Some discourses, sermons, and remains of the Reverend Mr. Jos. Glanvil ... collected into one volume, and published by Ant. Horneck ... ; together with a sermon preached at his funeral, by Joseph Pleydell ...
         Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680.
      
       
         
           1681
        
      
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             Some discourses, sermons, and remains of the Reverend Mr. Jos. Glanvil ... collected into one volume, and published by Ant. Horneck ... ; together with a sermon preached at his funeral, by Joseph Pleydell ...
             Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680.
             Horneck, Anthony, 1641-1697.
             Pleydell, Josiah, d. 1707.
          
           [8], 422, [2], 25 p.
           
             Printed for Henry Mortlock ... and James Collins ...,
             London :
             1681.
          
           
             "A sermon preached at the funeral of Mr. Jos. Glanvil" has special t.p. and separate paging.
             Reproduction of original in British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680.
           Church of England -- Sermons.
           Sermons, English.
           Funeral sermons.
        
      
    
     
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               SOME
               DISCOURSES
               ,
               SERMONS
               AND
               REMAINS
               Of
               the
               Reverend
               M
               r.
               Jos
               .
               Glanvil
               ,
               Late
               Rector
               of
               BATHE
               ,
               and
               Chaplain
               in
               Ordinary
               to
               His
               MAJESTY
               .
               Collected
               into
               one
               Volume
               ,
               and
               published
               BY
               
                 ANT.
                 HORNECK
              
               ,
               Preacher
               at
               the
               SAVOY
               .
               Together
               with
               a
               SERMON
               Preached
               at
               his
               FUNERAL
               by
               
                 Joseph
                 Pleydell
              
               ,
               Arch-Deacon
               of
               CHICHESTER
               .
            
             
               LONDON
               ,
               Printed
               for
               
                 Henry
                 Mortlock
              
               at
               the
               Sign
               of
               the
               Phoenix
               in
               St.
               Pauls
               Church-yard
               ,
               and
               
                 James
                 Collins
              
               at
               his
               Shop
               under
               the
               Temple
               Church
               .
               1681.
               
            
          
           
             
             
             
               THE
               PREFACE
               TO
               THE
               READER
               .
            
             
               TO
               recommend
               these
               Sermons
               to
               the
               World
               were
               to
               write
               a
               Panegyrick
               upon
               Light
               ,
               and
               to
               attempt
               to
               make
               that
               amiable
               to
               the
               Spectator
               ,
               which
               challenges
               acceptance
               by
               its
               own
               brightness
               .
               The
               Oriental
               Pearl
               needs
               not
               the
               flattering
               praises
               of
               the
               greedy
               Jeweller
               ,
               nor
               the
               Stone
               that
               is
               digg'd
               out
               of
               the
               Mines
               of
               Golconda
               the
               faint
               Encomium's
               of
               the
               crafty
               Merchant
               .
            
             
               The
               Author
               of
               these
               Discourses
               ,
               as
               his
               Wit
               lay
               out
               of
               the
               common
               road
               ,
               so
               this
               genuine
               off-spring
               of
               his
               fertile
               brain
               soars
               above
               the
               common
               level
               of
               Ecclesiastical
               Orations
               .
               Death
               seemed
               to
               envy
               the
               vast
               parts
               of
               so
               great
               a
               man
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               ascent
               of
               his
               Age
               ,
               snatch't
               him
               away
               ,
               when
               the
               learned
               world
               expected
               some
               of
               his
               greatest
               attempts
               ,
               and
               enterprizes
               .
               As
               he
               valued
               no
               notions
               ,
               that
               were
               mean
               and
               trivial
               ,
               so
               those
               ,
               he
               hath
               sent
               abroad
               ,
               savour
               of
               a
               more
               than
               ordinary
               genius
               .
               His
               Soul
               seemed
               to
               be
               spun
               of
               a
               finer
               thread
               than
               those
               of
               other
               mortals
               ,
               and
               things
               look'd
               with
               another
               face
               ,
               when
               they
               passed
               through
               the
               quicker
               fire
               of
               his
               Laboratory
               .
            
             
               Some
               curious
               Artists
               ,
               though
               their
               work
               is
               materially
               the
               same
               with
               that
               of
               meaner
               Artificers
               ,
               yet
               the
               shape
               they
               give
               it
               ,
               and
               the
               neatness
               of
               the
               Fabrick
               ,
               makes
               it
               seem
               a
               thing
               composed
               of
               different
               ingredients
               .
            
             
             
               Even
               the
               most
               obvious
               truths
               ,
               when
               coming
               from
               our
               Author
               received
               a
               greater
               Lustre
               ;
               and
               that
               meat
               ,
               which
               familiarity
               made
               in
               a
               manner
               nauseous
               to
               some
               nicer
               Pallats
               ,
               when
               dress'd
               with
               his
               Sauce
               ,
               became
               more
               pungent
               ,
               and
               consequently
               more
               acceptable
               .
            
             
               And
               though
               I
               am
               not
               able
               to
               bring
               in
               a
               list
               of
               the
               persons
               ,
               who
               have
               been
               effectually
               wrought
               upon
               by
               his
               Sermons
               ,
               and
               become
               eminent
               Saints
               under
               his
               Ministry
               ,
               Yet
               Charity
               bids
               us
               believe
               ,
               that
               not
               a
               few
               by
               his
               means
               turned
               Proselytes
               of
               Righteousness
               ;
               though
               if
               his
               pains
               had
               proved
               unsuccessful
               ,
               it
               could
               have
               been
               no
               disparagement
               to
               his
               glory
               .
            
             
               Providence
               is
               sometimes
               pleased
               for
               reasons
               best
               known
               to
               it self
               ,
               to
               cast
               mens
               lots
               in
               places
               ,
               where
               they
               cannot
               boast
               of
               many
               converts
               made
               by
               their
               Preaching
               ,
               and
               I
               have
               been
               acquainted
               with
               some
               ,
               who
               have
               spoke
               it
               with
               Sorrow
               ,
               that
               in
               ten
               years
               time
               they
               could
               not
               say
               ,
               that
               any
               of
               their
               constant
               hearers
               had
               come
               to
               them
               to
               beg
               directions
               ,
               how
               to
               perfect
               holiness
               in
               the
               fear
               of
               God.
               One
               would
               admire
               that
               men
               of
               that
               life
               and
               power
               (
               as
               I
               have
               known
               some
               to
               be
               )
               should
               work
               no
               greater
               wonders
               :
               and
               yet
               we
               have
               not
               a
               few
               parallel
               examples
               in
               the
               Gospel
               :
               and
               when
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               himself
               ,
               could
               make
               no
               impression
               upon
               the
               men
               of
               Capernaum
               ,
               we
               need
               not
               marvel
               ,
               if
               his
               servants
               meet
               sometimes
               with
               the
               like
               repulses
               ;
               but
               this
               doth
               not
               lessen
               their
               reward
               ,
               no
               more
               than
               the
               ineffectual
               attempts
               of
               Ezechiel
               made
               him
               shine
               with
               less
               brightness
               in
               the
               Firmament
               of
               Heaven
               .
               And
               where
               such
               labours
               are
               lost
               ,
               they
               do
               indeed
               aggravate
               the
               hearers
               guilt
               ,
               but
               do
               not
               frustrate
               the
               Labourer
               of
               his
               recompence
               .
            
             
               To
               continue
               barren
               under
               such
               Thunders
               ,
               is
               to
               prepare
               for
               the
               scourge
               of
               Scorpions
               ,
               and
               where
               men
               remain
               unmoved
               under
               sound
               and
               affectionate
               ,
               teaching
               ,
               they
               make
               way
               for
               their
               greater
               Agonies
               .
            
             
               His
               Sermons
               as
               they
               were
               very
               solid
               ,
               so
               they
               were
               (
               which
               is
               the
               grace
               and
               life
               of
               them
               )
               pathetick
               ,
               and
               by
               his
               zeal
               and
               fervour
               one
               might
               guess
               ,
               how
               big
               his
               desire
               unto
               God
               for
               Israel
               
               was
               ,
               that
               they
               might
               be
               saved
               ;
               Though
               he
               met
               sometimes
               with
               disappointments
               ,
               yet
               he
               remembred
               he
               was
               a
               Christian
               .
               And
               as
               he
               was
               not
               without
               his
               crosses
               ,
               so
               he
               carried
               himself
               under
               them
               like
               a
               true
               Philosopher
               .
               His
               mind
               seemed
               to
               be
               serene
               ,
               when
               things
               went
               most
               contrary
               to
               his
               wishes
               :
               and
               whatever
               storm
               the
               inconstancy
               and
               sickleness
               of
               sublunary
               objects
               threw
               upon
               him
               ,
               within
               still
               he
               felt
               a
               calm
               ,
               beyond
               that
               of
               Socrates
               ,
               when
               the
               ungrateful
               Athenians
               sent
               him
               the
               fatal
               draught
               to
               drink
               his
               death
               and
               ruine
               .
            
             
               He
               had
               a
               mind
               fitted
               for
               Contemplation
               ,
               and
               his
               thoughts
               could
               dwell
               on
               a
               Divine
               Object
               ,
               till
               he
               had
               suck't
               out
               the
               Cream
               and
               Marrow
               .
               His
               Divinity
               like
               his
               Philosophy
               was
               free
               from
               Dogmatizing
               ,
               and
               while
               he
               tyed
               himself
               to
               no
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               he
               arrived
               to
               a
               clearer
               apprehension
               of
               truth
               and
               errour
               .
               The
               Divine
               Plato
               was
               somewhat
               dearer
               to
               him
               than
               the
               subtiler
               Aristotle
               ;
               and
               it
               cannot
               be
               otherwise
               ,
               where
               souls
               long
               to
               be
               transformed
               into
               the
               Image
               of
               the
               Deity
               .
               Nothing
               seemed
               to
               ingross
               his
               desire
               so
               much
               as
               the
               reformation
               of
               an
               unbelieving
               world
               ,
               and
               indeed
               there
               were
               few
               men
               fitter
               for
               that
               enterprize
               ,
               God
               having
               blessed
               him
               with
               a
               considerable
               stock
               both
               of
               Reason
               and
               Eloquence
               .
               To
               a
               clarified
               mind
               the
               gross
               Atheistical
               surmises
               of
               Modern
               Wits
               ,
               must
               needs
               be
               exceeding
               fulsome
               :
               and
               no
               marvel
               if
               Souls
               so
               fine
               ,
               break
               forth
               sometimes
               into
               very
               severe
               Satyrs
               ,
               to
               lash
               this
               petulant
               humour
               .
               If
               any
               thing
               could
               raise
               his
               passion
               ,
               it
               was
               the
               non-sensical
               discourses
               of
               DEISTS
               and
               
                 Christian
                 Infidels
              
               ,
               and
               he
               thought
               he
               might
               be
               justly
               angry
               with
               such
               wretches
               ,
               that
               like
               the
               Giants
               of
               old
               ,
               durst
               make
               War
               with
               Tremendous
               Omnipotence
               .
            
             
               He
               loved
               not
               to
               invelop
               Theological
               Doctrines
               in
               mysterious
               phrases
               ,
               and
               ever
               thought
               that
               Divinity
               best
               agreed
               with
               the
               mind
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               that
               was
               expressed
               in
               rational
               and
               intelligible
               propositions
               .
            
             
               He
               was
               never
               any
               great
               Admirer
               of
               our
               Modern
               Illuminati
               ,
               and
               he
               counted
               that
               discourse
               but
               little
               better
               than
               Nonsense
               ,
               which
               affected
               to
               recommend
               it self
               to
               the
               admiration
               of
               
               the
               hearer
               by
               its
               not
               being
               understood
               :
               Where
               his
               Reason
               tyred
               ,
               and
               could
               give
               him
               no
               direction
               ,
               he
               was
               willing
               to
               take
               Faith
               for
               his
               Guide
               ;
               and
               though
               he
               confessed
               ,
               that
               not
               a
               few
               things
               in
               Scripture
               were
               altogether
               unaccountable
               to
               his
               understanding
               ,
               yet
               he
               doubted
               not
               ,
               but
               they
               would
               all
               be
               made
               clear
               in
               that
               State
               ,
               where
               we
               shall
               know
               even
               as
               we
               are
               known
               .
               This
               puts
               me
               in
               mind
               of
               the
               Motto
               ,
               which
               a
               Friend
               of
               the
               Ingenious
               Mr.
               Culverwell
               hath
               added
               to
               his
               Sermons
               ,
               and
               which
               may
               serve
               as
               an
               Epilogue
               to
               this
               Preface
               ,
            
             
               
                 
                   What
                   this
                   ,
                   
                     we
                     shall
                     know
                     as
                     we
                     are
                     known
                     ,
                  
                   may
                   be
                
                 
                   The
                   Author
                   could
                   not
                   tell
                   ,
                   He
                   is
                   gone
                   to
                   see
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 Anthony
                 Horneck
                 .
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
               
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   I.
                   THE
                   Way
                   of
                   Happiness
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Fourth
                   Edition
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   I.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     LUKE
                     13.
                     24.
                     
                  
                   
                     Strive
                     to
                     enter
                     in
                     at
                     the
                     strait
                     Gate
                     :
                     For
                     many
                     ,
                     I
                     say
                     unto
                     you
                     ,
                     will
                     seek
                     to
                     enter
                     in
                     ,
                     and
                     shall
                     not
                     be
                     able
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   WHEN
                   I
                   consider
                   the
                   goodness
                   of
                   God
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   merits
                   of
                   his
                   Son
                   ,
                   our
                   Saviour
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Influences
                   of
                   the
                   Holy
                   Spirit
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   advantages
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ;
                   The
                   certainty
                   of
                   its
                   Principles
                   ,
                   the
                   reasonableness
                   of
                   its
                   duties
                   ,
                   the
                   greatness
                   of
                   its
                   ends
                   ,
                   the
                   suitableness
                   of
                   its
                   means
                   ,
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   its
                   Rewards
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     Terrour
                     of
                     its
                     punishments
                  
                   ;
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   
                   when
                   I
                   consider
                   these
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   look
                   upon
                   Man
                   as
                   a
                   reasonable
                   Creature
                   ,
                   apprehensive
                   of
                   Duty
                   ,
                   and
                   interest
                   ,
                   and
                   apt
                   to
                   be
                   moved
                   by
                   hopes
                   and
                   fears
                   ;
                   I
                   cannot
                   but
                   wonder
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   astonisht
                   to
                   think
                   ,
                   that
                   notwithstanding
                   
                     all
                     this
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   far
                   greater
                   part
                   of
                   men
                   should
                   finally
                   miscarry
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   undone
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   possible
                   some
                   such
                   Considerations
                   might
                   be
                   the
                   occasion
                   of
                   the
                   question
                   propounded
                   to
                   our
                   Saviour
                   in
                   the
                   verse
                   immediately
                   foregoing
                   the
                   Text.
                   —
                   
                     Lord
                     ,
                     are
                     there
                     Few
                     that
                     be
                     saved
                     ?
                     God
                  
                   is
                   Love
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   Creatures
                   are
                   His
                   ,
                   and
                   Man
                   a
                   nobler
                   sort
                   :
                   He
                   is
                   the
                   Lover
                   of
                   Men
                   ,
                   and
                   Thou
                   art
                   the
                   Redeemer
                   of
                   Men
                   ;
                   and
                   though
                   Man
                   hath
                   offended
                   ,
                   yet
                   God
                   is
                   propense
                   to
                   pardon
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   Thee
                   he
                   is
                   reconciled
                   ;
                   He
                   is
                   desirous
                   of
                   our
                   Happiness
                   ,
                   and
                   Thou
                   art
                   come
                   into
                   the
                   world
                   to
                   offer
                   ,
                   and
                   promote
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   is
                   powerful
                   and
                   ready
                   to
                   assist
                   our
                   endeavours
                   ;
                   We
                   were
                   made
                   for
                   happiness
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   seek
                   it
                   ;
                   And
                   
                     Lord
                     ,
                     are
                     there
                     Few
                     that
                     be
                     saved
                     ?
                  
                   The
                   Text
                   is
                   Christ's
                   return
                   to
                   the
                   Question
                   ,
                   
                     Strive
                     to
                     enter
                     in
                     at
                     the
                     strait
                     Gate
                     ;
                     for
                     many
                     ,
                     I
                     say
                     unto
                     you
                     ,
                     will
                     seek
                     to
                     enter
                     ,
                     and
                     shall
                     not
                     be
                     able
                     .
                  
                   In
                   which
                   words
                   we
                   have
                   three
                   things
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   I
                   )
                   An
                   Answer
                   imply'd
                   ;
                   
                     strait
                     is
                     the
                     Gate
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   II
                   )
                   A
                   duty
                   exprest
                   ,
                   
                     strive
                     to
                     enter
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   III
                   )
                   A
                   Consideration
                   to
                   engage
                   our
                   greater
                   
                   care
                   and
                   diligence
                   in
                   the
                   Duty
                   ;
                   
                     For
                     many
                     will
                     seek
                     to
                     enter
                     ,
                     and
                     shall
                     not
                     be
                     able
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   By
                   the
                   Gate
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   understand
                   the
                   entrance
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   
                     way
                     of
                     Happiness
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   Religion
                   :
                   By
                   the
                   straitness
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   encounter
                   .
                   By
                   striving
                   ;
                   earnest
                   and
                   sincere
                   endeavour
                   :
                   By
                   seeking
                   ;
                   an
                   
                     imperfect
                     striving
                  
                   .
                   And
                   from
                   the
                   words
                   thus
                   briefly
                   explain'd
                   ,
                   These
                   Propositions
                   offer
                   themselves
                   to
                   our
                   Consideration
                   .
                
                 
                   I.
                   There
                   are
                   many
                   and
                   great
                   difficulties
                   in
                   Religion
                   ,
                   
                     The
                     Gate
                     is
                     strait
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   II.
                   The
                   difficulties
                   may
                   be
                   overcome
                   by
                   striving
                   ,
                   
                     Strive
                     to
                     enter
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   III.
                   There
                   is
                   a
                   sort
                   of
                   striving
                   that
                   will
                   not
                   procure
                   an
                   entrance
                   ,
                   
                     For
                     many
                     will
                     seek
                     to
                     enter
                     in
                     ,
                     and
                     shall
                     not
                     be
                     able
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   I
                   begin
                   with
                   the
                   First
                   in
                   order
                   ,
                   
                     viz.
                     That
                     there
                     are
                     many
                     and
                     great
                     difficulties
                     in
                     Religion
                  
                   ;
                   And
                   to
                   what
                   I
                   have
                   to
                   say
                   about
                   it
                   ,
                   I
                   premise
                   this
                   negative
                   Consideration
                   :
                   That
                   ,
                
                 
                   The
                   Difficulties
                   of
                   Religion
                   do
                   not
                   lye
                   in
                   the
                   
                     Understanding
                     .
                     Religion
                  
                   is
                   a
                   plain
                   thing
                   ,
                   and
                   easie
                   to
                   be
                   understood
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   no
                   deep
                   subtilty
                   ,
                   or
                   high-strain'd
                   notion
                   ;
                   't
                   is
                   no
                   gilded
                   fancy
                   ,
                   or
                   elaborate
                   exercise
                   of
                   the
                   brain
                   ;
                   'T
                   is
                   not
                   plac'd
                   in
                   the
                   clouds
                   
                   of
                   Imagination
                   ,
                   nor
                   wrapt
                   up
                   in
                   mystical
                   cloathing
                   ;
                   But
                   't
                   is
                   obvious
                   and
                   
                     familiar
                     ,
                     easie
                  
                   and
                   intelligible
                   ;
                   First
                   preach't
                   by
                   Fishermen
                   and
                   Mechanicks
                   ,
                   without
                   pomp
                   of
                   speech
                   ,
                   or
                   height
                   of
                   speculation
                   ;
                   addrest
                   to
                   Babes
                   and
                   Plebeian
                   heads
                   ;
                   and
                   intended
                   to
                   govern
                   the
                   wills
                   of
                   the
                   honest
                   and
                   sincere
                   ;
                   and
                   not
                   to
                   exercise
                   the
                   wits
                   of
                   the
                   notional
                   ,
                   and
                   curious
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   we
                   need
                   not
                   mount
                   the
                   wings
                   of
                   the
                   wind
                   to
                   fetch
                   Religion
                   from
                   the
                   stars
                   ;
                   nor
                   go
                   down
                   to
                   the
                   deep
                   to
                   fetch
                   it
                   up
                   from
                   thence
                   ;
                   For
                   't
                   is
                   
                     with
                     us
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     before
                     us
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   open
                   as
                   the
                   day
                   ,
                   and
                   as
                   familiar
                   as
                   the
                   light
                   .
                   The
                   
                     great
                     Precepts
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   are
                   cloathed
                   in
                   Sun-beams
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   as
                   visible
                   to
                   the
                   common
                   eye
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   the
                   Eagle
                   upon
                   the
                   highest
                   perch
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   no
                   piece
                   of
                   wit
                   or
                   subtilty
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   Christian
                   ,
                   nor
                   will
                   it
                   require
                   much
                   study
                   ,
                   or
                   learned
                   retirement
                   to
                   understand
                   the
                   Religion
                   we
                   must
                   practise
                   .
                   That
                   which
                   was
                   to
                   be
                   known
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   was
                   manifest
                   to
                   the
                   very
                   Heathen
                   ,
                   
                     Rom.
                     1.
                     19.
                     
                     The
                     Law
                     is
                     light
                     ,
                  
                   saith
                   
                     Solomon
                     ,
                     Prov.
                  
                   6.
                   13.
                   
                   And
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   only
                   a
                   single
                   passing
                   glance
                   on
                   the
                   eye
                   ;
                   but
                   't
                   is
                   
                     put
                     into
                     the
                     heart
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   promise
                   is
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     we
                     shall
                     all
                     know
                     him
                     ,
                     from
                     the
                     greatest
                     to
                     the
                     least
                     .
                  
                   Our
                   duty
                   is
                   set
                   up
                   in
                   open
                   places
                   ,
                   and
                   shone
                   upon
                   by
                   a
                   clear
                   Beam
                   ;
                   'T
                   was
                   written
                   of
                   old
                   upon
                   the
                   plain
                   Tables
                   of
                   
                     Habakkuk
                     ,
                     Hab.
                  
                   2.
                   2.
                   
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   
                     running
                     Eye
                  
                   might
                   
                     see
                     and
                     read
                  
                   :
                   And
                   the
                   Religion
                   of
                   
                   the
                   H.
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   like
                   himself
                   ,
                   came
                   into
                   the
                   world
                   with
                   Rays
                   about
                   its
                   Head.
                   
                
                 
                   Religion
                   ,
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   is
                   clear
                   ,
                   and
                   plain
                   ,
                   and
                   what
                   is
                   not
                   so
                   ,
                   may
                   concern
                   the
                   Theatre
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   Schools
                   ;
                   may
                   entertain
                   mens
                   Wits
                   ,
                   and
                   serve
                   the
                   Interests
                   of
                   Disputes
                   ;
                   but
                   't
                   is
                   nothing
                   to
                   Religion
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   nothing
                   to
                   the
                   Interest
                   of
                   mens
                   Souls
                   .
                
                 
                   Religion
                   was
                   once
                   a
                   Mystery
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   Mystery
                   is
                   revealed
                   ;
                   And
                   those
                   things
                   that
                   we
                   yet
                   count
                   Mysteries
                   ,
                   are
                   plainly
                   enough
                   discover'd
                   as
                   to
                   their
                   
                     being
                     such
                  
                   as
                   we
                   believe
                   them
                   ,
                   though
                   we
                   cannot
                   understand
                   the
                   
                     manner
                     how
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   no
                   part
                   of
                   Religion
                   to
                   enquire
                   into
                   that
                   ;
                   but
                   rather
                   It
                   injoyns
                   us
                   meekly
                   to
                   acquiesce
                   in
                   the
                   plain
                   declarations
                   of
                   Faith
                   without
                   bold
                   scrutiny
                   into
                   
                     hidden
                     things
                  
                   .
                   In
                   short
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     difficulties
                     of
                     Religion
                     are
                     not
                     in
                     the
                     Understanding
                     ;
                     In
                     prompto
                     &
                     facili
                     est
                     aeternitas
                     ,
                  
                   said
                   the
                   Father
                   ;
                   The
                   affairs
                   of
                   eternity
                   depend
                   on
                   things
                   Easie
                   and
                   Familiar
                   .
                   And
                   I
                   premise
                   this
                   to
                   prevent
                   dangerous
                   mistakes
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   though
                   Religion
                   be
                   so
                   facile
                   and
                   plain
                   a
                   thing
                   to
                   be
                   understood
                   ,
                   yet
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   Heaven
                   is
                   no
                   broad
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     easie
                     Path
                  
                   ;
                   The
                   
                     Gate
                     is
                     strait
                  
                   enough
                   for
                   all
                   that
                   ;
                   and
                   I
                   now
                   come
                   to
                   shew
                   what
                   are
                   the
                   
                     real
                     difficulties
                  
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   whence
                   they
                   arise
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   I.
                   One
                   great
                   Difficulty
                   ariseth
                   from
                   the
                   depravity
                   of
                   our
                   Natures
                   .
                   The
                   Scripture
                   intimates
                   ,
                   
                     That
                     we
                     are
                     conceived
                     in
                     sin
                     ,
                  
                   Psalm
                   55.
                   5.
                   
                   
                     Transgressours
                     from
                     the
                     Womb
                  
                   ,
                   Isaiah
                   48.
                   8.
                   
                   
                     Children
                     of
                     Wrath
                  
                   ,
                   Ephes
                   .
                   2.
                   3.
                   
                   And
                   we
                   find
                   by
                   Experience
                   that
                   we
                   bring
                   vile
                   Inclinations
                   into
                   the
                   World
                   with
                   us
                   .
                   Some
                   are
                   naturally
                   Cruel
                   ,
                   and
                   Injurious
                   ;
                   Proud
                   ,
                   and
                   Imperious
                   ;
                   Lustful
                   ,
                   and
                   Revengeful
                   ;
                   Others
                   ,
                   Covetous
                   ,
                   and
                   Unjust
                   ;
                   Humourfome
                   ,
                   and
                   Discontented
                   ;
                   Treacherous
                   ,
                   and
                   False
                   :
                   And
                   there
                   is
                   scarce
                   an
                   instance
                   of
                   habitual
                   vice
                   ,
                   or
                   villany
                   ,
                   but
                   some
                   or
                   other
                   are
                   addicted
                   to
                   it
                   by
                   their
                   
                     particular
                     Make
                     and
                     Natures
                  
                   :
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   their
                   Natures
                   ,
                   for
                   certainly
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   true
                   what
                   some
                   affirm
                   ,
                   to
                   serve
                   their
                   Opinions
                   ,
                   in
                   contradiction
                   to
                   Experience
                   ;
                   That
                   
                     Vices
                     are
                     not
                     in
                     Mens
                     natural
                     Propensions
                     ;
                     but
                     instill'd
                     by
                     corrupt
                     Education
                     ,
                     evil
                     Customes
                     and
                     Examples
                     :
                  
                   For
                   we
                   see
                   that
                   those
                   whose
                   Education
                   hath
                   been
                   the
                   same
                   ,
                   do
                   yet
                   differ
                   extreamly
                   from
                   each
                   other
                   in
                   their
                   inclinations
                   ;
                   And
                   some
                   whose
                   Breeding
                   hath
                   been
                   careless
                   ,
                   and
                   loose
                   ,
                   who
                   have
                   seen
                   almost
                   nothing
                   else
                   but
                   Examples
                   of
                   Vice
                   ;
                   and
                   been
                   instructed
                   in
                   little
                   ,
                   besides
                   the
                   arts
                   of
                   Vanity
                   and
                   Pleasure
                   ;
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   there
                   are
                   such
                   who
                   notwithstanding
                   these
                   their
                   unhappy
                   circumstances
                   ,
                   discover
                   none
                   of
                   those
                   vile
                   Inclinations
                   ,
                   and
                   Propensions
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   
                   in
                   others
                   ,
                   whose
                   Education
                   hath
                   been
                   very
                   strict
                   ,
                   and
                   advantageous
                   .
                   This
                   I
                   think
                   is
                   enough
                   to
                   shew
                   that
                   many
                   of
                   our
                   evil
                   habits
                   are
                   from
                   Nature
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   from
                   Custom
                   only
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   yet
                   I
                   cannot
                   say
                   that
                   
                     Humane
                     nature
                  
                   is
                   so
                   debaucht
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     every
                     Man
                  
                   is
                   inclin'd
                   to
                   
                     every
                     Evil
                  
                   by
                   it
                   :
                   For
                   there
                   are
                   those
                   ,
                   who
                   by
                   their
                   Tempers
                   are
                   averse
                   to
                   some
                   kind
                   of
                   Vices
                   ,
                   and
                   naturally
                   disposed
                   to
                   the
                   
                     contrary
                     Vertues
                     ;
                     some
                  
                   by
                   their
                   Constitutions
                   are
                   inclined
                   to
                   
                     hate
                     Cruelty
                     ,
                     Covetousness
                     ,
                     Lying
                     ,
                     Impudence
                  
                   and
                   Injustice
                   ;
                   and
                   are
                   by
                   
                     Temper
                     ,
                     Merciful
                     ,
                     Liberal
                     ,
                     Modest
                     ,
                     True
                  
                   and
                   Just
                   .
                   There
                   are
                   kinds
                   of
                   Vices
                   which
                   our
                   Natures
                   almost
                   universally
                   rise
                   against
                   ,
                   as
                   many
                   Bestialities
                   ,
                   and
                   some
                   
                     horrid
                     Cruelties
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   men
                   ,
                   except
                   Monsters
                   in
                   Humane
                   form
                   ,
                   are
                   disposed
                   to
                   some
                   Vertues
                   ,
                   such
                   as
                   Love
                   to
                   Children
                   ,
                   and
                   Kindness
                   to
                   Friends
                   and
                   Benefactors
                   .
                   All
                   this
                   I
                   must
                   confess
                   and
                   say
                   ,
                   because
                   Experience
                   constrains
                   me
                   ;
                   and
                   I
                   do
                   not
                   know
                   why
                   
                     Systematick
                     Notions
                  
                   should
                   sway
                   more
                   than
                   that
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   notwithstanding
                   these
                   last
                   concessions
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   evident
                   enough
                   that
                   our
                   Natures
                   are
                   much
                   vitiated
                   ,
                   and
                   depraved
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   makes
                   our
                   business
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   difficult
                   .
                   For
                   our
                   work
                   is
                   ,
                   to
                   cleanse
                   our
                   Natures
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   destroy
                   those
                   
                     Evil
                     Inclinations
                  
                   ;
                   to
                   
                     crucifie
                     the
                     Old
                     Man
                  
                   ;
                   Rom.
                   6.
                   6.
                   and
                   to
                   
                     purge
                     out
                     the
                     old
                     Leven
                  
                   ;
                   1
                   Cor.
                   5.
                   7.
                   
                   
                     This
                     is
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Way
                   of
                   Happiness
                   ,
                   which
                   must
                   
                   needs
                   be
                   very
                   difficult
                   ,
                   and
                   uneasie
                   .
                   For
                   the
                   vices
                   of
                   Inclination
                   are
                   very
                   dear
                   ,
                   and
                   grateful
                   to
                   us
                   ;
                   They
                   are
                   our
                   
                     Right
                     Hands
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   
                     Right
                     Eyes
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   esteemed
                   as
                   our Selves
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   to
                   cut
                   off
                   ,
                   and
                   pluck
                   out
                   these
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   bid
                   defiance
                   to
                   ,
                   and
                   wage
                   War
                   against
                   our selves
                   ;
                   to
                   destroy
                   the
                   first-born
                   of
                   our
                   Natures
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   lop
                   off
                   our
                   own
                   Limbs
                   ;
                   This
                   cannot
                   but
                   be
                   very
                   Irksome
                   and
                   Displeasant
                   Imployment
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   is
                   one
                   chief
                   business
                   ;
                   and
                   a
                   considerable
                   thing
                   that
                   makes
                   
                     Religion
                     difficult
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   II.
                   Another
                   Difficulty
                   ariseth
                   from
                   the
                   Influence
                   of
                   the
                   Senses
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   Creatures
                   of
                   sense
                   ,
                   and
                   sensible
                   things
                   do
                   most
                   powerfully
                   move
                   us
                   ;
                   we
                   are
                   born
                   Children
                   ,
                   and
                   live
                   at
                   first
                   the
                   life
                   of
                   
                     Beasts
                     :
                     That
                  
                   Age
                   receives
                   deep
                   Impressions
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   are
                   made
                   by
                   the
                   senses
                   ,
                   whose
                   Interest
                   grows
                   strong
                   ,
                   and
                   establisht
                   in
                   us
                   before
                   we
                   come
                   to
                   the
                   use
                   of
                   Reason
                   ;
                   and
                   after
                   we
                   have
                   arrived
                   to
                   the
                   exercise
                   of
                   that
                   ,
                   sensible
                   objects
                   still
                   possess
                   our
                   Affections
                   ,
                   and
                   sway
                   our
                   Wills
                   ,
                   and
                   fill
                   our
                   Imaginations
                   ,
                   and
                   influence
                   our
                   Understandings
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   we
                   love
                   ,
                   and
                   hate
                   ;
                   we
                   desire
                   and
                   choose
                   ;
                   we
                   fancy
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   discourse
                   according
                   to
                   those
                   Impressions
                   ;
                   and
                   hence
                   it
                   is
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   enamour'd
                   of
                   Trifles
                   ,
                   and
                   fly
                   from
                   our
                   Happiness
                   ;
                   and
                   
                     pursue
                     Vexation
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     embrace
                     Misery
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   
                     imagine
                     Perversely
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     reason
                     Childishly
                  
                   :
                   for
                   the
                   influence
                   of
                   the
                   Body
                   and
                   its
                   Senses
                   are
                   the
                   chief
                   
                   Fountains
                   of
                   Sin
                   ,
                   and
                   Folly
                   ,
                   and
                   Temptation
                   :
                   Upon
                   which
                   accounts
                   it
                   was
                   that
                   the
                   
                     Platonical
                     Philosophers
                  
                   declaim'd
                   so
                   earnestly
                   against
                   the
                   Body
                   ,
                   and
                   ascrib'd
                   all
                   Evils
                   and
                   Mischief
                   to
                   it
                   ;
                   calling
                   vice
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   
                     corporeae
                     Pestes
                     ,
                     material
                     Evils
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     bodily
                     Plagues
                  
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   Apostle
                   that
                   understood
                   it
                   better
                   ,
                   calls
                   Sin
                   by
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   Flesh
                   ,
                   Gal.
                   5.
                   17.
                   
