still_o retain_v a_o quick_a sense_n of_o pain_n and_o misery_n so_o that_o fear_n rely_v upon_o a_o natural_a love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v complicate_v with_o a_o necessary_a desire_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n and_o therefore_o religion_n usual_o make_v its_o first_o entrance_n into_o we_o by_o this_o passion_n hence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n more_o than_o once_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o second_o phrase_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o fitness_n of_o it_o to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o negative_a and_o positive_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o that_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n will_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o active_a principle_n and_o will_v be_v employ_v one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v be_v do_v something_o if_o a_o man_n abstain_v from_o evil_a he_o will_v do_v good_a now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o strait_a connexion_n between_o these_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v express_v by_o either_o of_o they_o but_o most_o fit_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n because_o that_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o forsake_v of_o sin_n virtus_fw-la est_fw-la vitium_fw-la fugere_fw-la &_o sapientia_fw-la prima_fw-la stultitia_fw-la caruisse_fw-la virtue_n begin_v in_o the_o forsake_v of_o vice_n and_o the_o first_o part_n of_o wisdom_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n which_o mention_n these_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v constant_o put_v depart_v from_o evil_a first_o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a 24._o ps_n 34.14_o &_o 37.27_o be_v 1.16_o 17._o &_o 55.7_o eph._n 4.23_o 24._o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v first_o to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o then_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n 3.11_o 1_o pet._n 3.11_o etc._n etc._n let_v he_o eschew_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a to_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v this_o far_a consideration_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n consist_v most_o of_o prohibition_n thou_o shall_v not_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a'th_a our_o observance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o fit_o express_v by_o depart_v from_o evil_n which_o yet_o include_v obedience_n likewise_o to_o the_o positive_a precept_n imply_v in_o those_o prohibition_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v this_o that_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o three_o way_n 1._o by_o a_o direct_a proof_n of_o it_o 2._o by_o show_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n 2._o by_o vindicate_a religion_n from_o those_o common_a imputation_n which_o seem_v to_o charge_v it_o with_o ignorance_n or_o imprudence_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o this_o and_o because_o religion_n comprehend_v two_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v speculative_a may_v more_o proper_o be_v call_v knowledge_n and_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v practical_a may_v be_v call_v wisdom_n or_o prudence_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v distinct_o to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n 1._o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n commend_v its_o self_n to_o we_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o excellent_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v first_o it_o be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n because_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a to_o be_v know_v and_o those_o be_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n god_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o perfection_n it_o be_v delightful_a to_o know_v the_o creature_n because_o there_o be_v particular_a excellency_n scatter_v and_o disperse_v among_o they_o which_o be_v some_o shadow_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n but_o in_o god_n all_o perfection_n in_o their_o high_a degree_n and_o exaltation_n meet_v together_o and_o be_v unite_v how_o much_o more_o delightful_a than_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o such_o a_o object_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o beauty_n and_o brightness_n what_o be_v amiable_a and_o what_o be_v excellent_a what_o will_v ravish_v our_o affection_n and_o raise_v our_o wonder_n please_v we_o and_o astonish_v we_o at_o once_o and_o that_o the_o finite_a measure_n and_o capacity_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o able_a to_o take_v in_o and_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n but_o do_v not_o altogether_o take_v away_o the_o delightfulness_n of_o the_o knowledge_n for_o as_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n to_o have_v a_o endless_a prospect_n so_o be_v it_o some_o pleasure_n to_o a_o finite_a understanding_n to_o view_v unlimited_a excellency_n which_o have_v no_o shore_n or_o bound_n though_o it_o can_v comprehend_v they_o there_o be_v a_o pleasure_n in_o admiration_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o proper_o cause_v admiration_n when_o we_o discover_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o a_o object_n which_o we_o understand_v to_o be_v excellent_a and_o yet_o we_o see_v we_o know_v not_o how_o much_o more_o beyond_o that_o which_o our_o understanding_n can_v full_o reach_v and_o comprehend_v and_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n be_v excellent_a and_o desirable_a so_o likewise_o to_o know_v he_o in_o those_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o above_o all_o in_o that_o stupendous_a work_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v such_o a_o mystery_n and_o so_o excellent_a a_o piece_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o desire_v to_o pry_v into_o it_o 1.12_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o and_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v excellent_a so_o likewise_o of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n a_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a for_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n be_v to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o goodness_n and_o pity_n and_o patience_n and_o clemency_n in_o pardon_v injury_n and_o pass_v by_o provocation_n in_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o in_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o and_o be_v please_v withal_o and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o perfection_n and_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v deserve_o account_v a_o piece_n of_o excellent_a knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n we_o live_v in_o and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n we_o live_v under_o how_o much_o more_o to_o know_v the_o statute_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o law_n of_o eternity_n those_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o great_a monarch_n and_o universal_a king_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o this_o make_v david_n to_o admire_v the_o law_n of_o god_n at_o that_o strange_a rate_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o above_o all_o other_o knowledge_n i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n 119.96_o psal_n 119.96_o but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a second_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o goodness_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v measure_v by_o its_o end_n
to_o be_v to_o let_v man_n loose_v to_o vice_n which_o be_v natural_o attend_v with_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v this_o reason_n of_o charity_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o dispute_v against_o religion_n much_o less_o to_o rally_v upon_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o be_v undeceive_v in_o these_o principle_n of_o religion_n suppose_v they_o be_v false_a because_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v that_o they_o promote_v a_o man_n happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o world_n there_o can_v be_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o mistake_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o it_o will_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v once_o deceive_v about_o these_o matter_n and_o where_o no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n nor_o of_o reason_n can_v be_v pretend_v there_o certal_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n now_o man_n do_v profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o to_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o these_o thing_n can_v there_o then_o be_v a_o great_a insolence_n than_o for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o come_v into_o company_n to_o rally_v and_o fall_v soul_n upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o know_v the_o company_n have_v a_o reverence_n can_v one_o man_n offer_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o another_o than_o to_o expose_v to_o scorn_v he_o who_o he_o own_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o best_a friend_n the_o patron_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o great_a benefactor_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o every_o man_n that_o own_v a_o god_n say_v this_o of_o he_o but_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n the_o rudeness_n be_v still_o the_o great_a so_o that_o whoever_o do_v open_o contemn_v god_n and_o religion_n do_v delinquere_fw-la in_o majestatem_fw-la populi_fw-la &_o humani_fw-la generis_fw-la '_o he_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o great_a incivility_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v the_o least_o that_o i_o have_v to_o urge_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o it_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o especial_o to_o prevail_v upon_o those_o who_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v too_o often_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n i_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v of_o better_a breed_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o behaviour_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o conversation_n better_o than_o other_o man_n 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o deride_v these_o thing_n and_o here_o i_o suppose_v as_o much_o as_o the_o atheist_n can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n pretend_v to_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o no_o life_n after_o this_o for_o these_o be_v pure_a negative_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o proof_n unless_o a_o man_n can_v show_v they_o to_o be_v plain_o impossible_a the_o utmost_a that_o be_v pretend_v be_v that_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v but_o if_o they_o be_v only_o probable_a so_o long_o as_o no_o argument_n be_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n but_o i_o will_v for_o the_o present_n suppose_v the_o probability_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n and_o upon_o this_o supposition_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o monstrous_a folly_n to_o deride_v these_o thing_n because_o though_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a yet_o the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n be_v infinite_o unequal_a if_o it_o prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o religious_a man_n may_v be_v as_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o atheist_n nay_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o make_v he_o happy_a because_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o his_o conscience_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v free_v from_o many_o fearful_a gird_n and_o twinge_n which_o the_o atheist_n feel_v beside_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o promote_v our_o temporal_a felicity_n it_o be_v more_o for_o a_o man_n health_n and_o more_o for_o his_o reputation_n and_o more_o for_o his_o advantage_n in_o all_o other_o worldly_a respect_n to_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a than_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n and_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o case_n of_o the_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o atheist_n will_v be_v alike_o because_o they_o will_v both_o be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n and_o insensible_a of_o any_o far_a happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o then_o if_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v transmit_v out_o of_o this_o world_n into_o the_o other_o there_o to_o receive_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o their_o action_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n at_o first_o sight_n that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o atheist_n must_v be_v vast_o different_a then_o where_o shall_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o ungodly_a appear_v and_o what_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v affront_v god_n and_o deride_v his_o word_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a and_o religious_a what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v renounce_v and_o to_o feel_v the_o terrible_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o justice_n which_o they_o have_v despise_v so_o that_o though_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a yet_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v infinite_a on_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v a_o monstrous_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o not_o and_o if_o they_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v no_o jest_a matter_n 3._o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a then_o be_v it_o not_o only_o a_o heinous_a impiety_n but_o a_o perfect_a madness_n to_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a i_o have_v already_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v both_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v and_o from_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o principle_n of_o which_o universal_a consent_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v unless_o they_o be_v true_a and_o suppose_v they_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o impiety_n but_o the_o high_a flight_n of_o folly_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o deride_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a contempt_n but_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v and_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o his_o word_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v it_o ridiculous_a by_o turn_v the_o wise_a and_o weighty_a say_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n into_o raillery_n be_v a_o most_o direct_a affront_n to_o the_o god_n that_o be_v above_o thus_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v these_o atheistical_a person_n as_o level_v their_o blasphemy_n immediate_o against_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n they_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o the_o heaven_n and_o their_o tongue_n walk_v through_o the_o earth_n they_o do_v mischief_n among_o man_n but_o the_o affront_n be_v immediate_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o this_o profane_a spirit_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o most_o incorrigible_a temper_n the_o wise_a man_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o scorner_n as_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o sinner_n and_o hard_a to_o be_v reclaim_v because_o he_o despise_v instruction_n and_o mock_n at_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reform_v and_o then_o be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o black_a and_o horrid_a ingratitude_n
pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a four_o that_o mr._n s._n by_o his_o principle_n do_v plain_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n the_o generality_n of_o his_o own_o church_n that_o be_v all_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v upon_o his_o ground_n and_o this_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o a_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v the_o method_n to_o arrive_v at_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n the_o principle_n whereof_o be_v these_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a the_o faithful_a be_v those_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n that_o till_o it_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n it_o can_v be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o from_o these_o principle_n he_o conclude_v 21._o conclude_v sec._n 21._o that_o those_o who_o follow_v not_o this_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o this_o church_n can_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o though_o many_o of_o the_o point_n to_o which_o they_o assent_n be_v true_a yet_o their_o assent_n be_v not_o faith_n for_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o method_n be_v the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o consider_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n which_o yet_o remain_v unanswered_a that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o method_n which_o do_v at_o one_o blow_v excommunicate_a and_o un-christian_a the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o his_o own_o church_n for_o if_o all_o who_o do_v not_o follow_v oral_a tradition_n as_o their_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o can_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n than_o all_o who_o follow_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la no_o christian_n for_o nothing_o be_v plain_a than_o that_o that_o council_n do_v not_o make_v oral_a tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n nor_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o such_o which_o have_v be_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n but_o why_o be_v mr._n s._n so_o zealous_a in_o this_o matter_n of_o infallibility_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a reason_n for_o it_o he_o find_v that_o confidence_n how_o weak_o soever_o it_o be_v ground_n have_v some_o effect_n upon_o the_o common_a and_o ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o a_o swagger_a man_n that_o talk_v of_o nothing_o but_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n and_o so_o we_o see_v it_o in_o some_o other_o profession_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n very_o well_o know_v who_o find_v that_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o cheat_v the_o people_n be_v always_o to_o pretend_v to_o infallible_a cure_n i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o his_o infallibility_n but_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v this_o letter_n of_o thanks_o i_o shall_v whole_o pass_v by_o the_o passion_n and_o ill_a language_n of_o it_o which_o a_o man_n may_v plain_o see_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o gall_v and_o uneasy_a mind_n he_o will_v fain_o put_v on_o some_o pleasantness_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v his_o vexation_n nor_o shall_v i_o insist_v upon_o his_o palpable_a shussle_v about_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n rule_n and_o faith_n he_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o have_v explain_v they_o very_o untoward_o and_o therefore_o will_v glad_o come_v off_o by_o say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v explication_n 7._o p._n 7._o but_o only_o to_o predicate_v or_o affirm_v something_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o first_o page_n of_o sure-footing_a be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o beginning_n with_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n which_o express_v the_o thing_n under_o debate_n and_o this_o method_n he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v apply_v to_o his_o present_a purpose_n and_o will_v examine_v well_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n which_o express_v the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o discuss_v namely_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n now_o if_o to_o examine_v well_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o word_n be_v not_o to_o go_v about_o to_o explain_v they_o i_o must_v confess_v myself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a error_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o his_o testimony_n as_o if_o they_o be_v 105._o be_v p._n 105._o not_o intend_v against_o the_o protestant_n whereas_o his_o book_n be_v write_v against_o the_o protestant_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o his_o testimony_n he_o 126._o he_o sure-footing_a p._n 126._o declare_v the_o design_n of_o they_o to_o be_v to_o second_v by_o authority_n what_o he_o have_v before_o establish_v by_o reason_n so_o that_o if_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o his_o book_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o testimony_n be_v design_v to_o second_v it_o i_o can_v understand_v why_o he_o shall_v say_v one_o be_v less_o intend_v against_o they_o than_o the_o other_o but_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v so_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o those_o testimony_n that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v they_o sit_v to_o satisfy_v any_o but_o those_o who_o believe_v he_o already_o as_o to_o his_o charge_n of_o false_a citation_n it_o be_v but_o the_o common_a artifice_n of_o the_o roman_a controvertist_n when_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o say_v however_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v how_o little_o he_o be_v to_o be_v trust_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o about_o which_o he_o make_v the_o loud_a clamour_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v by_o these_o of_o his_o sincerity_n in_o the_o rest_n he_o say_v 62._o p._n 62._o i_o notorious_o abuse_v the_o preface_n to_o rushworth_n dialogue_n in_o cite_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o say_v that_o such_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n always_o to_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n though_o it_o take_v not_o away_o the_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o work_v otherwise_o ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n whereas_o say_v mr._n s._n he_o only_o tell_v we_o there_o p._n 7._o that_o by_o moral_a certainty_n some_o understand_v such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n to_o vindicate_v myself_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o set_v the_o author_n word_n before_o the_o reader_n be_v eye_n they_o be_v these_o this_o term_n moral_a certainty_n every_o one_o explicate_v not_o like_a but_o some_o understand_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n always_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n though_o it_o take_v not_o away_o the_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o work_v other_o way_n other_o call_v that_o a_o moral_a certainty_n which_o proceed_v from_o etc._n etc._n a_o three_o explication_n of_o this_o word_n be_v etc._n etc._n of_o these_o three_o the_o first_o ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n and_o the_o author_n consider_v as_o mistake_v in_o undervalue_v it_o be_v this_o only_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o moral_a certainty_n some_o understand_v etc._n etc._n do_v not_o the_o prefacer_n also_o express_o affirm_v that_o what_o these_o some_o understand_v by_o moral_a certainty_n ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o cite_v he_o for_o another_o heavy_a charge_n be_v 65._o p._n 65._o that_o according_a to_o my_o usual_a sincerity_n i_o quote_v rushworth_n nephew_n to_o say_v that_o a_o few_o good_a word_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v in_o concern_v scripture_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o indifferent_a man_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o verbal_a and_o apparent_a respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o say_v mr._n s._n in_o the_o place_n you_o cite_v he_o only_o express_v it_o will_v be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o indifferent_a man_n to_o see_v the_o position_n one_o will_v induce_v they_o to_o embrace_v maintainable_a by_o scripture_n do_v he_o only_o say_v so_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n the_o word_n in_o mr._n rushworth_n be_v these_o yet_o this_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n for_o indifferent_a man_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o verbal_a and_o apparent_a respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o see_v that_o the_o position_n you_o will_v induce_v they_o unto_o can_v be_v and_o be_v maintain_v by_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o be_v ground_v therein_o certain_o one_o will_v think_v that_o either_o this_o man_n have_v no_o eye_n or_o no_o forehead_n but_o the_o great_a
the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v this_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o man_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o happy_a and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n these_o word_n consist_v of_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o distinct_a in_o sense_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v synonymous_a word_n here_o and_o though_o sometime_o they_o have_v different_a notion_n yet_o in_o the_o poetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v as_o word_n equivalent_a and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o indifferent_o signify_v either_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o practical_a skill_n about_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n speak_v of_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o departure_n from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n of_o a_o very_a near_o sense_n and_o like_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v they_o several_a time_n put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 16.6_o pro._n 3.7_o pr._n 16.6_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n so_o that_o they_o differ_v only_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o by_o a_o metonymy_n usual_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o author_n be_v frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o now_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o very_a great_a latitude_n to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o because_o the_o large_a usage_n of_o these_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a phrase_n 2._o the_o particular_a fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n i._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o some_o eminent_a principle_n or_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v knowledge_n faith_n remembrance_n love_n and_o fear_v by_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o knowledge_n remembrance_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a 10.25_o prov._n 30.3_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o god_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o proverb_n and_o then_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o wicked_a be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n 36.1_o ps_n 36.1_o and_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n 12.1_o eccl._n 12.1_o that_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v that_o they_o forget_v god_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n 9.17_o ps_n 9.17_o and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n religion_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a christian_n be_v so_o frequent_o call_v believer_n and_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n unbeliever_n and_o that_o good_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 6.24_o ro._n 8.28_o eph._n 6.24_o and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v because_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n be_v such_o powerful_a principle_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o where_o any_o one_o of_o these_o real_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n together_o with_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v often_o express_v by_o some_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o which_o will_v explain_v the_o second_o phrase_n here_o in_o the_o text_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o seek_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n hence_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o seek_v god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o by_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n 2.21_o act_n 2.21_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o by_o come_v to_o god_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n of_o man_n religion_n begin_v with_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o sin_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v describe_v sometime_o by_o come_v to_o god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a unless_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 59.15_o be_v 59.15_o sometime_o by_o depart_v from_o sin_n and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o bad_a state_n of_o those_o time_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n there_o complain_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a but_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v persecute_v ii_o for_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o fitness_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o influence_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a fear_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o that_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n every_o one_o desire_n his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v destroy_v his_o be_v or_o endanger_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o be_v omnipotency_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o inward_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v which_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o almighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n god_n have_v hide_v in_o every_o man_n conscience_n a_o secret_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o eternal_a justice_n now_o fear_v be_v so_o intimate_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v two_o bridle_n or_o restraint_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n be_v the_o weak_a and_o have_v place_n only_o in_o those_o in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o virtue_n fear_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o work_n upon_o all_o who_o love_n themselves_o and_o desire_v their_o own_o preservation_n therefore_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n fear_n be_v that_o passion_n which_o have_v the_o great_a power_n over_o we_o and_o by_o which_o god_n and_o his_o law_n take_v the_o sure_a hold_n of_o we_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n and_o hope_v be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o representation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n and_o happiness_n as_o our_o fear_n be_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o though_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o true_a happiness_n yet_o we_o
they_o be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o patient_o to_o consider_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o for_o many_o have_v miscarry_v about_o these_o thing_n not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o evidence_n enough_o for_o they_o but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o have_v patience_n enough_o to_o consider_v they_o second_o consider_v these_o thing_n impartial_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o a_o party_n against_o religion_n some_o lust_n or_o interest_n engage_v they_o against_o it_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o slight_v the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o it_o and_o to_o cry_v up_o very_o weak_a one_o against_o it_o man_n do_v general_o and_o without_o difficulty_n assent_v to_o mathematical_a truth_n because_o it_o be_v no_o body_n interest_n to_o deny_v they_o but_o man_n be_v slow_a to_o believe_v moral_a and_o divine_a truth_n because_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o more_o virtuous_o any_o man_n live_v and_o the_o less_o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o any_o lust_n the_o more_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n therefore_o when_o you_o be_v examine_v these_o matter_n do_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n any_o sensual_a or_o worldly_a interest_n but_o deal_v clear_o and_o impartial_o with_o yourselves_o let_v not_o temporal_a and_o little_a advantage_n sway_v you_o against_o a_o great_a and_o more_o durable_a interest_n think_v thus_o with_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o make_n of_o thing_n true_a or_o false_a but_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o existence_n of_o thing_n be_v already_o fix_v and_o settle_v and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v already_o either_o determinate_o true_a or_o false_a before_o you_o think_v of_o they_o either_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o there_o be_v not_o either_o your_o soul_n be_v immortal_a or_o they_o be_v not_o one_o of_o these_o be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a and_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v alter_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o comply_v with_o our_o conceit_n and_o bend_v itself_o to_o our_o interest_n therefore_o do_v not_o think_v what_o you_o will_v have_v to_o be_v but_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v will_v be_v whether_o you_o will_v or_o no._n do_v not_o reason_n thus_o i_o will_v fain_o be_v wicked_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v