of_o humane_a nature_n be_v to_o do_v good_a this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n and_o glory_n of_o riches_n and_o power_n that_o it_o make_v man_n public_a patron_n and_o tutelar_a angel_n to_o their_o fellow_n creature_n which_o be_v the_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o pagan_a world_n make_v god_n of_o man_n but_o self-love_n know_v nothing_o of_o this_o happiness_n but_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o but_o to_o set_v aside_o other_o consideration_n mankind_n will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o make_v himself_o easy_a and_o happy_a by_o self-love_n when_o he_o be_v know_v they_o combine_v against_o he_o as_o a_o common_a enemy_n they_o load_v he_o with_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n they_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o ill-gotten_a riches_n and_o severe_o revenge_v his_o injury_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o humane_a government_n and_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o 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faction_n no_o emulation_n and_o jealousy_n no_o private_a interest_n no_o rival_n where_o all_o centre_n in_o god_n and_o embrace_v each_o other_o and_o mingle_v flame_n and_o feel_v and_o rejoice_v in_o each_o other_o happiness_n to_o which_o bless_a place_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xvi_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n 2_o cor._n four_o ver_fw-la 18._o while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a this_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o 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thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v mean_v all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v all_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a strange_a choice_n to_o prefer_v what_o be_v absent_a and_o unseen_a before_o what_o be_v present_a and_o sensible_a to_o be_v unconcern_v about_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o unseen_a hope_n and_o fear_n no_o saiâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n we_o have_v all_o the_o reasoâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d world_n to_o do_v so_o because_o see_v thingâ—…â—…re_o but_o temporal_a and_o unseen_a thing_n be_v eternal_a this_o world_n will_v last_v but_o a_o little_a while_n the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o but_o the_o world_n to_o come_v will_v have_v no_o end_n and_o this_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o see_v and_o unseen_a thing_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a competition_n as_o 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be_v the_o sure_a side_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v christianity_n and_o a_o future_a state_n if_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n if_o we_o disbelieve_v it_o we_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v not_o prove_v true_a we_o lose_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o the_o transient_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o have_v all_o the_o present_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o virtue_n and_o great_a hope_n and_o those_o who_o have_v try_v both_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n far_o exceed_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o immortal_a life_n do_v more_o ravish_v and_o transport_v than_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n can_v do_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o world_n be_v so_o very_o terrible_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v run_v the_o least_o hazard_n of_o they_o but_o instead_o of_o demand_v a_o demonstrative_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n of_o torment_n will_v demand_v a_o demonstrative_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v not_o before_o he_o will_v venture_v and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n so_o exceed_v all_o our_o imagination_n that_o a_o very_a little_a evidence_n will_v persuade_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o venture_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o short_a be_v this_o to_o despise_v all_o faith_n be_v to_o ridicule_n human_a nature_n and_o human_a conversation_n for_o god_n have_v make_v we_o such_o creature_n that_o three_o part_n of_o our_o life_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o foolish_a absurd_a unsafe_a principle_n of_o action_n i_o be_o sure_a man_n be_v a_o very_a wretched_a and_o contemptible_a creature_n for_o man_n must_v live_v by_o faith_n we_o can_v see_v each_o other_o heart_n and_o thought_n and_o i_o believe_v no_o man_n desire_v that_o other_o man_n shall_v see_v his_o heart_n how_o much_o soever_o he_o may_v desire_v to_o see_v they_o and_o then_o we_o can_v converse_v with_o each_o other_o with_o any_o pleasure_n and_o security_n without_o believe_v we_o be_v finite_a creature_n our_o life_n be_v short_a and_o we_o can_v be_v but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o a_o time_n and_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o ourselves_o see_v what_o a_o narrow_a contemptible_a thing_n be_v human_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o eye_n and_o ear_n witness_n and_o of_o credible_a history_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o best_a as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o large_a part_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o with_o the_o wise_a rule_n and_o example_n of_o life_n and_o though_o we_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v mistake_v this_o only_a make_v man_n more_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a not_o infidel_n but_o a_o divine_a faith_n give_v we_o a_o much_o more_o infallible_a assurance_n than_o human_a faith_n can_v do_v for_o we_o know_v god_n can_v deceive_v we_o as_o man_n may_v and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v as_o great_a nay_o much_o great_a evidence_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o we_o have_v for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o most_o certain_a human_a faith_n and_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n nay_o if_o they_o will_v but_o allow_v which_o no_o consider_a man_n can_v deny_v that_o we_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n for_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o have_v for_o any_o other_o history_n which_o they_o most_o firm_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o wise_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n nay_o be_v there_o less_o evidence_n than_o there_o 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live_v threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n or_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o he_o will_v certain_o wonder_v at_o your_o question_n and_o think_v it_o a_o affront_n since_o nature_n teach_v all_o man_n to_o answer_v it_o without_o the_o least_o dispute_n or_o consideration_n about_o it_o all_o man_n love_v life_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n desire_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o passion_n that_o i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o but_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n suppose_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v immortal_a beggar_n than_o mortal_a prince_n or_o at_o least_o will_v content_v themselves_o with_o a_o very_a mean_a station_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o take_v their_o chance_n as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o not_o to_o be_v for_o life_n be_v sweet_a and_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n and_o if_o man_n who_o know_v no_o better_o will_v be_v content_v to_o take_v their_o fortune_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o venture_v a_o eternal_a round_n of_o uncertain_a and_o changeable_a scene_n and_o prefer_v this_o before_o fourscore_o or_o a_o hundred_o year_n of_o the_o great_a prosperity_n and_o glory_n one_o will_v think_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o most_o prosperous_a state_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a unchangeable_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o though_o most_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o live_v as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v submit_v to_o any_o condition_n which_o will_v make_v they_o immortal_a here_o they_o think_v the_o case_n very_o much_o alter_v when_o you_o promise_v they_o immortal_a life_n in_o the_o next_o world_n as_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o this_o that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o mortification_n to_o save_v their_o soul_n as_o they_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o to_o save_v their_o life_n skin_n for_o skin_n and_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v will_v he_o give_v for_o his_o life_n but_o they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o all_o they_o have_v to_o save_v their_o soul_n nay_o will_v venture_v their_o soul_n to_o get_v or_o to_o save_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o very_a little_a part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o which_o make_v it_o more_o wonderful_a there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o such_o man_n who_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o this_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v agree_v that_o what_o be_v eternal_a aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o what_o be_v temporal_a and_o yet_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v prefer_v temporal_a thing_n before_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v to_o these_o man_n will_v you_o prove_v that_o eternity_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o time_n this_o be_v lose_v labour_n for_o they_o all_o own_o it_o and_o have_v a_o natural_a sense_n of_o it_o which_o be_v more_o powerful_a than_o any_o other_o argument_n will_v you_o then_o persuade_v they_o to_o prefer_v eternal_a before_o temporal_a thing_n but_o by_o what_o argument_n will_v you_o persuade_v if_o eternity_n itself_o can_v persuade_v in_o such_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o dispute_v no_o need_n to_o convince_v man_n reason_n i_o know_v nothing_o leave_v but_o to_o paint_v and_o represent_v to_o draw_v such_o lively_a image_n and_o picture_n as_o may_v move_v man_n passion_n and_o give_v they_o a_o feel_a sense_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o to_o do_v this_o to_o as_o great_a advantage_n as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v one_a consider_v the_o
will_v i_o can_v imagine_v that_o it_o shall_v weaken_v the_o argument_n to_o translate_v this_o immortal_a life_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n which_o be_v so_o much_o a_o happy_a place_n than_o this_o earth_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v this_o the_o case_n that_o virtuous_a man_n shall_v be_v immortal_a in_o this_o world_n and_o none_o but_o sinner_n shall_v die_v sin_n will_v render_v man_n the_o most_o contemptible_a and_o infamous_a creature_n to_o prefer_v the_o short_a extravagancy_n of_o vice_n before_o a_o virtuous_a immortality_n in_o short_a the_o difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n be_v such_o a_o reason_n as_o no_o difficulty_n can_v answer_v eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o any_o temporal_a suffering_n and_o whatever_o the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n may_v be_v they_o must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o eternal_a misery_n 2_o as_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n 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the_o next_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n can_v be_v very_o valuable_a because_o it_o be_v not_o constant_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o be_v frequent_o delay_v disappoint_v or_o interrupt_v and_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o formidable_a because_o they_o have_v their_o allay_v and_o intermission_n too_o and_o can_v continue_v long_o in_o great_a extremity_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o temporal_a thing_n to_o change_v and_o alter_v which_o lessen_v the_o pleasure_n and_o temper_n the_o misery_n of_o life_n but_o a_o eternal_a constant_a uninterrupted_a happiness_n a_o eternal_a constant_a uninterrupted_a misery_n a_o happiness_n and_o misery_n without_o any_o end_n and_o without_o any_o intermission_n or_o alloy_n this_o be_v perfect_a happiness_n and_o perfect_a misery_n infinite_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o fear_v than_o what_o time_n can_v alter_v this_o represent_v temporal_a thing_n as_o in_o themselves_o of_o no_o great_a value_n and_o give_v a_o natural_a preference_n to_o eternal_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n exhortation_n lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n where_o moth_n and_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v but_o lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n can_v break_v through_o and_o steal_v this_o make_v a_o natural_a subordination_n between_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a thing_n and_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o choice_n in_o make_v to_o ourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o we_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v we_o into_o â—…verlasting_a habitation_n or_o like_o that_o wise_a merchant_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v find_v a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n go_v and_o fold_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v those_o man_n who_o believe_v another_o life_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o unseen_a thing_n not_o to_o look_v at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v bad_a man_n themselves_o feel_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o have_v no_o way_n to_o avoid_v it_o but_o by_o make_v these_o unseen_a thing_n more_o invisible_a than_o they_o real_o be_v they_o love_v these_o see_v thing_n so_o well_o though_o they_o be_v but_o temporal_a that_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o unseen_a eternal_a thing_n which_o they_o be_v convince_v aught_o to_o have_v the_o preference_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o eternal_a thing_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o shall_v brief_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n nor_o direct_o to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o another_o world_n but_o to_o show_v they_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o entertain_v such_o a_o aversion_n as_o they_o manifest_o betray_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o infamous_a than_o a_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o immortality_n be_v any_o thing_n more_o natural_a to_o mankind_n than_o the_o desire_n of_o immortality_n next_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o be_v there_o a_o more_o terrible_a thought_n than_o fall_v into_o nothing_o and_o how_o unnatural_a then_o be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o believe_v themselves_o immortal_a and_o to_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o hope_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v like_o beast_n