                   
                     Works
                     of
                     the
                     Flesh
                  
                   ,
                   Gal.
                   5.
                   19.
                   
                   
                     Law
                     of
                     the
                     Members
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   7.
                   23.
                   and
                   cries
                   out
                   upon
                   the
                   
                     Body
                     of
                     this
                     Death
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   7.
                   24.
                   
                
                 
                   And
                   now
                   this
                   is
                   our
                   natural
                   Condition
                   ,
                   a
                   state
                   subject
                   to
                   the
                   prevalent
                   influences
                   of
                   Sense
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   this
                   means
                   to
                   Sin
                   and
                   Temptation
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   our
                   Work
                   in
                   Religion
                   ,
                   to
                   mortifie
                   the
                   Body
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   8.
                   13.
                   
                     and
                     to
                     cease
                     from
                     making
                     provision
                     for
                     the
                     flesh
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   13.
                   14.
                   
                     and
                     from
                     fulfilling
                     the
                     Lusts
                     thereof
                     ,
                  
                   Gal.
                   5.
                   14.
                   
                   To
                   render
                   our selves
                   dead
                   to
                   the
                   prevalent
                   life
                   of
                   Sense
                   ,
                   and
                   Sin
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   6.
                   8.
                   and
                   11.
                   5.
                   and
                   to
                   arise
                   to
                   a
                   
                     new
                     Life
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   6.
                   4.
                   
                   The
                   Life
                   of
                   Righteousness
                   ,
                   and
                   Faith
                   ,
                   Hab.
                   2.
                   4.
                   
                   A
                   Life
                   that
                   hath
                   other
                   Principles
                   ,
                   and
                   other
                   Pleasures
                   ;
                   other
                   Objects
                   ,
                   and
                   other
                   Ends
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   as
                   neither
                   
                     Eye
                     hath
                     seen
                  
                   ,
                   nor
                   
                     Ear
                     heard
                  
                   ,
                   nor
                   any
                   of
                   the
                   Senses
                   perceived
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   this
                   is
                   a
                   Life
                   that
                   is
                   exercised
                   in
                   contradiction
                   to
                   the
                   Judgements
                   of
                   sense
                   .
                   It
                   s
                   Joy
                   ,
                   is
                   Tribulation
                   ;
                   Jam.
                   1.
                   2.
                   
                   It
                   s
                   
                     Glory
                     ,
                     Reproaches
                  
                   ;
                   2
                   Pet.
                   4.
                   14.
                   
                   It
                   s
                   Height
                   is
                   Lowness
                   ;
                   Luke
                   14.
                   11.
                   
                   It
                   s
                   Greatness
                   ,
                   in
                   being
                   Meanest
                   ;
                   Matth.
                   20.
                   27.
                   
                   
                   And
                   its
                   Riches
                   ,
                   in
                   having
                   Nothing
                   ;
                   2
                   Cor.
                   6.
                   10.
                   
                   To
                   such
                   a
                   Life
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   Religion
                   is
                   to
                   raise
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   it
                   must
                   needs
                   be
                   difficult
                   to
                   make
                   us
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   so
                   much
                   Brutes
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   so
                   much
                   
                     Angels
                     ;
                     us
                  
                   ,
                   who
                   seem
                   to
                   live
                   by
                   nothing
                   else
                   but
                   sense
                   ,
                   to
                   live
                   by
                   
                     nothing
                     less
                  
                   ;
                   This
                   with
                   a
                   witness
                   is
                   an
                   hard
                   ,
                   and
                   uneasie
                   Work
                   ,
                   and
                   another
                   difficulty
                   in
                   Religion
                   .
                
                 
                   III.
                   A
                   Third
                   proceeds
                   from
                   the
                   natural
                   Disorder
                   and
                   Rage
                   of
                   our
                   Passions
                   .
                   Our
                   Corrupt
                   Natures
                   are
                   like
                   the
                   
                     troubled
                     Sea
                  
                   ,
                   Isa
                   .
                   57.
                   20.
                   
                   And
                   our
                   Passions
                   are
                   the
                   Waves
                   of
                   that
                   Ocean
                   ,
                   that
                   tumble
                   and
                   swell
                   ,
                   and
                   keep
                   a
                   mighty
                   noise
                   ;
                   they
                   dash
                   against
                   the
                   Rocks
                   ,
                   and
                   break
                   one
                   against
                   another
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   Peace
                   and
                   Happiness
                   is
                   shipwrackt
                   by
                   them
                   .
                   
                     Our
                     Passions
                     make
                     us
                     miserable
                  
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   sometime
                   stifled
                   by
                   their
                   Numbers
                   ,
                   and
                   confounded
                   by
                   their
                   Disorders
                   ,
                   and
                   torn
                   to
                   pieces
                   by
                   their
                   Violence
                   ;
                   mounted
                   to
                   the
                   Clouds
                   by
                   Ambition
                   ,
                   and
                   thrown
                   down
                   to
                   the
                   deep
                   by
                   Despair
                   ;
                   scorcht
                   by
                   the
                   flames
                   of
                   Lust
                   ,
                   and
                   overwhelmed
                   by
                   the
                   Waters
                   of
                   unstable
                   
                     Desire
                     ;
                     Passions
                  
                   fight
                   
                     one
                     against
                     another
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   against
                   reason
                   ;
                   they
                   prevail
                   over
                   the
                   Mind
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   usurpt
                   the
                   Government
                   of
                   our
                   Actions
                   ,
                   and
                   involve
                   us
                   in
                   continual
                   Guilt
                   and
                   Misery
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   natural
                   State
                   of
                   Man
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   work
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   restrain
                   this
                   Violence
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   rectifie
                   these
                   Disorders
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   reduce
                   
                   those
                   Rebellious
                   Powers
                   under
                   the
                   Empire
                   and
                   Government
                   of
                   the
                   Mind
                   ,
                   their
                   Sovereign
                   .
                   And
                   so
                   to
                   regain
                   the
                   Divine
                   Image
                   ,
                   which
                   consists
                   much
                   in
                   the
                   order
                   of
                   our
                   Faculties
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Subjection
                   of
                   the
                   Brutish
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   reasonable
                   Powers
                   .
                   This
                   ,
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   Religion
                   aims
                   at
                   ,
                   to
                   raise
                   us
                   to
                   the
                   perfection
                   of
                   our
                   Natures
                   ,
                   by
                   mortifying
                   those
                   Members
                   ,
                   Col.
                   3.
                   5.
                   our
                   
                     unruly
                     Passions
                  
                   and
                   Desires
                   ;
                   and
                   crucifying
                   the
                   Flesh
                   ,
                   with
                   its
                   Affections
                   and
                   Lusts
                   ;
                   Gal.
                   5.
                   24.
                   
                   And
                   thereby
                   to
                   make
                   us
                   humble
                   in
                   
                     Prosperity
                     ,
                     quiet
                  
                   in
                   
                     Adversity
                     ;
                     meek
                  
                   under
                   
                     Provocations
                     ,
                     steady
                  
                   amidst
                   
                     Temptations
                     ,
                     modest
                  
                   in
                   our
                   
                     Desires
                     ,
                     temperate
                  
                   in
                   our
                   
                     Injoyments
                     ,
                     constant
                  
                   to
                   our
                   Resolutions
                   ,
                   and
                   contented
                   in
                   all
                   Conditions
                   :
                   Here
                   is
                   our
                   great
                   Business
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   
                     Work
                     is
                     this
                  
                   :
                   And
                   certainly
                   't
                   is
                   no
                   easie
                   thing
                   to
                   bring
                   order
                   out
                   of
                   a
                   Chaos
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   speak
                   a
                   Tempest
                   into
                   a
                   Calm
                   ;
                   to
                   resist
                   a
                   Torrent
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   stop
                   and
                   turn
                   the
                   Tyde
                   ;
                   to
                   subdue
                   a
                   Rebellious
                   Rabble
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   change
                   them
                   from
                   Tyrannical
                   Masters
                   ,
                   to
                   Modest
                   and
                   Obedient
                   Servants
                   :
                   These
                   ,
                   no
                   doubt
                   ,
                   are
                   works
                   of
                   difficulty
                   enough
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   must
                   be
                   our
                   Imployment
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   Religion
                   ;
                   and
                   on
                   this
                   score
                   also
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     Gate
                     is
                     strait
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   IV.
                   Our
                   Work
                   in
                   Religion
                   is
                   yet
                   more
                   difficult
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   account
                   of
                   Custom
                   ,
                   to
                   which
                   we
                   are
                   subject
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   which
                   we
                   are
                   swayed
                   much
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   vulgarly
                   said
                   to
                   be
                   
                     another
                     Nature
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Apostle
                   calls
                   
                   it
                   by
                   that
                   name
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   11.
                   14.
                   
                   
                     Doth
                     not
                     Nature
                     it self
                     teach
                     you
                     ,
                     that
                     if
                     a
                     Man
                     have
                     long
                     Hair
                     ,
                     it
                     is
                     a
                     shame
                     unto
                     him
                     ?
                  
                   By
                   the
                   word
                   Nature
                   ,
                   the
                   best
                   Interpreters
                   say
                   only
                   Custom
                   is
                   meant
                   ;
                   since
                   
                     long
                     Hair
                  
                   is
                   not
                   declared
                   shameful
                   by
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   and
                   Light
                   of
                   Nature
                   ,
                   taken
                   in
                   its
                   chief
                   and
                   properest
                   sense
                   :
                   For
                   then
                   it
                   had
                   never
                   been
                   permitted
                   to
                   the
                   Nazarites
                   :
                   But
                   the
                   
                     contrary
                     custom
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   Nations
                   that
                   used
                   it
                   not
                   ,
                   made
                   it
                   seem
                   
                     shameful
                     and
                     indecent
                  
                   .
                   There
                   are
                   other
                   places
                   in
                   Scripture
                   and
                   ancient
                   Authors
                   ,
                   wherein
                   Nature
                   is
                   put
                   for
                   Custom
                   :
                   But
                   I
                   must
                   not
                   insist
                   on
                   this
                   ;
                   the
                   thing
                   I
                   am
                   about
                   is
                   ,
                   that
                   Custom
                   is
                   very
                   powerful
                   ;
                   and
                   as
                   it
                   makes
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   Nature
                   ,
                   so
                   ,
                   many
                   times
                   it
                   masters
                   and
                   subdues
                   it
                   .
                   Wild
                   Creatures
                   are
                   hereby
                   made
                   gentle
                   and
                   familiar
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   that
                   naturally
                   are
                   tame
                   enough
                   ,
                   are
                   made
                   to
                   degenerate
                   into
                   wildness
                   by
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   now
                   besides
                   the
                   original
                   depravities
                   of
                   our
                   Natures
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   contracted
                   many
                   
                     vitious
                     habits
                  
                   by
                   corrupt
                   and
                   evil
                   usages
                   ;
                   which
                   we
                   were
                   drawn
                   into
                   at
                   first
                   by
                   pleasure
                   and
                   vanity
                   in
                   our
                   young
                   and
                   inconsiderate
                   years
                   ,
                   while
                   we
                   were
                   led
                   by
                   the
                   directions
                   of
                   sense
                   :
                   These
                   ,
                   by
                   frequent
                   acts
                   ,
                   grow
                   at
                   last
                   into
                   habits
                   ;
                   which
                   though
                   in
                   their
                   beginning
                   they
                   were
                   tender
                   as
                   a
                   Plant
                   ,
                   and
                   easie
                   to
                   have
                   been
                   crusht
                   or
                   blasted
                   ,
                   yet
                   time
                   and
                   use
                   hardens
                   them
                   into
                   the
                   firmness
                   of
                   an
                   Oak
                   ,
                   that
                   
                   braves
                   the
                   Weather
                   ,
                   and
                   can
                   endure
                   the
                   stroak
                   of
                   the
                   Ax
                   and
                   a
                   strong
                   Arm.
                   
                
                 
                   Now
                   to
                   destroy
                   and
                   root
                   up
                   these
                   obstinate
                   customary
                   evils
                   ,
                   is
                   another
                   part
                   of
                   our
                   Work.
                   And
                   Religion
                   teacheth
                   us
                   to
                   
                     put
                     off
                     concerning
                     the
                     Old
                     Conversation
                     ,
                     the
                     Old
                     Man
                     ,
                  
                   Eph.
                   4.
                   22.
                   and
                   to
                   receive
                   
                     new
                     Impressions
                  
                   and
                   Inclinations
                   ;
                   to
                   be
                   renewed
                   in
                   the
                   
                     spirit
                     of
                     our
                     Minds
                  
                   ,
                   5.
                   23.
                   and
                   to
                   
                     put
                     on
                     the
                     New
                     Man
                  
                   ,
                   5.
                   24.
                   
                   To
                   make
                   us
                   
                     new
                     Hearts
                  
                   ,
                   Ezek.
                   18.
                   31.
                   and
                   to
                   
                     walk
                     in
                     newness
                     of
                     Life
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   6.
                   4.
                   
                   This
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   do
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   we
                   may
                   well
                   suppose
                   to
                   be
                   hard
                   work
                   ;
                   the
                   Scripture
                   compares
                   it
                   to
                   the
                   changing
                   the
                   Skin
                   of
                   the
                   Aethiopian
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Spots
                   of
                   the
                   Leopard
                   ,
                   Jer.
                   13.
                   23.
                   and
                   elsewhere
                   .
                   
                     How
                     can
                     they
                     do
                     good
                     ,
                     that
                     are
                     accustomed
                     to
                     do
                     evil
                     ?
                  
                   Jer.
                   13.
                   23.
                   
                   'T
                   is
                   hard
                   ,
                   no
                   doubt
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   is
                   another
                   difficulty
                   in
                   Religion
                   .
                
                 
                   V.
                   The
                   Power
                   that
                   Example
                   hath
                   over
                   us
                   ,
                   makes
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   
                     Religion
                     difficult
                     .
                     Example
                  
                   is
                   more
                   prevalent
                   than
                   Precept
                   ,
                   for
                   Man
                   is
                   a
                   Creature
                   given
                   much
                   to
                   Imitation
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   are
                   very
                   apt
                   to
                   follow
                   what
                   we
                   
                     see
                     others
                     do
                  
                   ,
                   rather
                   than
                   what
                   we
                   
                     ought
                     to
                     do
                     our selves
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   now
                   the
                   Apostle
                   hath
                   told
                   us
                   ,
                   That
                   
                     the
                     whole
                     World
                     lies
                     in
                     Wickedness
                     ,
                  
                   1
                   Joh.
                   5.
                   19.
                   and
                   we
                   sadly
                   find
                   it
                   :
                   we
                   cannot
                   look
                   out
                   of
                   doors
                   ,
                   but
                   we
                   see
                   Vanity
                   and
                   
                     Folly
                     ,
                     Sensuality
                     and
                     Forgetfulness
                  
                   of
                   
                   God
                   ;
                   Pride
                   and
                   
                     Covetousness
                     ,
                     Injustice
                  
                   and
                   Intemperance
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   other
                   kinds
                   of
                   Evils
                   :
                   These
                   we
                   meet
                   with
                   every
                   where
                   ,
                   in
                   Publick
                   Companies
                   ,
                   and
                   Private
                   Conversations
                   ;
                   in
                   the
                   
                     High
                     Ways
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   Corners
                   of
                   the
                   Streets
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Sum
                   is
                   ,
                   Example
                   is
                   very
                   powerful
                   ,
                   and
                   Examples
                   of
                   Vice
                   are
                   always
                   in
                   our
                   Eyes
                   ;
                   we
                   are
                   apt
                   to
                   be
                   reconciled
                   to
                   that
                   which
                   
                     every
                     one
                     doth
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   do
                   like
                   it
                   ;
                   we
                   love
                   the
                   
                     trodden
                     Path
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   care
                   not
                   to
                   walk
                   in
                   the
                   Way
                   which
                   is
                   gone
                   in
                   but
                   by
                   a
                   few
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   is
                   our
                   Condition
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   work
                   in
                   Religion
                   is
                   ,
                   to
                   overcome
                   the
                   strong
                   Biass
                   of
                   corrupt
                   Example
                   ;
                   to
                   strive
                   against
                   the
                   Stream
                   ,
                   to
                   learn
                   to
                   be
                   good
                   ,
                   though
                   few
                   are
                   so
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   to
                   follow
                   
                     a
                     Multitude
                     to
                     do
                     Evil
                  
                   ,
                   Exod.
                   23.
                   2.
                   
                   This
                   is
                   our
                   Business
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   is
                   very
                   Difficult
                   .
                
                 
                   VI.
                   The
                   last
                   Difficulty
                   I
                   shall
                   mention
                   ,
                   ariseth
                   from
                   
                     Worldly
                     Interests
                  
                   and
                   Engagements
                   .
                   We
                   have
                   many
                   Necessities
                   to
                   serve
                   ,
                   both
                   in
                   our
                   Persons
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Families
                   .
                   Nature
                   excluded
                   us
                   naked
                   into
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   without
                   Cloathing
                   for
                   Warmth
                   ,
                   or
                   Armature
                   for
                   Defence
                   ;
                   and
                   Food
                   is
                   not
                   provided
                   to
                   our
                   Hands
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   for
                   the
                   Beasts
                   ;
                   nor
                   do
                   our
                   Houses
                   grow
                   for
                   our
                   Habitation
                   ,
                   and
                   comfortable
                   abode
                   .
                   Nothing
                   is
                   prepared
                   for
                   our
                   use
                   without
                   our
                   Industry
                   and
                   Endeavours
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   by
                   
                   the
                   Necessity
                   of
                   
                     this
                     State
                  
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   engaged
                   in
                   
                     Worldly
                     Affairs
                     :
                     These
                     ,
                     Nature
                  
                   requires
                   us
                   to
                   mind
                   ,
                   and
                   Religion
                   permits
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   nothing
                   can
                   be
                   done
                   without
                   our
                   Care
                   ;
                   and
                   Care
                   would
                   be
                   very
                   troublesome
                   ,
                   if
                   there
                   were
                   not
                   some
                   Love
                   to
                   the
                   Objects
                   we
                   exercise
                   our
                   Cares
                   upon
                   :
                   Hence
                   it
                   is
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     some
                     Cares
                  
                   about
                   the
                   things
                   of
                   this
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   Love
                   to
                   them
                   is
                   allowed
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   are
                   commanded
                   to
                   continue
                   in
                   the
                   
                     Calling
                     wherein
                     God
                     hath
                     set
                     us
                     ,
                  
                   1
                   Cor.
                   7.
                   20.
                   and
                   are
                   warned
                   that
                   we
                   be
                   not
                   
                     slothful
                     in
                     Business
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   12.
                   11.
                   
                   We
                   may
                   take
                   
                     some
                     delight
                  
                   also
                   in
                   the
                   Creatures
                   that
                   God
                   gives
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   love
                   them
                   in
                   their
                   degree
                   :
                   For
                   the
                   animal
                   Life
                   may
                   have
                   its
                   
                     moderate
                     Gratifications
                     ;
                     God
                     made
                     all
                     things
                     ,
                     that
                     they
                     might
                     enjoy
                     their
                     Being
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   And
                   now
                   ,
                   notwithstanding
                   all
                   this
                   ,
                   Religion
                   commands
                   us
                   to
                   
                     set
                     our
                     Affections
                     upon
                     things
                     above
                     ,
                  
                   Col.
                   3.
                   2.
                   not
                   to
                   
                     love
                     the
                     World
                  
                   ,
                   1
                   Joh.
                   2.
                   15.
                   to
                   be
                   
                     careful
                     for
                     nothing
                  
                   ,
                   Phil.
                   4.
                   6.
                   to
                   take
                   no
                   
                     thought
                     for
                     to
                     morrow
                  
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   6.
                   34.
                   
                   The
                   meaning
                   of
                   which
                   Expressions
                   is
                   ,
                   That
                   we
                   should
                   
                     love
                     God
                  
                   and
                   
                     Heavenly
                     things
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   chief
                   and
                   
                     first
                     place
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   avoid
                   the
                   
                     immoderate
                     Desires
                  
                   of
                   
                     Worldly
                     Love
                  
                   and
                   Cares
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   our
                   Duty
                   :
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   very
                   difficult
                   :
                   For
                   by
                   reason
                   of
                   the
                   hurry
                   of
                   Business
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   Passions
                   that
                   Earthly
                   Engagements
                   excite
                   ;
                   we
                   consider
                   not
                   things
                   as
                   we
                   should
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   ,
                   many
                   times
                   perceive
                   not
                   the
                   Bounds
                   of
                   our
                   Permissions
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Beginnings
                   
                   of
                   our
                   Restraints
                   ;
                   where
                   the
                   allowed
                   Measure
                   ends
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   forbidden
                   Degree
                   commenceth
                   :
                   what
                   is
                   the
                   difference
                   between
                   that
                   Care
                   that
                   is
                   a
                   Duty
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   which
                   is
                   a
                   
                     Sin
                     ;
                     Providence
                  
                   and
                   Carking
                   ;
                   and
                   between
                   
                     that
                     Love
                  
                   of
                   the
                   World
                   which
                   is
                   Necessary
                   and
                   Lawful
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   which
                   is
                   Extravagant
                   and
                   Inordinate
                   ?
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   by
                   reason
                   of
                   the
                   hurry
                   we
                   are
                   in
                   ,
                   amidst
                   Business
                   and
                   worldly
                   Delights
                   ,
                   we
                   many
                   times
                   
                     perceive
                     not
                     our
                     Bounds
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   slide
                   easily
                   into
                   Earthly-mindedness
                   and
                   anxiety
                   .
                   And
                   it
                   is
                   hard
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   engaged
                   so
                   much
                   in
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   and
                   who
                   need
                   it
                   so
                   much
                   ,
                   who
                   converse
                   so
                   much
                   with
                   it
                   and
                   about
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   whose
                   time
                   and
                   endeavours
                   are
                   so
                   unavoidably
                   taken
                   up
                   by
                   it
                   ;
                   I
                   say
                   't
                   is
                   hard
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   in
                   such
                   Circumstances
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   
                     crucified
                     to
                     the
                     World
                  
                   ,
                   Gal.
                   6.
                   14.
                   and
                   to
                   all
                   
                     inordinate
                     Affections
                  
                   to
                   it
                   :
                   to
                   live
                   above
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   settle
                   our
                   chief
                   Delights
                   ,
                   and
                   Cares
                   on
                   things
                   at
                   great
                   distance
                   from
                   us
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   unsutable
                   to
                   our
                   corrupt
                   Appetites
                   ,
                   and
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   most
                   
                     relishing
                     Injoyments
                  
                   of
                   Flesh
                   ;
                   which
                   Sense
                   never
                   saw
                   nor
                   felt
                   ,
                   and
                   which
                   the
                   Imagination
                   it self
                   could
                   never
                   
                     grasp
                     .
                     This
                  
                   ,
                   no
                   doubt
                   ,
                   is
                   
                     hard
                     Exercise
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   must
                   be
                   done
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   Religion
                   ;
                   and
                   on
                   this
                   Account
                   also
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   very
                   difficult
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   of
                   the
                   First
                   
                     Proposition
                     ,
                     That
                     there
                     are
                     great
                     Difficulties
                  
                   in
                   Religion
                   .
                   I
                   come
                   now
                   to
                   the
                   Second
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   II.
                   THat
                   those
                   Difficulties
                   may
                   be
                   overcome
                   by
                   striving
                   ;
                   
                     which
                     imports
                     both
                     the
                  
                   Encouragement
                   ,
                   
                     and
                     the
                  
                   Means
                   ;
                   That
                   they
                   may
                   be
                   vanquisht
                   ,
                   and
                   how
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   That
                   the
                   
                     Difficulties
                     may
                     be
                     subdued
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   clearly
                   enough
                   implyed
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   Precept
                   ;
                   we
                   should
                   not
                   have
                   been
                   commanded
                   to
                   strive
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   had
                   been
                   impossible
                   to
                   overcome
                   .
                   God
                   doth
                   not
                   put
                   his
                   Creatures
                   upon
                   fruitless
                   Undertakings
                   :
                   He
                   never
                   requires
                   us
                   to
                   do
                   any
                   thing
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   that
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   attained
                   .
                   Therefore
                   when
                   he
                   was
                   resolved
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   intreated
                   for
                   that
                   stubborn
                   and
                   rebellious
                   Nation
                   ;
                   He
                   would
                   not
                   have
                   the
                   Prophet
                   pray
                   for
                   them
                   ,
                   
                     Jer.
                     7.
                     16.
                     
                     Pray
                     not
                     for
                     this
                     People
                     ,
                     for
                     I
                     will
                     not
                     hear
                     thee
                     .
                  
                   He
                   would
                   not
                   be
                   petitioned
                   for
                   that
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   was
                   determined
                   not
                   to
                   grant
                   .
                   He
                   puts
                   not
                   his
                   Creatures
                   upon
                   any
                   vain
                   Expectations
                   and
                   Endeavours
                   ;
                   nor
                   would
                   he
                   have
                   them
                   deceive
                   themselves
                   by
                   fond
                   Dependences
                   .
                   When
                   one
                   made
                   this
                   Profession
                   to
                   our
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   
                     Lord
                     ,
                     I
                     will
                     follow
                     thee
                     whither
                     soever
                     thou
                     goest
                     ;
                     Christ
                  
                   tells
                   him
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   must
                   expect
                   from
                   him
                   no
                   worldly
                   Honours
                   or
                   Preferments
                   ;
                   no
                   Power
                   or
                   sensual
                   Pleasure
                   ,
                   no
                   ,
                   not
                   so
                   much
                   as
                   the
                   ordinary
                   Accommodations
                   of
                   Life
                   :
                   
                     The
                     Foxes
                     have
                     Holes
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     Birds
                     of
                     the
                     Air
                     have
                     Nests
                     ,
                     but
                     the
                     Son
                     of
                     Man
                     hath
                     not
                     where
                     to
                     lay
                     his
                     Head
                     ,
                  
                   Luk.
                   
                   9.
                   5
                   ,
                   8.
                   
                   He
                   would
                   not
                   have
                   the
                   man
                   that
                   likely
                   might
                   look
                   for
                   these
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   opinion
                   of
                   his
                   being
                   the
                   Messias
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   Jewish
                   sense
                   ,
                   one
                   that
                   should
                   at
                   last
                   ,
                   whatever
                   the
                   meanness
                   of
                   his
                   Condition
                   was
                   at
                   present
                   ,
                   appear
                   as
                   a
                   Mighty
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Triumphant
                     temporal
                     Monarch
                  
                   ;
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   our
                   Saviour
                   would
                   not
                   have
                   the
                   Man
                   follow
                   him
                   for
                   that
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   had
                   not
                   to
                   bestow
                   upon
                   him
                   .
                   Since
                   then
                   that
                   he
                   who
                   would
                   not
                   put
                   us
                   upon
                   fruitless
                   labours
                   ,
                   hath
                   commanded
                   us
                   to
                   strive
                   to
                   enter
                   ;
                   't
                   is
                   evident
                   ,
                   that
                   an
                   entrance
                   may
                   be
                   procured
                   into
                   the
                   Gate
                   by
                   striving
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   may
                   
                     be
                     overcome
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   next
                   thing
                   in
                   my
                   Method
                   is
                   to
                   shew
                   ,
                   How
                   ;
                   the
                   manner
                   is
                   implyed
                   in
                   the
                   Text
                   ;
                   and
                   exprest
                   in
                   the
                   
                     Proposition
                     ,
                     viz.
                  
                   By
                   striving
                   ;
                   and
                   by
                   this
                   ,
                   is
                   meant
                   ,
                   a
                   resolute
                   use
                   of
                   those
                   means
                   that
                   are
                   the
                   Instruments
                   of
                   Happiness
                   .
                   They
                   are
                   three
                   ,
                   
                     Faith
                     ,
                     Prayer
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     active
                     Endeavour
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   I.
                   )
                   Faith
                   is
                   a
                   chief
                   Instrument
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   overcoming
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   of
                   our
                   way
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   Faith
                   
                     in
                     the
                  
                   general
                   ,
                   
                     is
                     the
                  
                   belief
                   
                     of
                     a
                  
                   Testimony
                   ;
                   Divine
                   Faith
                   
                     the
                     belief
                     of
                     a
                  
                   Divine
                   
                     Testimony
                     ;
                     and
                     the
                     chief
                     things
                     to
                     be
                     believed
                     ,
                     as
                  
                   encouragements
                   and
                   means
                   
                     for
                     a
                     Victory
                     over
                     the
                     Difficulties
                     in
                     Religion
                     ,
                     are
                  
                   these
                   ;
                   That
                   God
                   is
                   reconciled
                   to
                   us
                   by
                   his
                   Son
                   ;
                   That
                   he
                   will
                   assist
                   our
                   weak
                   endeavours
                   by
                   the
                   Aids
                   of
                   his
                   Spirit
                   ;
                   That
                   he
                   will
                   reward
                   us
                   if
                   we
                   strive
                   as
                   we
                   
                   ought
                   ,
                   with
                   immortal
                   Happiness
                   in
                   a
                   World
                   of
                   endless
                   Glory
                   .
                
                 
                   By
                   our
                   belief
                   of
                   God's
                   being
                   reconciled
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   secured
                   from
                   those
                   fears
                   ,
                   that
                   might
                   discourage
                   our
                   approaches
                   and
                   endeavours
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   account
                   of
                   his
                   Purity
                   and
                   Justice
                   .
                   By
                   the
                   Faith
                   of
                   his
                   Assistance
                   ,
                   all
                   the
                   objections
                   against
                   our
                   striving
                   ,
                   that
                   arise
                   from
                   the
                   greatness
                   of
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     disproportionate
                     smallness
                  
                   of
                   our
                   Strength
                   ,
                   are
                   answered
                   .
                   And
                   from
                   our
                   believing
                   
                     eternal
                     rewards
                  
                   in
                   another
                   World
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   a
                   mighty
                   motive
                   to
                   engage
                   our
                   utmost
                   diligence
                   ,
                   to
                   contest
                   with
                   all
                   difficulties
                   that
                   would
                   keep
                   us
                   from
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   What
                   satisfaction
                   is
                   there
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   believer
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   gratification
                   of
                   my
                   
                     corrupt
                     Inclinations
                  
                   and
                   Senses
                   ,
                   in
                   comparison
                   with
                   that
                   ,
                   which
                   ariseth
                   from
                   the
                   favour
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   Interest
                   in
                   his
                   Son
                   ?
                   What
                   difficulties
                   in
                   my
                   
                     Duty
                     ,
                     too
                  
                   great
                   for
                   Divine
                   Aids
                   ?
                   What
                   pains
                   are
                   we
                   to
                   undergo
                   in
                   the
                   narrow
                   and
                   difficult
                   way
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Glory
                   which
                   is
                   at
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   will
                   not
                   compensate
                   ?
                   What
                   is
                   it
                   to
                   deny
                   a
                   base
                   Inclination
                   that
                   will
                   undo
                   me
                   ;
                   in
                   obedience
                   to
                   him
                   that
                   made
                   ,
                   and
                   redeemed
                   me
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   despise
                   the
                   little
                   things
                   of
                   present
                   sense
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   hope
                   of
                   
                     everlasting
                     enjoyments
                     ;
                     Trifling
                  
                   pleasure
                   ,
                   for
                   Hallelujahs
                   ?
                   What
                   were
                   it
                   for
                   me
                   to
                   set
                   vigorously
                   upon
                   those
                   Passions
                   that
                   degrade
                   my
                   noble
                   Nature
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   me
                   a
                   slave
                   and
                   a
                   beast
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   make
                   me
                   more
                   vile
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   miserable
                   ;
                   when
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   the
                   
                   most
                   High
                   is
                   at
                   my
                   right
                   hand
                   to
                   assist
                   me
                   ?
                   Why
                   should
                   my
                   noble
                   Faculties
                   ,
                   that
                   were
                   designed
                   for
                   glorious
                   ends
                   ,
                   be
                   led
                   into
                   infamous
                   practices
                   by
                   
                     base
                     Usages
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     dishonourable
                     Customs
                  
                   ?
                   What
                   is
                   the
                   example
                   of
                   a
                   
                     wicked
                     ,
                     sensual
                     ,
                     wretched
                  
                   World
                   ,
                   to
                   that
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Jesus
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   Army
                   of
                   
                     Prophets
                     ,
                     Apostles
                  
                   and
                   Martyrs
                   ?
                   What
                   is
                   there
                   in
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   should
                   be
                   loved
                   more
                   than
                   God
                   ?
                   and
                   what
                   is
                   the
                   Flesh
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   should
                   have
                   more
                   of
                   our
                   time
                   and
                   care
                   ,
                   than
                   the
                   great
                   interests
                   of
                   our
                   Souls
                   ?
                