my_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n nor_o no_o life_n after_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o will_v show_v all_o the_o favour_n i_o can_v to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n i_o will_v bend_v my_o understanding_n and_o wit_n to_o strengthen_v the_o negative_a and_o will_v study_v to_o make_v it_o as_o true_a as_o i_o can_v this_o be_v fond_a because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cheat_v thyself_o and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v as_o often_o as_o we_o please_v but_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o if_o then_o thou_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o thou_o ought_v to_o be_v thou_o will_v reason_v thus_o with_o thyself_o my_o high_a interest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deceive_v about_o these_o matter_n therefore_o set_v aside_o all_o other_o consideration_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o yield_v to_o that_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o long_a discourse_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v all_o this_o while_n be_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o god_n himself_o do_v particular_o recommend_v to_o we_o as_o proper_a for_o humane_a consideration_n unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n whoever_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o call_v himself_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n and_o to_o demean_v himself_o religious_o towards_o he_o for_o god_n be_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o our_o eye_n the_o first_o and_o the_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o glorious_a object_n of_o it_o he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o do_v represent_v he_o to_o we_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v ourselves_o we_o be_v encounter_v with_o clear_a evidence_n and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v 1._o rom._n 1._o be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n that_o be_v those_o man_n that_o know_v not_o god_n have_v no_o apology_n to_o make_v for_o themselves_o or_o if_o man_n do_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n not_o to_o consider_v the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o as_o become_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o natural_o owe_v he_o this_o be_v great_a stupidity_n and_o inconsiderateness_n and_o yet_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n will_v very_o think_v that_o they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n represent_v wicked_a man_n as_o without_o understanding_n it_o be_v a_o nation_n void_a of_o counsel_n 14.4_o deut._n 32.28_o psal_n 14.4_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o understanding_n in_o they_o and_o elsewhere_o have_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n no_o knowledge_n not_o that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v not_o blind_a but_o they_o wink_v they_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o though_o they_o know_v god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n nor_o suffer_v the_o apprehension_n of_o he_o to_o have_v a_o due_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n man_n general_o stand_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hate_v to_o be_v account_v fool_n because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o reproach_n the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v this_o imputation_n and_o to_o bring_v off_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v to_o be_v true_o religious_a to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o such_o imprudent_a person_n as_o he_o that_o neglect_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o be_v careless_a and_o slothful_a about_o his_o everlasting_a concernment_n because_o this_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o true_a reason_n and_o best_a interest_n he_o neglect_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o be_v active_a to_o procure_v his_o own_o ruin_n he_o fly_v from_o happiness_n and_o run_v away_o from_o it_o as_o fast_o as_o he_o can_v but_o pursue_v misery_n and_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v undo_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n do_v all_o along_o in_o the_o proverb_n give_v the_o title_n of_o fool_n to_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v his_o proper_a name_n and_o the_o fit_a character_n of_o he_o because_o he_o be_v so_o eminent_o such_o there_o be_v no_o fool_n to_o the_o sinner_n who_o every_o moment_n venture_v his_o soul_n and_o lay_v his_o everlasting_a interest_n at_o the_o stake_n every_o time_n a_o man_n provoke_v god_n he_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n to_o himself_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o mad_a man_n that_o cut_v himself_o and_o tear_n his_o own_o flesh_n and_o dash_v his_o head_n against_o the_o stone_n do_v not_o act_v so_o unreasonable_o as_o he_o because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o sensible_a of_o what_o he_o do_v wickedness_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a frenzy_n and_o a_o choose_a distraction_n and_o every_o sinner_n do_v wild_a and_o more_o extravagant_a thing_n than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v that_o be_v craze_v and_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n only_o with_o this_o sad_a difference_n that_o he_o know_v better_a what_o he_o do_v for_o to_o they_o who_o believe_v another_o life_n after_o this_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a postulatum_fw-la or_o demand_v among_o christian_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o mathematics_n more_o demonstrable_a than_o the_o folly_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o evident_a principle_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o
to_o religion_n religion_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o religion_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v terrible_a enemy_n to_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v continnual_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o gall_v their_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o kick_v against_o religion_n and_o spurn_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n and_o this_o may_v probable_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o many_o man_n who_o be_v observe_v to_o be_v sufficient_o dull_a in_o other_o matter_n yet_o can_v talk_v profane_o and_o speak_v against_o religion_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o salt_n and_o smartness_n because_o religion_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o fret_v they_o and_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o vexatio_fw-la that_fw-mi intellectum_fw-la the_o inward_a trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o their_o mind_n give_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o wit_n and_o sharpness_n in_o rally_v upon_o religion_n their_o conscience_n be_v gall_v by_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o winch_v and_o fling_v as_o if_o they_o have_v some_o metal_n for_o let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v have_v from_o atheistical_a principle_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o none_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a of_o danger_n or_o more_o fearful_a of_o death_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o prosperity_n they_o ever_o and_o anon_o feel_v many_o inward_a sting_n and_o lash_n but_o when_o any_o great_a affliction_n or_o calamity_n overtake_v they_o they_o be_v the_o most_o poor_a spirit_a creature_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o sum_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n religion_n will_v curb_v he_o in_o his_o lust_n and_o therefore_o he_o cast_v it_o off_o and_o put_v all_o the_o scorn_n upon_o it_o he_o can_v beside_o that_o man_n think_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o apology_n for_o their_o vice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v contrary_a to_o any_o principle_n they_o profess_v their_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o they_o think_v to_o vindicate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o practice_n by_o laugh_v at_o those_o for_o fool_n who_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v be_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o heinousness_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o vice_n and_o to_o make_v this_o out_o we_o will_v make_v these_o three_o supposition_n which_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v 1._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a 2._o suppose_v the_o matter_n be_v doubtful_a and_o the_o argument_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n 3._o suppose_v it_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a put_v the_o case_n how_o we_o will_v i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o humour_n be_v intolerable_a i._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o supposition_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o humour_n put_v the_o case_n that_o these_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o all_o that_o they_o pretend_v be_v true_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n believe_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a rudeness_n or_o incivility_n at_o least_o to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n indeed_o upon_o this_o supposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n against_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a conversation_n suppose_v then_o the_o atheist_n be_v wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o do_v upon_o good_a ground_n know_v that_o all_o mankind_n beside_o himself_o and_o two_o or_o three_o more_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v either_o so_o wise_a or_o so_o civil_a as_o he_o shall_v be_v he_o will_v keep_v all_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o not_o affront_v other_o man_n about_o these_o thing_n i_o remember_v that_o that_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n be_v render_v by_o josephus_n in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n what_o other_o nation_n account_v god_n let_v no_o man_n blaspheme_v and_o this_o be_v not_o so_o different_a from_o the_o hebrew_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v imagine_v for_o the_o same_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v both_o god_n and_o ruler_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o law_n or_o not_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o though_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_n in_o dispute_n against_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o urge_v it_o with_o all_o its_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a consequence_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o barbarous_a incivility_n for_o any_o man_n scurrilous_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o that_o which_o other_o account_v religion_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o convince_v their_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o provoke_v their_o rage_n but_o now_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n why_o he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o dispute_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n much_o less_o deride_v they_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o religion_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n for_o oppose_v a_o contrary_a religion_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v all_o religion_n can_v pretend_v no_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v indeed_o in_o reason_n and_o common_a humanity_n to_o free_v his_o neighbour_n from_o a_o hurtful_a error_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extinguish_v or_o if_o they_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v it_o for_o he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v but_o with_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o violence_n that_o the_o remedy_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n for_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v found_v in_o a_o natural_a fear_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v to_o expel_v it_o for_o whatever_o violence_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o nature_n by_o endeavour_v to_o reason_n man_n into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n nature_n will_v still_o recoil_v and_o at_o last_o return_n to_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o fear_n will_v be_v augment_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o impiety_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v create_v more_o trouble_n to_o a_o man_n than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v he_o of_o this_o conceit_n because_o nature_n be_v but_o irritate_v by_o the_o contest_v and_o the_o man_n fear_n will_v be_v double_v upon_o he_o but_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o nature_n but_o to_o have_v have_v its_o rise_n from_o tradition_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n the_o difficulty_n of_o remove_v it_o will_v almost_o be_v as_o great_a as_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a that_o which_o man_n take_v in_o by_o education_n be_v next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o will_v not_o recompense_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o cure_n for_o except_o the_o avoid_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o advantage_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n if_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_o settle_v in_o a_o man_n mind_n can_v give_v he_o the_o advantage_n indeed_o that_o man_n make_v of_o they_o be_v to_o give_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v to_o be_v more_o sensual_a and_o more_o unjust_a than_o other_o man_n that_o be_v they_o have_v the_o privilege_n to_o surfeit_v themselves_o and_o to_o be_v sick_a often_o than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o malt_n mankind_n their_o enemy_n by_o their_o unjust_a and_o dishonest_a action_n and_o consequent_o to_o live_v more_o uneasy_o in_o the_o world_n than_o other_o man_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n by_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v virtuous_a do_v real_o promote_v their_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o atheism_n pretend_v
thus_o to_o use_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n and_o the_o patron_n of_o our_o life_n to_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o open_a defiance_n of_o he_o in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a so_o it_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a impiety_n to_o despise_v he_o that_o can_v destroy_v we_o and_o to_o oppose_v he_o who_o be_v infinite_o more_o powerful_a than_o we_o be_v will_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v you_o strong_a than_o he_o what_o gamaliel_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o another_o case_n may_v with_o a_o little_a change_n be_v apply_v to_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a you_o can_v overthrow_v they_o therefore_o refrain_v from_o speak_v against_o these_o thing_n lest_o you_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n i_o will_v but_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o profane_a temper_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n so_o there_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o least_o temptation_n to_o it_o when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n with_o riches_n or_o honour_n to_o ruin_v themselves_o he_o offer_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o consideration_n but_o the_o profane_a person_n serve_v the_o devil_n for_o nought_o and_o sin_n only_o for_o sin_n sake_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o into_o the_o great_a danger_n for_o no_o other_o reward_n but_o the_o slender_a reputation_n of_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o witty_o which_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v say_v and_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o offend_v his_o conscience_n to_o please_v his_o humour_n and_o only_o for_o his_o jest_n to_o lose_v two_o of_o the_o best_a friend_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o upon_o this_o argument_n and_o now_o i_o beg_v your_o patience_n to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o these_o three_o purpose_n 1._o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a folly_n of_o profaneness_n which_o by_o some_o be_v miscall_v wit_n 2._o to_o caution_n man_n not_o to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o despise_v and_o deride_v it_o 3._o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o employ_v that_o reason_n and_o wit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o better_a and_o noble_a purpose_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v bestow_v these_o gift_n on_o man_n 1._o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a