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religion_n christian_a great_a part_n 3,442 5 4.1248 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42831 Some discourses, sermons, and remains of the Reverend Mr. Jos. Glanvil ... collected into one volume, and published by Ant. Horneck ... ; together with a sermon preached at his funeral, by Joseph Pleydell ... Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680.; Horneck, Anthony, 1641-1697.; Pleydell, Josiah, d. 1707. 1681 (1681) Wing G831; ESTC R23396 193,219 458

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labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o the_o more_o attentive_o we_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o any_o of_o its_o part_n we_o find_v great_a ground_n for_o the_o confirmation_n both_o of_o its_o author_n and_o excellency_n so_o infinite_o do_v it_o surpass_v all_o those_o write_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o the_o great_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n have_v with_o so_o much_o superciliousness_n on_o their_o part_n and_o admiration_n from_o their_o respective_a follower_n i_o may_v add_v too_o all_o thing_n consider_v not_o without_o merit_v due_a praise_n from_o we_o deliver_v to_o their_o scholar_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a if_o we_o but_o parallel_v they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o chief_a head_n for_o instance_n in_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n do_v proceed_v the_o precept_n it_o contain_v and_o the_o reward_v it_o appoint_v which_o division_n will_v comprise_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o profess_v in_o all_o which_o the_o great_a master_n of_o heathen_a wisdom_n do_v plain_o discover_v either_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n in_o prevaricate_a that_o light_n they_o have_v reflect_v upon_o they_o from_o jewish_a tradition_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o doubt_v whether_o their_o symbolic_a divinity_n be_v not_o design_v rather_o to_o concel_v their_o own_o ignorance_n in_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o than_o to_o secure_v the_o rite_n and_o mystery_n thereof_o from_o the_o vulgar_n profanation_n for_o example_n 1._o take_v first_o the_o principle_n those_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n and_o his_o redemption_n by_o a_o messiah_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o whole_a philosophic_a world_n have_v none_o or_o but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a knowledge_n 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live_n for_o we_o may_v not_o detract_v thus_o much_o from_o they_o that_o they_o have_v recommend_v many_o excellent_a institutes_n to_o their_o sect_n you_o shall_v collect_v among_o they_o many_o very_a admirable_a say_n such_o as_o these_o to_o know_v ourselves_o to_o abstain_v from_o vice_n to_o bear_v affliction_n to_o do_v just_o and_o speak_v true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o and_o many_o more_o indeed_o for_o that_o kind_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v deducible_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n and_o observation_n and_o depend_v not_o chief_o or_o sole_o upon_o divine_a revelation_n they_o have_v do_v extraordinary_a well_o and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o furnish_v we_o with_o so_o many_o famous_a example_n of_o virtue_n too_o it_o will_v not_o reflect_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n which_o in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o its_o precept_n have_v as_o far_o exceed_v all_o that_o they_o have_v write_v as_o some_o of_o their_o life_n have_v most_o of_o we_o though_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v just_o chargeable_a upon_o the_o vitiosity_n or_o defect_n of_o its_o principle_n or_o rule_n thus_o miserable_o however_o do_v we_o compensate_a the_o divine_a culture_n and_o as_o if_o nature_n abhor_v so_o great_a a_o disparity_n betwixt_o mankind_n will_v thus_o balance_v the_o heathen_a with_o the_o christian_a world_n by_o oppose_v their_o imperfect_a knowledge_n but_o severe_a virtue_n to_o our_o divine_a law_n but_o great_a licentiousness_n in_o practice_n many_o of_o they_o have_v by_z as_o great_a proportion_n exceed_v we_o in_o their_o endeavour_n after_o goodness_n as_o we_o do_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o it_o 3._o last_o of_o all_o which_o bring_v it_o to_o our_o present_a subject_n christianity_n propound_v nothing_o but_o upon_o the_o fair_a and_o sure_a encouragement_n imaginable_a for_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v both_o transcendent_o superior_a to_o their_o discovery_n and_o account_n of_o it_o and_o then_o also_o we_o be_v sufficient_o and_o unquestionable_o assure_v hereof_o i.e._n it_o be_v not_o recommend_v to_o we_o upon_o plausible_a persuasion_n and_o inconclusive_a argument_n but_o in_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n expression_n 1_o corinth_n 2._o 4._o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o peculiar_a excellency_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n above_o all_o the_o system_n of_o the_o great_a moralist_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v lay_v upon_o clear_a and_o better_a principle_n the_o practice_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v carry_v high_a by_o the_o spirituality_n of_o its_o command_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v much_o less_o can_v they_o promise_v or_o bestow_v it_o be_v the_o last_o of_o these_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o text_n and_o for_o which_o i_o be_o to_o be_v further_a accountable_a to_o you_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o word_n i_o have_v read_v and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a etc._n etc._n wherein_o we_o have_v these_o follow_a particular_n principal_o to_o be_v observe_v 1._o the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n describe_v by_o its_o general_a nature_n they_o be_v bless_v and_o by_o its_o integral_a part_n they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o 2._o the_o security_n and_o evidence_n upon_o which_o this_o happiness_n be_v promise_v and_o assert_v yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n 3._o the_o time_n of_o its_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n partly_o in_o this_o life_n but_o not_o full_o nor_o complete_o till_o death_n say_v bless_v be_v the_o dead_a that_o dye_n in_o the_o lord_n 4._o and_o last_o the_o influence_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o premise_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o we_o both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n in_o reference_n to_o obedience_n and_o patience_n and_o i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o description_n of_o that_o happiness_n those_o reward_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o patience_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o i_o be_o utter_o ignorant_a by_o what_o measure_v to_o describe_v they_o to_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o celestial_a bliss_n as_o far_o transcend_v all_o our_o present_a felicity_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o as_o it_o do_v the_o very_a capacity_n of_o our_o merit_v it_o sir_n francis_n bacon_n have_v observe_v we_o can_v have_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o recee_v any_o whit_n near_o those_o extreme_n of_o nothing_o and_o infinity_o because_o either_o by_o their_o parvity_n or_o immensity_n they_o elude_v or_o confound_v our_o knowledge_n and_o especial_o the_o latter_a which_o choke_v the_o understanding_n and_o be_v like_o the_o behold_n of_o the_o sun_n who_o light_n and_o lustre_n by_o which_o we_o discern_v other_o object_n mar_v and_o dim_v our_o sight_n such_o be_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o our_o future_a bliss_n at_o once_o the_o delight_n and_o amazement_n of_o our_o intellectual_n in_o the_o description_n whereof_o our_o high_a expression_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v hyperbolical_a that_o they_o amount_v but_o to_o a_o litotes_n so_o that_o after_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o st._n paul_n account_n of_o it_o in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 9_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unutterable_a 4._o for_o that_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n and_o not_o as_o we_o render_v it_o unlawful_a of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o also_o unconceivable_a so_o inevitable_o shall_v we_o diminish_v
the_o light_n be_v make_v to_o attend_v the_o darkness_n contrary_n to_o the_o method_n observe_v by_o nature_n where_o the_o cause_n be_v ever_o more_o worthy_a than_o their_o effect_n from_o their_o first_o beginning_n downward_o now_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o transcend_v and_o deviate_v from_o the_o tract_n and_o capacity_n of_o natural_a agent_n thereby_o to_o assert_v his_o prerogative_n and_o render_v his_o omnipotency_n more_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n so_o be_v he_o no_o less_o delight_v to_o use_v the_o same_o recess_n in_o display_v his_o grace_n evermore_o usher_v in_o his_o mercy_n with_o the_o black_a rod_n thereby_o enhance_a and_o endear_n our_o subsequent_a refreshment_n and_o though_o the_o goodness_n of_o those_o celestial_a inhabitant_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o their_o condition_n need_v neither_o foil_n nor_o artifice_n to_o render_v that_o or_o their_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n great_a yet_o however_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n as_o a_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o proceed_n thus_o be_v but_o regular_a and_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o work_n before_o we_o receive_v our_o wage_n and_o finish_v our_o undertake_n before_o we_o demand_v satisfaction_n earnest_a and_o security_n heaven_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o but_o to_o deposit_v the_o whole_a in_o hand_n this_o be_v not_o to_o encourage_v but_o bribe_v our_o obedience_n this_o be_v to_o destroy_v morality_n and_o turn_v virtue_n into_o nature_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o divine_a goodness_n less_o communicable_a in_o this_o life_n but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o receive_v it_o for_o look_v as_o in_o nature_n neither_o the_o single_a excellency_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o agent_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o produce_v any_o notable_a effect_n but_o both_o be_v require_v so_o likewise_o in_o religion_n all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o bounty_n though_o that_o be_v free_a and_o infinite_a be_v limit_v and_o determine_v by_o our_o capacity_n and_o reception_n so_o that_o while_o our_o appetite_n those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o receptacle_n of_o all_o this_o glory_n be_v either_o replenish_v with_o the_o vain_a and_o sinful_a object_n of_o this_o life_n or_o be_v straighten_a and_o contract_v by_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o this_o dull_a and_o lumpish_a matter_n they_o must_v be_v rid_v of_o the_o one_o and_o devest_v of_o the_o other_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v instant_o happy_a you_o have_v see_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o christian_a man_n there_o be_v indeed_o encouragement_n of_o another_o nature_n namely_o earthly_a blessing_n and_o temporal_a reward_n our_o whole_a present_a interest_n unless_o it_o happen_v to_o interfere_v at_o any_o time_n with_o the_o other_o religion_n have_v descend_v to_o the_o secure_n of_o these_o too_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o moral_a designation_n but_o by_o a_o proper_a and_o natural_a efficiency_n so_o that_o we_o can_v better_o prosecute_v our_o present_a interest_n than_o by_o the_o method_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o this_o gracious_a and_o happy_a complication_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d together_o they_o be_v make_v to_o become_v helpful_a and_o assist_v to_o each_o other_o serve_v reciprocal_o as_o a_o mean_n or_o motive_n either_o to_o other_o but_o this_o encouragement_n be_v neither_o proper_a nor_o adequate_a to_o christianity_n since_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o pursue_v by_o natural_a as_o by_o divine_a rule_n better_a perhaps_o by_o diabolical_a art_n than_o either_o nothing_o experimental_o so_o enrich_v man_n as_o sordidness_n oppression_n and_o other_o violence_n and_o fraud_n the_o devil_n in_o all_o likelihood_n give_v the_o fair_a prospect_n and_o most_o likely_a possession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n but_o they_o be_v thing_n i_o have_v show_v you_o of_o a_o nature_n infinite_o more_o sublime_a that_o christianity_n propound_v to_o its_o observer_n the_o reward_n of_o our_o religion_n exceed_v as_o well_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n as_o all_o those_o other_o thing_n to_o the_o attainment_n whereof_o as_o all_o vicious_a practice_n be_v extreme_o contrary_a so_o have_v all_o the_o other_o philosophic_a transaction_n be_v miserable_o vain_a some_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a light_n the_o heathen_a have_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o they_o collect_v from_o some_o fragment_n of_o tradition_n or_o extract_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n but_o which_o way_n ever_o it_o come_v it_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a as_o serve_v to_o shadow_n not_o help_v to_o discover_v but_o eclipse_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o that_o state_n till_o as_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n say_v 10._o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o without_o this_o all_o other_o proposal_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o its_o professor_n and_o disproportionate_a to_o the_o difficulty_n and_o severity_n of_o religion_n cicero_n say_v none_o ought_v to_o be_v deem_v a_o virtuous_a or_o a_o just_a man_n that_o will_v be_v allure_v or_o affright_v from_o his_o duty_n by_o any_o advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n whatever_o but_o who_o trow_v you_o will_v abide_v both_o these_o upon_o no_o other_o consideration_n than_o bare_o to_o have_v act_v according_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o right_a reason_n or_o in_o hope_n to_o acquire_v a_o insignificant_a fame_n of_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n or_o remembrance_n after_o death_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o judge_v the_o stoic_n more_o absurd_a in_o their_o moral_n than_o the_o epicurean_o consider_v the_o principle_n that_o be_v upon_o which_o they_o build_v for_o it_o be_v the_o premise_v and_o not_o the_o inference_n of_o they_o that_o be_v so_o urge_v by_o the_o apostle_n let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 32._o but_o now_o the_o christian_a religion_n propound_v such_o overture_n to_o our_o obedience_n and_o patience_n as_o may_v just_o and_o reasonable_o encourage_v we_o thereunto_o iv._o for_o a_o conclusion_n let_v we_o take_v in_o the_o importance_n of_o that_o phrase_n of_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n which_o relate_v primary_o to_o martyrdom_n but_o must_v also_o be_v extend_v to_o as_o many_o as_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v so_o consider_v this_o happiness_n as_o every_o of_o our_o great_a interest_n that_o we_o forfeit_v not_o our_o propriety_n therein_o by_o a_o vicious_a and_o sinful_a life_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o can_v render_v it_o hazardous_a or_o doubtful_a but_o that_o which_o indeed_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n render_v it_o impossible_a let_v we_o not_o repeat_v esau_n folly_n sell_v our_o birthright_n for_o a_o trifle_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o pitiful_a lust_n proscribe_v ourselves_o out_o of_o our_o celestial_a inheritance_n neither_o let_v we_o contemn_v our_o happiness_n for_o be_v feasible_a be_v wilful_a poverty_n and_o certain_a martyrdom_n part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o inseparable_a appendage_n of_o our_o religion_n there_o be_v tentation_n enough_o in_o the_o proposal_n to_o make_v we_o conflict_n with_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o overcome_v they_o when_o christianity_n be_v thus_o attend_v and_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o injunction_n with_o what_o holy_a violence_n do_v those_o bless_a saint_n storm_n heaven_n and_o with_o a_o strange_a eagerness_n pursue_v martyrdom_n but_o now_o as_o if_o the_o fervour_n of_o our_o devotion_n be_v only_o kindle_v and_o maintain_v by_o antiperistasis_n now_o i_o say_v the_o impediment_n be_v remove_v and_o religion_n be_v become_v a_o part_n of_o our_o civil_a obedience_n and_o make_v necessary_a to_o our_o secular_a interest_n and_o guard_v with_o a_o great_a many_o other_o temporal_a phylactery_n man_n be_v yet_o more_o hardly_o wrought_v upon_o to_o be_v religious_a the_o consideration_n of_o a_o single_a lust_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o weigh_v down_o all_o and_o if_o any_o will_v seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o it_o than_o ordinary_a as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o love_n with_o the_o trouble_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n they_o suffer_v their_o heat_n to_o spend_v itself_o in_o little_a pique_n and_o contention_n and_o about_o thing_n of_o none_o or_o ill_a moment_n in_o maintain_v of_o party_n and_o oppose_v their_o superior_n and_o not_o in_o devotion_n obedience_n charity_n humility_n and_o the_o like_a as_o they_o ought_v in_o short_a christian_n let_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o blessedness_n excite_v our_o affection_n heaven-ward_n and_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n let_v it_o animate_v we_o against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o buoy_v we_o up_o above_o all_o adversity_n let_v it_o cheer_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n quiet_v we_o in_o affliction_n and_o comfort_v we_o in_o death_n that_o so_o live_v unto_o christ_n we_o may_v at_o last_o die_v in_o he_o and_o in_o the_o end_n be_v for_o ever_o bless_v and_o now_o to_o accommodate_v all_o to_o our_o present_a case_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o take_v away_o this_o extraordinary_a man_n for_o such_o consider_v all_o thing_n we_o must_v needs_o allow_v he_o and_o because_o it_o be_v some_o we_o what_o early_o i_o think_v of_o dr._n hammond_n notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o text_n the_o soon_o the_o better_a the_o better_a for_o he_o no_o doubt_n i_o have_v once_o think_v to_o have_v give_v you_o his_o character_n but_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a to_o tell_v you_o i_o find_v i_o not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o call_v to_o mind_n a_o say_n of_o one_o of_o the_o roman_a historian_n i_o soon_o desist_v from_o any_o further_a attempt_n of_o it_o who_o when_o he_o be_v reckon_v up_o some_o of_o the_o great_a man_n of_o that_o age_n virgil_n and_o ovid_n livy_n and_o sallust_n and_o go_v to_o commend_v they_o stop_n and_o conclude_v thus_o but_o of_o man_n of_o eminency_n as_o their_o admiration_n be_v great_a so_o be_v their_o censure_n full_a of_o difficulty_n as_o to_o those_o relation_n that_o be_v more_o near_o interest_v in_o this_o solemnity_n i_o will_v beseech_v they_o to_o remember_v that_o all_o indecency_n and_o excess_n of_o grief_n for_o our_o decease_a friend_n must_v needs_o reflect_v upon_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o surviver_n god_n enable_v they_o to_o bear_v it_o and_o supply_v this_o loss_n to_o they_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n let_v i_o say_v and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o such_o man_n of_o no_o worse_a learning_n integrity_n and_o courage_n that_o be_v able_a and_o dare_v defend_v she_o against_o the_o encroachment_n of_o popery_n and_o fanaticisme_n now_o to_o god_n only_o wise_a be_v glory_n through_o jesus_n christ_n for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la 1_o ep._n c._n 2._o v._n 9_o 2_o ep._n ch_z 12._o v._n 4._o joh._n 17._o 3._o phil._n 1._o 23._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 10._o