and_o to_o appear_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o they_o can_v start_v some_o difficulty_n to_o weaken_v the_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o another_o world_n true_o you_o will_v say_v this_o seem_v somewhat_o unnatural_a but_o this_o be_v partial_o represent_v and_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o case_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o all_o penitent_n threaten_v eternal_a death_n too_o against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o if_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a into_o immortal_a life_n we_o must_v believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o these_o be_v such_o terrible_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o heaven_n then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o hell_n and_o they_o have_v rather_o reject_v these_o great_a hope_n than_o take_v the_o hope_n and_o the_o fear_v together_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o man_n infidelity_n not_o that_o they_o absolute_o despise_v immortal_a life_n the_o desire_n of_o which_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o fear_v eternal_a misery_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v very_o unnatural_a to_o reject_v the_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n for_o the_o desire_n of_o immortality_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o necessary_a desire_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o govern_v all_o other_o desire_v for_o it_o be_v unnatural_a to_o prefer_v any_o thing_n before_o it_o as_o fond_a as_o man_n be_v of_o their_o sin_n yet_o any_o man_n of_o understanding_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o enjoy_v his_o lust_n thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n than_o be_v immortal_a the_o design_n of_o infidelity_n be_v not_o only_o to_o cure_v man_n fear_n but_o to_o salve_v their_o reputation_n and_o to_o make_v their_o vice_n less_o infamous_a if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v seem_v natural_a and_o reasonable_a enough_o but_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o riot_n away_o immortality_n must_v make_v a_o man_n infamous_a suppose_v god_n have_v promise_v immortal_a life_n to_o good_a man_n and_o threaten_v not_o eternal_a punishment_n but_o annihilation_n to_o the_o wicked_a when_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n will_v you_o have_v think_v it_o reasonable_a then_o to_o believe_v immortality_n and_o to_o live_v virtuous_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n will_v you_o have_v think_v it_o infamous_a then_o to_o prefer_v sin_n and_o annihilation_n before_o virtue_n and_o immortality_n and_o be_v it_o not_o infamous_a then_o for_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n to_o reject_v the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o annihilation_n as_o such_o man_n general_o do_v if_o we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o serve_v god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v immortal_a and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v infamous_a not_o to_o do_v so_o suppose_v the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o immortal_a life_n then_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a prejudice_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o immortality_n
that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v now_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o no_o man_n live_v know_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n nor_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n nor_o how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n god-man_n all_o which_o concern_v the_o essence_n and_o essential_a property_n operation_n union_n relation_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v allow_v to_o be_v 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but_o how_o to_o make_v they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o useless_a knowledge_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o make_v and_o create_v power_n this_o be_v to_o know_v thing_n à _fw-fr priori_fw-la with_o a_o intuitive_a ideal_o knowledge_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o superior_a to_o reason_n â—…an_n reason_n be_v to_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o â—…ffectation_n of_o this_o intuitive_a make_v knowledge_n which_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o heretic_n 2_o another_o great_a objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o â—…a_n revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o now_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v it_o meritorious_a mere_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o that_o god_n any_o more_o intend_a to_o 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as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o less_o useful_a to_o we_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n nor_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n come_v by_o their_o different_a virtue_n and_o quality_n be_v corn_n or_o fruit_n or_o herb_n the_o less_o nourish_a or_o refresh_v because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o grow_v do_v it_o require_v any_o philosophy_n to_o know_v how_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v will_v not_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o â—…less_v we_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v concoctâ—…_n and_o turn_v into_o chile_n and_o blood_n â—…d_a spirit_n nay_o be_v it_o of_o no_o use_n to_o â—…ow_v that_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a omnipoâ—…nt_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v be_v â—…less_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o be_v â—…n_v be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n and_o â—…ithout_v a_o beginning_n or_o can_v compreâ—…end_v how_o he_o can_v do_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n â—…d_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o â—…ithout_n extension_n and_o without_o part_n â—…e_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v â—…ade_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a â—…easons_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n â—…f_o any_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v god_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o creature_n ought_v to_o know_v god_n â—…hough_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n how_o unaccountable_a soever_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o eternal_a father_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n nor_o how_o this_o eternal_a son_n in_o time_n become_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sinner_n to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o that_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n live_v a_o poor_a necessitous_a laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o quicken_v and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o we_o must_v suppose_v in_o this_o argument_n all_o mankind_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a knowledge_n and_o never_o the_o less_o useful_a because_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n can_v we_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n we_o shall_v know_v more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v but_o faith_n make_v it_o as_o useful_a 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infidelity_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n because_o it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o credulity_n which_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o folly_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n covetousness_n must_v be_v a_o virtue_n because_o it_o be_v the_o opposite_a extreme_a to_o prodigality_n credulity_n and_o infidelity_n both_o argue_v the_o same_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n for_o it_o be_v as_o great_a want_n of_o judgement_n not_o to_o believe_v upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n as_o to_o believe_v without_o it_o but_o credulity_n be_v the_o most_o pardonable_a because_o it_o be_v the_o better_a nature_a fault_n and_o argue_v the_o better_a temper_n of_o mind_n a_o credulous_a man_n believe_v too_o well_o of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o trust_v they_o too_o soon_o or_o he_o be_v very_o religious_o incline_v and_o that_o dispose_v he_o to_o believe_v all_o religious_a tale_n but_o a_o infidel_n distrust_v all_o mankind_n and_o fear_n or_o hate_v all_o 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gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v be_v it_o not_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o demand_v any_o other_o evidence_n than_o what_o belong_v to_o faith_n to_o demand_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n for_o pure_a matter_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n all_o the_o evidence_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v ask_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o and_o can_v see_v to_o demand_v more_o be_v to_o reject_v faith_n itself_o and_o to_o condemn_v all_o mankind_n of_o credulity_n who_o believe_v any_o thing_n and_o indeed_o whoever_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o objection_n infidel_n urge_v against_o christianity_n will_v find_v that_o they_o all_o tend_v either_o to_o downright_a scepticism_n or_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n as_o unfit_a for_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o act_v on_o which_o overthrow_v all_o humane_a 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not_o that_o evidence_n satisfy_v we_o for_o another_o world_n which_o in_o a_o thousand_o case_n satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o what_o excuse_v can_v we_o make_v for_o our_o infidelity_n if_o god_n give_v we_o such_o evidence_n for_o another_o world_n as_o wise_a man_n think_v sufficient_a to_o act_v on_o in_o this_o their_o reason_n for_o this_o have_v so_o little_a appearance_n of_o sense_n that_o they_o may_v look_v like_o abuse_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o only_a reason_n they_o can_v give_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v force_v in_o many_o case_n to_o act_v upon_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o this_o world_n because_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o can_v have_v no_o better_a evidence_n and_o yet_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o act_v and_o choose_v one_o thing_n or_o other_o if_o they_o will_v live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o believe_v any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o may_v demand_v such_o evidence_n as_o will_v force_v a_o assent_n and_o leave_v no_o possibility_n of_o a_o mistake_n or_o deceit_n for_o why_o shall_v they_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a of_o when_o they_o need_v not_o believe_v it_o unless_o they_o will_n now_o both_o part_n of_o this_o answer_n be_v very_o faulty_a wise_a man_n do_v not_o act_v upon_o moral_a evidence_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o human_a faith_n mere_o because_o they_o can_v have_v no_o better_o but_o because_o they_o think_v this_o sufficient_a and_o to_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o therefore_o they_o act_v with_o great_a security_n where_o they_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n and_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n one_o way_n nor_o other_o do_v they_o not_o think_v it_o wise_a and_o safe_a and_o prudent_a which_o show_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v concern_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o stranger_n that_o any_o man_n who_o ever_o hear_v of_o another_o world_n and_o of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n can_v think_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o he_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o he_o must_v either_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o the_o consequence_n either_o way_n be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n they_o have_v a_o mighty_a mastery_n over_o themselves_o if_o they_o can_v believe_v and_o disbelieve_v what_o they_o will_v there_o be_v such_o degree_n of_o evidence_n even_o of_o moral_a evidence_n as_o wise_a man_n can_v resist_v and_o i_o think_v that_o make_v faith_n necessary_a if_o we_o believe_v like_o men._n but_o when_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v this_o lay_v a_o terrible_a necessity_n upon_o we_o for_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a and_o we_o continue_v infidel_n we_o must_v perish_v for_o ever_o and_o if_o necessity_n will_v justify_v our_o believe_a and_o act_v upon_o reasonable_a moral_a evidence_n though_o we_o have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n or_o natural_a demonstration_n those_o who_o do_v not_o think_v eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n to_o be_v necessity_n enough_o let_v they_o find_v a_o great_a if_o they_o can_v 2._o another_o pretence_n be_v that_o the_o vast_a difference_n between_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o if_o there_o be_v another_o world_n require_v a_o very_a different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v of_o such_o little_a consequence_n that_o they_o may_v better_o venture_v though_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v but_o religion_n be_v of_o eternal_a importance_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v too_o credulous_a in_o such_o matter_n now_o though_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o i_o can_v bear_v that_o man_n who_o believe_v no_o other_o world_n shall_v make_v this_o difference_n for_o if_o this_o life_n be_v all_o that_o they_o expect_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o venture_v more_o than_o all_o whether_o it_o be_v time_n or_o eternity_n and_o if_o they_o will_v venture_v their_o temporal_a all_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n why_o be_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o venture_v our_o eternal_a all_o upon_o it_o when_o we_o can_v have_v and_o indeed_o need_v no_o better_a evidence_n but_o this_o very_a consideration_n of_o the_o vast_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n turn_v upon_o themselves_o and_o make_v it_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a to_o act_v upon_o much_o less_o evidence_n than_o we_o have_v for_o the_o other_o world_n for_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n as_o every_o thing_n be_v that_o be_v eternal_a it_o concern_v we_o always_o to_o be_v on_o the_o sure_a side_n where_o we_o venture_v least_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v and_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v which_o
