a_o great_a deal_n more_o in_o innocence_n and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n consider_v this_o the_o true_a he_o will_v find_v it_o and_o whenever_o we_o be_v serious_a we_o ourselves_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v it_o when_o a_o man_n examine_v himself_o impartial_o before_o the_o sacrament_n or_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n to_o make_v reparation_n for_o injury_n do_v in_o this_o kind_n he_o will_v then_o certain_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o wish_v he_o have_v not_o do_v they_o for_o this_o certain_o be_v one_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o we_o be_v in_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o our_o neighbour_n with_o which_o temper_n of_o mind_n this_o quality_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a three_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o specious_a plea_n than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a that_o man_n will_v be_v encourage_v to_o do_v ill_o if_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o tongue_n of_o man_n as_o they_o will_v do_v if_o this_o doctrine_n do_v 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therefore_o shall_v not_o put_v we_o into_o passion_n because_o another_o man_n be_v injurious_a to_o i_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v uneasy_a to_o myself_o we_o shall_v not_o revenge_v the_o injury_n do_v to_o we_o no_o not_o upon_o they_o that_o do_v they_o much_o less_o upon_o ourselves_o let_v no_o man_n provocation_n make_v thou_o to_o lose_v thy_o patience_n be_v not_o such_o a_o fool_n as_o to_o part_v with_o any_o one_o virtue_n because_o some_o man_n be_v so_o malicious_a as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v thou_o of_o the_o reputation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n when_o man_n speak_v ill_a of_o thou_o do_v as_o plato_n say_v he_o will_v do_v in_o that_o case_n live_v so_o as_o that_o no_o body_n may_v believe_v they_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o to_o urge_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o do_v according_o for_o all_o be_v nothing_o if_o we_o do_v not_o practice_v what_o we_o so_o plain_o see_v to_o be_v our_o 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every_o man_n in_o prudence_n to_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o make_v personal_a enemy_n to_o himself_o for_o these_o be_v the_o sore_a and_o the_o sure_a of_o all_o other_o and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n for_o it_o will_v sit_v hard_a upon_o we_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o public_a be_v certain_o the_o great_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v many_o time_n more_o easy_o forgive_v than_o those_o which_o be_v do_v to_o particular_a person_n for_o when_o revenge_n be_v every_o body_n work_n it_o may_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o body_n the_o general_a wrong_n which_o be_v do_v to_o humane_a society_n do_v not_o so_o sensible_o touch_v and_o sting_v man_n as_o personal_a injury_n and_o provocation_n the_o law_n be_v never_o angry_a or_o in_o passion_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a indecency_n but_o a_o fault_n when_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o be_v so_o heat_v of_o prosecution_n belong_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o it_o be_v their_o memory_n of_o injury_n and_o desire_v to_o revenge_v they_o and_o diligence_n to_o set_v on_o and_o sharpen_v the_o law_n that_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v dread_v and_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o there_o be_v almost_o as_o few_o private_a as_o public_a act_n of_o oblivion_n pass_v in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o common_o pass_v as_o slow_o and_o with_o as_o much_o difficulty_n and_o not_o till_o the_o grace_n and_o good_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v almost_o quite_o lose_v ii_o second_o if_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thus_o affect_v towards_o our_o enemy_n how_o great_a ought_v our_o kindness_n and_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v to_o other_o to_o those_o who_o never_o disoblige_v we_o nor_o do_v we_o any_o injury_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n to_o those_o more_o especial_o who_o stand_v in_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o we_o to_o our_o natural_a kindred_n and_o to_o our_o spiritual_a brethren_n to_o who_o we_o be_v so_o strong_o link_v and_o unite_v by_o the_o common_a bond_n of_o 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goodness_n and_o above_o the_o common_a rate_n of_o humanity_n be_v now_o by_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o no_o other_o religion_n that_o ever_o yet_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n have_v advance_v humane_a nature_n so_o much_o above_o itself_o and_o be_v so_o well_o calculate_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v for_o they_o strict_o forbid_v the_o do_n of_o injury_n by_o way_n of_o prevention_n and_o in_o case_n they_o happen_v they_o endeavour_v to_o put_v a_o present_a stop_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o they_o by_o so_o severe_o forbid_v the_o revenge_a of_o they_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a untoward_a objection_n against_o the_o excellency_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n be_v so_o unequal_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o these_o precept_n for_o who_o be_v there_o in_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o when_o the_o wheel_n of_o providence_n turn_v they_o uppermost_o and_o lay_v their_o enemy_n at_o their_o foot_n that_o will_v give_v they_o any_o quarter_n nay_o that_o do_v not_o greedy_o seize_v upon_o the_o first_o opportunity_n of_o revenge_n and_o like_o a_o eagle_n hungry_a for_o his_o prey_n make_v a_o sudden_a stoop_n upon_o they_o with_o