_v guilt_n about_o he_o but_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o sting_n into_o his_o soul_n which_o make_v he_o restless_a so_o that_o he_o can_v never_o have_v any_o perfect_a case_n and_o pleasure_n in_o his_o mind_n i_o may_v have_v descend_v to_o particular_a instance_n and_o have_v show_v how_o much_o more_o troublesome_a the_o practice_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v than_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a to_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o single_a discourse_n vi_o let_v but_o virtue_n and_o vice_n a_o religious_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n be_v put_v in_o equal_a circumstance_n do_v but_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v as_o much_o accustom_a and_o snure_v to_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v be_v to_o the_o other_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_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 and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o put_v the_o case_n thus_o we_o make_v a_o unequal_a comparison_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o when_o he_o first_o begin_v a_o wicked_a course_n feel_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o regret_n in_o his_o mind_n the_o terror_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o damnation_n be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o he_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o by_o degree_n a_o man_n may_v harden_v his_o conscience_n and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_v may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n wear_v off_o that_o tender_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o make_v sin_n so_o uneasy_a but_o then_o if_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n a_o man_n may_v by_o the_o same_o degree_n arrive_v to_o far_o great_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n than_o ever_o any_o wicked_a man_n find_v in_o a_o sinful_a course_n if_o by_o custom_n virtue_n will_v come_v to_o be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o ever_o vice_n be_v than_o the_o advantage_n be_v plain_o on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o case_n it_o be_v troublesome_a at_o first_o for_o a_o man_n to_o begin_v any_o new_a course_n and_o to_o do_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v be_v accustom_a too_o but_o let_v a_o man_n but_o habituate_v himself_o to_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o the_o trouble_n will_v go_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a rule_n which_o pythagoras_n give_v to_o his_o scholar_n optimum_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la genus_fw-la eligito_fw-la nam_fw-la consuetudo_fw-la faciet_fw-la jâ—cundissmum_fw-la pitch_n upon_o the_o best_a course_n of_o life_n resolve_v always_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o virtuous_a and_o custom_n will_v soon_o render_v it_o the_o most_o easy_a there_o be_v nothing_o of_o difficulty_n in_o a_o good_a life_n but_o what_o may_v be_v conquer_v by_o custom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o difficulty_n of_o any_o other_o course_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o use_v to_o it_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o will_v be_v great_a than_o of_o any_o other_o course_n let_v no_o man_n then_o decline_v or_o forsake_v religion_n for_o the_o pretend_a difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o lay_v aside_o all_o care_n of_o god_n commandment_n upon_o this_o suggestion_n that_o they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v for_o you_o see_v they_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a and_o those_o who_o upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n abandon_v themselves_o to_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o take_v more_o pain_n to_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a than_o will_v serve_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o slave_n to_o any_o base_a lust_n but_o may_v if_o he_o please_v get_v to_o heaven_n with_o less_o trouble_n than_o he_o go_v to_o hell_n so_o that_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v deter_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o labour_n and_o pain_n of_o it_o because_o every_o one_o that_o be_v wicked_a take_v more_o pain_n in_o another_o way_n and_o be_v more_o industrious_a only_o to_o a_o worse_a purpose_n now_o he_o that_o can_v travel_v in_o deep_a and_o foul_a way_n ought_v not_o to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v walk_v in_o fair_a he_o that_o venture_v to_o run_v upon_o a_o precipice_n when_o every_o step_n he_o take_v be_v with_o danger_n of_o his_o life_n and_o his_o soul_n
18._o rom._n 1.16_o 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 so_o that_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o embrace_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v perfect_o opposite_a to_o all_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o law_n which_o do_v strict_o enjoin_v holiness_n and_o virtue_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a which_o offer_v such_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n to_o obedience_n and_o threaten_v transgression_n and_o disobedience_n with_o such_o dreadful_a punishment_n and_o if_o so_o we_o be_v oblige_v both_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o live_v according_o 2._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n and_o to_o follow_v his_o step_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o only_o by_o his_o doctrine_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o death_n to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o life_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o in_o scripture_n we_o find_v several_a title_n give_v he_o which_o import_n his_o exemplariness_n as_o of_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o captain_n a_o master_n and_o a_o guide_n now_o if_o he_o be_v our_o pattern_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o to_o have_v the_o same_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o he_o also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o we_o shall_v aspire_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n make_v it_o our_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o do_v do_v any_o man_n profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o abandon_v himself_o to_o intemperance_n and_o filthy_a lust_n be_v this_o like_o our_o saviour_n be_v we_o cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a be_v this_o like_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v we_o proud_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a