of_o the_o other_o world_n both_o of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o each_o if_o there_o be_v still_o a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n as_o they_o will_v certain_o find_v there_o be_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o either_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n or_o to_o miss_v hell_n they_o will_v lose_v their_o way_n in_o the_o dark_a to_o heaven_n but_o darkness_n lead_v direct_o to_o hell_n whither_o no_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o go_v but_o in_o the_o dark_a man_n who_o have_v their_o eye_n open_a and_o see_v hell_n before_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o start_v and_o give_v back_o at_o such_o a_o sight_n but_o those_o who_o can_v shut_v their_o eye_n and_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o neither_o see_v a_o god_n nor_o a_o judge_n heaven_n nor_o hell_n will_v sin_v on_o without_o fear_n of_o hell_n till_o they_o feel_v its_o torment_n there_o be_v no_o such_o infallible_a way_n to_o make_v ourselves_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a as_o to_o shut_v out_o the_o light_n which_o will_v discover_v to_o we_o both_o our_o shame_n and_o danger_n and_o let_v no_o man_n envy_v those_o who_o have_v so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v sin_v without_o shame_n and_o fear_v who_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o great_a happiness_n to_o be_v eternal_o damn_v before_o they_o know_v it_o but_o there_o be_v this_o further_a danger_n in_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o it_o ordinary_o seal_v man_n up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o destruction_n man_n who_o thus_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o shut_v their_o eye_n seldom_o open_v they_o again_o in_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o they_o to_o open_v they_o in_o the_o next_o such_o man_n do_v not_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v any_o extraordinary_a method_n to_o convince_v they_o and_o they_o have_v already_o harden_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v arrive_v at_o that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n to_o think_v all_o mankind_n easy_a ignorant_a credulous_a fool_n but_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v of_o deal_n with_o such_o man_n as_o with_o reasonable_a creature_n neither_o argument_n nor_o authority_n can_v prevail_v while_o they_o believe_v themselves_o the_o only_a master_n and_o judge_n of_o reason_n and_o have_v judge_v all_o beforehand_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o keep_v their_o ground_n and_o to_o reject_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v for_o their_o conviction_n with_o scorn_n this_o show_v how_o dangerous_a a_o state_n these_o man_n be_v in_o and_o how_o little_a hope_n there_o be_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o they_o shall_v ever_o see_v their_o mistake_n and_o deliver_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n and_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v well_o about_o we_o before_o we_o shut_v our_o eye_n when_o there_o be_v so_o little_a hope_n that_o we_o shall_v ever_o open_v they_o again_o thus_o when_o man_n put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a what_o be_v bitter_a will_v prove_v bitterness_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n if_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o sin_n be_v so_o grievous_a and_o torment_a as_o all_o man_n feel_v it_o be_v before_o they_o have_v stupefy_v their_o conscience_n and_o corrupt_v their_o natural_a sense_n of_o thing_n when_o this_o unnatural_a force_n be_v take_v off_o when_o these_o opiate_n have_v lose_v their_o virtue_n and_o conscience_n awake_v again_o as_o it_o will_v certain_o do_v in_o the_o next_o world_n it_o will_v awake_v in_o a_o terrible_a fright_n and_o fury_n never_o to_o fall_v asleep_o more_o when_o sinner_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n sin_n have_v bring_v they_o into_o repentance_n itself_o have_v its_o agony_n and_o terror_n its_o remorse_n and_o shame_n and_o fear_v but_o not_o without_o hope_n and_o repentance_n as_o it_o reform_v our_o life_n cure_v our_o fear_n and_o heal_v the_o wound_n which_o it_o make_v but_o when_o man_n eye_n shall_v be_v open_v in_o the_o next_o world_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o misery_n when_o repentance_n come_v too_o late_o to_o procure_v a_o pardon_n when_o they_o shall_v repent_v with_o eternal_a anguish_n horror_n despair_n and_o self-revenge_n than_o they_o will_v find_v what_o a_o evil_a and_o bitter_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n which_o breed_v a_o worm_n in_o the_o conscience_n which_o perpetual_o knaw_v and_o torment_n but_o never_o die_v to_o conclude_v let_v this_o warn_v we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o pervert_v our_o judgement_n to_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o to_o corrupt_v our_o natural_a sense_n of_o thing_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v conquer_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n let_v we_o rather_o choose_v the_o shame_n and_o the_o sorrow_n of_o repentance_n than_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n which_o may_v skin_n over_o the_o wound_n at_o present_a but_o can_v heal_v it_o which_o may_v give_v we_o some_o present_a ease_n and_o relief_n but_o will_v end_v in_o eternal_a woe_n let_v we_o always_o preserve_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o hearken_v to_o the_o dictate_v and_o reproof_n of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v never_o fall_v under_o the_o woe_n denounce_v in_o my_o text_n against_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a who_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xix_o preach_v at_o the_o temple-church_n isaiah_n 5._o for_o 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n i_o have_v already_o explain_v these_o word_n and_o show_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil_n by_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n by_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o who_o those_o be_v who_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n 2._o how_o man_n come_v to_o judge_v thus_o perverse_o of_o thing_n 3._o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o such_o man_n and_o how_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v but_o there_o be_v one_o which_o i_o must_v observe_v from_o the_o whole_a which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o viz._n the_o natural_a progress_n of_o wickedness_n and_o what_o art_n and_o pain_n it_o require_v to_o make_v a_o finish_v and_o accomplish_a sinner_n in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n of_o nature_n our_o sensual_a inclination_n be_v very_o strong_a and_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o learn_v be_v to_o please_v our_o sense_n and_o this_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v our_o life_n with_o all_o worldly_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n but_o still_o while_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o in_o any_o instance_n that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v evil_a and_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n they_o be_v but_o very_o imperfect_a beginner_n they_o sin_n with_o shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o the_o terrible_a rebuke_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a 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profligate_v sinner_n can_v shelter_v themselves_o in_o a_o schism_n and_o palliate_v or_o expiate_v their_o other_o crime_n by_o a_o factious_a zeal_n and_o therefore_o if_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o see_v christianity_n flourish_v we_o must_v pray_v hearty_o for_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o let_v we_o brief_o inquire_v wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n one_a unity_n of_o faith_n whereby_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o all_o christian_n must_v agree_v in_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o speculation_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o it_o can_v be_v so_o but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v while_o man_n have_v such_o different_a understanding_n and_o ability_n such_o different_a skill_n and_o opportunity_n of_o enquiry_n but_o 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scripture_n and_o whoever_o believe_v this_o and_o practice_n according_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o reduce_v all_o this_o into_o artificial_a scheme_n wherein_o man_n fancy_n and_o conceit_n differ_v what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o dispute_v what_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o the_o efficacy_n of_o work_n be_v in_o our_o justification_n when_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o we_o be_v save_v only_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n but_o man_n may_v be_v save_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n better_o secure_v without_o such_o particular_a determination_n thus_o all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v that_o all_o god_n work_n be_v know_v to_o he_o 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wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n power_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o inquire_v any_o far_a into_o the_o divine_a decree_n than_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o particular_a explication_n of_o which_o when_o man_n follow_v their_o own_o fancy_n they_o vast_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o god_n desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v return_v and_o live_v that_o our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o that_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n this_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o this_o attributt_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v to_o ourselves_o this_o encourage_v we_o to_o do_v good_a in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o teach_v bad_a man_n that_o they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o charge_v it_o on_o god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v because_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o when_o man_n frame_v this_o into_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n they_o then_o divide_v as_o far_o from_o each_o other_o as_o east_n and_o west_n and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o reconcile_a they_o
bear_v this_o when_o so_o dear_a a_o interest_n be_v concern_v as_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n so_o often_o mention_n be_v to_o preserve_v man_n of_o different_a attainment_n and_o different_a apprehension_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o countenance_v their_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o yet_o since_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o such_o unhappy_a circumstance_n that_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n be_v in_o other_o respect_n very_o good_a christian_n and_o such_o as_o our_o common_a saviour_n will_v receive_v with_o all_o their_o infirmity_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o schism_n let_v we_o still_o treat_v they_o as_o christian_a brethren_n pay_v all_o that_o kindness_n and_o respect_n to_o they_o which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n and_o the_o wholesome_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n must_v not_o be_v present_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o scruple_n of_o every_o good_a but_o it_o may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o indiscreet_a christian_a but_o yet_o in_o our_o treatment_n of_o they_o we_o must_v consider_v whether_o we_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v own_v they_o with_o all_o their_o fault_n and_o if_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n will_v own_v they_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o own_v they_o and_o pay_v such_o kindness_n to_o they_o as_o be_v due_a to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n though_o under_o some_o mistake_v now_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a after_o all_o the_o heat_n that_o have_v be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n neither_o of_o they_o will_v damn_v each_o other_o upon_o account_n of_o such_o difference_n as_o be_v between_o they_o no_o church_n of_o england-man_n will_v say_v that_o to_o pray_v extempore_o to_o baptise_v without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o officiate_v without_o a_o surplice_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n sit_v be_v damn_v sin_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v very_o few_o if_o any_o of_o our_o dissenter_n that_o will_v say_v that_o the_o contrary_a practice_n be_v damn_v and_o then_o there_o may_v be_v good_a christian_n on_o both_o side_n and_o those_o who_o be_v so_o aught_o to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n though_o divide_v in_o their_o external_a communion_n by_o some_o unhappy_a difference_n schism_n indeed_o we_o do_v say_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n but_o there_o may_v be_v division_n where_o there_o be_v not_o always_o the_o guilt_n and_o formality_n of_o schism_n and_o we_o hope_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o good_a man_n who_o separate_z from_o the_o church_n through_o some_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n this_o show_v what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o love_v one_o another_o notwithstanding_o such_o divide_v dispute_n but_o if_o we_o will_v practice_v this_o true_a christian_a charity_n we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o these_o difference_n do_v not_o grow_v up_o into_o personal_a hatred_n and_o animosity_n man_n opinion_n and_o practice_n may_v differ_v and_o while_o they_o dispute_v fair_o they_o may_v be_v friend_n still_o but_o when_o self-love_n honour_n reputation_n and_o interest_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o quarrel_n this_o make_v the_o enmity_n mortal_a and_o they_o must_v ruin_v one_o another_o though_o they_o both_o fall_v together_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o the_o zeal_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v treat_v 2._o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v its_o preservation_n from_o the_o oppression_n and_o persecution_n of_o its_o enemy_n for_o the_o church_n never_o want_v enemy_n though_o their_o power_n be_v not_o always_o equal_a and_o this_o i_o presume_v i_o need_v not_o persuade_v you_o to_o pray_v for_o for_o you_o be_v all_o sensible_a what_o a_o advantage_n this_o be_v there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o will_v choose_v rack_n and_o torture_n a_o gibbet_n or_o a_o stake_n these_o be_v grievous_a thing_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o very_a thought_n of_o which_o make_v we_o tremble_v though_o immortal_a life_n and_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n presence_n be_v a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a trial_n even_o to_o the_o best_a man_n who_o when_o they_o see_v it_o a_o come_n can_v but_o pray_v with_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o agony_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v lord_n let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o though_o good_a man_n prefer_v their_o future_a hope_n before_o all_o present_a thing_n yet_o their_o life_n their_o ease_n their_o liberty_n their_o estate_n be_v valuable_a thing_n too_o and_o all_o man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o get_v to_o heaven_n without_o meeting_n with_o such_o a_o storm_n by_o the_o way_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o storm_n as_o threaten_v the_o very_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o