all_o his_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o when_o he_o have_v they_o in_o his_o pounce_n and_o at_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o ready_a to_o tear_v they_o in_o piece_n so_o that_o after_o all_o our_o boast_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n where_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o terrible_a objection_n indeed_o and_o i_o must_v entreat_v of_o you_o my_o brethren_n to_o help_v i_o to_o the_o best_a answer_n to_o it_o not_o by_o any_o nice_a distinction_n and_o speculation_n about_o it_o but_o by_o the_o careful_a and_o honest_a practice_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o old_a objection_n against_o philosophy_n that_o many_o that_o be_v philosopher_n in_o their_o opinion_n be_v faulty_a in_o their_o life_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v never_o think_v by_o wise_a man_n to_o be_v a_o good_a objection_n against_o philosophy_n and_o unless_o we_o will_v lay_v more_o weight_n upon_o the_o objection_n against_o religion_n and_o press_v they_o hard_o than_o we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o do_v in_o any_o other_o case_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o this_o objection_n against_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o force_n man_n do_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n because_o many_o physician_n do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o do_v not_o themselves_o follow_v those_o prescription_n which_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v to_o other_o and_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a reason_n for_o 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strict_o upon_o we_o than_o this_o duty_n be_v it_o have_v often_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n and_o confirmation_n to_o i_o to_o see_v the_o humanity_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n so_o plain_o discover_v itself_o upon_o so_o many_o occasion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o set_v aside_o all_o other_o advantage_n which_o our_o religion_n have_v be_v evident_o show_v to_o have_v above_o popery_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n but_o think_v that_o to_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o make_v the_o best_a man_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o principle_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v they_o so_o most_o kind_a and_o merciful_a and_o charitable_a and_o most_o free_a from_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n and_o therefore_o our_o
as_o our_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v easy_a to_o grant_v forgiveness_n to_o other_o and_o without_o this_o as_o god_n have_v reason_n to_o deny_v forgiveness_n to_o we_o so_o we_o ourselves_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n utter_o to_o despair_v of_o it_o it_o will_v almost_o transport_v a_o christian_n to_o read_v that_o admirable_a passage_n of_o the_o great_a heathen_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n m._n aurelius_n antoninus_n can_v the_o god_n 7._o say_v he_o that_o be_v immortal_a for_o the_o continuance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n bear_v without_o impatience_n with_o such_o and_o so_o many_o sinner_n as_o have_v ever_o be_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o likewise_o take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o provide_v for_o 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and_o other_o thing_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o great_a end_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o our_o b._n saviour_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n needful_a that_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o ought_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o and_o what_o that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o all_o to_o know_v that_o we_o may_v mind_n and_o pursue_v it_o as_o it_o deserve_v and_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v brief_o this_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v into_o a_o certain_a village_n where_o he_o be_v entertain_v at_o the_o house_n of_o two_o devout_a sister_n the_o elder_a who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o management_n of_o the_o family_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o make_v entertainment_n for_o such_o a_o guest_n the_o 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she_o either_o whole_o to_o forget_v or_o unwilling_a to_o mind_v other_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o high_o approve_v her_o wise_a choice_n in_o prefer_v a_o attentive_a regard_n to_o his_o doctrine_n even_o before_o that_o which_o may_v be_v think_v a_o necessary_a civility_n to_o his_o person_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o observation_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v be_v this_o that_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o that_o which_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o mind_n and_o regard_n this_o observation_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v handle_v it_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o application_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o mind_v this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o serious_a and_o weighty_a argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v wherein_o this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v second_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v this_o care_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v and_o so_o as_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v i_o may_v understand_v and_o be_v sufficient_o direct_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o five_o follow_v particular_n in_o which_o i_o think_v the_o main_a business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v first_o in_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n