be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n and_o where_o we_o see_v not_o this_o effect_n of_o religion_n let_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o high_a and_o glorious_a in_o his_o profession_n we_o may_v yet_o conclude_v that_o either_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o good_a or_o that_o he_o only_o pretend_v and_o real_o have_v it_o not_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o great_a certainty_n viz._n that_o christian_a religion_n aim_v at_o the_o better_n and_o perfect_v of_o our_o nature_n for_o the_o thing_n it_o command_v relate_v either_o to_o worship_n or_o virtue_n the_o instance_n of_o external_a worship_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n both_o which_o be_v high_a act_n of_o gratitude_n and_o justice_n and_o they_o fit_v we_o for_o divine_a blessing_n and_o keep_v we_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o prepare_v we_o for_o union_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a thus_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n tend_v to_o our_o happiness_n and_o the_o inward_a do_v infinite_o the_o same_o these_o be_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v faith_n in_o god_n support_v and_o relieve_v we_o in_o all_o affliction_n and_o distress_n the_o love_n of_o he_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o solace_n to_o we_o in_o all_o loss_n and_o disappointment_n since_o he_o be_v a_o object_n most_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o one_o that_o can_v be_v lose_v except_o we_o wilful_o thrust_v he_o from_o we_o fear_v of_o god_n have_v no_o torment_n it_o be_v no_o slavish_a dread_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o power_n but_o a_o reverence_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o a_o lothness_n to_o offend_v he_o and_o this_o dispose_v we_o also_o for_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n psal_n 85._o 9_o and_o this_o it_o do_v by_o congruity_n and_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v say_v likewise_o of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o they_o will_v make_v those_o happy_a that_o practise_v they_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v positive_o enjoin_v or_o not_o and_o though_o no_o express_a reward_n have_v be_v annex_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v other_o two_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o christianity_n require_v which_o be_v institute_v and_o positive_a and_o respect_n christ_n our_o lord_n they_o be_v the_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n both_o which_o be_v holy_a rite_n of_o high_a signification_n and_o seal_v of_o a_o excellent_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o assure_v we_o of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o divine_a favour_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o more_o firm_o oblige_v we_o to_o holy_a obedience_n and_o dependence_n the_o only_a way_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a whence_o we_o see_v brief_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o worship_n which_o christianity_n bind_v upon_o we_o tend_v to_o our_o perfection_n and_o felicity_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n that_o it_o command_v do_v the_o same_o both_o those_o that_o respect_v we_o in_o a_o personal_a capacity_n and_o those_o other_o that_o relate_v to_o we_o as_o member_n of_o society_n thus_o humility_n recommend_v mat._n 5._o 3._o meekness_n blessed_v ver_fw-la 5._o purity_n ver_fw-la 8._o be_v virtue_n that_o accomplish_v our_o particular_a person_n and_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o ourselves_o for_o of_o pride_n come_v contention_n prov._n 13._o 10._o and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o trouble_n arise_v from_o stomach_n and_o self-will_n which_o humility_n cure_v meekness_n also_o take_v away_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o numerous_a mischief_n we_o run_v into_o through_o the_o rage_n and_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o great_a beauty_n and_o ornament_n since_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o due_a order_n and_o government_n of_o our_o faculty_n purity_n which_o comprehend_v temperance_n of_o all_o sort_n free_v we_o from_o the_o torment_a importunity_n of_o those_o desire_n that_o drag_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o expose_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o temptation_n and_o make_v we_o exceed_o miserable_a beside_o which_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o render_v we_o like_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o christian_a virtue_n do_v not_o only_o accomplish_v and_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o our_o particular_a person_n but_o they_o do_v the_o same_o in_o our_o public_a capacity_n they_o dispose_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n without_o murmur_v and_o complain_v and_o thereby_o the_o public_a peace_n be_v secure_v and_o all_o good_a thing_n else_o in_o that_o but_o there_o be_v other_o virtue_n that_o christianity_n enjoin_v which_o have_v a_o more_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o as_o justice_z mat._n 7._o 12._o charity_n 1_o cor._n 13._o loyalty_n rom._n 13._o and_o all_o other_o public_a virtue_n may_v i_o think_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o where_o there_o be_v no_o justice_n every_o man_n prey_v upon_o another_o and_o no_o man_n property_n be_v safe_a where_o charity_n be_v want_v jealousy_n hatred_n envy_v backbiting_n and_o cruelty_n abound_v which_o render_v the_o world_n deplorable_o unhappy_a where_o there_o be_v not_o loyalty_n and_o conscionable_a submission_n to_o governor_n the_o public_a be_v upon_o every_o occasion_n of_o commotion_n involve_v in_o infinite_a misery_n and_o disaster_n so_o that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n proper_a instrument_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o they_o have_v be_v method_n of_o felicity_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n though_o they_o have_v never_o be_v require_v by_o so_o great_a and_o so_o sacred_a a_o authority_n these_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v because_o i_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o recommend_v the_o excellency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o i_o have_v do_v it_o but_o only_o in_o brief_a hint_n because_o it_o arise_v but_o upon_o a_o corollary_n from_o my_o main_a subject_n and_o from_o this_o i_o infer_v further_o iii_o that_o christianity_n be_v the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o morality_n they_o both_o tend_v to_o the_o real_a better_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a till_o christ_n jesus_n come_v he_o confirm_v and_o enforce_v all_o those_o precept_n of_o virtue_n that_o be_v write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o clear_v they_o from_o many_o corruption_n that_o be_v grow_v upon_o they_o through_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n the_o gloss_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o false_a conceit_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o he_o enforce_v they_o anew_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o knowledge_n he_o give_v of_o divine_a aid_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o be_v understand_v before_o yea_o he_o enlarge_v they_o in_o some_o instance_n such_o as_o love_a enemy_n and_o forgive_a injury_n thus_o christ_n jesus_n teach_v morality_n viz._n the_o way_n of_o live_v like_o man_n and_o the_o 5_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n be_v a_o excellent_a lecture_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o that_o to_o disparage_v morality_n be_v to_o disgrace_n christianity_n itself_o and_o to_o vilify_v one_o of_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o all_o religion_n and_o all_o duty_n respect_v either_o god_n our_o neighbour_n or_o ourselves_o and_o the_o duty_n that_o relate_v to_o these_o two_o last_o be_v acknowledge_v moral_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n st._n james_n count_v these_o morality_n of_o visit_v the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a to_o be_v the_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a jam._n 1._o 17._o and_o the_o prophet_n micah_n intimate_v that_o those_o moral_a virtue_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n be_v some_o of_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o micah_n 6._o 8._o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v sum_v up_o in_o these_o two_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o our_o self_n matth._n 22._o 13._o which_o latter_o contain_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n teach_v according_a to_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 11._o there_o be_v no_o godliness_n without_o morality_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n reckon_v up_o gal._n 5._o 22._o be_v moral_a virtue_n and_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o virtue_n be_v partly_o understand_v for_o one_o branch_n of_o what_o be_v call_v grace_n in_o we_o be_v moral_a virtue_n produce_v by_o divine_a aid_n christian_a principle_n and_o encouragement_n though_o it_o be_v
true_a the_o world_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o duty_n that_o relate_v immediate_o to_o god_n also_o by_o which_o we_o see_v how_o ignorant_o and_o dangerous_o those_o people_n talk_n that_o disparage_v morality_n as_o a_o dull_a lame_a thing_n of_o no_o account_n or_o reckon_n upon_o this_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v by_o too_o many_o neglect_a and_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o new_a godliness_n be_v lay_v in_o frequent_a hear_n and_o devout_a seraphic_a talk_n luscious_a fancy_n new_a light_n income_n manifestation_n in-dwelling_n sealing_n and_o such_o like_a thus_o antinomianism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o fanaticism_n have_v make_v their_o way_n by_o the_o disparagement_n of_o morality_n and_o man_n have_v learn_v to_o believe_v themselves_o the_o choose_v precious_a people_n while_o their_o heart_n have_v be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o bitterness_n and_o their_o hand_n of_o violence_n while_o they_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n rebel_v against_o the_o government_n destroy_v public_a peace_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v all_o into_o misery_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v this_o diabolical_a project_n of_o divide_v morality_n from_o religion_n that_o have_v give_v rise_n and_o occasion_n to_o all_o these_o villainy_n and_o while_o the_o practiser_n of_o such_o thing_n have_v assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o only_a godly_a godliness_n itself_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o disgrace_n by_o they_o and_o atheism_n encourage_v to_o show_v itself_o in_o open_a defiance_n to_o religion_n yea_o through_o the_o indiscretion_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o some_o preacher_n the_o fantastry_n and_o vain_a babble_n of_o other_o and_o the_o general_a disposition_n of_o the_o people_n to_o admire_v what_o make_v a_o great_a show_n and_o pretend_v to_o more_o than_o ordinary_a spirituality_n thing_n be_v in_o many_o place_n come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o those_o who_o teach_v christian_a virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n without_o senseless_a phrase_n and_o fantastic_a affectation_n shall_v be_v reckon_v for_o dry_a moralist_n and_o such_o as_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n yea_o those_o people_n have_v be_v so_o long_o use_v to_o gibberish_n and_o cant_v that_o they_o can_v understand_v plain_a sense_n and_o virtue_n be_v become_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o their_o ear_n that_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o speak_v of_o in_o a_o pulpit_n they_o count_v the_o preacher_n a_o broacher_n of_o new_a divinity_n and_o one_o that_o will_v teach_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o philosophy_n and_o he_o escape_v well_o if_o they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o that_o he_o will_v reconcile_v we_o to_o gentilism_n and_o heathen_a worship_n the_o danger_n and_o vanity_n of_o which_o ignorant_a humour_n the_o contempt_n of_o morality_n be_v apparent_a in_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o add_v no_o more_o concern_v it_o here_o but_o proceed_v to_o another_o inference_n which_o be_v iu_o that_o grace_n and_o the_o new_a nature_n make_v their_o way_n by_o degree_n on_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o difficulty_n will_v not_o be_v remove_v nor_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n subdue_v all_o at_o once_o habit_n that_o grow_v by_o repeat_v act_n time_n and_o continuance_n will_v not_o be_v expel_v in_o a_o moment_n no_o man_n can_v become_v great_o evil_a or_o good_a on_o a_o sudden_a the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o a_o perfect_a day_n prov._n 4._o 18._o we_o do_v not_o jump_v from_o darkness_n into_o full_a light_n we_o be_v not_o full_o sanctify_v and_o convert_v in_o a_o instant_n the_o day_n begin_v in_o a_o insensible_a dawn_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n mat._n 13._o 31._o it_o do_v not_o start_v up_o present_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o a_o tree_n the_o divine_a birth_n begin_v like_o the_o natural_a in_o a_o imperfect_a embryo_n there_o be_v some_o seed_n of_o knowledge_n and_o goodness_n that_o god_n have_v sow_v in_o our_o nature_n these_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n to_o conviction_n which_o proceed_v to_o purpose_n these_o to_o resolution_n and_o thence_o we_o pass_v to_o abstinence_n from_o all_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a duty_n and_o so_o at_o last_o by_o degree_n to_o vigorous_a attempt_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n when_o grace_n be_v arrive_v to_o this_o eminent_a growth_n it_o be_v very_o visible_a as_o the_o plant_n be_v when_o it_o be_v above_o the_o ground_n but_o the_o beginning_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o ordinary_o perceive_v so_o that_o to_o catechise_v man_n about_o the_o punctual_a time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v a_o idle_a device_n and_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o vanity_n and_o lie_v who_o can_v tell_v the_o exact_a moment_n when_o the_o night_n end_v and_o the_o dawn_n enter_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o passage_n from_o the_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n which_o begin_v in_o some_o extraordinary_a horror_n and_o conviction_n be_v sometime_o very_o notable_a but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o all_o or_o most_o the_o time_n of_o st._n paul_n conversion_n be_v eminent_a but_o that_o change_n be_v from_o great_a contrariety_n and_o miraculous_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o instance_n both_o the_o beginning_n and_o minute_n progression_n of_o grace_n be_v usual_o undiscerned_a we_o can_v see_v the_o grass_n just_o put_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n or_o actual_o grow_v but_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o it_o do_v both_o and_o grace_n be_v better_a know_v in_o its_o fruit_n than_o in_o its_o rise_n by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 12._o 33._o and_o the_o same_o way_n we_o may_v know_v ourselves_o v._n we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o animal_n as_o well_o as_o a_o divine_a religion_n a_o religion_n that_o be_v but_o the_o effect_n and_o modification_n of_o complexion_n natural_a fear_n and_o self-love_n how_o far_o these_o will_v go_v we_o have_v see_v and_o how_o short_a it_o will_v prove_v in_o the_o end_n the_o not_o note_v this_o have_v be_v the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o deceive_v many_o some_o observe_v great_a heat_n of_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o modern_a pharisee_n take_v these_o to_o be_v the_o saint_n and_o good_a people_n believe_v all_o the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o when_o other_o that_o know_v they_o to_o be_v envious_a and_o malicious_a unjust_a and_o covetous_a proud_a and_o ungovernable_a and_o can_v therefore_o look_v on_o they_o as_o such_o choice_n holy_a people_n be_v apt_a to_o affirm_v all_o to_o be_v hypocrisy_n and_o feign_v in_o which_o sentence_n both_o be_v mistake_v for_o want_n of_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mere_a animal_n religion_n that_o will_v produce_v very_o specious_a and_o glorious_a effect_n so_o that_o though_o the_o pharisee_n pray_v vehement_o and_o fast_n severe_o and_o talk_v much_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o delight_n great_o in_o hear_v and_o pious_a discourse_n and_o will_v suffer_v all_o thing_n for_o what_o he_o call_v his_o conscience_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v a_o saint_n from_o hence_o because_o the_o mere_a animal_n religion_n may_v put_v itself_o forth_o in_o all_o these_o expression_n and_o though_o this_o professor_n be_v a_o bad_a man_n proud_a and_o covetous_a malicious_a and_o censorious_a sacrilegious_a and_o rebellious_a yet_o we_o can_v thence_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n in_o one_o sense_n viz._n such_o a_o one_o as_o feign_v all_o that_o he_o pretend_v but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v real_o so_o affect_v with_o hear_v and_o pray_v and_o devout_a company_n as_o he_o make_v show_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o not_o alter_v our_o opinion_n of_o his_o be_v a_o evil_a man_n since_o the_o animal_n religion_n will_v go_v as_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o glory_v there_o be_v nothing_o whereby_o the_o common_a people_n be_v draw_v more_o easy_o into_o the_o way_n of_o sect_n and_o separation_n than_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o faction_n these_o they_o take_v to_o be_v religion_n and_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o godliness_n and_o those_o the_o religious_a and_o only_a godly_a people_n and_o so_o first_o they_o conceive_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o they_o and_o then_o follow_v they_o whithersoever_o they_o lead_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v tempt_v into_o schism_n and_o party_n not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o argument_n of_o dissenter_n as_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o godliness_n which_o opinion_n be_v ground_v upon_o thing_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o