                 
                   Such
                   are
                   the
                   Considerations
                   of
                   a
                   mind
                   ,
                   that
                   Faith
                   hath
                   awakened
                   ;
                   and
                   by
                   them
                   it
                   is
                   prepared
                   for
                   
                     vigorous
                     striving
                  
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   Faith
                   is
                   the
                   Spring
                   of
                   all
                   ;
                   and
                   necessary
                   to
                   the
                   other
                   two
                   Instruments
                   of
                   our
                   Happiness
                   .
                   Besides
                   which
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   acceptable
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   in
                   it
                   self
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   disposeth
                   us
                   for
                   his
                   
                     gracious
                     helps
                  
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   we
                   are
                   enabled
                   to
                   overcome
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   of
                   our
                   way
                   .
                   While
                   a
                   man
                   considers
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   only
                   ,
                   and
                   weighs
                   them
                   against
                   his
                   own
                   strength
                   ,
                   let
                   him
                   suppose
                   the
                   Liberty
                   of
                   his
                   Will
                   to
                   be
                   what
                   he
                   pleaseth
                   ,
                   yet
                   while
                   't
                   is
                   under
                   such
                   disadvantages
                   ,
                   that
                   will
                   signifie
                   very
                   little
                   ;
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   sees
                   no
                   further
                   ,
                   sits
                   down
                   in
                   discouragement
                   ;
                   But
                   when
                   the
                   mind
                   is
                   fortified
                   with
                   the
                   firm
                   belief
                   of
                   
                     Divine
                     help
                  
                   ,
                   he
                   attempts
                   then
                   with
                   a
                   
                     noble
                     vigour
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   cannot
                   miscarry
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   do
                   not
                   cool
                   and
                   faint
                   .
                   For
                   
                     he
                     that
                     endures
                     to
                     the
                     end
                     ,
                     shall
                     be
                     saved
                     ,
                  
                   Mat.
                   24.
                   13.
                   
                   Thus
                   Faith
                   sets
                   the
                   
                   other
                   Instruments
                   of
                   Happiness
                   on
                   work
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   't
                   is
                   deservedly
                   reckoned
                   as
                   the
                   first
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   that
                   which
                   must
                   always
                   accompany
                   the
                   exercises
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   give
                   them
                   life
                   and
                   motion
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   II.
                   )
                   Prayer
                   is
                   another
                   means
                   we
                   must
                   use
                   ,
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   our
                   overcoming
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   of
                   the
                   way
                   .
                   Our
                   own
                   meer
                   ,
                   natural
                   Strength
                   is
                   weakness
                   ;
                   and
                   without
                   supernatural
                   helps
                   those
                   Difficulties
                   are
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   surmounted
                   .
                   
                     Those
                     Aids
                  
                   are
                   necessary
                   ,
                   and
                   God
                   is
                   ready
                   to
                   bestow
                   them
                   on
                   us
                   ;
                   For
                   
                     He
                     would
                     have
                     all
                     men
                     to
                     be
                     saved
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   
                     to
                     come
                     to
                     the
                     Knowledge
                     of
                     the
                     Truth
                     ,
                  
                   1
                   Tim.
                   2.
                   4.
                   
                   But
                   for
                   
                     these
                     things
                     he
                     will
                     be
                     sought
                     unto
                     .
                  
                   And
                   't
                   is
                   very
                   just
                   ,
                   and
                   fit
                   that
                   we
                   should
                   address
                   our selves
                   to
                   him
                   by
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   to
                   acknowledge
                   our
                   own
                   insufficiency
                   ,
                   and
                   dependence
                   on
                   him
                   for
                   the
                   mercies
                   we
                   expect
                   ;
                   and
                   thereby
                   to
                   own
                   Him
                   for
                   the
                   giver
                   of
                   
                     every
                     good
                  
                   and
                   
                     perfect
                     gift
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   instruct
                   our selves
                   how
                   his
                   favours
                   are
                   to
                   be
                   received
                   and
                   
                     used
                     ,
                     viz.
                  
                   with
                   Reverence
                   and
                   Thanksgiving
                   :
                   This
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   highly
                   fit
                   we
                   should
                   do
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   doing
                   it
                   prepares
                   us
                   for
                   his
                   blessings
                   ;
                   and
                   he
                   fails
                   not
                   to
                   bestow
                   them
                   on
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   prepared
                   by
                   Faith
                   and
                   
                     Prayer
                     ;
                     For
                     he
                     giveth
                     liberally
                     and
                     upbraids
                     not
                  
                   ;
                   And
                   our
                   Prayers
                   are
                   required
                   ,
                   not
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   could
                   move
                   his
                   will
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   always
                   graciously
                   inclined
                   to
                   our
                   Happiness
                   ;
                   
                   But
                   as
                   it
                   's
                   
                     that
                     tribute
                  
                   which
                   we
                   owe
                   our
                   Maker
                   and
                   Benefactor
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   without
                   which
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   so
                   fit
                   he
                   should
                   bestow
                   his
                   particular
                   favours
                   on
                   us
                   .
                   For
                   it
                   by
                   no
                   means
                   becomes
                   the
                   Divine
                   Majesty
                   ,
                   to
                   vouchsafe
                   the
                   specialties
                   of
                   his
                   Grace
                   and
                   Goodness
                   to
                   those
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   sensible
                   they
                   want
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   are
                   not
                   humbled
                   to
                   a
                   due
                   apprehension
                   of
                   their
                   weakness
                   and
                   dependence
                   .
                   But
                   for
                   such
                   as
                   are
                   so
                   ,
                   and
                   express
                   their
                   humble
                   desires
                   in
                   the
                   Ardours
                   of
                   
                     Holy
                     Prayer
                  
                   ,
                   God
                   never
                   denies
                   them
                   the
                   assistances
                   of
                   his
                   
                     Spirit
                     :
                     For
                     if
                     ye
                     being
                     evil
                  
                   (
                   saith
                   our
                   Saviour
                   )
                   
                     know
                     how
                     to
                     give
                     good
                     gifts
                     unto
                     your
                     Children
                     ,
                     how
                     much
                     more
                     shall
                     your
                     Father
                     which
                     is
                     in
                     Heaven
                     give
                     good
                     things
                     to
                     those
                     that
                     ask
                     Him
                     ?
                  
                   Mat.
                   7.
                   11.
                   
                
                 
                   And
                   
                     These
                     Divine
                     Helps
                  
                   obtain'd
                   by
                   
                     Faith
                     and
                     Prayer
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   join'd
                   with
                   our
                   
                     active
                     constant
                     endeavour
                  
                   ,
                   will
                   not
                   fail
                   to
                   enable
                   us
                   to
                   overcome
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   procure
                   us
                   an
                   entrance
                   at
                   the
                   
                     strait
                     Gate
                  
                   .
                   And
                   so
                   I
                   come
                   to
                   the
                   
                     Third
                     Instrument
                  
                   of
                   our
                   Happiness
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   implyed
                   in
                   striving
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   (
                   III.
                   )
                   
                     Active
                     Endeavour
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   Repentance
                   and
                   the
                   
                     fruits
                     of
                  
                   it
                   are
                   implied
                   ;
                   Both
                   Faith
                   and
                   Prayer
                   are
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   this
                   ;
                   and
                   without
                   it
                   neither
                   can
                   turn
                   to
                   account
                   .
                   For
                   
                     Faith
                     without
                     works
                     is
                     dead
                  
                   ,
                   Jam.
                   2.
                   20.
                   and
                   
                     Prayer
                     ,
                     without
                     endeavour
                     ,
                     fruitless
                  
                   ;
                   yea
                   indeed
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   Divine
                   Estimate
                   ,
                   it
                   
                   is
                   
                     none
                     at
                     all
                  
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   bodily
                   exercise
                   ;
                   
                     no
                     Prayer
                  
                   .
                   For
                   when
                   we
                   invoke
                   
                     Gods
                     help
                  
                   ,
                   we
                   desire
                   it
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   use
                   it
                   ;
                   
                     Divine
                     Grace
                     is
                     not
                     a
                     Treasure
                     to
                     lay
                     up
                     by
                     us
                     ,
                     but
                     an
                     Instrument
                     to
                     work
                     with
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   we
                   pray
                   that
                   God
                   would
                   assist
                   us
                   in
                   our
                   endeavours
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     endeavour
                     not
                     at
                     all
                  
                   ,
                   we
                   mock
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   trifle
                   with
                   him
                   in
                   our
                   Prayers
                   :
                   Endeavour
                   then
                   is
                   necessary
                   ,
                   and
                   necessary
                   in
                   a
                   degree
                   so
                   eminent
                   ,
                   that
                   this
                   is
                   always
                   included
                   in
                   Faith
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   taken
                   in
                   the
                   highest
                   and
                   noblest
                   
                     Evangelical
                     sense
                  
                   ,
                   viz.
                   for
                   the
                   Faith
                   which
                   justifies
                   and
                   saves
                   ;
                   for
                   that
                   comprehends
                   all
                   those
                   endeavours
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   fruits
                   ,
                   whereby
                   we
                   are
                   made
                   happy
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   must
                   not
                   expect
                   that
                   God
                   should
                   do
                   
                     all
                     (
                     exclusively
                  
                   )
                   in
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   our
                   Salvation
                   .
                   He
                   doth
                   his
                   part
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   must
                   do
                   ours
                   ;
                   (
                   though
                   we
                   do
                   that
                   ,
                   by
                   his
                   help
                   too
                   .
                   )
                   
                     He
                     that
                     made
                     us
                     without
                     our selves
                     ,
                     will
                     not
                     save
                     us
                     without
                     our selves
                     ,
                  
                   said
                   the
                   Father
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   commanded
                   to
                   seek
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   7.
                   7.
                   
                   To
                   Run
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   9.
                   24.
                   
                   To
                   fight
                   ,
                   1
                   Tim.
                   6.
                   12.
                   
                   To
                   
                     give
                     diligence
                  
                   ,
                   2
                   Pet.
                   1.
                   10.
                   
                   
                     These
                     all
                  
                   import
                   Action
                   and
                   Endeavour
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   endeavour
                   must
                   not
                   be
                   only
                   a
                   faint
                   purpose
                   ,
                   or
                   formal
                   service
                   ;
                   but
                   it
                   must
                   be
                   imployed
                   in
                   the
                   
                     highest
                     degree
                  
                   of
                   Care
                   and
                   
                     Diligence
                     .
                     The
                     Kingdom
                     of
                     Heaven
                     suffereth
                     violence
                     ,
                  
                   Mat.
                   11.
                   12.
                   and
                   this
                   violence
                   must
                   not
                   be
                   used
                   in
                   an
                   heat
                   ,
                   and
                   sudden
                   fit
                   only
                   ,
                   that
                   cools
                   and
                   dies
                   ,
                   and
                   contents
                   it self
                   with
                   having
                   been
                   warm
                   for
                   a
                   time
                   :
                   But
                   it
                   must
                   be
                   a
                   
                   steady
                   and
                   constant
                   course
                   of
                   Activity
                   ,
                   a
                   continual
                   striving
                   to
                   overcome
                   the
                   remaining
                   difficulties
                   of
                   the
                   way
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   must
                   
                     endeavour
                     vigorously
                  
                   and
                   constantly
                   ;
                   and
                   in
                   that
                   ,
                   (
                   after
                   our
                   Faith
                   is
                   strengthened
                   by
                   
                     deep
                     consideration
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Divine
                     assistance
                  
                   implored
                   by
                   
                     ardent
                     Prayer
                  
                   )
                   our
                   course
                   is
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   
                     To
                     abstain
                     from
                     all
                     the
                     outward
                     actions
                     of
                     Sin
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   
                     to
                     perform
                     the
                     external
                     acts
                     of
                     the
                     contrary
                     Vertues
                     .
                     To
                     cease
                     to
                     do
                     evil
                     ,
                  
                   Isa
                   .
                   1.
                   16.
                   is
                   the
                   first
                   step
                   .
                   When
                   the
                   Publicans
                   askt
                   John
                   the
                   Baptist
                   ,
                   Luke
                   3.
                   12.
                   what
                   they
                   should
                   do
                   ;
                   His
                   direction
                   was
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   
                     should
                     not
                     exact
                  
                   ,
                   vers
                   .
                   13.
                   and
                   to
                   the
                   Souldiers
                   ,
                   asking
                   the
                   same
                   question
                   ,
                   he
                   answers
                   ,
                   
                     Do
                     violence
                     to
                     no
                     man
                  
                   ,
                   vers
                   .
                   14.
                   
                   These
                   were
                   the
                   sins
                   of
                   their
                   particular
                   Professions
                   ,
                   which
                   were
                   to
                   be
                   quitted
                   ,
                   before
                   any
                   thing
                   could
                   be
                   done
                   higher
                   .
                   We
                   have
                   ordinarily
                   more
                   power
                   over
                   our
                   actions
                   ,
                   than
                   our
                   habits
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   we
                   should
                   begin
                   here
                   ,
                   and
                   resolve
                   deeply
                   ,
                   by
                   divine
                   help
                   ,
                   to
                   cut
                   off
                   those
                   supplies
                   that
                   feed
                   
                     vitious
                     inclinations
                  
                   ;
                   for
                   
                     wicked
                     habits
                  
                   are
                   maintain'd
                   by
                   actions
                   of
                   Wickedness
                   ;
                   when
                   they
                   cease
                   ,
                   the
                   inclinations
                   grow
                   more
                   faint
                   ,
                   and
                   weak
                   :
                   and
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   come
                   but
                   
                     thus
                     far
                  
                   ,
                   to
                   have
                   confined
                   our
                   lusts
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   be
                   encouraged
                   to
                   proceed
                   to
                   destroy
                   them
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   said
                   ,
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   great
                   distance
                   between
                   a
                   
                     Princes
                     Prison
                  
                   and
                   his
                   Grave
                   ;
                   The
                   saying
                   is
                   most
                   true
                   in
                   the
                   case
                   of
                   
                   Tyrants
                   and
                   Usurpers
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   habits
                   of
                   sin
                   are
                   both
                   ;
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   restrain'd
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   far
                   from
                   being
                   destroyed
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   imploy
                   our
                   endeavours
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   divine
                   aids
                   ,
                   as
                   we
                   ought
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   then
                   must
                   be
                   done
                   First
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   other
                   part
                   of
                   the
                   advice
                   must
                   be
                   taken
                   with
                   it
                   ,
                   viz.
                   we
                   
                     must
                     practise
                     the
                     outward
                     actions
                     of
                     the
                     contrary
                     Vertues
                     .
                  
                   We
                   
                     must
                     do
                     well
                  
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   
                     cease
                     to
                     do
                     evil
                  
                   .
                   When
                   we
                   turn
                   from
                   darkness
                   ,
                   it
                   must
                   be
                   to
                   light
                   ,
                   Acts
                   26.
                   18.
                   
                   Not
                   from
                   one
                   kind
                   of
                   darkness
                   to
                   another
                   .
                   When
                   we
                   cease
                   to
                   oppress
                   ,
                   we
                   must
                   be
                   charitable
                   ;
                   when
                   we
                   leave
                   to
                   tyrannize
                   over
                   our
                   inferiours
                   ,
                   we
                   must
                   be
                   kind
                   and
                   helpful
                   to
                   them
                   .
                   When
                   we
                   forbear
                   to
                   slander
                   ,
                   we
                   must
                   speak
                   all
                   the
                   good
                   we
                   can
                   of
                   our
                   Neighbour
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   outward
                   actions
                   of
                   Vertue
                   are
                   in
                   our
                   power
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   somewhat
                   to
                   come
                   so
                   far
                   as
                   this
                   :
                   What
                   is
                   more
                   ,
                   viz.
                   The
                   
                     inward
                     love
                     and
                     delight
                     in
                     goodness
                     ,
                  
                   will
                   succeed
                   in
                   time
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   persevere
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   not
                   safe
                   for
                   us
                   to
                   propose
                   to
                   our selves
                   the
                   greatest
                   heights
                   at
                   first
                   ;
                   if
                   we
                   do
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   discouraged
                   ,
                   and
                   fall
                   back
                   .
                   God
                   accepts
                   even
                   of
                   that
                   little
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   more
                   .
                   He
                   despiseth
                   not
                   the
                   
                     day
                     of
                     small
                     things
                  
                   ,
                   Zech.
                   4.
                   10.
                   
                   
                     If
                     thou
                     dost
                     well
                     ,
                     shalt
                     thou
                     not
                     be
                     accepted
                     ?
                  
                   Christ
                   loved
                   the
                   
                     young
                     man
                  
                   who
                   had
                   kept
                   the
                   external
                   part
                   of
                   the
                   Commandments
                   ,
                   Mark
                   10.
                   12.
                   
                   If
                   he
                   had
                   had
                   the
                   courage
                   to
                   have
                   proceeded
                   ;
                   what
                   he
                   had
                   done
                   ,
                   would
                   have
                   
                   steaded
                   him
                   much
                   .
                   The
                   inward
                   love
                   of
                   Vertue
                   and
                   Holiness
                   is
                   promoted
                   by
                   the
                   outward
                   exercises
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   hereby
                   the
                   contrary
                   evils
                   are
                   both
                   pined
                   and
                   
                     thrust
                     out
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   of
                   the
                   First
                   thing
                   that
                   Endeavour
                   implies
                   ;
                   upon
                   this
                   must
                   follow
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   
                     An
                     attempt
                     upon
                     evil
                     habits
                  
                   ,
                   viz.
                   Those
                   that
                   have
                   been
                   super-induced
                   on
                   us
                   by
                   Carelesness
                   and
                   Temptation
                   ,
                   bad
                   Customs
                   and
                   
                     evil
                     Company
                     .
                     Every
                     victory
                     is
                     a
                     means
                     to
                     another
                     ;
                     we
                  
                   grow
                   stronger
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     enemy
                     weaker
                  
                   by
                   it
                   .
                   To
                   have
                   overcome
                   the
                   outward
                   acts
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   beginning
                   in
                   our
                   spiritual
                   warfare
                   ;
                   but
                   our
                   chief
                   enemies
                   are
                   the
                   
                     habits
                     ;
                     these
                  
                   must
                   be
                   attempted
                   also
                   ,
                   but
                   with
                   Prudence
                   ;
                   wild
                   Beasts
                   are
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   dealt
                   with
                   by
                   
                     main
                     strength
                  
                   ;
                   Art
                   and
                   Stratagem
                   must
                   be
                   used
                   in
                   this
                   War
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   
                     good
                     policy
                  
                   ,
                   I
                   think
                   here
                   ,
                   to
                   fight
                   the
                   least
                   powerful
                   foes
                   first
                   ,
                   the
                   contracted
                   habits
                   ,
                   before
                   we
                   fall
                   on
                   the
                   
                     inbred
                     natural
                  
                   Inclinations
                   .
                   While
                   our
                   forces
                   are
                   weak
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   dangerous
                   setting
                   upon
                   the
                   strongest
                   holds
                   ,
                   viz.
                   the
                   vices
                   of
                   Complexion
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   woven
                   into
                   our
                   
                     very
                     Natures
                  
                   .
                   If
                   a
                   man
                   apply
                   all
                   his
                   force
                   where
                   he
                   hath
                   not
                   resolution
                   enough
                   to
                   go
                   through
                   with
                   what
                   he
                   undertakes
                   ,
                   he
                   receives
                   a
                   foyl
                   ,
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   odds
                   but
                   he
                   sits
                   down
                   and
                   faints
                   .
                   Prudence
                   therefore
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   used
                   ,
                   where
                   we
                   distrust
                   our
                   strength
                   :
                   Fall
                   upon
                   Sin
                   ,
                   where
                   't
                   is
                   weakest
                   ,
                   where
                   it
                   hath
                   
                   least
                   of
                   Nature
                   ,
                   and
                   least
                   of
                   Temptation
                   ;
                   and
                   where
                   we
                   have
                   arguments
                   from
                   Reputation
                   and
                   
                     worldly
                     Interests
                  
                   wherewith
                   to
                   war
                   against
                   it
                   .
                   If
                   we
                   prevail
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   heartned
                   by
                   the
                   success
                   :
                   Our
                   Faith
                   and
                   Resolution
                   will
                   grow
                   stronger
                   by
                   this
                   experience
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   have
                   triumph't
                   over
                   the
                   sins
                   of
                   
                     evil
                     Custom
                     ,
                     Example
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     sensual
                     Indulgence
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   when
                   that
                   is
                   done
                   ,
                   we
                   must
                   remember
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   enough
                   that
                   those
                   habits
                   are
                   thrust
                   out
                   ;
                   others
                   must
                   be
                   planted
                   in
                   their
                   room
                   :
                   when
                   the
                   foyl
                   is
                   prepared
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     seed
                     must
                  
                   be
                   sown
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   seeds
                   of
                   vertuous
                   habits
                   ,
                   are
                   the
                   actions
                   of
                   vertue
                   .
                   These
                   I
                   recommended
                   under
                   the
                   last
                   head
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   say
                   more
                   of
                   the
                   introducing
                   of
                   habits
                   ,
                   under
                   one
                   that
                   follows
                   on
                   purpose
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   The
                   next
                   advance
                   in
                   our
                   endeavours
                   ,
                   is
                   ,
                   In
                   the
                   Strength
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   Name
                   of
                   his
                   Son
                   ,
                   to
                   assault
                   the
                   greater
                   Devils
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   strive
                   to
                   cast
                   out
                   them
                   ;
                   I
                   mean
                   the
                   Sins
                   of
                   Complexion
                   ,
                   and
                   particular
                   Nature
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   a
                   great
                   work
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   require
                   
                     strong
                     Faith
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     many
                     Prayers
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     much
                     Time
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     great
                     Watchfulness
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     invincible
                     Resolution
                  
                   :
                   Imploy
                   
                     these
                     heartily
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   though
                   thou
                   now
                   and
                   then
                   mayst
                   receive
                   a
                   foyl
                   ,
                   yet
                   give
                   not
                   off
                   so
                   ,
                   but
                   rise
                   again
                   in
                   the
                   strength
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   implore
                   new
                   aid
                   ,
                   and
                   fortifie
                   thy self
                   with
                   more
                   considerations
                   ,
                   and
                   deeper
                   resolves
                   ;
                   and
                   then
                   renew
                   the
                   Combat
                   upon
                   the
                   encouragement
                   of
                   
                     Divine
                     Assistance
                  
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   
                     Christ's
                     Merits
                  
                   and
                   Intercession
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   promise
                   that
                   sin
                   
                     shall
                     not
                     have
                     dominion
                     over
                     us
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   6.
                   14.
                   
                
                 
                   Remember
                   ,
                   that
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   great
                   work
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   biggest
                   difficulty
                   ;
                   if
                   this
                   be
                   not
                   overcome
                   ,
                   all
                   our
                   
                     other
                     labour
                  
                   hath
                   been
                   in
                   vain
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   be
                   lost
                   .
                   If
                   this
                   root
                   remain
                   ,
                   it
                   will
                   still
                   bear
                   poysonous
                   fruit
                   ,
                   which
                   will
                   be
                   matter
                   for
                   Temptation
                   ,
                   and
                   occasion
                   of
                   
                     continual
                     falling
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   shall
                   be
                   in
                   danger
                   of
                   being
                   reconciled
                   again
                   to
                   our
                   old
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   undo
                   all
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   
                     our
                     latter
                     end
                     will
                     be
                     worse
                     than
                     our
                     beginning
                     ,
                  
                   2
                   Pet.
                   2.
                   20.
                   
                   Or
                   ,
                   at
                   least
                   ,
                   though
                   we
                   stand
                   at
                   a
                   stay
                   ,
                   and
                   satisfie
                   our selves
                   with
                   that
                   ;
                   yet
                   though
                   we
                   are
                   contented
                   ,
                   our
                   condition
                   is
                   not
                   safe
                   .
                
                 
                   If
                   we
                   will
                   endeavour
                   to
                   any
                   purpose
                   of
                   duty
                   ,
                   or
                   security
                   ,
                   we
                   must
                   proceed
                   still
                   after
                   our
                   
                     lesser
                     conquests
                  
                   ,
                   till
                   the
                   sins
                   of
                   Complexion
                   are
                   laid
                   dead
                   at
                   our
                   feet
                   .
                   
                     He
                     that
                     is
                     born
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     sinneth
                     not
                     ,
                     and
                     he
                     cannot
                     sin
                     ,
                  
                   1
                   Joh.
                   3.
                   9.
                   
                   Till
                   we
                   come
                   to
                   this
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   but
                   strugling
                   in
                   the
                   Birth
                   .
                
                 
                   Such
                   a
                   perfection
                   as
                   is
                   mortifying
                   of
                   
                     vitious
                     temper
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   I
                   hope
                   attainable
                   ,
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   no
                   doubt
                   that
                   which
                   Religion
                   aims
                   at
                   ;
                   and
                   though
                   it
                   be
                   a
                   
                     difficult
                     height
                  
                   ,
                   yet
                   we
                   must
                   not
                   sit
                   down
                   this
                   side
                   :
                   At
                   least
                   we
                   must
                   be
                   always
                   pressing
                   on
                   to
                   this
                   Mark
                   :
                   if
                   Providence
                   cut
                   off
                   our
                   days
                   before
                   we
                   have
                   arrived
                   to
                   it
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   expect
                   acceptance
                   of
                   
                   the
                   sincerity
                   of
                   our
                   endeavours
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   account
                   of
                   the
                   merits
                   of
                   our
                   Saviour
                   :
                   For
                   he
                   hath
                   procured
                   favour
                   for
                   those
                   sincere
                   Believers
                   and
                   Endeavourers
                   ,
                   whose
                   Day
                   is
                   done
                   before
                   their
                   work
                   is
                   compleated
                   ;
                   this
                   I
                   mean
                   ,
                   of
                   subduing
                   the
                   darling
                   sins
                   of
                   their
                   
                     particular
                     Natures
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   then
                   if
                   we
                   rest
                   ,
                   and
                   please
                   our selves
                   with
                   the
                   
                     little
                     Victories
                  
                   and
                   Attainments
                   ,
                   and
                   let
                   these
                   our
                   
                     great
                     Enemies
                  
                   quietly
                   alone
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   an
                   argument
                   our
                   endeavours
                   are
                   not
                   sincere
                   ,
                   but
                   much
                   short
                   of
                   that
                   striving
                   ,
                   which
                   will
                   procure
                   an
                   entrance
                   into
                   the
                   
                     strait
                     Gate
                  
                   .
                   The
                   next
                   thing
                   (
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   the
                   last
                   I
                   shall
                   mention
                   )
                   which
                   is
                   implyed
                   in
                   striving
                   ,
                   is
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   4.
                   )
                   
                     To
                     furnish
                     our selves
                     ,
                     through
                     Divine
                     Grace
                     ,
                     with
                     the
                     Habits
                     and
                     Inclinations
                     of
                     Holiness
                     and
                     Vertue
                     .
                  
                   For
                   Goodness
                   to
                   become
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   Nature
                   to
                   the
                   Soul
                   ,
                   is
                   an
                   height
                   indeed
                   ;
                   but
                   such
                   a
                   one
                   as
                   may
                   be
                   reacht
                   :
                   the
                   new
                   Nature
                   ,
                   and
                   New
                   Creature
                   ,
                   Gal.
                   6.
                   15.
                   are
                   not
                   meer
                   names
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   have
                   observ'd
                   that
                   some
                   men
                   are
                   of
                   a
                   
                     Natural
                     Generosity
                     ,
                     Veracity
                  
                   and
                   Sweetness
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   cannot
                   act
                   contrary
                   to
                   these
                   Native
                   Vertues
                   ,
                   without
                   a
                   mighty
                   Violence
                   :
                   why
                   now
                   should
                   not
                   the
                   
                     New
                     Nature
                  
                   be
                   as
                   powerful
                   as
                   the
                   Old
                   ?
                   And
                   why
                   may
                   not
                   the
                   
                     Spirit
                     of
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   working
                   by
                   an
                   active
                   Faith
                   and
                   Endeavour
                   ,
                   fix
                   Habits
                   and
                   Inclinations
                   on
                   the
                   Soul
                   ,
                   as
                   prevalent
                   as
                   those
                   ?
                   No
                   doubt
                   ,
                   it
                   
                   may
                   ,
                   and
                   doth
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   Diviner
                   Souls
                   :
                   For
                   whom
                   to
                   do
                   a
                   wicked
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     unworthy
                     Action
                  
                   ,
                   't
                   would
                   be
                   as
                   violent
                   and
                   unnatural
                   ,
                   as
                   for
                   the
                   meek
                   and
                   compassionate
                   temper
                   to
                   butcher
                   the
                   innocent
                   ;
                   or
                   for
                   him
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   
                     naturally
                     just
                  
                   ,
                   to
                   oppress
                   and
                   make
                   a
                   prey
                   of
                   the
                   Fatherless
                   and
                   the
                   Widow
                   :
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   such
                   a
                   degree
                   of
                   perfection
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   should
                   be
                   aim'd
                   at
                   ,
                   Heb.
                   6.
                   1.
                   and
                   we
                   should
                   not
                   slacken
                   or
                   intermit
                   our
                   endeavours
                   till
                   it
                   be
                   attain'd
                   .
                
                 
                   In
                   order
                   to
                   it
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   use
                   frequent
                   meditation
                   on
                   the
                   excellency
                   and
                   pleasure
                   of
                   Vertue
                   and
                   Religion
                   ;
                   and
                   
                     earnest
                     Prayer
                  
                   for
                   the
                   Grace
                   of
                   God
                   ;
                   and
                   
                     diligent
                     attendance
                  
                   upon
                   the
                   
                     publick
                     worship
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   pious
                   Company
                   and
                   Converses
                   :
                   For
                   this
                   great
                   design
                   ,
                   these
                   helps
                   are
                   requisite
                   ,
                   and
                   if
                   we
                   exercise
                   our selves
                   in
                   them
                   as
                   we
                   ought
                   ,
                   they
                   will
                   fire
                   our
                   Souls
                   with
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   God
                   and
                   Goodness
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   at
                   last
                   ,
                   all
                   Christian
                   Vertues
                   will
                   become
                   as
                   natural
                   to
                   us
                   ,
                   as
                   sin
                   was
                   before
                   .
                   And
                   to
                   one
                   that
                   is
                   so
                   prepared
                   ,
                   the
                   Gate
                   of
                   Happiness
                   will
                   be
                   open
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   easie
                   entrance
                   ;
                   the
                   difficulties
                   are
                   overcome
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   henceforth
                   the
                   way
                   is
                   pleasant
                   and
                   plain
                   before
                   him
                   ,
                   Prov.
                   3.
                   17.
                   
                
                 
                   Thus
                   I
                   have
                   shewn
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   
                     formidable
                     difficulties
                  
                   may
                   be
                   overcome
                   ,
                   and
                   How
                   :
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   
                     plain
                     course
                  
                   I
                   have
                   directed
                   ,
                   that
                   will
                   not
                   puzzle
                   mens
                   understandings
                   with
                   
                     needless
                     niceties
                  
                   ,
                   nor
                   distract
                   their
                   memories
                   with
                   multitudes
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   walk
                   in
                   this
                   way
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   do
                   it
                   constantly
                   ,
                   with
                   vigour
                   and
                   alacrity
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   fear
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   the
                   
                     Strength
                     of
                  
                   God
                   ,
                   through
                   the
                   merits
                   and
                   mediation
                   of
                   his
                   Son
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   overcome
                   ,
                   and
                   at
                   last
                   enter
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   had
                   now
                   done
                   with
                   this
                   general
                   Head
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   necessary
                   to
                   note
                   three
                   things
                   more
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Those
                   Instruments
                   of
                   our
                   Happiness
                   which
                   we
                   must
                   use
                   in
                   striving
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                     Faith
                     ,
                     Prayer
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     active
                     Endeavour
                     ,
                     must
                     all
                     of
                     them
                     be
                     imployed
                     .
                  