second_o in_o the_o frequent_a examination_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o all_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o three_o in_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n four_o in_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v pernicious_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o whereby_o man_n do_v often_o hazard_v their_o soul_n five_o in_o the_o even_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n i._o the_o due_a care_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a principle_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o good_a practice_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 11.6_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o now_o these_o two_o expression_n of_o please_a god_n and_o seek_v he_o be_v plain_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v religion_n or_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n which_o do_v antecedent_o suppose_v our_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o
mind_n the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o some_o degree_n but_o not_o so_o hearty_o and_o vigorous_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o infinite_a consequence_n do_v require_v and_o deserve_v and_o here_o i_o fear_v the_o very_o best_a be_v great_o defective_a and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v blame_v by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o convince_v than_o other_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o without_o this_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a they_o believe_v likewise_o that_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o every_o man_n holiness_n and_o virtue_n in_o this_o life_n will_v be_v the_o degree_n of_o his_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o that_o he_o that_o sow_v spare_o shall_v reap_v spare_o and_o he_o that_o sow_v plentiful_o shall_v reap_v plentiful_o and_o that_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o man_n reward_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o improvement_n of_o the_o talent_n that_o 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that_o invisible_a world_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o you_o will_v all_o ready_o assent_v to_o this_o counsel_n and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o follow_v it_o and_o put_v it_o speedy_o in_o practice_n do_v but_o then_o open_a your_o eye_n and_o look_v a_o little_a before_o you_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o far_o off_o from_o any_o of_o we_o and_o to_o many_o of_o we_o may_v perhaps_o be_v much_o near_a than_o we_o be_v aware_a let_v we_o but_o judge_v of_o thing_n now_o as_o we_o shall_v all_o short_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o let_v we_o live_v now_o as_o after_o a_o few_o day_n we_o shall_v every_o one_o of_o we_o wish_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o have_v live_v and_o be_v as_o serious_a as_o if_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o to_o enter_v upon_o that_o change_n which_o death_n will_v quick_o make_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o strange_a stupidity_n of_o man_n that_o a_o change_n so_o near_o so_o great_a so_o certain_a shall_v affect_v we_o so_o cold_o and_o be_v so_o little_o consider_v and_o provide_v for_o by_o we_o that_o the_o thing_n of_o time_n shall_v move_v we_o so_o much_o and_o the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n so_o little_a what_o will_v we_o do_v when_o this_o change_n come_v if_o we_o have_v make_v no_o preparation_n for_o it_o if_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o do_v very_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o after_o a_o few_o day_n more_o be_v pass_v death_n will_v come_v and_o draw_z aside_o that_o thick_a veil_n of_o sense_n and_o security_n which_o now_o hide_v these_o thing_n from_o we_o and_o show_v we_o that_o fearful_a and_o amaze_a sight_n which_o
to_o be_v better_o inform_v a_o proud_a and_o conceit_a temper_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o likely_a to_o run_v into_o mistake_n because_o pride_n and_o fullness_n of_o a_o man_n self_n do_v keep_v out_o knowledge_n and_o obstruct_v all_o the_o passage_n by_o which_o wisdom_n and_o instruction_n shall_v enter_v into_o man_n beside_o that_o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o abandon_v man_n to_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o mistake_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o will_v give_v more_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n to_o the_o humble_a when_o man_n be_v once_o come_v to_o this_o to_o think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o teacher_n and_o to_o despise_v and_o cast_v off_o their_o guide_n no_o wonder_n if_o then_o they_o go_v astray_o last_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o mind_n that_o which_o be_v our_o plain_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v 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conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o future_a judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o render_n of_o a_o good_a account_n hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o for_o when_o that_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n shall_v come_v we_o shall_v most_o assure_o find_v that_o nothing_o will_v then_o raise_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o to_o lift_v up_o our_o head_n with_o joy_n like_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v that_o our_o constant_a care_n and_o companion_n now_o which_o will_v then_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n and_o rejoice_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o it_o that_o in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o will_v fill_v our_o mind_n with_o so_o much_o terror_n and_o our_o face_n with_o so_o much_o confusion_n as_o the_o