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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n christian_a great_a life_n 2,755 4 4.1264 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61631 Twelve sermons preached on several occasions. The first volume by the Right Reverend Father in God Edward Lord Bishop of Worcester.; Sermons. Selections Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1696 (1696) Wing S5673; ESTC R8212 223,036 528

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the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o as_o become_v that_o god_n who_o we_o profess_v to_o serve_v pure_a and_o holy_a grave_a and_o serious_a solemn_a and_o devout_a without_o the_o mixture_n of_o superstition_n vanity_n or_o ostentation_n the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o high_o tend_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o who_o practise_v they_o both_o in_o this_o and_o a_o better_a life_n the_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o powerful_a and_o of_o as_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n can_v be_v to_o man_n and_o wherein_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o religion_n defective_a when_o the_o end_n be_v so_o desirable_a the_o mean_n so_o effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o 2._o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o degenerate_a estate_n of_o man_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o those_o be_v repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a now_o both_o these_o the_o gospel_n give_v man_n the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o effect_v the_o design_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o 1._o for_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n can_v there_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repent_v than_o for_o god_n to_o let_v man_n know_v that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o pardon_v their_o sin_n upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n but_o without_o that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v their_o folly_n and_o therefore_o to_o repent_v be_v to_o grow_v wise_a that_o 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these_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o tell_v the_o sanhedrin_n if_o this_o counsel_n or_o this_o work_n be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o lest_o haply_o you_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n act._n 5.38_o 39_o 3._o in_o the_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v proper_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o therein_o far_o beyond_o what_o the_o philosopher_n can_v promise_v to_o any_o who_o embrace_v their_o opinion_n for_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o discover_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o principle_n superior_a to_o nature_n which_o we_o call_v grace_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fit_v our_o soul_n for_o their_o future_a happiness_n but_o likewise_o show_v on_o what_o term_n god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v it_o on_o man_n viz._n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o shed_v on_o we_o abundant_o through_o christ_n our_o saviour_n titus_n 3.5_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o humane_a nature_n which_o can_v oblige_v god_n to_o give_v to_o mankind_n that_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o work_v out_o this_o salvation_n the_o gospel_n be_v design_v for_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n import_v a_o divine_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o preach_n of_o it_o which_o be_v design_v on_o purpose_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n and_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o deprave_a and_o degenerate_a nature_n through_o which_o we_o
but_o 2._o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v in_o the_o mild_a sense_n receive_v a_o severe_a punishment_n from_o he_o let_v the_o pretence_n be_v never_o so_o popular_a the_o person_n never_o so_o great_a and_o famous_a nay_o though_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o nation_n yet_o we_o see_v god_n do_v not_o abate_v of_o his_o severity_n upon_o any_o of_o these_o consideration_n this_o be_v the_o first_o form_v sedition_n that_o we_o read_v of_o against_o moses_n the_o people_n have_v be_v murmur_v before_o but_o they_o want_v head_n to_o manage_v they_o now_o all_o thing_n concur_v to_o a_o most_o dangerous_a rebellion_n upon_o the_o most_o popular_a pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n and_o now_o god_n take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n of_o declare_v his_o hatred_n of_o such_o action_n that_o other_o may_v hear_v and_o fear_v and_o do_v no_o more_o so_o presumptuous_o this_o have_v be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o divine_a judgement_n the_o first_o of_o the_o kind_n have_v be_v most_o remarkable_o punish_v in_o this_o life_n that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v see_v how_o hateful_a such_o thing_n be_v to_o god_n but_o if_o man_n will_v venture_v upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o god_n do_v not_o always_o punish_v they_o so_o much_o in_o this_o world_n though_o he_o sometime_o do_v but_o reserve_v they_o without_o repentance_n to_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o first_o man_n that_o sin_v be_v make_v a_o example_n of_o god_n justice_n the_o first_o world_n the_o first_o public_a attempt_n against_o heaven_n at_o babel_n after_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n again_o the_o first_o city_n which_o be_v so_o general_o corrupt_v after_o the_o flood_n the_o first_o breaker_n of_o the_o sabbath_n after_o the_o law_n the_o first_o o●●erers_n with_o strange_a fire_n the_o first_o looker_n into_o the_o ark_n and_o here_o the_o first_o popular_a rebellion_n and_o usurper_n of_o the_o office_n of_o priesthood_n god_n do_v hereby_o intend_v to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n he_o give_v man_n warn_v enough_o by_o over_o exemplary_a punishment_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o that_o they_o will_v commit_v the_o same_o sin_n they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o if_o they_o suffer_v for_o it_o if_o not_o in_o this_o life_n yet_o in_o that_o to_o come_v and_o that_o good_a effect_n this_o judgement_n have_v upon_o that_o people_n that_o although_o the_o next_o day_n 14000_o suffer_v for_o murmur_v at_o the_o destruction_n of_o these_o man_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o rebellion_n be_v raise_v among_o they_o afterward_o upon_o these_o popular_a pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n while_o their_o judge_n continue_v who_o be_v king_n without_o the_o state_n and_o title_n of_o king_n they_o be_v observe_v with_o reverence_n and_o obey_v with_o diligence_n when_o afterward_o they_o desire_v a_o king_n with_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n which_o other_o nation_n have_v which_o samuel_n acquaint_v they_o with_o viz._n 8.11_o the_o officer_n and_o soldier_n the_o large_a revenue_n he_o must_v have_v though_o their_o king_n be_v disow_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o people_n hold_v firm_a in_o their_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o david_n himself_o though_o anoint_a to_o be_v king_n persecute_v by_o saul_n and_o though_o he_o may_v have_v plead_v necessity_n and_o providence_n as_o much_o as_o any_o ever_o can_v when_o saul_n be_v strange_o deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n yet_o we_o see_v what_o a_o opinion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o person_n of_o a_o bad_a king_n 26.9_o the_o lord_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v do_v this_o thing_n against_o my_o master_n the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v to_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n against_o he_o see_v he_o be_v the_o anoint_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o be_v only_o his_o modesty_n or_o his_o policy_n which_o keep_v he_o from_o do_v it_o he_o afterward_o upon_o a_o like_a occasion_n declare_v it_o be_v only_o the_o sin_n of_o do_v it_o which_o keep_v he_o from_o it_o 26.9_o for_o who_o can_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o be_v guiltless_a not_o as_o though_o david_n can_v not_o do_v it_o without_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n as_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v by_o the_o son_n of_o corah_n in_o our_o age_n for_o he_o except_v none_o he_o never_o seize_v upon_o he_o to_o carry_v he_o prisoner_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o sanhedrin_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o foundation_n for_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o sanhedrin_n over_o the_o person_n of_o their_o sovereign_n it_o neither_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o its_o institution_n nor_o any_o precedent_n occur_v in_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o it_o nay_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n utter_o overthrow_v it_o for_o how_o can_v solomon_n have_v say_v 8.4_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n and_o who_o may_v say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o if_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o government_n the_o sanhedrin_n may_v have_v control_v he_o in_o what_o he_o say_v or_o do_v but_o have_v not_o several_a of_o the_o modern_a jew_n say_v so_o grant_v that_o some_o have_v yet_o so_o they_o have_v speak_v many_o unreasonable_a and_o foolish_a thing_n beside_o but_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n to_o depose_v their_o king_n or_o put_v they_o to_o death_n all_o that_o they_o say_v be_v that_o in_o the_o case_n express_v by_o the_o law_n if_o the_o king_n do_v transgress_v the_o sanhedrin_n have_v the_o power_n of_o inflict_v the_o penalty_n of_o scourge_v which_o yet_o they_o deny_v to_o have_v have_v any_o infamy_n in_o it_o among_o they_o but_o do_v not_o david_n transgress_v the_o law_n in_o his_o murder_n and_o adultery_n do_v not_o solomon_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o idolatry_n yet_o where_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o sanhedrin_n ever_o take_v cognizance_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o ancient_a jew_n do_v say_v 2._o that_o the_o king_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o misna_n however_o the_o expositor_n have_v take_v a_o liberty_n to_o contradict_v it_o but_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v without_o any_o foundation_n of_o reason_n and_o r._n jeremiah_n in_o 196._o nachmanides_n say_v express_o that_o no_o creature_n may_v judge_v the_o king_n but_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a god_n alone_o but_o we_o have_v a_o authority_n far_o great_a than_o he_o viz._n of_o david_n in_o this_o case_n who_o after_o he_o have_v deny_v that_o any_o man_n can_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v and_o be_v guiltless_a in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n he_o submit_v the_o judgement_n of_o he_o only_o to_o god_n himself_o say_v 26.10_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v the_o lord_n shall_v smite_v he_o or_o his_o day_n shall_v come_v to_o die_v or_o he_o shall_v descend_v into_o battle_n and_o perish_v he_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o thing_n to_o god_n who_o power_n over_o prince_n he_o know_v be_v enough_o if_o well_o consider_v by_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n we_o have_v now_o dispatch_v the_o first_o consideration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o fact_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n 2._o we_o ought_v now_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n have_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o these_o thing_n or_o whether_o that_o give_v any_o great_a encouragement_n to_o faction_n and_o sedition_n than_o the_o law_n do_v when_o it_o be_v mask_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o religion_n and_o liberty_n but_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o what_o god_n then_o declare_v to_o be_v displease_v to_o he_o by_o such_o remarkable_a judgement_n have_v be_v now_o more_o full_o manifest_v by_o frequent_a precept_n and_o vehement_a exhortation_n by_o the_o most_o weighty_a argument_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o and_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n and_o by_o the_o black_a character_n which_o be_v set_v upon_o those_o who_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n do_v despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o follow_v corah_n in_o his_o rebellion_n however_o they_o may_v please_v themselves_o with_o great_a light_n than_o former_a age_n have_v in_o this_o matter_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o 13._o for_o who_o be_v reserve_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n to_o examine_v the_o frivolous_a evasion_n and_o
hear_v they_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o mankind_n than_o those_o which_o work_n upon_o their_o reason_n and_o consideration_n no_o motive_n can_v stir_v up_o more_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o than_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o misery_n no_o happiness_n and_o misery_n can_v deserve_v to_o be_v so_o much_o consider_v as_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o this_o eternal_a state_n be_v that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o christian_a religion_n deliver_v with_o the_o great_a plainness_n confirm_v with_o the_o strong_a evidence_n and_o enforce_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o the_o most_o powerful_a and_o persuasive_a rhetoric_n i_o need_v not_o go_v beyond_o my_o text_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o wherein_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n design_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n i.e._n to_o convince_v their_o judgement_n to_o gain_v their_o affection_n to_o reform_v their_o life_n that_o the_o argument_n they_o use_v for_o this_o end_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o the_o frown_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n but_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o majesty_n make_v even_o the_o devil_n tremble_v who_o power_n be_v irresistible_a and_o who_o wrath_n be_v insupportable_a but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o world_n which_o he_o here_o speak_v of_o although_o that_o be_v great_a enough_o to_o make_v we_o as_o miserable_a as_o we_o can_v be_v in_o this_o state_n but_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o shall_v appear_v at_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o judgement_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n 1●_n for_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a this_o be_v the_o terror_n here_o mean_v which_o relate_v to_o our_o final_a and_o eternal_a state_n in_o another_o world_n when_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o this_o he_o speak_v not_o out_o of_o poetical_a fable_n ancient_a tradition_n uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o probable_a argument_n but_o from_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n in_o which_o word_n we_o shall_v consider_v these_o particular_n 1._o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v choice_n of_o to_o persuade_v man_n which_o be_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o great_a assurance_n he_o express_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o convince_a and_o reform_v mankind_n know_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n we_o persuade_v man_n 1._o the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n make_v choice_n of_o to_o persuade_v man_n by_o viz._n the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n we_o find_v a_o mixture_n of_o the_o high_a clemency_n and_o the_o great_a severity_n the_o rich_a mercy_n and_o the_o strict_a justice_n the_o most_o glorious_a reward_n and_o intolerable_a punishment_n according_o we_o find_v god_n therein_o describe_v as_o a_o tender_a father_n and_o as_o a_o terrible_a judge_n as_o a_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o as_o a_o god_n of_o vengeance_n as_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o a_o consume_a fire_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o come_v once_o with_o great_a humility_n and_o again_o with_o majesty_n and_o great_a glory_n once_o with_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o again_o with_o all_o the_o demonstration_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n once_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o again_o as_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n with_o flame_a fire_n to_o execute_v vengeance_n on_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n the_o intermix_v of_o these_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n by_o it_o that_o such_o who_o the_o condescension_n of_o his_o first_o appearance_n can_v not_o oblige_v to_o leave_v off_o their_o sin_n the_o terror_n of_o his_o second_o may_v astonish_v when_o they_o foresee_v the_o account_n that_o will_v be_v take_v of_o their_o ingratitude_n and_o disobedience_n that_o such_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o despise_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o poverty_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o his_o death_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n when_o they_o consider_v the_o majesty_n of_o his_o second_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n 15._o to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o all_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o that_o be_v ungodly_a not_o only_o of_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n but_o of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o ungodly_a sinner_n have_v speak_v against_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v easy_o see_v what_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v that_o this_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o terror_n of_o the_o preparation_n for_o it_o 2._o the_o terror_n of_o the_o appearance_n in_o it_o 3._o the_o terror_n of_o the_o proceed_n upon_o it_o 4._o the_o terror_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v pass_v 1._o the_o terror_n of_o the_o preparation_n for_o it_o which_o be_v particular_o describe_v by_o st._n peter_n in_o these_o word_n 3.10_o but_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n in_o which_o the_o heaven_n shall_v pass_v away_o with_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n the_o earth_n also_o and_o the_o work_n that_o be_v therein_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o this_o day_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n by_o way_n of_o surprise_n when_o it_o be_v not_o look_v for_o and_o that_o make_v it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o dreadful_a a_o lesser_a calamity_n come_v sudden_o do_v astonish_v more_o than_o a_o far_o great_a which_o have_v be_v long_o expect_v for_o surprisal_n con●ound_v man_n thought_n daunt_v their_o spirit_n and_o betray_v all_o the_o succour_n which_o reason_n offer_v but_o when_o the_o surprise_n shall_v be_v one_o of_o the_o least_o astonish_a circumstance_n of_o the_o misery_n man_n fall_v into_o what_o unconceivable_a horror_n will_v possess_v their_o mind_n at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o what_o confusion_n and_o amazement_n may_v we_o imagine_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o man_n in_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o parable_n who_o be_v please_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o condition_n 20._o say_v to_o his_o soul_n soul_n thou_o have_v much_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n take_v thy_o ease_n eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a but_o god_n say_v to_o he_o thou_o fool_n this_o night_n thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v repair_v of_o thou_o than_o who_o shall_v those_o thing_n be_v that_o thou_o have_v provide_v have_v god_n only_o say_v this_o night_n shall_v thy_o barn_n be_v burn_v and_o thy_o substance_n consume_v to_o ash_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o so_o many_o year_n that_o will_v have_v cause_v a_o strange_a consternation_n in_o he_o for_o the_o present_a but_o he_o may_v have_v comfort_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o live_n and_o get_v more_o but_o this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o o_o dreadful_a word_n o_o the_o tremble_n of_o body_n the_o anguish_n of_o mind_n the_o pang_n and_o convulsion_n of_o conscience_n which_o such_o a_o one_o be_v torment_v with_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o they_o what_o sad_a reflection_n do_v he_o present_o make_v upon_o his_o own_o folly_n and_o must_v all_o the_o mirth_n and_o case_n i_o promise_v myself_o for_o so_o many_o year_n be_v at_o a_o 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this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n to_o preach_v of_o this_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o 17.31_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n to_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a no_o wonder_v the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o with_o so_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o know_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n and_o no_o person_n can_v have_v the_o least_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o but_o such_o who_o whole_o reject_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o infidelity_n which_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o trifle_a that_o be_v not_o their_o lust_n strong_a than_o their_o argument_n man_n of_o wit_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o produce_v they_o and_o do_v not_o man_n ●_z oversway_v their_o judgement_n it_o will_v be_v too_o much_o honour_n to_o they_o to_o confute_v they_o but_o every_o sermon_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o turk_n and_o infidel_n my_o design_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v particular_o send_v by_o god_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o particular_a by_o way_n of_o application_n of_o the_o former_a viz._n 3._o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o persuade_a man_n to_o a_o reformation_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n for_o as_o another_o apostle_n reason_n from_o the_o same_o argument_n 3.11_o see_v all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o