                   Not
                   any
                   one
                   singly
                   ,
                   will
                   do
                   the
                   great
                   work
                   ;
                   nor
                   can
                   the
                   others
                   ,
                   if
                   
                     any
                     one
                  
                   be
                   wanting
                   .
                   If
                   we
                   believe
                   ,
                   and
                   do
                   not
                   pray
                   ;
                   or
                   pray
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     do
                     not
                     endeavour
                  
                   ;
                   or
                   endeavour
                   ,
                   without
                   those
                   ,
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   will
                   remain
                   ,
                   and
                   't
                   will
                   be
                   impossible
                   for
                   us
                   to
                   enter
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   
                     We
                     must
                     be
                     diligent
                     in
                     our
                     course
                     :
                  
                   If
                   we
                   do
                   not
                   exercise
                   
                     Faith
                     vigorously
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     pray
                     heartily
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     endeavour
                     with
                     our
                     whole
                     might
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   means
                   will
                   not
                   succeed
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   as
                   good
                   not
                   at
                   all
                   ,
                   as
                   not
                   to
                   purpose
                   .
                   The
                   Difficulties
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   overcome
                   by
                   
                     cold
                     Faith
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     sleepy
                     Prayers
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     remiss
                     Endeavours
                  
                   :
                   A
                   very
                   
                     intense
                     degree
                  
                   of
                   these
                   is
                   necessary
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   
                     Our
                     striving
                     must
                     be
                     constant
                  
                   ;
                   we
                   must
                   not
                   begin
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     look
                     back
                  
                   ,
                   Heb.
                   10.
                   38.
                   or
                   run
                   a
                   while
                   ,
                   and
                   stop
                   in
                   midd
                   course
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   9.
                   24.
                   and
                   content
                   our selves
                   with
                   some
                   attainments
                   ,
                   and
                   think
                   we
                   have
                   arrived
                   ,
                   Phil.
                   3.
                   14.
                   
                   If
                   we
                   do
                   so
                   ,
                   
                   we
                   shall
                   find
                   our selves
                   dangerously
                   mistaken
                   .
                   The
                   Crown
                   is
                   at
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   the
                   Warfare
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Prize
                   at
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   the
                   Race
                   .
                   If
                   we
                   will
                   succeed
                   ,
                   we
                   must
                   hold
                   on
                   :
                   
                     The
                     life
                     of
                     one
                     that
                     strives
                     as
                     he
                     ought
                     ,
                     must
                     be
                     a
                     continual
                     motion
                     forwards
                  
                   ;
                   always
                   proceeding
                   ,
                   always
                   growing
                   .
                
                 
                   If
                   we
                   
                     strive
                     thus
                  
                   ,
                   we
                   cannot
                   fail
                   ;
                   if
                   any
                   of
                   these
                   qualifications
                   be
                   wanting
                   ,
                   we
                   
                     cannot
                     but
                  
                   miscarry
                   .
                   And
                   hence
                   no
                   doubt
                   it
                   is
                   ,
                   that
                   many
                   that
                   seek
                   to
                   
                     enter
                     ,
                     shall
                     not
                     be
                     able
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   the
                   presumed
                   sons
                   of
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   are
                   shut
                   out
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   8.
                   12.
                   
                   They
                   seek
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   very
                   desirous
                   to
                   be
                   admitted
                   ;
                   They
                   do
                   some
                   thing
                   ,
                   and
                   strive
                   ;
                   but
                   their
                   striving
                   is
                   partial
                   ,
                   or
                   careless
                   ,
                   or
                   short
                   ;
                   by
                   reason
                   of
                   which
                   defects
                   ,
                   they
                   do
                   not
                   overcome
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   not
                   enter
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   is
                   a
                   dangerous
                   Rock
                   ,
                   and
                   perhaps
                   there
                   are
                   as
                   many
                   undone
                   by
                   cold
                   and
                   
                     half
                     striving
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   by
                   not
                   
                     striving
                     at
                     all
                  
                   .
                   He
                   that
                   hath
                   done
                   some
                   thing
                   ,
                   presumes
                   he
                   is
                   secure
                   ;
                   He
                   goes
                   the
                   round
                   of
                   ordinary
                   Duties
                   ,
                   but
                   advanceth
                   nothing
                   in
                   his
                   way
                   ;
                   He
                   overcometh
                   none
                   of
                   the
                   great
                   Difficulties
                   ,
                   none
                   of
                   the
                   Habits
                   or
                   
                     depraved
                     Inclinations
                  
                   ;
                   He
                   is
                   contented
                   with
                   other
                   things
                   that
                   make
                   a
                   more
                   
                     glorious
                     shew
                  
                   ;
                   though
                   they
                   
                     signifie
                     less
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   perhaps
                   despiseth
                   these
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   Morality
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   presuming
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   a
                   
                     Saint
                     too
                     soon
                  
                   ,
                   he
                   never
                   comes
                   to
                   be
                   
                     one
                     at
                     all
                  
                   :
                   such
                   are
                   the
                   
                     Seekers
                     that
                     shall
                     not
                     be
                     able
                     to
                     enter
                     :
                  
                   Their
                   seeking
                   imports
                   
                   
                     some
                     striving
                  
                   ;
                   but
                   't
                   is
                   such
                   ,
                   as
                   ,
                   though
                   it
                   be
                   specious
                   ,
                   yet
                   it
                   is
                   imperfect
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   not
                   succeed
                   .
                   And
                   hence
                   the
                   
                     Third
                     Proposition
                  
                   ariseth
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   proposed
                   to
                   discourse
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   III.
                   )
                   THat
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   sort
                   of
                   Striving
                   that
                   will
                   not
                   procure
                   an
                   entrance
                   :
                   
                     implyed
                     in
                     these
                     words
                  
                   ,
                   For
                   many
                   will
                   seek
                   to
                   enter
                   in
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   able
                   .
                
                 
                   'T
                   is
                   a
                   dangerous
                   thing
                   to
                   be
                   flattered
                   into
                   a
                   
                     false
                     peace
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   take
                   up
                   with
                   
                     imperfect
                     Godliness
                  
                   ;
                   to
                   reconcile
                   the
                   hopes
                   of
                   Heaven
                   to
                   our
                   
                     beloved
                     sins
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   judge
                   our
                   condition
                   safe
                   upon
                   
                     insufficient
                     grounds
                     .
                     This
                  
                   multitudes
                   do
                   ,
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   the
                   great
                   danger
                   of
                   our
                   days
                   ;
                   Men
                   cannot
                   be
                   contented
                   without
                   doing
                   something
                   in
                   Religion
                   ;
                   but
                   they
                   are
                   
                     contented
                     with
                     a
                     little
                  
                   .
                   And
                   then
                   they
                   reckon
                   themselves
                   godly
                   ,
                   before
                   they
                   are
                   vertuous
                   ;
                   and
                   take
                   themselves
                   to
                   be
                   Saints
                   ,
                   upon
                   such
                   things
                   as
                   will
                   not
                   distinguish
                   a
                   
                     good
                     man
                  
                   from
                   a
                   bad
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   seek
                   after
                   Marks
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   and
                   would
                   be
                   glad
                   to
                   know
                   ,
                   how
                   we
                   might
                   try
                   our
                   state
                   :
                   The
                   thing
                   is
                   of
                   great
                   importance
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   the
                   Signs
                   we
                   judge
                   by
                   are
                   either
                   false
                   ,
                   or
                   imperfect
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   deceived
                   to
                   our
                   undoing
                   .
                   Meer
                   Speculative
                   mistakes
                   about
                   Opinions
                   ,
                   do
                   no
                   great
                   hurt
                   :
                   but
                   errour
                   in
                   the
                   Marks
                   and
                   Measures
                   of
                   Religion
                   is
                   deadly
                   .
                   Now
                   there
                   are
                   sundry
                   things
                   commonly
                   
                   taken
                   for
                   signs
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   which
                   though
                   they
                   are
                   something
                   ,
                   yet
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   enough
                   ;
                   They
                   are
                   hopeful
                   for
                   beginnings
                   ,
                   but
                   nothing
                   worth
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   our
                   end
                   and
                   rest
                   .
                   They
                   are
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   seeking
                   and
                   
                     imperfect
                     striving
                  
                   ;
                   but
                   not
                   such
                   as
                   overcometh
                   the
                   difficulties
                   of
                   the
                   way
                   ,
                   or
                   will
                   procure
                   us
                   an
                   entrance
                   at
                   the
                   Gate
                   .
                   Therefore
                   to
                   disable
                   the
                   
                     flattering
                     ,
                     insufficient
                     Marks
                  
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   I
                   shall
                   discover
                   in
                   pursuance
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Third
                     Proposition
                     ,
                     How
                     far
                     a
                     man
                     may
                     strive
                     in
                     the
                     exercises
                     of
                     Religion
                     ,
                     and
                     yet
                     be
                     found
                     at
                     last
                     among
                     those
                     seekers
                     that
                     shall
                     not
                     be
                     able
                     to
                     enter
                     .
                  
                   And
                   though
                   I
                   have
                   intimated
                   something
                   of
                   this
                   in
                   the
                   general
                   before
                   ,
                   yet
                   I
                   shall
                   now
                   more
                   particularly
                   shew
                   it
                   in
                   the
                   instances
                   that
                   follow
                   .
                   And
                   in
                   these
                   I
                   shall
                   discover
                   a
                   Religion
                   that
                   may
                   be
                   called
                   Animal
                   ,
                   to
                   which
                   the
                   natural
                   man
                   may
                   attain
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   A
                   Man
                   may
                   believe
                   the
                   Truths
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   and
                   assent
                   heartily
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   Articles
                   of
                   the
                   Creed
                   :
                   
                     and
                     if
                     he
                  
                   proceeds
                   
                     not
                     ,
                     he
                     is
                     no
                     further
                     by
                  
                   this
                   ,
                   
                     than
                     the
                  
                   faith
                   of
                   Devils
                   ,
                   Jam.
                   2.
                   19.
                   
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   He
                   may
                   go
                   on
                   ,
                   
                     and
                     have
                     a
                     great
                     thirst
                     to
                     be
                     more
                     acquainted
                     with
                     Truth
                  
                   ;
                   he
                   may
                   seek
                   it
                   diligently
                   in
                   Scripture
                   ,
                   and
                   Sermons
                   ,
                   and
                   good
                   Books
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     knowing
                     Company
                  
                   ;
                   And
                   yet
                   
                     do
                     this
                  
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   motion
                   of
                   no
                   
                     higher
                     Principle
                  
                   ,
                   than
                   an
                   inbred
                   Curiosity
                   ,
                   and
                   desire
                   of
                   Knowledge
                   ;
                   and
                   many
                   times
                   this
                   
                   earnestness
                   after
                   Truth
                   ,
                   proceeds
                   from
                   a
                   
                     proud
                     affectation
                  
                   to
                   be
                   wiser
                   than
                   our
                   Neighbours
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   pity
                   their
                   darkness
                   ;
                   or
                   the
                   itch
                   of
                   a
                   disputing
                   humour
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   out-talk
                   them
                   ;
                   or
                   a
                   design
                   to
                   carry
                   on
                   ,
                   or
                   make
                   a
                   party
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   called
                   Rabbi
                   ,
                   or
                   serve
                   an
                   Interest
                   :
                   and
                   the
                   zeal
                   for
                   Truth
                   that
                   is
                   set
                   on
                   work
                   by
                   such
                   motives
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   spark
                   of
                   that
                   fire
                   that
                   is
                   from
                   beneath
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   dangerous
                   to
                   a
                   
                     mans
                     self
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   the
                   
                     publick
                     Weal
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   and
                   mankind
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   man
                   proceeds
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   
                     Very
                     much
                     concern'd
                     to
                     defend
                     and
                     propagate
                     his
                     Faith
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Pharisees
                   were
                   so
                   in
                   relation
                   to
                   theirs
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   23.
                   15.
                   and
                   so
                   have
                   been
                   many
                   Professors
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   Religions
                   that
                   are
                   ,
                   or
                   ever
                   were
                   .
                   Men
                   naturally
                   love
                   their
                   own
                   Tenents
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   ambitious
                   to
                   mould
                   
                     others
                     judgements
                  
                   according
                   to
                   theirs
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   glory
                   in
                   being
                   an
                   Instructor
                   of
                   other
                   men
                   ;
                   and
                   turning
                   them
                   to
                   
                     our
                     ways
                  
                   and
                   opinions
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   here
                   is
                   nothing
                   yet
                   above
                   Nature
                   ;
                   nothing
                   but
                   what
                   may
                   be
                   found
                   in
                   many
                   that
                   seek
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   
                     shut
                     out
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   4.
                   )
                   Faith
                   works
                   greater
                   effects
                   than
                   these
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Men
                     offer
                     themselves
                     to
                     Martyrdom
                     for
                     it
                     ;
                     This
                     ,
                  
                   one
                   would
                   think
                   ,
                   should
                   be
                   the
                   greatest
                   height
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   argument
                   that
                   all
                   the
                   difficulties
                   of
                   the
                   way
                   ,
                   are
                   overcome
                   by
                   one
                   that
                   is
                   
                     so
                     resolved
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   the
                   Gate
                   cannot
                   but
                   be
                   opened
                   to
                   him
                   .
                   And
                   so
                   ,
                   no
                   
                   doubt
                   ,
                   
                     it
                     is
                     ,
                     when
                     all
                     things
                     else
                     are
                     sutable
                  
                   ;
                   But
                   otherwise
                   these
                   consequences
                   by
                   no
                   means
                   follow
                   .
                   S.
                   Paul
                   supposeth
                   that
                   a
                   man
                   may
                   give
                   his
                   
                     Body
                     to
                     be
                     burned
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   have
                   Charity
                   ,
                   without
                   which
                   his
                   Martyrdom
                   will
                   not
                   profit
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   13.
                   
                   For
                   one
                   to
                   deny
                   his
                   Religion
                   ,
                   or
                   what
                   he
                   believes
                   to
                   be
                   certain
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   
                     greatest
                     consequence
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   dishonourable
                   and
                   base
                   :
                   and
                   some
                   out
                   of
                   principles
                   of
                   meer
                   
                     natural
                     bravery
                  
                   ,
                   will
                   die
                   rather
                   than
                   they
                   will
                   do
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   ,
                   upon
                   other
                   accounts
                   be
                   far
                   enough
                   from
                   being
                   
                     heroically
                     vertuous
                  
                   .
                   Besides
                   ,
                   the
                   desire
                   of
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   Martyrdom
                   and
                   Saintship
                   after
                   it
                   ,
                   may
                   in
                   some
                   be
                   stronger
                   than
                   the
                   terrours
                   of
                   Death
                   :
                   and
                   we
                   see
                   frequently
                   ,
                   that
                   men
                   will
                   sacrifice
                   their
                   lives
                   to
                   their
                   Honour
                   and
                   Reputation
                   ;
                   yea
                   to
                   the
                   most
                   contemptible
                   shadows
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   passion
                   in
                   us
                   so
                   weak
                   ,
                   no
                   lust
                   so
                   impotent
                   ,
                   but
                   hath
                   ,
                   in
                   many
                   instances
                   ,
                   prevail'd
                   over
                   the
                   
                     fear
                     of
                     dying
                     .
                     Every
                     Appetite
                  
                   hath
                   had
                   its
                   Martyrs
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   
                     Religions
                     theirs
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   though
                   a
                   man
                   give
                   his
                   Body
                   to
                   be
                   burnt
                   for
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   not
                   Charity
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                     Prevalent
                     love
                     to
                     God
                     and
                     Men
                     ,
                  
                   it
                   will
                   not
                   signifie
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   Martyrdom
                   is
                   no
                   infallible
                   mark
                   ,
                   nor
                   will
                   it
                   avail
                   any
                   thing
                   ,
                   except
                   
                     sincere
                     endeavour
                  
                   to
                   overcome
                   the
                   greater
                   difficulties
                   ,
                   have
                   gone
                   before
                   it
                   .
                   Thus
                   far
                   Faith
                   may
                   go
                   without
                   effect
                   :
                   and
                   yet
                   one
                   step
                   further
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   (
                   5.
                   )
                   
                     Men
                     may
                     confidently
                     rely
                     upon
                     Christ
                     for
                     Salvation
                     ,
                     and
                     be
                     firmly
                     perswaded
                     that
                     he
                     hath
                     justified
                     ,
                     and
                     will
                     make
                     them
                     happy
                     .
                  
                   They
                   may
                   appropriate
                   him
                   to
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   pleased
                   mightily
                   in
                   the
                   opinion
                   of
                   his
                   being
                   theirs
                   .
                   And
                   yet
                   notwithstanding
                   this
                   confidence
                   may
                   be
                   in
                   the
                   number
                   of
                   those
                   seekers
                   that
                   shall
                   not
                   enter
                   .
                   For
                   Christ
                   is
                   the
                   Author
                   of
                   
                     Eternal
                     life
                  
                   ,
                   only
                   
                     to
                     those
                     that
                     obey
                     him
                  
                   ,
                   Heb.
                   5.
                   9.
                   and
                   to
                   obey
                   him
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   
                     strive
                     vigorously
                  
                   and
                   constantly
                   ,
                   to
                   overcome
                   all
                   our
                   
                     sinful
                     Inclinations
                  
                   and
                   Habits
                   .
                   And
                   those
                   that
                   trust
                   he
                   will
                   save
                   them
                   ,
                   though
                   they
                   have
                   never
                   seriously
                   set
                   about
                   
                     this
                     work
                  
                   ,
                   deceive
                   themselves
                   by
                   vain
                   presumption
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   effect
                   say
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   will
                   dissolve
                   or
                   dispense
                   with
                   his
                   Laws
                   in
                   their
                   favour
                   .
                   For
                   he
                   requires
                   us
                   to
                   
                     deny
                     our selves
                  
                   ,
                   Mar.
                   8.
                   34.
                   
                   
                     To
                     mortifie
                     the
                     body
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   8.
                   13.
                   
                   
                     To
                     love
                     enemies
                  
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   5.
                   44.
                   
                   
                     To
                     be
                     meek
                  
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   11.
                   29.
                   
                     and
                     patient
                  
                   ,
                   Jam.
                   5.
                   8.
                   
                     and
                     humble
                  
                   ,
                   1
                   Pet.
                   5.
                   7.
                   
                     and
                     just
                  
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   7.
                   12.
                   
                     and
                     charitable
                  
                   ,
                   Heb.
                   13.
                   16.
                   
                     and
                     holy
                     ,
                     as
                     he
                     that
                     called
                     us
                     is
                     holy
                     ,
                  
                   1
                   Pet.
                   1.
                   15.
                   
                   And
                   he
                   hath
                   promised
                   to
                   save
                   upon
                   no
                   other
                   terms
                   ;
                   For
                   all
                   these
                   are
                   included
                   in
                   Faith
                   ,
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   taken
                   in
                   the
                   justifying
                   sense
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   Way
                   of
                   Happiness
                   and
                   Salvation
                   :
                   If
                   we
                   walk
                   not
                   in
                   this
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   the
                   paths
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   choosing
                   ,
                   our
                   
                     relying
                     upon
                     Christ
                  
                   is
                   a
                   mockery
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   deceive
                   us
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   We
                   may
                   indeed
                   be
                   confident
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   ought
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   will
                   save
                   all
                   those
                   that
                   
                     so
                     believe
                  
                   as
                   to
                   obey
                   him
                   ;
                   but
                   may
                   not
                   trust
                   that
                   he
                   will
                   save
                   us
                   except
                   we
                   are
                   some
                   of
                   those
                   .
                   To
                   
                     rely
                     upon
                     Christ
                     for
                     our
                     Salvation
                     ,
                     must
                     follow
                     our
                     sincere
                     and
                     obedient
                     striving
                     ,
                     and
                     not
                     go
                     before
                     it
                     .
                  
                   The
                   mistake
                   of
                   this
                   is
                   exceeding
                   dangerous
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   doubt
                   hath
                   been
                   fatal
                   to
                   many
                   .
                   The
                   sum
                   is
                   ,
                   to
                   
                     rely
                     on
                     Christ
                  
                   ,
                   without
                   a
                   resolute
                   and
                   steady
                   endeavour
                   to
                   overcome
                   every
                   sin
                   and
                   temptation
                   ,
                   will
                   gain
                   us
                   nothing
                   in
                   the
                   end
                   but
                   shame
                   and
                   disappointment
                   :
                   
                     For
                     't
                     is
                     not
                     every
                     one
                     that
                     saith
                     unto
                     him
                     ,
                     Lord
                     ,
                     Lord
                     ,
                     shall
                     enter
                     into
                     Heaven
                     ,
                     but
                     he
                     that
                     doth
                     the
                     will
                     of
                     his
                     Father
                     which
                     is
                     in
                     Heaven
                     ,
                  
                   Mat.
                   7.
                   21.
                   
                   The
                   foolish
                   Virgins
                   relyed
                   upon
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   expected
                   he
                   should
                   open
                   to
                   them
                   ;
                   
                     Lord
                     ,
                     Lord
                     ,
                     open
                     to
                     us
                     ,
                  
                   Mat.
                   25.
                   11.
                   but
                   he
                   kept
                   them
                   out
                   ,
                   and
                   would
                   not
                   know
                   them
                   ,
                   v.
                   11.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     Thus
                     of
                     the
                  
                   First
                   imperfect
                   Mark
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ;
                   A
                   man
                   may
                   upon
                   the
                   account
                   of
                   meer
                   Nature
                   ,
                   arrive
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   mentioned
                   degrees
                   of
                   Faith
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   ,
                   if
                   his
                   endeavours
                   in
                   the
                   practice
                   of
                   Christian
                   vertues
                   be
                   not
                   suitable
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   certainly
                   come
                   short
                   at
                   last
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   II.
                   )
                   A
                   man
                   may
                   be
                   very
                   devout
                   ,
                   given
                   much
                   to
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   very
                   frequent
                   and
                   earnest
                   in
                   it
                   ;
                   He
                   may
                   have
                   the
                   gift
                   of
                   expressing
                   himself
                   fluently
                   ,
                   without
                   the
                   help
                   of
                   Form
                   or
                   Meditation
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   intent
                   and
                   taken
                   up
                   in
                   these
                   exercises
                   ,
                   that
                   
                   he
                   may
                   as
                   it
                   were
                   be
                   ravish't
                   out
                   of
                   himself
                   by
                   the
                   fervours
                   of
                   his
                   Spirit
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   he
                   really
                   kindles
                   very
                   
                     high
                     Affections
                  
                   as
                   well
                   in
                   others
                   ,
                   as
                   in
                   himself
                   :
                   And
                   yet
                   if
                   he
                   rests
                   in
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   like
                   things
                   ,
                   as
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   reckons
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   accepted
                   of
                   God
                   for
                   it
                   ;
                   if
                   he
                   allow
                   himself
                   in
                   any
                   unmortified
                   lusts
                   ,
                   and
                   thinks
                   to
                   compound
                   for
                   them
                   by
                   his
                   Prayers
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   
                     an
                     evil
                     man
                  
                   notwithstanding
                   ,
                   and
                   one
                   of
                   those
                   seekers
                   that
                   shall
                   
                     not
                     be
                     able
                     to
                     enter
                  
                   .
                   The
                   Pharisees
                   ,
                   we
                   know
                   ,
                   were
                   
                     much
                     given
                  
                   to
                   Prayer
                   :
                   They
                   were
                   long
                   in
                   those
                   Devotions
                   ,
                   and
                   very
                   
                     earnest
                     in
                     them
                  
                   ,
                   often
                   repeating
                   the
                   same
                   expressions
                   out
                   of
                   vehemence
                   .
                   
                     Ignatius
                     Loyola
                  
                   ,
                   founder
                   of
                   the
                   Jesuites
                   ,
                   was
                   a
                   man
                   almost
                   ecstatical
                   in
                   his
                   Prayers
                   ;
                   and
                   Hacket
                   the
                   Blasphemer
                   ,
                   executed
                   in
                   the
                   days
                   of
                   Queen
                   Elizabeth
                   ,
                   was
                   a
                   person
                   of
                   
                     Seraphical
                     Devotion
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   would
                   pray
                   those
                   that
                   heard
                   him
                   even
                   into
                   
                     transports
                     .
                     Basilides
                  
                   the
                   cruel
                   Duke
                   of
                   Mosco
                   ,
                   is
                   said
                   to
                   have
                   his
                   hands
                   almost
                   continually
                   lifted
                   up
                   in
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   except
                   when
                   they
                   were
                   imployed
                   in
                   some
                   barbarous
                   and
                   bloody
                   Execution
                   :
                   And
                   we
                   have
                   known
                   and
                   felt
                   one
                   not
                   much
                   unlike
                   him
                   .
                   There
                   are
                   infinite
                   instances
                   in
                   our
                   days
                   of
                   this
                   dangerous
                   sort
                   of
                   
                     evil
                     men
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   we
                   may
                   learn
                   hence
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   greatest
                   gift
                   of
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   and
                   earnestness
                   and
                   frequency
                   in
                   it
                   ,
                   is
                   no
                   good
                   mark
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   except
                   it
                   be
                   attended
                   
                   with
                   
                     sincere
                     ,
                     constant
                  
                   and
                   vertuous
                   endeavours
                   .
                
                 
                   For
                   some
                   men
                   have
                   a
                   
                     natural
                     spice
                  
                   of
                   Devotion
                   in
                   
                     a
                     Religious
                     Melancholy
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   their
                   temper
                   ;
                   and
                   such
                   have
                   commonly
                   
                     strong
                     Imaginations
                  
                   and
                   
                     zealous
                     affections
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   heated
                   ,
                   
                     flame
                     forth
                  
                   into
                   great
                   heights
                   and
                   expressions
                   of
                   Devotion
                   :
                   The
                   
                     warm
                     Fancy
                  
                   furnisheth
                   words
                   and
                   matter
                   readily
                   and
                   unexpectedly
                   ,
                   which
                   many
                   times
                   begets
                   in
                   the
                   man
                   a
                   conceit
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   inspired
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   his
                   Prayers
                   are
                   the
                   breathings
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   ;
                   or
                   at
                   least
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   extraordinarily
                   assisted
                   by
                   it
                   ;
                   which
                   belief
                   kindles
                   his
                   affections
                   yet
                   more
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   is
                   carried
                   beyond
                   himself
                   ,
                   even
                   into
                   the
                   
                     third
                     Heavens
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Suburbs
                   of
                   Glory
                   ,
                   as
                   he
                   fancies
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   he
                   makes
                   no
                   doubt
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   a
                   Saint
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   rank
                   ,
                   and
                   special
                   favourite
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ;
                   when
                   all
                   this
                   while
                   ,
                   he
                   may
                   be
                   really
                   a
                   bad
                   man
                   full
                   of
                   Envy
                   and
                   
                     Malice
                     ;
                     Pride
                  
                   and
                   
                     Covetousness
                     ;
                     Scorn
                  
                   and
                   
                     ill
                     Nature
                     ;
                     contempt
                     of
                     his
                     Betters
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   
                     disobedience
                     to
                     his
                     Governours
                  
                   :
                   And
                   while
                   it
                   is
                   so
                   ,
                   notwithstanding
                   those
                   glorious
                   things
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   no
                   further
                   than
                   the
                   
                     Pharisee
                     .
                     Hearty
                  
                   and
                   
                     humble
                     desire
                  
                   ,
                   though
                   imperfectly
                   exprest
                   ,
                   and
                   without
                   this
                   pomp
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   wonders
                   ,
                   is
                   far
                   more
                   acceptable
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   who
                   delights
                   not
                   in
                   the
                   exercises
                   of
                   
                     meer
                     Nature
                  
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   147.
                   10.
                   but
                   is
                   well
                   pleased
                   with
                   the
                   expressions
                   of
                   Grace
                   in
                   those
                   that
                   fear
                   him
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   So
                   that
                   a
                   sincere
                   and
                   lowly-minded
                   Christian
                   that
                   talks
                   of
                   no
                   immediate
                   incomes
                   ,
                   or
                   communications
                   ;
                   and
                   perhaps
                   durst
                   not
                   ,
                   out
                   of
                   reverence
                   ,
                   trust
                   to
                   his
                   own
                   present
                   conceptions
                   in
                   a
                   work
                   so
                   solemn
                   ,
                   but
                   useth
                   the
                   help
                   of
                   some
                   
                     pious
                     form
                  
                   of
                   words
                   sutable
                   to
                   his
                   desire
                   and
                   wants
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   duly
                   sensible
                   of
                   his
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   necessity
                   of
                   overcoming
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   is
                   truly
                   and
                   earnestly
                   desirous
                   of
                   the
                   Divine
                   aids
                   ,
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   it
                   :
                   such
                   a
                   one
                   as
                   this
                   prays
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   be
                   assisted
                   by
                   it
                   ;
                   while
                   the
                   other
                   doth
                   all
                   by
                   
                     meer
                     Nature
                  
                   and
                   Imitation
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   not
                   have
                   those
                   spiritual
                   aids
                   which
                   he
                   never
                   
                     heartily
                     desires
                  
                   nor
                   intends
                   to
                   use
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   ,
                   I
                   think
                   ,
                   I
                   may
                   truly
                   and
                   safely
                   say
                   :
                   But
                   for
                   the
                   Controversie
                   between
                   Forms
                   and
                   
                     Conceived
                     Prayers
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   of
                   them
                   is
                   
                     absolutely
                     best
                  
                   ,
                   I
                   determine
                   nothing
                   of
                   it
                   here
                   .
                   And
                   indeed
                   I
                   suppose
                   that
                   in
                   their
                   own
                   nature
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   alike
                   indifferent
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   more
                   or
                   less
                   accepted
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   partake
                   more
                   or
                   less
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   viz.
                   of
                   
                     Faith
                     ,
                     Humility
                  
                   and
                   
                     holy
                     desire
                  
                   of
                   the
                   good
                   things
                   we
                   pray
                   for
                   ;
                   and
                   a
                   man
                   may
                   
                     have
                     these
                  
                   that
                   prays
                   by
                   a
                   Form
                   ;
                   and
                   he
                   may
                   want
                   them
                   that
                   takes
                   the
                   other
                   way
                   ,
                   and
                   thinks
                   himself
                   in
                   a
                   dispensation
                   much
                   above
                   it
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   my
                   business
                   is
                   not
                   to
                   set
                   up
                   one
                   of
                   these
                   ways
                   of
                   Devotion
                   against
                   the
                   other
                   ,
                   but
                   to
                   shew
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   heights
                   and
                   vehemencies
                   of
                   many
                   warm
                   people
                   in
                   their
                   unpremeditated
                   
                   Prayers
                   ,
                   have
                   nothing
                   in
                   them
                   supernatural
                   or
                   Divine
                   ;
                   and
                   consequently
                   ,
                   of
                   themselves
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   no
                   marks
                   of
                   Godliness
                   :
                   which
                   I
                   hope
                   no
                   one
                   thinks
                   I
                   speak
                   to
                   discredit
                   those
                   pious
                   ardours
                   that
                   are
                   felt
                   by
                   
                     really
                     devout
                  
                   Souls
                   ,
                   when
                   a
                   vigorous
                   sense
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   Divine
                   things
                   ,
                   doth
                   even
                   sometimes
                   transport
                   them
                   ;
                   Far
                   be
                   it
                   from
                   me
                   to
                   design
                   any
                   thing
                   so
                   impious
                   ;
                   my
                   aim
                   is
                   only
                   to
                   note
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   are
                   
                     complexional
                     heats
                  
                   raised
                   many
                   times
                   by
                   fancy
                   and
                   self-admiration
                   ,
                   that
                   look
                   like
                   these
                   ,
                   in
                   persons
                   who
                   really
                   have
                   little
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   should
                   take
                   care
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   deceived
                   by
                   them
                   .
                   
                     Thus
                     far
                  
                   also
                   those
                   may
                   go
                   that
                   
                     shall
                     not
                     enter
                  
                   .
                   I
                   add
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   III.
                   )
                   A
                   man
                   may
                   endeavour
                   somewhat
                   ,
                   and
                   strive
                   in
                   some
                   degree
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   his
                   work
                   may
                   miscarry
                   ,
                   and
                   himself
                   with
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   doubt
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   an
                   evil
                   man
                   may
                   be
                   convinced
                   of
                   his
                   sin
                   and
                   vileness
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   even
                   to
                   anguish
                   and
                   torment
                   .
                   The
                   Gentiles
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   
                     Rom.
                     2.
                     14.
                     which
                     have
                     not
                     the
                     Law
                     ,
                     shew
                     the
                     works
                     of
                     the
                     Law
                     written
                     in
                     their
                     Hearts
                     ,
                     their
                     thoughts
                     in
                     the
                     mean
                     time
                     accusing
                     ,
                     or
                     excusing
                     one
                     another
                     .
                  