to_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o oftentimes_o they_o do_v such_o man_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v under_o the_o character_n of_o vicious_a and_o not_o bare_o erroneous_a and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v among_o mere_a dissenter_n in_o opinion_n concern_v who_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v and_o that_o you_o may_v not_o rash_o judge_v that_o your_o brother_n speak_v against_o his_o conscience_n because_o he_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n that_o to_o we_o seem_v very_o wild_a and_o absurd_a and_o so_o hate_v he_o as_o a_o timeserver_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n when_o hei_n but_o a_o innocent_o mistake_v person_n i_o add_v this_o other_o consideration_n viz._n v._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v allowance_n for_o education_n authority_n and_o fair_a pretence_n which_o have_v a_o mighty_a power_n even_o over_o honest_a mind_n and_o do_v often_o unavoidable_o lead_v they_o into_o error_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o easy_o we_o receive_v the_o first_o impression_n and_o how_o deep_o they_o sink_v into_o our_o soul_n childhood_n refuse_v no_o folly_n examine_v no_o absurdity_n education_n make_v it_o any_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v entertain_v as_o best_a and_o whatever_o offer_v after_o be_v execrate_v and_o despise_v if_o it_o be_v not_o like_o it_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o their_o tender_a age_n and_o the_o far_o great_a part_n carry_v the_o apprehension_n to_o their_o grave_n that_o they_o suck_v in_o infancy_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v about_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o impossible_a or_o ridiculous_a even_o in_o dream_n and_o distract_a imagination_n than_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v entertain_v by_o great_a number_n of_o man_n as_o sacred_a there_o be_v no_o conceit_n in_o bedlam_n more_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a than_o many_o about_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v believe_v firm_o and_o zealous_o promote_v and_o fierce_o contend_v for_o even_o to_o blood_n and_o desolation_n by_o mighty_a nation_n and_o whole_a empire_n by_o prince_n and_o people_n by_o great_a man_n and_o learned_a by_o devout_a and_o prudent_a in_o long_a succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n many_o age_n together_o and_o all_o these_o folly_n have_v be_v first_o impose_v by_o education_n and_o confirm_v by_o authority_n and_o custom_n the_o power_n of_o which_o be_v very_o great_a and_o very_o few_o have_v strength_n enough_o in_o their_o understanding_n to_o overcome_v it_o and_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v afraid_a to_o use_v their_o reason_n against_o those_o folly_n which_o be_v teach_v to_o be_v divine_a dictate_v above_o all_o humane_a intellect_n and_o not_o to_o be_v try_v or_o examine_v by_o it_o upon_o which_o account_v it_o have_v be_v that_o mankind_n have_v be_v more_o extravagant_o mad_a in_o many_o tenant_n about_o religion_n than_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o for_o in_o other_o thing_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v permit_v but_o in_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v almost_o universal_o deny_v thus_o then_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v slave_n to_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o they_o be_v breed_v and_o our_o constitution_n infirmity_n and_o circumstance_n be_v such_o that_o very_o few_o can_v help_v it_o and_o error_n in_o the_o most_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n unavoidable_a at_o least_o in_o the_o weak_a sort_n and_o herd_n of_o man_n for_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n about_o what_o they_o have_v be_v always_o teach_v and_o have_v little_a or_o no_o capacity_n inclination_n or_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v so_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o lie_v under_o and_o consequent_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v they_o insincere_a because_o they_o profess_v thing_n incredible_a and_o ridiculous_a or_o hate_v they_o for_o believe_v they_o when_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o so_o almost_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v further_a to_o consider_v how_o much_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o err_v in_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v be_v to_o be_v allow_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o many_o learned_a wise_a pious_a and_o devout_a man_n that_o instruct_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o way_n and_o deep_o threaten_v any_o diversion_n from_o it_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n when_o it_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o error_n and_o no_o doubt_n many_o honest_a mind_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o it_o we_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o follow_v other_o especial_o those_o that_o we_o esteem_v and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o do_v so_o in_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o well_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o and_o modest_a to_o permit_v our_o judgement_n to_o be_v incline_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o better_o so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n that_o yet_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o his_o opinion_n which_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v his_o unhappiness_n not_o his_o fault_n and_o i_o may_v add_v the_o other_o thing_n mention_v viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o allow_v our_o err_a brother_n for_o the_o fair_a and_o specious_a pretence_n which_o many_o error_n plead_v for_o themselves_o as_o antiquity_n piety_n consent_v of_o church_n reverend_a name_n spirituality_n god_n glory_n gospel-light_n and_o liberty_n and_o many_o other_o such_o which_o sound_v well_o and_o sway_n much_o with_o many_o very_a pious_a people_n who_o be_v take_v with_o the_o pretence_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o fallacy_n and_o so_o swallow_v the_o error_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o fine_a name_n wherewith_o it_o be_v gild_v in_o which_o case_n also_o there_o be_v infirmity_n and_o misfortune_n that_o require_v our_o pity_n and_o our_o charity_n but_o nothing_o that_o can_v justify_v our_o rage_n or_o hatred_n yea_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o love_v he_o for_o the_o zeal_n and_o respect_n he_o have_v to_o those_o good_a thing_n the_o shadow_n of_o which_o have_v deceive_v he_o rather_o than_o hate_v he_o for_o his_o weakness_n in_o mistake_v and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v so_o rigid_a to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o mistake_v judgement_n i_o wish_v they_o will_v consider_v vi_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o may_v err_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o shall_v have_v need_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o other_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o i_o hope_v so_o immodest_a as_o to_o say_v or_o think_v that_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o nothing_o if_o any_o do_v that_o person_n err_v more_o than_o most_o of_o those_o who_o error_n he_o censure_v and_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o err_v in_o some_o thing_n though_o he_o know_v not_o the_o particular_n he_o be_v himself_o concern_v in_o the_o plea_n for_o charity_n towards_o the_o erroneous_a if_o we_o be_v infallible_a and_o all_o our_o opinion_n be_v certainty_n and_o demonstration_n we_o may_v then_o have_v more_o pretence_n for_o our_o stifness_n and_o severity_n but_o to_o confess_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o to_o give_v no_o candid_a allowance_n to_o other_o man_n fail_n this_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a and_o contrary_a to_o our_o own_o interest_n for_o in_o this_o rigorous_a way_n every_o man_n condemn_v himself_o and_o put_v a_o weapon_n into_o every_o other_o man_n hand_n to_o destroy_v he_o let_v he_o that_o be_v without_o error_n throw_v the_o first_o stone_n at_o the_o erroneous_a but_o if_o he_o begin_v that_o be_v obnoxious_a himself_o what_o favour_n can_v he_o expect_v the_o same_o reason_n he_o have_v to_o assault_v those_o before_o he_o all_o the_o rest_n have_v to_o pelt_n he_o so_o that_o to_o hate_n and_o reproach_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o suppose_a error_n be_v beside_o the_o other_o evil_a thing_n very_o unwise_a and_o unpolitick_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o safety_n and_o self-love_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v interest_n may_v perhaps_o effect_v that_o in_o some_o which_o sense_n of_o duty_n can_v now_o in_o all_o this_o i_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o make_v apology_n for_o error_n but_o to_o lay_v sure_a ground_n for_o universal_a love_n and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v not_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o particular_a sect_n but_o it_o be_v the_o joint_n concern_v of_o all_o party_n in_o religion_n since_o they_o all_o equal_o need_v each_o other_o charity_n if_o any_o man_n be_v angry_a and_o think_v i_o will_v have_v he_o be_v too_o kind_a to_o the_o erroneous_a he_o will_v i_o hope_v be_v pacify_v when_o he_o consider_v that_o i_o also_o design_n to_o make_v they_o kind_a to_o he_o and_o the_o kindness_n i_o plead_v for_o respect_v man_n person_n and_o virtuous_a quality_n and_o my_o
consequence_n from_o it_o and_o thus_o also_o be_v our_o difference_n heighten_v and_o render_v almost_o incurable_a if_o then_o we_o have_v any_o kindness_n for_o charity_n and_o christian_a love_n let_v we_o take_v care_n of_o such_o disingenuous_a practice_n a_o true_a catholic_n shall_v not_o take_v any_o name_n to_o himself_o but_o that_o of_o a_o christian_a nor_o reproach_v any_o other_o with_o any_o style_n of_o infamy_n he_o shall_v not_o and_o can_v in_o modesty_n or_o justice_n charge_v his_o brother_n with_o any_o opinion_n which_o he_o will_v not_o own_o though_o he_o never_o so_o clear_o see_v that_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o what_o he_o believe_v and_o teach_v if_o man_n will_v learn_v to_o be_v thus_o fair_a and_o candid_a to_o each_o other_o our_o difference_n will_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o narrow_a circle_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o hope_n that_o peace_n and_o love_n will_v revive_v and_o flourish_v in_o our_o border_n if_o any_o now_o shall_v ask_v i_o whether_o this_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a love_n do_v not_o tend_v to_o universal_a toleration_n i_o shall_v answer_v that_o thus_o far_o it_o do_v viz._n that_o all_o private_a person_n shall_v tolerate_v each_o other_o and_o bear_v with_o their_o brother_n infirmity_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v allow_v another_o that_o liberty_n which_o he_o desire_v himself_o in_o thing_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o land_n have_v leave_v he_o free_a and_o permit_v he_o his_o own_o opinion_n without_o censure_n or_o displeasure_n such_o a_o toleration_n i_o think_v christianity_n require_v in_o private_a man_n but_o as_o to_o the_o public_a i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v it_o modest_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v what_o the_o government_n shall_v do_v and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v as_o unfit_a as_o in_o any_o whatsoever_o since_o this_o matter_n depend_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o state_n the_o bound_n of_o just_a permission_n and_o restraint_n leave_v that_o therefore_o to_o their_o prudence_n who_o providence_n have_v call_v to_o determine_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o so_o much_o toleration_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o public_a safety_n may_v be_v grant_v but_o such_o a_o liberty_n as_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o any_o of_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v expect_v for_o christianity_n and_o all_o other_o consideration_n oblige_v the_o government_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o common_a good_n and_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o catholic_n charity_n due_o practise_v and_o private_a christian_n once_o persuade_v to_o tolerate_v one_o another_o it_o may_v then_o be_v safe_a for_o the_o government_n to_o give_v a_o large_a public_a toleration_n than_o possible_o now_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o mean_a while_n without_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o fancy_n about_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o governor_n let_v we_o mind_v our_o own_o especial_o this_o great_a one_o of_o charity_n and_o christian_a love_n and_o if_o we_o mind_v this_o and_o practice_v suitable_o god_n will_v be_v glorify_v and_o religion_n advance_v the_o church_n will_v be_v edify_v and_o our_o soul_n comfort_v government_n will_v be_v establish_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n promoted_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n will_v keep_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o who_o with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o glory_n and_o worship_n henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o sermon_n iii_o christian_n loyalty_n preach_v on_o the_o king_n martyrdom_n the_o second_o edition_n sermon_n iii_o a_o fast_a sermon_n on_o the_o king_n martyrdom_n rome_n xiii_o 2._o and_o they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n as_o there_o be_v some_o age_n and_o time_n that_o be_v more_o infest_a than_o other_o with_o unhappy_a influence_n from_o the_o heaven_n and_o noxious_a reek_n from_o the_o earth_n which_o by_o poison_v the_o air_n root_n and_o herb_n convey_v that_o pestilential_a venom_n into_o man_n body_n that_o even_o weary_v death_n and_o glut_v the_o grave_a with_o its_o slaughter_n and_o be_v matter_n of_o our_o late_a misery_n in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v time_n when_o poisonous_a doctrine_n from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o malign_v humour_n in_o the_o populace_n infect_v the_o public_a air_n and_o spread_v a_o fatal_a contagion_n into_o man_n principle_n and_o manner_n which_o fly_v like_o infection_n and_o destroy_v like_o the_o plague_n and_o if_o ever_o time_n be_v under_o cross_n and_o unlucky_a aspect_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o public_a spirit_n of_o frenzy_n and_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o day_n since_o the_o first_o certain_o this_o lot_n be_v fall_v upon_o we_o wherein_o man_n principle_n and_o practice_n contend_v which_o shall_v outdo_v the_o other_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o evil_n and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v which_o be_v worse_a man_n action_n or_o opinion_n we_o be_v fall_v into_o time_n wherein_o among_o some_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n to_o defy_v god_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o atheist_n among_o other_o it_o be_v religion_n to_o be_v humorous_a and_o fantastic_a and_o conscience_n to_o be_v turbulent_a and_o ungovernable_a nor_o have_v man_n practice_n come_v short_a of_o the_o malignity_n of_o their_o belief_n but_o if_o possible_a have_v outdo_v it_o atheism_n have_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o judgement_n but_o proceed_v to_o all_o enormity_n and_o debauch_n and_o we_o have_v not_o be_v call_v to_o the_o sad_a solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n if_o rebellion_n have_v stop_v in_o opinion_n but_o alas_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n have_v swell_v into_o deadly_a tumour_n and_o those_o seditious_a principle_n have_v shoot_v their_o poisonous_a arrow_n into_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o public_a body_n we_o yet_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o those_o wound_n and_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v will_v wear_v the_o scar_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o our_o guilt_n what_o be_v past_a we_o may_v lament_v but_o can_v help_v what_o we_o may_v do_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v be_v to_o inform_v ourselves_o better_a of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o those_o he_o have_v appoint_v over_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o suppress_v those_o principle_n and_o affection_n which_o breathe_v the_o plague_n that_o destroy_v the_o nation_n and_o will_v again_o burn_v we_o up_o in_o hot_a flame_n than_o those_o and_o if_o that_o fatal_a fire_n which_o so_o late_o prey_v upon_o our_o peace_n and_o our_o property_n our_o religion_n and_o our_o government_n our_o person_n and_o our_o friend_n have_v not_o yet_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o evil_n and_o danger_n of_o resistance_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o and_o a_o great_a one_o as_o certain_a and_o more_o fatal_a threaten_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n which_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o day_n of_o nero_n who_o beside_o that_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a be_v a_o persecutor_n and_o a_o tyrant_n and_o the_o most_o infamous_a instance_n in_o nature_n and_o yet_o this_o monster_n be_v not_o except_v as_o to_o the_o tribute_n of_o obedience_n whereas_o have_v this_o be_v say_v in_o the_o day_n of_o such_o a_o prince_n as_o our_o charles_n the_o first_o it_o may_v have_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o person_n claim_v the_o reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o not_o the_o character_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o that_o it_o be_v damnable_a to_o resist_v because_o he_o be_v good_a not_o because_o he_o be_v supreme_a because_o he_o be_v a_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n not_o because_o the_o rule_v father_n of_o his_o country_n it_o be_v a_o happy_a coincidence_n therefore_o to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o answer_v the_o great_a pretension_n of_o rebellion_n if_o religion_n be_v pretend_v a_o heathen_a must_v not_o be_v resist_v if_o tyranny_n it_o be_v damnation_n to_o oppose_v a_o nero._n they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o imply_v the_o guilt_n and_o express_v the_o danger_n now_o to_o resist_v lawful_a authority_n be_v so_o sinful_a and_o so_o dangerous_a principal_o upon_o this_o threefold_a account_n resistance_n 1._o affront_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o religion_n and_o 3._o destructive_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o society_n the_o two_o former_a express_v the_o gild_n and_o the_o latter_a both_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o each_o in_o order_n 1._o resistance_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n set_v up_o king_n say_v
faith_n on_o earth_n imply_v that_o in_o the_o last_o time_n there_o shall_v be_v remarkable_a fall_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o general_a reign_n of_o unbelief_n which_o can_v be_v without_o great_a defection_n in_o manner_n also_o and_o st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 1._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v be_v perilous_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n and_o our_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o holy_a writer_n suppose_v that_o these_o evil_n be_v not_o in_o other_o day_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o last_o no_o the_o same_o catalogue_n of_o vice_n run_v through_o all_o age_n which_o more_o or_o less_o be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o the_o meaning_n i_o conceive_v be_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a they_o shall_v be_v more_o notorious_a and_o more_o numerous_a act_v in_o high_a degree_n of_o impudence_n and_o with_o more_o circumstance_n of_o guilt_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v always_o scoffer_n but_o never_o such_o nor_o so_o many_o as_o in_o the_o last_o day_n the_o last_o of_o the_o world_n simple_o and_o not_o only_o those_o of_o the_o jewish_a state_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n viz._n as_o absolute_a slave_n to_o their_o appetite_n and_o passion_n for_o the_o word_n lust_n take_v in_o all_o unruly_a desire_n and_o inclination_n in_o treat_v of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o sort_n of_o scoffer_n we_o may_v suppose_v here_o mean_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o evil_a and_o malignity_n of_o the_o humour_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o thence_o 4._o pass_v to_o improvement_n for_o practice_n for_o the_o first_o who_o be_v the_o scoffer_n mean_v i_o take_v direction_n in_o it_o from_o the_o character_n annex_v scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n now_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n will_v be_v boundless_a and_o be_v impatient_a of_o any_o check_n or_o stop_v they_o hate_v all_o restraint_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o great_a restraint_n of_o appetite_n be_v from_o religion_n religion_n hinder_v man_n most_o from_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o these_o be_v most_o resolve_v on_o that_o so_o that_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o scoffer_n in_o the_o text_n who_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n to_o be_v scoffer_n at_o religion_n which_o will_v hinder_v and_o disturb_v they_o most_o in_o that_o course_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n in_o which_o they_o argue_v scoff_o against_o the_o christian_a belief_n and_o expectation_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fell_a a-sleep_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n vers_fw-la 4._o now_o general_o the_o less_o impudent_a sort_n of_o sinner_n endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v religion_n to_o their_o lust_n by_o walk_v in_o some_o of_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o do_v the_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divers_a heretic_n among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n and_o their_o modern_a successor_n do_v the_o same_o still_o but_o there_o be_v a_o other_o sort_n who_o be_v more_o bold_a and_o impatient_a they_o will_v not_o give_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n of_o reconcile_a religion_n to_o their_o lust_n but_o take_v the_o short_a course_n of_o oppose_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o this_o some_o do_v by_o engage_v their_o part_n and_o knowledge_n grave_o and_o serious_o to_o reason_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o