argument_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o holiness_n but_o none_o more_o sensible_a and_o move_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n than_o this_o especial_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o if_o this_o argument_n do_v not_o persuade_v man_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o other_o shall_v 2._o that_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n be_v desperate_a who_o can_v by_o any_o argument_n be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v off_o their_o sin_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o other_o argument_n shall_v persuade_v man_n if_o this_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o not_o if_o a_o almighty_a power_n can_v awaken_v we_o if_o infinite_a justice_n can_v affright_v we_o if_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v can_v make_v we_o tremble_v and_o eternal_a misery_n leave_v no_o impression_n upon_o we_o what_o other_o argument_n or_o method_n can_v we_o imagine_v will_v reclaim_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v be_v too_o sad_a a_o instance_n ourselves_o of_o the_o ineffectualness_n of_o other_o mean_n of_o amendment_n by_o the_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n of_o this_o present_a life_n have_v ever_o any_o people_n have_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o both_o these_o than_o we_o have_v have_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o few_o year_n if_o the_o wise_a person_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v to_o have_v set_v down_o beforehand_o the_o method_n of_o reform_v a_o sinful_a nation_n they_o c●uld_v have_v pitch_v upon_o none_o more_o effectual_a than_o what_o we_o have_v show_v not_o to_o be_v so_o fir●●_n they_o will_v have_v imagine_v that_o after_o endure_v many_o misery_n and_o hardship_n when_o they_o be_v almost_o quite_o sink_v under_o despair_n if_o god_n ●hould_v give_v they_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a deliverance_n mere_a ingenuity_n and_o thankfulness_n will_v make_v they_o afraid_a to_o displease_v a_o god_n of_o so_o much_o kindness_n but_o if_o so_o great_a a_o flash_n of_o joy_n and_o prosperity_n 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danger_n of_o either_o of_o the_o opposite_a faction_n than_o ever_o it_o be_v nay_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o like_o a_o neck_n of_o land_n between_o two_o rough_a and_o boisterous_a sea_n which_o rise_v and_o swell_v and_o by_o the_o breach_n they_o make_v in_o upon_o we_o threaten_v a_o inundation_n by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o necessity_n there_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v govern_v this_o world_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o that_o when_o neither_o judgement_n nor_o mercy_n can_v make_v man_n better_a in_o this_o life_n judgement_n without_o mercy_n shall_v be_v their_o portion_n in_o another_o o_o the_o infatuate_a power_n of_o ●in_a when_o neither_o the_o pity_n of_o a_o indulgent_a father_n nor_o the_o frown_n of_o a_o severe_a judge_n can_v draw_v we_o from_o it_o when_o neither_o the_o bitter_a passion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n nor_o his_o threaten_a to_o come_v again_o to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o we_o for_o they_o can_v make_v we_o hate_v and_o abhor_v they_o when_o neither_o the_o shame_n nor_o contempt_n the_o disease_n and_o reproach_n which_o follow_v sin_n in_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o intolerable_a anguish_n and_o misery_n of_o another_o can_v make_v man_n sensible_a of_o the_o folly_n of_o they_o so_o as_o to_o forsake_v they_o can_v we_o but_o represent_v to_o our_o mind_n that_o state_n wherein_o we_o must_v all_o short_o be_v when_o the_o bustle_n and_o hurry_v the_o pleasure_n and_o diversion_n the_o courtship_n and_o entertainment_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v quite_o at_o a_o end_n with_o we_o and_o every_o one_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n what_o another_o opinion_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n with_o what_o abhorrency_n shall_v we_o look_v upon_o every_o temptation_n to_o sin_n how_o shall_v we_o loathe_v the_o sight_n of_o those_o who_o either_o betray_v we_o into_o sin_n or_o flatter_v we_o when_o we_o have_v commit_v it_o can_v man_n but_o ask_v themselves_o that_o reasonable_a question_n why_o they_o will_v defy_v god_n by_o violate_v his_o know_a law_n unless_o they_o be_v sure_a he_o either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o they_o will_v be_v more_o afraid_a of_o do_v it_o than_o they_o be_v for_o suppose_v both_o to_o do_v it_o be_v perfect_a madness_n to_o question_v his_o power_n who_o be_v almighty_a or_o his_o will_n who_o have_v declare_v it_o and_o be_v immutable_a be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n 2._o the_o condition_n of_o such_o be_v desperate_a who_o no_o argument_n can_v persuade_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o break_v prison_n in_o that_o other_o state_n no_o escape_v trial_n no_o corrupt_v the_o judge_n no_o reverse_v the_o sentence_n no_o pardon_n after_o judgement_n no_o reprieve_n from_o punishment_n no_o abatement_n or_o end_n of_o misery_n how_o can_v thou_o then_o hope_v o_o impenitent_a sinner_n either_o to_o fly_v from_o or_o to_o endure_v that_o wrath_n of_o god_n that_o be_v come_v swift_o upon_o thou_o to_o arrest_v thou_o by_o death_n and_o convey_v thou_o to_o thy_o torment_a prison_n can_v thou_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v discharge_v thou_o before_o that_o dreadful_a day_n come_v when_o he_o have_v confine_v thou_o thither_o in_o order_n to_o it_o can_v thou_o hope_v that_o day_n will_v never_o come_v which_o the_o vindication_n of_o god_n justice_n the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a as_o well_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a make_v so_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v come_v or_o can_v thou_o hope_v to_o defend_v thyself_o against_o a_o all-seeing_a eye_n a_o most_o righteous_a judge_n and_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n when_o that_o day_n do_v come_v when_o all_o the_o mercy_n thou_o have_v abuse_v the_o judgement_n thou_o have_v slight_v
argument_n strong_a enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n to_o part_v not_o only_o with_o what_o he_o have_v or_o hope_n for_o in_o this_o life_n but_o with_o life_n itself_o he_o that_o be_v so_o great_a a_o fool_n to_o be_v a_o atheist_n will_v yet_o be_v much_o more_o so_o to_o be_v a_o martyr_n for_o his_o opinion_n what_o be_v there_o can_v recompense_v the_o loss_n of_o life_n to_o a_o man_n that_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o after_o it_o but_o suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o demonstration_n to_o the_o contrary_a what_o madness_n will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v himself_o into_o the_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n with_o a_o design_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v none_o if_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v mean_v be_v only_o to_o represent_v the_o folly_n of_o a_o person_n that_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o a_o estate_n for_o so_o the_o soul_n be_v often_o 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whole_a world_n for_o one_o moman_n will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v kill_v in_o the_o next_o how_o much_o great_a folly_n be_v they_o guilty_a of_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o life_n here_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o another_o life_n which_o god_n have_v threaten_v or_o their_o soul_n can_v undergo_v it_o be_v such_o a_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o present_a life_n for_o whosoever_o say_v christ_n will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o to_o those_o word_n before_o those_o of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o particular_a reference_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o of_o lose_v this_o life_n but_o of_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o future_a state_n and_o this_o loss_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o soul_n annhilation_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o life_n be_v go_v for_o that_o be_v suppose_v he_o will_v be_v the_o happy_a man_n that_o have_v the_o most_o of_o this_o world_n at_o his_o command_n and_o enjoy_v the_o great_a pleasure_n in_o it_o so_o st._n paul_n himself_o determine_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n the_o epicurean_o argument_n will_v take_v place_n ●2_n let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o tomorrow_o we_o die_v and_o he_o reckon_v those_o among_o the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o mankind_n who_o venture_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o that_o be_v account_v desirable_a in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o their_o life_n too_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o better_a life_n to_o come_v 15.19_o for_o if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n say_v he_o we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a so_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n depend_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o capacity_n of_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o a_o future_a state_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o particular_a duty_n require_v in_o it_o be_v establish_v on_o the_o same_o foundation_n that_o natural_a religion_n be_v which_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n 11.6_o for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o which_o be_v speak_v with_o a_o respect_n to_o one_o who_o for_o be_v good_a be_v translate_v out_o of_o this_o world_n must_v refer_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o than_o these_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v the_o most_o difficult_a duty_n of_o christianity_n appear_v reasonable_a to_o mankind_n for_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v our_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a care_n to_o look_v after_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o before_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n because_o a_o state_n that_o endure_v for_o ever_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o short_a and_o uncertain_a abode_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o please_v god_n though_o to_o the_o displease_v ourselves_o and_o the_o cross_v our_o natural_a inclination_n because_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n depend_v upon_o his_o favour_n or_o displeasure_n it_o be_v this_o which_o oblige_v man_n to_o the_o great_a care_n of_o their_o action_n because_o their_o future_a state_n in_o another_o world_n will_v be_v according_a to_o their_o life_n here_o for_o every_o man_n shall_v then_o receive_v according_a to_o his_o work_n it_o be_v this_o which_o ought_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o all_o fleshly_a lust_n not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v inconvenient_a for_o their_o body_n but_o because_o they_o war_n against_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n because_o it_o draw_v away_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n from_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o and_o fix_v they_o upon_o thing_n below_o it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o subdue_v our_o passion_n to_o conquer_v temptation_n to_o forgive_v injury_n to_o be_v patient_a under_o affliction_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o religion_n because_o there_o will_v be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o state_n will_v make_v abundant_a recompense_n for_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o so_o that_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n be_v not_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o subtle_a and_o contemplative_a man_n nor_o mere_o suppose_v as_o a_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v interweave_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o add_v strength_n to_o all_o its_o part_n for_o herein_o we_o find_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o bare_o assert_v nor_o prove_v by_o uncertain_a argument_n nor_o depend_v on_o the_o opinion_n of_o philosopher_n but_o deliver_v with_o the_o great_a authority_n reveal_v with_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o strong_a evidence_n if_o any_o one_o can_v make_v know_v to_o mankind_n the_o state_n of_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n it_o must_v be_v god_n himself_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v make_v know_v plain_o by_o he_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o 1.10_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n if_o ever_o any_o argument_n be_v proper_a to_o convince_v mankind_n of_o it_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v contain_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o soul_n subsist_v a●●er_o a_o real_a death_n but_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v build_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o christian_a religion_n appear_v more_o reasonable_a by_o it_o but_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n leave_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o whatever_o argument_n we_o have_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o same_o do_v of_o necessity_n prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n i_o confess_v many_o subtle_a argument_n have_v be_v use_v by_o those_o who_o never_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o prove_v the_o
as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o soldier_n in_o the_o appiano_n roman_a history_n who_o blind_v his_o eye_n so_o long_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o civil_a war_n that_o when_o he_o will_v have_v use_v it_o again_o he_o can_v not_o and_o when_o custom_n have_v by_o degree_n take_v away_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n from_o their_o conscience_n they_o grow_v as_o hard_o as_o 77._o herodotus_n tell_v we_o the_o head_n of_o the_o old_a egyptian_n be_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o nothing_o will_v ever_o enter_v they_o if_o man_n will_v with_o nabuchadnezzar_n herd_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n no_o wonder_n if_o their_o reas●n_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o grow_v as_o savage_a as_o the_o company_n they_o keep_v so_o powerful_a a_o thing_n be_v custom_n to_o debauch_v mankind_n and_o so_o easy_o do_v the_o great_a vice_n by_o degree_n obtain_v admission_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o pretence_n of_o be_v retainer_n to_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v a_o phrase_n through_o the_o power_n of_o self-flattery_n and_o man_n ignorance_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a action_n make_v to_o be_v of_o so_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o sense_n that_o the_o most_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n and_o such_o which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o do_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o it_o do_v find_v rather_o than_o make_v friend_n enough_o to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o they_o but_o such_o a_o protection_n it_o be_v which_o be_v neither_o allow_v in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n nor_o will_v ever_o secure_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n from_o the_o arrest_n of_o divine_a justice_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n will_v make_v no_o defalcation_n at_o all_o for_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n or_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o command_n or_o rather_o of_o obedience_n to_o it_o when_o neither_o of_o the_o former_a plea_n will_v effect_v their_o design_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o pretend_a necessity_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o the_o more_o than_o pretend_v common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n their_o conscience_n still_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o rebuke_v they_o sharp_o for_o their_o sin_n then_o in_o a_o mighty_a rage_n and_o fury_n they_o charge_v god_n himself_o with_o tyranny_n in_o lay_v impossible_a law_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o if_o we_o either_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o command_n or_o the_o promise_n which_o accompany_v it_o or_o the_o large_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v that_o this_o pretence_n be_v altogether_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o god_n require_v of_o man_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v judge_v impossible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o 2.12_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o world_n for_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v so_o but_o who_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o intemperance_n not_o to_o defraud_v or_o injure_v his_o neighbour_n or_o to_o pay_v that_o reverence_n and_o sincere_a devotion_n to_o god_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o be_v it_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o yet_o that_o have_v be_v judge_v by_o stranger_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o most_o exact_a measure_n of_o humane_a conversation_n be_v it_o to_o maintain_v a_o universal_a kindness_n and_o good_a will_n to_o man_n that_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o it_o so_o strict_o require_v it_o but_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a farewell_o all_o good_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o suppose_v few_o will_v own_v this_o charge_n lest_o they_o be_v suspect_v be_v it_o to_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n moderate_a in_o our_o desire_n circumspect_a in_o our_o action_n content_v in_o all_o condition_n yet_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o those_o have_v pretend_v to_o who_o never_o own_a christianity_n and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o never_o think_v they_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a compassionate_a to_o those_o in_o misery_n be_v it_o to_o be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n as_o we_o hope_v god_n will_v forgive_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n the●e_n be_v very_o few_o among_o we_o but_o will_v say_v they_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n already_o and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o impossible_a the_o like_a answer_n i_o may_v give_v to_o all_o the_o other_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o as_o to_o these_o too_o if_o we_o charge_v man_n with_o they_o they_o either_o deny_v their_o commit_v they_o and_o then_o say_v they_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n or_o if_o they_o confess_v it_o they_o promise_v amendment_n for_o the_o future_a but_o in_o neither_o respect_n can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o think_v the_o command_n impossible_a thus_o we_o see_v their_o own_o mouth_n will_v condemn_v they_o when_o they_o charge_v god_n with_o lay_v impossible_a law_n on_o mankind_n but_o if_o we_o inquire_v further_o than_o into_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o it_o may_v be_v never_o concern_v themselves_o so_o much_o about_o the_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o power_n to_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o nay_o if_o we_o yield_v they_o more_o than_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o inquire_v after_o though_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o viz._n that_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n they_o can_v never_o do_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o unlimited_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o know_v the_o weakness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n wh●n_v he_o give_v these_o command_n to_o man_n he_o make_v a_o large_a and_o free_a offer_n of_o assistance_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n as_o to_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o and_o can_v man_n then_o say_v the_o command_n be_v impossible_a when_o he_o have_v promise_v a_o assistance_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v ackowledge_v that_o some_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o difficult_a to_o we_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v he_o have_v sweeten_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o will_v not_o the_o proposal_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o reward_n make_v we_o swallow_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a hardship_n that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v it_o have_v he_o not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o most_o oblige_a motive_n to_o persuade_v ●s_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o he_o require_v by_o the_o infinite_a discovery_n of_o his_o own_o love_n the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o what_o then_o be_v want_v but_o only_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o serious_a obedience_n of_o they_o to_o make_v his_o command_n not_o only_o not_o impossible_a but_o easy_a to_o we_o but_o our_o grand_a fault_n be_v we_o make_v impossibility_n ourselves_o where_o we_o find_v none_o and_o then_o we_o complain_v of_o they_o we_o be_v first_o resolve_v not_o to_o practice_v the_o command_n and_o then_o nothing_o more_o easy_a than_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o we_o first_o pass_v sentence_n and_o then_o examine_v evidence_n first_o condemn_v and_o then_o inquire_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n yet_o sure_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v account_v impossible_a which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a christian_n and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v all_o guilty_a of_o hypocrisy_n who_o have_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o to_o this_o day_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o they_o have_v not_o only_o do_v they_o but_o profess_v to_o have_v that_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o exchange_v for_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o not_o only_o be_v patient_a but_o rejoice_v in_o suffering_n who_o account_v it_o their_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o endure_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n who_o be_v so_o assure_v