                   Conscience
                   often
                   stings
                   and
                   disquiets
                   the
                   vilest
                   sinners
                   ;
                   and
                   sometimes
                   extorts
                   from
                   them
                   
                     lamentable
                     confession
                  
                   of
                   their
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     earnest
                     declamations
                  
                   against
                   them
                   .
                   They
                   may
                   
                     weep
                     bitterly
                  
                   at
                   their
                   remembrance
                   ,
                   and
                   
                   be
                   under
                   great
                   heaviness
                   and
                   dejection
                   upon
                   their
                   occasion
                   .
                   They
                   may
                   
                     speak
                     vehemently
                  
                   against
                   sin
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   love
                   to
                   have
                   others
                   to
                   handle
                   it
                   severely
                   .
                   All
                   this
                   bad
                   men
                   may
                   do
                   upon
                   the
                   score
                   of
                   
                     natural
                     fear
                  
                   and
                   self-love
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   apprehension
                   of
                   a
                   
                     future
                     judgement
                  
                   .
                   And
                   now
                   such
                   convictions
                   will
                   naturally
                   beget
                   some
                   endeavours
                   :
                   A
                   
                     convinced
                     understanding
                  
                   will
                   have
                   some
                   influence
                   upon
                   the
                   will
                   and
                   affections
                   .
                   The
                   mind
                   in
                   the
                   unregenerate
                   ,
                   may
                   lust
                   against
                   the
                   Flesh
                   ,
                   as
                   that
                   doth
                   against
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   So
                   that
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   such
                   a
                   meer
                   
                     animal
                     man
                  
                   may
                   promise
                   ,
                   and
                   purpose
                   ,
                   and
                   endeavour
                   in
                   some
                   considerable
                   measure
                   ;
                   but
                   then
                   ,
                   he
                   goes
                   not
                   on
                   with
                   full
                   Resolution
                   ,
                   but
                   wavers
                   and
                   stops
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     turns
                     about
                  
                   again
                   ;
                   and
                   lets
                   the
                   law
                   of
                   the
                   members
                   ,
                   that
                   of
                   death
                   and
                   sin
                   ,
                   to
                   prevail
                   over
                   him
                   .
                   His
                   endeavour
                   is
                   remiss
                   ,
                   and
                   consequently
                   ineffectual
                   ;
                   it
                   makes
                   no
                   conquests
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   not
                   signifie
                   .
                   He
                   
                     sins
                     on
                  
                   ,
                   though
                   with
                   
                     some
                     regret
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   his
                   very
                   unwillingness
                   to
                   sin
                   ,
                   while
                   he
                   commits
                   it
                   ,
                   is
                   so
                   far
                   from
                   lessening
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   aggravates
                   his
                   fault
                   :
                   It
                   argues
                   that
                   he
                   sins
                   against
                   conscience
                   and
                   conviction
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   sin
                   is
                   strong
                   and
                   reigns
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     'T
                     is
                     true
                     indeed
                     ,
                     St.
                  
                   Paul
                   ,
                   
                     Rom.
                     7.
                     makes
                     such
                     a
                     description
                     seemingly
                     of
                  
                   himself
                   ,
                   
                     as
                     one
                     might
                     think
                     concluded
                     him
                     under
                     this
                     state
                     ;
                     he
                     saith
                     vers
                     .
                  
                   8.
                   
                   That
                   sin
                   wrought
                   in
                   him
                   all
                   manner
                   of
                   concupiscence
                   :
                   vers
                   .
                   9.
                   
                   That
                   sin
                   revived
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   died
                   :
                   vers
                   .
                   14.
                   
                   
                   That
                   he
                   was
                   carnal
                   ;
                   
                     and
                     again
                  
                   ,
                   sold
                   under
                   sin
                   :
                   vers
                   .
                   20.
                   
                   That
                   sin
                   dwelt
                   in
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   wrought
                   that
                   which
                   he
                   would
                   not
                   :
                   vers
                   .
                   23.
                   
                   That
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   his
                   members
                   led
                   him
                   into
                   captivity
                   to
                   the
                   law
                   of
                   Sin
                   :
                   
                     and
                     vers
                  
                   .
                   25.
                   
                   That
                   he
                   obeyed
                   the
                   law
                   of
                   sin
                   .
                
                 
                   If
                   this
                   be
                   so
                   ,
                   and
                   St.
                   Paul
                   ,
                   a
                   
                     regenerate
                     man
                  
                   ,
                   was
                   in
                   this
                   state
                   ,
                   it
                   will
                   follow
                   ,
                   that
                   seeking
                   and
                   
                     feeble
                     endeavour
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   overcometh
                   no
                   difficulty
                   ,
                   may
                   yet
                   procure
                   an
                   entrance
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   is
                   come
                   hitherto
                   ,
                   viz.
                   to
                   endeavour
                   ,
                   is
                   safe
                   enough
                   though
                   he
                   do
                   not
                   conquer
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     This
                     objection
                  
                   presseth
                   not
                   only
                   against
                   
                     this
                     head
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   against
                   my
                   whole
                   Discourse
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Text
                   it self
                   .
                   Therefore
                   to
                   answer
                   it
                   ,
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   That
                   the
                   St.
                   Paul
                   here
                   is
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   understood
                   of
                   himself
                   ;
                   He
                   describes
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   a
                   convinced
                   ,
                   but
                   
                     unregenerate
                     man
                  
                   ,
                   though
                   he
                   speaks
                   in
                   the
                   first
                   person
                   ;
                   a
                   Figure
                   that
                   was
                   ordinary
                   with
                   this
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   and
                   frequent
                   enough
                   in
                   common
                   speech
                   :
                   Thus
                   we
                   say
                   ,
                   
                     I
                     am
                     thus
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   thus
                   ,
                   and
                   did
                   so
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   describing
                   a
                   state
                   ,
                   or
                   actions
                   in
                   which
                   perhaps
                   we
                   ,
                   in
                   person
                   ,
                   are
                   not
                   concerned
                   .
                
                 
                   In
                   this
                   sense
                   the
                   best
                   Expositors
                   understand
                   these
                   expressions
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   excellent
                   Divines
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   ,
                   Bishop
                   Taylor
                   ,
                   and
                   Dr.
                   Hammond
                   ,
                   and
                   others
                   have
                   noted
                   to
                   us
                   ,
                   That
                   this
                   description
                   is
                   directly
                   contrary
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   Characters
                   of
                   a
                   
                     regenerate
                     man
                  
                   ,
                   given
                   elsewhere
                   by
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                   other
                   Apostles
                   .
                   As
                   he
                   is
                   said
                   to
                   be
                   
                     dead
                     to
                     sin
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   6.
                   11.
                   
                   
                     Free
                     from
                     sin
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     servant
                     of
                     Righteousness
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   6.
                   18.
                   
                   That
                   
                     he
                     walks
                     not
                     after
                     the
                     Flesh
                     ,
                     but
                     after
                     the
                     Spirit
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   8.
                   1.
                   
                   
                     That
                     the
                     law
                     of
                     the
                     Spirit
                     of
                     life
                     in
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                     ,
                     hath
                     made
                     him
                     free
                     from
                     the
                     Law
                     of
                     sin
                     and
                     death
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   8.
                   2.
                   
                   
                     That
                     he
                     overcometh
                     the
                     world
                  
                   ,
                   Joh.
                   5.
                   4.
                   
                   
                     He
                     sinneth
                     not
                  
                   ,
                   1
                   Joh.
                   3.
                   6.
                   
                   
                     He
                     hath
                     crucified
                     the
                     flesh
                     with
                     its
                     affections
                     and
                     lusts
                     ,
                  
                   Gal.
                   5.
                   24.
                   
                   Which
                   Characters
                   of
                   a
                   
                     truly
                     regenerate
                  
                   person
                   ,
                   if
                   they
                   be
                   compared
                   with
                   those
                   above-cited
                   out
                   of
                   Rom.
                   7.
                   it
                   will
                   appear
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   as
                   contrary
                   ,
                   as
                   't
                   is
                   possible
                   to
                   speak
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   this
                   't
                   is
                   evident
                   that
                   they
                   describe
                   the
                   
                     two
                     contrary
                     states
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   For
                   can
                   the
                   regenerate
                   be
                   full
                   of
                   all
                   manner
                   of
                   concupiscence
                   ,
                   and
                   at
                   the
                   same
                   time
                   be
                   
                     crucified
                     to
                     the
                     Flesh
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   its
                   affections
                   and
                   
                     lusts
                     ?
                     one
                  
                   in
                   whom
                   
                     sin
                     revives
                     while
                     he
                     dies
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   one
                   that
                   is
                   
                     dead
                     to
                     sin
                     ?
                     carnal
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   
                     not
                     walking
                     after
                     the
                     flesh
                     ,
                     but
                     after
                     the
                     Spirit
                     ?
                     sold
                     under
                     sin
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   yet
                   
                     free
                     from
                     sin
                     ?
                     Having
                     sin
                     dwelling
                     in
                     him
                     ;
                     and
                     a
                     captive
                     to
                     sin
                     ;
                     and
                     obeying
                     the
                     Law
                     of
                     sin
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   
                     free
                     from
                     the
                     law
                     of
                     sin
                     and
                     death
                     ?
                  
                   how
                   can
                   these
                   things
                   consist
                   ?
                   To
                   tell
                   us
                   ,
                   
                     'T
                     is
                     so
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     't
                     is
                     not
                     so
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   twist
                   such
                   contradictions
                   into
                   
                     Orthodox
                     Paradoxes
                  
                   ,
                   are
                   pretty
                   things
                   to
                   please
                   Fools
                   and
                   Children
                   ;
                   but
                   
                     wise
                     men
                  
                   care
                   not
                   for
                   riddles
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   sense
                   .
                   For
                   my
                   part
                   I
                   think
                   it
                   clear
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Apostle
                   in
                   that
                   mistaken
                   Chapter
                   ,
                   
                   relates
                   the
                   
                     feeble
                     ,
                     impotent
                     condition
                  
                   of
                   one
                   that
                   was
                   convinced
                   and
                   
                     strove
                     a
                     little
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   to
                   purpose
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   we
                   find
                   our selves
                   comprised
                   under
                   that
                   description
                   ,
                   though
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   never
                   so
                   sensible
                   of
                   the
                   evil
                   and
                   danger
                   of
                   a
                   
                     sinful
                     course
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   may
                   endeavour
                   some
                   small
                   matter
                   ,
                   but
                   without
                   success
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   yet
                   under
                   
                     that
                     evil
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   obnoxious
                   to
                   
                     that
                     danger
                  
                   :
                   For
                   he
                   that
                   strives
                   in
                   
                     earnest
                     ,
                     conquers
                     at
                     last
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     advanceth
                     still
                  
                   ,
                   though
                   all
                   the
                   work
                   be
                   not
                   
                     done
                     at
                     once
                  
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   if
                   we
                   endeavour
                   and
                   gain
                   nothing
                   ,
                   our
                   endeavour
                   is
                   peccant
                   ,
                   and
                   wants
                   Faith
                   or
                   Prayer
                   for
                   
                     Divine
                     aids
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   constancy
                   ,
                   or
                   vigour
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   ,
                   
                     Though
                     we
                     may
                     seek
                     ,
                     we
                     shall
                     not
                     be
                     able
                     to
                     enter
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   But
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   an
                   
                     imperfect
                     Striver
                  
                   may
                   overcome
                   sin
                   in
                   some
                   Instances
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   in
                   that
                   do
                   no
                   great
                   matter
                   neither
                   ,
                   if
                   he
                   
                     lies
                     down
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   goes
                   no
                   further
                   :
                   There
                   are
                   some
                   sins
                   we
                   outgrow
                   by
                   age
                   ,
                   or
                   are
                   indisposed
                   to
                   them
                   by
                   
                     bodily
                     infirmity
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   diverted
                   by
                   occasions
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   by
                   other
                   sins
                   ;
                   and
                   some
                   are
                   contrary
                   to
                   
                     worldly
                     Interests
                  
                   ,
                   to
                   our
                   credit
                   ,
                   or
                   health
                   ,
                   or
                   profit
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   we
                   have
                   in
                   any
                   great
                   degree
                   been
                   hurt
                   by
                   them
                   in
                   these
                   ,
                   we
                   fall
                   out
                   with
                   those
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   cease
                   from
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   by
                   resolution
                   and
                   disuse
                   ,
                   we
                   master
                   them
                   at
                   last
                   fully
                   :
                   which
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   went
                   on
                   ,
                   and
                   attempted
                   upon
                   all
                   the
                   rest
                   ,
                   were
                   something
                   :
                   But
                   when
                   we
                   stop
                   short
                   in
                   these
                   petty
                   victories
                   ,
                   our
                   
                     general
                     state
                  
                   is
                   not
                   altered
                   ;
                   He
                   that
                   conquers
                   some
                   evil
                   appetites
                   ,
                   is
                   
                   yet
                   a
                   slave
                   to
                   others
                   ,
                   and
                   though
                   he
                   hath
                   prevailed
                   over
                   
                     some
                     difficulties
                  
                   ,
                   yet
                   the
                   
                     main
                     ones
                  
                   are
                   yet
                   behind
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   the
                   
                     imperfect
                     Striver
                  
                   masters
                   ,
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   ,
                   his
                   beastly
                   appetite
                   to
                   intemperate
                   drinking
                   ,
                   but
                   is
                   yet
                   under
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   Love
                   and
                   Riches
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     vain
                     Pleasure
                  
                   .
                   He
                   ceaseth
                   from
                   open
                   debauchery
                   ,
                   but
                   entertains
                   
                     spiritual
                     wickedness
                  
                   in
                   his
                   heart
                   :
                   He
                   will
                   not
                   Swear
                   ,
                   but
                   will
                   backbite
                   and
                   rail
                   :
                   He
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   Drunk
                   ,
                   but
                   will
                   damn
                   a
                   man
                   for
                   not
                   being
                   of
                   
                     his
                     opinion
                  
                   :
                   He
                   will
                   not
                   
                     prophane
                     the
                     Sabbath
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   will
                   defraud
                   his
                   Neighbour
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   these
                   half
                   conquests
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   rest
                   in
                   them
                   ,
                   are
                   as
                   good
                   as
                   none
                   at
                   all
                   .
                   
                     Then
                     shall
                     I
                     not
                     be
                     ashamed
                     ,
                     when
                     I
                     have
                     regard
                     to
                     all
                     thy
                     Commandments
                     ,
                  
                   saith
                   the
                   Kingly
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   119.
                   6.
                   
                   'T
                   is
                   shameful
                   to
                   give
                   off
                   ,
                   when
                   our
                   work
                   is
                   but
                   half
                   done
                   ;
                   what
                   we
                   do
                   ,
                   cast
                   the
                   greater
                   reproach
                   upon
                   us
                   for
                   what
                   we
                   omit
                   .
                   To
                   
                     cease
                     to
                     be
                     prophane
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   something
                   as
                   a
                   passage
                   ,
                   but
                   nothing
                   for
                   
                     an
                     end
                  
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   not
                   Saints
                   as
                   soon
                   as
                   we
                   are
                   civil
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   not
                   only
                   
                     gross
                     sins
                  
                   that
                   are
                   to
                   be
                   overcome
                   :
                   The
                   
                     wages
                     of
                     sin
                     is
                     death
                  
                   ,
                   not
                   only
                   of
                   the
                   great
                   and
                   capital
                   ,
                   but
                   of
                   the
                   smallest
                   ,
                   if
                   they
                   are
                   indulged
                   .
                   The
                   Pharisee
                   applauded
                   himself
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   was
                   not
                   like
                   the
                   
                     Extortioners
                     ,
                     Adulterers
                  
                   and
                   Unjust
                   ,
                   nor
                   like
                   the
                   Publican
                   ,
                   that
                   came
                   to
                   pray
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   Luk.
                   18.
                   11.
                   and
                   yet
                   he
                   went
                   away
                   never
                   the
                   more
                   
                   justified
                   .
                   The
                   
                     unwise
                     Virgins
                  
                   were
                   no
                   
                     profligate
                     Livers
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   they
                   were
                   
                     shut
                     out
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   He
                   that
                   will
                   enter
                   ,
                   must
                   strive
                   against
                   every
                   corrupt
                   appetite
                   and
                   inclination
                   .
                   A
                   less
                   leak
                   will
                   sink
                   a
                   Ship
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   a
                   greater
                   ,
                   if
                   no
                   care
                   be
                   taken
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   A
                   Consumption
                   will
                   kill
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   the
                   Plague
                   ;
                   yea
                   sometimes
                   the
                   less
                   Disease
                   may
                   in
                   the
                   event
                   prove
                   more
                   deadly
                   ,
                   than
                   the
                   greater
                   ;
                   for
                   small
                   distempers
                   may
                   be
                   neglected
                   ,
                   till
                   they
                   become
                   incurable
                   ;
                   whenas
                   the
                   great
                   ones
                   awaken
                   us
                   to
                   speedy
                   care
                   for
                   a
                   remedy
                   .
                   A
                   small
                   hurt
                   in
                   the
                   finger
                   slighted
                   ,
                   may
                   prove
                   a
                   Gangreen
                   ,
                   when
                   a
                   
                     great
                     wound
                  
                   in
                   the
                   Head
                   by
                   seasonable
                   applications
                   is
                   cured
                   .
                
                 
                   'T
                   is
                   unsafe
                   then
                   to
                   content
                   our selves
                   with
                   this
                   ,
                   that
                   our
                   sins
                   are
                   not
                   foul
                   and
                   
                     great
                     ;
                     those
                  
                   we
                   account
                   
                     little
                     ones
                  
                   ,
                   may
                   prove
                   as
                   fatal
                   ,
                   yea
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   sometimes
                   more
                   dangerous
                   :
                   For
                   we
                   are
                   apt
                   to
                   think
                   them
                   
                     none
                     at
                     all
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     Venial
                     infirmities
                  
                   that
                   may
                   consist
                   with
                   
                     a
                     state
                     of
                     Grace
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Divine
                   favour
                   :
                   we
                   excuse
                   and
                   make
                   Apologies
                   for
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   fancy
                   that
                   Hearing
                   ,
                   and
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   and
                   Confession
                   are
                   atonements
                   enough
                   for
                   these
                   .
                   Upon
                   which
                   accounts
                   I
                   am
                   apt
                   to
                   believe
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   less
                   notorious
                   Vices
                   have
                   ruined
                   as
                   many
                   as
                   the
                   greatest
                   Abominations
                   .
                   Hell
                   doth
                   not
                   consist
                   only
                   of
                   Drunkards
                   ,
                   and
                   Swearers
                   ,
                   and
                   Sabbath-breakers
                   :
                   No
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     demure
                     Pharisee
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     plausible
                     Hypocrite
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     formal
                     Professor
                  
                   ,
                   
                   have
                   their
                   place
                   also
                   in
                   
                     that
                     lake
                  
                   of
                   fire
                   .
                   The
                   great
                   impieties
                   do
                   often
                   startle
                   and
                   awaken
                   conscience
                   ,
                   and
                   beget
                   strong
                   convictions
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   sometimes
                   excite
                   resolution
                   and
                   vigorous
                   striving
                   ;
                   while
                   men
                   hug
                   themselves
                   in
                   their
                   
                     lesser
                     sins
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   carry
                   them
                   unrepented
                   of
                   to
                   their
                   Graves
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   sum
                   is
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   
                     overcome
                     some
                     sins
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   turn
                   from
                   the
                   
                     grosser
                     sorts
                  
                   of
                   wickedness
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   if
                   we
                   endeavour
                   not
                   to
                   subdue
                   the
                   rest
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   still
                   in
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   unregeneracy
                   and
                   death
                   ,
                   and
                   though
                   we
                   
                     thus
                     seek
                  
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   not
                   enter
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   4.
                   )
                   A
                   man
                   may
                   perform
                   many
                   duties
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   with
                   relish
                   and
                   delight
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   miscarry
                   .
                   As
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   He
                   may
                   be
                   earnest
                   and
                   swift
                   to
                   hear
                   ,
                   and
                   follow
                   Sermons
                   constantly
                   from
                   one
                   place
                   to
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   exceedingly
                   pleased
                   and
                   affected
                   with
                   the
                   Word
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   be
                   an
                   
                     evil
                     Man
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   a
                   
                     bad
                     state
                     .
                     Herod
                     heard
                     John
                     Baptist
                     gladly
                     ,
                  
                   Mark
                   6.
                   20.
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   received
                   the
                   seed
                   into
                   stony
                   places
                   ,
                   received
                   it
                   joyfully
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   13.
                   20.
                   
                   Zeal
                   for
                   hearing
                   doth
                   not
                   always
                   arise
                   from
                   a
                   conscientious
                   desire
                   to
                   learn
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   practice
                   ,
                   but
                   sometimes
                   it
                   proceeds
                   from
                   an
                   itch
                   after
                   novelty
                   and
                   notions
                   ,
                   or
                   an
                   ambition
                   to
                   be
                   famed
                   for
                   Godliness
                   ;
                   or
                   the
                   importunity
                   of
                   natural
                   conscience
                   ,
                   that
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   satisfied
                   except
                   we
                   
                     do
                     something
                  
                   ;
                   or
                   a
                   desire
                   to
                   get
                   matter
                   to
                   feed
                   our
                   opinions
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   furnish
                   us
                   with
                   
                   pious
                   discourse
                   ?
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   earnestness
                   to
                   hear
                   ,
                   ariseth
                   very
                   often
                   from
                   some
                   of
                   these
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   it
                   doth
                   so
                   ,
                   we
                   gain
                   but
                   
                     little
                     by
                     it
                  
                   :
                   yea
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   dangerously
                   tempted
                   to
                   take
                   this
                   for
                   an
                   
                     infallible
                     token
                  
                   of
                   our
                   Saintship
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   to
                   content
                   our selves
                   with
                   this
                   Religion
                   of
                   the
                   Ear
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   disturb
                   every
                   body
                   with
                   the
                   abundance
                   of
                   our
                   disputes
                   and
                   talk
                   ,
                   while
                   we
                   neglect
                   our
                   own
                   Spirits
                   ,
                   and
                   let
                   our
                   
                     unmortified
                     affections
                  
                   and
                   inclinations
                   rest
                   in
                   quiet
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   shadow
                   of
                   these
                   specious
                   services
                   .
                
                 
                   So
                   that
                   when
                   a
                   great
                   affection
                   to
                   hearing
                   seizeth
                   upon
                   an
                   
                     evil
                     man
                  
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   odds
                   but
                   it
                   doth
                   him
                   hurt
                   ;
                   it
                   puffs
                   him
                   up
                   in
                   the
                   conceit
                   of
                   his
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   and
                   makes
                   him
                   
                     pragmatical
                     ,
                     troublesome
                  
                   and
                   censorious
                   ;
                   He
                   turns
                   his
                   food
                   into
                   
                     poyson
                     :
                     Among
                     bad
                     men
                     ,
                     those
                     are
                     certainly
                     the
                     worst
                     ,
                     that
                     have
                     an
                     opinion
                     of
                     their
                     being
                     godly
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   such
                   are
                   those
                   that
                   have
                   
                     itching
                     ears
                  
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   
                     vitious
                     habits
                  
                   and
                   inclinations
                   .
                   Thus
                   an
                   
                     earnest
                     diligent
                  
                   hearer
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   one
                   of
                   those
                   who
                   seeks
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   
                     shut
                     out
                  
                   .
                   And
                   so
                   may
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   He
                   that
                   Fasts
                   much
                   ,
                   and
                   severely
                   :
                   The
                   Jews
                   were
                   exceedingly
                   given
                   to
                   fasting
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   were
                   very
                   severe
                   in
                   it
                   .
                   They
                   abstained
                   from
                   all
                   things
                   pleasant
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   on
                   sackcloath
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     sowr
                     looks
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     mourned
                     bitterly
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     hung
                     down
                  
                   the
                   head
                   ,
                   and
                   sate
                   in
                   ashes
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   one
                   might
                   have
                   taken
                   these
                   for
                   very
                   
                     holy
                     ,
                     penitent
                     ,
                     mortified
                     people
                  
                   that
                   had
                   a
                   great
                   antipathy
                   
                   against
                   their
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   abhorrence
                   of
                   themselves
                   for
                   them
                   :
                   And
                   yet
                   God
                   complains
                   of
                   these
                   
                     strict
                     severe
                     Fasters
                  
                   ,
                   Zach.
                   7.
                   5.
                   
                   
                     That
                     they
                     did
                     not
                     Fast
                     unto
                     him
                  
                   ;
                   but
                   fasted
                   for
                   strife
                   and
                   debate
                   ,
                   Isa
                   .
                   58.
                   4.
                   
                   Their
                   Fasts
                   were
                   not
                   
                     such
                     as
                     he
                     had
                     chosen
                     ,
                     to
                     loose
                     the
                     bands
                     of
                     wickedness
                     ,
                     to
                     undo
                     the
                     heavy
                     burden
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     let
                     the
                     oppressed
                     free
                     ,
                  
                   vers
                   .
                   6.
                   
                   But
                   they
                   continued
                   ,
                   notwithstanding
                   their
                   Fasts
                   ,
                   and
                   God's
                   admonitions
                   by
                   his
                   Prophets
                   ,
                   to
                   
                     oppress
                     the
                     Widow
                     ,
                     and
                     Fatherless
                     ,
                     and
                     Poor
                     ,
                  
                   Zach.
                   7.
                   10.
                   
                
                 
                   Thus
                   meer
                   natural
                   and
                   evil
                   men
                   sometimes
                   put
                   on
                   the
                   garb
                   of
                   Mortification
                   ,
                   and
                   exercise
                   rigors
                   upon
                   their
                   Bodies
                   and
                   external
                   persons
                   ,
                   in
                   exchange
                   for
                   the
                   indulgences
                   they
                   allow
                   their
                   beloved
                   appetites
                   ;
                   and
                   while
                   the
                   strict
                   Discipline
                   reacheth
                   no
                   further
                   ,
                   though
                   we
                   
                     keep
                     days
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Fast
                   often
                   ,
                   yet
                   this
                   will
                   not
                   put
                   us
                   beyond
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   the
                   Pharisee
                   ,
                   who
                   
                     fasted
                     twice
                     in
                     the
                     week
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   himself
                   boasted
                   ,
                   Luke
                   18.
                   12.
                   
                   And
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   
                     An
                     imperfect
                     striver
                     may
                     be
                     very
                     much
                     given
                     to
                     pious
                     and
                     religious
                     discourses
                     :
                  
                   He
                   may
                   love
                   to
                   be
                   talking
                   of
                   Divine
                   things
                   ;
                   especially
                   of
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   Christ
                   to
                   sinners
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   may
                   frequently
                   speak
                   of
                   with
                   much
                   earnestness
                   and
                   affection
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   that
                   
                     dear
                     name
                  
                   always
                   at
                   his
                   tongues
                   end
                   to
                   begin
                   and
                   close
                   all
                   his
                   sayings
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   fill
                   up
                   the
                   void
                   places
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   wants
                   what
                   to
                   say
                   next
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   this
                   may
                   be
                   a
                   bad
                   man
                   ,
                   who
                   never
                   felt
                   those
                   
                   Divine
                   things
                   he
                   talks
                   of
                   ;
                   and
                   never
                   
                     loved
                     Christ
                  
                   heartily
                   as
                   he
                   ought
                   .
                
                 
                   'T
                   was
                   observed
                   before
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   are
                   some
                   who
                   have
                   a
                   sort
                   of
                   Devoutness
                   ,
                   and
                   Religion
                   in
                   their
                   particular
                   Complexion
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   such
                   are
                   talkative
                   (
                   as
                   many
                   times
                   they
                   are
                   )
                   they
                   will
                   easily
                   run
                   into
                   such
                   discourses
                   ,
                   as
                   agree
                   with
                   their
                   temper
                   ,
                   and
                   take
                   pleasure
                   in
                   them
                   for
                   that
                   reason
                   ;
                   As
                   also
                   for
                   this
                   ,
                   because
                   they
                   are
                   apt
                   to
                   gain
                   us
                   reverence
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   good
                   opinion
                   of
                   those
                   with
                   whom
                   we
                   converse
                   .
                   And
                   such
                   as
                   are
                   by
                   nature
                   disposed
                   for
                   this
                   faculty
                   ,
                   may
                   easily
                   get
                   it
                   by
                   imitation
                   and
                   remembrance
                   of
                   the
                   
                     devout
                     forms
                  
                   they
                   hear
                   and
                   read
                   :
                   so
                   that
                   there
                   may
                   be
                   nothing
                   Divine
                   in
                   
                     all
                     this
                  
                   ;
                   nothing
                   but
                   what
                   may
                   consist
                   with
                   unmortified
                   lusts
                   and
                   affections
                   :
                   And
                   though
                   such
                   talk
                   earnestly
                   of
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   express
                   a
                   mighty
                   love
                   to
                   his
                   name
                   ,
                   yet
                   this
                   may
                   be
                   without
                   any
                   real
                   conformity
                   unto
                   him
                   in
                   his
                   Life
                   and
                   Laws
                   .
                   The
                   Jews
                   spake
                   much
                   of
                   Moses
                   ;
                   in
                   him
                   they
                   believed
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   him
                   they
                   trusted
                   ,
                   John
                   5.
                   45.
                   
                   His
                   name
                   was
                   a
                   sweet
                   sound
                   to
                   their
                   ears
                   ,
                   and
                   't
                   was
                   very
                   pleasant
                   upon
                   their
                   Tongues
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   they
                   hated
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Moses
                   ,
                   and
                   had
                   no
                   love
                   to
                   those
                   Laws
                   of
                   his
                   which
                   condemned
                   their
                   wicked
                   actions
                   .
                   And
                   we
                   may
                   see
                   how
                   many
                   of
                   those
                   
                     love
                     Christ
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   speak
                   often
                   and
                   affectionately
                   of
                   him
                   ,
                   by
                   observing
                   how
                   
                   they
                   
                     keep
                     his
                     Commandments
                  
                   ,
                   John
                   14.
                   15.
                   especially
                   those
                   of
                   
                     Meekness
                     ,
                     Mercy
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     universal
                     Love.
                  
                   
                
                 
                   Thus
                   
                     imperfect
                     Strivers
                  
                   may
                   imploy
                   themselves
                   in
                   the
                   
                     external
                     offices
                  
                   of
                   Religion
                   :
                   I
                   have
                   instanced
                   only
                   in
                   Three
                   ,
                   the
                   like
                   may
                   be
                   said
                   of
                   the
                   rest
                   .
                   And
                   to
                   this
                   ,
                   I
                   add
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   IV.
                   )
                   
                     That
                     they
                     may
                     not
                     only
                     exercise
                     themselves
                     in
                     the
                  
                   outward
                   
                     matters
                     of
                     duty
                     ,
                     but
                  
                   may
                   arrive
                   to
                   some
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   accounted
                   greater
                   heights
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   really
                   more
                   spiritual
                   ,
                   and
                   refined
                   .
                   
                     To
                     instance
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   They
                   may
                   have
                   
                     some
                     love
                  
                   to
                   
                     God
                     ,
                     Goodness
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     good
                     Men.
                  
                   The
                   Soul
                   naturally
                   loves
                   Beauty
                   and
                   Perfection
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   mankind
                   apprehend
                   God
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   of
                   all
                   Beings
                   ,
                   the
                   most
                   beautiful
                   and
                   perfect
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   must
                   needs
                   have
                   an
                   
                     intellectual
                     love
                  
                   for
                   him
                   :
                   The
                   reason
                   that
                   
                     that
                     love
                  
                   takes
                   no
                   hold
                   of
                   the
                   passions
                   in
                   wicked
                   men
                   ,
                   is
                   ,
                   partly
                   because
                   they
                   are
                   diverted
                   from
                   the
                   thoughts
                   of
                   Him
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   objects
                   of
                   Sense
                   ;
                   but
                   chiefly
                   ,
                   because
                   they
                   consider
                   him
                   as
                   their
                   enemy
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   can
                   have
                   no
                   complacency
                   or
                   delight
                   in
                   him
                   ,
                   who
                   they
                   think
                   hath
                   nothing
                   but
                   thoughts
                   of
                   enmity
                   ,
                   and
                   displeasure
                   against
                   them
                   .
                   But
                   if
                   once
                   they
                   come
                   to
                   be
                   perswaded
                   (
                   as
                   many
                   times
                   ,
                   by
                   such
                   false
                   marks
                   ,
                   as
                   I
                   have
                   recited
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   )
                   that
                   God
                   is
                   their
                   Father
                   ,
                   and
                   peculiar
                   Friend
                   ;
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   
                   his
                   chosen
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   darlings
                   ,
                   whom
                   he
                   loved
                   from
                   Eternity
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   whom
                   he
                   hath
                   given
                   his
                   Son
                   and
                   his
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   give
                   Himself
                   ,
                   in
                   a
                   way
                   of
                   the
                   fullest
                   enjoyment
                   ;
                   Then
                   the
                   Love
                   that
                   before
                   was
                   only
                   an
                   esteem
                   in
                   the
                   understanding
                   ,
                   doth
                   kindle
                   in
                   the
                   affections
                   by
                   the
                   help
                   of
                   the
                   conceit
                   of
                   
                     Gods
                     loving
                     them
                     so
                     dearly
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   passion
                   thus
                   heated
                   ,
                   runs
                   out
                   ,
                   even
                   into
                   seraphick
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     rapturous
                     Devotions
                  
                   ;
                   while
                   yet
                   all
                   this
                   ,
                   is
                   but
                   
                     meer
                     animal
                     love
                  
                   ,
                   excited
                   chiefly
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   our selves
                   ,
                   not
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Divine
                     Perfections
                  
                   .
                   And
                   it
                   commonly
                   goes
                   no
                   further
                   ,
                   than
                   to
                   earnest
                   expressions
                   of
                   extraordinary
                   love
                   to
                   God
                   in
                   our
                   Prayers
                   and
                   Discourses
                   ,
                   while
                   it
                   appears
                   not
                   in
                   any
                   
                     singular
                     obedience
                  
                   to
                   his
                   Laws
                   ,
                   or
                   generous
                   and
                   
                     universal
                     love
                  
                   to
                   mankind
                   :
                   which
                   are
                   the
                   ways
                   whereby
                   the
                   true
                   
                     Divine
                     Love
                  
                   is
                   exprest
                   :
                   for
                   ,
                   
                     This
                     is
                     the
                     love
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     that
                     we
                     keep
                     his
                     Commandments
                     ,
                  
                   saith
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   1
                   Joh.
                   5.
                   3.
                   