clamorous_a accusation_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o will_v be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o witness_n against_o we_o and_o will_v anticipate_v our_o condemnation_n and_o pass_v almost_o as_o severe_a a_o sentence_n upon_o we_o as_o the_o judge_n himself_o can_v this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v make_v the_o sinner_n to_o droop_v and_o to_o hang_v down_o his_o head_n for_o ever_o and_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o torment_n will_v be_v the_o perpetual_a regret_n and_o remorse_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o his_o wilful_a wickedness_n and_o folly_n which_o will_v kindle_v a_o fire_n within_o he_o as_o hot_a as_o that_o without_o he_o and_o as_o hard_o to_o be_v quench_v this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a operation_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o very_o careful_a to_o have_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n now_o that_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o torment_n and_o anguish_n hereafter_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n we_o may_v not_o be_v eternal_o displease_v with_o ourselves_o and_o enrage_v at_o our_o own_o do_n but_o may_v carry_v with_o we_o thither_o conscience_n clear_a of_o all_o guilt_n either_o by_o innocency_n or_o by_o repentance_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n be_v the_o great_a weight_n or_o spring_n that_o set_v a_o go_v those_o two_o powerful_a principle_n of_o humane_a activity_n the_o hope_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n so_o fit_v to_o raise_v these_o passion_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o do_v not_o experience_n show_v we_o the_o 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principle_n as_o these_o they_o will_v fit_v their_o principle_n to_o their_o practice_n and_o so_o they_o will_v believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n lest_o this_o shall_v disturb_v they_o in_o their_o course_n vain_a man_n as_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n must_v needs_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v because_o some_o witty_a but_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v they_o these_o man_n be_v infidel_n in_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o mere_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o their_o conscience_n may_v not_o perpetual_o rate_v they_o and_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n for_o a_o right_a belief_n and_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v but_o unsuitable_a companion_n they_o be_v quarrelsome_a neighbour_n and_o must_v needs_o live_v very_o uneasy_o by_o one_o another_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v live_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v so_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o have_v any_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o his_o mind_n unless_o like_a jonah_n he_o can_v sleep_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v as_o it_o be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n for_o if_o his_o conscience_n be_v awake_a and_o in_o any_o degree_n sensible_a the_o evident_a danger_n of_o eternal_a ruin_n continual_o hang_v over_o he_o must_v in_o reason_n either_o drive_v he_o to_o repentance_n or_o to_o despair_v if_o so_o forcible_a and_o violent_a a_o argument_n can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o we_o we_o be_v stupid_a and_o bewitch_v we_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v we_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o beside_o the_o future_a reward_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o conscientious_a course_n which_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n it_o have_v also_o this_o
enemy_n that_o we_o may_v sin_v against_o he_o without_o fear_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o preserve_v our_o religion_n to_o we_o when_o we_o make_v no_o better_a use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o our_o life_n when_o it_o serve_v most_o of_o we_o only_o to_o talk_v of_o it_o and_o too_o many_o among_o we_o to_o talk_v against_o it_o to_o deride_v it_o and_o despiteful_o to_o use_v it_o if_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o case_n what_o can_v we_o say_v why_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o what_o can_v we_o say_v why_o our_o candlestick_n shall_v not_o be_v remove_v and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o have_v so_o long_o enjoy_v and_o so_o long_o rebel_v against_o shall_v not_o be_v utter_o extinguish_v among_o we_o and_o if_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o to_o come_v to_o these_o good_a resolution_n and_o to_o make_v they_o good_a if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o practice_v yet_o be_v please_v to_o attend_v to_o what_o we_o say_v hear_v our_o word_n at_o least_o if_o you_o will_v not_o do_v they_o this_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v do_v when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a so_o god_n tell_v the_o prophet_n concern_v they_o 33.31_o they_o come_v unto_o thou_o as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o at_o any_o time_n have_v occasion_n to_o praise_v than_o to_o reprove_v especial_o in_o this_o great_a assembly_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v that_o the_o behaviour_n of_o too_o many_o in_o this_o place_n be_v frequent_o so_o careless_a and_o irreverent_a as_o be_v very_o mis-becoming_a those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o profess_v at_o that_o very_a time_n to_o worship_n he_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v a_o better_a pattern_n perpetual_o before_o we_o of_o a_o decent_a and_o unaffected_a devotion_n of_o a_o most_o serious_a and_o steady_a attention_n without_o wander_v without_o diversion_n and_o without_o drowsiness_n such_o a_o example_n as_o i_o can_v but_o