these_o be_v the_o few_o reason_n be_v a_o severe_a thing_n and_o do_v as_o little_o comport_v with_o man_n lust_n as_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o lust_n that_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o reason_n against_o religion_n make_v they_o incapable_a of_o it_o for_o debauchery_n be_v almost_o as_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o man_n intellectual_n as_o to_o their_o moral_n and_o therefore_o other_o and_o the_o most_o go_v a_o easy_a way_n and_o fight_v against_o religion_n by_o scoff_v and_o buffonery_n this_o be_v the_o game_n the_o devil_n seem_v to_o be_v play_v in_o the_o present_a age._n he_o have_v try_v the_o power_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o mighty_a and_o the_o wit_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o these_o have_v not_o succeed_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o now_o he_o be_v make_v a_o experiment_n by_o a_o other_o sort_n of_o enemy_n and_o set_v the_o ape_n and_o droller_n upon_o it_o and_o certain_o there_o be_v never_o any_o other_o age_n in_o which_o sacred_a and_o serious_a thing_n have_v be_v so_o rude_o and_o impudent_o assault_v by_o the_o profane_a abuse_n of_o jester_n and_o buffoon_n who_o have_v be_v the_o contempt_n of_o all_o wise_a time_n but_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o wit_n of_o these_o o_o the_o invention_n the_o rare_a invention_n of_o this_o happy_a age_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o make_v the_o way_n to_o this_o glorious_a reputation_n it_o be_v but_o laugh_v graceful_o at_o the_o fop_n the_o grave_n the_o learned_a the_o religious_a fop_n and_o a_o man_n can_v fail_v of_o be_v a_o wit_n in_o spite_n of_o ignorance_n and_o impertinence_n away_o with_o the_o pedantry_n and_o dull_a formality_n of_o former_a day_n we_o be_v wit_n upon_o term_n more_o generous_a and_o more_o easy_a our_o age_n have_v more_o spirit_n and_o flame_n our_o conversation_n yes_o our_o virtuous_a conversation_n have_v refine_v and_o improve_v we_o we_o see_v the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o our_o forefather_n and_o laugh_v at_o the_o tale_n with_o which_o crafty_a priest_n abuse_v their_o easiness_n and_o credulity_n spiritual_a substance_n immortal_a soul_n authority_n of_o scripture_n fiction_n idea_n phantome_n jargon_n here_o be_v demonstration_n against_o the_o spiritual_a trade_n and_o spiritual_a man_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o work_n be_v for_o song_n and_o play_n for_o the_o wit_n and_o humour_n of_o agreeable_a conversation_n thus_o far_o we_o be_v come_v and_o the_o infection_n spread_v so_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o little_a vain_a thing_n that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v modish_a but_o set_v up_o for_o a_o derider_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o scoff_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a thought_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o all_o age_n heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v become_v word_n of_o sport_n and_o devil_n and_o angel_n fairy_n and_o chimaera_n it_o be_v foppish_a to_o speak_v of_o religion_n but_o in_o raillery_n or_o to_o mention_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o scripture_n except_o it_o be_v to_o burlesque_fw-la and_o deride_v it_o it_o be_v dreadful_a to_o consider_v and_o a_o man_n may_v tremble_v to_o describe_v this_o monstrous_a humour_n of_o many_o in_o our_o age_n which_o i_o believe_v have_v outdo_v all_o former_a in_o the_o height_n of_o this_o amaze_a sort_n of_o wickedness_n and_o sad_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v come_v scoffer_n and_o such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n for_o though_o former_a age_n no_o doubt_n have_v have_v derider_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o those_o time_n they_o hide_v their_o head_n and_o do_v it_o covert_o behind_o the_o curtain_n in_o their_o privacy_n and_o among_o their_o confident_n but_o in_o these_o they_o face_n the_o sun_n and_o impudent_o vent_v their_o folly_n in_o all_o company_n and_o place_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o renown_n and_o glory_n and_o they_o expect_v to_o be_v count_v hero_n for_o it_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o sort_n of_o scoffer_n they_o be_v that_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n impudent_a derider_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o be_v resolve_v on_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n i_o come_v ii_o to_o show_v the_o malignity_n and_o aggravation_n of_o this_o humour_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o open_a defiance_n of_o god_n and_o a_o direct_a opposition_n of_o his_o glory_n his_o glory_n namely_o the_o derivative_a consist_v in_o those_o praise_n and_o acknowledgement_n that_o be_v due_a to_o his_o perfection_n and_o those_o be_v pay_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o to_o buffoon_n this_o be_v to_o shoot_v the_o arrow_n of_o our_o scorn_n direct_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n indeed_o all_o sin_n be_v opposition_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o glory_n but_o in_o most_o they_o be_v so_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o sin_n not_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o sinner_n the_o drunkard_n the_o oppressor_n and_o the_o unclean_a person_n design_v only_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n not_o any_o immediate_a affront_n to_o their_o maker_n but_o the_o scoffer_n with_o prodigious_a impudence_n do_v that_o he_o deride_v the_o love_n and_o obedience_n fear_n and_o
succeed_v and_o prevail_v general_o upon_o any_o whole_a people_n it_o will_v make_v they_o more_o barbarous_a than_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o yet_o be_v for_o be_v religion_n what_o it_o will_v government_n have_v strength_n security_n and_o reverence_n from_o it_o take_v this_o off_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o and_o no_o law_n can_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o without_o this_o government_n be_v a_o mere_a name_n and_o nothing_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o fact_n where_o there_o be_v no_o restraint_n from_o religion_n upon_o lie_v and_o false_a witness_n and_o suppose_v but_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reckon_v or_o account_n hereafter_o every_o man_n may_v say_v and_o testify_v what_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o lust_n for_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v reach_v he_o and_o then_o law_n will_v be_v useless_a or_o hurtful_a and_o all_o government_n will_v quick_o be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o though_o as_o thing_n be_v under_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v much_o lie_v false-witness_n and_o injustice_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o let_v all_o the_o restraint_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n be_v remove_v and_o thing_n will_v be_v incomparable_o worse_a no_o man_n life_n or_o property_n will_v be_v safe_a mankind_n will_v worry_v and_o prey_v upon_o one_o another_o and_o we_o shall_v ere_o long_o fall_v a-sunder_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o dissolution_n and_o wildness_n so_o that_o the_o scoffer_n at_o religion_n be_v declare_v enemy_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o strive_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o into_o the_o state_n of_o savage_n and_o cannibal_n 3._o the_o humour_n be_v exceed_o rude_a and_o uncivil_a it_o be_v ill_a manner_n to_o flout_v and_o deride_v what_o be_v esteem_v by_o our_o better_n especial_o if_o that_o esteem_n be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o veneration_n now_o religion_n have_v public_a acknowledgement_n of_o great_a respect_n from_o all_o age_n and_o all_o nation_n from_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o people_n from_o the_o mighty_a and_o the_o learned_a from_o the_o best_a and_o the_o most_o from_o the_o deep_a inquirer_n and_o acute_a discerner_n so_o that_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o contemptible_a be_v rude_o to_o affront_v all_o these_o and_o to_o publish_v they_o for_o a_o pack_n of_o fool_n and_o madman_n it_o be_v to_o make_v fop_n of_o all_o our_o forefather_n and_o idiot_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o our_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v to_o defy_v every_o man_n we_o meet_v except_o the_o atheist_n and_o the_o scoffer_n and_o to_o proclaim_v all_o mankind_n beside_o to_o be_v a_o set_v of_o simpleton_n and_o superstitious_a sneaks_o let_v such_o man_n quit_v all_o pretence_n to_o civility_n and_o breed_n they_o be_v rude_a than_o torye_n and_o wild_a american_n and_o be_v they_o treat_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n from_o mankind_n they_o will_v meet_v every_o where_o with_o 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so_o naked_a by_o every_o one_o that_o can_v laugh_v and_o break_v a_o jest_n it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a if_o the_o mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n the_o grand_a cheat_n of_o religion_n shall_v at_o last_o be_v find_v out_o by_o raileurs_n and_o songster_n that_o it_o shall_v so_o long_o have_v be_v conceal_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a in_o all_o their_o disquisition_n and_o reason_n and_o be_v reveal_v at_o last_o to_o debauchee_n and_o jester_n amid_o the_o wild_a inspiration_n of_o wine_n and_o ale_n suppose_v the_o worst_a and_o let_v religion_n be_v as_o false_a and_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o scoffer_n that_o deride_v it_o be_v impudent_a to_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v find_v it_o out_o they_o find_v the_o folly_n and_o falsehood_n of_o religion_n let_v they_o find_v new_a fashion_n or_o new_a oath_n thing_n suitable_a to_o their_o genius_n and_o capacity_n but_o for_o shame_n let_v not_o they_o talk_v of_o discovery_n about_o religion_n or_o 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day_n will_v his_o mirth_n hold_v when_o the_o judge_n shall_v appear_v or_o will_v his_o wit_n recreate_v and_o support_v he_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o the_o bar_n will_v he_o have_v any_o heart_n to_o droll_n when_o the_o sentence_n be_v past_a or_o will_v he_o applaud_v himself_o in_o have_v make_v hell_n his_o sport_n when_o he_o feel_v it_o will_v he_o show_v himself_o good_a company_n among_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n or_o make_v pastime_n of_o heaven_n and_o religion_n amid_o the_o flame_n of_o brimstone_n i_o say_v it_o be_v possible_a at_o least_o that_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n angel_n and_o devil_n may_v be_v real_a and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o scoffer_n be_v undo_v to_o eternity_n undo_v so_o that_o he_o be_v extreme_o a_o fool_n to_o venture_v so_o great_a a_o stake_n as_o the_o life_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o evermore_o upon_o a_o confidence_n that_o may_v deceive_v he_o yea_o he_o do_v it_o upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o have_v not_o as_o much_o as_o any_o good_a probability_n to_o encourage_v it_o for_o if_o religion_n be_v not_o certain_a yet_o most_o of_o the_o appearance_n lie_v that_o way_n and_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v hazard_v his_o soul_n against_o such_o show_n of_o truth_n especial_o when_o the_o gain_n for_o which_o he_o run_v the_o risk_a must_v needs_o be_v very_o little_a and_o the_o loss_n will_v be_v infinite_a and_o irreparable_a if_o religion_n prove_v false_a the_o scoffer_n gain_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o little_a merriment_n and_o sport_n and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o be_v take_v for_o a_o wit_n among_o his_o companion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o lose_v the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o fall_v under_o the_o vengeance_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o into_o the_o power_n of_o devil_n under_o the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n and_o into_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n now_o what_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v run_v the_o venture_n of_o such_o fatal_a loss_n and_o misery_n for_o such_o trivial_a nothing_o of_o advantage_n he_o be_v mad_a that_o will_v stake_v his_o estate_n and_o life_n to_o get_v a_o pin_n or_o a_o feather_n in_o a_o case_n wherein_o he_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n and_o he_o be_v more_o so_o that_o will_v do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v odds_o against_o he_o if_o there_o be_v ten_o thousand_o probability_n on_o the_o part_n of_o infidelity_n without_o certainty_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v lay_v all_o his_o interest_n upon_o it_o when_o no_o more_o can_v be_v get_v by_o it_o than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o little_a laugh_n but_o to_o do_v it_o when_o so_o many_o
doctrine_n both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o appeal_v here_o be_v the_o firm_a reasonable_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a certainty_n the_o truth_n we_o believe_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n but_o now_o the_o roman_a church_n destroy_v this_o ground_n of_o certainty_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o lie_a wonder_n which_o they_o impudent_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o people_n for_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o their_o false_a and_o corrupt_a religion_n the_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v a_o suspicion_n thereby_o bring_v upon_o the_o true_a miracle_n and_o here_o be_v way_n make_v for_o scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o sacred_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o beside_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v introduce_v among_o these_o many_o doubtful_a uncertain_a and_o many_o certain_o false_a opinion_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o the_o faith_n of_o 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scripture_n be_v but_o this_o testimony_n and_o consequent_o whatever_o they_o receive_v from_o hence_o bottom_n here_o the_o papist_n believe_v the_o scripture_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o believe_v they_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o earnest_n the_o suggestion_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o own_o viz._n they_o believe_v because_o they_o will_v believe_v and_o they_o find_v themselves_o incline_v unto_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o the_o imagination_n and_o humour_n alter_v they_o may_v cease_v to_o believe_v or_o believe_v the_o contrary_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o various_a and_o uncertain_a than_o the_o suggestion_n and_o impulse_n of_o a_o private_a spirit_n beside_o the_o sect_n also_o have_v vast_o multiply_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v all_o their_o private_a opinion_n sacred_a call_v they_o gospel_n truth_n precious_a truth_n save_v truth_n and_o the_o like_a when_o they_o be_v but_o uncertainty_n at_o the_o best_a and_o usual_o false_a and_o senseless_a imagination_n by_o which_o way_n also_o they_o expose_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a principle_n to_o suspicion_n and_o so_o weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o and_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n secure_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o scripture_n the_o true_a seat_n of_o infallibility_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n viz._n that_o testimony_n that_o god_n give_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o those_o miraculous_a work_n he_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v they_o do_v not_o only_o bear_v witness_n of_o themselves_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v with_o the_o jew_n luk._n 11._o 48._o will_v not_o have_v signify_v much_o the_o father_n bear_v witness_v with_o they_o john_n 15._o 8._o and_o the_o work_v they_o perform_v by_o his_o power_n be_v the_o sure_a testimony_n believe_v i_o for_o the_o work_v sake_n say_v our_o saviour_n here_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o certainty_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n entertain_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o those_o principle_n that_o have_v be_v so_o confirm_v that_o be_v none_o but_o what_o be_v evident_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereas_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o mention_v no_o other_o have_v make_v the_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n sacred_a though_o it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o even_o to_o the_o sound_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o if_o neither_o reason_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o our_o sense_n may_v be_v believe_v what_o assurance_n can_v we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n a_o ground_n be_v here_o lay_v for_o everlasting_a scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o the_o sect_n have_v lay_v the_o same_o in_o their_o numerous_a silly_a tenant_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o some_o of_o the_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o reason_n nothing_o of_o which_o can_v with_o any_o show_n be_v object_v against_o this_o church_n 6._o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n be_v catholic_n it_o be_v deliver_v to_o all_o the_o saint_n entertain_v by_o all_o and_o be_v not_o only_o the_o opinion_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n or_o of_o particular_a man_n in_o corner_n the_o commission_n give_v the_o disciple_n be_v to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o according_o it_o be_v wide_o diffuse_v and_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v instruct_v in_o his_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o article_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o that_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a in_o these_o they_o join_v in_o holy_a love_n and_o communion_n till_o sect_n come_v among_o they_o that_o introduce_v damnable_a heresy_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v receive_v these_o divide_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o pure_a catholic_n church_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o it_o gather_v into_o select_a company_n of_o their_o own_o under_o pretence_n of_o more_o truth_n and_o holiness_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v for_o some_o age_n be_v eminent_a in_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v at_o last_o corrupt_v and_o introduce_v divers_a unsound_a doctrine_n and_o usage_n unknown_a to_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o be_v great_a and_o powerful_a it_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o itself_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o heretic_n when_o it_o be_v it_o self_n but_o a_o grand_a sect_n against_o who_o deprave_a doctrine_n and_o way_n there_o be_v a_o church_n in_o all_o age_n that_o do_v protest_v for_o the_o greek_a church_n which_o be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o they_o never_o assent_v to_o they_o and_o divers_a other_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n bear_v testimony_n against_o those_o error_n and_o depravation_n this_o sect_n be_v large_a and_o numerous_a indeed_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o number_n but_o the_o principle_n make_v the_o catholic_n principle_n conformable_a to_o those_o that_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n from_o these_o they_o have_v depart_v and_o the_o lesser_a sect_n among_o we_o have_v do_v the_o same_o by_o the_o many_o vain_a addition_n that_o they_o have_v make_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o their_o unjust_a separation_n from_o that_o church_n which_o retain_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o catholic_n doctrine_n and_o main_a practice_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o thing_n heretical_a or_o unlawful_a a_o church_n that_o do_v not_o damn_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o her_o own_o member_n as_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o divers_a of_o the_o sect_n do_v but_o extend_v her_o charity_n to_o all_o christian_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v under_o great_a mistake_n and_o so_o be_v true_o catholic_n both_o in_o her_o principle_n and_o affection_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o establish_v by_o law_n which_o god_n preserve_v in_o its_o purity_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o m_n r._n jos_n glanvil_n late_a rector_n of_o bath_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n who_o die_v at_o his_o rectory_n of_o bath_n the_o four_o of_o november_n 1680._o and_o be_v bury_v there_o the_o nine_o of_o the_o same_o month._n by_o jos_n pleydell_n archdeacon_n of_o chichester_n london_n print_v for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o the_o white_a hart_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1681._o revel_v fourteen_o ver._n 13._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o