                   And
                   as
                   to
                   the
                   
                     other
                     ,
                     thus
                     ,
                     If
                     we
                     love
                     one
                     another
                     ,
                     God
                     dwelleth
                     in
                     us
                     ,
                     and
                     his
                     love
                     is
                     perfected
                     in
                     us
                     ,
                  
                   1
                   Joh.
                   4.
                   12.
                   
                   And
                   on
                   the
                   contrary
                   ,
                   
                     If
                     a
                     man
                     say
                     I
                     love
                     God
                     ,
                     and
                     hateth
                     his
                     brother
                     ,
                     he
                     is
                     a
                     lyar
                     ,
                  
                   John
                   4.
                   20.
                   
                   Charity
                   then
                   
                     and
                     universal
                     obedience
                  
                   are
                   the
                   true
                   arguments
                   and
                   expressions
                   of
                   our
                   love
                   to
                   God
                   ;
                   and
                   these
                   suppose
                   a
                   victory
                   over
                   corrupt
                   inclinations
                   and
                   self-will
                   .
                   But
                   the
                   other
                   love
                   which
                   ariseth
                   from
                   the
                   conceit
                   of
                   our
                   
                     special
                     dearness
                  
                   to
                   God
                   upon
                   insufficient
                   grounds
                   ;
                   that
                   goes
                   no
                   further
                   than
                   to
                   
                   some
                   suavities
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     pleasant
                     fancies
                  
                   within
                   our selves
                   ;
                   and
                   some
                   passionate
                   complements
                   of
                   the
                   Image
                   we
                   have
                   set
                   up
                   in
                   our
                   imaginations
                   .
                   This
                   Love
                   will
                   consist
                   with
                   Hatred
                   and
                   contempt
                   of
                   all
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   like
                   our selves
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   will
                   produce
                   it
                   :
                   those
                   poysonous
                   fruits
                   ,
                   and
                   vile
                   affections
                   may
                   be
                   incouraged
                   ,
                   and
                   cherish'd
                   under
                   it
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   there
                   may
                   be
                   
                     some
                     love
                     to
                     God
                  
                   in
                   evil
                   men
                   :
                   But
                   while
                   self-love
                   is
                   the
                   
                     only
                     motive
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   more
                   prevalent
                   passion
                   ,
                   it
                   signifieth
                   nothing
                   to
                   their
                   advantage
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   as
                   the
                   
                     imperfect
                     striver
                  
                   may
                   have
                   some
                   love
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   so
                   he
                   may
                   to
                   piety
                   and
                   vertue
                   :
                   every
                   man
                   loves
                   these
                   in
                   Idea
                   .
                   The
                   vilest
                   sinner
                   takes
                   part
                   in
                   his
                   affections
                   with
                   the
                   vertuous
                   and
                   religious
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   seeth
                   them
                   described
                   in
                   History
                   or
                   Romance
                   ;
                   and
                   hath
                   a
                   detestation
                   for
                   those
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   character'd
                   as
                   impious
                   and
                   
                     immoral
                     .
                     Vertue
                  
                   is
                   a
                   great
                   Beauty
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   mind
                   is
                   taken
                   with
                   it
                   ,
                   while
                   't
                   is
                   consider'd
                   at
                   a
                   distance
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   corrupt
                   interests
                   ,
                   and
                   sensual
                   affections
                   are
                   not
                   concern'd
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   These
                   that
                   recommend
                   sin
                   to
                   our
                   love
                   ,
                   and
                   choice
                   ,
                   while
                   the
                   mind
                   stands
                   on
                   the
                   side
                   of
                   vertue
                   :
                   with
                   
                     that
                     we
                     serve
                     the
                     Law
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   but
                   with
                   the
                   
                     flesh
                     the
                     Law
                     of
                     Sin
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   7.
                   25.
                   
                   So
                   that
                   most
                   wicked
                   men
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   degenerated
                   into
                   meer
                   Brutes
                   ,
                   have
                   this
                   mental
                   and
                   intellectual
                   love
                   to
                   goodness
                   :
                   That
                   is
                   ,
                   they
                   approve
                   ,
                   and
                   like
                   it
                   in
                   their
                   minds
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   would
                   practise
                   it
                   also
                   ,
                   were
                   it
                   not
                   for
                   the
                   prevalent
                   biass
                   of
                   flesh
                   and
                   sense
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   hence
                   it
                   will
                   follow
                   likewise
                   ,
                   That
                   the
                   same
                   may
                   approve
                   and
                   
                     respect
                     good
                     men
                  
                   ;
                   They
                   may
                   reverence
                   and
                   love
                   them
                   for
                   their
                   
                     Charity
                     ,
                     Humility
                     ,
                     Justice
                  
                   and
                   Temperance
                   ,
                   though
                   themselves
                   are
                   persons
                   of
                   the
                   
                     contrary
                     Character
                  
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   they
                   may
                   have
                   a
                   great
                   and
                   ardent
                   affection
                   for
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   eminently
                   pious
                   and
                   devout
                   ,
                   though
                   they
                   are
                   very
                   irreligious
                   themselves
                   .
                   The
                   conscience
                   of
                   vertue
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   the
                   excellency
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   may
                   produce
                   this
                   in
                   the
                   meer
                   natural
                   man
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   under
                   the
                   dominion
                   of
                   
                     vile
                     inclinations
                  
                   and
                   affections
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   ,
                   neither
                   is
                   this
                   a
                   good
                   
                     mark
                     of
                     godliness
                  
                   .
                   Our
                   love
                   to
                   God
                   and
                   goodness
                   will
                   not
                   stead
                   us
                   ,
                   except
                   it
                   be
                   prevalent
                   .
                   And
                   as
                   the
                   love
                   described
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   natural
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   
                     meer
                     animal
                  
                   man
                   may
                   arrive
                   unto
                   it
                   :
                   So
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   He
                   may
                   to
                   
                     an
                     extraordinary
                     zeal
                     for
                     the
                     same
                     things
                     that
                     are
                     the
                     objects
                     of
                     his
                     love
                     .
                     Hot
                  
                   tempers
                   are
                   eager
                   ,
                   where
                   they
                   take
                   either
                   kindness
                   or
                   displeasure
                   .
                   The
                   natural
                   man
                   that
                   hath
                   an
                   
                     animal
                     love
                  
                   to
                   Religion
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   violent
                   in
                   speaking
                   ,
                   and
                   acting
                   for
                   things
                   appertaining
                   to
                   it
                   .
                   If
                   his
                   temper
                   be
                   devotional
                   and
                   passionate
                   ,
                   he
                   becomes
                   a
                   mighty
                   zealot
                   ,
                   and
                   fills
                   all
                   places
                   with
                   the
                   same
                   of
                   his
                   godliness
                   :
                   His
                   natural
                   fire
                   moves
                   this
                   way
                   ,
                   and
                   makes
                   a
                   mighty
                   
                     blaze
                     .
                     Ahab
                  
                   was
                   very
                   zealous
                   ,
                   and
                   
                   't
                   is
                   like
                   't
                   was
                   not
                   only
                   his
                   own
                   interest
                   that
                   made
                   him
                   so
                   ,
                   2
                   Kings
                   10.
                   16.
                   
                   The
                   Pharisees
                   were
                   zealous
                   people
                   ,
                   and
                   certainly
                   their
                   zeal
                   was
                   not
                   always
                   personated
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   on
                   ,
                   but
                   real
                   ;
                   though
                   they
                   were
                   Hypocrites
                   ,
                   yet
                   they
                   were
                   such
                   ,
                   as
                   in
                   many
                   things
                   deceived
                   themselves
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   others
                   .
                   They
                   were
                   zealous
                   for
                   their
                   Traditions
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   believ'd
                   't
                   was
                   their
                   duty
                   to
                   be
                   so
                   .
                   St.
                   Paul
                   while
                   a
                   persecutor
                   ,
                   was
                   zealous
                   against
                   the
                   Disciples
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   
                     thought
                     he
                     ought
                     to
                     do
                     many
                     things
                     against
                     that
                     name
                     .
                  
                   And
                   our
                   Saviour
                   foretells
                   ,
                   that
                   those
                   
                     zealous
                     Murderers
                  
                   that
                   should
                   kill
                   his
                   Saints
                   ,
                   should
                   think
                   ,
                   
                     They
                     did
                     God
                     good
                     service
                     in
                     it
                     ,
                  
                   John
                   16.
                   2.
                   
                   So
                   that
                   all
                   the
                   zeal
                   of
                   the
                   natural
                   man
                   is
                   not
                   feigning
                   ,
                   and
                   acting
                   of
                   a
                   part
                   ;
                   nor
                   hath
                   it
                   always
                   evil
                   objects
                   .
                   The
                   Pharisees
                   were
                   zealous
                   against
                   the
                   wickedness
                   of
                   the
                   Publicans
                   and
                   
                     Sinners
                     .
                     Zeal
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   in
                   earnest
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   Religion
                   may
                   be
                   in
                   bad
                   men
                   .
                   But
                   then
                   ,
                   this
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   noted
                   ,
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   commonly
                   about
                   opinions
                   or
                   
                     external
                     rites
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   usages
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   matters
                   as
                   appertain
                   to
                   first
                   Table
                   Duties
                   ,
                   while
                   usually
                   the
                   same
                   men
                   are
                   very
                   cold
                   ,
                   in
                   reference
                   to
                   the
                   Duties
                   of
                   the
                   Second
                   :
                   And
                   when
                   Zeal
                   is
                   partial
                   ,
                   and
                   spent
                   about
                   the
                   little
                   things
                   that
                   tend
                   not
                   to
                   the
                   overcoming
                   the
                   difficulties
                   of
                   our
                   way
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   perfecting
                   of
                   
                     humane
                     nature
                  
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   meer
                   animal
                   fervour
                   ,
                   and
                   no
                   Divine
                   Fire
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   natural
                   man
                   ,
                   the
                   Seeker
                   that
                   
                     shall
                     not
                     enter
                  
                   ,
                   may
                   grow
                   up
                   
                   to
                   another
                   height
                   that
                   looks
                   gloriously
                   ,
                   and
                   seems
                   to
                   speak
                   mighty
                   things
                   .
                   As
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   
                     He
                     may
                     have
                     great
                     comforts
                     in
                     religious
                     meditations
                     ,
                     and
                     that
                     even
                     to
                     rapturous
                     excesses
                     .
                  
                   He
                   may
                   take
                   these
                   ,
                   for
                   
                     sweet
                     Communion
                  
                   with
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   joys
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   earnest
                   of
                   Glory
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   lifted
                   up
                   on
                   high
                   by
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   enabled
                   to
                   speak
                   in
                   
                     wonderful
                     ravishing
                     strains
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   notwithstanding
                   be
                   an
                   evil
                   man
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   such
                   as
                   shall
                   be
                   
                     shut
                     out
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   For
                   this
                   we
                   may
                   observe
                   ,
                   That
                   those
                   whose
                   complexion
                   inclines
                   them
                   to
                   devotion
                   ,
                   are
                   commonly
                   much
                   under
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   melancholy
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   so
                   ,
                   are
                   mostly
                   very
                   various
                   in
                   their
                   tempers
                   ;
                   sometimes
                   merry
                   ,
                   and
                   pleasant
                   to
                   excess
                   ;
                   and
                   then
                   plung'd
                   as
                   deep
                   into
                   the
                   other
                   extream
                   of
                   sadness
                   and
                   dejection
                   ;
                   one
                   while
                   the
                   
                     sweet
                     humours
                  
                   enliven
                   the
                   imagination
                   ,
                   and
                   present
                   it
                   with
                   all
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   pleasant
                   and
                   agreeable
                   ;
                   And
                   then
                   ,
                   the
                   black
                   blood
                   succeeds
                   ,
                   which
                   begets
                   clouds
                   and
                   darkness
                   ,
                   and
                   fills
                   the
                   fancy
                   with
                   things
                   frightful
                   and
                   uncomfortable
                   :
                   And
                   there
                   are
                   very
                   few
                   but
                   feel
                   such
                   varieties
                   ,
                   in
                   a
                   degree
                   ,
                   in
                   themselves
                   .
                   Now
                   while
                   the
                   
                     sweet
                     Blood
                  
                   and
                   Humours
                   prevail
                   ,
                   the
                   person
                   whose
                   complexion
                   inclines
                   him
                   to
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   who
                   hath
                   arrived
                   to
                   the
                   degrees
                   newly
                   discours'd
                   of
                   (
                   though
                   a
                   meer
                   natural
                   man
                   )
                   is
                   full
                   of
                   inward
                   delight
                   ,
                   and
                   satisfaction
                   ;
                   and
                   fancies
                   
                   at
                   this
                   turn
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   much
                   in
                   the
                   favour
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   sure
                   Heir
                   of
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Glory
                   ;
                   which
                   must
                   needs
                   excite
                   in
                   him
                   many
                   luscious
                   ,
                   and
                   pleasant
                   thoughts
                   :
                   and
                   these
                   further
                   warm
                   his
                   imagination
                   ,
                   which
                   ,
                   by
                   new
                   ,
                   and
                   taking
                   suggestions
                   still
                   raiseth
                   the
                   
                     affections
                     more
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   the
                   man
                   is
                   as
                   it
                   were
                   transported
                   beyond
                   himself
                   ;
                   and
                   speaks
                   like
                   one
                   dropt
                   from
                   the
                   Clouds
                   :
                   His
                   tongue
                   flows
                   with
                   Light
                   ,
                   and
                   Glories
                   ,
                   and
                   Communion
                   ,
                   and
                   Revelations
                   ,
                   and
                   Incomes
                   ;
                   and
                   then
                   ,
                   believes
                   that
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   is
                   the
                   Author
                   of
                   all
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   God
                   is
                   
                     in
                     him
                     of
                     a
                     Truth
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   a
                   special
                   way
                   of
                   Manifestation
                   and
                   Vouchsafement
                   .
                   But
                   when
                   melancholick
                   vapours
                   prevail
                   again
                   ;
                   the
                   Imagination
                   is
                   overcast
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Fancy
                   possest
                   by
                   dismal
                   and
                   uncomfortable
                   thoughts
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   man
                   ,
                   whose
                   head
                   was
                   but
                   just
                   before
                   among
                   the
                   Clouds
                   ,
                   is
                   now
                   grovelling
                   in
                   the
                   Dust
                   :
                   He
                   thinks
                   all
                   is
                   lost
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   condition
                   miserable
                   ;
                   He
                   is
                   a
                   cast-away
                   ,
                   and
                   undone
                   ;
                   when
                   in
                   the
                   mean
                   while
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   Divine
                   favour
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   just
                   where
                   he
                   was
                   before
                   ,
                   or
                   rather
                   in
                   a
                   better
                   state
                   ,
                   since
                   't
                   is
                   better
                   to
                   be
                   humbled
                   with
                   reason
                   ,
                   than
                   to
                   be
                   lifted
                   up
                   
                     without
                     it
                  
                   .
                   Such
                   effects
                   as
                   these
                   do
                   meer
                   
                     natural
                     passions
                  
                   and
                   imaginations
                   produce
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   tinctured
                   and
                   heightned
                   by
                   
                     religious
                     melancholy
                  
                   .
                   To
                   deny
                   ones
                   self
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   
                     overcome
                     ones
                     passions
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   live
                   in
                   a
                   course
                   of
                   a
                   
                     sober
                     Vertue
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   much
                   more
                   Divine
                   than
                   
                     all
                     this
                  
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   'T
                   is
                   true
                   indeed
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   am
                   far
                   from
                   denying
                   it
                   ,
                   that
                   holy
                   men
                   feel
                   those
                   joys
                   and
                   communications
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Divine
                     Spirit
                  
                   which
                   are
                   
                     no
                     fancies
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Scripture
                   calls
                   them
                   
                     great
                     peace
                  
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   119.
                   165.
                   and
                   
                     joy
                     in
                     believing
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   15.
                   13.
                   and
                   the
                   
                     peace
                     of
                     God
                     that
                     passeth
                     all
                     understanding
                     ,
                  
                   Phil.
                   4.
                   7.
                   
                   But
                   then
                   ,
                   these
                   
                     Divine
                     Vouchsafements
                  
                   are
                   not
                   rapturous
                   ,
                   or
                   ecstatical
                   :
                   They
                   are
                   no
                   sudden
                   flashes
                   that
                   are
                   gone
                   in
                   a
                   moment
                   ,
                   leaving
                   the
                   Soul
                   in
                   the
                   regions
                   of
                   sorrow
                   ,
                   and
                   despair
                   ;
                   but
                   
                     sober
                     lasting
                  
                   comforts
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   the
                   rewards
                   and
                   results
                   of
                   vertue
                   ;
                   the
                   rejoycings
                   of
                   a
                   
                     good
                     Conscience
                  
                   ,
                   2
                   Cor.
                   1.
                   12.
                   and
                   the
                   manifestations
                   of
                   God
                   to
                   those
                   rare
                   souls
                   ,
                   who
                   have
                   overcome
                   the
                   evils
                   of
                   their
                   natures
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   difficulties
                   of
                   the
                   way
                   ,
                   or
                   are
                   
                     vigorously
                     pressing
                  
                   on
                   towards
                   
                     the
                     mark
                  
                   ,
                   Phil.
                   3.
                   14.
                   
                   But
                   for
                   such
                   as
                   have
                   only
                   the
                   forms
                   of
                   Godliness
                   I
                   have
                   mentioned
                   ,
                   while
                   the
                   
                     evil
                     inclinations
                  
                   and
                   habits
                   are
                   indulged
                   ,
                   (
                   whatever
                   they
                   may
                   pretend
                   )
                   all
                   the
                   sweets
                   they
                   talk
                   of
                   ,
                   are
                   but
                   the
                   imagery
                   of
                   dreams
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     pleasant
                     delusions
                  
                   of
                   their
                   fancies
                   .
                
                 
                   THus
                   I
                   have
                   shewn
                   how
                   far
                   the
                   
                     meer
                     animal
                     Religion
                  
                   may
                   go
                   ,
                   in
                   
                     imperfect
                     striving
                  
                   :
                   And
                   now
                   I
                   must
                   expect
                   to
                   hear
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   That
                   this
                   is
                   very
                   
                     severe
                     ,
                     uncomfortable
                  
                   Doctrine
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   one
                   that
                   shall
                   eventually
                   be
                   
                     shut
                     out
                  
                   ,
                   may
                   do
                   
                     all
                     this
                  
                   ,
                   what
                   shall
                   become
                   of
                   the
                   
                   generality
                   of
                   Religious
                   men
                   that
                   never
                   do
                   
                     so
                     much
                  
                   ?
                   And
                   if
                   
                     all
                     this
                  
                   be
                   short
                   ,
                   what
                   will
                   be
                   available
                   ?
                   who
                   then
                   shall
                   be
                   saved
                   ?
                
                 
                   To
                   which
                   I
                   Answer
                   ,
                   That
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   to
                   make
                   the
                   measures
                   of
                   Religion
                   and
                   Happiness
                   our selves
                   ;
                   but
                   to
                   take
                   those
                   that
                   Christ
                   Jesus
                   hath
                   made
                   for
                   us
                   :
                   And
                   he
                   hath
                   told
                   us
                   ,
                   That
                   
                     except
                     our
                     Righteousness
                     exceed
                     the
                     Righteousness
                     of
                     the
                     Scribes
                     and
                     Pharisees
                     ,
                     we
                     shall
                     in
                     no
                     wise
                     enter
                     into
                     the
                     Kingdom
                     of
                     Heaven
                     ,
                  
                   Mat.
                   5.
                   20.
                   
                   Now
                   the
                   Scribes
                   and
                   Pharisees
                   did
                   things
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   that
                   were
                   equal
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   particulars
                   I
                   have
                   mentioned
                   ;
                   yea
                   they
                   went
                   beyond
                   many
                   of
                   our
                   glorious
                   Professors
                   ,
                   who
                   yet
                   think
                   themselves
                   in
                   an
                   
                     high
                     form
                  
                   of
                   Godliness
                   .
                   They
                   believed
                   their
                   Religion
                   firmly
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Prayed
                     frequently
                  
                   and
                   servently
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Fasted
                     severely
                  
                   ;
                   They
                   were
                   exact
                   ,
                   and
                   exceeding
                   strict
                   in
                   the
                   observation
                   of
                   their
                   Sabbaths
                   ,
                   and
                   hated
                   scandalous
                   and
                   gross
                   sins
                   ;
                   and
                   were
                   very
                   punctual
                   in
                   all
                   the
                   duties
                   of
                   
                     outward
                     Worship
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   in
                   many
                   things
                   supererogated
                   and
                   went
                   beyond
                   what
                   was
                   commanded
                   :
                   Such
                   
                     zealous
                     people
                  
                   were
                   They
                   ;
                   and
                   They
                   separated
                   from
                   the
                   conversations
                   and
                   customs
                   of
                   
                     other
                     Jews
                  
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   account
                   of
                   their
                   supposed
                   
                     greater
                     Holiness
                  
                   and
                   
                     Purity
                     .
                     These
                  
                   were
                   heights
                   to
                   which
                   the
                   Pharisees
                   arrived
                   ;
                   and
                   a
                   good
                   Christian
                   must
                   exceed
                   all
                   this
                   :
                   And
                   he
                   that
                   lives
                   in
                   a
                   
                     sober
                     course
                  
                   of
                   Piety
                   and
                   Vertue
                   ;
                   of
                   
                     self
                     Government
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   humble
                   submission
                   to
                   God
                   ;
                   of
                   obedience
                   
                   to
                   his
                   Superiors
                   ,
                   and
                   charity
                   to
                   his
                   Neighbours
                   :
                   He
                   doth
                   
                     really
                     exceed
                  
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   enter
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   other
                   shall
                   be
                   
                     shut
                     out
                  
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   ,
                   when
                   our
                   Saviour
                   saith
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Pharisaick
                   Righteousness
                   must
                   be
                   exceeded
                   ,
                   the
                   meaning
                   is
                   not
                   ,
                   That
                   a
                   greater
                   degree
                   of
                   every
                   thing
                   the
                   Pharisees
                   did
                   ,
                   is
                   necessary
                   ;
                   but
                   we
                   must
                   do
                   that
                   which
                   in
                   the
                   nature
                   and
                   kind
                   of
                   it
                   is
                   better
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   acceptable
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   viz.
                   That
                   whereas
                   they
                   placed
                   their
                   Religion
                   in
                   
                     strict
                     Fastings
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   nice
                   observations
                   of
                   Festivals
                   ;
                   in
                   loud
                   and
                   
                     earnest
                     Prayers
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   zeal
                   to
                   get
                   Proselytes
                   ;
                   we
                   should
                   place
                   ours
                   ,
                   in
                   
                     sincere
                     subjection
                  
                   of
                   our
                   wills
                   to
                   the
                   will
                   of
                   God
                   ;
                   in
                   imitation
                   of
                   the
                   life
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   obedience
                   of
                   his
                   Laws
                   ;
                   in
                   amending
                   the
                   faults
                   of
                   our
                   natures
                   and
                   lives
                   :
                   in
                   subduing
                   our
                   Passions
                   ,
                   and
                   casting
                   out
                   the
                   habits
                   of
                   
                     evil
                     :
                     These
                  
                   are
                   much
                   beyond
                   the
                   Religion
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Fanatick
                     Pharisee
                  
                   ;
                   not
                   in
                   shew
                   and
                   pomp
                   ;
                   but
                   in
                   real
                   worth
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     divine
                     esteem
                  
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   whole
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   no
                   reason
                   to
                   be
                   discouraged
                   ,
                   because
                   They
                   that
                   do
                   
                     so
                     much
                  
                   are
                   
                     cast
                     out
                  
                   ;
                   since
                   ,
                   though
                   we
                   find
                   not
                   those
                   heats
                   ,
                   and
                   specious
                   things
                   in
                   our selves
                   which
                   we
                   observe
                   in
                   them
                   ,
                   yet
                   if
                   we
                   are
                   more
                   meek
                   and
                   modest
                   ,
                   and
                   patient
                   ,
                   and
                   charitable
                   ,
                   and
                   humble
                   ,
                   and
                   just
                   ,
                   our
                   case
                   is
                   better
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   have
                   the
                   Power
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   when
                   theirs
                   is
                   but
                   the
                   Form
                   ;
                   And
                   we
                   ,
                   whom
                   They
                   accounted
                   Aliens
                   and
                   Enemies
                   ,
                   shall
                   enter
                   ;
                   while
                   they
                   ,
                   the
                   presumed
                   friends
                   and
                   domesticks
                   ,
                   shall
                   be
                   
                     shut
                     out
                  
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   But
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   I
                   expect
                   it
                   should
                   be
                   again
                   objected
                   against
                   this
                   severity
                   of
                   Discourse
                   ,
                   That
                   our
                   Saviour
                   saith
                   ,
                   
                     Mat.
                     11.
                     20.
                     
                     That
                     his
                     yoke
                     is
                     easie
                     ,
                     and
                     his
                     burden
                     is
                     light
                     :
                  
                   which
                   place
                   seems
                   to
                   cross
                   all
                   that
                   hath
                   been
                   said
                   about
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   of
                   Religion
                   .
                   And
                   't
                   is
                   true
                   it
                   hath
                   such
                   an
                   appearance
                   ,
                   but
                   't
                   is
                   
                     no
                     more
                  
                   ;
                   For
                   the
                   words
                   look
                   as
                   cross
                   to
                   the
                   expressions
                   of
                   the
                   same
                   Divine
                   Author
                   ,
                   concerning
                   the
                   straitness
                   of
                   the
                   Gate
                   ,
                   and
                   narrowness
                   of
                   the
                   Way
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   any
                   thing
                   I
                   have
                   delivered
                   from
                   those
                   
                     infallible
                     sayings
                  
                   .
                   Therefore
                   to
                   remove
                   the
                   semblance
                   of
                   contrariety
                   ,
                   which
                   the
                   
                     objected
                     Text
                  
                   seems
                   to
                   have
                   to
                   those
                   others
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   my
                   Discourse
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   observe
                   ,
                
                 
                   That
                   when
                   our
                   Saviour
                   saith
                   ,
                   that
                   his
                   yoke
                   is
                   easie
                   ,
                   the
                   word
                   we
                   read
                   is
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   signifieth
                   
                     very
                     good
                     ,
                     excellent
                     ,
                     gracious
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   meaning
                   I
                   suppose
                   is
                   ,
                   That
                   his
                   Precepts
                   had
                   a
                   
                     native
                     beauty
                  
                   and
                   goodness
                   in
                   them
                   ;
                   That
                   they
                   are
                   congruous
                   and
                   sutable
                   to
                   our
                   reasonable
                   Natures
                   ,
                   and
                   apt
                   instruments
                   to
                   make
                   us
                   happy
                   ;
                   In
                   which
                   sense
                   ,
                   this
                   expression
                   hath
                   no
                   antipathy
                   to
                   the
                   Text
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   any
                   thing
                   I
                   have
                   said
                   .
                   And
                   whereas
                   't
                   is
                   added
                   ,
                   
                     [
                     My
                     Burden
                     is
                     light
                  
                   ]
                   I
                   think
                   by
                   this
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   understand
                   ,
                   That
                   his
                   Commands
                   are
                   not
                   of
                   that
                   burdensome
                   nature
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Ceremonies
                   of
                   the
                   Jewish
                   Laws
                   were
                   :
                   Those
                   were
                   very
                   cumbersome
                   ,
                   and
                   had
                   nothing
                   in
                   their
                   nature
                   to
                   make
                   them
                   pleasant
                   
                   and
                   agreeable
                   ;
                   whereas
                   his
                   Religion
                   had
                   no
                   
                     expensive
                     ,
                     troublesome
                  
                   Rites
                   appendant
                   to
                   it
                   ;
                   nor
                   did
                   it
                   require
                   any
                   thing
                   but
                   our
                   observation
                   of
                   those
                   Laws
                   which
                   eternal
                   Reason
                   obligeth
                   us
                   to
                   ,
                   and
                   which
                   of
                   our selves
                   we
                   should
                   choose
                   to
                   live
                   under
                   ,
                   were
                   we
                   freed
                   from
                   the
                   intanglements
                   of
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   and
                   interests
                   of
                   Flesh
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   neither
                   doth
                   this
                   Objection
                   signifie
                   any
                   thing
                   against
                   the
                   scope
                   of
                   my
                   Discourse
                   .
                
                 
                   ANd
                   now
                   I
                   come
                   to
                   Apply
                   what
                   I
                   have
                   said
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   things
                   I
                   have
                   to
                   add
                   will
                   be
                   comprehended
                   under
                   these
                   two
                   Generals
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Inferences
                   ,
                   and
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   plain
                   Advice
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   practice
                   .
                   I
                   begin
                   with
                   the
                   Inferences
                   and
                   Corollaries
                   that
                   arise
                   from
                   the
                   whole
                   Discourse
                   .
                   And
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   We
                   may
                   collect
                   ,
                   
                     What
                     is
                     the
                     state
                     of
                     Nature
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   
                     What
                     the
                     state
                     of
                     Grace
                  
                   .
                   We
                   have
                   seen
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   the
                   great
                   business
                   of
                   Religion
                   to
                   
                     overcome
                     evil
                     Inclinations
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   prevailing
                   influence
                   of
                   sense
                   and
                   passion
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     evil
                     customs
                  
                   and
                   example
                   and
                   worldly
                   affections
                   ;
                   And
                   therefore
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   Nature
                   consists
                   in
                   the
                   power
                   and
                   prevalency
                   of
                   
                     These
                     .
                     This
                  
                   is
                   that
                   the
                   Scripture
                   calls
                   the
                   
                     Old
                     man
                  
                   ,
                   Eph.
                   4.
                   22.
                   
                   The
                   
                     Image
                     of
                     the
                     earthy
                  
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   15.
                   
                   Flesh
                   ,
                   Gal.
                   5.
                   17.
                   
                   Death
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   7.
                   24.
                   
                   Darkness
                   ,
                   Joh.
                   3.
                   19.
                   
                     and
                     old
                     leven
                  
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   5.
                   7.
                   
                   On
                   the
                   contrary
                   ,
                   
                     The
                     state
                     of
                     Grace
                  
                   is
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   
                     sincere
                     striving
                  
                   against
                   
                   them
                   ;
                   which
                   if
                   it
                   keeps
                   on
                   ,
                   ends
                   in
                   Victory
                   .
                   And
                   this
                   is
                   call'd
                   Conversion
                   ,
                   Acts
                   3.
                   19.
                   and
                   Renovation
                   ,
                   while
                   't
                   is
                   in
                   its
                   first
                   motions
                   ;
                   And
                   the
                   
                     Divine
                     Nature
                  
                   ,
                   2
                   Pet.
                   1.
                   4.
                   the
                   Image
                   of
                   the
                   Heavenly
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   15.
                   20.
                   
                   The
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   Gal.
                   5.
                   16.
                   
                   Light
                   ,
                   Ephes
                   .
                   5.
                   8.
                   and
                   Life
                   ,
                   1
                   Joh.
                   3.
                   14.
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   arriv'd
                   to
                   more
                   compleatness
                   and
                   perfection
                   .
                
                 
                   For
                   our
                   fuller
                   understanding
                   this
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   consider
                   ,
                   That
                   Grace
                   is
                   taken
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   for
                   
                     Divine
                     favour
                  
                   ;
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   for
                   
                     Christian
                     Vertue
                  
                   .
                   As
                   it
                   signifies
                   
                     Divine
                     favour
                  
                   ,
                   so
                   it
                   is
                   used
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   For
                   those
                   helps
                   and
                   aids
                   God
                   affords
                   us
                   ,
                   viz.
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   Joh.
                   1.
                   17.
                   and
                   the
                   influences
                   of
                   
                     his
                     Spirit
                  
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   12.
                   9.
                   
                   In
                   this
                   sense
                   we
                   are
                   deliver'd
                   from
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   Nature
                   by
                   
                     Baptism
                     ,
                     viz.
                  