they_o use_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o healthful_a potion_n no_o doubt_n nothing_o can_v more_o gratify_v they_o than_o to_o see_v man_n sport_v themselves_o into_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o go_v down_o so_o pleasant_o to_o hell_n when_o eternal_a flame_n become_v their_o ●irst_n awakener_n and_o then_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v wise_a when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o be_v so_o when_o nothing_o but_o insupportable_a torment_n can_v convince_v they_o that_o god_n be_v in_o earnest_n with_o they_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o always_o bear_v the_o affront_n of_o evil_a man_n and_o that_o those_o who_o deride_v the_o misery_n of_o another_o life_n shall_v have_v leisure_n enough_o to_o repent_v their_o folly_n when_o their_o repentance_n shall_v only_o increase_v their_o sorrow_n without_o hope_n of_o pardon_n by_o it_o 3._o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o present_a felicity_n or_o any_o considerable_a advantage_n to_o be_v gain_v by_o this_o mock_n at_o sin_n and_o undervalue_a religion_n there_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o pretence_n though_o nothing_o of_o true_a reason_n for_o it_o yet_o that_o which_o heighten_v this_o folly_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o imaginable_a consideration_n think_v on_o which_o may_v look_v like_o a_o plausible_a temptation_n to_o it_o the_o covetous_a man_n when_o he_o have_v defraud_v his_o neighbour_n and_o use_v all_o kind_n of_o art_n to_o compass_v a_o estate_n have_v the_o ●ulness_n of_o his_o bag_n to_o answer_v for_o he_o and_o whatever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o another_o world_n he_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v do_v much_o in_o this_o the_o voluptuous_a man_n have_v the_o strong_a propensity_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o force_n of_o temptation_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o charm_n of_o beauty_n to_o excuse_v his_o unlawful_a pleasure_n by_o the_o ambitious_a man_n have_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o advantage_n of_o authority_n the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v great_a before_o he_o and_o the_o envy_n of_o those_o who_o condemn_v he_o to_o plead_v for_o the_o height_n he_o aim_v at_o but_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o person_n who_o despise_v religion_n and_o laugh_v at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v serious_a propose_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o do_v but_o alas_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v much_o more_o serious_a than_o he_o be_v if_o he_o do_v propound_v any_o thing_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o action_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a kindness_n to_o other_o though_o none_o to_o himself_o i_o can_v imagine_v any_o unless_o it_o may_v be_v to_o make_v they_o thankful_a they_o be_v not_o arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o folly_n or_o out_o of_o perfect_a good_a nature_n lest_o they_o shall_v take_v he_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o be_v the_o psalmist_n fool_n despise_v he_o as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v religion_n for_o he_o only_o say_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o this_o though_o he_o dare_v not_o think_v there_o be_v none_o yet_o show_v he_o not_o near_o so_o much_o outward_a respect_n and_o reverence_n as_o the_o other_o do_v even_o the_o atheist_n himself_o think_v he_o a_o fool_n and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o affront_v he_o and_o trifle_n with_o he_o and_o although_o the_o atheist_n folly_n be_v unaccountable_a in_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n yet_o so_o far_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o what_o he_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o it_o so_o that_o of_o all_o hand_n the_o scoffer_n at_o religion_n be_v look_v on_o as_o one_o forsake_v of_o that_o little_a reason_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o uphold_v a_o slender_a reputation_n of_o be_v above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o therein_o his_o condition_n be_v worse_a than_o they_o that_o as_o they_o understand_v not_o religion_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v punish_v for_o despise_v it_o which_o such_o a_o person_n can_v never_o secure_v himself_o from_o consider_v the_o power_n the_o justice_n the_o severity_n of_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v god_n grant_v that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o this_o danger_n may_v make_v we_o so_o serious_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o may_v not_o by_o slight_v that_o and_o mock_v at_o sin_n provoke_v he_o to_o laugh_v at_o our_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o our_o fear_n come_v but_o that_o by_o behold_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o repentance_n and_o the_o heartiness_n of_o our_o devotion_n to_o he_o he_o may_v turn_v his_o anger_n away_o from_o we_o and_o rejoice_v over_o we_o to_o do_v we_o good_a sermon_n iii_o preach_v at_o whitehall_n luke_n vii_o xxxv_o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o all_o her_o child_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n appearance_n and_o preach_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v none_o which_o to_o our_o first_o view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a than_o that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v then_o think_v of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o obstinate_a opposer_n of_o he_o for_o since_o he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v go_v before_o concern_v he_o and_o be_v himself_o the_o great_a prophet_n foretell_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n none_o may_v in_o humane_a probability_n have_v be_v judge_v more_o likely_a to_o have_v receive_v and_o honour_v he_o than_o those_o to_o who_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o thing_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v and_o who_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o any_o else_o can_v be_v thus_o indeed_o it_o may_v have_v be_v reasonable_o expe●●ed_v and_o doubtless_o it_o have_v be_v so_o if_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n have_v not_o have_v a_o far_o more_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o they_o than_o they_o have_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n if_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n if_o reason_n and_o religion_n nay_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n can_v have_v prevail_v over_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o among_o they_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrin_n may_v have_v be_v some_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v be_v all_o proselyte_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v be_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o see_v with_o what_o a_o jealous_a eye_n power_n and_o interest_n look_v on_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o of●er_v at_o any_o disturbance_n of_o it_o how_o much_o great_a sway_n partiality_n and_o prejudice_n have_v upon_o the_o m●nds_n of_o man_n than_o true_a reason_n and_o religion_n and_o how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v convince_v we_o find_v none_o more_o furious_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n none_o more_o obstinate_a in_o their_o infidelity_n as_o to_o this_o doctrine_n than_o those_o who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o great_a reputation_n among_o they_o for_o their_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n as_o often_o as_o he_o meet_v with_o either_o check_n for_o their_o ignorance_n or_o rebuke_n for_o their_o pride_n or_o denounce_v woe_n against_o for_o their_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n these_o be_v they_o who_o instead_o of_o believe_v in_o christ_n persecute_v he_o instead_o of_o follow_v he_o seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o compass_v it_o they_o reproach_n and_o defame_v he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v real_o as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o and_o although_o the_o people_n may_v not_o present_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v concern_v he_o yet_o that_o they_o may_v at_o least_o be_v keep_v in_o suspense_n by_o it_o they_o endeavour_v to_o fasten_v the_o black_a calumny_n upon_o he_o and_o suit_n they_o with_o all_o imaginable_a art_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o if_o any_o appear_v zealous_a for_o the_o present_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o for_o pay_v the_o duty_n and_o obedience_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o roman_a power_n which_o then_o govern_v they_o to_o they_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o a_o factious_a and_o seditious_a person_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o caesar_n as_o one_o that_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o though_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o country_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o ambition_n and_o vainglory_n which_o make_v
he_o gather_v disciple_n and_o preach_v to_o multitude_n that_o none_o can_v foretell_v what_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o new_a doctrine_n may_v be_v if_o not_o timely_o suppress_v and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o severe_o punish_v thus_o to_o the_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a reason_n of_o state_n be_v pretend_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o enmity_n to_o christ._n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v impatient_a of_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o watch_v for_o any_o opportunity_n to_o cast_v it_o off_o they_o suggest_v the_o mighty_a improbability_n of_o ever_o obtain_v any_o deliverance_n by_o a_o person_n so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a as_o our_o saviour_n appear_v among_o they_o and_o that_o sure_o god_n who_o deliver_v their_o forefather_n of_o old_a from_o a_o bondage_n not_o great_a than_o they_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n do_v never_o intend_v the_o redemption_n of_o his_o people_n by_o one_o of_o obscure_a parentage_n mean_v education_n and_o of_o no_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o great_a man_n they_o need_v no_o more_o than_o bid_v they_o behold_v the_o train_n of_o his_o follower_n who_o be_v general_o poor_a the_o more_o numerous_a they_o be_v the_o more_o mouth_n they_o may_v see_v open_a and_o ready_a to_o devour_v the_o estate_n of_o those_o who_o be_v above_o they_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n they_o bid_v consider_v what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o all_o if_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v abrogate_a by_o which_o their_o interest_n be_v uphold_v for_o if_o the_o temple_n fall_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o stand_v but_o the_o grand_a difficulty_n be_v among_o the_o people_n who_o begin_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o so_o high_a a_o opinion_n of_o he_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o innocency_n of_o his_o conversation_n that_o unless_o they_o can_v insinuate_v into_o their_o mind_n some_o effectual_a prejudices_fw-la against_o these_o a●●●heir_o other_o attempt_n be_v like_a to_o be_v vain_a and_o unsuccessful_a if_o therefore_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o who_o be_v surprise_v by_o his_o miracle_n as_o well_o as_o ravish_v by_o his_o doctrine_n when_o they_o see_v he_o raise_v the_o dead_a restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a cure_v the_o deaf_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o possess_v person_n they_o tell_v they_o present_o that_o these_o be_v the_o common_a art_n of_o impostor_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v easy_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n if_o any_o be_v admirer_n of_o the_o pharisaical_a rigour_n and_o austerity_n as_o the_o people_n general_o be_v when_o man_n religion_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o sourness_n of_o their_o countenance_n the_o length_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o distance_n they_o keep_v from_o other_o person_n these_o they_o bid_v especial_o beware_v of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n for_o he_o condemn_v all_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n all_o mortification_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n that_o he_o sink_v all_o religion_n into_o short_a prayer_n and_o dull_a morality_n that_o his_o conversation_n be_v not_o among_o the_o person_n of_o any_o reputation_n for_o piety_n but_o among_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o nothing_o extraordinary_a appear_v in_o his_o life_n that_o his_o action_n be_v like_o other_o man_n and_o his_o company_n none_o of_o the_o best_a and_o his_o behaviour_n among_o they_o with_o too_o great_a a_o freedom_n for_o a_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n o●_n holiness_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o most_o perfect_a innocency_n can_v not_o escape_v the_o venom_n of_o malicious_a tongue_n but_o the_o less_o it_o enter_v the_o more_o they_o be_v enrage_v and_o make_v up_o what_o want_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o calumny_n by_o their_o diligence_n in_o spread_v they_o as_o though_o their_o mouth_n indeed_o have_v be_v open_a sepulcher_n by_o the_o noisome_a vapour_n which_o come_v out_o of_o they_o and_o we_o may_v well_o think_v no_o less_o a_o poison_n than_o that_o of_o asp_n can_v be_v under_o their_o lip_n which_o so_o secret_o and_o yet_o so_o mischievous_o convey_v itself_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n the_o only_a advantage_n which_o malice_n have_v against_o the_o great_a virtue_n be_v that_o the_o great_a it_o be_v the_o less_o it_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o petty_a art_n which_o be_v use_v against_o it_o and_o will_v not_o bring_v its_o own_o innocency_n so_o much_o into_o suspicion_n as_o to_o make_v any_o long_a apology_n for_o itself_o for_o to_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n assault_v rather_o by_o noise_n and_o clamour_n than_o any_o solid_a reason_n or_o force_v of_o argument_n neglect_n and_o disdain_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a weapon_n of_o defence_n for_o where_o malice_n be_v only_o impertinent_a and_o troublesome_a a_o punctual_a answer_n seem_v next_o to_o a_o confession_n but_o although_o innocency_n need_v no_o defence_n as_o to_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o the_o advantage_n it_o have_v of_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n that_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o real_o be_v which_o can_v be_v do_v unless_o its_o reputation_n be_v clear_v from_o the_o malicious_a aspersion_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n though_o he_o think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o use_v the_o same_o diligence_n in_o the_o vindication_n of_o himself_o which_o his_o enemy_n do_v in_o the_o defamation_n of_o he_o yet_o when_o he_o see_v it_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o doctrine_n among_o the_o more_o ingenious_a and_o tractable_a part_n of_o his_o auditor_n he_o sometime_o by_o the_o quickness_n of_o his_o reply_n sometime_o by_o the_o suddenness_n and_o sharpness_n of_o his_o question_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o plain_a force_n of_o argument_n and_o reason_n baffle_v his_o adversary_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v convince_v they_o think_v it_o best_o for_o the_o time_n to_o be_v quiet_a this_o be_v to_o let_v they_o see_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o throw_v off_o their_o reproach_n as_o fast_o as_o their_o malice_n can_v invent_v they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o they_o by_o such_o weak_a attempt_n to_o obscure_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o innocency_n as_o for_o the_o spot_n which_o astronomer_n discern_v near_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n ever_o to_o eclipse_v the_o light_n of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o those_o thin_a mist_n which_o envy_n and_o detraction_n raise_v at_o his_o first_o appearance_n and_o those_o grosser_n vapour_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o open_a enmity_n when_o he_o come_v to_o a_o great_a height_n do_v but_o add_v a_o bright_a lustre_n to_o his_o glory_n when_o it_o be_v see_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o machination_n of_o his_o enemy_n his_o innocency_n break_v forth_o like_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n but_o it_o please_v god_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n mind_n so_o to_o order_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o as_o they_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a but_o man_n of_o obstinate_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n will_v find_v something_o to_o cavil_v at_o so_o they_o be_v never_o so_o dark_a and_o obscure_a in_o the_o most_o difficult_a circumstance_n of_o they_o but_o man_n of_o unprejudiced_a and_o ingenuous_a mind_n may_v find_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o they_o which_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o shall_v be_v of_o our_o present_a discourse_n upon_o they_o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o all_o her_o child_n where_o without_o any_o 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the_o high_a nature_n and_o consequence_n which_o will_v not_o at_o all_o move_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n but_o at_o last_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o man_n who_o love_v to_o be_v call_v the_o man_n of_o wit_n in_o this_o age_n of_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o providence_n a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v see_v no_o further_o reason_n to_o embrace_v than_o as_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n they_o live_v in_o but_o if_o we_o demand_v what_o mighty_a reason_n they_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v forth_o against_o a_o religion_n so_o holy_a and_o innocent_a in_o its_o design_n so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n so_o well_o contrive_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o and_o another_o life_n so_o full_o attest_v to_o come_v from_o god_n by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o such_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n so_o certain_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o unquestionable_a tradition_n of_o all_o age_n since_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o the_o utmost_a they_o can_v pretend_v against_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o such_o a_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v too_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o man_n and_o the_o design_n ineffectual_a for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o removal_n therefore_o of_o these_o cavil_n against_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o circumstance_n in_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n or_o course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n he_o come_v upon_o 2._o that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o tend_v 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sovereign_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n must_v have_v be_v summon_v to_o give_v their_o attendance_n and_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o he_o that_o their_o sceptre_n must_v have_v be_v immediate_o lay_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o universal_a monarchy_n under_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v bow_v down_o at_o his_o presence_n to_o show_v their_o obeisance_n to_o he_o the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o shake_v for_o fear_n at_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o his_o majesty_n that_o all_o the_o cloud_n shall_v clap_v together_o in_o one_o universal_a thunder_n to_o welcome_v his_o appearance_n and_o tell_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n what_o cause_n they_o have_v to_o fear_v he_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heaven_n obey_v that_o the_o sea_n shall_v run_v out_o of_o its_o wont_a course_n with_o amazement_n and_o horror_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a hide_v itself_o in_o the_o hollow_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o mountain_n shall_v shrink_v in_o their_o head_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o vast_a place_n of_o the_o deep_a so_o that_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n which_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n 6._o that_o every_o valley_n shall_v be_v fill_v and_o every_o mountain_n and_o hill_n bring_v low_a the_o crooked_a make_v straight_o and_o the_o rough_a way_n smooth_a and_o all_o flesh_n see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n yea_o that_o the_o son_n for_o a_o time_n shall_v be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n withdraw_v her_o light_n to_o let_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n understand_v that_o a_o glory_n infinite_o great_a than_o they_o do_v now_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o word_n they_o can_v not_o imagine_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v be_v bear_v without_o the_o pang_n and_o throw_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o appear_v as_o 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be_v only_o rich_a in_o her_o genealogy_n and_o honourable_a in_o her_o pedigree_n and_o according_a to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o birth_n be_v his_o education_n too_o his_o youth_n be_v not_o spend_v in_o the_o imperial_a court_n at_o rome_n nor_o in_o the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n at_o athens_n nor_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o great_a rabbi_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o at_o nazareth_n a_o place_n of_o mean_a esteem_n among_o the_o jew_n where_o he_o be_v remarkable_a for_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o virtue_n proper_a to_o his_o age_n modesty_n humility_n and_o obedience_n all_o which_o he_o exercise_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o his_o great_a kindred_n and_o acquaintance_n be_v mighty_o surprise_v when_o at_o 30_o year_n of_o age_n he_o begin_v to_o discover_v himself_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o speak_v with_o and_o although_o the_o ray_n of_o his_o divinity_n begin_v to_o break_v forth_o through_o the_o cloud_n he_o have_v hitherto_o disguise_v himself_o in_o yet_o he_o persist_v still_o in_o the_o same_o course_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n take_v care_n of_o other_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o himself_o feed_v other_o by_o a_o miracle_n and_o fast_v himself_o to_o one_o show_v his_o power_n in_o work_v miraculous_a cure_n and_o his_o humility_n in_o conceal_v they_o converse_v with_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o choose_v such_o for_o his_o apostle_n who_o bring_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v they_o but_o innocency_n and_o simplicity_n who_o by_o their_o heat_n and_o ignorance_n be_v continual_a exercise_n of_o his_o patience_n in_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o of_o his_o care_n and_o tenderness_n in_o instruct_v they_o and_o after_o a_o life_n thus_o lead_v with_o such_o unparalleled_a humility_n when_o he_o can_v add_v nothing_o more_o to_o it_o by_o his_o action_n he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o suffering_n and_o complete_v the_o sad_a tragedy_n of_o his_o life_n by_o a_o most_o shameful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n this_o be_v the_o short_a and_o true_a account_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o admirer_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o world_n think_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a in_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v whether_o so_o great_a humility_n be_v not_o more_o agreeable_a with_o the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n than_o all_o that_o pomp_n and_o state_n will_v have_v be_v which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v have_v more_o easy_o command_v than_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o come_v not_o upon_o so_o mean_v a_o errand_n as_o to_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o mankind_n with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o amaze_v they_o by_o the_o terribleness_n of_o his_o majesty_n much_o