subvert_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o profess_a christian_n to_o entail_v ignorance_n infidelity_n or_o monstrous_a error_n on_o our_o posterity_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o love_n of_o our_o religion_n of_o our_o country_n of_o our_o posterity_n will_v make_v we_o raise_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o voice_n to_o heaven_n in_o our_o fervent_a and_o passionate_a prayer_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o if_o we_o do_v hearty_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n methinks_v we_o shall_v not_o sacrifice_v our_o religion_n to_o private_a animosity_n god_n forbid_v be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n and_o have_v i_o never_o so_o little_a kindness_n for_o dissenter_n that_o i_o shall_v ever_o embrace_v any_o 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promise_v make_v he_o say_v not_o unto_o seed_n as_o of_o many_o but_o as_o of_o one_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ._n i_o say_v till_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o promise_a seed_n and_o typify_v by_o isaac_n come_v the_o carnal_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n descend_v from_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v the_o typical_a israel_n and_o god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n and_o all_o this_o while_n god_n never_o whole_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o when_o christ_n come_v than_o the_o promise_n be_v establish_v to_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n those_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v in_o the_o same_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n and_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v to_o that_o terrible_a objection_n against_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o god_n own_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o his_o peculiar_a and_o elect_a 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then_o he_o â—…rose_v and_o rebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a calm_a this_o be_v a_o figure_n and_o emblem_n of_o the_o condition_n the_o church_n be_v very_o often_o in_o in_o this_o world_n for_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n have_v some_o spiritual_a signification_n in_o they_o his_o cure_v the_o halt_n and_o blind_a and_o lame_a and_o deaf_a represent_v his_o divine_a power_n in_o cure_v the_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a he_o turn_v his_o discourse_n to_o spiritual_a blindness_n 9_o joh._n 39_o 40_o 41._o when_o he_o have_v feed_v that_o great_a multitude_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o small_a fish_n he_o discourse_v to_o they_o of_o that_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o will_v nourish_v they_o unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o which_o he_o only_o can_v give_v they_o 6._o john_n when_o he_o discourse_v with_o martha_n about_o raise_v her_o brother_n lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o preach_v to_o she_o his_o divine_a power_n to_o raise_v dead_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o dead_a body_n into_o immortal_a life_n 11._o john_n 25_o 26._o when_o the_o disciple_n at_o christ_n command_n have_v cast_v their_o net_n into_o the_o sea_n after_o have_v toil_v all_o night_n and_o take_v nothing_o and_o encompass_v a_o great_a multitude_n of_o fish_n he_o tell_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o fisher_n of_o men._n thus_o here_o christ_n rebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v up_o the_o ship_n wherein_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n be_v be_v a_o figure_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o protect_v it_o how_o threaten_v soever_o the_o danger_n be_v christ_n be_v in_o the_o ship_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o rage_n and_o foam_n can_v never_o swallow_v up_o that_o ship_n wherein_o christ_n be_v unless_o they_o can_v swallow_v he_o up_o too_o and_o though_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v asleep_a and_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o suffering_n and_o danger_n of_o his_o church_n yet_o the_o importunate_a prayer_n and_o cry_n of_o his_o disciple_n will_v awake_v he_o and_o then_o he_o will_v arise_v to_o their_o defence_n and_o hush_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n into_o a_o calm_a this_o the_o church_n have_v frequent_a exâ—…erience_n of_o under_o the_o pagan_a persecuâ—…ons_n which_o rage_v with_o fire_n and_o â—…word_n and_o all_o the_o witty_a art_n of_o cruâ—…lty_n when_o nothing_o will_v serve_v but_o â—…he_a final_a extirpation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o how_o often_o do_v christ_n â—…ebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n and_o restore_v profound_a peace_n and_o rest_n to_o his_o church_n what_o a_o glorious_a triumph_n do_v he_o give_v his_o church_n over_o the_o last_o and_o most_o terrible_a effort_n of_o the_o pagan_a power_n when_o he_o raise_v constantine_n into_o the_o throne_n and_o make_v the_o empire_n christian_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a consideration_n to_o we_o at_o this_o time_n the_o protestant_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n have_v now_o for_o many_o year_n groan_v under_o the_o antichristian_a tyranny_n and_o persecution_n and_o now_o at_o last_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v the_o last_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o terrible_a insult_n of_o the_o antichristian_a power_n a_o great_a and_o mighty_a prince_n bend_v his_o whole_a force_n to_o root_v out_o the_o protestant_a name_n as_o well_o as_o to_o usurp_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o wherever_o his_o power_n and_o influence_n reach_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o from_o some_o of_o his_o subject_n he_o have_v force_v away_o their_o faith_n other_o to_o keep_v their_o faith_n have_v lose_v their_o estate_n their_o liberty_n their_o country_n their_o life_n what_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o at_o home_n we_o all_o see_v and_o feel_v not_o long_o since_o though_o some_o man_n will_v now_o persuade_v we_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a terrible_a dream_n if_o it_o be_v one_o and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o we_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o it_o and_o may_v we_o never_o fall_v into_o such_o frightful_a slumber_n more_o or_o rather_o let_v we_o neither_o be_v lull_v asleep_o nor_o dream_v awake_a lest_o these_o frightful_a dream_n prove_v reality_n at_o last_o for_o shall_v that_o mighty_a monarch_n
therefore_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o humane_a nature_n make_v supernatural_a knowledge_n necessary_a natural_a knowledge_n we_o grant_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n though_o no_o man_n will_v have_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v have_v god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n by_o a_o more_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o man_n or_o by_o the_o frequent_a conversation_n of_o angel_n improve_v his_o knowledge_n beyond_o the_o mere_a attainment_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o this_o may_v have_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o impatient_a thirst_n after_o knowledge_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o such_o a_o great_a curiosity_n for_o secret_a and_o hide_a mystery_n that_o it_o look_v very_o unnatural_a for_o man_n to_o complain_v that_o god_n reveal_v more_o to_o they_o than_o nature_n teach_v but_o yet_o i_o say_v natural_a knowledge_n must_v be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o humane_a life_n while_o man_n continue_v innocent_a for_o that_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n as_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v who_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v make_v by_o god_n but_o when_o man_n sin_v he_o forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o natural_a immortality_n and_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v restore_v or_o not_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v be_v restore_v depend_v whole_o on_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n though_o it_o can_v direct_v a_o innocent_a man_n how_o to_o please_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o immortal_a it_o can_v not_o teach_v sinner_n how_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o certain_a hope_n that_o god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n and_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n on_o they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n in_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v not_o only_o please_v to_o restore_v sinner_n to_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o next_o world_n this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v neither_o raise_v we_o above_o nature_n nor_o discover_v supernatural_a truth_n to_o we_o and_o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o know_v and_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v if_o nature_n can_v save_v we_o it_o can_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n neither_o and_o if_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o a_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o power_n it_o must_v be_v supernatural_o reveal_v and_o what_o be_v supernatural_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n not_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n why_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o because_o our_o lapse_v state_n have_v make_v such_o supernatural_a revelation_n necessary_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v below_o the_o relief_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o our_o good_a god_n for_o supernatural_a knowledge_n and_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n one_o eternal_a god_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xi_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o hampton-court_n june_n 16._o 1700_o john_n fourteen_o 1._o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v these_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o what_o follow_v but_o only_o observe_v in_o they_o that_o our_o saâ—…iour_n not_o only_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o â—…elieve_v in_o god_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v also_o in_o he_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o deist_n who_o pretend_v to_o own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o pay_v such_o worship_n to_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v such_o law_n as_o mere_a nature_n teach_v but_o reject_v all_o reveal_v religion_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n itself_o as_o no_o better_a than_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n this_o profession_n of_o deism_n be_v grow_v very_o fashionable_a among_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o very_o glad_a that_o such_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n and_o hope_v that_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n may_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n i._o the_o folly_n of_o deism_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o this_o to_o make_v man_n consider_v a_o little_a what_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o or_o what_o wise_a end_v it_o will_v serve_v every_o one_o see_v what_o man_n intend_v by_o atheism_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o do_v what_o they_o like_v best_a themselves_o without_o any_o awe_n of_o god_n or_o reproof_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o dismal_a apprehension_n of_o unknown_a and_o endless_a punishment_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n man_n can_v take_v who_o resolve_v to_o be_v wicked_a that_o they_o may_v sin_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o bitter_a allay_v of_o shame_n and_o fear_n but_o now_o if_o a_o deist_n real_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o the_o next_o world_n he_o believe_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n too_o little_a to_o have_v any_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n that_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o hopeless_a state_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n it_o have_v all_o the_o restraint_n and_o fear_n of_o religion_n but_o none_o of_o the_o support_v and_o comfort_n of_o it_o as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o 1._o he_o who_o do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o will_v punish_v man_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o believe_v too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n though_o he_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o revelation_n for_o if_o nature_n as_o they_o grant_v teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o observe_v what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v punish_v wickedness_n natural_a conscience_n also_o will_v accuse_v and_o terrify_v and_o condemn_v wicked_a men._n thus_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a world_n before_o they_o have_v any_o revelation_n of_o god_n will._n for_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o 2_o rom._n 14_o 15._o and_o the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o all_o the_o heathen_a orator_n philosopher_n and_o poet_n and_o those_o natural_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n be_v in_o those_o day_n before_o man_n have_v ever_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o very_o unsupportable_a to_o bad_a man_n that_o they_o take_v refuge_n in_o atheism_n against_o they_o as_o lucretius_n do_v very_o honest_o confess_v and_o admire_v his_o master_n epicurus_n for_o his_o brave_a and_o bold_a attempt_n in_o deliver_v the_o world_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n so_o that_o whoever_o believe_v a_o