be_v this_o to_o be_v likeminded_a with_o christ_n who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o spirit_n who_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o blood_n to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o shed_v it_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n continual_o before_o we_o and_o to_o be_v always_o correct_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o that_o pattern_n 3._o he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n by_o baptism_n we_o have_v solemn_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o obedient_o to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n ancient_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v put_v off_o their_o garment_n which_o signify_v the_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v immerse_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o water_n to_o represent_v their_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o do_v rise_v up_o again_o out_o of_o the_o water_n to_o signify_v their_o entrance_n upon_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o these_o custom_n the_o apostle_n allude_v when_o he_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v any_o long_a therein_o 6._o rom._n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v not_o serve_v sin_n so_o that_o by_o baptism_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o new_a state_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n to_o have_v quit_v our_o former_a conversation_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o put_v on_o of_o christ_n 3.27_o gal._n 3.27_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n now_o if_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n we_o must_v quit_v and_o renounce_v our_o lust_n because_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v between_o they_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o and_o as_o we_o do_v solemn_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o baptism_n so_o we_o do_v solemn_o renew_v this_o obligation_n so_o often_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n therefore_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v the_o new_a covenant_n in_o his_o blood_n that_o be_v this_o represent_v the_o shed_n of_o christ_n blood_n by_o which_o rite_n the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v ratify_v and_o as_o by_o this_o god_n do_v confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o so_o we_o do_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v after_o we_o be_v become_v christian_n we_o account_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o common_a thing_n that_o be_v we_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o solemne_v rite_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o world_n for_o confirmation_n of_o any_o covenant_n the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v always_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o solemn_o to_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o that_o account_n which_o pliny_n 97._o pliny_n plin._n epist_n l._n 10._o epist_n 97._o give_v we_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o assemble_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n and_o then_o say_v he_o they_o do_v sacramento_fw-la se_fw-la obstringere_fw-la bound_v themselves_o by_o a_o sacrament_n or_o oath_n not_o to_o rob_v or_o steal_v or_o commit_v adultery_n not_o to_o break_v their_o word_n or_o falsisie_n their_o trust_n and_o after_o they_o have_v eat_v together_o they_o depart_v home_o which_o be_v plain_o a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n celebrate_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o oath_n whereby_o christian_n do_v solemn_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o against_o all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o gospel_n require_v something_o on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v a_o mutual_a engagement_n and_o as_o there_o be_v blessing_n promise_v on_o his_o part_n so_o there_o be_v condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o we_o and_o if_o we_o live_v wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n if_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n we_o have_v no_o title_n at_o all_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n the_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o this_o have_v be_v greedy_o entertain_v to_o the_o vast_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n as_o if_o in_o this_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n take_v all_o upon_o himself_o and_o require_v nothing_o or_o as_o good_a as_o nothing_o of_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o think_v he_o expect_v any_o thing_n
worship_v such_o god_n as_o be_v example_n of_o sin_n and_o patron_n of_o their_o vice_n thou_o who_o profess_v thyself_o a_o christian_n may_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o uncleanness_n as_o those_o do_v who_o worship_v a_o lastful_a jupiter_n and_o a_o wanton_a venus_n thou_o may_v not_o be_v intemperate_a as_o those_o be_v who_o worship_v a_o drunken_a bacchus_n thou_o may_v not_o be_v cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a as_o those_o be_v who_o worship_v a_o fierce_a saturn_n nor_o may_v thou_o steal_v as_o those_o do_v who_o worship_v a_o thievish_a mercury_n thou_o must_v remember_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o when_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o debase_v thyself_o to_o any_o vile_a lust_n consider_v what_o title_n thou_o bear_v by_o what_o name_n thou_o be_v call_v who_o disciple_n thou_o be_v and_o then_o say_v to_o thyself_o shall_v i_o allow_v myself_o in_o any_o impiety_n or_o wickedness_n of_o life_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n shall_v i_o cherish_v any_o sinful_a passion_n who_o pretend_v to_o have_v mortify_v all_o these_o and_o to_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n it_o be_v not_o be_v gild_v over_o with_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o will_v avail_v we_o our_o religion_n must_v be_v a_o vital_a principle_n inward_o to_o change_v and_o transform_v we_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v circumcision_n we_o may_v apply_v to_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v and_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n baptism_n very_o profit_v if_o we_o obey_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o our_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n and_o our_o christianity_n be_v heathenism_n if_o by_o our_o life_n and_o action_n we_o do_v contradict_v that_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v we_o do_v by_o this_o