say_v when_o i_o consider_v these_o and_o then_o look_v upon_o man_n as_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n apprehensive_a of_o duty_n and_o interest_n and_o apt_a to_o be_v move_v by_o hope_n and_o fear_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_n and_o be_v astonish_v to_o think_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o man_n shall_v final_o miscarry_v and_o be_v undo_v it_o be_v possible_a some_o such_o consideration_n may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o question_n propound_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o forego_v the_o text._n lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v god_n be_v love_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v his_o and_o man_n a_o noble_a sort_n he_o be_v the_o lover_n of_o man_n and_o thou_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o man_n and_o though_o man_n have_v offend_v yet_o god_n be_v propense_a to_o pardon_v and_o in_o thou_o he_o be_v reconcile_v he_o be_v desirous_a of_o our_o happiness_n and_o thou_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o offer_v and_o promote_v it_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v powerful_a and_o ready_a to_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n we_o be_v make_v for_o happiness_n and_o we_o seek_v it_o and_o lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v the_o text_n be_v christ_n return_n to_o the_o question_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v three_o thing_n ay_o a_o answer_v imply_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n two_o a_o duty_n express_v strive_v to_o enter_v iii_o a_o consideration_n to_o engage_v our_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o duty_n for_o many_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a by_o the_o gate_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o entrance_n and_o all_o the_o way_n of_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v religion_n by_o the_o straitness_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n we_o be_v to_o encounter_v by_o strive_v earnest_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n by_o seek_v a_o imperfect_a strive_n and_o from_o the_o word_n thus_o brief_o explain_v these_o proposition_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n the_o gate_n be_v straight_o ii_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v overcome_v by_o strive_v strive_v to_o enter_v iii_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o strive_v that_o will_v not_o procure_v a_o entrance_n for_o many_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o in_o order_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v about_o it_o i_o premise_v this_o negative_a consideration_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o understanding_n religion_n be_v a_o plain_a thing_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v no_o deep_a subtlety_n or_o high-strained_a notion_n it_o be_v no_o gild_a fancy_n or_o elaborate_a exercise_n of_o the_o brain_n it_o be_v not_o place_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o imagination_n nor_o wrap_v up_o in_o mystical_a clothing_n but_o it_o be_v obvious_a and_o familiar_a easy_a and_o intelligible_a first_o preach_v by_o fisherman_n and_o mechanic_n without_o pomp_n of_o speech_n or_o height_n of_o speculation_n address_v to_o babe_n and_o plebeian_n head_n and_o intend_v to_o govern_v the_o will_n of_o the_o honest_a and_o sincere_a and_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o notional_a and_o curious_a so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o mount_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n to_o fetch_v religion_n from_o the_o star_n nor_o go_v down_o to_o the_o deep_a to_o fetch_v it_o up_o from_o thence_o for_o it_o be_v with_o we_o and_o before_o we_o as_o open_a as_o the_o day_n and_o as_o familiar_a as_o the_o light_n the_o great_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v clothe_v in_o sunbeam_n and_o be_v as_o visible_a to_o the_o common_a eye_n as_o to_o the_o eagle_n upon_o the_o high_a perch_n it_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o wit_n or_o subtlety_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n nor_o will_v it_o require_v much_o study_n or_o learned_a retirement_n to_o understand_v the_o religion_n we_o must_v practice_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a to_o the_o very_a heathen_a rom._n 1._o 19_o the_o law_n be_v light_a say_v solomon_n prov._n 6._o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o single_a pass_a glance_n on_o the_o eye_n but_o it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o know_v he_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o our_o duty_n be_v set_v up_o in_o open_a place_n and_o shine_v upon_o by_o a_o clear_a beam_n it_o be_v write_v of_o old_a upon_o the_o plain_a table_n of_o habakkuk_n hab._n 2._o 2._o so_o that_o the_o run_a eye_n may_v see_v and_o read_v and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o h._n jesus_n like_o himself_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o ray_n about_o its_o head_n religion_n i_o say_v be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o may_v concern_v the_o theatre_n or_o the_o school_n may_v entertain_v man_n wit_n and_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o religion_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n soul_n religion_n be_v once_o a_o mystery_n but_o the_o mystery_n be_v reveal_v and_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o yet_o count_v mystery_n be_v plain_o enough_o discover_v as_o to_o their_o be_v such_o as_o we_o believe_v they_o though_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o manner_n how_o and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o inquire_v into_o that_o but_o rather_o it_o enjoin_v we_o meek_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o faith_n without_o bold_a scrutiny_n into_o hide_a thing_n in_o short_a i_o say_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o the_o understanding_n in_o prompto_fw-la &_o facili_fw-la est_fw-la aeternitas_fw-la say_v the_o father_n the_o affair_n of_o eternity_n depend_v on_o thing_n easy_a and_o familiar_a and_o i_o premise_v this_o to_o prevent_v dangerous_a mistake_n but_o though_o religion_n be_v so_o facile_a and_o plain_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v understand_v yet_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v no_o broad_a or_o easy_a path_n the_o gate_n be_v straight_o enough_o for_o all_o that_o and_o i_o now_o come_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o real_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o whence_o they_o arise_v i._o one_o great_a difficulty_n arise_v from_o the_o depravity_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o scripture_n intimate_v that_o we_o be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n psalm_n 55._o 5._o transgressor_n from_o the_o womb_n isaiah_n 48._o 8._o child_n of_o wrath_n ephes_n 2._o 3._o and_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o we_o bring_v vile_a inclination_n into_o the_o world_n with_o we_o some_o be_v natural_o cruel_a and_o injurious_a proud_a and_o imperious_a lustful_a and_o revengeful_a other_o covetous_a and_o unjust_a humourfome_v and_o discontent_v treacherous_a and_o false_a and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o instance_n of_o habitual_a vice_n or_o villainy_n but_o some_o or_o other_o be_v addict_v to_o it_o by_o their_o particular_a make_n and_o nature_n i_o say_v their_o nature_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o true_a what_o some_o affirm_v to_o serve_v their_o opinion_n in_o contradiction_n to_o experience_n that_o vice_n be_v not_o in_o man_n natural_a propension_n but_o instill_a by_o corrupt_a education_n evil_a custom_n and_o example_n for_o we_o see_v that_o those_o who_o education_n have_v be_v the_o same_o do_v yet_o differ_v extreme_o from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o inclination_n and_o some_o who_o breed_n have_v be_v careless_a and_o loose_a who_o have_v see_v almost_o nothing_o else_o but_o example_n of_o vice_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o little_a beside_o the_o art_n of_o vanity_n and_o pleasure_n i_o say_v there_o be_v such_o who_o notwithstanding_o these_o their_o unhappy_a circumstance_n 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his_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o conform_v they_o unto_o it_o and_o though_o man_n understanding_n be_v convince_v already_o that_o charity_n be_v their_o duty_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o too_o much_o need_n to_o represent_v some_o of_o the_o vast_a heap_n of_o injunction_n that_o make_v it_o so_o to_o incline_v their_o wi_n i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o lay_v together_o a_o few_o of_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o distinct_a sense_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o from_o they_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o enforce_v it_o in_o order_n to_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o short_a the_o injunction_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o apostle_n our_o saviour_n urge_v it_o as_o his_o new_a commandment_n john_n 13._o 34._o and_o inculcate_n it_o again_o under_o the_o oblige_a form_n of_o his_o command_n john_n 15._o 12._o he_o make_v it_o a_o distinguish_a note_n of_o his_o disciple_n john_n 13._o 35._o and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o love_v their_o enemy_n mat._n 5._o 24._o he_o mention_n it_o as_o the_o great_a qualification_n of_o those_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n that_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o his_o kingdom_n mat._n 25._o 34_o 35._o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n pronounce_v upon_o those_o miserable_a one_o on_o the_o left_a at_o the_o solemn_a judgement_n ver_fw-la 41_o 42._o st._n paul_n call_v love_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o 10._o and_o set_v it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n among_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o 22._o yea_o reckon_v it_o five_o time_n over_o under_o other_o name_n in_o the_o catalogue_n viz._n those_o of_o peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n meekness_n ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o he_o advance_v it_o above_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n 1_o cor._n 13._o above_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n ver_fw-la 1._o and_o above_o prophecy_n and_o mystery_n and_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n ver_fw-la 2._o and_o the_o belove_a disciple_n st._n john_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o dear_a lord_n and_o seem_v to_o partake_v most_o of_o his_o spirit_n be_v transport_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o grace_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v love_n 1_o john_n 4._o 7._o and_o repeat_v it_o again_o ver_fw-la 16._o he_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o our_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o know_v he_o ver_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o a_o evidence_n of_o not_o know_v god_n ver_fw-la 8._o he_o count_v it_o the_o mark_n of_o discipleship_n a●d_v the_o contrary_a a_o sign_n of_o one_o that_o abide_v in_o death_n 1_o john_n 3._o 14._o he_o call_v he_o a_o murderer_n that_o hate_v another_o ver_fw-la 15._o and_o a_o liar_n if_o he_o pretend_v to_o love_n god_n and_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n 1_o john_n 4._o 20._o in_o fine_a he_o out-speaks_a the_o great_a height_n of_o praise_n when_o he_o say_v god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o love_v dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o 1_o john_n 4._o 16._o i_o may_v represent_v further_o that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n rom._n 12._o 9_o to_o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o towards_o another_o ver_fw-la 10._o to_o put_v on_o the_o breastplate_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 8._o to_o be_v pitiful_a and_o courteous_a 1_o pet._n 3._o 8._o to_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10._o 24._o to_o serve_v one_o another_o gal._n 5._o 13._o to_o love_n as_o brethren_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 8._o we_o be_v mind_v of_o christ_n new_a commandment_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o and_o of_o the_o message_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v one_o another_o ver_fw-la 11._o and_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n love_v we_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1._o thus_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v and_o teach_v and_o they_o pray_v that_o our_o love_n may_v abound_v phil._n 1._o 9_o and_o 1_o thess_n 3._o 12._o and_o give_v solemn_a thanks_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v find_v it_o 2_o thess_n 1._o 3._o and_o now_o consider_v the_o expresness_n of_o all_o these_o place_n i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o evade_v than_o this_o and_o those_o who_o can_v fancy_n themselves_o christian_n and_o yet_o continue_v in_o the_o contrary_a spirit_n and_o practice_n may_v conceit_v themselves_o religious_a though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a commission_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o if_o such_o can_v quiet_v their_o conscience_n and_o shuffle_v from_o all_o these_o plain_a recommendation_n and_o injunction_n they_o have_v find_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o may_v when_o they_o please_v become_v christian_n without_o christianity_n for_o the_o evidence_n i_o have_v suggest_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o half_a sentence_n and_o doubtful_a phrase_n in_o fancy_a analogy_n and_o far-fetched_a interpretation_n but_o in_o plain_a command_n and_o frequent_a inculcation_n in_o earnest_a entreaty_n and_o press_v importunity_n in_o repeat_v advice_n and_o passionate_a commendation_n and_o those_o who_o all_o these_o will_v not_o move_v be_v incapable_a of_o be_v persuade_v against_o their_o humour_n or_o their_o interest_n to_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o though_o i_o see_v never_o so_o much_o eagerness_n for_o a_o opinion_n or_o heat_v for_o a_o indifferent_a circumstance_n without_o the_o conscience_n of_o christian_a love_n i_o shall_v never_o call_v that_o forwardness_n for_o those_o little_a thing_n zeal_n or_o religion_n yea_o though_o those_o warm_a man_n shall_v sacrifice_v their_o life_n to_o their_o belove_a trifle_n i_o shall_v not_o think_v they_o martyr_n but_o fear_v rather_o that_o they_o go_v from_o one_o fire_n to_o another_o and_o a_o worse_o and_o in_o this_o i_o have_v the_o great_a apostle_n to_o warrant_v i_o who_o say_v though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 3._o thus_o of_o the_o first_o head_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o come_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o extent_n our_o love_n ought_v 1._o to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o mankind_n the_o more_o general_a it_o be_v the_o more_o christian_n and_o the_o more_o like_a unto_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o cause_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o good_a and_o upon_o the_o evil._n and_o though_o our_o arm_n be_v very_o short_a and_o the_o ordinary_a influence_n of_o our_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_n can_v reach_v but_o to_o a_o very_a few_o yet_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o all_o man_n and_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o in_o these_o we_o may_v be_v charitable_a without_o bound_n but_o these_o be_v not_o all_o love_n oblige_v we_o to_o relieve_v the_o needy_a and_o help_v the_o distress_a to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o succour_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n to_o strengthen_v the_o weak_a and_o to_o confirm_v the_o stagger_v and_o doubt_v to_o encourage_v the_o virtuous_a and_o to_o reprove_v the_o faulty_a and_o in_o short_a to_o be_v ready_a in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o kindness_n that_o may_v promote_v the_o good_a of_o any_o man_n spiritual_n or_o temporal_a according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o capacity_n the_o good_a man_n be_v merciful_a to_o his_o beast_n and_o the_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v charitable_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n be_v our_o brother_n and_o every_o one_o that_o need_v we_o be_v our_o neighbour_n and_o so_o our_o love_n ought_v to_o extend_v to_o all_o man_n universal_o without_o limitation_n though_o with_o this_o distinction_n ii_o that_o the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o our_o love_n ought_v to_o be_v those_o that_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o a_o common_a faith_n gal._n 6._o 10._o that_o be_v all_o christian_n as_o christian_n and_o because_o such_o whatever_o make_v our_o brother_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n that_o give_v he_o a_o title_n to_o our_o near_a affection_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o large_a as_o that_o our_o love_n must_v not_o be_v confine_v by_o name_n and_o petty_a agreement_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o party_n to_o the_o corner_n of_o a_o sect_n but_o aught_o to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o christianity_n itself_o in_o the_o large_a notion_n of_o it_o to_o love_v those_o that_o be_v of_o our_o way_n humour_n and_o opinion_n be_v not_o charity_n but_o self-love_n it_o be_v not_o for_o christ_n sake_n but_o our_o own_o to_o love_n like_o christian_n be_v to_o love_v his_o image_n