god_n and_o live_v wicked_o must_v fear_v on_o whether_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n or_o not_o that_o deism_n can_v do_v they_o no_o service_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a that_o the_o only_a thing_n which_o tempt_v so_o many_o man_n to_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o that_o terrible_a vengeance_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v against_o all_o wicked_a man_n lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n blackness_n of_o darkness_n the_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o be_v so_o terrible_a nor_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o gospel_n represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o prefer_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o give_v a_o more_o uncertain_a account_n of_o such_o matter_n before_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n they_o can_v more_o easy_o bear_v and_o more_o easy_o baffle_v the_o natural_a fear_n misgiving_n and_o jealousy_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n than_o such_o express_a declaration_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o sinner_n the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n make_v it_o very_o reasonable_a and_o probable_a that_o god_n shall_v punish_v sinner_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n give_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v too_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v much_o less_o that_o he_o will_v make_v any_o of_o his_o creature_n though_o sinner_n eternal_o miserable_a this_o be_v the_o true_a mystery_n of_o deism_n when_o it_o signify_v any_o more_o than_o conceal_a atheism_n mo_z man_n choose_v deism_n as_o the_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o salvation_n but_o that_o which_o make_v they_o so_o fond_a of_o it_o and_o so_o averse_a to_o believe_v any_o more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a to_o be_v damn_v but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a design_n 1._o for_o can_v there_o be_v great_a folly_n than_o to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o punishment_n of_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o yet_o to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v too_o certain_a of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n as_o this_o be_v glad_a to_o know_v certain_o what_o he_o must_v trust_v to_o and_o to_o know_v the_o very_o worst_a of_o his_o case_n the_o meaning_n of_o this_o indeed_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o a_o very_a wise_a design_n it_o be_v they_o like_v the_o uncertain_a fear_n of_o nature_n much_o better_a than_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o sin_n on_o and_o to_o venture_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o they_o can_v the_o more_o safe_o and_o honourable_o do_v the_o less_o certain_a they_o be_v but_o be_v it_o either_o safe_a or_o honourable_a to_o venture_v future_a misery_n will_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n choose_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o though_o we_o reject_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v still_o reasonable_a to_o fear_v as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o nature_n teach_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v sinner_n it_o can_v be_v safe_a to_o venture_v man_n who_o pretend_v to_o live_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n aught_o to_o look_v upon_o reasonable_a fear_n as_o certain_a rule_n to_o live_v by_o for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o and_o â—…n_o they_o gain_v nothing_o by_o reject_v â—…e_o certain_a revelation_n for_o they_o must_v fear_v on_o and_o if_o they_o act_v reasonable_o must_v live_v as_o if_o their_o fear_n be_v certain_a and_o if_o they_o do_v though_o they_o reject_v revelation_n natural_a conscience_n will_v make_v they_o fear_v and_o tremble_v too_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o give_v we_o such_o certain_a evidence_n of_o future_a punishment_n as_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v as_o certain_o torment_v we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o a_o reasonable_a fear_n have_v a_o certain_a torment_n proportion_v to_o the_o object_n of_o our_o fear_n man_n do_v not_o fear_v mere_o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v for_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o fear_v and_o when_o eternal_a misery_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o fear_n a_o little_a evidence_n will_v raise_v a_o terrible_a and_o furious_a passion_n 2._o and_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o so_o particular_o acquaint_v we_o what_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v nor_o how_o long_o they_o shall_v con-continue_a as_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o this_o give_v very_o little_a relief_n to_o a_o deist_n though_o he_o 〈◊〉_d not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n accoâ—…â—…f_o eternal_a punishment_n yet_o when_o his_o fear_n be_v awaken_v he_o can_v set_v no_o bound_n or_o measure_n to_o they_o the_o fear_n of_o unknown_a misery_n paint_v the_o fancy_n with_o as_o frightful_a representation_n as_o the_o gospel_n make_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o particular_o what_o to_o fear_v we_o always_o fear_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v this_o give_v occasion_n to_o those_o poetical_a description_n of_o styx_n and_o acheron_n and_o the_o infernal_a judge_n and_o fury_n and_o those_o various_a torment_n inflict_v on_o tyrant_n and_o other_o bad_a man_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o positive_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n yet_o they_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o they_o but_o what_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o philosophy_n infer_v in_o the_o various_a transmigration_n of_o soul_n or_o periodical_a revolution_n or_o the_o final_a conflagration_n which_o they_o think_v their_o god_n themselves_o can_v not_o escape_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n prescribe_v no_o measure_n nor_o limit_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o deist_n can_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o so_o endless_a as_o the_o gospel_n describe_v they_o and_o if_o reason_n can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v less_o guilty_a fear_n will_v never_o make_v they_o less_o especial_o since_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o yet_o know_v what_o it_o say_v and_o though_o â—…hey_n can_v bribe_v their_o reason_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o their_o fear_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o believe_v the_o worst_a and_o now_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o so_o safe_a if_o they_o can_v â—…gh_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n serious_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o intend_v or_o what_o they_o gain_v by_o it_o if_o they_o do_v sincere_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o righteous_a god_n who_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o punish_v wicked_a man_n they_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n as_o a_o christian_a be_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n and_o lash_n of_o conscience_n and_o guilty_a fear_n that_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o certainty_n of_o this_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o make_v no_o difference_n if_o they_o fear_v it_o their_o fear_n will_v be_v as_o great_a and_o outrageous_a the_o sting_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v as_o sharp_a but_o their_o strength_n to_o resist_v the_o flatter_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a the_o more_o certain_a our_o faith_n be_v the_o more_o easy_a and_o secure_a our_o victory_n will_v be_v and_o to_o weaken_v our_o evidence_n be_v only_o to_o make_v ourselves_o a_o easy_a prey_n and_o if_o this_o be_v what_o they_o aim_v at_o to_o sin_v more_o easy_o and_o secure_o at_o present_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o conquer_v their_o natural_a fear_n which_o they_o can_v more_o easy_o do_v and_o so_o make_v deism_n a_o easy_a step_n to_o atheism_n i_o confess_v they_o be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n but_o while_o they_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n it_o will_v do_v they_o no_o service_n to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o may_v weaken_v their_o faith_n by_o it_o but_o not_o cure_v but_o increase_v their_o fear_n second_o as_o a_o deist_n if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o the_o principle_n he_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n gain_v noâ—…ing_v at_o all_o by_o reject_v the_o gospel_n â—…evelation_n so_o he_o lose_v all_o the_o supâ—…rts_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—…xcepting_v those_o terrible_a theatning_n â—…hich_v the_o
particular_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n be_v solemnity_n though_o possible_o some_o may_v think_v that_o this_o application_n come_v too_o late_o it_o may_v have_v be_v very_o seasonable_a one_o or_o two_o and_o thirty_o year_n ago_o while_o the_o mark_n of_o this_o terrible_a vengeance_n be_v fresh_a and_o visible_a when_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o house_n and_o church_n can_v only_o tell_v we_o where_o london_n stand_v and_o show_v we_o its_o funeral_n pile_n where_o its_o glory_n lie_v in_o the_o dust_n when_o so_o many_o thousand_o family_n feel_v the_o smart_n of_o their_o ruin_a fortune_n and_o be_v either_o force_v to_o begin_v the_o world_n again_o or_o sink_v irrecoverable_o under_o it_o this_o fiery_a vengeance_n have_v a_o voice_n then_o and_o a_o very_a terrible_a voice_n enough_o to_o awaken_v the_o most_o stupid_a and_o lethargic_a sinner_n but_o when_o we_o see_v our_o city_n rebuilt_a more_o beautiful_a than_o ever_o as_o the_o little_a poor_a remain_n of_o the_o old_a one_o witness_n when_o our_o riches_n and_o glory_n be_v increase_v beyond_o the_o example_n of_o most_o former_a age_n it_o seem_v too_o late_o to_o lament_v over_o the_o ash_n and_o rubbish_n of_o our_o fire_a city_n when_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a remain_n of_o these_o ruin_n to_o move_v our_o pity_n or_o sorrow_n and_o indeed_o be_v this_o the_o only_a design_n of_o this_o annual_a fast_a it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o or_o to_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o thanksgiving_n festival_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v that_o after_o three_o and_o thirty_o year_n the_o return_n of_o this_o day_n shall_v revive_v and_o renew_v our_o sorrow_n and_o lamentation_n when_o our_o ruin_n be_v remove_v our_o loss_n repair_v and_o those_o frightful_a impression_n which_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o devour_a fire_n make_v on_o we_o forget_v and_o little_o leave_v to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o our_o city_n be_v burn_v but_o the_o inscription_n upon_o the_o monument_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o new_a city_n with_o the_o several_a date_n of_o its_o resurrection_n which_o must_v needs_o qualify_v all_o melancholy_a and_o sorrowful_a reflection_n on_o what_o be_v so_o long_o pass_v but_o though_o the_o design_n of_o this_o solemnity_n be_v not_o to_o represent_v and_o act_v over_o again_o a_o new_a doleful_a scene_n of_o horror_n confusion_n and_o amazement_n which_o neither_o nature_n nor_o art_n can_v imitate_v as_o we_o see_v it_o once_o on_o this_o day_n without_o such_o another_o amaze_a sight_n which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v never_o see_v again_o till_o the_o general_n conflagration_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o keep_v up_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o such_o judgement_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o become_v the_o subject_a of_o reason_n of_o cool_a thought_n and_o wise_a consideration_n when_o the_o terror_n and_o frightfulness_n of_o they_o be_v over_o judgement_n can_v never_o make_v a_o last_a reformation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v we_o concern_v to_o remember_v they_o no_o long_o than_o we_o feel_v their_o smart_n but_o they_o be_v intend_v both_o for_o punishment_n and_o instruction_n the_o punishment_n end_v with_o the_o smart_n and_o that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o whine_a and_o tragical_a complaint_n but_o this_o alone_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o fool_n or_o brute_n the_o instruction_n be_v for_o man_n and_o this_o be_v to_o last_o as_o long_o as_o memory_n and_o thought_n and_o reason_n last_o what_o can_v the_o fire_n of_o london_n teach_v we_o thirty_o three_o year_n ago_o which_o it_o do_v not_o teach_v a_o wise_a man_n still_o and_o what_o thought_n and_o devout_a passion_n become_v we_o then_o which_o be_v not_o still_o on_o this_o day_n the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o our_o devotion_n when_o we_o see_v our_o church_n and_o house_n in_o flame_n when_o we_o see_v those_o furious_a torrent_n of_o fire_n roll_a down_o our_o street_n and_o despise_v all_o the_o opposition_n that_o humane_a art_n or_o strength_n can_v make_v as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v by_o what_o a_o divine_a and_o irresistible_a commission_n they_o act_v there_o be_v few_o man_n to_o be_v find_v who_o do_v not_o express_v a_o great_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n and_o terrible_a majesty_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o see_v and_o own_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o begin_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o think_v of_o reform_v their_o life_n and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n who_o have_v now_o take_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n when_o we_o see_v our_o riches_n make_v to_o themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n when_o we_o see_v all_o our_o pride_n and_o glory_n the_o toil_n and_o labour_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n the_o food_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o our_o lust_n vanish_v into_o smoke_n and_o dust_n this_o effectual_o teach_v we_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o present_a thing_n and_o make_v we_o serious_o consider_v what_o a_o ill_a state_n those_o be_v in_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o such_o vanish_v treasure_n and_o how_o reasonable_a our_o saviour_n command_n be_v not_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n where_o moth_n and_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v but_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o such_o casualty_n which_o will_v make_v we_o bear_v such_o loss_n better_o when_o they_o come_v and_o secure_v our_o eternal_a interest_n when_o man_n see_v their_o riches_n and_o treasure_n vanish_v in_o a_o cloud_n it_o natural_o make_v they_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o this_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o poor_a how_o much_o they_o daily_o spend_v upon_o their_o lust_n and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v unjust_o get_v that_o be_v how_o much_o of_o what_o god_n have_v take_v from_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v abuse_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n very_o wise_a and_o pious_a thought_n have_v they_o last_v and_o yet_o too_o plain_a to_o be_v miss_v by_o those_o who_o think_v at_o all_o when_o they_o see_v these_o lesson_n write_v in_o bright_a character_n of_o fire_n now_o be_v all_o this_o do_v you_o think_v calculate_v only_o for_o sixty_o six_o be_v not_o god_n the_o same_o still_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n who_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n though_o he_o do_v not_o every_o day_n bend_v his_o bow_n and_o let_v fly_v his_o arrow_n though_o he_o do_v not_o every_o day_n make_v the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o hill_n to_o shake_v because_o he_o be_v angry_a though_o we_o do_v not_o every_o day_n see_v a_o smoke_n go_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n and_o a_o consume_a fire_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n though_o he_o do_v not_o upon_o every_o provocation_n appear_v in_o his_o terrible_a majesty_n ride_v upon_o the_o cherubin_n and_o fly_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind._n methinks_v one_o such_o example_n may_v serve_v we_o for_o some_o age_n without_o expect_v or_o desire_v to_o be_v summon_v again_o to_o repentance_n by_o new_a terror_n god_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n he_o delight_v more_o to_o display_v his_o glory_n in_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o judgement_n be_v his_o strange_a work_n which_o make_v the_o signal_n execution_n of_o they_o so_o very_o rare_a and_o the_o way_n to_o have_v they_o rare_a be_v not_o to_o forget_v they_o to_o learn_v righteousness_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v suffer_v to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v before_o that_o god_n who_o be_v so_o terrible_a in_o his_o do_n towards_o the_o child_n of_o men._n but_o if_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n be_v too_o long_o since_o to_o work_v upon_o our_o fear_n at_o this_o distance_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o wonder_v how_o any_o man_n who_o see_v that_o sight_n shall_v ever_o forget_v it_o or_o remember_v it_o without_o a_o just_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n but_o i_o say_v if_o these_o impression_n of_o fear_n and_o terror_n be_v lose_v let_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o new_a city_n our_o increase_a riches_n our_o flourish_a trade_n our_o ease_n and_o plenty_n teach_v we_o to_o love_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n and_o praise_n that_o god_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o judgement_n have_v remember_v mercy_n who_o have_v pluck_v we_o as_o a_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o have_v not_o suffer_v our_o enemy_n to_o triumph_v over_o we_o who_o say_v down_o with_o it_o down_o with_o it_o even_o to_o the_o ground_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o