folly_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o man_n have_v the_o fortune_n to_o be_v esteem_v wit_n only_o for_o jest_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o for_o make_v bold_a to_o scoff_n at_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n reverence_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v account_v a_o wit_n for_o revile_v those_o in_o authority_n which_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o any_o man_n wit_n than_o it_o be_v of_o his_o discretion_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o a_o great_a prince_n though_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o dominion_n because_o he_o remember_v that_o king_n have_v long_a hand_n and_o that_o their_o power_n and_o influence_n do_v many_o time_n reach_v a_o great_a way_n far_o than_o their_o direct_a authority_n but_o god_n be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o can_v go_v no_o whither_o from_o his_o spirit_n nor_o can_v we_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n wherever_o we_o be_v his_o eye_n see_v we_o and_o his_o right_a hand_n can_v reach_v we_o if_o man_n do_v true_o consult_v the_o interest_n either_o of_o their_o safety_n or_o reputation_n they_o will_v never_o exercise_v their_o wit_n in_o dangerous_a matter_n wit_n be_v a_o very_a commendable_a quality_n but_o then_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v always_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n as_o apt_a for_o mischief_n as_o for_o good_a purpose_n if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o manage_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o season_v conversation_n to_o represent_v what_o be_v praiseworthy_a to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o vice_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_o ridiculous_a but_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o serious_a matter_n it_o then_o lose_v its_o commendation_n if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o abound_v in_o this_o quality_n and_o have_v wit_n to_o spare_v there_o be_v scope_n enough_o for_o it_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o religion_n and_o decency_n and_o when_o it_o transgress_v these_o it_o degenerate_v into_o insolence_n and_o impiety_n all_o wit_n which_o border_n upon_o profaneness_n and_o make_v bold_a with_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a deserve_v to_o be_v brand_v for_o folly_n and_o if_o we_o will_v preserve_v ourselves_o from_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o vice_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o scoff_v at_o religion_n under_o any_o form_n lest_o insensible_o we_o derive_v some_o contempt_n upon_o religion_n itself_o and_o we_o must_v likewise_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o a_o slight_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v upon_o every_o light_a occasion_n man_n will_v easy_o slide_v into_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o profaneness_n who_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o preserve_v a_o due_a reverence_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n and_o a_o awful_a regard_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n none_o so_o near_o dispose_v to_o scoff_v at_o religion_n as_o those_o who_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o swear_v upon_o trifle_a occasion_n for_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o permit_v those_o who_o allow_v themselves_o in_o one_o degree_n of_o profaneness_n to_o proceed_v to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o contemn_v all_o religion_n 2._o let_v no_o man_n think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o despise_v and_o deride_v it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v laugh_v at_o but_o to_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v it_o be_v a_o know_v say_v of_o epictetus_n that_o every_o thing_n have_v two_o handle_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o bad_a but_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v hold_n of_o something_o or_o other_o about_o it_o that_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o excuse_n and_o extenuation_n nor_o nothing_o so_o excellent_a but_o a_o man_n may_v fasten_v upon_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v to_o it_o whereby_o to_o reduce_v it_o a_o sharp_a wit_n may_v find_v something_o in_o the_o wise_a man_n whereby_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o injudicious_a people_n the_o grave_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o apply_v the_o say_n of_o it_o to_o a_o foolish_a purpose_n for_o a_o jest_n may_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o less_o reverence_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o idle_a and_o profane_a wit_n can_v break_v jest_n upon_o they_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o take_v particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n out_o of_o the_o best_a book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o abuse_v they_o by_o force_v a_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a sense_n upon_o they_o but_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v a_o good_a book_n foolish_a for_o this_o reason_n but_o the_o man_n that_o abuse_v it_o nor_o will_v he_o esteem_v that_o to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n against_o any_o thing_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v despise_v all_o thing_n but_o sure_o the_o better_a and_o the_o short_a way_n be_v to_o contemn_v those_o who_o will_v bring_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v worthy_a into_o contempt_n 3._o and_o last_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o employ_v that_o reason_n and_o wit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o better_a and_o noble_a purpose_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v
to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o more_o easy_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a influence_n both_o upon_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n 1._o upon_o magistrate_n religion_n teach_v they_o to_o rule_v over_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o though_o they_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_n of_o heaven_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a in_o this_o world_n religion_n in_o a_o magistrate_n strengthen_v his_o authority_n because_o it_o procure_v veneration_n and_o gain_v a_o reputation_n to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o reputation_n be_v real_o so_o much_o power_n we_o see_v that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n where_o they_o be_v find_v among_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n will_v command_v some_o reverence_n and_o respect_n but_o in_o person_n of_o eminent_a place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v seat_v to_o a_o great_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o their_o very_a place_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reflection_n to_o double_v the_o beam_n of_o majesty_n whereas_o impiety_n and_o vice_n do_v strange_o lessen_v greatness_n and_o do_v secret_o and_o unavoidable_o derive_v some_o weakness_n upon_o authority_n itself_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o david_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o son_n of_o zurviah_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o this_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o conscious_a to_o his_o crime_n 2._o religion_n have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o 1._o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o conformable_a to_o law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n which_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o loof_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o will_v cease_v when_o ever_o man_n can_v rebel_v with_o safety_n and_o to_o advantage_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a and_o last_a principle_n and_o will_v hold_v a_o man_n fast_o when_o all_o other_o obligation_n will_v break_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v from_o his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o resist_v authority_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o for_o it_o endeavour_n to_o plant_v all_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o fill_v man_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o good_a will_n it_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o secure_v every_o man_n interest_n by_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o by_o enjoin_v that_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v inviolable_o observe_v in_o all_o our_o word_n promise_n and_o contract_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o require_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o render_v man_n unsociable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o as_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n and_o those_o likewise_o which_o be_v not_o so_o common_o repute_v vice_n as_o self-conceit_n and_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o opinion_n and_o all_o peevishness_n and_o incompliance_n of_o humour_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a piety_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n every_o where_o teach_v we_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o temper_n thus_o to_o heal_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o sweeten_v their_o spirit_n to_o correct_v their_o passion_n and_o to_o mortify_v all_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o enmity_n and_o division_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v they_o shall_v do_v the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a place_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o it_o be_v and_o indeed_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o society_n of_o man_n be_v so_o full_a of_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n so_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o true_a religion_n among_o man_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o small_a remainder_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v scatter_v among_o mankind_n humane_a society_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n the_o earth_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o become_v a_o great_a forest_n and_o mankind_n will_v become_v beast_n of_o prey_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v true_a sure_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o virtue_n shall_v find_v itself_o a_o seat_n wherever_o humane_a society_n be_v and_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o world_n until_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n ii_o i_o come_v to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n 2._o that_o as_o for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v arbitrary_a thing_n 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o the_o atheist_n do_v and_o must_v assert_v otherwise_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o government_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v in_o humane_a society_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v any_o superior_a be_v nor_o any_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n for_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o confusion_n will_v probable_o compel_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o order_n but_o then_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o if_o these_o principle_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n government_n will_v be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o now_o it_o be_v because_o it_o will_v want_v its_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n there_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o injustice_n and_o violence_n only_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o not_o by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o another_o world_n therefore_o magistrate_n have_v always_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o cherish_v religion_n and_o to_o maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n nay_o that_o common_a suggestion_n of_o atheistical_a person_n that_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o state-engine_n to_o awe_v man_n into_o obedience_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o do_v as_o full_o contradict_v that_o pretence_n of_o they_o which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v 2._o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v arbitrary_a thing_n found_v only_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v virtue_n or_o vice_n good_a or_o evil_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v frequent_o and_o confident_o assert_v by_o the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o a_o very_a bad_a book_n i_o mean_v the_o leviathan_n now_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o answer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v confident_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o as_o perjury_n perfidiousness_n unrighteousness_n and_o ingratitude_n which_o be_v thing_n not_o only_o condemn_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o
his_o grace_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o his_o grace_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o first_o volume_n the_o eight_o edition_n correct_v london_n print_v for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1694._o to_o the_o worshipful_a the_o master_n of_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o lincolns-inn_n gentleman_n when_o i_o resolve_v to_o publish_v these_o sermon_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n to_o who_o i_o shall_v dedicate_v they_o they_o do_v of_o right_o belong_v to_o you_o be_v most_o of_o they_o first_o preach_v among_o you_o beside_o my_o great_a obligation_n to_o you_o for_o your_o constant_a respect_n to_o i_o both_o in_o the_o favourable_a acceptance_n and_o in_o the_o generous_a encouragement_n of_o my_o labour_n ever_o since_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o you_o in_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n whereof_o i_o humble_o present_v this_o small_a part_n of_o they_o to_o you_o hope_v that_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o sincere_a wish_n and_o aim_v of_o your_o most_o oblige_a and_o faithful_a servant_n john_n cant._n the_o preface_n i_o shall_v neither_o trouble_v the_o reader_n nor_o myself_o with_o any_o apology_n for_o the_o publish_n of_o these_o sermon_n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n true_o serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o with_o any_o considerable_a advantage_n i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o apology_n be_v necessary_a and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o i_o be_o sure_a none_o can_v be_v sufficient_a however_o if_o there_o need_v any_o the_o common_a head_n of_o excuse_n in_o these_o case_n be_v very_o well_o know_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o they_o with_o other_o man_n i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o in_o this_o preface_n to_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o vindicate_v a_o single_a passage_n in_o the_o first_o of_o they_o from_o the_o exception_n of_o a_o gentleman_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o honour_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o write_v a_o whole_a book_n against_o it_o the_o design_n of_o these_o discourse_n be_v fourfold_a first_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n and_o of_o scoff_v at_o religion_n which_o i_o be_o sorry_a be_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o age._n this_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o discourse_n second_o to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o man_n from_o the_o great_a and_o manifold_a advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v both_o to_o public_a society_n and_o to_o particular_a person_n and_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o three_o to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n more_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o those_o grievous_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n which_o many_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v attend_v withal_o and_o this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o five_o and_o six_o four_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n from_o the_o great_a obligation_n which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o more_o particular_o from_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o life_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o two_o last_o discourse_n have_v give_v this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o crave_v leave_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o detain_v he_o a_o little_a long_o whilst_o i_o vindicate_v a_o passage_n in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o sermon_n from_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o