from_o who_o we_o be_v so_o call_v and_o that_o consist_v not_o in_o demure_a look_n and_o affect_a phrase_n in_o melt_a tone_n and_o mimic_n gesture_n in_o heat_n and_o vehemence_n in_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n in_o system_n of_o opinion_n and_o scrupulosity_n about_o nothing_o but_o in_o faith_n and_o patience_n innocence_n and_o integrity_n in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o the_o world_n in_o a_o modest_a sweetness_n and_o humble_a deportment_n in_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o readiness_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o those_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o wherever_o these_o be_v there_o be_v the_o image_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o love_n though_o the_o person_n thus_o affect_v be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n and_o err_v in_o many_o though_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o opinion_n we_o count_v orthodox_n and_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o particular_a way_n or_o circumstance_n which_o we_o esteem_v best_a and_o thus_o brief_o of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o love_n all_z man_n but_o especial_o all_o christian_n i_o descend_v to_o the_o three_o general_n viz._n iii_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a love_n which_o i_o represent_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n i._n it_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o the_o grace_n render_v we_o most_o like_o our_o maker_n for_o god_n be_v love_n and_o the_o lover_n of_o man_n and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o the_o most_o suitable_a apprehension_n we_o can_v form_v of_o his_o be_v be_v to_o look_v on_o he_o as_o a_o omnipotent_a omniscient_a immutable_a goodness_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o glorious_a excellency_n that_o make_v man_n like_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n our_o unhappy_a first_o parent_n lose_v paradise_n by_o aspire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o knowledge_n and_o if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o love_n we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o gain_v a_o better_a paradise_n than_o they_o lose_v ii_o love_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o angel_n glorify_a soul_n and_o the_o best_a of_o men._n there_o be_v nothing_o by_o which_o the_o angelical_a nature_n be_v so_o much_o distinguish_v from_o the_o diabolical_a as_o love_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o devil_n have_v spiritual_a and_o immortal_a nature_n and_o great_a degree_n of_o power_n and_o knowledge_n and_o those_o perhaps_o not_o much_o inferior_a to_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o better_a spirit_n so_o that_o the_o great_a difference_n be_v not_o in_o the_o excess_n of_o natural_a perfection_n which_o the_o angel_n of_o light_n have_v above_o those_o of_o darkness_n but_o in_o this_o that_o the_o former_a abound_v in_o love_n sweetness_n and_o benignity_n and_o the_o latter_a in_o malice_n cruelty_n and_o revenge_n these_o be_v the_o very_a image_n of_o satan_n and_o spirit_n of_o hell_n whereas_o all_o the_o celestial_a inhabitant_n live_v in_o the_o joyful_a exercise_n of_o uninterrupted_a love_n and_o endearment_n nor_o be_v that_o love_n confine_v to_o the_o bless_a and_o glorify_a company_n but_o it_o shed_v itself_o abroad_o upon_o the_o nether_a world_n and_o they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o our_o good_a heb._n 1._o 14._o they_o so_o far_o love_v we_o that_o they_o can_v stoop_v from_o heaven_n to_o serve_v we_o there_o be_v joy_n there_o at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v love_n to_o convert_v saint_n and_o care_n and_o pity_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o men._n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o just_a make_v perfect_a be_v free_v from_o their_o froward_a humour_n and_o pettish_a nature_n their_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o fondness_n of_o opinion_n which_o straighten_a their_o affection_n while_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o now_o they_o be_v enlarge_v by_o the_o vast_a improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o virtue_n by_o a_o full_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o of_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o company_n and_o the_o employment_n of_o the_o happy_a place_n so_o that_o in_o heaven_n all_o be_v true_o catholic_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o better_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o he_o be_v so_o upon_o earth_n the_o good_a man_n make_v not_o himself_o his_o centre_n nor_o be_v his_o thought_n whole_o engross_v about_o his_o own_o concernment_n but_o he_o be_v careful_o solicitous_a for_o the_o general_a benefit_n and_o never_o so_o much_o please_v as_o when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n of_o divine_a goodness_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o his_o christian_a brethren_n it_o be_v a_o high_a strain_n of_o love_n in_o moses_n express_v towards_o the_o transgress_a israelite_n when_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o god_n book_n rather_o than_o that_o their_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o exod._n 32._o 32._o and_o st._n paul_n be_v no_o less_o zealous_o affectionate_a towards_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o say_v he_o can_v wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n viz._n separate_v from_o christian_a communion_n as_o a_o most_o vile_a and_o abject_a person_n for_o their_o sake_n rom._n 9_o 3._o these_o be_v spirit_n who_o religion_n and_o divine_a love_n have_v enlarge_v and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n advance_v in_o christianity_n the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o this_o generous_a heroic_a temper_n iii_o love_n be_v a_o eminent_a branch_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o nature_n love_n be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o one_o that_o love_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 4._o 7_o 8._o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o we_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n portray_v and_o lively_o draw_v upon_o the_o regenerate_v soul_n and_o i_o note_v before_o that_o love_n be_v the_o vital_a image_n of_o our_o maker_n it_o be_v his_o spirit_n infuse_v into_o we_o and_o grow_v in_o we_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o gift_n and_o natural_a perfection_n as_o st._n paul_n have_v do_v it_o in_o the_o mention_v 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n differ_v from_o this_o special_a grace_n as_o the_o painter_n picture_n do_v from_o his_o son_n his_o counterfeit_n may_v indeed_o in_o a_o superficial_a appearance_n to_o the_o eye_n resemble_v he_o more_o than_o his_o child_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o empty_a shadow_n destitute_a and_o incapable_a of_o his_o life_n and_o nature_n so_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o gift_n that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a appearance_n and_o may_v to_o those_o that_o see_v thing_n at_o distance_n or_o have_v not_o their_o sense_n exercise_v seem_v more_o like_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o this_o modest_a virtue_n but_o those_o that_o come_v near_o they_o and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o discern_v perceive_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v without_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o motion_n and_o be_v mere_a lifeless_a picture_n and_o here_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o happy_a faculty_n to_o preach_v plausible_o and_o pray_v with_o fluency_n and_o eloquence_n to_o discourse_n devout_o and_o ready_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n if_o it_o be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o benign_a and_o charitable_a spirit_n be_v no_o participation_n of_o the_o godlike_a life_n and_o nature_n nor_o indeed_o any_o more_o divine_a than_o those_o common_a gift_n and_o natural_a part_n which_o those_o that_o think_v high_o of_o themselves_o upon_o these_o account_n despise_v for_o very_o evil_a man_n have_v be_v eminent_a in_o these_o accomplishment_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v without_o question_n endow_v with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o argument_n of_o nothing_o but_o a_o faculty_n of_o imitation_n a_o devotional_a complexion_n and_o warm_a imagination_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n charity_n and_o christian_a love_n be_v good_a evidence_n of_o a_o renew_a state_n and_o nature_n our_o saviour_n make_v it_o a_o character_n joh._n 13._o and_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v from_o it_o 1_o john_n 3._o 14._o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o mark_n and_o st._n john_n be_v not_o mistake_v i_o doubt_v that_o some_o who_o be_v very_o gracious_a by_o many_o sign_n of_o their_o own_o will_v want_v one_o of_o christ_n to_o prove_v their_o comfortable_a presumption_n iu_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n and_o tie_n of_o christian_a communion_n how_o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n which_o unless_o they_o unite_v and_o send_v their_o mutual_a supply_n one_o to_o another_o the_o whole_a be_v distemper_v and_o in_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o death_n and_o dissolution_n now_o charity_n be_v that_o vital_a cement_n whereby_o they_o
be_v unite_v and_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o the_o common_a body_n live_v that_o whereby_o the_o league_n between_o the_o member_n be_v preserve_v and_o health_n with_o it_o when_o this_o decay_n sad_a symptom_n and_o mortal_a evil_n follow_v we_o see_v in_o nature_n the_o great_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o mutual_a friendship_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o its_o part_n which_o shall_v they_o universal_o fall_v out_o and_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o amity_n that_o be_v between_o they_o shall_v they_o act_v their_o antipathy_n upon_o each_o other_o yea_o shall_v they_o but_o cease_v to_o serve_v one_o another_o for_o the_o general_a good_a the_o whole_a frame_n will_v be_v dissolve_v and_o all_o thing_n shuffle_v into_o their_o old_a chaos_n and_o abyss_n and_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o have_v or_o can_v happen_v to_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o charity_n and_o those_o intestine_a division_n that_o have_v grow_v up_o in_o it_o from_o these_o she_o have_v always_o suffer_v more_o than_o from_o external_a persecution_n the_o flame_n within_o have_v consume_v she_o when_o those_o from_o without_o have_v only_o singe_v her_o garment_n v._n love_n be_v the_o most_o catholic_n grace_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n the_o most_o excellent_a since_o that_o which_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a be_v better_a than_o any_o private_a perfection_n for_o which_o reason_n thing_n in_o nature_n will_v quit_v their_o particular_a interest_n when_o the_o common_a good_a so_o require_v as_o heavy_a body_n will_v ascend_v and_o light_a body_n descend_v to_o prevent_v a_o chasm_n and_o breach_n in_o nature_n now_o of_o all_o the_o divine_a virtue_n there_o be_v none_o of_o so_o large_a a_o influence_n as_o love_n it_o be_v a_o grace_n design_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o self-love_n be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o particular_a being_n this_o stir_v up_o our_o endeavour_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o especial_o for_o the_o general_a good_a the_o church_n receive_v no_o wound_n but_o love_n feel_v the_o smart_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v any_o member_n of_o it_o afflict_a but_o love_n be_v grieve_v this_o be_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n who_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o to_o these_o i_o add_v this_o last_o vi_o love_n commend_v christianity_n to_o those_o without_o and_o cleanse_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o from_o many_o spot_n it_o have_v contract_v within_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o religion_n themselves_o but_o usual_o reckon_v of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v of_o their_o professor_n whatever_o be_v excellent_a or_o else_o unworthy_a in_o a_o votary_n of_o religion_n redound_v to_o the_o credit_n or_o disparagement_n of_o the_o religion_n he_o have_v adopt_v so_o that_o be_v the_o charity_n and_o goodness_n of_o christianity_n transcribe_v into_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n it_o will_v ravish_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o beholder_n and_o outshine_v all_o other_o profession_n man_n will_v more_o easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o religion_n to_o be_v from_o god_n who_o professor_n they_o see_v to_o be_v so_o godlike_a love_n and_o goodness_n prevail_v where_o nothing_o else_o will_v these_o win_v and_o captivate_v the_o soul_n and_o such_o conquest_n be_v better_a and_o more_o noble_a than_o either_o those_o of_o art_n or_o arm_n which_o only_o bring_v the_o body_n under_o it_o be_v but_o small_a credit_n to_o any_o religion_n to_o cut_v its_o way_n by_o the_o sword_n or_o gain_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o power_n or_o policy_n that_o which_o open_v itself_o a_o passage_n by_o its_o native_a loveliness_n and_o beauty_n be_v the_o most_o illustrious_a and_o make_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o generous_a conquest_n and_o be_v christendom_n but_o christian_a in_o this_o regard_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n true_o religious_a that_o be_v abound_v in_o that_o charity_n and_o goodness_n which_o christianity_n enjoin_v our_o religion_n will_v spread_v its_o wing_n through_o the_o world_n and_o all_o contrary_a profession_n will_v lie_v in_o the_o dust_n before_o it_o whereas_o the_o division_n and_o fatal_a feud_n of_o paganize_v degenerate_v christendom_n be_v now_o the_o great_a partition-wall_n between_o we_o and_o the_o heathen-world_n yea_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o make_v we_o the_o scorn_n of_o those_o of_o rome_n and_o o_o that_o they_o that_o speak_v and_o pray_v much_o against_o the_o beast_n will_v not_o prove_v instrumental_a to_o uphold_v his_o throne_n we_o expect_v and_o hope_v for_o glorious_a time_n when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v fall_v and_o doubtless_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o but_o then_o the_o glory_n of_o those_o time_n consist_v not_o in_o external_a rule_n or_o dominion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o universal_a restauration_n of_o it_o to_o its_o primitive_a simplicity_n and_o purity_n then_o will_v the_o church_n be_v glorious_a indeed_o when_o all_o christian_n shall_v unite_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o the_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o few_o plain_a fundamental_o of_o faith_n when_o they_o shall_v make_v real_a goodness_n the_o object_n of_o their_o affection_n towards_o each_o other_o and_o all_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o dispensable_a practice_n the_o object_n of_o their_o mutual_a forbearance_n when_o such_o time_n as_o these_o shall_v come_v then_o do_v the_o reign_n of_o christ_n begin_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o wish_a millennium_n now_o we_o can_v expect_v those_o glorious_a day_n which_o be_v to_o commence_v upon_o the_o fall_n of_o anti-christ_n till_o we_o see_v all_o christian_n sincere_o set_v upon_o destroy_v what_o be_v anti-christian_n in_o themselves_o anti-christ_n will_v not_o be_v overthrow_v by_o our_o declaim_n against_o he_o and_o spit_v the_o fire_n of_o rage_n at_o the_o infallible_a chair_n it_o will_v be_v to_o better_a purpose_n for_o we_o to_o examine_v what_o of_o anti-christianism_a remain_v in_o ourselves_o and_o while_o rancour_n and_o bitterness_n rage_n and_o animosity_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o difference_n in_o small_a opinion_n be_v in_o our_o border_n anti-christ_n have_v a_o throne_n among_o we_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v so_o effectual_a a_o blow_n at_o the_o root_n of_o anti-christianism_a as_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o catholic_n goodness_n and_o when_o we_o see_v these_o take_v place_n then_o may_v we_o triumphant_o sing_v forth_o babylon_n be_v fall_v i_o come_v now_o four_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v this_o excellent_a and_o catholic_n temper_n and_o i_o propose_v they_o by_o way_n of_o direction_n consideration_n and_o caution_n the_o direction_n be_v these_o i._n acknowledge_v worth_n in_o any_o man_n whatever_o be_v good_a be_v from_o god_n and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v love_v and_o own_a in_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o in_o the_o paint_n upon_o the_o butterfly_n wing_n as_o in_o the_o glorious_a uniform_a lustre_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o well_o in_o the_o composure_n of_o the_o little_a ant_n as_o in_o the_o vast_a body_n of_o the_o whale_n or_o elephant_n in_o the_o least_o herb_n under_o our_o foot_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o stupendous_a fabric_n of_o the_o heaven_n over_o we_o and_o moral_a perfection_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o these_o natural_a one_o we_o be_v to_o love_v virtue_n in_o a_o heathen_a and_o whatever_o be_v well_o or_o worthy_a in_o those_o who_o apprehension_n be_v most_o distant_a from_o our_o own_o and_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o we_o make_v not_o our_o relish_n the_o measure_n of_o worth_n and_o goodness_n say_v not_o this_o be_v excellent_a because_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o your_o particular_a palate_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v vile_a and_o loathsome_a because_o it_o be_v distasteful_a to_o your_o gust_n and_o genius_n there_o be_v various_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o excellency_n which_o different_o affect_v the_o diversity_n of_o temper_n and_o constitution_n and_o at_o the_o best_a we_o be_v imperfect_o good_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o let_v we_o then_o be_v so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o own_o the_o virtue_n and_o the_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o all_o party_n and_o opinion_n let_v we_o commend_v and_o love_v it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o sweeten_v our_o spirit_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o animosity_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v against_o the_o person_n of_o dissenter_n and_o it_o will_v engage_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o a_o great_a kindness_n for_o we_o and_o so_o lessen_v our_o distance_n and_o disagreement_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o spirit_n among_o some_o which_o be_v so_o
he_o that_o be_v extreme_a in_o his_o principle_n must_v needs_o be_v narrow_a in_o his_o affection_n whereas_o he_o that_o stand_v on_o the_o middle_a path_n may_v extend_v the_o arm_n of_o his_o charity_n to_o those_o on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o natural_a to_o most_o to_o run_v into_o extreme_n and_o when_o man_n be_v fall_v out_o with_o a_o practice_n or_o opinion_n they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o remove_v to_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o it_o be_v fright_v by_o the_o steep_a before_o they_o they_o run_v so_o far_o back_o till_o they_o fall_v into_o a_o precipice_n behind_o they_o every_o truth_n be_v near_o a_o error_n for_o it_o lie_v between_o two_o falsehood_n and_o he_o that_o go_v far_o from_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o slip_v into_o the_o other_o and_o while_o he_o fly_v from_o a_o bear_n a_o lion_n meet_v he_o so_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n be_v to_o steer_v the_o middle_a course_n in_o which_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o be_v charity_n and_o peace_n and_o very_o probable_o truth_n in_o their_o company_n thus_o of_o my_o direction_n for_o consideration_n i_o will_v propose_v such_o as_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o our_o enmity_n and_o disagreement_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a opinion_n which_o will_v prove_v that_o our_o affection_n ought_v to_o meet_v though_o our_o judgement_n can_v my_o first_o be_v this_o i._o love_n be_v part_n of_o religion_n but_o opinion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o we_o lose_v charity_n be_v not_o so_o the_o first_o i_o have_v prove_v already_o and_o for_o the_o other_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o know_v many_o thing_n but_o in_o practise_v the_o few_o plain_a thing_n we_o know_v the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o faith_n lie_v in_o a_o little_a room_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v say_v he_o that_o best_o know_v what_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o what_o necessary_a unto_o it_o joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n draw_v up_o all_o into_o the_o same_o two_o principle_n he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o heb._n 11._o 6._o st._n peter_n be_v pronounce_v bless_v upon_o the_o single_a profession_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n mat._n 16._o 16._o and_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o same_o act._n 8._o 37._o st._n paul_n reckon_v these_o as_o the_o only_a necessary_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 10._o 9_o if_o thou_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o st._n john_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n whosever_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n this_o faith_n indeed_o must_v suppose_v the_o general_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o produce_v the_o real_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o its_o end_n and_o these_o suppose_a the_o apostle_n speak_v as_o if_o it_o contain_v all_o that_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n thus_o the_o fundamental_o of_o belief_n be_v few_o and_o plain_a for_o certain_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v not_o lay_v our_o eternal_a interest_n in_o difficulty_n and_o multitude_n thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o retain_v the_o difficult_a work_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o the_o understanding_n but_o in_o the_o affection_n and_o will._n so_o that_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o religion_n consist_v be_v the_o clear_o reveal_v article_n