aside_o the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o profess_v enemy_n of_o cathedral-worship_n allow_v we_o as_o great_a and_o early_a authority_n as_o we_o desire_v st._n basil_n st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n chrysostom_n always_o will_v be_v venerable_a name_n the_o church_n be_v restore_v to_o peace_n but_o in_o the_o four_o century_n and_o then_o this_o worship_n revive_v and_o that_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o as_o great_a and_o good_a man_n as_o any_o the_o church_n have_v that_o erasmus_n himself_o and_o many_o reformer_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o this_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v then_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o great_a wonder_n when_o their_o hymn_n as_o well_o as_o their_o prayer_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n all_o their_o sing_v be_v mere_a noise_n which_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o devotion_n but_o this_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n against_o our_o english_a hymn_n and_o anthem_n than_o against_o our_o english_a prayer_n if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n more_o we_o must_v demand_v their_o reason_n for_o as_o for_o authority_n our_o own_o reformer_n and_o reformation_n have_v anâ—…_n that_o deserve_o a_o much_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o must_v hasten_v to_o a_o conclusion_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v how_o music_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n and_o here_o i_o must_v beg_v leave_n to_o speak_v something_o brief_o to_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n composer_n singer_n and_o hearer_n which_o will_v serve_v for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a first_o as_o for_o composer_n those_o who_o set_v our_o hymn_n and_o anthem_n to_o musical_a note_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o skill_n in_o music_n much_o less_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v such_o great_a master_n as_o this_o age_n have_v breed_v but_o i_o hope_v in_o some_o measure_n i_o do_v and_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o understand_v and_o teach_v devotion_n which_o be_v all_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o for_o that_o which_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n must_v be_v allow_v for_o excellent_a music_n may_v not_o always_o be_v proper_a for_o devotion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n in_o compose_v hymn_n and_o anthem_n to_o consider_v only_o what_o note_n be_v musical_a and_o will_v delight_n and_o entertain_v the_o hearer_n the_o true_a rule_n be_v what_o note_n be_v most_o proper_a to_o excite_v or_o quicken_v such_o passion_n of_o devotion_n as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o hymn_n or_o anthem_n express_v this_o indeed_o can_v be_v do_v without_o skill_n in_o music_n but_o true_a devotion_n be_v the_o best_a director_n of_o that_o skill_n for_o a_o devout_a mind_n will_v judge_v of_o the_o devotion_n as_o a_o skilful_a ear_n do_v of_o the_o music_n of_o sound_n that_o the_o most_o certain_a way_n for_o the_o great_a master_n to_o compose_v such_o hymn_n and_o anthem_n as_o be_v 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vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o happiness_n in_o humane_a nature_n a_o reasonable_a and_o intelligent_a be_v have_v no_o other_o bound_n to_o its_o desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n whereas_o sensual_a pleasure_n beside_o all_o other_o disappointment_n must_v wait_v the_o return_v of_o strength_n and_o appetite_n and_o object_n and_o therefore_o can_v always_o be_v have_v or_o can_v always_o please_v sensual_a pleasure_n can_v never_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o any_o creature_n which_o have_v any_o high_a principle_n than_o appetite_n for_o appetite_n be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n but_o when_o knowledge_n serve_v instead_o of_o appetite_n as_o it_o must_v do_v in_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o create_v such_o desire_n as_o no_o appetite_n can_v answer_v this_o make_v sensual_a man_n so_o insatiable_a in_o their_o desire_n of_o pleasure_n though_o bruit_n beast_n know_v their_o measure_n because_o they_o 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man_n will_v despise_v and_o abhor_v he_o when_o they_o know_v he_o these_o self-lover_n themselves_o when_o they_o see_v their_o own_o picture_n in_o another_o face_n will_v spit_v at_o it_o for_o those_o who_o love_v no_o body_n but_o themselves_o yet_o desire_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v love_v they_o and_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o their_o concernment_n though_o they_o value_v no_o body_n interest_n and_o happiness_n but_o their_o own_o but_o though_o this_o self-love_n be_v universal_o condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v too_o universal_o practise_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o this_o self-love_n which_o divide_v we_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n shall_v make_v we_o happy_a the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n make_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o very_o uneasy_a and_o that_o can_v never_o be_v our_o happiness_n which_o be_v a_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o nature_n we_o feel_v a_o natural_a compassion_n for_o the_o suffering_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o innocent_a man_n who_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o and_o as_o well_o as_o any_o man_n love_v himself_o this_o make_v it_o very_o painful_a to_o serve_v his_o own_o interest_n by_o do_v injury_n to_o other_o one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o morality_n which_o all_o man_n confess_v to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a be_v to_o do_v to_o other_o man_n what_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n both_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o in_o other_o word_n be_v to_o love_v all_o man_n as_o ourselves_o and_o no_o man_n can_v violate_v this_o law_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v love_v himself_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n without_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n and_o reproach_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v no_o happy_a state_n one_o of_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n
difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o 2d_o the_o difference_n between_o thing_n temporal_a and_o thing_n eternal_a one_a the_o difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n you_o all_o see_v and_o feel_v what_o time_n be_v it_o pass_v away_o swift_o and_o we_o pass_v away_o with_o it_o when_o we_o look_v back_o it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o dream_n or_o a_o watch_n in_o the_o night_n so_o soon_o pass_v it_o away_o and_o we_o be_v go_v some_o few_o year_n clear_v the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o bring_v new_a busy_a actor_n or_o idle_a spectator_n on_o it_o and_o by_o that_o time_n we_o can_v well_o turn_v ourselves_o round_o we_o see_v all_o new_a face_n and_o new_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o ourselves_o hasten_v after_o though_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o stay_v a_o little_a behind_o our_o company_n but_o who_o can_v represent_v eternity_n to_o live_v without_o end_n a_o duration_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o number_n to_o measure_n and_o therefore_o no_o value_n can_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o to_o form_v such_o a_o image_n of_o this_o in_o your_o mind_n as_o no_o word_n can_v express_v make_v eternity_n present_a to_o you_o suppose_v this_o world_n to_o be_v at_o a_o end_n as_o it_o will_v very_o sudden_o be_v with_o we_o all_o and_o that_o we_o be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n either_o with_o lazarus_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n or_o with_o dives_n in_o hell_n torment_v in_o endless_a flame_n whatever_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o state_n be_v be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o conceive_v what_o passion_n will_v accompany_v this_o thought_n that_o whether_o we_o find_v ourselves_o happy_a or_o miserable_a we_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o what_o be_v the_o secure_a triumph_n of_o a_o never_o fade_a crown_n what_o be_v the_o terror_n confusion_n amazement_n of_o a_o never_o die_a worm_n thus_o it_o will_v be_v with_o we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o remove_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o if_o the_o thought_n of_o eternal_a misery_n when_o we_o think_v serious_o of_o they_o do_v now_o astonish_v we_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n do_v now_o transport_v good_a man_n and_o give_v they_o the_o victory_n over_o this_o present_a world_n what_o will_v it_o do_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v and_o feel_v what_o they_o now_o only_o fear_v or_o hope_n and_o be_v this_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n to_o suppose_v the_o other_o world_n present_a which_o a_o very_a few_o year_n it_o may_v be_v a_o few_o day_n will_v make_v present_a to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v so_o near_o the_o grave_a can_v not_o we_o look_v a_o little_a beyond_o it_o and_o by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n contemplate_v the_o endless_a happiness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o endless_a misery_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o look_v at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v to_o have_v our_o eye_n fix_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a and_o there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o though_o these_o eternal_a thing_n be_v not_o yet_o present_a to_o we_o yet_o eternity_n be_v though_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v that_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n yet_o we_o now_o know_v as_o well_o what_o eternity_n signify_v as_o ever_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o eternity_n and_o deep_o affect_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_v of_o it_o though_o our_o life_n in_o this_o world_n be_v short_a and_o perish_a yet_o our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v already_o immortal_a creature_n and_o a_o immortal_a creature_n from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o be_v be_v in_o eternity_n because_o he_o can_v never_o whole_o die_v or_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o that_o eternity_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o endless_a duration_n be_v as_o much_o present_a to_o we_o now_o as_o ever_o it_o will_v be_v though_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o that_o unchangeable_a state_n which_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o and_o do_v it_o not_o become_v a_o eternal_a be_v to_o think_v of_o eternity_n when_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v what_o we_o now_o be_v yet_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v and_o a_o creature_n which_o shall_v always_o be_v aught_o above_o all_o to_o look_v at_o those_o unseen_a thing_n which_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o immortal_a creature_n which_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o be_v very_o little_o concern_v in_o a_o changeable_a and_o vanish_v state_n for_o what_o do_v threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n signify_v when_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o they_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o can_v challenge_v but_o a_o very_a little_a share_n and_o interest_n in_o our_o thought_n a_o immortal_a creature_n must_v design_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o immortal_a happiness_n because_o nothing_o less_o be_v commensurate_a to_o our_o be_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a we_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v happy_a as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v no_o time_n can_v be_v too_o soon_o for_o such_o thought_n because_o a_o immortal_a creature_n shall_v never_o live_v a_o day_n without_o they_o be_v we_o to_o spend_v eternity_n in_o a_o endless_a round_a of_o change_n we_o shall_v be_v no_o far_o concern_v than_o to_o make_v every_o state_n of_o life_n as_o easy_a and_o entertain_v as_o we_o can_v but_o when_o we_o know_v this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a changeable_a scene_n and_o that_o we_o must_v pass_v from_o hence_o into_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o according_a as_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n not_o to_o make_v eternal_a happiness_n the_o command_a and_o govern_v design_n of_o our_o life_n or_o to_o run_v any_o hazard_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o present_a thing_n be_v such_o a_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n that_o such_o man_n very_o well_o deserve_v if_o not_o to_o forfeit_v immortal_a be_v yet_o to_o forfeit_v immortal_a happiness_n but_o not_o to_o dissemble_v any_o difficulty_n i_o will_v propose_v this_o case_n as_o fair_o as_o any_o one_o can_v desire_v no_o man_n be_v so_o perfect_o brutish_a as_o absolute_o to_o prefer_v time_n before_o eternity_n every_o man_n have_v rather_o live_v for_o ever_o but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v when_o we_o may_v live_v threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n in_o this_o world_n which_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o eternity_n yet_o be_v a_o