whole_a book_n purposely_o write_v against_o it_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n be_v faith_n vindicate_v from_o the_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n the_o author_n mr._n j._n s._n the_o famous_a author_n of_o sure_a foot_n he_o have_v indeed_o in_o this_o last_o book_n of_o he_o to_o my_o great_a amazement_n quit_v that_o glorious_a title_n not_o that_o i_o dare_v assume_v to_o myself_o to_o have_v put_v he_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o it_o by_o have_v convince_v he_o of_o the_o phantasticalness_n of_o it_o no_o i_o despair_v to_o convince_v that_o man_n of_o any_o thing_n who_o after_o so_o fair_a a_o admonition_n do_v still_o persist_v to_o maintain_v etc._n maintain_v letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 24_o etc._n etc._n that_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n not_o only_o may_v but_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o 11._o and_o ibid._n p._n 11._o that_o those_o ridiculous_a identical_a proposition_n that_o faith_n be_v faith_n and_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n be_v first_o principle_n in_o this_o controversy_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v solid_o conclude_v either_o about_o rule_n or_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n for_o his_o quit_n of_o that_o title_n and_o a_o prudent_a one_o indeed_o he_o have_v forsake_v the_o defence_n of_o sure_a foot_n and_o then_o it_o become_v convenient_a to_o lay_v aside_o that_o title_n for_o fear_v of_o put_v people_n any_o more_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o book_n i_o expect_v indeed_o after_o his_o letter_n of_o thanks_o in_o which_o he_o 14._o he_o p._n 14._o tell_v we_o he_o intend_v to_o throw_v aside_o the_o rubbish_n of_o my_o book_n that_o in_o his_o answer_n he_o may_v the_o better_o lay_v open_a the_o fabric_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o have_v nothing_o there_o to_o do_v but_o to_o 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considerable_a as_o not_o to_o dread_v this_o mighty_a man_n of_o demonstration_n this_o prince_n of_o controvertist_n this_o great_a lord_n and_o possessor_n of_o first_o principle_n but_o i_o perceive_v that_o great_a mind_n be_v merciful_a and_o do_v sometime_o content_v themselves_o to_o threaten_v when_o they_o can_v destroy_v for_o instead_o of_o return_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o my_o book_n he_o according_a to_o their_o new_a mode_n of_o confute_v book_n manful_o fall_v a_o nibble_v at_o one_o single_a passage_n in_o it_o pag._n 118._o wherein_o he_o make_v i_o to_o say_v for_o i_o say_v no_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a nay_o in_o his_o letter_n of_o thanks_o 13._o thanks_o p._n 13._o he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o avow_v position_n in_o that_o place_n that_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o to_o give_v the_o more_o countenance_n to_o this_o calumny_n he_o charge_v the_o same_o position_n in_o equivalent_a term_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n upon_o the_o forementioned_a sermon_n but_o because_o he_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o i_o have_v avow_v no_o such_o position_n he_o dare_v not_o cite_v the_o word_n either_o of_o my_o book_n or_o sermon_n lest_o the_o reader_n shall_v have_v discover_v the_o notorious_a falsehood_n and_o groundlesness_n of_o this_o calumny_n nay_o he_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o refer_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n in_o my_o sermon_n where_o such_o a_o passage_n may_v be_v find_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o face_n to_o charge_v other_o with_o false_a citation_n to_o which_o charge_n before_o i_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v say_v something_o
ii_o the_o second_o way_n of_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v by_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n now_o all_o that_o be_v irreligious_a be_v so_o upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n either_o first_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o future_a reward_n or_o else_o second_o because_o though_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v these_o thing_n yet_o they_o live_v contrary_a to_o this_o their_o belief_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v speculative_a the_o other_o of_o practical_a atheism_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o both_o these_o first_o speculative_a atheism_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o five_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o give_v 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there_o be_v but_o these_o two_o way_n imaginable_a for_o the_o world_n to_o be_v either_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o also_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o main_a thing_n always_o be_v as_o they_o be_v without_o any_o first_o cause_n of_o their_o be_v which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a atheist_n those_o i_o mean_v who_o proceed_v upon_o aristotle_n supposition_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o he_o express_o assert_n or_o else_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o of_o itself_o the_o original_n of_o this_o vast_a and_o beautiful_a frame_n must_v be_v ascribe_v more_o to_o chance_n and_o the_o casual_a concourse_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o epicurean_a atheist_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o way_n give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o 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hell_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a for_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o thing_n as_o will_v make_v man_n circumspect_a and_o careful_a to_o avoid_v a_o lesser_a dangér_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o awaken_v man_n much_o more_o to_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a such_o a_o assurance_n as_o will_v sharpen_v man_n desire_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o lesser_a good_a ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o animate_v man_n more_o powerful_o and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o great_a vigour_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_o great_a for_o why_o the_o same_o assurance_n shall_v not_o operate_v as_o well_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n as_o in_o a_o less_o in_o a_o great_a good_a as_o in_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n unless_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o greatness_n of_o a_o evil_a danger_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o run_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o any_o good_a and_o happiness_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o dishearten_v man_n from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v with_o reason_n entreat_v such_o as_o be_v atheistical_o incline_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n serious_o and_o impartial_o and_o if_o there_o be_v weight_n in_o these_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o they_o to_o sway_v with_o reasonable_a man_n i_o will_v beg_v of_o such_o that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o passion_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n first_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o serious_o and_o diligent_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o every_o man_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v our_o serious_a study_n and_o consideration_n these_o principle_n of_o religion_n do_v for_o what_o 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to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o that_o man_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n who_o love_v to_o be_v jest_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o to_o play_v with_o life_n and_o death_n this_o be_v the_o very_a madman_n that_o solomon_n speak_v of_o 26.18_o prov._n 26.18_o who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n and_o say_v be_o i_o not_o in_o sport_n to_o examine_v severe_o and_o debate_v serious_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v turn_v religion_n into_o raillery_n and_o think_v to_o confute_v it_o by_o two_o or_o three_o bold_a jest_n this_o man_n do_v not_o render_v religion_n but_o himself_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o considerate_a man_n because_o he_o sport_n with_o his_o own_o life_n if_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o they_o 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may_v be_v mindful_a of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o in_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n etc._n etc._n the_o prophecy_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v probable_o that_o famous_a prediction_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n and_o before_o the_o fulfil_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n express_o tell_v we_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o 24.11_o mat._n 24.11_o now_o the_o scoffer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o false_a teacher_n who_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v describe_v all_o along_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n there_o be_v false_a prophet_n also_o among_o the_o people_n even_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o you_o these_o he_o tell_v we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o scoff_n at_o 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apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o they_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n in_o those_o time_n there_o be_v a_o common_a persuasion_n among_o christian_n that_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n 3.2_o 2_o thes_n 3.2_o as_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o tell_v we_o now_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a these_o scoffer_n twit_v the_o christian_n withal_o and_o because_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v when_o some_o look_v for_o he_o they_o conclude_v he_o will_v not_o come_v at_o all_o upon_o this_o they_o deride_v the_o christian_n as_o endure_a persecution_n in_o a_o vain_a expectation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o happen_v they_o see_v all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o apprehension_n of_o christian_n concern_v the_o approach_a end_n of_o it_o for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v either_o be_v render_v from_o the_o time_n or_o else_o which_o seem_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o atheistical_a discourse_n of_o these_o man_n save_v or_o except_o that_o the_o father_n be_v fall_v asleep_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v save_v that_o man_n die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o they_o see_v no_o change_n or_o alalteration_n they_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o go_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n one_o generation_n of_o man_n pass_v away_o and_o another_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o but_o the_o world_n remain_v still_o as_o it_o be_v and_o thus_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v thing_n may_v hold_v on_o for_o ever_o so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o deny_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o consequent_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o shall_v sentence_v man_n to_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n they_o deride_v as_o the_o fancy_n and_o dream_n of_o a_o company_n of_o melancholy_a man_n who_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o world_n and_o please_v themselves_o with_o vain_a conceit_n of_o happiness_n and_o ease_n in_o another_o life_n but_o as_o for_o they_o they_o believe_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o give_v all_o manner_n of_o licence_n and_o indulgence_n to_o their_o lust_n but_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o ii_o the_o character_n which_o be_v here_o give_v of_o these_o scoffer_n they_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o when_o they_o deny_v a_o future_a judgement_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o sensuality_n st._n judas_n in_o his_o epistle_n give_v much_o the_o same_o character_n of_o they_o that_o st._n peter_n here_o do_v ver_fw-la 18_o 19_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n mocker_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o ungodly_a lust_n sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n so_o that_o we_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n they_o be_v who_o profane_o scoff_v at_o religion_n man_n of_o sensual_a spirit_n and_o of_o licentious_a life_n for_o this_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v of_o the_o scoffer_n of_o that_o age_n be_v not_o a_o accidental_a thing_n which_o happen_v to_o those_o person_n but_o be_v the_o constant_a character_n of_o they_o who_o deride_v religion_n and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o impiety_n it_o be_v both_o the_o usual_a preparation_n to_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequent_a of_o it_o to_o deride_v god_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o impiety_n and_o man_n do_v not_o usual_o arrive_v to_o this_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n at_o first_o but_o they_o come_v to_o it_o by_o several_a step_n the_o psalmist_n very_o elegant_o express_v to_o we_o the_o several_a gradation_n by_o which_o man_n at_o last_o come_v to_o this_o horrid_a degree_n of_o impiety_n blessed_n be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 1â—_n psal_n 1_o 1â—_n nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a man_n be_v usual_o first_o corrupt_v by_o bad_a counsel_n and_o company_n which_o be_v call_v walk_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a next_o they_o habituate_v themselves_o to_o their_o vicious_a practice_n which_o be_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n and_o then_o at_o last_o they_o take_v up_o and_o settle_v in_o a_o contempt_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v call_v sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a for_o when_o man_n once_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o wicked_a course_n the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o their_o mind_n sway_v their_o understanding_n and_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v those_o truth_n which_o contradict_v their_o lust_n every_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o passion_n be_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o man_n understanding_n which_o natural_o draw_v towards_o atheism_n and_o when_o man_n judgement_n be_v once_o bias_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o their_o interest_n for_o when_o man_n live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o become_v expedient_a for_o they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o then_o they_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o so_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o find_v argument_n to_o fortify_v themselves_o in_o this_o persuasion_n man_n of_o dissolute_a life_n cry_v down_o religion_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o it_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v tie_v up_o by_o the_o strict_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n more_o than_o any_o reason_n they_o have_v against_o it_o which_o make_v they_o despise_v it_o they_o hate_v it_o because_o they_o be_v reprove_v by_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v 20._o john_n 3.19_o 20._o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v i_o remember_v it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o one_o who_o have_v do_v more_o by_o his_o write_n to_o debauch_v the_o age_n with_o atheistical_a principle_n than_o any_o man_n that_o live_v in_o it_o that_o when_o reason_n be_v against_o a_o man_n than_o a_o man_n will_v be_v against_o reason_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o such_o man_n enmity_n