very_a thing_n prove_v ourselves_o to_o be_v counterfeit_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o that_o we_o have_v only_o take_v up_o our_o religion_n for_o a_o fashion_n and_o receive_v it_o according_a to_o custom_n we_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o country_n where_o it_o be_v reverence_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v of_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v christian_n rather_o than_o jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_n be_v because_o christian_a religion_n have_v the_o fortune_n to_o come_v first_o in_o our_o way_n and_o to_o bespeak_v we_o at_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n be_v we_o not_o ashamed_a to_o take_v up_o a_o profession_n upon_o such_o slight_a ground_n and_o to_o wear_v about_o we_o such_o a_o empty_a title_n it_o shall_v make_v our_o blood_n to_o rise_v in_o our_o face_n to_o consider_v what_o a_o distance_n there_o be_v between_o our_o religion_n and_o our_o life_n i_o remember_v tully_n upbraid_v the_o philosopher_n very_o smart_o for_o live_v unsuitable_o to_o their_o doctrine_n a_o philosopher_n say_v he_o be_v unpardonable_a if_o he_o miscarry_v in_o his_o life_n quoth_v in_o officio_fw-la cujus_fw-la magister_fw-la esse_fw-la vult_fw-la labitur_fw-la artemque_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la professus_fw-la delinquit_fw-la in_o vita_fw-la because_o he_o be_v faulty_a in_o that_o wherein_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o master_n and_o whilst_o he_o profess_v a_o art_n of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n he_o miscarry_v in_o this_o life_n with_o how_o much_o great_a reason_n may_v we_o challenge_v christian_n for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o their_o life_n which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n it_o may_v just_o be_v suspect_v that_o so_o perfect_a a_o institution_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v man_n more_o strict_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a and_o set_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o all_o impurity_n and_o vice_n than_o ever_o any_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n do_v if_o a_o man_n profess_v any_o other_o art_n or_o call_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v skill_v in_o it_o and_o excel_v those_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o great_a disparagement_n to_o a_o physician_n that_o can_v be_v to_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v in_o other_o respect_v a_o excellent_a man_n only_o he_o have_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o disease_n and_o the_o method_n of_o cure_n because_o this_o be_v his_o profession_n he_o may_v be_v pardon_v for_o other_o defect_n but_o the_o proper_a skill_n of_o his_o art_n may_v just_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o so_o for_o a_o christian_a to_o say_v of_o he_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o he_o be_v his_o life_n he_o be_v very_a orthodox_n in_o his_o opinion_n but_o he_o be_v a_o ill-natured_a man_n one_o of_o very_o violent_a passion_n he_o will_v be_v very_o frequent_o drink_v he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o his_o deal_n he_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o he_o this_o man_n be_v faulty_a in_o his_o profession_n he_o be_v defective_a in_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v his_o excellency_n he_o may_v have_v orthodox_n opinion_n in_o religion_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o such_o error_n and_o heresy_n nothing_o so_o fundamental_o opposite_a to_o religion_n as_o a_o wicked_a life_n a_o christian_a do_v not_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o better_a wit_n or_o a_o more_o pierce_a understanding_n than_o a_o turk_n or_o heathen_a but_o he_o profess_v to_o live_v better_a than_o they_o to_o be_v more_o chaste_a and_o more_o temperate_a more_o just_a and_o more_o charitable_a more_o meek_a and_o gentle_a more_o love_a and_o peaceable_a than_o other_o man_n if_o he_o fail_v in_o this_o where_o be_v the_o art_n the_o man_n boast_v of_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o this_o noise_n and_o stir_v about_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o man_n profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o do_v not_o live_v better_o than_o other_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a pretender_n and_o mountebank_n in_o religion_n he_o be_v a_o bungler_n in_o his_o own_o art_n and_o unskilled_a in_o his_o proper_a profession_n this_o be_v the_o first_o the_o indecency_n of_o the_o thing_n 2._o consider_v how_o great_a a_o scandal_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v undergo_v many_o a_o hard_a censure_n for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o the_o impiety_n and_o vice_n of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n have_v cause_v many_o sharp_a reflection_n upon_o christianity_n and_o make_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o wear_v the_o odious_a name_n of_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n if_o a_o man_n do_v design_n to_o do_v the_o great_a spite_n to_o religion_n he_o can_v not_o give_v it_o a_o deep_a wound_n he_o can_v not_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o disparage_v it_o than_o by_o a_o lewd_a and_o debauch_a life_n for_o this_o will_v still_o be_v a_o objection_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o our_o religion_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o institution_n as_o it_o be_v report_v to_o be_v sure_o we_o shall_v see_v better_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o when_o we_o will_v persuade_v a_o heathen_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o tell_v he_o how_o holy_a a_o god_n we_o serve_v what_o excellent_a pattern_n we_o imitate_v what_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a precept_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n our_o religion_n do_v contain_v may_v not_o he_o reply_v will_v you_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v you_o when_o i_o see_v you_o do_v not_o believe_v yourselves_o if_o you_o believe_v your_o religion_n you_o will_v live_v according_a to_o it_o for_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v every_o word_n of_o it_o false_a if_o 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
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 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〈◊〉_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 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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
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