very_a long_a state_n of_o temptation_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o life_n for_o the_o absent_a and_o unknown_a though_o the_o endless_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n the_o pretend_a difficulty_n you_o see_v be_v the_o present_a uneasy_a restraint_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n lay_v upon_o our_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o that_o we_o must_v deny_v ourselves_o these_o present_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o long_a expectation_n of_o a_o absent_a and_o unknown_a happiness_n now_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a dispute_v the_o point_n between_o virtue_n and_o licentiousness_n which_o of_o they_o contribute_v most_o to_o the_o present_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n but_o to_o make_v you_o sensible_a how_o unreasonable_a a_o objection_n this_o be_v i_o will_v put_v you_o another_o case_n suppose_v instead_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n god_n have_v promise_v immortal_a life_n in_o this_o world_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n that_o this_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v a_o paradise_n to_o all_o virtuous_a man_n where_o they_o shall_v have_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v have_v live_v a_o very_a little_a while_n nay_o suppose_v the_o long_a period_n of_o human_a life_n in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o have_v be_v cut_v off_o by_o some_o exemplary_a punishment_n and_o have_v perish_v in_o the_o grave_a what_o will_v you_o think_v reasonable_a in_o this_o case_n to_o choose_v a_o virtuous_a immortality_n or_o the_o short_a and_o die_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n you_o can_v not_o pretend_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o reward_n be_v absent_a and_o unknown_a for_o they_o will_v be_v present_a and_o sensible_a they_o will_v be_v see_v thing_n as_o all_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n be_v but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n till_o we_o have_v bring_v our_o earthly_a appetite_n and_o passion_n under_o government_n will_v be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v now_o and_o if_o you_o will_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o be_v virtuous_a for_o a_o earthly_a immortality_n as_o i_o persuade_v myself_o most_o man_n
for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n for_o fear_n of_o such_o misery_n as_o we_o may_v escape_v if_o we_o please_v that_o be_v if_o we_o believe_v and_o choose_v immortal_a life_n no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v something_o else_o or_o to_o speak_v plain_o who_o do_v not_o prefer_v the_o short_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n before_o immortal_a life_n need_v fear_v eternal_a misery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n which_o they_o know_v they_o may_v escape_v but_o the_o contempt_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o make_v they_o infidel_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o consider_v well_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v for_o 1._o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o there_o need_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o infamous_a than_o to_o contradict_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a desire_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v immortal_a be_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o beast_n and_o to_o perish_v like_o a_o beast_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o desire_v what_o no_o beast_n will_v desire_v for_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n be_v implant_v even_o in_o the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o what_o a_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n be_v it_o of_o human_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o hate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o be_v and_o to_o wish_v and_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v perish_v in_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n in_o this_o cause_n for_o human_a nature_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o will_v always_o hope_v and_o desire_v on_o nature_n side_n will_v be_v against_o they_o too_o and_o nature_n so_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o annihilation_n and_o dissolution_n that_o all_o man_n must_v despise_v those_o as_o very_o contemptible_a creature_n who_o can_v be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o themselves_o and_o abhor_v they_o for_o their_o malicious_a attempt_n to_o deprive_v other_o man_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n against_o infidelity_n that_o it_o contradict_v the_o hope_n and_o desire_v of_o nature_n be_v there_o any_o other_o natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n which_o have_v no_o natural_a object_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o nature_n shall_v implant_v in_o we_o a_o desire_n of_o immortality_n if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v to_o be_v immortal_a this_o can_v be_v if_o we_o be_v make_v by_o a_o wise_a be_v for_o then_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v wise_o make_v that_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o then_o immortal_a desire_n can_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o immortal_a nature_n 3._o it_o also_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o this_o make_v infidelity_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a sin_n for_o to_o reject_v not_o only_o all_o supernatural_a evidence_n but_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n this_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o human_a nature_n and_o though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v a_o great_a tenderness_n for_o human_a infirmity_n yet_o when_o man_n wilful_o put_v off_o human_a nature_n they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o excuse_n or_o to_o the_o compassion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o men._n and_o such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n who_o have_v no_o excuse_n to_o make_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n 4._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v secure_a against_o the_o inclination_n desire_n and_o sentiment_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a art_n and_o violence_n for_o some_o time_n to_o stifle_v the_o sense_n of_o nature_n but_o nature_n will_v take_v some_o occasion_n or_o other_o to_o get_v loose_a and_o to_o revive_v our_o fear_n when_o we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o our_o hope_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v demonstration_n against_o nature_n if_o the_o natural_a desire_n of_o immortality_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v immortal_a yet_o they_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o all_o demonstration_n that_o we_o be_v not_o for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o ill-contrived_a nature_n indeed_o which_o shall_v have_v natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n against_o demonstration_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a passion_n for_o immortality_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a and_o if_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a we_o shall_v certain_o hope_v and_o fear_n on_o nature_n side_n and_o what_o will_v all_o the_o boast_a pretence_n to_o infidelity_n signify_v if_o they_o can_v cure_v our_o natural_a hope_n and_o fear_n 2._o for_o natural_a fear_n and_o hope_n be_v very_o mechanical_a passion_n and_o not_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o will_n and_o arbitrary_a opinion_n they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v silence_v with_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n than_o some_o natural_a antipathy_n be_v which_o man_n may_v think_v to_o reason_n away_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o object_n of_o that_o antipathy_n appear_v all_o their_o argument_n be_v lose_v and_o they_o sweat_v and_o tremble_v and_o fly_v and_o thus_o do_v infidel_n too_o who_o please_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v reason_v away_o another_o world_n into_o a_o fairy_n land_n but_o yet_o can_v think_v serious_o of_o it_o without_o tremble_v 3._o for_o whatever_o baffle_v man_n put_v upon_o their_o faith_n yet_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v so_o natural_a that_o they_o can_v never_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o what_o be_v report_v of_o the_o other_o world_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v hope_v or_o fear_v no_o argument_n can_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o desirable_a to_o live_v for_o ever_o or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o terrible_a thing_n of_o all_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o hope_v or_o fear_n the_o desire_n of_o a_o less_o happiness_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o less_o misery_n may_v be_v conquer_v but_o when_o man_n hear_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o eternal_a misery_n the_o one_o the_o most_o desirable_a the_o other_o the_o most_o formidable_a thing_n to_o human_a nature_n it_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o any_o think_v man_n neither_o to_o desire_v nor_o fear_n this_o show_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o struggle_v against_o nature_n for_o nature_n will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o thus_o all_o infidel_n find_v it_o be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o 5._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o since_o the_o desire_n of_o immortality_n be_v so_o natural_a consider_v what_o a_o eternal_a torment_n this_o must_v be_v if_o we_o lose_v immortal_a life_n by_o our_o infidelity_n natural_a appetite_n last_o as_o long_o as_o nature_n do_v and_o when_o they_o be_v disappoint_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v by_o our_o own_o fault_n will_v torment_v we_o as_o long_o as_o they_o last_o now_o beside_o all_o the_o positive_a misery_n which_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v against_o infidel_n here_o be_v a_o natural_a cause_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o misery_n the_o very_a loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n must_v eternal_o torment_v they_o because_o they_o must_v eternal_o desire_v it_o and_o these_o disappoint_v desire_n will_v turn_v into_o eternal_a anguish_n despair_n and_o self-revenge_n will_v but_o man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n how_o unnatural_a the_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n be_v and_o how_o unnatural_a the_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o immortality_n be_v and_o what_o terrible_a consequence_n they_o have_v it_o will_v make_v they_o willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o believe_v and_o then_o they_o will_v find_v no_o want_n of_o evidence_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o need_v then_o of_o dispute_v against_o infidelity_n but_o we_o may_v employ_v our_o time_n much_o better_a in_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xvii_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n isaiah_n 5._o for_o 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n it_o give_v great_a disturbance_n to_o good_a man_n not_o only_o to_o observe_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n
credulous_a fool_n and_o to_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n this_o indeed_o perfect_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v contradict_v all_o mankind_n they_o must_v think_v either_o themselves_o or_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v fool_n now_o i_o believe_v those_o who_o be_v at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o the_o passion_n of_o human_a nature_n can_v think_v this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a thing_n to_o despise_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n which_o at_o lest_o look_v more_o like_o the_o sense_n of_o nature_n than_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o some_o few_o philosopher_n or_o to_o scorn_v all_o man_n for_o fool_n and_o idiot_n who_o ever_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a revelation_n prophecy_n and_o miracle_n nothing_o but_o absolute_a 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8vo_fw-la price_n stitch_v 3d._n discourse_v against_o transubstantiation_n 8vo_fw-la price_n stitch_v 3d._n the_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o sinful_a people_n in_o a_o fast-sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n etc._n etc._n 8vo_fw-la price_n stitch_v 3d._n sermon_n of_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n of_o family_n religion_n of_o education_n of_o child_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a piety_n 12_o o._n price_n 1_v 6d_o archbishop_z sharp_a the_o reasonableness_n of_o believe_v without_o see_v a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n in_o st._n james_n chapel_n on_o palm-sunday_n march_v 24._o 1699._o bishop_n wilkin_n fifteen_o sermon_n 2d_o edition_n 8vo_fw-la bishop_n of_o worcester_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n true_o represent_v etc._n etc._n 4to_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o transubstantiation_n compare_v in_o two_o part_n 4to_fw-la bishop_n of_o norwich_n two_o sermon_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o 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discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n 8vo_fw-la dr._n pelling_n practical_a discourse_n concern_v holiness_n 8vo_fw-la discourse_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n mr._n blackhalt'_v sermon_n at_o brentwood_n in_o essex_n octob._n 7._o 1693._o at_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n henry_n lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n mr._n ellis_n necessity_n of_o serious_a consideration_n 8vo_fw-la pr._n bind_v 1_n 6d_o sum_n of_o christianity_n 8vo_fw-la price_n 3d._n scripturie_n catechism_n price_n 3d._n