in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n because_o the_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o of_o late_a year_n religion_n be_v very_o sensible_o decline_v among_o we_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n have_v almost_o be_v universal_o corrupt_v by_o a_o civil_a war._n we_o shall_v therefore_o all_o joint_o endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v the_o ancient_a virtue_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o fashion_n again_o that_o solid_a and_o substantial_a that_o plain_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n free_a from_o the_o extreme_n both_o of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o flourish_v in_o the_o age_n of_o our_o immediate_a forefather_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o idle_a talk_n but_o in_o real_a effect_n in_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o pious_a devotion_n and_o reverence_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o in_o the_o virtuous_a action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o in_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n this_o be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o bring_v down_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o we_o god_n have_v now_o be_v please_v to_o settle_v we_o again_o in_o peace_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o he_o have_v put_v we_o once_o more_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o own_o counsel_n life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v prosperity_n and_o destruction_n be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v choose_v our_o own_o fortune_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n become_v a_o happy_a and_o a_o prosperous_a people_n the_o good_a god_n make_v we_o all_o wise_a to_o know_v and_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o every_o one_o of_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o humble_o beg_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n psalm_n nineteeen_o ii_o and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n in_o this_o psalm_n david_n celebrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n from_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n verse_n 1_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n verse_n 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o among_o many_o other_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o mention_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o come_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o verse_n 11._o and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o much_o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o public_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o support_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v that_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v likewise_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o particular_a person_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o for_o though_o there_o be_v but_o little_a express_a mention_n make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o all_o religion_n do_v suppose_v these_o principle_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o i._o and_o first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o religion_n conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a man_n first_o as_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v pious_a and_o religious_a bring_v a_o double_a advantage_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o understanding_n 2._o it_o bring_v peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o our_o mind_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o that_o it_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o make_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o eternity_n better_o but_o that_o in_o general_a it_o do_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o true_a knowledge_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v the_o follow_a text_n 19.8_o psal_n 19.8_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n 111.10_o psal_n 111.10_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n thou_o through_o thy_o commandment_n haste_v make_v i_o wise_a than_o my_o enemy_n 119.98_o psal_n 119.98_o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o political_a prudence_n i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n 99_o ver_fw-la 99_o for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n 130._o ver_fw-la 104._o ver_fw-la 130._o through_o thy_o precept_n i_o get_v understanding_n the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n give_v light_a it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a now_o religion_n do_v improve_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n by_o subdue_a their_o lust_n and_o moderate_v their_o passion_n the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n do_v sully_v and_o darken_v their_o mind_n even_o by_o a_o natural_a influence_n intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n do_v debase_v man_n mind_n and_o clog_v their_o spirit_n make_v they_o gross_a and_o foul_a listless_a and_o unactive_a they_o sink_v we_o down_o into_o sense_n and_o glue_v we_o to_o these_o low_a and_o inferior_a thing_n like_o birdlime_n they_o hamper_v and_o entangle_v our_o soul_n and_o hinder_v their_o flight_n upward_o they_o indispose_v and_o unfit_a our_o mind_n for_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o intellectual_a consideration_n so_o likewise_o the_o exorbitant_a passion_n of_o wrath_n and_o malice_n envy_n and_o revenge_n do_v darken_v and_o distort_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n do_v tincture_n the_o mind_n with_o false_a colour_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o prejudice_n and_o undue_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v intemperate_a or_o lustful_a or_o passionate_a but_o beside_o the_o guilt_n he_o contract_v which_o be_v continual_o fret_v and_o disquiet_v his_o mind_n beside_o the_o inconvenience_n he_o bring_v upon_o himself_o as_o to_o his_o health_n he_o do_v likewise_o stain_v and_o obscure_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o discern_a faculty_n such_o person_n have_v not_o that_o free_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o understanding_n be_v not_o bright_a enough_o nor_o their_o spirit_n pure_a and_o fine_a enough_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o high_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o reason_n what_o clearness_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n that_o purity_n be_v to_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o as_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o bodily_a eye_n do_v dispose_v it_o for_o a_o quick_a sight_n of_o material_a object_n so_o do_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v freedom_n from_o lust_n and_o passion_n dispose_v we_o for_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a act_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n now_o religion_n do_v purify_v our_o mind_n and_o refine_v our_o spirit_n by_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o lust_n and_o suppress_v the_o fume_n and_o vapour_n of_o it_o and_o by_o scatter_v the_o cloud_n and_o mist_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o filth_n and_o dregs_o of_o sensual_a lust_n the_o more_o nimble_a and_o expedite_a it_o will_v be_v in_o its_o operation_n the_o more_o any_o man_n conquer_v his_o passion_n the_o more_o calm_a and_o sedate_v his_o spirit_n be_v and_o the_o great_a equality_n he_o maintain_v in_o his_o temper_n his_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o unprejudiced_a and_o his_o judgement_n more_o firm_a and_o steady_a and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o solomon_n he_o that_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n be_v of_o great_a understanding_n but_o he_o that_o be_v hasty_a of_o spirit_n exalt_v folly_n ira_fw-la furor_fw-la brevis_fw-la est_fw-la anger_n be_v a_o short_a fit_n of_o madness_n and_o he_o that_o be_v passionate_a and_o furious_a deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o
own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o health_n and_o the_o lengthen_v of_o our_o day_n such_o as_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o these_o do_v apparent_o tend_v to_o the_o impair_n of_o man_n health_n and_o the_o shorten_n of_o their_o day_n how_o many_o have_v waste_v and_o consume_v their_o body_n by_o lust_n and_o bring_v grievous_a pain_n and_o mortal_a disease_n upon_o themselves_o see_v how_o the_o wise_a man_n describe_v the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o sin_n he_o go_v as_o a_o ox_n to_o the_o slaughter_n till_o a_o dart_n strike_v through_o his_o liver_n 23._o prov._n 7.22_o 23._o as_o a_o bird_n hasten_v to_o the_o snare_n and_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o his_o life_n and_o v._o 25_o 26_o 27._o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n decline_v to_o her_o way_n go_v not_o astray_o in_o her_o path_n for_o she_o have_v cast_v down_o many_o wound_a yea_o many_o young_a man_n have_v be_v slay_v by_o she_o her_o house_n be_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n that_o be_v to_o the_o grave_n go_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n how_o many_o have_v be_v ruin_v by_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n and_o most_o unnatural_o have_v pervert_v those_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v for_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o overthrow_n and_o destruction_n of_o it_o how_o often_o have_v man_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o discontent_n against_o other_o terminate_v in_o a_o cruel_a revenge_n upon_o themselves_o how_o many_o by_o the_o wild_a fury_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n have_v put_v their_o body_n into_o a_o combustion_n and_o fire_v their_o spirit_n and_o by_o stir_v up_o their_o rage_n and_o choler_n against_o other_o have_v arm_v that_o fierce_a humour_n against_o themselves_o 2._o as_o to_o our_o estate_n religion_n be_v likewise_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o man_n in_o that_o respect_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n more_o especial_a providence_n and_o peculiar_a blessing_n which_o usual_o attend_v good_a man_n in_o their_o undertake_n and_o crown_n they_o with_o good_a success_n but_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n concern_v the_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n 3.16_o pro._n 3.16_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n be_v riches_n and_o honour_n 8.21_o pro._n 8.21_o they_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v inherit_v substance_n and_o i_o will_v fill_v their_o treasure_n and_o this_o religion_n principal_o do_v by_o charge_v man_n with_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a way_n of_o thrive_a and_o will_v hold_v out_o when_o all_o fraudulent_a art_n and_o device_n will_v fail_v and_o this_o also_o solomon_n observe_v to_o we_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o 10.9_o pro._n 10.9_o but_o he_o that_o pervert_v his_o way_n shall_v be_v know_v his_o indirect_a deal_n will_v be_v discover_v one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o then_o lose_v his_o reputation_n and_o his_o interest_n sink_v falshood_n and_o deceit_n only_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o be_v pernicious_a but_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v of_o last_a advantage_n 10.5_o pro._n 10.5_o the_o righteous_a have_v a_o everlasting_a foundation_n 12.19_o prov._n 12.19_o the_o lip_n of_o truth_n be_v establish_v for_o ever_o but_o a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o religion_n do_v likewise_o engage_v man_n to_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o their_o calling_n and_o how_o much_o this_o conduce_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o man_n fortune_n daily_a experience_n teach_v and_o the_o wiseman_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o diligent_a hand_n make_v rich_a 10.4_o prov._n 10.4_o and_o again_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n diligent_a in_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o prince_n 22.19_o prov._n 22.19_o he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a person_n and_o where_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o difficult_a circumstance_n of_o their_o condition_n can_v arrive_v to_o any_o eminency_n of_o estate_n yet_o religion_n make_v a_o compensation_n for_o this_o by_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v content_v with_o that_o moderate_a and_o competent_a fortune_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o short_a way_n to_o be_v rich_a be_v not_o by_o enlarge_n our_o estate_n but_o by_o contract_v our_o desire_n what_o seneca_n say_v of_o philosophy_n be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o religion_n praestat_fw-la opes_fw-la sapientia_fw-la quas_fw-la cuicunque_fw-la fecit_fw-la supervacuas_fw-la dedit_fw-la it_o make_v all_o those_o rich_a to_o who_o it_o make_v riches_n superfluous_a and_o they_o be_v so_o to_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v by_o religion_n to_o be_v content_v with_o such_o a_o portion_n of_o they_o as_o god_n providence_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o allot_v to_o they_o 3._o as_o to_o our_o reputation_n there_o be_v nothing_o give_v a_o man_n a_o more_o firm_a and_o establish_a reputation_n among_o wise_a and_o serious_a person_n who_o judgement_n be_v only_o valuable_a than_o a_o prudent_a and_o substantial_a piety_n this_o do_v many_o time_n command_v reverence_n and_o esteem_v from_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o religion_n and_o sometime_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n will_v extort_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o excellency_n even_o from_o its_o great_a enemy_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o good_a man_n may_v and_o often_o do_v blemish_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o piety_n by_o overacting_a some_o thing_n in_o religion_n by_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n about_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v by_o a_o ungrateful_a austerity_n and_o sourness_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o require_v by_o little_a affectation_n and_o a_o imprudent_a ostentation_n of_o devotion_n but_o a_o substantial_a and_o solid_a a_o discreet_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n which_o make_v no_o great_a noise_n and_o show_v but_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o constant_a and_o serious_a devotion_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n will_v not_o only_o give_v a_o man_n a_o credit_n and_o value_n among_o the_o sober_a and_o the_o virtuous_a but_o even_o among_o the_o vicious_a and_o more_o degenerate_a sort_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n advise_v christian_n if_o they_o will_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o man_n earnest_o to_o mind_v the_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n let_v not_o then_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v some_o person_n of_o so_o profligate_v a_o temper_n and_o of_o such_o a_o inveterate_a enmity_n to_o all_o goodness_n as_o to_o scorn_v and_o reproach_n even_o religion_n and_o virtue_n itself_o but_o the_o reproach_n of_o such_o person_n do_v not_o real_o wound_v a_o man_n reputation_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v trouble_v at_o the_o contumely_n of_o those_o who_o judgement_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v value_v who_o despise_v goodness_n and_o good_a man_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o ignorance_n if_o these_o reproach_n which_o they_o cast_v upon_o they_o be_v the_o censure_n of_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n a_o man_n reputation_n may_v be_v concern_v in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v the_o rash_a word_n of_o inconsiderate_a and_o injudicious_a man_n the_o extravagant_a speech_n of_o those_o who_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v against_o and_o therefore_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v trouble_v at_o they_o or_o think_v either_o religion_n or_o himself_o disparage_v by_o they_o 4._o as_o to_o our_o relation_n religion_n also_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o these_o as_o it_o derive_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a blessing_n upon_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o diffusive_a as_o to_o scatter_v his_o blessing_n round_o about_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o just_a and_o to_o show_v mercy_n unto_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n so_o david_n tell_v we_o 3._o psal_n 112.1_o 2_o 3._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o delight_v great_o in_o his_o commandment_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v mighty_a upon_o earth_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o upright_o shall_v be_v bless_v wealth_n and_o riches_n be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o 13.22_o prov._n 13.22_o and_o so_o solomon_n