in_o which_o we_o be_v agree_v for_o the_o other_o about_o which_o we_o differ_v and_o dispute_v though_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v consequence_n of_o those_o and_o good_a help_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n yet_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o make_v they_o a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o say_v they_o be_v conclude_v all_o man_n under_o a_o state_n of_o ruin_n and_o damnation_n who_o either_o do_v not_o know_v or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o receive_v they_o a_o uncharitableness_n that_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o heresy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o one_o itself_o the_o sum_n be_v religion_n lie_v in_o few_o principle_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o principal_o consist_v in_o practice_n so_o the_o prophet_n reckon_v mic._n 6._o 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o st._n james_n give_v a_o account_n of_o religion_n like_o it_o jam._n 1._o 17._o true_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n religion_n be_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o charity_n be_v a_o main_a branch_n of_o that_o but_o opinion_n be_v no_o vital_a part_n nor_o do_v they_o appertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v we_o lose_v a_o limb_n for_o a_o excrescence_n or_o a_o ornament_n a_o essential_a of_o religion_n for_o that_o which_o be_v but_o accessary_a and_o extrinsic_a charity_n for_o a_o opinion_n i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a and_o i_o hope_v you_o think_v so_o likewise_o but_o i_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n ii_o charity_n be_v certain_o our_o duty_n but_o many_o of_o the_o opinion_n about_o which_o we_o fall_v out_o be_v uncertain_o true_a viz._n as_o to_o we_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v indeed_o as_o firm_a as_o the_o centre_n but_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n be_v as_o fluctuate_a as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o ocean_n the_o root_n and_o body_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v fast_o and_o unshaken_a while_o the_o leave_n be_v make_v the_o sport_n of_o every_o wind_n and_o colour_n sometime_o vary_v with_o every_o position_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o eye_n though_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o uniform_a splendour_n the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a but_o man_n often_o build_v upon_o it_o what_o be_v very_o totter_v and_o uncertain_a the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v easy_o discernible_a but_o the_o small_a and_o remote_a one_o require_v more_o sagacity_n and_o acuteness_n to_o descry_v they_o and_o the_o best_a sight_n may_v be_v deceive_v about_o such_o obscure_a and_o distant_a object_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o excessive_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o opinion_n since_o they_o can_v but_o know_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n in_o general_n and_o can_v but_o often_o have_v find_v the_o fallibility_n of_o their_o own_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o and_o make_v confidence_n a_o argument_n of_o ignorance_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 2._o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o solomon_n reckon_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o folly_n the_o fool_n rage_v and_o be_v confident_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o discover_v it_o more_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o scripture_n have_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o express_v in_o define_v lesser_a point_n and_o the_o word_n in_o which_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v lodge_v be_v many_o time_n figurative_a and_o obscure_a and_o of_o various_a meaning_n speak_v only_o by_o the_o by_o or_o agreeable_o to_o form_n of_o speech_n or_o custom_n that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v or_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o common_a apprehension_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o interpretation_n be_v infinite_a and_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n less_o agree_v than_o commentator_n all_o opinion_n plead_v scripture_n and_o many_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o most_o to_o antiquity_n the_o learned_a and_o the_o prudent_a church_n and_o council_n confessor_n and_o father_n the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a age_n the_o virtuous_a and_o the_o devout_a the_o credulous_a and_o the_o inquisitive_a they_o have_v all_o differ_v in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o belief_n and_o every_o man_n differ_v from_o almost_o every_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o every_o man_n differ_v often_o from_o himself_o in_o many_o thing_n age_n have_v alter_v our_o judgement_n or_o we_o be_v child_n still_o our_o affection_n change_v our_o thought_n and_o our_o imagination_n shift_v the_o scene_n
reverence_n of_o the_o most_o high_a which_o be_v a_o direct_a contempt_n of_o his_o perfection_n now_o scorn_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a indignity_n especial_o it_o be_v sore_o and_o provoke_a when_o one_o be_v contemn_v by_o his_o inferior_n and_o more_o when_o they_o be_v his_o dependent_n that_o have_v their_o bread_n from_o his_o bounty_n such_o be_v the_o case_n here_o in_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o aggravation_n vile_a worm_n and_o low_a dust_n scoff_n at_o the_o high_a majesty_n and_o full_a perfection_n the_o universal_a king_n our_o sovereign_n before_o who_o angel_n bow_v and_o devil_n tremble_v be_v deride_v by_o the_o slave_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o creation_n the_o general_a father_n and_o benefactor_n flout_v by_o those_o that_o have_v their_o be_v and_o all_o their_o comfort_n from_o his_o goodness_n and_o can_v live_v or_o move_v or_o breathe_v without_o he_o act_v 17._o 28._o instead_o of_o low_a reverence_n gratitude_n and_o prostration_n they_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n in_o proud_a scorn_n and_o defiance_n of_o he_o and_o as_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n speak_v of_o they_o psal_n 73._o 18._o they_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o the_o heaven_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o step_n beyond_o atheism_n itself_o it_o be_v great_a impiety_n to_o say_v god_n be_v a_o careless_a or_o a_o contemptible_a be_v than_o to_o say_v he_o be_v not_o as_o the_o moralist_n tell_v we_o he_o will_v rather_o it_o shall_v be_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n as_o plutarch_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o vile_a and_o worthless_a person_n now_o to_o deride_v religion_n while_o we_o allow_v there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v to_o say_v by_o immediate_a consequence_n either_o that_o he_o be_v a_o careless_a and_o idle_a greatness_n that_o heed_v not_o his_o creature_n and_o so_o worship_n be_v a_o impertinence_n or_o that_o he_o be_v so_o bad_a or_o so_o mean_v a_o be_v that_o he_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v that_o be_v that_o we_o owe_v he_o no_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v or_o his_o bounty_n and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o pay_v he_o any_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v gross_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o and_o to_o scoff_n at_o the_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o veneration_n of_o he_o be_v downright_a madness_n so_o that_o if_o the_o scoffer_n be_v not_o a_o atheist_n he_o be_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o his_o scoff_a and_o if_o possible_a he_o be_v worse_a 3._o the_o humour_n of_o deride_v religion_n be_v monstrousness_n in_o the_o soul_n all_o sin_n be_v deformity_n but_o this_o be_v horrid_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v his_o part_n and_o member_n misplace_v his_o leg_n suppose_v on_o his_o shoulder_n his_o eye_n in_o his_o neck_n and_o his_o arm_n grow_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n be_v frightful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o misplace_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v more_o ugly_a man_n have_v such_o power_n give_v he_o as_o scorn_v and_o derision_n and_o while_o they_o be_v exercise_v against_o sin_n and_o folly_n there_o be_v nothing_o amiss_o in_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v misplace_v upon_o holiness_n and_o wisdom_n upon_o the_o great_a and_o the_o pure_a upon_o the_o most_o visible_a and_o most_o universal_o acknowledge_v perfection_n they_o be_v then_o a_o excess_n of_o deformity_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o such_o scorner_n be_v great_a monster_n than_o the_o man_n that_o have_v horn_n and_o hoof_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o wickedness_n beyond_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o devil_n we_o read_v that_o they_o fight_v against_o the_o angel_n the_o minister_n of_o god_n rev._n 12._o 7._o but_o never_o that_o they_o deride_v they_o for_o their_o ministery_n they_o oppose_v god_n end_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o find_v they_o not_o scoff_v at_o he_o no_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v jam._n 2._o 19_o this_o fear_n be_v not_o a_o virtue_n indeed_o in_o those_o apostate_n spirit_n and_o yet_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o vengeance_n but_o the_o impious_a scoffer_n at_o religion_n have_v out-grown_a that_o and_o be_v more_o bold_a than_o all_o the_o legion_n of_o darkness_n they_o have_v so_o little_a dread_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n that_o by_o their_o scoff_v they_o endeavour_v to_o provoke_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o dare_v he_o to_o pour_v his_o displeasure_n on_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o challenge_v the_o field_n with_o he_o and_o to_o try_v the_o reality_n and_o force_v of_o his_o power_n and_o terror_n thus_o brief_o of_o the_o malignity_n and_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o scoff_v at_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o say_v more_o of_o it_o in_o the_o sequel_n i_o therefore_o descend_v now_o iii_o to_o a_o account_n of_o some_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v confine_v myself_o here_o also_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o which_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o character_n of_o these_o scoffer_n in_o the_o text_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n we_o have_v see_v that_o man_n lust_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o scoff_a and_o i_o add_v that_o this_o again_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a height_n and_o boldness_n of_o their_o lust_n like_o water_n and_o ice_n they_o produce_v one_o another_o man_n lust_n put_v they_o upon_o scoff_v at_o that_o which_o shall_v restrain_v they_o and_o this_o through_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n bring_v they_o at_o last_o to_o walk_v after_o their_o lust_n in_o such_o obsequiousness_n and_o entireness_n that_o they_o follow_v they_o 1._o without_o any_o check_n or_o restraint_n upon_o their_o lust_n 2._o without_o power_n to_o forsake_v or_o disobey_v they_o 3._o without_o or_o with_o very_o little_a hope_v of_o remedy_n or_o deliverance_n from_o the_o dominion_n and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o they_o these_o be_v all_o dreadful_a thing_n and_o such_o as_o frequent_o if_o not_o most_o follow_v upon_o the_o impious_a humour_n of_o scoff_v at_o relgion_n as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n 1._o without_o restraint_n or_o check_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o strive_v long_o with_o sinner_n but_o it_o will_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o they_o that_o strive_v against_o it_o gen._n 6._o 3._o when_o man_n move_v with_o their_o lust_n as_o those_o that_o be_v join_v to_o they_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v let_v they_o alone_o hos_fw-la 4._o 17._o and_o this_o impiety_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v of_o all_o sin_n most_o likely_a to_o provoke_v he_o to_o a_o dereliction_n of_o the_o sinner_n since_o it_o be_v the_o great_a most_o direct_a and_o most_o intolerable_a affront_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o fight_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n a_o vex_a yea_o a_o blaspheme_n of_o he_o this_o be_v moreover_o such_o a_o sinner_n become_v a_o subject_a incapable_a of_o his_o communication_n nothing_o that_o be_v sacr●d_v or_o serious_a make_v any_o impression_n upon_o such_o whiffle_a spirit_n it_o be_v as_o good_a attempt_n write_v on_o the_o water_n or_o paint_v with_o a_o pencil_n on_o the_o air_n as_o to_o think_v of_o fasten_v any_o sober_a sense_n upon_o the_o scoffer_n and_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o sinner_n have_v make_v himself_o incapable_a of_o any_o benefit_n from_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o withdraw_v his_o solicitation_n from_o that_o miserable_a person_n he_o will_v not_o plough_v upon_o a_o rock_n nor_o sow_v upon_o the_o sand_n so_o that_o the_o man_n have_v the_o advantage_n now_o of_o not_o be_v disturb_v in_o his_o pursuit_n by_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o his_o lust_n but_o be_v suffer_v to_o run_v upon_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a torment_n without_o 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true_a catholic_n and_o exhort_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v needful_a in_o his_o day_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o as_o necessary_a in_o we_o in_o which_o all_o the_o old_a heresy_n be_v revive_v with_o the_o addition_n of_o new_a on_o which_o account_n the_o subject_n be_v too_o seasonable_a and_o i_o choose_v it_o at_o this_o time_n as_o a_o preface_n to_o the_o discourse_n i_o intend_v on_o all_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v already_o treat_v in_o order_n on_o all_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o the_o natural_a in_o the_o word_n read_v two_o main_a proposition_n be_v employ_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n ancient_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n 2._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o contend_v and_o earnest_o for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o those_o saint_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n now_o aimid_v the_o great_a diversity_n and_o contrariety_n of_o opinion_n that_o at_o present_a be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n each_o entitle_v itself_o to_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v original_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n to_o determine_v which_o be_v the_o right_n the_o true_a faith_n which_o difficulty_n do_v not_o arise_v so_o much_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o do_v from_o man_n corrupt_a interest_n and_o affection_n dispute_v about_o it_o and_o therefore_o abstract_v from_o these_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o chief_a character_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n by_o which_o you_o may_v judge_v what_o that_o be_v and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o 1._o the_o faith_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v a_o ancient_n primitive_a faith_n quod_fw-la verum_fw-la id_fw-la prius_fw-la truth_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n divers_a of_o the_o doctrine_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v enlighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v before_o his_o personal_a appearance_n in_o it_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o sai_z he_o and_o abraham_n see_v his_o day_n the_o discovery_n of_o his_o great_a truth_n and_o way_n he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o he_o it_o begin_v and_o it_o be_v consummate_v in_o his_o personal_a teach_n and_o instruction_n of_o his_o immediate_a disciple_n and_o apostle_n who_o by_o the_o spirit_n deliver_v to_o we_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o natural_a truth_n be_v more_o and_o more_o discover_v by_o time_n for_o many_o go_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o science_n shall_v be_v increase_v but_o those_o divine_a verity_n be_v most_o perfect_a in_o their_o fountain_n and_o original_n they_o contract_v impurity_n in_o their_o stream_n and_o remote_a derivation_n and_o the_o way_n to_o discover_v the_o corruption_n be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o old_a way_n 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way_n they_o must_v not_o be_v part_v with_o or_o silence_v no_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o government_n must_v be_v thwart_v overthrow_v rather_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o all_o must_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o idol_n which_o be_v so_o what_o quietness_n can_v there_o be_v from_o hence_o what_o peace_n or_o temper_n among_o such_o principle_n these_o perpetual_o annoy_n and_o disturb_v the_o church_n and_o to_o know_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o state_n let_v we_o consider_v germany_n scotland_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v though_o we_o have_v frail_a memory_n on_o this_o side_n we_o shall_v not_o forget_v how_o peaceable_a the_o sectary_n have_v be_v in_o england_n or_o not_o observe_v how_o quiet_a they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n remember_v i_o hope_v we_o shall_v for_o caution_n i_o urge_v no_o other_o remembrance_n i_o wish_v they_o themselves_o do_v not_o remember_v they_o so_o well_o as_o we_o find_v they_o do_v by_o many_o of_o the_o same_o action_n and_o 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and_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n viz._n faith_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o will_v not_o give_v we_o faculty_n to_o delude_v and_o deceive_v we_o when_o we_o right_o exercise_v and_o employ_v they_o by_o faith_n reason_n be_v further_o enlighten_v and_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n faith_n be_v apply_v religion_n and_o reason_n sweet_o agree_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v religious_a that_o be_v unreasonable_a religion_n be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o by_o this_o character_n popery_n be_v disprove_v also_o for_o that_o impose_v on_o the_o practice_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n thing_n that_o be_v extreme_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a as_o article_n of_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o invisible_a being_n by_o image_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n and_o especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v full_a of_o contradiction_n as_o that_o the_o same_o body_n can_v be_v in_o a_o thousand_o place_n at_o once_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v big_a and_o less_o than_o itself_o that_o it_o may_v move_v towards_o and_o from_o itself_o that_o it_o may_v be_v divide_v not_o into_o part_n but_o whole_n these_o and_o numerous_a other_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o senseless_a mystery_n of_o popish_a transubstantiation_n to_o defend_v which_o the_o doctor_n of_o that_o church_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o miserable_a shift_n of_o deny_v all_o reason_n in_o religion_n even_o the_o great_a and_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v which_o some_o of_o they_o say_v be_v the_o only_a method_n to_o confute_v heretic_n and_o while_o reason_n and_o our_o faculty_n be_v acknowledge_v we_o can_v entertain_v their_o nonsense_n nor_o be_v answer_v in_o our_o just_a opposition_n of_o their_o gross_a absurdity_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o character_n of_o a_o reasonable_a faith_n condemn_v the_o sect_n the_o great_a part_n of_o who_o divinity_n be_v make_v up_o of_o senseless_a absurd_a notion_n set_v forth_o in_o unintelligible_a fantastical_a phrase_n and_o these_o they_o account_v the_o height_n of_o spirituality_n and_o mystery_n upon_o which_o they_o value_v and_o boast_v themselves_o as_o the_o only_o know_v the_o only_a spiritual_a people_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o their_o pretend_a height_n and_o spirituality_n but_o vain_a imagination_n and_o dream_v and_o in_o v_o 8._o of_o this_o epistle_n they_o be_v describe_v by_o this_o character_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dreamer_n and_o as_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n dispel_v the_o vain_a image_n of_o dream_n so_o these_o admit_v will_v cure_v fanatical_a imposture_n and_o delusion_n for_o which_o cause_n there_o be_v nothing_o they_o so_o vehement_o declaim_v against_o as_o reason_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o carnal_a and_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o carnal_a reason_n that_o be_v enmity_n to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o appetite_n passion_n and_o corrupt_a interest_n which_o be_v not_o reason_n true_o so_o call_v no_o more_o than_o a_o ape_n be_v a_o man_n but_o for_o want_v of_o thus_o distinguish_v the_o thing_n that_o so_o differ_v enthusiast_n rail_v violent_o against_o all_o reason_n as_o the_o grand_a adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o tenant_n that_o she_o call_v so_o will_v not_o bear_v that_o light_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n teach_v no_o opinion_n no_o mystery_n that_o need_v such_o a_o desperate_a course_n to_o defend_v they_o its_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a creed_n which_o be_v no_o way_n opposite_a to_o reason_n in_o any_o article_n yea_o reason_n either_o prove_v or_o defend_v they_o all_o so_o that_o we_o never_o give_v out_o at_o this_o weapon_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o use_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n against_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n of_o all_o sort_n the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v no_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a 5._o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n be_v certain_a it_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o those_o that_o have_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n those_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o that_o they_o be_v real_o so_o be_v no_o fond_a imagination_n or_o bold_a presumption_n but_o a_o truth_n assure_v by_o those_o mighty_a miracle_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v those_o be_v god_n seal_n and_o the_o grand_a confirmation_n of_o a_o commission_n from_o he_o and_o to_o this_o proof_n of_o their_o