that_o their_o deformity_n be_v discover_v their_o way_n as_o well_o as_o their_o person_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v and_o avoid_v and_o when_o he_o see_v by_o the_o mighty_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o uncharitableness_n towards_o all_o other_o how_o little_a good_a be_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o they_o he_o seldom_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n but_o rather_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o be_v more_o open_o wicked_a be_v more_o easy_o convince_v of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o persuade_v to_o reform_v for_o which_o end_n alone_o it_o be_v that_o he_o so_o free_o converse_v with_o they_o to_o let_v they_o see_v there_o be_v none_o so_o bad_a but_o his_o kindness_n be_v so_o great_a to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v they_o all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o just_a reproach_n to_o christ_n that_o he_o keep_v company_n sometime_o with_o these_o than_o it_o be_v to_o a_o chirurgeon_n to_o visit_v hospital_n or_o to_o a_o physician_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o sick_a 2._o but_o when_o they_o see_v that_o his_o greatness_n do_v appear_v in_o another_o way_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o miracle_n than_o these_o wise_a and_o subtle_a man_n apprehend_v a_o further_a reach_n and_o design_n in_o all_o his_o action_n viz._n that_o his_o low_a condition_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o popularity_n and_o a_o mere_a disguise_n to_o ensnare_v the_o people_n the_o better_a to_o make_v they_o in_o love_n with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o season_v they_o with_o principle_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n hence_o come_v all_o the_o clamour_n of_o his_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o caesar_n and_o call_v himself_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o his_o design_n to_o erect_v a_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o all_o which_o they_o interpret_v in_o the_o most_o malicious_a though_o most_o unreasonable_a sense_n for_o nothing_o be_v so_o politic_a as_o malice_n and_o ill-will_n for_o that_o find_v design_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o contrary_a they_o be_v to_o all_o the_o protestation_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v the_o deep_a that_o suggest_v present_o they_o be_v lay_v and_o that_o there_o be_v the_o more_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o great_a care_n use_v by_o he_o to_o show_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n he_o live_v under_o it_o be_v not_o his_o most_o solemn_a disavow_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o their_o civil_a interest_n not_o the_o severe_a check_n he_o give_v his_o own_o disciple_n for_o any_o ambitious_a thought_n among_o they_o not_o the_o recommend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o nor_o the_o rebuke_n he_o give_v one_o of_o his_o most_o forward_a disciple_n for_o offer_v to_o draw_v his_o sword_n in_o the_o rescue_n of_o himself_o can_v abate_v the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o at_o last_o they_o condemn_v the_o great_a teacher_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n as_o a_o traitor_n and_o the_o most_o unparalleled_a example_n of_o innocency_n as_o a_o malefactor_n but_o though_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o object_v against_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o tend_v to_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n yet_o that_o these_o man_n who_o be_v inspire_v by_o malice_n and_o prophesy_v according_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n will_v say_v be_v because_o he_o be_v take_v away_o in_o time_n before_o his_o design_n can_v be_v ripe_a for_o action_n but_o if_o his_o doctrine_n tend_v that_o way_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v their_o proceed_n against_o he_o so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o what_o he_o do_v but_o what_o he_o may_v have_v do_v not_o treason_n but_o convenience_n which_o make_v they_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o tain●_n in_o his_o doctrine_n that_o way_n there_o have_v be_v reason_n enough_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n to_o have_v use_v the_o utmost_a care_n to_o prevent_v the_o spread_a it_o but_o so_o far_o be_v this_o from_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o probability_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o imagine_v a_o religion_n which_o aim_v less_o at_o the_o present_a particular_a interest_n of_o the_o embracer_n of_o it_o and_o more_o at_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o prince_n than_o christianity_n do_v as_o it_o be_v both_o preach_v and_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o here_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o lament_v the_o unhappy_a fate_n of_o religion_n when_o it_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o who_o think_v themselves_o the_o master_n of_o all_o the_o little_a art_n whereby_o this_o world_n be_v govern_v if_o it_o teach_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n if_o it_o require_v obedience_n to_o law_n and_o make_v man_n happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o life_n in_o any_o measure_n to_o depend_v upon_o it_o then_o religion_n be_v suspect_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a trick_n of_o sta●e_v and_o a_o invention_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n whereby_o man_n may_v the_o better_o be_v mould_v into_o society_n and_o preserve_v in_o they_o but_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o enforce_v any_o thing_n indispensable_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n though_o humane_a law_n require_v the_o contrary_a if_o they_o must_v not_o forswear_v their_o religion_n and_o deny_v he_o who_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o when_o the_o magistrate_n call_v they_o to_o it_o than_o such_o half-witted_a man_n think_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o pretence_n to_o rebellion_n and_o conscience_n only_o a_o obstinate_a plea_n for_o disobedience_n but_o this_o be_v to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o there_o be_v there_o must_v be_v some_o inviolable_a right_n of_o divine_a sovereignty_n acknowledge_v which_o must_v not_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o edict_n and_o law_n of_o man_n but_o suppose_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v allow_v inviolable_a there_o be_v never_o any_o religion_n nay_o never_o any_o invention_n of_o the_o great_a politician_n which_o may_v compare_v with_o that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o this_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n tell_v all_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o that_o they_o mu●t_v live_v in_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n 5._o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o they_o who_o do_v resist_v receive_v unto_o themselves_o damnation_n and_o that_o because_o whosoever_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n than_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v argument_n of_o great_a force_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n for_o he_o that_o only_o obey_v because_o it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o will_v have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o disobey_v when_o there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o may_v make_v more_o for_o his_o advantage_n but_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o obedience_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o life_n no_o hope_n of_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n can_v be_v think_v to_o balance_v the_o loss_n which_o may_v come_v by_o such_o a_o breach_n of_o duty_n in_o that_o to_o come_v so_o that_o no_o person_n do_v so_o dangerous_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o those_o who_o magnify_v that_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n none_o so_o effectual_o secure_v they_o as_o those_o who_o give_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o by_o do_v so_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o and_o the_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a as_o long_o as_o christianity_n preserve_v its_o primitive_a honour_n in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o far_o be_v man_n then_o from_o make_v their_o zeal_n for_o religion_n a_o pretence_n to_o rebellion_n that_o though_o christianity_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o religion_n then_o in_o vogue_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o know_v of_o no_o other_o way_n of_o promote_a it_o but_o by_o patience_n humility_n meekness_n prayer_n ●or_a their_o persecutor_n and_o tear_n when_o they_o see_v they_o obstinate_a so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o foment_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n concern_v the_o prince_n and_o governor_n they_o live_v under_o that_o though_o they_o be_v general_o know_v to_o be_v some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o
spirit_n be_v ferment_v with_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o enrage_v with_o fury_n against_o all_o who_o own_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o sudden_a turn_v quite_o into_o another_o temper_n to_o the_o confusion_n of_o those_o who_o employ_v he_o and_o the_o amazement_n of_o they_o who_o he_o design_v to_o persecute_v nay_o so_o great_a be_v the_o change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o that_o from_o a_o bigot_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n he_o become_v a_o apostle_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o from_o breathe_a flame_n against_o the_o christian_n none_o more_o ready_a than_o he_o to_o undergo_v they_o for_o christ._n if_o he_o have_v only_o give_v over_o his_o persecution_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o he_o have_v mere_o run_v himself_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o former_a fury_n as_o great_a person_n than_o he_o do_v afterward_o but_o to_o retain_v the_o same_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n in_o preach_v christ_n which_o he_o have_v before_o in_o oppose_v he_o to_o have_v as_o great_a zeal_n for_o make_v christian_n as_o he_o have_v for_o destroy_v they_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o some_o great_a and_o unusual_a cause_n whilst_o the_o jew_n think_v he_o have_v too_o much_o learning_n and_o interest_n to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o the_o christian_n find_v he_o have_v too_o much_o rage_n and_o fury_n to_o be_v their_o friend_n even_o then_o when_o they_o least_o expect_v it_o instead_o of_o continue_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o punish_v the_o christian_n he_o declare_v himself_o a_o apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o that_o no_o ordinary_a one_o neither_o for_o such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o divine_a word_n saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o that_o they_o not_o only_o present_o allay_v his_o former_a heat_n but_o quicken_v and_o animate_v he_o to_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o he_o who_o he_o have_v persecute_v before_o and_o 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great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o state_n into_o the_o world_n subdue_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n under_o he_o had_z st._n paul_n be_v a_o general_n for_o the_o gospel_n instead_o of_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o it_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n will_v then_o allow_v he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a either_o of_o his_o master_n or_o of_o his_o employment_n but_o to_o preach_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n among_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o rome_n and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o so_o much_o simplicity_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n among_o those_o who_o be_v the_o master_n of_o it_o and_o manage_v it_o with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o cunning_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o can_v not_o be_v like_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v unless_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a debauchery_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o employment_n so_o liable_a to_o the_o great_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n that_o none_o but_o a_o great_a 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this_o do_v by_o person_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o promise_n heb._n 11.39_o and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o light_n we_o enjoy_v above_o they_o if_o we_o only_o grow_v faint_a by_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o encourage_v they_o by_o that_o army_n of_o martyr_n which_o have_v go_v before_o they_o by_o that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n which_o do_v both_o direct_a and_o refresh_v they_o that_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o oppress_v or_o dishearten_v they_o but_o especial_o their_o sinful_a fear_n which_o they_o be_v so_o easy_o betray_v by_o and_o so_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o v_o 1._o but_o say_v he_o if_o none_o of_o these_o will_v prevail_v with_o you_o there_o be_v a_o example_n yet_o behind_o that_o aught_o above_o all_o other_o to_o heighten_v your_o courage_n and_o that_o be_v of_o the_o 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passion_n those_o a_o wicked_a man_n have_v lose_v the_o command_n of_o or_o else_o he_o can_v never_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o whosoever_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o unruly_a passion_n forfeit_v all_o his_o peace_n by_o it_o for_o what_o peace_n can_v ever_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o violence_n and_o usurpation_n where_o the_o calm_a government_n of_o reason_n be_v cast_v off_o as_o a_o unnecessary_a burden_n and_o every_o passion_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n set_v up_o for_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n nay_o what_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n must_v needs_o follow_v where_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o ought_v to_o keep_v all_o in_o order_n be_v themselves_o in_o subjection_n to_o their_o own_o slave_n and_o none_o ever_o govern_v so_o ill_o as_o those_o which_o ought_v to_o obey_v how_o serene_a and_o quiet_a be_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n where_o the_o superior_a faculty_n preserve_v their_o just_a authority_n how_o compose_v be_v his_o temper_n how_o moderate_a his_o desire_n how_o well_o govern_v his_o fear_n but_o where_o once_o that_o authority_n be_v lose_v how_o extravagant_a be_v the_o rage_n of_o man_n how_o unruly_a their_o lust_n how_o predominant_a their_o fear_n what_o peace_n have_v xerxes_n in_o his_o mind_n when_o in_o stead_n of_o conquer_a his_o foolish_a passion_n he_o challenge_v mount_n athos_n into_o the_o field_n and_o no_o doubt_n will_v have_v run_v fast_o enough_o if_o he_o have_v see_v it_o move_v what_o pleasure_n be_v it_o to_o see_v that_o mighty_a monarch_n whip_v the_o sea_n in_o a_o rage_n as_o though_o the_o wave_n have_v be_v under_o his_o discipline_n and_o will_v run_v the_o fast_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o rod_n what_o harm_n have_v the_o hair_n of_o h●s_n head_n do_v to_o that_o man_n who_o pull_v it_o off_o with_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o passion_n as_o though_o as_o the_o philosopher_n tell_v he_o baldness_n will_v assuage_v his_o grief_n be_v ever_o varus_n the_o near_a to_o restore_v his_o legion_n for_o augustus_n knock_v his_o head_n against_o the_o wall_n in_o a_o rage_n about_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o what_o injury_n do_v neptune_n suffer_v when_o he_o displace_v his_o image_n in_o the_o circensian_a game_n because_o he_o have_v a_o ill_a voyage_n at_o sea_n what_o height_n of_o madness_n and_o folly_n do_v that_o modern_a prince_n rage_n betray_v he_o to_o who_o as_o the_o french_a moralist_n say_v 4._o have_v receive_v a_o blow_n from_o heaven_n swear_v to_o be_v revenge_v on_o almighty_a god_n and_o for_o ten_o year_n space_n forbid_v all_o public_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n towards_o he_o i_o instance_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o let_v we_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o ridiculous_a nothing_o so_o absurd_a nothing_o so_o irreligious_a but_o a_o violent_a passion_n may_v betray_v man_n to_o and_o if_o such_o thing_n ever_o break_v forth_o into_o action_n what_o may_v we_o conceive_v the_o inward_a disturbance_n be_v where_o the_o outward_a show_n which_o usual_o dissemble_v the_o inward_a passion_n betray_v so_o much_o rage_n and_o disorder_n for_o where_o such_o flame_n break_v out_o what_o combustion_n may_v we_o conceive_v within_o but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o this_o kind_n of_o passion_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n but_o when_o his_o desire_n be_v restless_a and_o his_o fear_n unconquerable_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o wicked_a man_n his_o lust_n inflame_v he_o and_o the_o mean_n he_o use_v to_o quench_v they_o enrage_v they_o more_o his_o ambition_n grow_v great_a as_o his_o honour_n do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o a_o cure_n where_o the_o disease_n thrive_v under_o the_o remedy_n his_o love_n of_o riches_n be_v necessary_a to_o maintain_v his_o honour_n and_o feed_v his_o lust_n and_o where_o passion_n so_o great_a so_o many_o so_o different_a all_o increase_n by_o be_v gratify_v what_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n follow_v but_o suppose_v that_o vice_n in_o man_n may_v agree_v as_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n do_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n soul_n yet_o what_o security_n can_v a_o wicked_a man_n have_v against_o the_o power_n of_o his_o fear_n and_o we_o all_o know_v no_o passion_n disquiet_v more_o than_o that_o do_v and_o how_o many_o sort_n of_o fear_n possess_v a_o sinner_n mind_n fear_n of_o disappointment_n ●ears_n of_o discovery_n and_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o suppose_v he_o can_v master_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n as_o to_o this_o life_n too_o yet_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o to_o come_v be_v sufficient_a to_o rob_v he_o of_o any_o peace_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o impossible_a to_o be_v overcome_v by_o he_o for_o no_o sound_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v against_o his_o fear_n but_o the_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v they_o nay_o the_o great_a ground_n of_o other_o comfort_n be_v the_o strong_a foundation_n for_o his_o fear_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o what_o can_v give_v that_o man_n peace_n who_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n do_v disturb_v so_o much_o that_o be_v the_o first_o kind_n of_o peace_n we_o have_v show_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n which_o be_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n 2._o take_v this_o peace_n for_o a_o outward_a peace_n and_o so_o these_o word_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o every_o person_n in_o particular_a and_o that_o peace_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o such_o but_o as_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o community_n so_o they_o imply_v that_o nothing_o undermine_v our_o civil_a peace_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n so_o much_o as_o prevail_a wickedness_n do_v so_o that_o although_o mighty_a deliverance_n be_v give_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o very_a strange_a and_o unexpected_a manner_n when_o god_n raise_v up_o cyrus_n his_o servant_n a_o man_n from_o who_o no_o kindness_n be_v expect_v and_o make_v he_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o settle_v the_o people_n in_o their_o land_n under_o their_o own_o lawful_a prince_n and_o restore_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o yet_o if_o they_o grow_v wanton_a in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o prosperity_n and_o forget_v the_o god_n who_o deliver_v they_o they_o must_v expect_v a_o return_n of_o calamity_n again_o upon_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a i._n e._n this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o the_o way_n he_o use_v in_o govern_v the_o world_n while_o religion_n and_o virtue_n flourish_v among_o they_o they_o may_v hope_v for_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n but_o if_o those_o decay_n and_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n prevail_v no_o other_o art_n imaginable_a will_v secure_v a_o last_a peace_n or_o a_o abide_a tranquillity_n all_o other_o way_n be_v but_o trick_n and_o device_n and_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v against_o they_o all_o and_o that_o counsel_v he_o have_v declare_v himself_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o another_o prophet_n 10._o at_o what_o instant_a i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n then_o will_v i_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o be_v in_o this_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n upon_o their_o first_o return_n from_o captivity_n they_o show_v some_o zeal_n towards_o the_o rebuilding_n the_o temple_n and_o settle_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o but_o this_o fit_n do_v not_o hold_v they_o long_o they_o soon_o fall_v back_o to_o their_o forme●_n sin_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o they_o break_v out_o into_o great_a schism_n and_o faction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o ever_o be_v know_v among_o they_o before_o for_o then_o the_o pharisee_n fall_v into_o a_o separation_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o severity_n of_o life_n and_o these_o by_o their_o show_n of_o zeal_n gain_v a_o mighty_a interest_n among_o the_o people_n so_o great_a that_o the_o prince_n stand_v in_o awe_n of_o they_o then_o the_o sadducee_n who_o be_v most_o part_n courtier_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o look_v on_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a political_a institution_n cry_v out_o against_o faction_n and_o popularity_n and_o question_v at_o least_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o spirit_n or_o life_n to_o come_v and_o what_o peace_n