a_o good_a man_n leave_v a_o inheritance_n to_o his_o child_n child_n 14.26_o prov._n 14.26_o and_o again_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v strong_a confidence_n and_o his_o child_n shall_v have_v a_o place_n of_o refuge_n but_o the_o wicked_a derive_v a_o curse_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o he_o be_v say_v to_o trouble_v his_o own_o house_n and_o again_o 11.29_o prov._n 11.29_o the_o wicked_a be_v overthrow_v and_o be_v not_o 12.7_o prov._n 12.7_o but_o the_o house_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v stand_v but_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n providence_n religion_n do_v likewise_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o those_o who_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o because_o it_o lay_v the_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a provision_n both_o for_o their_o comfortable_a subsistence_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o next_o and_o those_o who_o neglect_v those_o duty_n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o esteem_v they_o christian_n that_o it_o account_v they_o worse_o than_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n 5.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.8_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o especial_o those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n and_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n this_o i_o know_v be_v speak_v in_o respect_n of_o temporal_a provision_n but_o it_o hold_v à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la as_o to_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n beside_o it_o be_v many_o time_n see_v that_o the_o posterity_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n especial_o of_o such_o as_o have_v evidence_v their_o piety_n towards_o god_n by_o bounty_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n have_v meet_v with_o unusual_a kindness_n and_o respect_n from_o other_o and_o have_v by_o a_o strange_a and_o secret_a disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v unexpected_o care_v and_o provide_v for_o and_o that_o as_o they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o their_o parent_n this_o david_n tell_v we_o from_o his_o own_o particular_a observation_n 2d_o ps_n 37_o 2d_o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n and_o that_o by_o the_o righteous_a be_v here_o mean_v the_o good_a and_o merciful_a man_n appear_v from_o the_o description_n of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o word_n 26._o ver._n 26._o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o his_o seed_n be_v bless_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o posterity_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v many_o time_n inherit_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o father_n sin_n and_o vice_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o from_o the_o natural_a course_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o expression_n in_o job_n be_v often_o verify_v that_o god_n lay_v up_o the_o iniquity_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o their_o child_n 21.19_o job_n 21.19_o and_o do_v not_o experience_n testify_v that_o the_o intemperate_a and_o unjust_a do_v many_o time_n transmit_v their_o bodily_a infirmity_n and_o disease_n to_o their_o child_n and_o entail_v a_o secret_a curse_n upon_o their_o estate_n which_o do_v either_o insensible_o waste_v and_o consume_v it_o or_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o religion_n in_o all_o respect_n conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n ii_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v likewise_o most_o certain_o and_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o this_o be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o man_n by_o be_v religious_a in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n the_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o religion_n bring_v to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a life_n be_v a_o sensible_a recommendation_n of_o religion_n even_o to_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a spirit_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v above_o sense_n and_o aspire_v after_o immortality_n who_o believe_v the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n to_o those_o who_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o inconsiderableness_n of_o this_o short_a die_a life_n and_o of_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o eternal_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o in_o another_o life_n to_o these_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o of_o those_o unspeakable_a and_o everlasting_a reward_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v give_v to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o the_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o for_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o can_v choose_v but_o aspire_v after_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o their_o duration_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o its_o self_n of_o its_o own_o immortality_n be_v satisfy_v and_o content_v with_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o endless_a felicity_n and_o this_o hope_n religion_n alone_o give_v man_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o can_v settle_v man_n in_o a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a assurance_n of_o it_o but_o because_o all_o man_n who_o have_v entertain_v any_o religion_n have_v consent_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o another_o world_n and_o have_v always_o promise_v to_o themselves_o some_o reward_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n after_o this_o life_n and_o because_o i_o do_v more_o particular_o design_n from_o this_o text_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o adavantage_n which_o redound_v to_o man_n from_o religion_n therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o show_v very_o brief_o how_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o be_v to_o come_v god_n have_v all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n suspend_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o condition_n he_o have_v peremptory_o declare_v that_o without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n may_v be_v argument_n enough_o to_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o he_o be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o favour_n and_o may_v dispense_v they_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n he_o please_v but_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n that_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o if_o religion_n bring_v no_o advantage_n to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o great_a as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v all_o our_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n there_o be_v temptation_n enough_o in_o the_o reward_n to_o engage_v any_o man_n in_o the_o work_n have_v god_n think_v fit_a to_o have_v impose_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a thing_n upon_o we_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o have_v undertake_v they_o with_o cheerfulness_n upon_o such_o great_a and_o glorious_a encouragement_n as_o naaman_n servant_n say_v to_o he_o in_o another_o case_n have_v he_o bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o so_o if_o god_n have_v say_v that_o without_o poverty_n and_o actual_a martyrdom_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o understand_v what_o these_o word_n signify_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o escape_v extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n and_o to_o enjoy_v unspeakable_a and_o endless_a glory_n have_v be_v willing_a to_o accept_v these_o condition_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a and_o let_v every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a but_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o impose_v of_o this_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n a_o mere_a arbitrary_a constitution_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v two_o that_o a_o
religious_a and_o holy_a life_n do_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n by_o way_n of_o necessary_a disposition_n and_o preparation_n of_o we_o for_o it_o we_o can_v be_v otherwise_o happy_a but_o by_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n without_o this_o we_o can_v possible_o love_v he_o nor_o find_v any_o pleasure_n or_o happiness_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o we_o can_v love_v a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o our_o own_o nor_o delight_n to_o converse_v with_o it_o therefore_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fit_v of_o we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n do_v design_n to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o sensual_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n to_o call_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o inferior_a thing_n and_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a object_n that_o we_o may_v be_v dispose_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o teach_v not_o to_o relish_v the_o delight_n of_o it_o whereas_o shall_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n only_o upon_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o taste_v no_o pleasure_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v sensual_a and_o earthly_a we_o must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o miserable_a when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n because_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o to_o entertain_v ourselves_o withal_o no_o employment_n suitable_a to_o our_o disposition_n no_o pleasure_n that_o will_v agree_v with_o our_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n all_o that_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n signify_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o a_o wicked_a man_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n to_o he_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n clear_o appear_v which_o tend_v so_o direct_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v upon_o all_o account_v calculate_v for_o our_o benefit_n let_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v true_o consider_v and_o cast_v up_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o advantage_n to_o any_o man_n from_o a_o irreligious_a and_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n i_o challenge_v any_o one_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o real_a benefit_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o this_o way_n let_v the_o sinner_n declare_v what_o he_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n have_v lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n be_v more_o for_o his_o health_n than_o if_o he_o have_v live_v chaste_o and_o sober_o have_v falsehood_n and_o injustice_n prove_v at_o the_o long_o run_v more_o for_o the_o advancement_n and_o security_n of_o his_o estate_n than_o truth_n and_o honesty_n will_v have_v do_v have_v any_o vice_n that_o he_o have_v live_v in_o make_v he_o more_o true_a friend_n and_o gain_v he_o a_o better_a reputation_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o find_v that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n and_o that_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o good_a hope_n of_o his_o future_a condition_n which_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n will_v have_v not_o some_o of_o his_o vice_n weaken_a his_o body_n and_o break_a his_o health_n have_v not_o other_o dissipate_v his_o estate_n and_o reduce_v he_o to_o want_v what_o notorious_a vice_n be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o blemish_v a_o man_n reputation_n and_o make_v he_o either_o hate_v or_o despise_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o virtuous_a but_o even_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o be_v ever_o any_o wicked_a man_n free_a from_o the_o sting_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o restless_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n from_o the_o secret_a dread_n of_o divine_a 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advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o far_o great_a by_o a_o man_n that_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o any_o one_o that_o lead_v the_o contrary_a course_n of_o life_n let_v no_o man_n then_o say_v with_o those_o profane_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o 3.14_o mal._n 3.14_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o commandment_n god_n have_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o master_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n thus_o to_o complain_v of_o he_o he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o law_n but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a nay_o so_o gracious_a have_v he_o be_v to_o we_o as_o to_o link_v together_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o to_o make_v those_o very_a thing_n the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n the_o devil_n be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n when_o he_o charge_v job_n that_o he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n for_o nought_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o hard_a master_n and_o make_v man_n serve_v he_o for_o nought_o who_o reward_v his_o drudge_n and_o slave_n with_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n but_o god_n require_v no_o man_n service_n upon_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a term_n the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o work_n be_v a_o present_a reward_n to_o itself_o and_o for_o whatever_o else_o we_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o he_o he_o offer_v we_o abundant_a consideration_n and_o if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o and_o wise_o love_v themselves_o they_o will_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o become_v religious_a for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v his_o own_o interest_n better_o than_o by_o serve_v god_n religion_n conduce_v both_o to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n charge_v we_o with_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o these_o law_n be_v this_o god_n require_v of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o temporal_a welfare_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n he_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o condition_n that_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n to_o conclude_v religion_n be_v found_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n right_o apprehend_v so_o that_o if_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n do_v not_o blind_a their_o eye_n so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o unfit_a to_o discern_v their_o true_a interest_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a so_o long_o as_o man_n love_v themse_n ve_z and_o desire_v their_o own_o happiness_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v religious_a for_o they_o can_v not_o but_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v so_o convince_v they_o will_v resolve_v to_o pursue_v it_o and_o stick_v to_o it_o phil._n iii_o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n make_v a_o comparison_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o show_v the_o christian_n to_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o substance_n what_o the_o jewish_a be_v only_o in_o type_n and_o shadow_n v._o 3._o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o he_o enumerate_v the_o several_a privilege_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o though_o i_o may_v