courtship_n of_o the_o world_n can_v defend_v we_o from_o our_o self_n we_o can_v stop_v our_o ear_n against_o 〈◊〉_d we_o can_v harden_v ourselves_o against_o â—…s_a terror_n it_o be_v a_o domestic_a fury_n â—…hich_v when_o it_o be_v provoke_v and_o awakenâ—…d_v will_v be_v hear_v and_o will_v make_v we_o â—…emble_v will_v make_v we_o judge_v and_o conâ—…emn_v ourselves_o and_o begin_v our_o own_o â—…orments_n in_o frightful_a horror_n and_o agoâ—…es_n of_o mind_n two_o whereas_o reason_n can_v fortify_v the_o â—…ind_n against_o all_o external_a calamity_n â—…hen_o our_o spirit_n be_v wound_v that_o â—…ttle_a reason_n we_o have_v leave_v prove_v our_o â—…ormentor_n when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o â—…ransports_v of_o violent_a and_o disorderly_a â—…assions_n reason_n can_v be_v hear_v or_o be_v â—…ibed_v by_o passion_n to_o justify_v its_o own_o exâ—…esses_n wise_a counsel_n be_v lose_v on_o such_o â—…en_n as_o much_o as_o a_o lecture_n of_o philoâ—…phy_n will_v be_v in_o the_o noise_n 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â—…ailed_v he_o nothing_o while_o he_o see_v â—…ordecai_fw-mi the_o jew_n sit_v at_o the_o king_n be_v â—…ate_a 5._o esth._n 13._o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v â—…ry_o considerable_a when_o there_o be_v a_o eaâ—…_n and_o cheerful_a mind_n to_o enjoy_v they_o â—…t_o they_o can_v make_v a_o man_n easy_a and_o â—…ppy_a who_o mind_n be_v disturb_v they_o â—…ay_v entertain_v a_o easy_a mind_n but_o canâ—…t_o quiet_a the_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n of_o â—…ssions_n nor_o give_v any_o ease_n to_o a_o woundâ—…_n spirit_n much_o less_o can_v external_a thing_n apâ—…ase_v the_o horror_n of_o a_o guilty_a consciâ—…ce_n away_o all_o you_o vain_a delight_n will_v â—…ch_v a_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o â—…easure_n when_o torment_n everlasting_a â—…orments_n must_v be_v my_o portion_n why_o â—…o_v you_o tell_v i_o of_o riches_n and_o honour_n â—…hen_o the_o great_a god_n be_v my_o enemy_n â—…hen_o i_o be_o despise_v and_o abhor_v of_o my_o â—…aker_n and_o be_o think_v worthy_a of_o no_o â—…etter_a portion_n than_o eternal_a flame_n 〈◊〉_d be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v the_o flatâ—…ering_a courtship_n of_o this_o world_n my_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o a_o more_o â—…readful_a prospect_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v o_o eternity_n eternity_n the_o never-dying_a worm_n the_o never-dying_a death_n four_o nor_o can_v a_o wound_a spiâ—…_n find_v any_o support_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n unless_o it_o find_v its_o câ—…_n there_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o another_o world_n can_v cure_v oâ—…_n love_n to_o present_a thing_n it_o will_v give_v uâ—…_n quiet_a and_o easy_a passion_n too_o but_o without_o this_o a_o wound_a and_o distemper'â—…_n spirit_n will_v reproach_v god_n as_o well_o aâ—…_n man_n and_o rage_n against_o heaven_n itself_o â—…_z like_o that_o wicked_a king_n this_o evil_n be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n why_o shall_v i_o wait_v on_o the_o lâ—…_n any_o long_o as_o solomon_n observe_v tâ—…_n foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o waâ—…_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o thoâ—…_n punishment_n he_o have_v threaten_v agaiâ—…_n sin_n make_v we_o true_a and_o sincere_a peâ—…tents_n conquer_v our_o vicious_a habiâ—…_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n this_o be_v such_o 〈◊〉_d wound_v spirit_n as_o god_n will_v bind_v up_o again_o such_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heaâ—…_n as_o god_n will_v not_o despise_v but_o the_o thoughâ—…_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n aâ—…_n very_o terrible_a to_o impenitent_a sinner_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a prospect_n to_o look_v intâ—…_n the_o other_o world_n and_o to_o see_v those_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o this_o 〈◊〉_d all_o that_o bad_a man_n can_v see_v in_o the_o next_o â—…orld_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o supportable_a all_o â—…ternal_a evil_n and_o calamity_n be_v how_o â—…supportable_a a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v and_o â—…e_o compare_v these_o two_o case_n will_v â—…ggest_v some_o very_a useful_a thought_n to_o â—…s_n as_o first_o this_o be_v a_o great_a vindicatiâ—…_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o â—…spect_n to_o those_o evil_n and_o calamity_n â—…at_a be_v in_o the_o world_n suffering_n be_v â—…ery_o necessary_a in_o this_o corrupt_a and_o deâ—…enerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n but_o though_o â—…od_a see_v it_o necessary_a to_o punish_v sinner_n â—…et_o he_o have_v make_v abundant_a provision_n to_o â—…pport_v we_o under_o all_o external_a sufferâ—…gs_n he_o inflict_v nothing_o on_o we_o but_o â—…hat_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v sustain_v â—…d_v support_v itself_o under_o but_o our_o â—…reatest_a suffering_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o â—…elves_n and_o no_o more_o chargeable_a on_o the_o â—…rovidence_n of_o god_n than_o our_o sin_n be_v â—…othing_v that_o be_v external_a can_v hurt_v we_o â—…hile_o our_o mind_n be_v sound_a and_o healthâ—…l_a but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o disorder_a or_o guilty_a â—…ind_n which_o give_v a_o sting_n to_o afflictiâ—…ns_n god_n correct_v in_o measure_n as_o we_o â—…re_v able_a to_o bear_v but_o we_o ourselves_o tie_v the_o knot_n or_o add_v the_o scorpion_n to_o thâ—…_n scourge_n second_o this_o great_o recommendâ—…_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o that_o provisioâ—…_n god_n have_v make_v for_o our_o support_n undâ—…_n suffering_n as_o â—…t_n since_o the_o generality_n oâ—…_n mankind_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o prove_v anyâ—…_n great_a philosopher_n god_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o naturâ—…_n courage_n as_o will_v bear_v affliction_n betteâ—…_n than_o the_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d more_o think_v man_n and_o we_o may_v general_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o maâ—…_n the_o least_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o haâ—…_n the_o least_o share_n of_o external_n comforâ—…_n have_v the_o great_a portion_n of_o this_o â—…taught_a courage_n because_o they_o need_v 〈◊〉_d most_o 2._o god_n have_v provide_v the_o greatâ—…_n support_v for_o the_o best_a man_n thoâ—…_n who_o use_v their_o reason_n and_o examine_v thâ—…_n nature_n of_o thing_n will_v more_o easy_o beâ—…_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n and_o such_o otheâ—…_n evil_n than_o man_n who_o judge_v by_o opinion_n and_o popular_a mistake_v those_o who_o live_v by_o reason_n and_o govern_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v master_v by_o they_o retain_v that_o courage_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v lose_v by_o softness_n and_o effeminacy_n but_o a_o true_o devout_a man_n who_o beâ—…ieves_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o life_n have_v the_o great_a support_n of_o all_o whereas_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n who_o wound_v his_o conscience_n with_o gild_n and_o a_o atheist_n who_o believe_v neither_o a_o god_n nor_o a_o providence_n have_v nothing_o but_o sottishness_n and_o stupidity_n to_o support_v they_o and_o
can_v thing_n be_v better_o order_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n good_a man_n whatever_o their_o condition_n be_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o wicked_a even_o as_o to_o this_o present_a life_n they_o may_v be_v easy_a and_o enjoy_v themselves_o in_o all_o condition_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o their_o present_a support_n but_o if_o bad_a man_n be_v sufferer_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v prosperous_a they_o feel_v such_o disorder_n of_o passion_n or_o such_o guilty_a fear_n as_o sour_a all_o their_o other_o enjoyment_n 3._o god_n have_v so_o wise_o order_v thing_n that_o we_o can_v support_v ourselves_o under_o suffering_n without_o make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a use_n of_o they_o for_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o comfort_v we_o under_o suffering_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o comfort_n unless_o they_o make_v we_o better_o it_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n that_o affliction_n be_v appoint_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n but_o he_o who_o consider_v this_o will_v natural_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n strike_v will_v search_v and_o try_v his_o way_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v appoint_v it_o that_o affliction_n be_v order_v for_o our_o good_a will_v make_v we_o endeavour_v to_o reap_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o they_o for_o that_o affliction_n be_v useful_a be_v no_o comfort_n at_o all_o unless_o we_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n no_o man_n can_v take_v comfort_n in_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o world_n without_o bear_v his_o suffering_n well_o in_o this_o for_o our_o suffering_n will_v have_v no_o reward_n unless_o they_o make_v we_o better_o unless_o they_o purify_v our_o mind_n and_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n three_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o suffer_v than_o to_o sin_n even_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o present_a ease_n because_o suffering_n may_v be_v bear_v by_o a_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n but_o gild_n inflict_v a_o unsupportable_a wound_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o â—…ose_v suffering_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v â—…han_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v â—…ear_v last_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o governâ—…ent_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n contribute_v â—…ore_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o any_o exterâ—…al_a enjoyment_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v disorder_v with_o violent_a and_o tumultuâ—…us_a passion_n we_o can_v never_o be_v easy_a and_o happy_a whatever_o else_o we_o enjoy_v for_o this_o give_v such_o a_o wound_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o no_o external_a enjoyment_n can_v heal_v but_o he_o who_o have_v his_o passion_n under_o government_n who_o know_v how_o to_o love_v and_o fear_v desire_v and_o hope_n though_o he_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sufferer_n can_v never_o be_v miserable_a because_o he_o can_v support_v himself_o under_o all_o other_o suffering_n what_o a_o wrong_a course_n then_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n take_v to_o make_v themselves_o happy_a they_o seek_v for_o happiness_n without_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n must_v be_v lay_v within_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n a_o easy_a quiet_a mind_n will_v weather_v all_o the_o storm_n of_o fortune_n but_o how_o calm_a and_o serene_a soever_o the_o heaven_n be_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o have_v nothing_o but_o noise_n and_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n within_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n vii_o preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_a richard_n meggot_n d._n d._n and_o late_a dean_n of_o winchester_n december_n the_o 10_o 1692._o at_o twickenham_n i._o phil._n 23_o 24._o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o st_n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o philippi_n from_o rome_n where_o he_o be_v in_o bond_n for_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o his_o body_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o prison_n his_o soul_n his_o great_a divine_a soul_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o visit_v the_o church_n he_o have_v plant_v to_o advise_v and_o counsel_n and_o comfort_v they_o to_o increase_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n to_o instame_v their_o zeal_n and_o to_o spur_v they_o forward_o to_o more_o perfect_a attainman_n in_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o philippian_n seem_v great_o concern_v lest_o the_o progress_n of_o â—…e_a gospel_n shall_v be_v hinder_v by_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n and_o lest_o they_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o labour_n and_o ministry_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n shall_v this_o persecution_n extend_v to_o life_n as_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v it_o will_v as_o for_o the_o first_o st._n paul_n assure_v they_o that_o his_o bond_n be_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o his_o imprisonment_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o both_o in_o the_o court_n and_o city_n which_o make_v man_n curious_a to_o know_v what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o he_o preach_v and_o for_o which_o he_o suffer_v bond_n and_o this_o publish_v the_o gospel_n more_o effectual_o than_o his_o preach_v can_v have_v do_v verse_n 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n as_o for_o the_o second_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v either_o about_o life_n or_o death_n but_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v magnify_v in_o his_o body_n if_o he_o live_v his_o life_n be_v whole_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n if_o he_o die_v it_o will_v be_v for_o his_o own_o great_a advantage_n to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v verse_n 20_o 21._o and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o hard_a choice_n to_o he_o whether_o he_o shall_v desire_v to_o live_v or_o die_v whether_o he_o shall_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o bond_n and_o make_v his_o escape_n out_o of_o a_o troublesome_a world_n into_o the_o region_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_v to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n here_o in_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o his_o lord_n who_o he_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v or_o whether_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o encounter_n with_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n and_o death_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n what_o i_o shall_v choose_v i_o wot_v not_o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o dispute_n as_o this_o before_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v as_o certain_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n as_o he_o be_v to_o die_v who_o have_v himself_o be_v snatch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o have_v his_o mind_n possess_v with_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a idea_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n who_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v not_o be_v express_v who_o see_v a_o crown_n a_o glorious_a immarcessible_a crown_n prepare_v for_o he_o i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v any_o question_n what_o he_o shall_v choose_v whether_o immediate_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o this_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o live_v long_o in_o this_o world_n to_o suffer_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o stripe_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a usage_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o meet_v with_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o still_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o christ_n church_n what_o a_o contempt_n be_v this_o not_o only_o of_o the_o little_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o even_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n what_o a_o triumph_n be_v this_o over_o the_o world_n over_o all_o the_o frown_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o what_o a_o triumph_n be_v this_o over_o self_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-denial_n as_o the_o gospel_n itself_o do_v not_o command_v which_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o deny_v heaven_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o joy_n of_o christ_n presence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o do_v good_a for_o it_o be_v to_o delay_v to_o put_v off_o heaven_n to_o adjourn_v his_o own_o happiness_n that_o he_o may_v live_v the_o long_a to_o serve_v his_o great_a master_n though_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o labour_n what_o love_n be_v this_o