                   We
                   are
                   intitled
                   to
                   
                     divine
                     helps
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   regeneration
                   ;
                   for
                   we
                   are
                   born
                   in
                   a
                   condition
                   of
                   impotence
                   ,
                   and
                   weakness
                   ,
                   and
                   destitution
                   of
                   
                     spiritual
                     assistances
                  
                   ;
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   world
                   of
                   
                     meer
                     nature
                  
                   ;
                   But
                   then
                   in
                   Baptism
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   brought
                   into
                   the
                   world
                   of
                   
                     the
                     Spirit
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   are
                   put
                   under
                   its
                   influences
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   assured
                   of
                   its
                   aids
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   are
                   
                     morally
                     born
                     again
                  
                   ;
                   Not
                   that
                   this
                   Regeneration
                   alone
                   will
                   save
                   us
                   ,
                   without
                   our
                   endeavours
                   ;
                   it
                   imports
                   only
                   an
                   
                     external
                     relation
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   right
                   to
                   priviledges
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   these
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   powerfully
                   assisted
                   in
                   our
                   striving
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   use
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   But
                   then
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   Grace
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   signifies
                   
                     divine
                     favour
                  
                   ,
                   implies
                   his
                   special
                   love
                   and
                   kindness
                   ,
                   such
                   as
                   he
                   vouchsafes
                   to
                   holy
                   and
                   vertuous
                   men
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   observe
                   that
                   there
                   may
                   be
                   a
                   distinction
                   between
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   Grace
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   salvation
                   .
                   A
                   state
                   of
                   Grace
                   in
                   the
                   former
                   sense
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   
                     condition
                     assisted
                  
                   by
                   the
                   influences
                   of
                   
                     Gods
                     Spirit
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   baptized
                   persons
                   are
                   in
                   that
                   .
                   But
                   if
                   they
                   use
                   not
                   those
                   helps
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   in
                   Gods
                   special
                   favour
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   not
                   in
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   Salvation
                   .
                   But
                   when
                   those
                   assistances
                   are
                   duly
                   imployed
                   ,
                   and
                   join'd
                   with
                   our
                   
                     sincere
                     endeavour
                  
                   ,
                   then
                   the
                   person
                   so
                   using
                   them
                   ,
                   is
                   in
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   Salvation
                   also
                   ;
                   and
                   in
                   God's
                   special
                   love
                   and
                   favour
                   .
                   Thus
                   of
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   Grace
                   in
                   the
                   first
                   sense
                   ,
                   as
                   taken
                   for
                   
                     divine
                     favour
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   The
                   word
                   is
                   also
                   used
                   for
                   
                     Christian
                     Vertue
                  
                   ,
                   2
                   Pet.
                   3.
                   18.
                   and
                   Vertue
                   is
                   call'd
                   Grace
                   ,
                   because
                   't
                   is
                   wrought
                   in
                   us
                   by
                   the
                   assistance
                   of
                   Gods
                   Spirit
                   and
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   divine
                   favours
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   be
                   in
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   grace
                   in
                   this
                   sense
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   virtuous
                   man
                   ,
                   which
                   supposeth
                   divine
                   aids
                   ,
                   and
                   intitles
                   to
                   
                     divine
                     love
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   things
                   I
                   have
                   taken
                   an
                   occasion
                   thus
                   briefly
                   to
                   state
                   ;
                   because
                   there
                   is
                   oft-times
                   much
                   confusion
                   in
                   means
                   discourses
                   about
                   Grace
                   and
                   Nature
                   ,
                   from
                   which
                   much
                   trouble
                   and
                   many
                   controversies
                   have
                   arisen
                   .
                   And
                   by
                   what
                   I
                   have
                   said
                   also
                   in
                   these
                   brief
                   hints
                   ,
                   the
                   doctrine
                   of
                   our
                   
                   Church
                   in
                   the
                   office
                   of
                   Baptism
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   understood
                   clearly
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   appear
                   to
                   be
                   very
                   sound
                   and
                   true
                   ,
                   notwithstanding
                   the
                   petty
                   exceptions
                   of
                   confident
                   Dissenters
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   II.
                   )
                   I
                   may
                   infer
                   ,
                   
                     That
                     the
                     great
                     Design
                     of
                     Religion
                     and
                     the
                     Gospel
                     is
                     to
                     perfect
                     humane
                     nature
                     .
                  
                   The
                   perfection
                   of
                   our
                   natures
                   ,
                   consists
                   in
                   the
                   subjection
                   and
                   subordination
                   of
                   the
                   affections
                   and
                   passions
                   to
                   the
                   Mind
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   enlightned
                   ,
                   and
                   directed
                   by
                   the
                   
                     divine
                     Laws
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   of
                   Reason
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   integrity
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   we
                   were
                   first
                   made
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   lost
                   it
                   by
                   the
                   rebellion
                   of
                   our
                   senses
                   and
                   inferiour
                   powers
                   ,
                   which
                   have
                   usurpt
                   the
                   government
                   of
                   us
                   ever
                   since
                   .
                   Here
                   is
                   the
                   imperfection
                   and
                   corruption
                   of
                   our
                   natures
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   Religion
                   designs
                   to
                   remove
                   and
                   
                     cure
                     these
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   restore
                   us
                   to
                   our
                   first
                   ,
                   and
                   happy
                   state
                   .
                   It
                   s
                   business
                   is
                   not
                   to
                   reform
                   our
                   looks
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   language
                   ;
                   or
                   to
                   model
                   our
                   actions
                   ,
                   and
                   gestures
                   into
                   a
                   devout
                   appearance
                   ;
                   not
                   only
                   to
                   restrain
                   the
                   practice
                   of
                   open
                   prophaneness
                   and
                   villany
                   ;
                   nor
                   to
                   comfort
                   us
                   with
                   the
                   assurance
                   of
                   Gods
                   loving
                   us
                   we
                   know
                   not
                   why
                   :
                   But
                   to
                   cure
                   our
                   
                     ill
                     natures
                  
                   ,
                   to
                   govern
                   our
                   passions
                   ,
                   to
                   moderate
                   our
                   desires
                   ,
                   to
                   throw
                   out
                   pride
                   and
                   envy
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   uncharitable
                   surmisals
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   other
                   spiritual
                   sorts
                   of
                   wickedness
                   ;
                   and
                   thereby
                   to
                   make
                   us
                   like
                   unto
                   God
                   ,
                   in
                   
                   whom
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   shadow
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   or
                   imperfection
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   to
                   render
                   us
                   fit
                   objects
                   of
                   his
                   delight
                   ,
                   and
                   love
                   .
                
                 
                   So
                   that
                   whatever
                   doth
                   not
                   tend
                   to
                   the
                   making
                   us
                   ,
                   some
                   way
                   or
                   other
                   
                     really
                     better
                     :
                     better
                  
                   in
                   our
                   selves
                   ,
                   and
                   better
                   in
                   all
                   Relations
                   ,
                   as
                   fathers
                   ,
                   and
                   children
                   ,
                   and
                   husbands
                   and
                   wives
                   ,
                   and
                   subjects
                   ,
                   and
                   governours
                   ,
                   and
                   neighbours
                   and
                   friends
                   ,
                   is
                   not
                   Religion
                   ;
                   It
                   may
                   be
                   a
                   form
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   but
                   't
                   is
                   nothing
                   to
                   the
                   life
                   ,
                   and
                   power
                   .
                   And
                   where
                   we
                   see
                   not
                   
                     this
                     effect
                  
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   let
                   the
                   professor
                   of
                   it
                   be
                   never
                   so
                   high
                   and
                   glorious
                   in
                   his
                   profession
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   yet
                   conclude
                   that
                   either
                   his
                   Religion
                   is
                   not
                   good
                   ,
                   or
                   that
                   he
                   only
                   pretends
                   ,
                   and
                   really
                   hath
                   it
                   not
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   I
                   take
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   consideration
                   of
                   great
                   moment
                   and
                   great
                   certainty
                   ,
                   viz.
                   That
                   Christian
                   Religion
                   aims
                   at
                   the
                   bettering
                   and
                   perfecting
                   of
                   our
                   natures
                   .
                   For
                   the
                   things
                   it
                   commands
                   relate
                   either
                   to
                   worship
                   or
                   virtue
                   .
                   The
                   instances
                   of
                   external
                   worship
                   are
                   prayer
                   ,
                   and
                   praise
                   ;
                   both
                   which
                   are
                   high
                   acts
                   of
                   gratitude
                   and
                   justice
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   fit
                   us
                   for
                   divine
                   blessings
                   ,
                   and
                   keep
                   us
                   under
                   a
                   sense
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   prepare
                   us
                   for
                   union
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   the
                   
                     highest
                     perfection
                  
                   of
                   which
                   the
                   creature
                   is
                   capable
                   .
                   Thus
                   the
                   outward
                   acts
                   of
                   worship
                   tend
                   to
                   our
                   happiness
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   inward
                   do
                   infinitely
                   the
                   same
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   These
                   are
                   ,
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   Love
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Fear
                     .
                     Faith
                  
                   in
                   God
                   supports
                   and
                   relieves
                   us
                   in
                   all
                   afflictions
                   ,
                   and
                   distresses
                   .
                   The
                   love
                   of
                   him
                   is
                   a
                   pleasure
                   and
                   solace
                   to
                   us
                   in
                   all
                   losses
                   and
                   disappointments
                   ,
                   since
                   he
                   is
                   an
                   object
                   most
                   filling
                   ,
                   and
                   satisfying
                   ;
                   and
                   one
                   that
                   cannot
                   be
                   lost
                   ,
                   except
                   we
                   wilfully
                   thrust
                   him
                   from
                   us
                   .
                   Fear
                   of
                   God
                   hath
                   no
                   torment
                   ;
                   'T
                   is
                   no
                   slavish
                   dread
                   of
                   his
                   greatness
                   and
                   Power
                   ;
                   but
                   a
                   reverence
                   of
                   his
                   perfections
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   lothness
                   to
                   offend
                   him
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   disposeth
                   us
                   also
                   for
                   the
                   communications
                   of
                   his
                   grace
                   ,
                   and
                   love
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   85.
                   9.
                   
                   And
                   this
                   it
                   doth
                   by
                   congruity
                   ,
                   and
                   its
                   
                     own
                     nature
                  
                   ;
                   which
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   said
                   likewise
                   of
                   the
                   others
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   they
                   would
                   make
                   those
                   happy
                   that
                   practise
                   them
                   ,
                   whether
                   they
                   had
                   been
                   positively
                   enjoyn'd
                   ,
                   or
                   not
                   ;
                   And
                   though
                   no
                   express
                   rewards
                   had
                   been
                   annext
                   unto
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   There
                   are
                   other
                   two
                   acts
                   of
                   worship
                   which
                   Christianity
                   requires
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   instituted
                   and
                   positive
                   ,
                   and
                   respect
                   Christ
                   our
                   Lord
                   ;
                   They
                   are
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     Sacraments
                     ;
                     Baptism
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     Lords
                     Supper
                  
                   ;
                   both
                   which
                   are
                   
                     holy
                     Rites
                  
                   of
                   high
                   signification
                   ;
                   and
                   seals
                   of
                   an
                   excellent
                   Covenant
                   between
                   God
                   and
                   us
                   ,
                   assuring
                   us
                   of
                   pardon
                   of
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   divine
                   favours
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   conditions
                   of
                   our
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   repentance
                   ;
                   and
                   more
                   firmly
                   obliging
                   us
                   to
                   holy
                   obedience
                   ,
                   and
                   dependance
                   ;
                   The
                   only
                   way
                   in
                   which
                   we
                   can
                   be
                   happy
                   .
                   Whence
                   we
                   see
                   briefly
                   ,
                   that
                   all
                   the
                   parts
                   of
                   
                   worship
                   which
                   Christianity
                   binds
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   tend
                   to
                   our
                   perfection
                   and
                   Felicity
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   all
                   the
                   vertues
                   that
                   it
                   commands
                   do
                   the
                   same
                   ;
                   both
                   those
                   that
                   respect
                   us
                   in
                   a
                   personal
                   capacity
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   others
                   that
                   relate
                   to
                   us
                   as
                   members
                   of
                   Societies
                   .
                   Thus
                   humility
                   ,
                   recommended
                   
                     Mat.
                     5.
                     3.
                     
                     Meekness
                  
                   blest
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   5.
                   purity
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   8.
                   are
                   vertues
                   that
                   accomplish
                   our
                   particular
                   persons
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   us
                   happy
                   in
                   our selves
                   .
                   For
                   of
                   
                     Pride
                     cometh
                     Contention
                  
                   ,
                   Prov.
                   13.
                   10.
                   
                   And
                   a
                   great
                   part
                   of
                   our
                   troubles
                   arise
                   from
                   stomach
                   and
                   self-will
                   ;
                   which
                   humility
                   cures
                   .
                   Meekness
                   also
                   takes
                   away
                   the
                   occasion
                   of
                   the
                   numerous
                   mischiefs
                   we
                   run
                   into
                   through
                   the
                   rage
                   and
                   disorder
                   of
                   our
                   passions
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   in
                   it self
                   a
                   
                     great
                     beauty
                  
                   and
                   ornament
                   ,
                   since
                   it
                   ariseth
                   from
                   the
                   
                     due
                     order
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   government
                   of
                   our
                   
                     faculties
                     .
                     Purity
                  
                   which
                   comprehends
                   temperance
                   of
                   all
                   sorts
                   ,
                   frees
                   us
                   from
                   the
                   tormenting
                   importunity
                   of
                   those
                   desires
                   that
                   drag
                   us
                   out
                   of
                   our selves
                   ,
                   and
                   expose
                   us
                   to
                   sin
                   ,
                   and
                   folly
                   ,
                   and
                   temptation
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   us
                   exceeding
                   miserable
                   ;
                   besides
                   which
                   it
                   is
                   a
                   perfection
                   that
                   renders
                   us
                   like
                   unto
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   blest
                   Spirits
                   of
                   the
                   highest
                   rank
                   .
                   And
                   Christian
                   vertues
                   do
                   not
                   only
                   accomplish
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   us
                   happy
                   in
                   our
                   particular
                   persons
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   do
                   the
                   same
                   in
                   our
                   publique
                   capacities
                   ;
                   They
                   dispose
                   us
                   to
                   a
                   quiet
                   obedience
                   to
                   our
                   governours
                   without
                   murmuring
                   ,
                   and
                   complaining
                   ;
                   and
                   thereby
                   
                   the
                   publique
                   peace
                   is
                   secured
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   good
                   things
                   else
                   in
                   that
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   there
                   are
                   
                     other
                     vertues
                  
                   that
                   Christianity
                   enjoyns
                   ,
                   which
                   have
                   a
                   more
                   direct
                   tendency
                   to
                   the
                   happiness
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   as
                   Justice
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   7.
                   12.
                   
                   Charity
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   13.
                   
                   Loyalty
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   13.
                   and
                   all
                   other
                   publique
                   vertues
                   may
                   ,
                   I
                   think
                   ,
                   be
                   comprehended
                   under
                   these
                   .
                   Where
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   Justice
                   ,
                   every
                   man
                   preys
                   upon
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   no
                   mans
                   property
                   is
                   safe
                   .
                   Where
                   Charity
                   is
                   wanting
                   ,
                   Jealousies
                   ,
                   hatreds
                   ,
                   envying
                   ,
                   back-bitings
                   ,
                   and
                   cruelties
                   abound
                   ,
                   which
                   render
                   the
                   world
                   deplorably
                   unhappy
                   .
                   Where
                   there
                   is
                   not
                   Loyalty
                   and
                   
                     conscionable
                     submission
                  
                   to
                   Governours
                   ,
                   the
                   publick
                   is
                   upon
                   every
                   occasion
                   of
                   commotion
                   ,
                   involv'd
                   in
                   infinite
                   miseries
                   ,
                   and
                   disasters
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   all
                   the
                   precepts
                   of
                   our
                   Religion
                   are
                   in
                   their
                   own
                   nature
                   
                     proper
                     instruments
                  
                   to
                   make
                   
                     us
                     happy
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   had
                   been
                   methods
                   of
                   Felicity
                   to
                   be
                   chosen
                   by
                   all
                   reasonable
                   creatures
                   ,
                   though
                   they
                   had
                   never
                   been
                   required
                   by
                   so
                   great
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   sacred
                   an
                   Authority
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   things
                   I
                   have
                   said
                   ,
                   because
                   I
                   could
                   not
                   choose
                   but
                   take
                   this
                   occasion
                   to
                   recommend
                   the
                   excellency
                   ,
                   and
                   reasonableness
                   of
                   our
                   Religion
                   ;
                   And
                   I
                   have
                   done
                   it
                   but
                   only
                   in
                   brief
                   hints
                   ,
                   because
                   it
                   ariseth
                   but
                   upon
                   a
                   Corollary
                   from
                   my
                   main
                   subject
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   this
                   I
                   infer
                   further
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   (
                   III.
                   )
                   
                     That
                     Christianity
                     is
                     the
                     height
                     ,
                     and
                     perfection
                     of
                     morality
                     .
                  
                   They
                   both
                   tend
                   to
                   the
                   real
                   bettering
                   ,
                   and
                   accomplishment
                   of
                   humane
                   nature
                   :
                   But
                   the
                   rules
                   and
                   measures
                   of
                   
                     moral
                     Philosophy
                  
                   were
                   weak
                   and
                   imperfect
                   till
                   
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                  
                   came
                   ;
                   
                     He
                     confirmed
                  
                   and
                   enforced
                   all
                   those
                   precepts
                   of
                   vertue
                   ,
                   that
                   were
                   written
                   upon
                   our
                   hearts
                   ;
                   and
                   cleared
                   them
                   from
                   many
                   corruptions
                   that
                   were
                   grown
                   upon
                   them
                   ,
                   through
                   ignorance
                   and
                   vice
                   ,
                   the
                   glosses
                   of
                   the
                   Jews
                   ,
                   and
                   false
                   conceits
                   of
                   the
                   Gentiles
                   ;
                   and
                   he
                   inforced
                   them
                   anew
                   by
                   his
                   Authority
                   and
                   the
                   knowledge
                   he
                   gave
                   of
                   
                     divine
                     aids
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   greater
                   rewards
                   ,
                   and
                   punishments
                   ,
                   than
                   were
                   understood
                   before
                   ;
                   yea
                   he
                   enlarged
                   them
                   in
                   some
                   instances
                   ;
                   such
                   as
                   ,
                   
                     loving
                     enemies
                  
                   and
                   
                     forgiving
                     injuries
                  
                   .
                   Thus
                   
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                  
                   taught
                   morality
                   ,
                   viz.
                   the
                   
                     way
                     of
                     living
                     like
                     men
                  
                   ;
                   And
                   the
                   5th
                   Chapter
                   of
                   Matthew
                   is
                   an
                   excellent
                   Lecture
                   of
                   this
                   kind
                   .
                
                 
                   So
                   that
                   to
                   disparage
                   morality
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   
                     disgrace
                     Christianity
                  
                   it self
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   vilifie
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   ends
                   of
                   Christs
                   coming
                   into
                   the
                   world
                   .
                   For
                   all
                   Religion
                   and
                   all
                   duties
                   respect
                   either
                   God
                   ,
                   our
                   neighbour
                   ,
                   or
                   our selves
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   duties
                   that
                   relate
                   to
                   these
                   
                     two
                     last
                  
                   ,
                   are
                   acknowledg'd
                   
                     moral
                     vertues
                  
                   .
                   The
                   Apostle
                   St.
                   James
                   counted
                   
                     these
                     Moralities
                  
                   of
                   visiting
                   the
                   Widow
                   and
                   Fatherless
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   
                     pure
                     Religion
                  
                   and
                   
                   undefiled
                   ,
                   Jam.
                   1.
                   17.
                   and
                   the
                   Prophet
                   Micah
                   intimates
                   ,
                   that
                   those
                   moral
                   vertues
                   of
                   Justice
                   and
                   mercy
                   were
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   main
                   things
                   that
                   God
                   required
                   of
                   us
                   ,
                   Micah
                   6.
                   8.
                   
                   Our
                   Saviour
                   saith
                   that
                   the
                   whole
                   Law
                   is
                   summ'd
                   up
                   in
                   these
                   two
                   ,
                   to
                   love
                   God
                   with
                   all
                   our
                   souls
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   neighbour
                   as
                   our
                   selves
                   ,
                   Matth.
                   22.
                   13.
                   which
                   latter
                   contains
                   the
                   duties
                   of
                   morality
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   which
                   the
                   grace
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   the
                   Gospel
                   teacheth
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   St.
                   Paul
                   is
                   ,
                   to
                   
                     live
                     soberly
                     ,
                     righteously
                     ,
                     and
                     godly
                     in
                     this
                     present
                     world
                     ,
                  
                   Tit.
                   2.
                   11.
                   
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   godliness
                   without
                   morality
                   .
                   All
                   the
                   fruits
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   reckon'd
                   up
                   Gal.
                   5.
                   22.
                   are
                   
                     moral
                     vertues
                  
                   .
                   And
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   commanded
                   to
                   
                     grow
                     in
                     grace
                     ,
                     2
                     Pet.
                     3.
                     18.
                     vertue
                  
                   is
                   partly
                   understood
                   .
                   For
                   one
                   branch
                   of
                   what
                   is
                   call'd
                   Grace
                   in
                   us
                   ,
                   is
                   moral
                   vertue
                   ,
                   produced
                   by
                   divine
                   aids
                   ,
                   Christian
                   principles
                   ,
                   and
                   incouragements
                   ;
                   though
                   't
                   is
                   true
                   ,
                   the
                   world
                   is
                   extended
                   to
                   those
                   duties
                   that
                   relate
                   immediately
                   to
                   God
                   also
                   .
                
                 
                   By
                   which
                   we
                   see
                   how
                   ignorantly
                   ,
                   and
                   dangerously
                   those
                   people
                   talk
                   ,
                   that
                   disparage
                   morality
                   as
                   a
                   dull
                   ,
                   lame
                   thing
                   of
                   no
                   account
                   ,
                   or
                   reckoning
                   .
                   Upon
                   this
                   the
                   Religion
                   of
                   the
                   second
                   Table
                   is
                   by
                   too
                   many
                   neglected
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   whole
                   mystery
                   of
                   the
                   
                     new
                     Godliness
                  
                   is
                   lay'd
                   in
                   
                     frequent
                     hearing
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   devout
                   
                     seraphick
                     talk
                     ,
                     luscious
                     fancies
                     ,
                     new
                     lights
                     ,
                     incomes
                     ,
                     manifestations
                     ,
                     in-dwellings
                     ,
                     sealings
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   such
                   like
                   .
                   Thus
                   Antinomianism
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   kinds
                   of
                   Fanaticism
                   have
                   
                   made
                   their
                   way
                   by
                   the
                   disparagement
                   of
                   morality
                   ,
                   and
                   men
                   have
                   learnt
                   to
                   believe
                   themselves
                   the
                   
                     chosen
                     ,
                     pretious
                  
                   people
                   ,
                   while
                   their
                   hearts
                   have
                   been
                   full
                   of
                   malice
                   ,
                   and
                   bitterness
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   hands
                   of
                   violence
                   ,
                   while
                   they
                   
                     despised
                     dominions
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     spake
                     evil
                     of
                     dignities
                     ,
                     rebell'd
                  
                   against
                   the
                   Government
                   ,
                   destroyed
                   publique
                   peace
                   ,
                   and
                   endeavoured
                   to
                   bring
                   all
                   into
                   misery
                   and
                   confusions
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   this
                   diabolical
                   project
                   of
                   dividing
                   morality
                   from
                   Religion
                   that
                   hath
                   given
                   rise
                   and
                   occasion
                   to
                   all
                   
                     these
                     villanies
                  
                   .
                   And
                   while
                   the
                   Practisers
                   of
                   such
                   things
                   have
                   assumed
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   the
                   
                     only
                     Godly
                     ,
                     Godliness
                  
                   it self
                   hath
                   been
                   brought
                   into
                   disgrace
                   by
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   Atheism
                   incouraged
                   to
                   shew
                   it self
                   ,
                   in
                   open
                   defiance
                   to
                   Religion
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   through
                   the
                   indiscretions
                   ,
                   and
                   inconsiderateness
                   of
                   
                     some
                     preachers
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   fantastry
                   ,
                   and
                   vain
                   babble
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   general
                   disposition
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   to
                   admire
                   what
                   makes
                   a
                   great
                   shew
                   ,
                   and
                   pretends
                   to
                   more
                   than
                   ordinary
                   spirituality
                   ;
                   things
                   are
                   ,
                   in
                   many
                   places
                   ,
                   come
                   to
                   that
                   pass
                   ,
                   that
                   those
                   who
                   teach
                   
                     Christian
                     vertue
                  
                   and
                   Religion
                   ,
                   in
                   plainness
                   and
                   simplicity
                   without
                   senseless
                   phrases
                   ,
                   and
                   fantastick
                   affectations
                   ,
                   shall
                   be
                   reckon'd
                   for
                   
                     dry
                     moralists
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   as
                   understand
                   nothing
                   of
                   the
                   life
                   ,
                   and
                   power
                   of
                   Godliness
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   those
                   people
                   have
                   been
                   so
                   long
                   used
                   to
                   gibberish
                   and
                   canting
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   cannot
                   understand
                   
                     plain
                     sense
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   vertue
                   is
                   become
                   such
                   a
                   stranger
                   to
                   their
                   ears
                   ,
                   that
                   when
                   they
                   
                   hear
                   it
                   spoken
                   of
                   in
                   a
                   Pulpit
                   ,
                   they
                   count
                   the
                   preacher
                   a
                   broacher
                   of
                   
                     new
                     divinity
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   one
                   that
                   would
                   teach
                   the
                   
                     way
                     to
                     heaven
                  
                   by
                   Philosophy
                   :
                   And
                   he
                   escapes
                   well
                   ,
                   if
                   they
                   do
                   not
                   say
                   ,
                   That
                   he
                   is
                   an
                   Atheist
                   ,
                   or
                   that
                   he
                   would
                   reconcile
                   us
                   to
                   Gentilism
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Heathen
                     Worship
                  
                   .
                   The
                   danger
                   and
                   vanity
                   of
                   which
                   ignorant
                   humour
                   ,
                   the
                   contempt
                   of
                   morality
                   ,
                   is
                   apparent
                   in
                   the
                   whole
                   scope
                   of
                   my
                   Discourse
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   I
                   add
                   no
                   more
                   concerning
                   it
                   here
                   ;
                   but
                   proceed
                   to
                   another
                   Inference
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   IV.
                   )
                   
                     That
                     Grace
                     and
                     the
                     new
                     nature
                     ,
                     make
                     their
                     way
                     by
                     degrees
                     on
                     the
                     Soul
                  
                   ;
                   for
                   the
                   difficulties
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   removed
                   nor
                   the
                   corrupt
                   nature
                   subdued
                   all
                   at
                   once
                   .
                   Habits
                   that
                   grow
                   by
                   repeated
                   acts
                   ,
                   time
                   ,
                   and
                   continuance
                   ,
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   expelled
                   in
                   a
                   moment
                   .
                   No
                   man
                   can
                   become
                   greatly
                   
                     evil
                     or
                     good
                  
                   ,
                   on
                   a
                   
                     sudden
                     .
                     The
                     Path
                     of
                     the
                     just
                     shines
                     more
                     and
                     more
                     to
                     a
                     perfect
                     day
                     ,
                  
                   Prov.
                   4.
                   18.
                   
                   We
                   do
                   not
                   jump
                   from
                   darkness
                   into
                   
                     full
                     light
                  
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   not
                   fully
                   sanctified
                   and
                   converted
                   in
                   an
                   instant
                   .
                   The
                   day
                   begins
                   in
                   an
                   insensible
                   dawn
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     Kingdom
                     of
                     heaven
                     is
                     like
                     a
                     grain
                     of
                     Mustard
                     seed
                     ,
                  
                   Mat.
                   13.
                   31.
                   
                   It
                   doth
                   not
                   start
                   up
                   presently
                   to
                   the
                   stature
                   of
                   a
                   tree
                   .
                   The
                   Divine
                   birth
                   begins
                   like
                   the
                   Natural
                   ,
                   in
                   an
                   imperfect
                   embryo
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   There
                   are
                   some
                   seeds
                   of
                   Knowledge
                   and
                   Goodness
                   that
                   God
                   hath
                   sown
                   in
                   our
                   natures
                   ;
                   these
                   are
                   excited
                   by
                   the
                   
                     Divine
                     Grace
                  
                   and
                   Spirit
                   to
                   convictions
                   ,
                   which
                   proceed
                   to
                   
                     purposes
                     ;
                     these
                  
                   to
                   resolutions
                   ,
                   and
                   thence
                   we
                   pass
                   to
                   abstinence
                   from
                   all
                   
                     gross
                     sins
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   performance
                   of
                   
                     outward
                     Duties
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   at
                   last
                   by
                   degrees
                   ,
                   to
                   
                     vigorous
                     attempts
                  
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   destruction
                   of
                   
                     evil
                     habits
                  
                   and
                   inclinations
                   .
                   When
                   Grace
                   is
                   arrived
                   to
                   this
                   eminent
                   growth
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   very
                   visible
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   Plant
                   is
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   above
                   the
                   ground
                   :
                   But
                   the
                   beginnings
                   of
                   Conversion
                   are
                   not
                   ordinarily
                   perceived
                   .
                
                 
                   So
                   that
                   to
                   catechize
                   men
                   about
                   the
                   
                     punctual
                     time
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   circumstances
                   of
                   their
                   Conversion
                   ,
                   is
                   an
                   idle
                   device
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   great
                   temptation
                   to
                   vanity
                   and
                   lying
                   .
                   Who
                   can
                   tell
                   the
                   exact
                   moment
                   when
                   the
                   
                     night
                     ends
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   dawn
                   enters
                   ?
                   'T
                   is
                   true
                   indeed
                   ,
                   the
                   passage
                   from
                   
                     the
                     excesses
                  
                   of
                   Wickedness
                   ,
                   which
                   begins
                   in
                   some
                   extraordinary
                   horrors
                   and
                   convictions
                   ,
                   is
                   sometimes
                   very
                   notable
                   ;
                   but
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   so
                   in
                   all
                   ,
                   or
                   most
                   .
                   The
                   time
                   of
                   St.
                   Paul's
                   conversion
                   was
                   eminent
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   change
                   was
                   from
                   
                     great
                     contrarieties
                  
                   and
                   miraculous
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   drawn
                   into
                   instance
                   .
                   Both
                   the
                   beginnings
                   and
                   minute
                   progressions
                   of
                   Grace
                   ,
                   are
                   usually
                   undiscerned
                   :
                   We
                   cannot
                   see
                   the
                   Grass
                   just
                   putting
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   earth
                   ,
                   or
                   actually
                   growing
                   ;
                   but
                   yet
                   we
                   find
                   that
                   it
                   doth
                   both
                   .
                   And
                   Grace
                   is
                   better
                   known
                   in
                   
                   its
                   fruits
                   ,
                   than
                   in
                   its
                   rise
                   .
                   By
                   their
                   
                     Fruits
                     ye
                     shall
                     know
                     them
                  
                   ,
                   saith
                   our
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   12.
                   33.
                   and
                   the
                   same
                   way
                   we
                   may
                   know
                   our selves
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   V.
                   )
                   
                     We
                     see
                     that
                     there
                     is
                     an
                     Animal
                     ,
                     as
                     well
                     as
                     a
                     Divine
                     Religion
                     :
                  
                   A
                   Religion
                   that
                   is
                   but
                   the
                   effect
                   and
                   modification
                   of
                   
                     complexion
                     ,
                     natural
                     fear
                  
                   and
                   self-love
                   .
                   How
                   far
                   these
                   will
                   go
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   seen
                   ,
                   and
                   how
                   short
                   it
                   will
                   prove
                   in
                   the
                   end
                   .
                   The
                   not
                   noting
                   this
                   hath
                   been
                   the
                   sad
                   occasion
                   of
                   deceiving
                   many
                   .
                   Some
                   observing
                   great
                   heats
                   of
                   zeal
                   and
                   devotion
                   in
                   the
                   
                     modern
                     Pharisees
                  
                   ,
                   take
                   these
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   Saints
                   and
                   
                     good
                     people
                  
                   ;
                   believing
                   all
                   the
                   glorious
                   things
                   which
                   they
                   assume
                   to
                   themselves
                   :
                   When
                   others
                   ,
                   that
                   know
                   them
                   to
                   be
                   envious
                   and
                   
                     malitious
                     ,
                     unjust
                  
                   and
                   
                     covetous
                     ,
                     proud
                  
                   and
                   ungovernable
                   ,
                   and
                   cannot
                   therefore
                   look
                   on
                   them
                   as
                   such
                   
                     choice
                     holy
                  
                   people
                   ,
                   are
                   apt
                   to
                   affirm
                   all
                   to
                   be
                   hypocrisie
                   and
                   feigning
                   .
                   In
                   which
                   sentences
                   ,
                   both
                   are
                   mistaken
                   for
                   want
                   of
                   knowing
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   
                     meer
                     Animal
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   will
                   produce
                   very
                   specious
                   and
                   glorious
                   effects
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   though
                   the
                   Pharisee
                   Prays
                   vehemently
                   ,
                   and
                   Fasts
                   severely
                   ,
                   and
                   talks
                   much
                   of
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   delights
                   greatly
                   in
                   hearing
                   ,
                   and
                   pious
                   Discourse
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   suffer
                   all
                   things
                   for
                   what
                   he
                   calls
                   his
                   Conscience
                   ;
                   yet
                   he
                   is
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   concluded
                   a
                   Saint
                   from
                   hence
                   ,
                   because
                   the
                   
                     meer
                     Animal
                  
                   Religion
                   may
                   put
                   it self
                   forth
                   in
                   all
                   
                     these
                     expressions
                  
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   And
                   though
                   
                     this
                     Professor
                  
                   be
                   a
                   bad
                   man
                   ,
                   proud
                   and
                   
                     covetous
                     ,
                     malicious
                  
                   and
                   
                     censorious
                     ,
                     Sacrilegious
                  
                   and
                   Rebellious
                   ,
                   yet
                   we
                   cannot
                   thence
                   be
                   assured
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   an
                   Hypocrite
                   ,
                   in
                   one
                   sense
                   ,
                   viz.
                   such
                   an
                   one
                   as
                   
                     feigns
                     all
                     that
                     he
                     pretends
                  
                   :
                   But
                   we
                   may
                   believe
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   really
                   so
                   affected
                   with
                   Hearing
                   and
                   Praying
                   ,
                   and
                   devout
                   Company
                   ,
                   as
                   he
                   makes
                   shew
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   for
                   all
                   this
                   ,
                   not
                   alter
                   our
                   opinion
                   of
                   his
                   being
                   an
                   
                     evil
                     man
                  
                   :
                   since
                   the
                   Animal
                   Religion
                   will
                   go
                   as
                   far
                   as
                   the
                   things
                   in
                   which
                   he
                   glories
                   .
                