will_n among_o man_n a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v our_o great_a enemy_n to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o do_v inculcate_v these_o precept_n more_o vehement_o and_o forbid_v malice_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o contention_n more_o strict_o and_o peremptory_o than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o do_v but_o attentive_o read_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o as_o christianity_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o wise_a require_v such_o duty_n of_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o persection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o the_o health_n to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o contentment_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a as_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o useful_a and_o substantial_a and_o they_o omit_v nothing_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n nor_o do_v they_o restrain_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o regular_a inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n they_o forbid_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a to_o serve_v our_o humour_n and_o passion_n to_o reproach_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o fool_n and_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v either_o to_o our_o private_a harm_n and_o prejudice_n or_o to_o public_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o from_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n particular_o that_o upon_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o righteous_a and_o patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o all_o even_a to_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o they_o st._n paul_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n but_o of_o admirable_a sense_n and_o weight_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o same_o apostle_n make_v this_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o our_o part_n 2.19_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n st._n james_n describe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o by_o these_o character_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n st._n peter_n call_v the_o gospel_n 4._o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n the_o several_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 7._o v._o 5_o 6_o 7._o without_o which_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a passaage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o venerable_a esteem_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n will_v most_o plain_o appear_v by_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o they_o and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o good_a or_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n first_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n good_a single_o and_o personal_o consider_v and_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v distribute_v likewise_o into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n or_o such_o as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o respect_n god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o natural_a light_n prompt_v man_n to_o except_v the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o significancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o refer_v more_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v inward_o reverence_v and_o love_n god_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o inward_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o he_o by_o external_a worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o by_o our_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o our_o confidence_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o constant_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o many_o favour_n and_o benefit_n which_o every_o day_n and_o every_o minute_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o continual_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o shall_v not_o entertain_v any_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n nor_o give_v that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o any_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o worship_v he_o in_o any_o manner_n that_o be_v either_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o avoid_v the_o profane_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o his_o name_n by_o curse_v or_o customary_a swear_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v express_o require_v of_o we_o as_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o particular_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n but_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o such_o precept_n as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n christian_n religion_n
of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n how_o gross_o and_o open_o do_v many_o of_o we_o contradict_v the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o our_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n by_o live_v intemperate_o or_o unjust_o or_o profane_o in_o this_o present_a world_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n or_o believe_v not_o one_o word_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o no_o expectation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o who_o will_v bestow_v mighty_a reward_n upon_o those_o who_o faithful_o serve_v he_o but_o will_v come_v in_o flame_a sire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o not_o then_o deceive_v ourselves_o by_o pretend_v to_o this_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o it_o for_o though_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n never_o so_o well_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o happy_a unless_o we_o do_v they_o nay_o we_o be_v but_o the_o more_o miserable_a for_o know_v they_o if_o we_o do_v they_o not_o therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o whether_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o our_o life_n if_o not_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v so_o many_o article_n of_o accusation_n and_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o our_o charge_n will_v be_v this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v that_o gospel_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o make_v confession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o live_v like_o heathen_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n after_o so_o great_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a but_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o to_o live_v as_o if_o it_o be_v false_a be_v the_o great_a repugnancy_n and_o contradiction_n that_o can_v be_v he_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v christianity_n either_o have_v or_o think_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n for_o withhold_a his_o assent_n from_o it_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o live_v contrary_a to_o it_o know_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o he_o be_v a_o miserable_a man_n indeed_o that_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o the_o do_v of_o which_o he_o continual_o stand_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o according_o god_n will_v deal_v more_o severe_o with_o such_o person_n he_o will_v pardon_v a_o thousand_o defect_n in_o our_o understanding_n if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o gross_a carelessness_n and_o neglect_n of_o ourselves_o but_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o will_n have_v no_o excuse_n because_o we_o know_v to_o do_v better_a and_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v so_o do_v thou_o believe_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n and_o do_v thou_o still_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v thou_o convince_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v thou_o still_o persist_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n be_v thou_o full_o persuade_v that_o no_o whoremonger_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o do_v thou_o for_o all_o that_o continue_v to_o practice_v these_o vice_n what_o can_v thou_o say_v man_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o thou_o be_v miserable_a and_o undo_v for_o ever_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v as_o if_o some_o unexpected_a thing_n have_v happen_v to_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o with_o thou_o just_a as_o thou_o believ'd_v it_o will_v be_v when_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v of_o thy_o good_a belief_n when_o thou_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v it_o by_o a_o bad_a life_n how_o can_v thou_o look_v for_o other_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v thou_o for_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o thy_o own_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v thou_o all_o the_o while_o thou_o be_v do_v of_o they_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n there_o be_v no_o consideration_n that_o will_v sting_v our_o conscience_n more_o cruel_o than_o this_o that_o we_o do_v wicked_o when_o we_o know_v to_o have_v do_v better_a and_o choose_v to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a when_o we_o understand_v the_o way_n to_o have_v be_v happy_a to_o conclude_v we_o christian_n have_v certain_o the_o best_a and_o the_o holy_a the_o wise_a and_o most_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o we_o be_v in_o the_o worst_a condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o make_v we_o good_a 1_o john_n 5.3_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a one_o of_o the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v entertain_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o lay_v upon_o man_n heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o severe_a difficult_a to_o be_v keep_v and_o yet_o dangerous_a to_o be_v break_v that_o it_o require_v we_o to_o govern_v and_o keep_v under_o our_o passion_n and_o to_o contradict_v many_o time_n our_o strong_a inclination_n and_o desire_n to_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n to_o love_v cur_n enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o to_o forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n that_o be_v do_v to_o we_o and_o to_o make_v reparation_n for_o the_o least_o that_o we_o do_v to_o other_o to_o be_v content_v with_o our_o condition_n patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o ready_a to_o sacrifice_v our_o dear_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o even_o our_o very_a life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_a say_n and_o grievous_a commandment_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o prejudice_n i_o have_v choose_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n if_o it_o be_v impartial_o consider_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a paradox_n to_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o vicious_a practice_n who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o their_o lust_n this_o seem_v a_o strange_a proposition_n to_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o religion_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o never_o try_v the_o experiment_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o measure_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o intrinsical_a goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n which_o they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n against_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n concern_v this_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o make_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_v it_o may_v yet_o be_v ashamed_a to_o deny_v it_o and_o methinks_v i_o have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n in_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v now_o undertake_v that_o every_o reasonable_a man_n can_v choose_v but_o wish_v i_o success_n in_o this_o attempt_n because_o i_o undertake_v the_o proof_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v every_o man_n interest_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o out_o this_o pretence_n against_o religion_n will_v not_o only_o be_v baffle_v but_o we_o shall_v gain_v a_o new_a and_o forcible_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n over_o to_o it_o now_o the_o easiness_n or_o difficulty_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n or_o command_n depend_v chief_o upon_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o
18._o rom._n 1.16_o 18._o because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o embrace_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v perfect_o opposite_a to_o all_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o law_n which_o do_v strict_o enjoin_v holiness_n and_o virtue_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a which_o offer_v such_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n to_o obedience_n and_o threaten_v transgression_n and_o disobedience_n with_o such_o dreadful_a punishment_n and_o if_o so_o we_o be_v oblige_v both_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o live_v according_o 2._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n and_o to_o follow_v his_o step_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o only_o by_o his_o doctrine_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o death_n to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o life_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o in_o scripture_n we_o find_v several_a title_n give_v he_o which_o import_n his_o exemplariness_n as_o of_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o captain_n a_o master_n and_o a_o guide_n now_o if_o he_o be_v our_o pattern_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o to_o have_v the_o same_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o he_o also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o we_o shall_v aspire_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n make_v it_o our_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o do_v do_v any_o man_n profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o abandon_v himself_o to_o intemperance_n and_o filthy_a lust_n be_v this_o like_o our_o saviour_n be_v we_o cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a be_v this_o like_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v we_o proud_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a be_v this_o to_o be_v likeminded_a with_o christ_n who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o spirit_n who_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o blood_n to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o shed_v it_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n continual_o before_o we_o and_o to_o be_v always_o correct_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o that_o pattern_n 3._o he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n by_o baptism_n we_o have_v solemn_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o obedient_o to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n ancient_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v put_v off_o their_o garment_n which_o signify_v the_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v immerse_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o water_n to_o represent_v their_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o do_v rise_v up_o again_o out_o of_o the_o water_n to_o signify_v their_o entrance_n upon_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o these_o custom_n the_o apostle_n allude_v when_o he_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v any_o long_a therein_o 6._o rom._n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v not_o serve_v sin_n so_o that_o by_o baptism_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o new_a state_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n to_o have_v quit_v our_o former_a conversation_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o put_v on_o of_o christ_n 3.27_o gal._n 3.27_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n now_o if_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n we_o must_v quit_v and_o renounce_v our_o lust_n because_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v between_o they_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o and_o as_o we_o do_v solemn_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o baptism_n so_o we_o do_v solemn_o renew_v this_o obligation_n so_o often_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n therefore_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v the_o new_a covenant_n in_o his_o blood_n that_o be_v this_o represent_v the_o shed_n of_o christ_n blood_n by_o which_o rite_n the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v ratify_v and_o as_o by_o this_o god_n do_v confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o so_o we_o do_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v after_o we_o be_v become_v christian_n we_o account_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o common_a thing_n that_o be_v we_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o solemne_v rite_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o world_n for_o confirmation_n of_o any_o covenant_n the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v always_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o solemn_o to_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o that_o account_n which_o pliny_n 97._o pliny_n plin._n epist_n l._n 10._o epist_n 97._o give_v we_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o assemble_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n and_o then_o say_v he_o they_o do_v sacramento_fw-la se_fw-la obstringere_fw-la bound_v themselves_o by_o a_o sacrament_n or_o oath_n not_o to_o rob_v or_o steal_v or_o commit_v adultery_n not_o to_o break_v their_o word_n or_o falsisie_n their_o trust_n and_o after_o they_o have_v eat_v together_o they_o depart_v home_o which_o be_v plain_o a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n celebrate_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o oath_n whereby_o christian_n do_v solemn_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o against_o all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o gospel_n require_v something_o on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v a_o mutual_a engagement_n and_o as_o there_o be_v blessing_n promise_v on_o his_o part_n so_o there_o be_v condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o we_o and_o if_o we_o live_v wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n if_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n we_o have_v no_o title_n at_o all_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n the_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o this_o have_v be_v greedy_o entertain_v to_o the_o vast_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n as_o if_o in_o this_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n take_v all_o upon_o himself_o and_o require_v nothing_o or_o as_o good_a as_o nothing_o of_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o think_v he_o expect_v any_o thing_n