the_o motion_n of_o grace_n thou_o have_v resist_v the_o check_n of_o conscience_n thou_o have_v stifle_v and_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o kind_n thou_o have_v commit_v shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n to_o condemn_v thou_o o_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o wisdom_n to_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o time_n that_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v persuade_v we_o to_o break_v off_o all_o our_o sin_n by_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o to_o l●ve_v so_o that_o we_o may_v die_v with_o comfort_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o eternal_a joy_n sermon_n xii_o preach_v at_o whitehall_n february_n 18_o the_o 1672._o matthew_n xvi_o 26._o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o ●wn_a soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o twenty_o four_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o saviour_n there_o lay_v down_o such_o hard_a condition_n of_o man_n be_v his_o disciple_n as_o be_v to_o all_o appearance_n more_o likely_a to_o have_v drive_v away_o those_o which_o he_o have_v already_o than_o to_o have_v draw_v any_o other_o after_o he_o for_o he_o require_v no_o less_o than_o the_o great_a readiness_n to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o that_o to_o no_o mean_a a_o degree_n than_o the_o loss_n of_o what_o be_v most_o precious_a to_o man_n in_o this_o world_n in_o their_o life_n which_o be_v employ_v in_o those_o word_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v only_o design_v to_o have_v make_v himself_o great_a by_o the_o number_n of_o his_o follower_n if_o he_o have_v intend_v a_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o jew_n imagine_v he_o will_v have_v make_v more_o easy_a condition_n of_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o will_v have_v choose_v another_o way_n to_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n and_o make_v use_v of_o more_o please_a and_o popular_a argument_n to_o have_v persuade_v the_o people_n to_o follow_v he_o when_o the_o eastern_a impostor_n afterward_o begin_v to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o new_a religion_n he_o take_v a_o method_n as_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n as_o his_o religion_n and_o design_n be_v he_o know_v the_o greatness_n and_o honour_n the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o pomp_n of_o this_o world_n be_v the_o th●ngs_v most_o passionate_o love_v and_o admire_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o he_o fit_v his_o religion_n to_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o man_n and_o propose_v such_o mean_n of_o advance_v it_o as_o be_v most_o like_a to_o make_v man_n great_a by_o undertake_v they_o and_o man_n be_v never_o so_o willing_a to_o be_v cheat_v by_o any_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o comply_v with_o their_o present_a interest_n and_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a inclination_n in_o this_o case_n there_o need_v not_o many_o argument_n to_o court_v person_n to_o embrace_v that_o which_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o incline_v to_o before_o and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o religion_n do_v they_o great_a service_n when_o it_o allow_v what_o they_o most_o desire_v and_o make_v they_o sin_n with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n but_o that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o christianity_n that_o as_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v a_o design_n for_o this_o world_n so_o it_o have_v rise_v and_o spread_v itself_o by_o way_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o splendour_n and_o greatness_n of_o it_o for_o it_o overcome_v by_o suffering_n increase_v by_o persecution_n and_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o its_o follower_n he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a example_n of_o suffer_v himself_o and_o he_o bid_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o think_v much_o of_o follow_v their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n though_o it_o be_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v how_o much_o startle_v and_o surprise_v his_o disciple_n be_v at_o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v to_o he_o with_o great_a expectation_n of_o honour_n and_o advancement_n by_o he_o and_o no_o less_o will_v content_v some_o of_o they_o than_o be_v his_o high_a favourite_n and_o minister_n of_o state_n sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o at_o his_o left_a hand_n in_o his_o kingdom_n they_o have_v already_o in_o their_o imaginaon_n share_v the_o preferment_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n among_o themselves_o and_o be_v often_o contend_v about_o pre-eminence_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a among_o they_o insomuch_o that_o when_o christ_n now_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n approach_v begin_v more_o plain_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n at_o jerusalem_n v_o 21._o st._n peter_n either_o out_o of_o his_o natural_a forwardness_n and_o heat_n or_o be_v elevate_v by_o the_o good_a opinion_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v express_v of_o he_o before_o v_o 17._o take_v upon_o he_o very_o solemn_o to_o rebuke_v he_o for_o ever_o think_v to_o submit_v himself_o to_o so_o mean_v a_o condition_n be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o v_o 22._o upon_o which_o jesus_n not_o only_o reprove_v peter_n with_o great_a smartness_n and_o severity_n as_o savour_v more_o of_o the_o pomp_n and_o ease_n of_o the_o world_n than_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o kingdom_n v._n 23._o but_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o must_v no_o long_o dream_v of_o the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o vain_a fancy_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n of_o this_o life_n but_o if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_o his_o disciple_n they_o must_v prepare_v for_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n they_o must_v value_v their_o religion_n above_o their_o life_n for_o the_o time_n be_v now_o come_v on_o they_o must_v part_v with_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o prepare_v beforehand_o by_o self-denial_n and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n they_o will_v run_v great_a hazard_n of_o lose_v their_o soul_n for_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n show_v 1._o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o v_o 25._o i._n e._n instead_o of_o this_o short_a and_o uncertain_a life_n which_o will_v spend_v itself_o in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o shall_v have_v one_o infinite_o more_o valuable_a and_o therefore_o no_o exchange_n can_v be_v better_o make_v than_o that_o of_o lay_v down_o such_o a_o life_n as_o this_o for_o one_o of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o glory_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o explain_v it_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a st._n joh._n 12.25_o 2._o the_o great_a folly_n of_o lose_v this_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o present_a life_n or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o first_o lay_v down_o a_o certain_a truth_n v_o 25._o for_o whosoever_o shall_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o then_o discover_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n by_o compare_v such_o a_o man_n gain_n and_o his_o loss_n together_o suppose_v he_o shall_v obtain_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o world_n for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n wherein_o we_o may_v consider_v these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o possibility_n suppose_v of_o lose_v the_o soul_n though_o a_o man_n shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o hazard_n imply_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o folly_n express_v of_o lose_v the_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 1._o the_o possibility_n suppose_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n for_o the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n depend_v whole_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o another_o state_n and_o its_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n therein_o for_o set_v that_o aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o
soul_n to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o die_v with_o the_o body_n and_o some_o of_o they_o such_o as_o none_o of_o their_o adversary_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o answer_v for_o the_o most_o common_a act_n of_o sense_n be_v unaccountable_a in_o a_o mere_a mechanical_a way_n and_o after_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o most_o witty_a and_o industrious_a man_n i_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v the_o power_n of_o mere_a matter_n raise_v to_o a_o capacity_n of_o perform_v the_o low_a act_n of_o perception_n and_o much_o more_o of_o those_o noble_a faculty_n of_o memory_n understanding_n and_o will_n but_o although_o the_o argument_n from_o hence_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n to_o all_o consider_v man_n yet_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v never_o so_o and_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n as_o this_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a most_o certain_a and_o most_o effectual_a manner_n while_o these_o dispute_n be_v manage_v among_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a though_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v the_o better_a reason_n of_o their_o side_n yet_o their_o adversary_n speak_v with_o great_a confidence_n and_o that_o always_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n among_o injudicious_a people_n and_o some_o man_n be_v always_o fond_a of_o a_o reputation_n for_o wit_n by_o oppose_v common_a opinion_n though_o never_o so_o true_a and_o useful_a especial_o when_o they_o serve_v a_o bad_a end_n in_o it_o and_o do_v thereby_o plead_v for_o their_o own_o impiety_n but_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n do_v likewise_o give_v too_o great_a advantage_n to_o their_o enemy_n partly_o by_o their_o own_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n of_o what_o they_o have_v contend_v for_o partly_o from_o the_o too_o great_a niceness_n and_o subtlety_n of_o their_o argument_n partly_o from_o the_o ridiculous_a foppery_n which_o they_o maintain_v together_o with_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n as_o the_o transmigration_n of_o they_o into_o the_o body_n of_o brute_n and_o such_o like_a but_o the_o main_a disadvantage_n of_o all_o to_o the_o world_n be_v that_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v rather_o insist_v on_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n than_o of_o religion_n some_o of_o the_o best_a of_o their_o argument_n be_v such_o as_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o brutus_n immortal_a as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o man_n and_o those_o can_v not_o be_v imagine_v to_o have_v any_o great_a force_n on_o the_o life_n of_o man_n which_o will_v equal_o hold_v for_o such_o creature_n which_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n but_o therein_o lie_v the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n as_o it_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o that_o it_o come_v from_o he_o who_o best_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o soul_n but_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o full_a account_n herein_o give_v of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n and_o those_o not_o poetical_o describe_v by_o fiction_n and_o romance_n but_o deliver_v with_o the_o plainness_n of_o truth_n the_o gravity_n of_o a_o law_n the_o severity_n of_o a_o judge_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o lawgiver_n the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o deity_n wherein_o the_o happiness_n describe_v be_v such_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a mind_n think_v it_o most_o desirable_a and_o the_o misery_n so_o great_a as_o all_o that_o consider_v it_o must_v think_v it_o most_o intolerable_a and_o both_o these_o be_v set_v forth_o with_o so_o close_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n that_o every_o one_o must_v expect_v in_o another_o world_n according_a to_o what_o he_o do_v in_o this_o how_o be_v it_o then_o possible_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o another_o state_n can_v be_v recommend_v with_o great_a advantage_n to_o mankind_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o be_v there_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o this_o but_o the_o prove_v a_o absolute_a incapacity_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o subsist_v after_o death_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o in_o the_o state_n of_o this_o intimate_a union_n and_o conjunction_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n they_o do_v suffer_v mutual_o from_o each_o other_o but_o if_o the_o soul_n suffer_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o body_n as_o in_o disease_n of_o the_o brain_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o soul_n why_o may_v not_o the_o body_n suffer_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o in_o violent_a passion_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o body_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o then_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n do_v in_o some_o thing_n suffer_v from_o the_o body_n for_o so_o do_v the_o child_n in_o the_o mother_n womb_n from_o the_o distemper_n of_o its_o mother_n yet_o very_o capable_a of_o live_v when_o separate_v from_o she_o but_o it_o must_v be_v show_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n to_o prove_v it_o uncapable_a of_o be_v without_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unreasonable_a in_o what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v concern_v the_o immortal_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o to_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o there_o be_v those_o thing_n now_o in_o they_o consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o their_o body_n which_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o either_o of_o they_o and_o those_o be_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n distinct_a from_o the_o body_n 2._o that_o they_o have_v power_n of_o determine_v their_o own_o action_n 1._o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n distinct_a from_o the_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o body_n wherever_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n may_v be_v there_o must_v be_v a_o capacity_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o a_o reward_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o heighten_v of_o pleasure_n and_o punishment_n a_o increase_n of_o pain_n and_o if_o there_o be_v both_o these_o in_o man_n of_o which_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v from_o their_o body_n there_o must_v be_v a_o noble_a principle_n within_o which_o we_o call_v the_o soul_n which_o be_v both_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o we_o may_v as_o easy_o imagine_v that_o a_o fox_n shall_v leave_v his_o prey_n to_o find_v out_o a_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n or_o a_o serpent_n attempt_v the_o square_n of_o the_o circle_n in_o the_o dust_n or_o all_o the_o fable_n of_o aesop_n to_o become_v real_a history_n and_o the_o bird_n and_o beast_n turn_v wit_n and_o politician_n as_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o we_o call_v pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o transport_n of_o joy_n which_o archimedes_n be_v in_o at_o the_o find_v out_o his_o desire_a problem_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o real_a pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o the_o find_v it_o be_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wit_n can_v we_o ever_o think_v that_o man_n who_o understand_v themselves_o will_v spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o line_n and_o number_n and_o figure_n and_o examine_v problem_n and_o demonstration_n which_o depend_v upon_o they_o if_o they_o find_v not_o a_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o but_o whence_o do_v this_o pleasure_n arise_v not_o from_o see_v the_o figure_n or_o mere_a draw_v the_o line_n or_o calculate_v the_o number_n but_o by_o deduce_v the_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o one_o thing_n from_o another_o which_o will_v afford_v no_o more_o pleasure_n to_o a_o man_n without_o his_o soul_n than_o a_o book_n of_o geometry_n will_v give_v to_o a_o herd_n of_o swine_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n alone_o which_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o search_n and_o find_v out_o such_o truth_n which_o can_v have_v no_o kind_n of_o respect_n to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v that_o which_o can_v put_v the_o body_n out_o of_o order_n with_o its_o own_o pleasure_n by_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o contemplation_n as_o may_v exhaust_v the_o spirit_n abate_v the_o vigour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o hasten_v its_o decay_n and_o while_o that_o droop_v and_o sink_v under_o the_o burden_n the_o soul_n may_v be_v as_o vigorous_a and_o active_a in_o such_o a_o consumptive_a state_n of_o the_o body_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v before_o the_o understanding_n as_o