hope_n will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n gain_v upon_o we_o all_o and_o by_o a_o more_o gentle_a and_o silent_a reproof_n win_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o with_o that_o reverence_n and_o to_o hear_v with_o that_o attention_n which_o become_v the_o worship_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o may_v then_o be_v hope_v that_o we_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v and_o consideration_n will_v probable_o work_v conviction_n and_o conviction_n bring_v we_o to_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o to_o a_o firm_a purpose_n of_o do_v what_o we_o be_v inward_o convince_v it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o do_v let_v we_o then_o go_v away_o from_o this_o solemnity_n with_o a_o resolution_n to_o do_v every_o one_o what_o we_o ought_v true_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n past_a and_o to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n for_o the_o future_a to_o fear_v that_o great_a and_o terrible_a god_n in_o who_o presence_n we_o have_v humble_v ourselves_o this_o day_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o he_o that_o have_v smite_v we_o lest_o we_o provoke_v he_o to_o punish_v we_o yet_o seven_o time_n more_o and_o after_o that_o seven_o time_n more_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o for_o our_o impenitency_n in_o they_o till_o at_o last_o he_o make_v our_o plague_n wonderful_a to_o conclude_v let_v we_o every_o one_o with_o that_o true_a penitent_n in_o job_n take_v word_n to_o ourselves_o and_o say_v sure_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v say_v unto_o god_n i_o have_v bear_v chastisement_n i_o will_v not_o offend_v any_o more_o that_o which_o i_o see_v not_o teach_v thou_o i_o and_o if_o i_o have_v do_v iniquity_n i_o will_v do_v no_o more_o oh_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o we_o and_o with_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a happiness_n of_o man._n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n march_v the_o 20_o the_o 1691_o 2._o that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a happiness_n of_o man._n psalm_n lxxiij_o 25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o the_o design_n of_o this_o psalm_n be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n notwithstanding_o the_o prosperous_a estate_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o afflict_a condition_n of_o good_a man_n many_o time_n in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o psalmist_n whoever_o he_o be_v whether_o david_n or_o asaph_n lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o god_n be_v good_a to_o good_a man_n 1._o of_o a_o truth_n god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o at_o some_o time_n he_o be_v under_o no_o small_a temptation_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o principle_n when_o he_o behold_v the_o promiscuous_a dispensation_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o that_o the_o wicked_a be_v often_o prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n expose_v to_o great_a calamity_n in_o this_o life_n as_o if_o god_n either_o neglect_v humane_a affair_n or_o have_v a_o great_a kindness_n for_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n than_o for_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n as_o for_o i_o my_o foot_n have_v well-nigh_o slip_v 2._o for_o i_o be_v envious_a at_o the_o foolish_a when_o i_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o he_o say_v be_v a_o very_a great_a slumbling-block_n to_o good_a man_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n therefore_o his_o people_n return_v hither_o 10._o and_o water_n of_o a_o full_a cup_n be_v wring_v out_o to_o they_o and_o they_o say_v do_v god_n know_v and_o be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a this_o sentence_n be_v somewhat_o obscure_o render_v in_o our_o translation_n so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o difficult_a which_o be_v plain_o this_o therefore_o his_o people_n return_v hither_o that_o be_v therefore_o good_a man_n come_v to_o this_o in_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o question_v god_n knowledge_n and_o care_n of_o humane_a affair_n behold_v say_v they_o 12._o these_o be_v the_o ungodly_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o prosperous_a in_o the_o world_n they_o increase_v in_o riches_n to_o what_o purpose_n then_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a very_o 13._o i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n in_o vain_a have_v i_o endeavour_v after_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o innocency_n of_o life_n since_o so_o little_a good_a come_v of_o it_o nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o i_o have_v be_v in_o continual_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n 14._o all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o be_v plague_v and_o chasten_v every_o morning_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o often_o come_v into_o his_o mind_n and_o give_v he_o great_a trouble_n and_o disquiet_v but_o he_o present_o correct_v himself_o if_o i_o say_v i_o will_v speak_v thus_o 15._o i_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o thy_o child_n that_o be_v i_o shall_v go_v against_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o have_v always_o believe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o this_o objection_n which_o at_o last_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v raise_v on_o purpose_n to_o try_v if_o he_o can_v find_v the_o solution_n of_o it_o i_o think_v to_o know_v this_o 16._o which_o be_v grievous_a in_o my_o eye_n and_o then_o he_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o if_o we_o full_o understand_v from_o first_o to_o last_o we_o shall_v see_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o when_o i_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n 18._o then_o shall_v i_o understand_v