public_a place_n of_o worship_n those_o sacred_a house_n of_o god_n desert_v as_o if_o their_o wall_n be_v infect_v and_o exchange_v for_o private_a corner_n such_o contempt_n be_v pour_v upon_o this_o excellent_a church_n and_o all_o this_o reproach_n it_o suffer_v from_o the_o spiritual_a proud_a who_o think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o the_o age_a not_o because_o they_o keep_v but_o because_o they_o break_v the_o law_n and_o fancy_n they_o be_v enlighten_v enough_o to_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o without_o need_v the_o rule_n of_o other_o governor_n than_o those_o of_o their_o own_o imagination_n in_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v come_v scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 3_o pharisaical_a as_o well_o dehauch_v scoffer_n who_o walk_v after_o their_o fantastical_a as_o the_o other_o do_v after_o their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o therefore_o despise_v and_o contemn_v all_o law_n that_o shall_v bound_v and_o restrain_v they_o but_o the_o church_n suffer_v contempt_n also_o from_o the_o other_o sort_n the_o carnal_a proud_a have_v she_o exceed_o in_o derision_n and_o make_v mouth_n at_o she_o and_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o age_n in_o which_o to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o to_o profess_v religion_n not_o this_o or_o that_o but_o any_o be_v occasion_n enough_o with_o some_o and_o god_n know_v not_o a_o few_o for_o contempt_n and_o scorn_v the_o fool_n in_o old_a time_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o no_o god_n psal_n 14._o 1._o but_o that_o folly_n have_v put_v off_o its_o modesty_n in_o we_o and_o vile_a man_n now_o set_v more_o than_o their_o heart_n against_o the_o heaven_n psal_n 73._o 9_o it_o be_v wit_n to_o deride_v religion_n and_o modish_a accomplishment_n to_o make_v merriment_n of_o thing_n sacred_a as_o if_o we_o be_v past_o the_o dispensation_n of_o dispute_v against_o god_n and_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o he_o be_v not_o or_o not_o to_o be_v worship_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v now_o but_o to_o laugh_v at_o the_o silly_a belief_n of_o his_o existence_n and_o the_o vain_a folly_n of_o adore_v he_o to_o this_o height_n we_o be_v come_v and_o by_o it_o have_v outdo_v the_o impudence_n of_o all_o former_a time_n and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v if_o this_o bold_a impiety_n be_v not_o stop_v be_v very_o sad_a but_o very_o easy_a to_o foresee_v what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o at_o present_a we_o know_v and_o the_o church_n woeful_o feel_v in_o the_o extreme_a contempt_n and_o scorn_n that_o be_v upon_o it_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o one_o sort_n of_o proud_a contemner_n and_o the_o other_o it_o may_v too_o just_o complain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o lamentation_n i_o be_o a_o derision_n to_o all_o my_o people_n and_o their_o song_n all_o the_o day_n and_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n how_o do_v i_o sit_v solitary_a that_o be_v full_a of_o people_n my_o way_n mourn_v because_o few_o come_v to_o my_o solemn_a feast_n my_o gate_n be_v desolate_a my_o priest_n sigh_n and_o the_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n comparable_a to_o fine_a gold_n be_v esteem_v as_o earthen_a pitcher_n the_o work_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o potter_n my_o adversary_n be_v the_o chief_a my_o enemy_n prosper_v all_o my_o persecutor_n overtake_v i_o between_o the_o straits_n they_o hiss_v and_o gnash_v their_o tooth_n and_o say_v we_o have_v swallow_v she_o up_o certain_o this_o be_v the_o day_n we_o look_v for_o we_o have_v find_v we_o have_v see_v it_o this_o be_v our_o case_n and_o o_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o for_o none_o other_o fight_v for_o we_o but_o only_o thou_o o_o god_n ii_o since_o we_o can_v be_v secure_a from_o contempt_n let_v we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o deserve_v it_o nor_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o hatred_n and_o scorn_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o its_o member_n this_o i_o shall_v take_v liberty_n to_o address_v 1._o to_o my_o brethren_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o 2._o to_o the_o people_n that_o be_v yet_o in_o communion_n with_o we_o 1._o as_o for_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o deep_a sharer_n of_o the_o contempt_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n by_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v but_o deplorable_a to_o consider_v i_o desire_v not_o to_o speak_v fond_a or_o overweening_a thing_n but_o this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v with_o justice_n that_o no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n enjoy_v a_o more_o true_o learn_v and_o sober_a clergy_n than_o this_o and_o with_o as_o much_o truth_n i_o may_v affirm_v that_o no_o clergy_n upon_o earth_n undergo_v so_o great_a a_o burden_n of_o contempt_n the_o heathen_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n have_v have_v reverence_n for_o their_o priest_n the_o jew_n and_o turk_n sacred_a respect_n for_o they_o the_o people_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n pay_v great_a veneration_n to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o priesthood_n the_o romanist_n be_v very_o respectful_a to_o they_o yea_o even_o the_o several_a class_n of_o sect_n among_o we_o reverence_v their_o teacher_n so_o that_o the_o dueness_n of_o respect_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o common_a acknowledgement_n of_o mankind_n ground_v upon_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o god_n as_o his_o ambassador_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n and_o the_o nobleness_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o conduct_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o we_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n and_o only_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o common_a acknowledge_v right_n of_o priesthood_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o exception_n against_o we_o in_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v except_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o all_o case_n else_o greatness_n of_o relation_n and_o dignity_n of_o employment_n give_v title_n to_o respect_n but_o in_o this_o where_o the_o relation_n be_v to_o the_o high_a and_o the_o business_n be_v about_o thing_n most_o worthy_a and_o most_o necessary_a the_o practice_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o we_o be_v expose_v by_o our_o character_n and_o employment_n to_o disesteem_a and_o neglect_v it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n that_o may_v occasion_v disrespect_n but_o i_o hope_v not_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o contempt_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o in_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o man_n make_v abatement_n in_o consideration_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o man_n censure_n and_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o strict_a severity_n there_o be_v no_o mitigation_n no_o pardon_n for_o we_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n yea_o every_o mote_n in_o our_o eye_n be_v make_v a_o beam_n every_o infirmity_n be_v blow_v up_o to_o a_o height_n of_o villainy_n and_o every_o vice_n of_o which_o any_o person_n among_o we_o be_v guilty_a be_v reflect_v upon_o the_o whole_a order_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o right_n we_o expect_v at_o a_o just_a bar_n than_o that_o of_o man_n judgement_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a for_o we_o be_v treat_v here_o as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o claim_n to_o the_o civility_n and_o good_a nature_n of_o mankind_n but_o be_v either_o another_o race_n of_o creature_n or_o out_o law_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v it_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o the_o world_n think_v single_a respect_n too_o much_o for_o we_o and_o treble_a contempt_n scarce_o enough_o we_o be_v go_v over_o as_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n by_o the_o carnal_a proud_a and_o reckon_v as_o the_o dirt_n of_o it_o by_o the_o spiritual_a scorner_n yea_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o who_o condition_n be_v so_o bad_a or_o so_o low_a but_o think_v themselves_o good_a enough_o and_o great_a enough_o to_o despise_v we_o we_o look_v not_o for_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a we_o shall_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o stupid_a but_o will_v be_v sensible_a of_o such_o treatment_n and_o i_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o resent_v it_o since_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o reproach_n be_v contempt_n upon_o religion_n if_o not_o upon_o the_o author_n of_o it_o abstract_v we_o from_o our_o relation_n to_o that_o and_o our_o order_n may_v without_o boast_v pretend_v to_o as_o much_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n ingenuity_n and_o virtue_n as_o other_o man_n our_o
education_n be_v as_o handsome_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o the_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n shall_v not_o be_v equal_a to_o those_o of_o other_o way_n of_o breed_v so_o that_o we_o may_v pass_v well_o enough_o in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v may_v meet_v tolerable_a reception_n in_o it_o be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n have_v honour_v we_o with_o the_o dignity_n of_o be_v his_o immediate_a servant_n and_o have_v employ_v we_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o soul_n but_o for_o this_o i_o can_v see_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o quality_n that_o procure_v respect_n as_o other_o that_o have_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o must_v say_v that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v honour_n for_o our_o office_n and_o our_o work_n sake_n that_o we_o be_v lessen_v by_o they_o and_o if_o a_o minister_n meet_v respective_a entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n the_o kindness_n be_v extort_a by_o some_o personal_a advantage_n he_o own_v and_o not_o give_v he_o for_o his_o character_n and_o function_n no_o he_o be_v take_v down_o and_o be_v so_o much_o less_o in_o consideration_n of_o it_o so_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v affront_v and_o religion_n vilify_v by_o the_o excessive_a unreasonable_a contempt_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o dispenser_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o law_n and_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o our_o concernment_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v not_o permit_v we_o without_o incur_v more_o reproach_n roundly_o to_o reprove_v this_o indignity_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o they_o who_o have_v send_v we_o in_o the_o most_o important_a errand_n to_o they_o but_o alas_o all_o we_o can_v do_v without_o the_o loud_a imputation_n of_o preach_v up_o ourselves_o be_v to_o bear_v our_o reproach_n in_o silence_n and_o to_o mourn_v in_o secret_a for_o that_o horrid_a atheism_n and_o scorn_v of_o all_o religion_n or_o of_o the_o best_a which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o certain_o where_o there_o be_v contempt_n of_o the_o priesthood_n above_o board_n there_o be_v disvalue_n of_o religion_n under_o it_o disrespect_n to_o one_o do_v suppose_v and_o will_v soon_o produce_v irreverence_n to_o the_o other_o upon_o the_o whole_a we_o see_v how_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v cautious_a that_o we_o contribute_v not_o to_o the_o contempt_n that_o be_v on_o religion_n and_o ourselves_o and_o justify_v this_o impious_a barbarous_a age_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o better_a advice_n can_v be_v give_v to_o secure_v we_o from_o it_o than_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 16._o take_v heed_n unto_o thyself_o and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n it_o concern_v we_o first_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o ourselves_o to_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n we_o have_v many_o observer_n who_o malice_n make_v they_o critical_a and_o curious_a they_o lay_v in_o wait_n for_o our_o halting_n and_o be_v glad_a at_o heart_n when_o they_o have_v catch_v a_o opportunity_n to_o revile_v we_o we_o be_v encompass_v on_o all_o hand_n by_o those_o envious_a pryer_n by_o the_o debauch_a on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o schismatical_a on_o the_o other_o the_o roar_a lion_n be_v before_o we_o and_o the_o wily_a serpent_n in_o the_o next_o ambush_n one_o will_v fain_o have_v a_o occasion_n from_o our_o miscarriage_n to_o tear_v and_o violate_v the_o honour_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o to_o spit_v its_o venom_n against_o that_o which_o we_o profess_v it_o behoove_v we_o therefore_o to_o beware_v and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a because_o the_o day_n be_v so_o evil_a in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o humble_o recommend_v these_o caution_n in_o paticular_a that_o we_o take_v care_v not_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o 1._o pharisaism_n 2._o immorality_n or_o 3._o negligence_n in_o our_o call_n 1._o pharisaic_a righteousness_n and_o fantastic_a height_n of_o zeal_n beget_v great_a respect_n and_o veneration_n among_o the_o vulgar_a but_o contempt_n among_o those_o of_o better-understanding_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o whereby_o religion_n have_v be_v more_o expose_v in_o the_o present_a age_n than_o this_o plain_o unaffected_a righteousness_n and_o sincerity_n be_v accountable_a in_o all_o time_n and_o have_v still_o reputation_n among_o the_o most_o know_v but_o the_o flaunt_a show_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi be_v despise_v assoon_o as_o they_o be_v understand_v our_o righteousness_n then_o must_v exceed_v he_o not_o in_o pomp_n and_o appearance_n but_o in_o reality_n and_o sincere_a practice_n there_o be_v no_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o age_n but_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o present_a interest_n both_o of_o church_n and_o religion_n that_o pharisaism_n which_o be_v the_o general_a humour_n that_o run_v through_o all_o the_o proud_a sect_n shall_v be_v discountenance_v and_o detect_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o encourage_v the_o spread_a vanity_n by_o any_o conformity_n unto_o it_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n lesenow_v to_o make_v we_o popular_a and_o to_o crown_v we_o with_o the_o applause_n of_o the_o people_n and_o those_o who_o affect_v that_o sort_n of_o glory_n and_o reputation_n be_v under_o great_a temptation_n to_o square_v their_o discourse_n and_o life_n according_a to_o those_o vain_a model_n but_o those_o minister_n deserve_v to_o be_v despise_v that_o be_v possess_v by_o that_o low_a spirit_a ambition_n and_o do_v not_o prefer_v the_o please_a god_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o few_o wise_a man_n before_o the_o pacify_v the_o humour_n and_o receive_v the_o caress_n and_o applause_n of_o ignorant_a and_o giddy_a phantastic_o and_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n worse_a enemy_n to_o this_o church_n than_o these_o who_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o it_o promote_v this_o spirit_n and_o humour_n that_o destroy_v it_o 2._o we_o ought_v on_o this_o as_o on_o all_o account_n else_o to_o shun_v all_o immorality_n of_o practice_n vice_n make_v any_o one_o contemptible_a among_o good_a man_n and_o we_o despicable_a among_o all_o the_o worst_a have_v a_o abhorrence_n of_o debauchery_n or_o any_o degree_n of_o profaneness_n in_o the_o clergy_n the_o best_a thing_n degenerate_v be_v worst_a it_o be_v true_a live_v we_o how_o we_o will_v the_o malicious_a world_n will_v find_v accusation_n against_o we_o but_o we_o must_v take_v care_n we_o do_v not_o justify_v their_o reproach_n though_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o present_a age_n we_o be_v disable_v from_o do_v much_o to_o promote_v religion_n by_o our_o doctrine_n yet_o we_o may_v disserve_v it_o much_o by_o our_o life_n the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v say_v do_v but_o little_a good_a but_o the_o least_o evil_n that_o we_o do_v be_v cause_n of_o great_a hurt_n and_o mischief_n man_n be_v harden_v by_o it_o in_o their_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v make_v incapable_a of_o do_v it_o or_o they_o any_o considerable_a service_n or_o if_o we_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v moral_o evil_a yet_o such_o be_v the_o world_n now_o that_o advantage_n will_v be_v take_v of_o the_o least_o appearance_n every_o thing_n shall_v be_v urge_v against_o we_o that_o the_o wit_n of_o malice_n can_v make_v criminal_a and_o therefore_o it_o exceed_o concern_v we_o to_o heed_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1_o thes_n 5._o 22._o we_o shall_v take_v care_n not_o to_o come_v within_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o clergyman_n to_o be_v innocent_a there_o be_v much_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n necessary_a to_o keep_v that_o from_o have_v a_o stain_n upon_o it_o and_o though_o we_o be_v as_o harmless_a as_o dove_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v so_o except_o we_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o serpent_n man_n be_v never_o more_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o conversation_n and_o never_o more_o exact_a observer_n and_o censurer_n of_o we_o so_o that_o nothing_o will_v secure_v we_o in_o this_o age_n from_o the_o tongue_n set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n our_o only_a course_n be_v to_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v out_o of_o their_o way_n and_o as_o far_o as_o our_o profession_n will_v give_v leave_n to_o draw_v ourselves_o up_o into_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n for_o the_o sea_n be_v too_o rough_a for_o we_o to_o be_v abroad_o upon_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o avoid_v contempt_n but_o we_o may_v avoid_v be_v accessary_a unto_o it_o if_o we_o take_v care_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o pharisaical_a nor_o our_o practice_n immoral_a in_o reality_n or_o