and_o profane_a jest_n of_o man_n who_o pawn_v their_o soul_n to_o be_v account_v witty_a what_o may_v we_o think_v it_o suffer_v then_o when_o it_o be_v account_v a_o part_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_v we_o if_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o a_o man_n may_v be_v reproach_v for_o his_o piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o be_v for_o be_v real_o a_o christian_n when_o all_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o what_o contempt_n do_v they_o undergo_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n when_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o what_o be_v account_v most_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a in_o their_o religion_n viz._n their_o believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n be_v by_o they_o account_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n for_o though_o st._n paul_n only_o say_v here_o that_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n yet_o elsewhere_o he_o explain_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n when_o he_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v in_o any_o thing_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n gal._n 6.14_o i_o e._n although_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o the_o world_n despise_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n together_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o his_o religion_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o despise_v the_o world_n as_o much_o for_o neither_o the_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o smile_n and_o flattery_n of_o it_o no_o nor_o its_o frown_n and_o severity_n can_v abate_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o mighty_a esteem_n and_o value_n which_o he_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o in_o his_o own_o expression_n he_o account_v all_o thing_n else_o but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n phil._n 3.8_o which_o word_n be_v not_o speak_v by_o one_o who_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o therefore_o magnify_v the_o profession_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o but_o by_o a_o person_n as_o considerable_a as_o most_o of_o the_o time_n and_o nation_n he_o live_v in_o both_o for_o his_o birth_n and_o education_n so_o that_o his_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sullen_a and_o affect_a severity_n but_o the_o issue_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n and_o the_o high_a esteem_n he_o profess_v of_o christianity_n be_v no_o fanatic_a whimsy_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o the_o most_o serious_a consideration_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v 2._o by_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o give_v why_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 1._o from_o the_o excellent_a end_n it_o be_v design_v for_o and_o that_o be_v no_o less_o than_o salvation_n 2_o from_o the_o effectualness_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n 3._o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n by_o all_o who_o will_v attain_v that_o end_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a 1._o from_o the_o excellent_a end_v it_o be_v design_v for_o the_o recovery_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n both_o which_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o term_n salvation_n for_o consider_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v so_o far_o sink_v beneath_o itself_o and_o keep_v under_o the_o power_n of_o unruly_a passion_n whatever_o tend_v to_o make_v it_o happy_a must_v do_v it_o by_o deliver_v it_o from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o its_o misery_n so_o that_o whatever_o religion_n shall_v promise_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a without_o first_o make_v they_o virtuous_a and_o good_a may_v on_o that_o very_a account_n be_v just_o suspect_v of_o imposture_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o make_v the_o the_o act_n of_o any_o religion_n necessary_a viz._n that_o we_o may_v please_v that_o god_n who_o command_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n must_v make_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o do_v it_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v far_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o all_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o which_o be_v the_o action_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n if_o then_o that_o accusation_n have_v be_v true_a which_o celsus_n and_o julian_n charge_v christianity_n with_o viz._n that_o it_o indulge_v man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n notwithstanding_o i_o know_v nothing_o can_v have_v render_v it_o more_o suspicious_a to_o be_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n but_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o have_v the_o least_o foundation_n of_o truth_n in_o it_o that_o as_o there_o never_o be_v any_o religion_n which_o give_v man_n such_o certain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a felicity_n and_o consequent_o more_o encouragement_n to_o be_v good_a so_o there_o be_v none_o ever_o require_v it_o on_o those_o strict_a and_o severe_a term_n which_o christianity_n do_v for_o there_o be_v two_o grand_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n either_o towards_o god_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n or_o towards_o their_o brethren_n in_o a_o peaceable_a carriage_n among_o man_n which_o can_v be_v without_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n both_o these_o be_v enforce_v upon_o all_o christian_n upon_o no_o mean_a term_n than_o the_o unavoidable_a loss_n of_o all_o the_o happiness_n our_o religion_n promise_n follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12.14_o this_o be_v then_o the_o grand_a design_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a in_o another_o world_n by_o make_v they_o good_a and_o virtuous_a in_o this_o it_o come_v to_o reform_v this_o world_n that_o it_o may_v people_n another_o so_o to_o purify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n design_v for_o they_o this_o be_v that_o great_a salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v to_o the_o world_n heb._n 2.3_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act_v 13.26_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n act_v 16.17_o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n ephes._n 1.13_o so_o that_o though_o christianity_n be_v of_o unspeakable_a advantage_n to_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o religion_n that_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o this_o do_v yet_o all_o this_o it_o do_v by_o way_n of_o subordination_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o promote_a man_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o more_o we_o consider_v the_o vast_a consequence_n and_o importance_n of_o this_o end_n to_o mankind_n the_o great_a reason_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v why_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n for_o can_v we_o imagine_v any_o end_n more_o noble_a that_o any_o doctrine_n can_v aim_v at_o than_o this_o suppose_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o become_v that_o god_n to_o discover_v or_o those_o soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o than_o the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o if_o we_o admire_v those_o discourse_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n wherein_o they_o speak_v more_o dark_o and_o obscure_o concern_v those_o thing_n what_o admiration_n do_v the_o gospel_n deserve_v which_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v if_o we_o commend_v the_o virtuous_a heathen_n who_o according_a to_o those_o short_a and_o obscure_a notice_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o themselves_o seek_v to_o make_v the_o world_n any_o thing_n the_o better_a for_o their_o be_v in_o it_o what_o infinite_o great_a esteem_n do_v those_o bless_a apostle_n deserve_v who_o account_v not_o their_o own_o life_n dear_a to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v make_v even_o their_o enemy_n happy_a if_o those_o man_n memory_n be_v dear_a to_o we_o who_o sacrifice_n their_o life_n and_o fortune_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o country_n they_o belong_v to_o shall_v not_o those_o be_v much_o more_o so_o who_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o who_o cheerful_o suffer_v death_n while_o they_o be_v teach_v man_n the_o way_n to_o a_o eternal_a life_n and_o
who_o patient_o endure_v the_o flame_n if_o they_o may_v but_o give_v the_o great_a light_n to_o the_o world_n by_o they_o such_o who_o do_v as_o far_o out-go_v any_o of_o the_o admire_a hero_n of_o the_o heathen_n as_o the_o purge_v the_o world_n from_o sin_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o cleanse_v a_o augoean_a stable_a from_o the_o filth_n of_o it_o and_o rescue_v man_n from_o eternal_a flame_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a design_n than_o clear_v a_o country_n from_o pirate_n and_o robber_n nay_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n who_o be_v so_o solemn_o worship_v in_o greece_n and_o at_o rome_n owe_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o such_o slender_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n that_o sure_a the_o world_n be_v very_o barbarous_a or_o huge_o grateful_a when_o they_o can_v think_v they_o no_o less_o than_o god_n who_o find_v out_o such_o thing_n for_o man_n if_o a_o smith_n forge_n and_o a_o woman_n distaff_n if_o teach_v man_n the_o noble_a art_n of_o fight_v and_o cheat_v one_o another_o be_v such_o rare_a invention_n that_o they_o only_o become_v some_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a deity_n which_o the_o grave_n and_o demure_a roman_n think_v fit_a to_o worship_n sure_a st._n paul_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o religion_n among_o they_o who_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o own_o since_o his_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o all_o the_o vanity_n and_o foolery_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a and_o everliving_a god_n who_o have_v discover_v so_o much_o goodness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o make_v his_o son_n a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o discovery_n infinite_o great_a and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o any_o which_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o greek_n or_o wisdom_n of_o the_o roman_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o concern_v any_o of_o their_o deity_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellent_a end_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o make_v st._n paul_n so_o far_o from_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v do_v all_o we_o too_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o value_v it_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o they_o be_v more_o ashamed_a of_o their_o religion_n than_o they_o be_v of_o their_o sin_n if_o to_o talk_v bold_o against_o heaven_n to_o affront_n god_n in_o call_v he_o to_o witness_v their_o great_a impiety_n by_o frequent_a oath_n to_o sin_v brave_o and_o with_o the_o high_a confidence_n to_o mock_v at_o such_o who_o be_v yet_o more_o modest_a in_o their_o debauchery_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v find_v st._n paul_n enough_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n to_o be_v apostle_n but_o this_o be_v rather_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o put_v religion_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o make_v the_o gospel_n itself_o blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a that_o ever_o such_o boldfaced_a impiety_n shall_v be_v commit_v by_o man_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o though_o they_o believe_v nothing_o so_o damnable_a as_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o no_o sin_n so_o unpardonable_a as_o modesty_n in_o commit_v it_o but_o to_o use_v st._n paul_n language_n when_o he_o have_v be_v describe_v such_o person_n himself_o heb._n 6.9_o we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v that_o salvation_n the_o gospel_n be_v design_v for_o though_o we_o thus_o speak_v for_o certain_o nothing_o can_v argue_v a_o great_a meanness_n of_o spirit_n than_o whi●e_v wicked_a and_o profane_a person_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o that_o which_o unavoidable_o tend_v to_o their_o ruin_n and_o shall_v be_v shy_a of_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o conduce_v to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o that_o magnanimity_n and_o generous_a spirit_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_o be_v so_o remarkable_a for_o if_o while_o some_o be_v impudent_a in_o sin_v other_o be_v ashamed_a of_o be_v or_o do_v good_a if_o we_o have_v that_o value_n for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o a_o future_a life_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o much_o with_o the_o atheistical_a scoff_v and_o drollery_n of_o profane_a person_n who_o while_o they_o deride_v and_o despise_v religion_n do_v but_o laugh_v themselves_o into_o eternal_a misery_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o st._n paul_n confidence_n viz._n the_o excellent_a end_n the_o gospel_n be_v design_v for_o 2._o the_o effectualness_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n wherein_o two_o thing_n be_v imply_v 1._o the_o inefficacy_n of_o any_o other_o doctrine_n for_o that_o end_n 2._o 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life_n than_o other_o do_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o what_o aim_v at_o the_o general_a good_a of_o mankind_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o enforce_v with_o argument_n which_o may_v prevail_v on_o any_o but_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a person_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o christianity_n be_v first_o make_v know_v to_o it_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v how_o insufficient_a the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v from_o work_v a_o reformation_n in_o it_o when_o notwithstanding_o they_o mankind_n be_v so_o general_o lapse_v into_o idolatry_n and_o vice_n that_o hardly_o any_o can_v be_v instance_a in_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o have_v escape_v both_o of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v so_o near_o a_o affinity_n between_o both_o these_o that_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o their_o idolatry_n can_v hardly_o keep_v themselves_o free_a from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o vice_n not_o only_o because_o many_o of_o their_o villainy_n be_v practise_v as_o part_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n certain_o of_o their_o be_v good_a who_o can_v not_o be_v religious_a without_o be_v bad_a but_o because_o the_o very_a god_n they_o worship_v be_v represent_v to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o and_o can_v they_o take_v any_o better_a measure_n of_o virtue_n than_o from_o the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v so_o divine_a a_o excellency_n in_o they_o as_o to_o deserve_v their_o adoration_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o design_n of_o plant_v wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n which_o need_v not_o be_v for_o it_o grow_v fast_o enough_o without_o it_o it_o can_v not_o be_v do_v more_o successful_o than_o by_o worship_v
those_o for_o god_n who_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o good_a man_n will_v abhor_v to_o think_v of_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n then_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o not_o only_o of_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n but_o of_o the_o most_o civilise_v and_o know_a people_n as_o the_o roman_n themselves_o as_o our_o apostle_n at_o large_a prove_v in_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o he_o show_v that_o though_o they_o have_v mean_n enough_o of_o know_v the_o eternal_a god_n and_o providence_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o most_o vicious_a practice_n that_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o recover_v they_o but_o by_o a_o full_a discovery_n both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v here_o object_v that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v bad_a then_o as_o when_o be_v they_o otherwise_o yet_o the_o heathen_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o apostle_n among_o they_o viz._n the_o philosopher_n who_o seek_v to_o amend_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n by_o the_o moral_a instruction_n they_o give_v they_o so_o that_o if_o man_n be_v bad_a it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o good_a counsel_n but_o for_o not_o observe_v it_o which_o be_v all_o they_o say_v we_o have_v to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o great_a debauchery_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o our_o business_n be_v not_o now_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o incomparable_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n by_o christianity_n in_o the_o reform_a man_n life_n than_o ever_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a moral_n but_o whether_o these_o take_v they_o in_o the_o fair_a dress_n be_v so_o sufficient_a for_o the_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o there_o need_v not_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n be_v publish_v for_o that_o end_n and_o there_o be_v two_o great_a thing_n we_o may_v charge_v the_o best_a of_o their_o discourse_n with_o a_o insufficiency_n in_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o end_n which_o be_v certainty_n and_o motive_n or_o the_o want_n of_o argument_n to_o believe_v and_o encouragement_n to_o practice_v 1._o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o sufficient_a certainty_n for_o what_o a_o man_n venture_v his_o eternal_a state_n upon_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o world_n to_o be_v reform_v by_o such_o wise_a apostle_n if_o they_o must_v be_v call_v so_o who_o be_v perpetual_o dispute_v among_o themselves_o about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o religion_n as_o though_o the_o best_a argument_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v their_o soul_n immortal_a be_v because_o their_o dispute_n about_o they_o be_v so_o and_o those_o seem_v among_o they_o to_o gain_v the_o great_a reputation_n for_o wit_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o dispute_v against_o common_a principle_n and_o they_o manage_v their_o business_n with_o great_a advantage_n who_o only_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o other_o principle_n but_o establish_v none_o of_o their_o own_o which_o be_v a_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o the_o way_n they_o proceed_v in_o for_o offer_v at_o no_o such_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o christianity_n do_v they_o rather_o teach_v man_n to_o dispute_v than_o to_o live_v eternal_o beside_o their_o discourse_n be_v too_o subtle_a and_o intricate_a for_o the_o common_a capacity_n of_o man_n how_o long_o may_v a_o man_n live_v before_o a_o entelechia_fw-la will_v make_v he_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o better_a or_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v its_o immortality_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o hinder_v assent_n than_o persuade_v to_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o honest_a mind_a illiterate_a heathen_n believe_v those_o thing_n more_o firm_o than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n for_o plain_a truth_n lose_v much_o of_o their_o weight_n when_o they_o be_v rarify_v into_o subtlety_n and_o their_o strength_n be_v impair_v when_o they_o be_v spin_v into_o too_o fine_a a_o thread_n the_o argument_n which_o must_v prevail_v with_o mankind_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o evident_a easy_a and_o yet_o powerful_a the_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o man_n be_v ofttime_n dull_v by_o dispute_n and_o only_o awake_v by_o a_o powerful_a representation_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o all_o person_n be_v equal_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o validity_n of_o it_o such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o argument_n certain_a and_o suitable_a yet_o what_o sufficient_a motive_n or_o encouragement_n can_v they_o give_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n who_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v other_o remain_v so_o uncertain_a themselves_o as_o to_o a_o future_a happiness_n so_o tully_n tell_v we_o of_o socrates_n himself_n when_o he_o be_v just_a die_v that_o he_o tell_v his_o friend_n that_o only_o the_o god_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n to_o live_v or_o die_v but_o he_o think_v no_o man_n do_v and_o although_o some_o will_v excuse_v this_o as_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o dispute_v yet_o of_o all_o time_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o then_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n not_o only_o for_o the_o full_a vindication_n of_o himself_o but_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o his_o friend_n we_o be_v sure_a christianity_n proceed_v on_o those_o term_n that_o if_o a_o future_a happiness_n be_v suppose_v uncertain_a it_o declare_v express_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n give_v for_o man_n to_o part_n with_o the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o present_a life_n nay_o it_o suppose_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o other_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a reward_n 1_o cor._n 15.19_o 32._o again_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o they_o shall_v ever_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n when_o the_o severe_a of_o the_o philosopher_n make_v it_o lie_v in_o thing_n so_o repugnant_a to_o humane_a nature_n as_o goodness_n be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o as_o when_o they_o make_v it_o a_o equal_a fault_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v angry_a and_o to_o murder_v his_o sovereign_n and_o that_o all_o passion_n be_v to_o be_v destroy_v that_o pain_n and_o grief_n be_v nothing_o that_o virtue_n in_o all_o condition_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o itself_o which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v first_o to_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v not_o man_n so_o that_o he_o be_v certain_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o conclude_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v a_o high_a master_n to_o teach_v we_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o hereby_o a_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o porphyry_n grand_a objection_n against_o christian_a religion_n viz._n if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n why_o be_v it_o so_o long_o before_o it_o be_v discover_v because_o god_n will_v thereby_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o the_o mean_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v find_v out_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n without_o this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n may_v see_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o dispensation_n they_o be_v under_o but_o the_o gentile_a world_n may_v groan_v with_o a_o expectation_n of_o some_o more_o powerful_a mean_n to_o goodness_n than_o be_v yet_o among_o they_o for_o when_o philosophy_n have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o its_o height_n and_o have_v so_o little_a influence_n upon_o mankind_n it_o be_v time_n for_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n to_o arise_v and_o with_o the_o soften_a and_o heal_a influence_n of_o his_o beam_n to_o bring_v the_o world_n to_o a_o more_o virtuous_a temper_n and_o that_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n employ_v which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o promote_a man_n salvation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v how_o many_o way_n the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v in_o it_o these_o three_o especial_o 1._o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o the_o admirable_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n 3._o in_o the_o
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gnaw_v in_o our_o bowel_n be_v a_o representation_n of_o a_o insupportable_a misery_n here_o what_o will_v that_o be_v of_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v if_o a_o rage_a and_o devour_a fire_n which_o can_v last_v but_o till_o it_o have_v consume_v a_o fade_a substance_n be_v in_o its_o appearance_n so_o amaze_a and_o in_o its_o pain_n so_o violent_a what_o then_o will_v the_o endure_a be_v of_o that_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v burn_v like_o fire_n and_o yet_o be_v everlasting_a consider_v then_o of_o these_o thing_n while_o god_n give_v you_o time_n to_o consider_v of_o they_o and_o think_v it_o a_o inestimable_a mercy_n that_o you_o have_v yet_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n to_o beg_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v your_o time_n to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n to_o be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n careful_a of_o your_o action_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o god_n will_v pardon_v your_o former_a neglect_n and_o grant_v you_o this_o great_a salvation_n sermon_n vi._n preach_v on_o good-friday_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n etc._n etc._n hebrew_n xii_o 3._o for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n it_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v so_o well_o with_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o hope_v it_o ever_o will_v be_v so_o that_o the_o best_a of_o thing_n or_o of_o man_n shall_v meet_v with_o entertainment_n in_o it_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o excellency_n if_o it_o be_v once_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o all_o mankind_n will_v be_v wise_a and_o sober_a that_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o action_n suitable_a to_o their_o judgement_n we_o may_v then_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o nothing_o will_v be_v value_v so_o much_o as_o true_a goodness_n nothing_o so_o much_o in_o 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shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o v_o 38._o and_o then_o from_o the_o example_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o christ_n but_o we_o be_v not_o of_o they_o who_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n but_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n v_o 39_o but_o lest_o these_o example_n shall_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v they_o he_o conjure_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v as_o eminent_a ●or_a the_o greatness_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o have_v despise_v the_o frown_n as_o well_o as_o the_o smile_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o discourage_v by_o the_o severe_a trial_n from_o place_v their_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o their_o hope_n in_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o all_o
be_v apt_a enough_o to_o complain_v of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v whole_o true_a of_o we_o what_o the_o moralist_n say_v general_o of_o the_o complaint_n of_o man_n non_fw-la quia_fw-la dura_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la molles_fw-la patimur_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o hardness_n of_o our_o condition_n so_o much_o as_o the_o softness_n of_o our_o spirit_n which_o make_v we_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v this_o city_n have_v smart_v by_o such_o a_o series_n and_o succession_n of_o judgement_n which_o few_o city_n in_o the_o world_n can_v parallel_v in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n the_o plague_n have_v empty_v its_o house_n and_o the_o fire_n consume_v they_o the_o war_n exhaust_v our_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o peace_n recover_v they_o but_o still_o these_o be_v but_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o humane_a nature_n thing_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v account_n of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o grow_v the_o better_a by_o they_o 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we_o that_o live_v to_o hear_v of_o such_o thing_n but_o much_o more_o unhappy_a if_o any_o of_o our_o sin_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o if_o our_o unsuitable_a life_n to_o the_o gospel_n have_v open_v the_o mouth_n of_o any_o against_o so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n if_o any_o malice_n and_o revenge_n any_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n any_o pride_n or_o hypocrisy_n any_o sensuality_n and_o voluptuousness_n any_o injustice_n or_o too_o much_o love_n of_o gain_n have_v make_v other_o despise_v that_o religion_n which_o so_o many_o pretend_v to_o and_o so_o few_o practice_n if_o we_o have_v be_v in_o any_o measure_n guilty_a of_o this_o as_o we_o love_v our_o religion_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o the_o holiness_n and_o meekness_n of_o our_o spirit_n the_o temperance_n and_o justice_n of_o our_o action_n the_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o recover_v the_o honour_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o only_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o 2._o what_o encouragement_n we_o have_v from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n to_o bear_v our_o own_o the_o better_a because_o we_o see_v by_o his_o example_n that_o god_n deal_v no_o more_o hardly_o with_o we_o than_o he_o do_v with_o his_o own_o son_n if_o he_o lay_v heavy_a thing_n upon_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o escape_v when_o his_o own_o son_n undergo_v so_o much_o if_o we_o meet_v with_o reproach_n and_o ill_a usage_n with_o hard_a measure_n and_o a_o mean_a condition_n with_o injury_n and_o violence_n with_o mock_n and_o affront_n nay_o with_o a_o shameful_a and_o a_o painful_a death_n what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o complain_v for_o do_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n undergo_v all_o these_o thing_n before_o we_o if_o any_o of_o your_o habitation_n have_v be_v consume_v that_o you_o have_v be_v put_v to_o your_o shift_n where_o to_o lodge_v yourselves_o or_o your_o family_n consider_v that_o 8.20_o though_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n yet_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n if_o your_o condition_n be_v mean_a and_o low_a think_v of_o he_o 7._o who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o 8.9_o though_o he_o be_v rich_a yet_o for_o your_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o through_o his_o poverty_n you_o may_v be_v make_v rich_a if_o you_o be_v unjust_o defame_v and_o reproach_v consider_v what_o contumely_n and_o disgrace_n the_o son_n of_o god_n undergo_v for_o you_o if_o you_o be_v in_o pain_n and_o trouble_v think_v of_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n the_o nail_v of_o his_o hand_n and_o foot_n to_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o your_o sin_n never_o think_v much_o of_o undergo_a any_o thing_n whereby_o 8.29_o you_o may_v be_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n know_v this_o 17._o that_o if_o you_o suffer_v with_o he_o you_o shall_v also_o be_v glorify_v together_o and_o you_o have_v never_o yet_o set_v a_o true_a estimate_n and_o value_n upon_o thing_n if_o you_o 18._o reckon_v the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a life_n worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v which_o glory_n ought_v always_o to_o bear_v up_o our_o mind_n under_o our_o great_a affliction_n here_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o will_v easy_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o suffering_n who_o 9.12_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n purchase_v a_o eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o therefore_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o
himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n sermon_n vii_o preach_v before_o the_o king_n january_n 30._o 1668_o 9_o judas_n v._o 11._o and_o perish_v in_o the_o gainsay_n of_o corah_n among_o all_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o that_o fatal_a day_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o nation_n suffer_v together_o with_o our_o martyr_a sovereign_n there_o be_v none_o which_o in_o this_o place_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o ●han_fw-mi the_o dishonour_n which_o be_v do_v to_o religion_n by_o it_o for_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v then_o act_v among_o we_o have_v be_v do_v among_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n though_o that_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v make_v they_o for_o ever_o think_v so_o yet_o they_o may_v have_v be_v impute_v to_o their_o ignorance_n in_o matter_n of_o civility_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o be_v commit_v not_o only_o by_o man_n who_o be_v call_v christian_n but_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n too_o man_n will_v either_o think_v that_o religion_n bad_a which_o do_v give_v encouragement_n to_o such_o action_n or_o those_o person_n extreme_o wicked_a who_o can_v make_v use_n of_o a_o pretence_n of_o it_o for_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o design_n and_o on_o which_o of_o these_o two_o the_o blame_n will_v fall_v may_v be_v soon_o discover_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o have_v take_v care_n to_o preserve_v the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n by_o 22.21_o give_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o to_o make_v resistance_n unlawful_a by_o declare_v 13.2_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n but_o as_o though_o bare_a resistance_n have_v be_v too_o mean_a and_o low_o a_o thing_n for_o they_o notwithstanding_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v say_v to_o show_v themselves_o 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it_o serve_v to_o justify_v their_o most_o wicked_a action_n these_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o follower_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o leviathan_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n petau._n who_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n 72._o and_o make_v it_o lawful_a for_o man_n in_o case_n of_o persecution_n to_o forswear_v their_o religion_n 193._o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o his_o disciple_n need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n for_o they_o be_v free_a to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v themselves_o because_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o good_a work_n but_o only_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o such_o as_o these_o do_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n and_o when_o it_o prove_v dangerous_a not_o to_o do_v it_o will_v deny_v their_o religion_n to_o save_v themselves_o for_o they_o have_v so_o high_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a saint_n that_o as_o 5._o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o they_o think_v it_o the_o cast_a pearl_n before_o swine_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n before_o the_o heathen_a governor_n by_o which_o they_o not_o only_o discover_v what_o a_o mighty_a value_n they_o set_v upon_o themselves_o but_o what_o mean_v and_o contemptible_a thought_n they_o have_v of_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v for_o they_o think_v all_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o 24._o but_o the_o contrivance_n of_o some_o evil_a spirit_n to_o abridge_v man_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v with_o not_o only_o by_o our_o apostle_n here_o but_o by_o st._n peter_n before_o he_o although_o the_o phrase_n use_v by_o 2.10_o st._n peter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v take_v by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o first_o of_o 2.6_o maccabee_n not_o for_o the_o bare_a contempt_n of_o authority_n express_v by_o revile_v language_n but_o for_o a_o open_a resistance_n of_o it_o which_o the_o other_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o introduction_n to_o that_o those_o who_o think_v and_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o government_n do_v but_o want_v a_o occasion_n to_o manifest_v that_o their_o action_n will_v be_v as_o bad_a as_o their_o thought_n and_o expression_n be_v and_o from_o hence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o express_v one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a sedition_n we_o ever_o read_v of_o viz._n that_o of_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n who_o punishment_n for_o it_o do_v not_o deter_v these_o person_n who_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a from_o join_v in_o seditious_a practice_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o christianity_n and_o their_o own_o ruin_n for_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o speak_v of_o their_o ruin_n as_o certain_a as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v consume_v by_o fire_n or_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o earth_n as_o corah_n and_o his_o accomplice_n be_v and_o they_o perish_v in_o the_o gainsay_n of_o corah_n in_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o aorist_n say_v grotius_n be_v take_v for_o the_o future_a or_o present_a and_o so_o imply_v that_o these_o course_n do_v tend_v to_o their_o misery_n and_o ruin_n and_o will_v unavoidable_o bring_v it_o upon_o they_o if_o the_o evidence_n in_o history_n have_v be_v clear_a of_o the_o carpocratian_o join_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o famous_a rebellion_n of_o barchochebas_n wherein_o such_o multitude_n of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o heathen_n be_v destroy_v in_o africa_n 101._o egypt_n and_o other_o place_n and_o the_o time_n of_o it_o have_v agree_v with_o the_o time_n of_o write_v this_o epistle_n i_o shall_v then_o have_v think_v that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o rebellion_n here_o speak_v of_o for_o all_o the_o actor_n in_o it_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o roman_a power_n and_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o make_v public_a example_n of_o justice_n for_o the_o deter_v of_o other_o from_o the_o like_a practice_n but_o however_o this_o be_v we_o find_v these_o person_n here_o charge_v with_o a_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o gainsay_n of_o corah_n and_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o the_o consequent_a of_o the_o sin_n for_o they_o perish_v in_o the_o gainsay_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n 1._o as_o relate_v to_o the_o fact_n of_o corah_n and_o
the_o roman_a power_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o to_o these_o thing_n have_v we_o any_o ground_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n as_o either_o make_v by_o christian_n in_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o improve_v mighty_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n not_o so_o certain_o when_o all_o the_o circumstance_n be_v relate_v by_o jewish_a and_o roman_a writer_n who_o have_v no_o kindness_n at_o all_o for_o christian_n or_o shall_v we_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o all_o this_o but_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o wild_a and_o seditious_a people_n that_o destroy_v themselves_o and_o their_o nation_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o always_o so_o they_o have_v be_v a_o people_n that_o have_v flourish_v with_o the_o reputation_n of_o wisdom_n and_o conduct_n and_o have_v great_a success_n against_o their_o enemy_n and_o the_o roman_n themselves_o at_o this_o time_n acknowledge_v they_o never_o see_v a_o people_n of_o a_o more_o invincible_a spirit_n and_o less_o afraid_a of_o die_v than_o these_o be_v but_o all_o this_o turn_v to_o their_o great_a prejudice_n and_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a in_o former_a age_n for_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o the_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v now_o not_o only_o give_v up_o into_o their_o hand_n but_o into_o those_o which_o be_v far_o more_o cruel_a which_o be_v their_o own_o what_o then_o can_v we_o imagine_v shall_v make_v so_o great_a a_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o their_o affair_n now_o but_o that_o god_n be_v their_o friend_n then_o and_o their_o enemy_n now_o he_o give_v then_o success_n beyond_o their_o counsel_n and_o without_o preparation_n now_o he_o blast_v all_o their_o design_n divide_v their_o counsel_n and_o make_v their_o contrivance_n end_v in_o their_o speedy_a ruin_n now_o they_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o what_o god_n have_v threaten_v long_o before_o 9.12_o woe_n he_o unto_o you_o when_o i_o depart_v from_o you_o now_o their_o strength_n their_o wisdom_n their_o peace_n their_o honour_n their_o safety_n be_v all_o depart_v from_o they_o whereby_o we_o see_v how_o muc●_n the_o welfare_n of_o a_o nation_n depend_v upon_o god_n favour_n and_o that_o no_o other_o security_n be_v comparable_a to_o that_o of_o true_a religion_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v for_o all_o that_o we_o know_v never_o more_o numerous_a than_o at_o this_o time_n never_o more_o resolute_a and_o courageous_a to_o venture_v their_o life_n never_o better_o provide_v of_o fortify_v town_n and_o strong_a place_n of_o retreat_n and_o all_o provision_n for_o war_n but_o there_o be_v a_o hand-writing_n upon_o the_o wall_n against_o they_o mene_n tekel_n peres_n god_n have_v weigh_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n and_o find_v they_o too_o light_a he_o divide_v their_o nation_n and_o remove_v his_o kingdom_n from_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o a_o utter_a desolation_n neither_o can_v we_o say_v this_o be_v some_o present_a infatuation_n upon_o they_o for_o ever_o since_o all_o their_o attempt_n for_o recover_v their_o own_o land_n have_v but_o increase_v their_o misery_n and_o make_v their_o condition_n worse_o than_o before_o witness_v that_o great_a attempt_n under_o barchocebas_n in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n in_o which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o say_v there_o perish_v double_a the_o number_n of_o what_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n i._n e._n above_o 1200000_o man_n after_o which_o they_o be_v not_o only_o whole_o banish_v their_o land_n but_o forbid_v so_o much_o as_o to_o look_v on_o the_o place_n where_o the_o temple_n have_v stand_v and_o be_v fain_o to_o purchase_v at_o a_o dear_a rate_n the_o liberty_n of_o weep_v over_o it_o 1._o ut_fw-la qui_fw-la quondam_a emerant_fw-la sanguinem_fw-la christi_fw-la eman●_n lachrymas_fw-la su●s_fw-la as_o st._n hierom_n seak_v i._n e._n that_o they_o who_o have_v buy_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o fain_o to_o buy_v their_o own_o tear_n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o pursue_v the_o misery_n of_o this_o wretched_a people_n in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o the_o slavery_n disgrace_n universal_a contempt_n the_o frequent_a banishment_n confiscation_n of_o estate_n constant_a oppression_n which_o they_o have_v labour_v under_o so_o that_o from_o that_o time_n to_o this_o they_o have_v scarce_o have_v any_o estate_n but_o never_o any_o country_n which_o they_o can_v call_v their_o own_o so_o that_o st._n augustin_n have_v true_o say_v 58._o the_o curse_n of_o cain_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o be_v vagabond_n in_o the_o earth_n they_o have_v a_o mark_n upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o destroy_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o continual_a fear_n of_o be_v so_o god_n seem_v to_o preserve_v that_o miserable_a nation_n in_o be_v to_o be_v a_o constant_a war●ing_n to_o all_o other_o to_o let_v they_o see_v what_o a_o difference_n in_o the_o same_o people_n the_o favour_n or_o displeasure_n of_o god_n can_v make_v and_o how_o severe_a the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v obstinate_a and_o disobedient_a 2._o they_o make_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o flourish_a of_o their_o state_n or_o that_o polity_n which_o god_n establish_v among_o they_o he_o be_v himself_o once_o their_o immediate_a governor_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v proper_o call_v his_o kingdom_n and_o after_o they_o have_v king_n of_o their_o own_o their_o plenty_n and_o prosperity_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o kindness_n of_o heaven_n to_o they_o that_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o flourish_a condition_n may_v be_v just_o attribute_v to_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n that_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o small_a in_o comparison_n the_o extent_n and_o compass_n of_o the_o whole_a land_n of_o judea_n be_v be_v as_o saint_n hierom_n say_v who_o know_v it_o well_o but_o 160_o mile_n in_o length_n from_o dan_n to_o beersheba_n and_o 46_o in_o breadth_n from_o joppa_n to_o bethlehem_n if_o we_o consider_v likewise_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n there_o be_v at_o 6._o david_n number_v the_o people_n 1500000_o fight_a man_n who_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v above_o a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o benjamin_n and_o levi_n not_o take_v in_o if_o we_o add_v to_o these_o the_o many_o rock_n mountain_n and_o desert_n in_o this_o small_a country_n and_o that_o every_o seven_o year_n the_o most_o fertile_a place_n must_v lie_v fallow_a we_o may_v just_o wonder_v how_o all_o this_o number_n of_o people_n shall_v prosper_v so_o much_o in_o so_o narrow_a a_o territory_n for_o although_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o rule_n of_o eastern_a diet_n by_o those_o of_o our_o northern_a climate_n and_o it_o be_v withal_o true_a that_o the_o number_n of_o people_n add_v both_o to_o the_o riches_n and_o plenty_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o fertile_a place_n of_o that_o land_n be_v so_o almost_o to_o a_o miracle_n yet_o consider_v their_o scarcity_n of_o rain_n and_o their_o sabbatical_a year_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o a_o immediate_a care_n of_o heaven_n which_o provide_v for_o all_o their_o necessity_n and_o fill_v their_o store_n to_o so_o great_a abundance_n that_o 5.11_o solomon_n give_v to_o king_n hiram_n every_o year_n 20000_o measure_n of_o wheat_n and_o twenty_o measure_n of_o oil_n every_o one_o of_o which_o contain_v about_o 30_o bushel_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v particular_o promise_v to_o give_v they_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a rain_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o complain_v of_o their_o sabbatical_a year_n 25.21_o every_o six_o year_n shall_v afford_v they_o fruit_n for_o 3_o year_n by_o which_o we_o see_v their_o plenty_n depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o fat_a of_o their_o land_n as_o upon_o the_o dew_n and_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o if_o we_o far_o consider_v they_o as_o environ_v about_o with_o enemy_n on_o every_o side_n such_o as_o be_v numerous_a and_o powerful_a implacable_a and_o subtle_a it_o be_v a_o perpetual_a wonder_n consider_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v by_o they_o for_o all_o the_o male_n be_v oblige_v strict_o by_o the_o law_n to_o go_v up_o three_o time_n a_o year_n to_o jerusalem_n we_o shall_v think_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o policy_n to_o leave_v the_o country_n naked_a it_o seem_v incredible_a that_o their_o enemy_n shall_v not_o overrun_v the_o country_n and_o destroy_v their_o wife_n and_o child_n at_o that_o time_n but_o all_o their_o security_n be_v in_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v 34.24_o neither_o shall_v any_o man_n desire_v thy_o land_n when_o thou_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n and_o to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o obedience_n to_o
a_o voice_n from_o the_o west_n a_o voice_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n woe_n to_o jerusalem_n woe_n to_o the_o temple_n woe_n to_o all_o this_o people_n and_o this_o he_o continue_v cry_v say_v josephus_n for_o seven_o year_n and_o five_o month_n till_o at_o last_o be_v upon_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n he_o cry_v woe_n to_o myself_o also_o and_o immediate_o a_o stone_n come_v out_o from_o one_o of_o the_o roman_a engine_n and_o dispatch_v he_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o near_o a_o desolation_n as_o they_o be_v then_o but_o yet_o our_o symptom_n be_v bad_a and_o without_o our_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n god_n know_v what_o they_o may_v end_v in_o there_o be_v these_o follow_a remarkable_a forerunner_n of_o desolation_n in_o the_o jewish_a state_n i_o be_o afraid_a we_o be_v too_o much_o concern_v in_o 1._o a_o strange_a degeneracy_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n from_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o ancestor_n this_o josephus_n often_o mention_n and_o complain_v of_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n free_a from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o mean_a they_o have_v all_o degenerate_v not_o only_o from_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o from_o what_o their_o ancestor_n be_v and_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o which_o bode_v worse_o to_o a_o people_n than_o this_o do_v for_o the_o decay_n of_o virtue_n be_v real_o the_o loss_n of_o strength_n and_o interest_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n in_o one_o sense_n it_o must_v be_v in_o another_o or_o else_o there_o will_v never_o be_v such_o general_a complaint_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o age_n wherein_o vice_n such_o as_o the_o very_a heathen_n abhor_v have_v be_v more_o confident_a and_o dare_a than_o in_o this_o wherein_o so_o many_o have_v not_o bare_o lest_o virtue_n but_o have_v bid_v defiance_n to_o it_o and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the●r_a baptism_n for_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o because_o therein_o they_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n these_o be_v the_o zealot_n in_o wickedness_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o faction_n the_o flame_a sword_n the_o voice_n in_o the_o temple_n the_o terrible_a earthquake_n be_v not_o great_a prodigy_n in_o nature_n among_o they_o than_o man_n be_v in_o morality_n among_o we_o nor_o sad_a presage_n of_o future_a misery_n 2._o a_o general_a stupidity_n and_o inapprehensiveness_n of_o common_a danger_n every_o one_o have_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o his_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o wou●d_v venture_v his_o life_n for_o that_o never_o consider_v that_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v to_o do_v for_o the_o roman_n but_o to_o stand_v by_o and_o see_v they_o destroy_v one_o another_o i_o pray_v god_n that_o may_v be_v never_o say_v of_o the_o roman_n in_o another_o sense_n concern_v this_o church_n of_o we_o we_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o they_o be_v please_v at_o our_o division_n and_o they_o have_v always_o hay_n and_o stubble_n enough_o not_o only_o to_o build_v with_o but_o thereby_o to_o add_v fuel_n to_o our_o flame_n how_o happy_a shall_v we_o be_v if_o we_o can_v once_o lay_v aside_o our_o petty_a animosity_n and_o all_o mind_n the_o true_a interest_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o security_n o●_n the_o protestant_a religion_n by_o it_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o than_o our_o life_n but_o that_o be_v our_o misery_n that_o our_o division_n in_o religion_n have_v make_v we_o not_o more_o contemptible_a than_o ridiculous_a to_o foreign_a nation_n and_o it_o puzle_v the_o wise_a among_o ourselves_o to_o find_v out_o expedient_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o ruine_v one_o of_o the_o best_a church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n 3._o a_o atheistical_a contempt_n of_o religigion_n for_o josephus_n who_o be_v apt_a enough_o ●o_o flatter_v his_o countryman_n tel●s_v we_o there_o never_o be_v 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o more_o atheistical_a generation_n of_o man_n than_o at_o that_o time_n the_o leader_n of_o the_o faction_n be_v for_o they_o contemn_v the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o mock_v at_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 887._o and_o de●ided_v the_o prophetic_a oracle_n as_o fabulous_a imposture_n they_o will_v allow_v no_o difference_n of_o sacred_a and_o profane_a for_o they_o will_v drink_v the_o wine_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n promiscuous_o and_o anoint_v their_o head_n common_o with_o the_o sacred_a oil_n in_o a_o word_n they_o own_v no_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n 986._o but_o think_v the_o great_a wickedness_n to_o be_v good_a to_o they_o to_o say_v there_o be_v such_o a_o generation_n of_o man_n among_o we_o be_v to_o foretell_v our_o ruin_n more_o certain_o than_o comet_n and_o the_o most_o dreadful_a presage_n do_v for_o this_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o madness_n which_o seldom_o seize_v upon_o a_o people_n but_o when_o they_o be_v past_a cure_n and_o therefore_o be_v near_o their_o end_n 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religion_n in_o dull_a morality_n they_o be_v the_o people_n who_o maintain_v his_o cause_n and_o venture_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o god_n be_v bind_v in_o faithfulness_n to_o defend_v they_o and_o he_o must_v deny_v himself_o if_o he_o do_v destroy_v they_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o a_o people_n reject_v by_o god_n for_o their_o horrible_a hypocrisy_n shall_v claim_v such_o a_o in●erest_n in_o he_o when_o they_o be_v mark_v out_o for_o destruction_n by_o he_o but_o such_o be_v the_o bewitch_a nature_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o hypocrisy_n that_o it_o infatuate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o their_o ruin_n and_o flatter_v they_o with_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n till_o god_n make_v good_a his_o threaten_n and_o destroy_v they_o never_o any_o people_n think_v they_o have_v a_o rich_a stock_n of_o promise_n to_o live_v on_o than_o they_o ancient_a promise_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n full_a promise_n of_o favour_n protection_n and_o deliverance_n from_o enemy_n particular_a promise_n make_v to_o they_o and_o to_o no_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o these_o they_o have_v mighty_a experience_n of_o god_n kindness_n towards_o they_o undoubted_a experience_n not_o depend_v on_o the_o deceitful_a work_n of_o fancy_n but_o see_v in_o very_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a deliverance_n frequent_a experience_n throughout_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o peculiar_a experience_n be_v such_o vouchsafement_n to_o they_o which_o god_n communicate_v to_o none_o but_o his_o choose_a people_n add_v to_o these_o that_o they_o have_v at_o this_o time_n a_o wonderful_a zeal_n for_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o they_o think_v they_o regard_v no_o persecution_n or_o opposition_n but_o think_v it_o their_o glory_n and_o honour_n to_o sacrifice_v themselves_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n god_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n they_o have_v and_o all_o their_o pretence_n signify_v nothing_o to_o he_o who_o see_v their_o unsufferable_a pride_n and_o loathsome_a hypocrisy_n through_o those_o thin_a vail_n they_o have_v draw_v over_o they_o to_o deceive_v the_o less_o observe_v sort_n of_o man_n by_o other_o sin_n that_o ar●_n open_a and_o public_a god_n preserve_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n by_o punish_v of_o they_o but_o these_o spiritual_a sin_n of_o pride_n and_o hypocrisy_n he_o not_o only_o vindicate_v his_o authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n but_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o their_o discovery_n and_o his_o love_n to_o integrity_n and_o and_o inward_a holiness_n in_o the_o punishment_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o these_o sin_n be_v more_o especial_o odious_a to_o god_n as_o encroach_a upon_o
law_n and_o make_v his_o own_o term_n with_o god_n can_v he_o dissolve_v the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n with_o a_o few_o deathbed_n tear_n and_o quench_v the_o flame_n of_o another_o world_n with_o they_o o_o foolish_a sinner_n who_o have_v bewitch_v they_o with_o these_o deceitful_a dream_n will_v heaven-gate_n fly_v open_a with_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o few_o die_a groan_n will_v the_o mouth_n of_o hell_n be_v stop_v with_o the_o bare_a lamentation_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v there_o such_o charm_n in_o some_o penitent_a word_n extort_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o approach_a misery_n that_o god_n himself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resi●●_n they_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o deceit_n more_o dangerous_a nor_o i_o fear_v more_o common_a in_o the_o world_n than_o for_o man_n to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v so_o easy_a to_o pardon_v sin_n that_o though_o they_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o satisfy_v their_o lust_n they_o shall_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o by_o a_o die_a sorrow_n and_o a_o gasp_a repentance_n as_o though_o the_o unsay_n what_o we_o have_v do_v or_o wish_v we_o have_v do_v otherwise_o since_o we_o can_v do_v it_o no_o long_o for_o that_o be_v the_o bottom_n of_o all_o put_v off_o repentance_n to_o the_o last_o be_v abundant_a compensation_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o the_o affront_n of_o his_o majesty_n contempt_n of_o his_o law_n abuse_v of_o his_o patience_n and_o all_o the_o large_a indictment_n of_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n which_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v charge_v with_o the_o supposal_n of_o which_o make_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o religion_n signify_v very_o little_a in_o the_o world_n thus_o we_o have_v examine_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o sinner_n peace_n and_o find_v they_o very_o false_a and_o fallacious_a 2._o we_o be_v now_o to_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n do_v accompany_v a_o sinner_n course_n of_o life_n which_o certain_o overthrow_v his_o peace_n which_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o the_o reflection_n 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reason_n in_o his_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o innocency_n of_o two_o brother_n by_o the_o roman_a judge_n when_o they_o be_v accuse_v for_o parricide_n that_o although_o their_o father_n be_v murder_v in_o the_o same_o room_n where_o they_o lay_v and_o no_o other_o person_n be_v find_v on_o who_o they_o can_v fasten_v the_o suspicion_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o the_o morning_n the_o door_n be_v open_a and_o they_o fast_o asleep_o for_o as_o the_o orator_n say_v 23._o no_o man_n can_v imagine_v that_o those_o who_o have_v break_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n by_o so_o great_a a_o act_n of_o wickedness_n can_v present_o sleep_v upon_o it_o for_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n can_v neither_o rest_n without_o care_n nor_o breathe_v without_o fear_n we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v say_v he_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o poet_n as_o though_o wicked_a man_n be_v haunt_v and_o terrify_v with_o the_o burn_a torch_n of_o the_o fury_n but_o every_o man_n wickedness_n be_v the_o great_a terror_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o evil_a thought_n which_o pursue_v wicked_a man_n be_v their_o constant_a and_o domestic_a fury_n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o repeat_v what_o force_n the_o more_o civil_a heathen_n have_v give_v to_o conscience_n either_o way_n as_o to_o the_o peace_n which_o follow_v innocency_n and_o the_o disquiet_n which_o follow_v guilt_n which_o they_o look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n 3._o quâ_fw-la sublatâ_fw-la jacent_fw-la omne_fw-la as_o the_o orator_n speak_v without_o which_o all_o thing_n will_v be_v in_o great_a disorder_n for_o these_o punishment_n they_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o escape_v 1._o though_o they_o may_v do_v other_o and_o these_o they_o think_v so_o great_a and_o weighty_a that_o upon_o this_o ground_n they_o vindicate_v divine_a providence_n as_o to_o the_o seem_a prosperity_n of_o wicked_a man_n think_v it_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o call_v those_o person_n happy_a who_o suffer_v under_o the_o severe_a lash_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o force_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o direct_v they_o how_o much_o great_a weight_n mu●t_v there_o be_v when_o 5.11_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v make_v know_v by_o himself_o 1.18_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n i_o know_v that_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o debauchery_n pretend_v to_o be_v above_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o laugh_v at_o they_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o strong_a spleen_n and_o a_o weak_a brain_n but_o i_o appeal_v to_o their_o most_o sober_a thought_n when_o the_o stream_n of_o wine_n be_v evaporate_v and_o the_o intoxication_n of_o evil_a company_n be_v remove_v from_o they_o when_o in_o the_o deep_a and_o silent_a night_n they_o 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comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o holy_a righteous_a and_o sober_a life_n with_o what_o another_o sense_n of_o religion_n do_v man_n who_o mind_n be_v awaken_v speak_v then_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o take_v they_o at_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v for_o i_o suppose_v their_o mind_n as_o clear_v then_o as_o at_o any_o time_n and_o so_o much_o the_o clear_a because_o free_v from_o the_o impediment_n of_o such_o freedom_n of_o their_o thought_n at_o another_o time_n for_o the_o same_o thought_n will_v have_v possess_v they_o before_o only_o the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o life_n divert_v their_o mind_n from_o they_o but_o now_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o fear_v and_o the_o weight_n and_o consequence_n of_o they_o make_v they_o more_o diligent_o examine_v and_o impartial_o consider_v they_o but_o that_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a misery_n of_o a_o sinner_n state_n that_o what_o cure_v the_o other_o great_a trouble_n of_o our_o life_n do_v the_o most_o increase_v he_o which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o consideration_n that_o allay_v the_o power_n of_o grief_n that_o ease_v the_o mind_n of_o vain_a fear_n that_o prevent_v many_o trouble_n and_o cure_n other_o that_o govern_v other_o passion_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o due_a bound_n but_o this_o be_v it_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n do_v the_o most_o increase_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n mind_n for_o the_o more_o he_o consider_v the_o worse_o he_o find_v his_o condition_n and_o while_o he_o find_v his_o condition_n so_o bad_a he_o can_v never_o enjoy_v any_o peace_n in_o his_o mind_n 2._o the_o violence_n of_o his_o
clear_v the_o memory_n as_o strong_a the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o great_a as_o if_o the_o body_n be_v in_o perfect_a health_n it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o manly_a pleasure_n which_o some_o man_n take_v in_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o other_o can_v take_v in_o the_o most_o voluptuous_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o the_o one_o can_v only_o satisfy_v a_o brutish_a appetite_n while_n it_o may_v be_v something_o within_o be_v very_o unquiet_a and_o troublesome_a but_o the_o other_o bring_v a_o solid_a pleasure_n to_o the_o mind_n without_o any_o regret_n or_o disturbance_n from_o the_o body_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o pleasure_n ●eculiar_a to_o itself_o of_o which_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o immortal_a be_v within_o we_o not_o only_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n but_o very_o far_o above_o it_o but_o the_o very_a capacity_n of_o religion_n in_o mankind_n do_v yet_o further_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o will_v fain_o understand_v how_o man_n ever_o come_v to_o be_v abuse_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o some_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o think_v they_o be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o faculty_n in_o they_o above_o those_o of_o sense_n and_o imagination_n for_o where_o we_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o these_o we_o see_v a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n be_v in_o some_o brute_n creature_n we_o find_v great_a subtlety_n and_o strange_a imitation_n of_o reason_n but_o we_o can_v find_v nothing_o like_o religion_n among_o they_o how_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o be_v otherwise_o among_o man_n if_o imagination_n be_v the_o high_a faculty_n in_o man_n since_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o remote_a from_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n as_o may_v be_v what_o can_v be_v think_v more_o repugnant_a to_o all_o the_o conception_n we_o take_v in_o by_o our_o sense_n than_o the_o conception_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o soul_n be_v how_o then_o come_v the_o impression_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o sink_v so_o deep_a into_o humane_a nature_n that_o all_o the_o art_n and_o violence_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o take_v they_o out_o the_o strong_a impression_n upon_o all_o other_o being_n be_v such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n how_o come_v those_o in_o mankind_n to_o be_v such_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v not_o only_o above_o but_o contrary_a to_o they_o if_o a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v not_o grant_v if_o man_n have_v no_o principle_n within_o they_o beyond_o that_o of_o sense_n nothing_o will_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o have_v shake_v off_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o all_o apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a state_n but_o this_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o easy_a that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v all_o the_o wit_n and_o art_n all_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n all_o the_o rack_n and_o torment_n that_o can_v yet_o be_v think_v on_o can_v not_o alter_v man_n persuasion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n much_o less_o raze_v out_o the_o foundation_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o imaginable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o the_o martyr_n of_o old_a express_v under_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n of_o their_o body_n if_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o of_o a_o far_o noble_a and_o divine_a nature_n than_o their_o body_n be_v although_o a_o natural_a stupidity_n and_o dulness_n of_o temper_n may_v abate_v the_o sense_n of_o pain_n although_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n may_v keep_v man_n from_o complain_v of_o it_o yet_o not_o only_o to_o bear_v the_o cross_n but_o to_o embrace_v it_o to_o be_v not_o only_o patient_a but_o pleasant_a under_o torture_n nay_o to_o sing_v with_o great_a joy_n in_o the_o flame_n than_o other_o do_v when_o they_o be_v heat_v with_o wine_n do_v not_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v something_o within_o we_o capable_a of_o pleasure_n distinct_a from_o the_o body_n but_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o may_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o swallow_v up_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o body_n but_o i_o need_v not_o have_v recourse_n to_o such_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a instance_n although_o sufficient_o attest_v by_o such_o who_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o for_o every_o good_a man_n have_v that_o inward_a pleasure_n in_o be_v and_o do_v good_a which_o he_o will_v not_o part_v with_o for_o all_o the_o great_a epicurism_n in_o the_o world_n and_o where_o there_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o great_a pleasure_n no_o wonder_n if_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o sense_n of_o pain_n proportionable_a to_o it_o witness_v those_o gripe_n and_o torture_n of_o conscience_n which_o wicked_a man_n undergo_v from_o the_o reflection_n upon_o themselves_o when_o their_o own_o evil_a action_n fill_v they_o with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n when_o the_o cruelty_n they_o have_v use_v to_o other_o return_v with_o great_a violence_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n when_o the_o unlawful_a pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n prove_v the_o great_a vexation_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o evil_a action_n sink_v they_o under_o despair_n and_o the_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o future_a misery_n these_o be_v thing_n we_o need_v not_o search_v history_n or_o cite_v ancient_a author_n for_o every_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o lose_v all_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o real_a pleasure_n in_o do_v good_a there_o be_v the_o great_a inward_a pain_n in_o do_v evil_a have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n in_o this_o present_a state_n distinct_a from_o the_o body_n it_o thence_o follow_v that_o 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