                 
                   There
                   is
                   nothing
                   whereby
                   the
                   common
                   people
                   are
                   drawn
                   more
                   easily
                   into
                   the
                   ways
                   of
                   Sects
                   and
                   Separations
                   ,
                   than
                   by
                   the
                   observation
                   of
                   the
                   zeal
                   and
                   devotion
                   of
                   those
                   of
                   the
                   
                     factions
                     :
                     These
                  
                   they
                   take
                   to
                   be
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   great
                   matters
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   the
                   religious
                   and
                   
                     only
                     godly
                  
                   people
                   .
                   And
                   so
                   first
                   they
                   conceive
                   a
                   great
                   opinion
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   follow
                   them
                   whithersoever
                   they
                   lead
                   .
                   For
                   the
                   generality
                   of
                   men
                   are
                   tempted
                   into
                   Schism
                   and
                   Parties
                   ,
                   not
                   so
                   much
                   by
                   the
                   arguments
                   of
                   dissenters
                   ,
                   as
                   by
                   the
                   opinion
                   of
                   their
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   which
                   opinion
                   is
                   grounded
                   upon
                   things
                   which
                   may
                   arise
                   from
                   the
                   
                     meer
                     Animal
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   very
                   commonly
                   do
                   so
                   .
                   This
                   they
                   understand
                   not
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   
                     this
                     ignorance
                  
                   are
                   betrayed
                   into
                   the
                   snare
                   of
                   Separation
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   disturbance
                   of
                   the
                   Peace
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   
                     own
                     great
                     hurt
                  
                   and
                   inconvenience
                   .
                   Whereas
                   could
                   they
                   be
                   made
                   to
                   
                   know
                   and
                   consider
                   ,
                   that
                   complexion
                   and
                   natural
                   passions
                   may
                   bring
                   forth
                   
                     all
                     these
                     fruits
                  
                   ,
                   they
                   might
                   be
                   secured
                   by
                   this
                   means
                   against
                   the
                   tempting
                   imposture
                   ;
                   and
                   learn
                   ,
                   that
                   Meekness
                   and
                   
                     Patience
                     ,
                     Affability
                  
                   and
                   
                     Charity
                     ,
                     Justice
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   
                     Peaceable
                     ,
                     humble
                     temper
                  
                   ,
                   are
                   better
                   arguments
                   of
                   Saintship
                   than
                   all
                   these
                   .
                   Thus
                   a
                   great
                   mischief
                   might
                   be
                   prevented
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   another
                   that
                   might
                   be
                   remedied
                   by
                   the
                   same
                   Observation
                   :
                   The
                   inconvenience
                   is
                   this
                   ,
                
                 
                   While
                   the
                   enemies
                   of
                   Factions
                   object
                   Hypocrisie
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   affirming
                   that
                   all
                   they
                   do
                   and
                   say
                   ,
                   is
                   meer
                   personating
                   and
                   pretence
                   ;
                   they
                   confirm
                   and
                   settle
                   those
                   people
                   in
                   their
                   way
                   ;
                   for
                   many
                   of
                   them
                   know
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   in
                   earnest
                   ,
                   and
                   consequently
                   ,
                   that
                   their
                   opposers
                   are
                   mistaken
                   in
                   their
                   judgements
                   concerning
                   them
                   ;
                   by
                   which
                   they
                   are
                   better
                   establisht
                   in
                   their
                   own
                   good
                   opinion
                   ,
                   and
                   hardned
                   against
                   conviction
                   ;
                   whereas
                   ,
                   did
                   they
                   consider
                   such
                   things
                   as
                   I
                   have
                   suggested
                   ,
                   about
                   the
                   
                     Animal
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   grant
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   be
                   serious
                   ,
                   believe
                   themselves
                   infinitely
                   ,
                   and
                   feel
                   all
                   those
                   Warmths
                   which
                   they
                   pretend
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   be
                   
                     evil
                     men
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   far
                   enough
                   from
                   being
                   Godly
                   ;
                   Did
                   they
                   shew
                   them
                   ,
                   that
                   all
                   their
                   zeal
                   and
                   Devotion
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   and
                   greater
                   than
                   theirs
                   ,
                   may
                   arise
                   from
                   a
                   principle
                   that
                   hath
                   nothing
                   Divine
                   and
                   supernatural
                   in
                   it
                   :
                   They
                   would
                   thereby
                   strike
                   them
                   
                   in
                   the
                   
                     right
                     vein
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   bring
                   them
                   down
                   from
                   the
                   high
                   perch
                   ,
                   whereon
                   ,
                   by
                   their
                   
                     false
                     marks
                  
                   ,
                   they
                   had
                   placed
                   themselves
                   ;
                   and
                   thereby
                   disabuse
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   prevent
                   the
                   abuse
                   of
                   others
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   VI.
                   )
                   We
                   see
                   how
                   we
                   may
                   know
                   our
                   state
                   ,
                   whether
                   it
                   be
                   that
                   of
                   Grace
                   and
                   Life
                   ;
                   or
                   the
                   other
                   sad
                   one
                   of
                   Unregeneracy
                   and
                   Death
                   .
                   The
                   state
                   of
                   Grace
                   
                     is
                     a
                  
                   motion
                   towards
                   the
                   recovery
                   of
                   the
                   Divine
                   Image
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   victory
                   over
                   our selves
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   corrupt
                   inclinations
                   and
                   affections
                   .
                   
                     The
                     state
                     of
                  
                   Unregeneracy
                   and
                   Death
                   ,
                   
                     is
                     the
                  
                   continuance
                   under
                   the
                   power
                   and
                   prevalency
                   of
                   sense
                   ,
                   passion
                   ,
                   and
                   evil
                   habits
                   .
                   
                     Now
                     when
                     't
                     is
                     question'd
                     by
                     our selves
                     in
                     which
                     of
                  
                   these
                   
                     states
                     we
                     are
                     ;
                     it
                     must
                     be
                     supposed
                     that
                     we
                     are
                     arrived
                     at
                  
                   something
                   
                     of
                     Religion
                     :
                     For
                     the
                     grosly
                     wicked
                     cannot
                     but
                     know
                     what
                     their
                     condition
                     is
                     .
                     And
                     the
                     way
                     I
                     would
                     propose
                     to
                     those
                     others
                     ,
                     who
                     are
                     yet
                  
                   uncertain
                   ,
                   
                     is
                     this
                  
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                     To
                     take
                     notice
                  
                   ,
                
                 
                   
                     Whether
                     they
                     really
                     design
                     ,
                     and
                     make
                     any
                     progress
                     in
                     Goodness
                     .
                     Every
                     motion
                  
                   indeed
                   cannot
                   be
                   felt
                   or
                   perceived
                   ;
                   but
                   if
                   we
                   go
                   on
                   ,
                   though
                   never
                   so
                   insensibly
                   ,
                   time
                   will
                   shew
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   grown
                   .
                   If
                   we
                   consider
                   what
                   are
                   our
                   
                     particular
                     defects
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   studiously
                   apply
                   proper
                   instruments
                   to
                   remove
                   them
                   :
                   if
                   we
                   find
                   success
                   in
                   those
                   indeavours
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   better
                   this
                   year
                   than
                   we
                   were
                   the
                   former
                   ;
                   That
                   our
                   Passions
                   are
                   better
                   governed
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   
                     inordinate
                     
                     affections
                  
                   more
                   restrained
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   
                     evil
                     habits
                  
                   and
                   
                     inclinations
                     less
                  
                   powerful
                   with
                   us
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   an
                   
                     infallible
                     sign
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   live
                   and
                   are
                   in
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   Grace
                   ;
                   that
                   we
                   shall
                   at
                   last
                   arrive
                   
                     to
                     a
                     perfect
                     man
                     in
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                     ,
                  
                   Eph.
                   4.
                   13.
                   and
                   shall
                   
                     attain
                     if
                     we
                     faint
                     not
                  
                   ,
                   2
                   Cor.
                   4.
                   1.
                   
                   Whereas
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   hand
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   come
                   to
                   some
                   hopeful
                   pitch
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     stand
                     still
                  
                   there
                   ;
                   if
                   sin
                   and
                   temptation
                   be
                   as
                   powerful
                   with
                   us
                   now
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   were
                   a
                   year
                   ago
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   inclinations
                   and
                   passions
                   just
                   at
                   the
                   same
                   pass
                   ;
                   we
                   are
                   in
                   a
                   bad
                   state
                   ,
                   and
                   dead
                   .
                   While
                   the
                   Plant
                   grows
                   ,
                   it
                   lives
                   ,
                   and
                   may
                   become
                   a
                   
                     great
                     tree
                  
                   ,
                   though
                   at
                   present
                   it
                   be
                   but
                   small
                   :
                   whereas
                   that
                   whose
                   stature
                   is
                   bigger
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   promising
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   proceeds
                   not
                   ,
                   decays
                   and
                   comes
                   to
                   nothing
                   .
                
                 
                   Though
                   we
                   are
                   imperfect
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   are
                   striving
                   and
                   going
                   towards
                   perfection
                   ;
                   God
                   overlooks
                   our
                   Infirmities
                   ,
                   and
                   pardons
                   them
                   for
                   Christ's
                   sake
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   our
                   sincerity
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   effect
                   of
                   
                     true
                     Faith.
                  
                   But
                   if
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   hand
                   ,
                   we
                   think
                   our selves
                   well
                   ,
                   and
                   do
                   not
                   always
                   attempt
                   forwards
                   ,
                   our
                   state
                   is
                   bad
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   sins
                   will
                   be
                   imputed
                   :
                   Be
                   our
                   pretences
                   what
                   they
                   will
                   ,
                   our
                   Faith
                   is
                   not
                   sincere
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   not
                   stead
                   us
                   .
                
                 
                   When
                   we
                   get
                   to
                   a
                   certain
                   pitch
                   in
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   that
                   our
                   state
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   an
                   argument
                   that
                   our
                   Religion
                   was
                   
                     meerly
                     Animal
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   but
                   a
                   mode
                   of
                   
                     complexion
                     ,
                     self-love
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     natural
                     fear
                  
                   .
                   When
                   we
                   overcome
                   
                   some
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   willing
                   to
                   spare
                   and
                   cherish
                   others
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   sign
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   sincere
                   in
                   our
                   attempts
                   upon
                   any
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   what
                   we
                   have
                   done
                   ,
                   was
                   not
                   performed
                   upon
                   good
                   and
                   divine
                   motives
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     Sincerity
                     is
                     discovered
                     by
                     growth
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   surest
                   mark
                   that
                   I
                   know
                   of
                   Tryal
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   we
                   have
                   no
                   reason
                   to
                   presume
                   ,
                   though
                   ,
                   as
                   we
                   think
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   gone
                   a
                   
                     great
                     way
                  
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   
                     go
                     not
                     on
                  
                   .
                   Nor
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   side
                   ,
                   have
                   we
                   any
                   to
                   despair
                   ,
                   though
                   our
                   present
                   attainments
                   are
                   but
                   small
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   are
                   proceeding
                   .
                   The
                   buds
                   and
                   tenderest
                   blossoms
                   of
                   Divine
                   Grace
                   ,
                   are
                   acceptable
                   to
                   God
                   ;
                   when
                   the
                   
                     fairest
                     leaves
                  
                   of
                   the
                   
                     meer
                     Animal
                     Religion
                  
                   are
                   nothing
                   in
                   his
                   esteem
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   is
                   a
                   great
                   advantage
                   we
                   have
                   from
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   that
                   imperfection
                   will
                   be
                   accepted
                   ,
                   where
                   there
                   is
                   sincerity
                   ;
                   whereas
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   measures
                   of
                   exact
                   and
                   regorous
                   Justice
                   ,
                   no
                   man
                   could
                   be
                   made
                   happy
                   in
                   the
                   high
                   degree
                   of
                   glory
                   ,
                   but
                   he
                   that
                   was
                   perfect
                   ,
                   and
                   whose
                   victories
                   were
                   absolute
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   VII
                   .
                   )
                   It
                   may
                   be
                   collected
                   from
                   our
                   Discourse
                   ,
                   Wherein
                   the
                   
                     Power
                     of
                     Godliness
                  
                   consists
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                     In
                     a
                     progress
                     towards
                     perfection
                     ,
                     and
                     an
                     intire
                     victory
                     over
                     all
                     the
                     evils
                     of
                     our
                     Natures
                     .
                  
                   The
                   Forms
                   of
                   Godliness
                   are
                   not
                   only
                   in
                   the
                   ceremonies
                   of
                   Worship
                   ,
                   and
                   external
                   actions
                   of
                   feigned
                   Piety
                   ;
                   But
                   all
                   the
                   fine
                   
                   things
                   of
                   the
                   Animal
                   Religion
                   are
                   of
                   
                     this
                     kind
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   are
                   the
                   worst
                   sort
                   :
                   By
                   the
                   
                     grosser
                     Forms
                  
                   men
                   hardly
                   deceive
                   others
                   ;
                   by
                   these
                   they
                   effectually
                   
                     gull
                     themselves
                  
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   many
                   that
                   vehemently
                   
                     oppose
                     Forms
                  
                   ,
                   are
                   the
                   greatest
                   
                     Formalists
                     .
                     Forms
                  
                   of
                   Worship
                   may
                   well
                   agree
                   with
                   the
                   Power
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ;
                   whenas
                   zeal
                   against
                   Forms
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   a
                   Form
                   it self
                   ;
                   whatever
                   makes
                   
                     shew
                     of
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   doth
                   not
                   make
                   us
                   better
                   ,
                   that
                   's
                   a
                   Form
                   ,
                   at
                   least
                   to
                   us
                   .
                   There
                   are
                   
                     Spiritual
                     Forms
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   those
                   of
                   the
                   other
                   sort
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   are
                   most
                   
                     deadly
                     .
                     Poyson
                  
                   is
                   worst
                   in
                   
                     Aqua
                     Vitae
                  
                   .
                   He
                   that
                   speaks
                   his
                   Prayers
                   
                     ex
                     tempore
                  
                   with
                   vehemence
                   and
                   loudness
                   ,
                   if
                   he
                   strive
                   not
                   against
                   
                     ill
                     nature
                  
                   and
                   self-will
                   ,
                   is
                   as
                   much
                   a
                   Formalist
                   ,
                   as
                   he
                   that
                   tells
                   his
                   Prayers
                   by
                   his
                   Beads
                   ,
                   and
                   understands
                   not
                   one
                   word
                   he
                   saith
                   .
                   And
                   those
                   that
                   run
                   away
                   from
                   Forms
                   in
                   Churches
                   ,
                   meet
                   more
                   dangerous
                   ones
                   in
                   Barns
                   and
                   
                     private
                     corners
                     .
                     Orthodox
                     Opinions
                     ,
                     devout
                     Phrases
                     ,
                     set
                     Looks
                     ,
                     melting
                     Tones
                     ,
                     affected
                     Sighs
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   
                     vehement
                     Raptures
                  
                   ,
                   are
                   often
                   meer
                   Forms
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   that
                   proceed
                   from
                   the
                   Animal
                   Religion
                   ,
                   which
                   it self
                   is
                   a
                   Form
                   likewise
                   .
                   O
                   that
                   the
                   observers
                   of
                   so
                   many
                   motes
                   in
                   their
                   Brethrens
                   eyes
                   ,
                   would
                   learn
                   to
                   throw
                   out
                   the
                   Beams
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   !
                
                 
                   The
                   Form
                   of
                   Godliness
                   that
                   pretends
                   it self
                   to
                   be
                   
                     no
                     more
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   not
                   so
                   hurtful
                   :
                   But
                   the
                   Forms
                   ,
                   that
                   call
                   themselves
                   the
                   Power
                   ,
                   are
                   deadly
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   the
                   
                   Formality
                   and
                   Superstition
                   of
                   Separatists
                   that
                   keeps
                   on
                   the
                   
                     Separation
                     :
                     They
                  
                   contend
                   for
                   fancies
                   and
                   arbitrary
                   trifles
                   ;
                   We
                   for
                   order
                   and
                   obedience
                   .
                   The
                   people
                   are
                   abused
                   by
                   names
                   ,
                   and
                   being
                   frighted
                   by
                   the
                   shadows
                   of
                   Superstition
                   and
                   Formality
                   ,
                   they
                   run
                   into
                   the
                   worst
                   Formality
                   ,
                   and
                   silliest
                   Superstition
                   in
                   the
                   World.
                   
                     The
                     Kingdom
                     of
                     Heaven
                     consists
                     not
                     in
                     meats
                     and
                     drinks
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   14.
                   17.
                   neither
                   in
                   Circumcision
                   ,
                   nor
                   Uncircumcision
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   7.
                   19.
                   not
                   in
                   
                     zeal
                     for
                  
                   little
                   things
                   ,
                   nor
                   in
                   
                     zeal
                     against
                  
                   them
                   ;
                   both
                   the
                   one
                   and
                   the
                   other
                   are
                   equally
                   formal
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   power
                   of
                   Religion
                   lies
                   in
                   using
                   Divine
                   
                     aids
                     heartily
                  
                   and
                   constantly
                   ,
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   the
                   overcoming
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   of
                   our
                   way
                   .
                   This
                   Godliness
                   is
                   not
                   exercised
                   so
                   much
                   in
                   
                     reforming
                     others
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   our selves
                   :
                   The
                   chief
                   design
                   is
                   to
                   govern
                   within
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   to
                   make
                   Laws
                   for
                   the
                   
                     World
                     without
                     us
                  
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   that
                   Wisdom
                   that
                   is
                   from
                   above
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   pure
                   and
                   peaceable
                   ,
                   Jam.
                   3.
                   17.
                   
                   It
                   makes
                   no
                   noise
                   and
                   bluster
                   abroad
                   ,
                   but
                   quietly
                   minds
                   its
                   own
                   business
                   at
                   home
                   .
                
                 
                   So
                   that
                   certainly
                   the
                   best
                   men
                   have
                   not
                   always
                   had
                   the
                   greatest
                   fame
                   for
                   Godliness
                   ;
                   as
                   the
                   wisest
                   have
                   very
                   seldom
                   been
                   the
                   most
                   popular
                   .
                   They
                   are
                   the
                   effects
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Animal
                     Religion
                  
                   that
                   make
                   the
                   
                     biggest
                     shew
                  
                   .
                   The
                   voice
                   of
                   true
                   Religion
                   is
                   
                     heard
                     in
                     quiet
                  
                   ,
                   it
                   sounds
                   not
                   in
                   the
                   corners
                   of
                   the
                   street
                   .
                   The
                   power
                   of
                   Godliness
                   is
                   seen
                   in
                   
                     Justice
                     ,
                     Meekness
                     ,
                     
                     Humility
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   Charity
                   ,
                   things
                   that
                   look
                   not
                   so
                   splendidly
                   as
                   the
                   
                     Spiritual
                     Forms
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   thus
                   of
                   the
                   Inferences
                   and
                   Corollaries
                   that
                   may
                   be
                   drawn
                   from
                   my
                   Discourse
                   ,
                   which
                   though
                   they
                   cannot
                   all
                   be
                   inferred
                   from
                   any
                   of
                   its
                   minute
                   and
                   separated
                   parts
                   ,
                   yet
                   they
                   lie
                   in
                   the
                   design
                   and
                   contexture
                   of
                   the
                   whole
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   Come
                   now
                   to
                   the
                   Advice
                   for
                   Practice
                   .
                   The
                   way
                   of
                   Happiness
                   is
                   difficult
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   difficulties
                   may
                   be
                   overcome
                   by
                   striving
                   .
                   A
                   little
                   will
                   
                     not
                     do
                     ;
                     many
                     seekers
                     are
                     shut
                     out
                  
                   ;
                   what
                   remains
                   then
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   we
                   perswade
                   our selves
                   to
                   strive
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   diligently
                   ;
                   with
                   
                     constant
                     resolution
                  
                   and
                   endeavour
                   ?
                
                 
                   We
                   were
                   made
                   for
                   Happiness
                   ,
                   and
                   Happiness
                   all
                   the
                   World
                   seeks
                   :
                   
                     who
                     will
                     shew
                     us
                     any
                     good
                     ?
                  
                   Psal
                   .
                   4.
                   6.
                   is
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   Creatures
                   .
                   We
                   have
                   sought
                   it
                   long
                   in
                   emptiness
                   ,
                   and
                   shadows
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   search
                   hath
                   still
                   ended
                   in
                   shame
                   and
                   disappointment
                   .
                   Where
                   
                     true
                     substantial
                     Felicity
                  
                   is
                   ,
                   we
                   know
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     Way
                     we
                     know
                  
                   ,
                   Joh.
                   14.
                   4.
                   
                   It
                   is
                   not
                   hid
                   from
                   us
                   in
                   Clouds
                   and
                   
                     thick
                     Darkness
                  
                   ;
                   or
                   if
                   it
                   were
                   ,
                   't
                   were
                   worth
                   our
                   pains
                   to
                   search
                   after
                   it
                   .
                   It
                   is
                   not
                   at
                   so
                   great
                   a
                   distance
                   ,
                   but
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   seen
                   ,
                   yea
                   ,
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   brought
                   so
                   near
                   as
                   to
                   be
                   felt
                   .
                   Though
                   the
                   way
                   is
                   
                     strait
                     ,
                     yet
                  
                   't
                   is
                   certain
                   ;
                   or
                   if
                   it
                   were
                   otherwise
                   ,
                   who
                   would
                   not
                   venture
                   his
                   pains
                   upon
                   the
                   possibility
                   of
                   
                   such
                   an
                   
                     issue
                     ?
                     Many
                     difficulties
                  
                   are
                   in
                   it
                   ;
                   but
                   our
                   Encouragements
                   and
                   Assistances
                   are
                   infinite
                   .
                   The
                   love
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   gift
                   of
                   his
                   son
                   ;
                   the
                   blood
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   intercession
                   ;
                   the
                   aids
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   directions
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ;
                   the
                   Invitations
                   and
                   Promises
                   ,
                   the
                   rare
                   Precepts
                   ,
                   and
                   incomparable
                   Examples
                   of
                   those
                   holy
                   men
                   that
                   have
                   gone
                   before
                   us
                   :
                   These
                   are
                   mighty
                   helps
                   and
                   great
                   motives
                   to
                   assist
                   us
                   in
                   striving
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   quicken
                   us
                   to
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   then
                   arise
                   in
                   the
                   strength
                   of
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   encouragement
                   of
                   
                     those
                     aids
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   attempt
                   with
                   courage
                   upon
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   of
                   our
                   way
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   ingage
                   our
                   
                     deepest
                     Resolutions
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   
                     diligent
                     endeavours
                  
                   .
                   Here
                   is
                   no
                   need
                   to
                   deliberate
                   ,
                   the
                   things
                   are
                   necessary
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     benefits
                     unspeakable
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   event
                   will
                   be
                   glorious
                   .
                   It
                   is
                   no
                   Question
                   ,
                   I
                   hope
                   ,
                   
                     whether
                     God
                     ,
                     or
                     the
                     Creature
                     is
                     to
                     be
                     first
                     chosen
                     ;
                     whether
                     Heaven
                     or
                     Hell
                     be
                     better
                     ?
                  
                   and
                   therefore
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   cause
                   that
                   we
                   should
                   stay
                   and
                   consider
                   ;
                   we
                   cannot
                   be
                   
                     rash
                     here
                  
                   ,
                   we
                   cannot
                   hurt
                   our selves
                   by
                   a
                   too
                   
                     sudden
                     ingagement
                  
                   ;
                   we
                   have
                   delayed
                   
                     too
                     long
                  
                   already
                   ,
                   and
                   every
                   moment
                   we
                   sit
                   still
                   ,
                   is
                   one
                   loss
                   to
                   our
                   Duty
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Happiness
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   resolve
                   then
                   ,
                   and
                   begin
                   with
                   courage
                   ,
                   and
                   proceed
                   with
                   diligence
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   our
                   End
                   and
                   Felicity
                   for
                   which
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   strive
                   ;
                   and
                   every
                   thing
                   is
                   active
                   for
                   its
                   End
                   and
                   Perfection
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   All
                   Creatures
                   are
                   diligent
                   in
                   serving
                   the
                   Designs
                   of
                   Providence
                   ;
                   the
                   Heavens
                   are
                   in
                   restless
                   motion
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Clouds
                   are
                   still
                   carrying
                   about
                   their
                   
                     fruitful
                     Waters
                  
                   ;
                   the
                   
                     sluggish
                     Earth
                  
                   it self
                   is
                   always
                   putting
                   forth
                   in
                   variety
                   of
                   Trees
                   ,
                   and
                   Grass
                   ,
                   and
                   Flowers
                   ;
                   the
                   Rivers
                   run
                   towards
                   the
                   Sea
                   ,
                   the
                   Brooks
                   move
                   towards
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Sea
                   within
                   it self
                   .
                   Thus
                   all
                   things
                   even
                   in
                   inanimate
                   Nature
                   may
                   mind
                   us
                   of
                   acting
                   towards
                   our
                   end
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   we
                   look
                   a
                   little
                   higher
                   ,
                   the
                   Beasts
                   of
                   the
                   Field
                   ,
                   the
                   Fowls
                   ,
                   and
                   Cattel
                   ,
                   and
                   creeping
                   things
                   are
                   diligent
                   in
                   striving
                   after
                   the
                   good
                   and
                   perfection
                   of
                   their
                   Natures
                   ,
                   and
                   Solomon
                   sends
                   the
                   Sluggard
                   to
                   those
                   little
                   Insects
                   ,
                   the
                   Ant
                   and
                   Bee
                   ,
                   to
                   teach
                   him
                   activity
                   and
                   diligence
                   ,
                   Prov.
                   6.
                   6.
                   
                   And
                   shall
                   the
                   Beasts
                   act
                   more
                   reasonably
                   than
                   the
                   professed
                   Sons
                   of
                   Reason
                   ?
                   May
                   it
                   not
                   shame
                   us
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   need
                   Instruction
                   from
                   the
                   Creatures
                   that
                   have
                   no
                   understanding
                   ?
                   With
                   what
                   face
                   can
                   we
                   carry
                   our
                   heads
                   so
                   high
                   ,
                   and
                   look
                   down
                   with
                   contempt
                   upon
                   inferiour
                   Animals
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   live
                   more
                   wisely
                   and
                   more
                   regularly
                   than
                   we
                   ?
                
                 
                   The
                   Sum
                   is
                   ,
                   
                     All
                     things
                  
                   are
                   incessantly
                   
                     moving
                     towards
                     an
                     End
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   Happiness
                   is
                   ours
                   ,
                   which
                   therefore
                   should
                   ingage
                   our
                   most
                   careful
                   Thoughts
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   active
                   Endeavours
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   are
                   sollicitous
                   and
                   diligent
                   about
                   things
                   of
                   infinitely
                   less
                   moment
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   effect
                   of
                   none
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                   uncertain
                   Riches
                   ,
                   sensual
                   Pleasures
                   ,
                   and
                   worldly
                   Honours
                   ;
                   though
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   these
                   is
                   sufficiently
                   difficult
                   and
                   uneasie
                   ,
                   yet
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   discouraged
                   ;
                   we
                   attempt
                   all
                   those
                   Difficulties
                   with
                   an
                   obstinate
                   Courage
                   ,
                   though
                   without
                   promise
                   of
                   any
                   equal
                   assistance
                   ,
                   or
                   assurance
                   of
                   success
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   often
                   defeated
                   in
                   our
                   pursuits
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   we
                   
                     go
                     on
                  
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   overmaster'd
                   by
                   cross
                   events
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   we
                   
                     try
                     again
                  
                   .
                   We
                   miss
                   our
                   happiness
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   have
                   attain'd
                   our
                   end
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   we
                   are
                   as
                   active
                   in
                   courting
                   disappointment
                   another
                   time
                   ;
                   either
                   we
                   attain
                   not
                   the
                   things
                   we
                   seek
                   ,
                   or
                   find
                   no
                   
                     true
                     satisfaction
                  
                   in
                   them
                   ,
                   or
                   they
                   die
                   in
                   our
                   hands
                   presently
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   we
                   strive
                   .
                   And
                   doth
                   not
                   this
                   activity
                   about
                   
                     uncertain
                     ,
                     unsatisfying
                     Trifles
                  
                   ,
                   shamefully
                   reprove
                   our
                   Negligence
                   in
                   reference
                   to
                   our
                   
                     great
                     End
                     ,
                     Happiness
                  
                   and
                   Perfection
                   ?
                   In
                   striving
                   for
                   which
                   we
                   have
                   all
                   the
                   powers
                   of
                   Heaven
                   to
                   aid
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Word
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Blood
                   of
                   his
                   Son
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   experience
                   of
                   all
                   that
                   ever
                   try'd
                   ,
                   to
                   assure
                   us
                   that
                   we
                   shall
                   neither
                   fail
                   of
                   the
                   things
                   we
                   seek
                   ,
                   nor
                   of
                   the
                   pleasure
                   that
                   we
                   expect
                   from
                   them
                   .
                   And
                   why
                   then
                   do
                   we
                   lazily
                   sit
                   down
                   ,
                   and
                   with
                   the
                   Sluggard
                   say
                   ,
                   
                     There
                     is
                     a
                     Lion
                     in
                     the
                     way
                     ,
                  
                   while
                   we
                   despise
                   greater
                   discouragements
                   ,
                   when
                   vain
                   things
                   are
                   to
                   be
                   sought
                   ?
                   The
                   Merchant
                   doth
                   not
                   give
                   off
                   ,
                   because
                   there
                   are
                   Storms
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   numerous
                   Dangers
                   of
                   the
                   Deep
                   to
                   be
                   met
                   with
                   in
                   his
                   way
                   
                   to
                   the
                   Indies
                   ;
                   nor
                   the
                   Souldier
                   lay
                   by
                   his
                   Arms
                   ,
                   because
                   of
                   the
                   hazards
                   and
                   toils
                   of
                   War.
                   And
                   do
                   we
                   act
                   courageously
                   for
                   
                     petty
                     purchases
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   faint
                   and
                   despond
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   strive
                   for
                   Crowns
                   and
                   
                     eternal
                     Glories
                  
                   ?
                
                 
                   'T
                   is
                   true
                   indeed
                   our
                   own
                   natural
                   strength
                   is
                   small
                   ,
                   in
                   proportion
                   to
                   the
                   Difficulties
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   encounter
                   ;
                   but
                   the
                   
                     Grace
                     of
                     God
                     is
                     sufficient
                     for
                     us
                     ,
                  
                   2
                   Cor.
                   12.
                   9.
                   and
                   we
                   may
                   do
                   all
                   things
                   through
                   Christ
                   that
                   strengthens
                   us
                   ,
                   Phil.
                   4.
                   13.
                   
                   Nature
                   is
                   weak
                   ,
                   and
                   imperfect
                   ,
                   but
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   left
                   in
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   
                     meer
                     nature
                     :
                     For
                     we
                     are
                     not
                     under
                     the
                     Law
                     but
                     under
                     Grace
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   6.
                   14.
                   
                   We
                   are
                   under
                   the
                   influences
                   of
                   the
                   
                     holy
                     Spirit
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   will
                   remove
                   the
                   mountains
                   ,
                   and
                   plain
                   the
                   way
                   before
                   us
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   take
                   care
                   to
                   engage
                   those
                   aids
                   by
                   Faith
                   and
                   sincere
                   endeavour
                   .
                
                 
                   For
                   this
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   sure
                   of
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     God
                     will
                     never
                     be
                     wanting
                     to
                     us
                     ,
                  
                   if
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   so
                   unto
                   our
                   selves
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   case
                   as
                   to
                   our
                   
                     natural
                     inability
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   assistance
                   of
                   Gods
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   seems
                   to
                   be
                   thus
                   .
                   A
                   man
                   in
                   a
                   Boat
                   is
                   carried
                   from
                   the
                   Harbour
                   he
                   designs
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   violence
                   of
                   the
                   Current
                   ;
                   he
                   is
                   not
                   able
                   only
                   by
                   plying
                   the
                   Oar
                   ,
                   to
                   overcome
                   the
                   resistance
                   of
                   the
                   Tide
                   ;
                   but
                   a
                   gentle
                   Gale
                   blows
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   which
                   will
                   not
                   of
                   it self
                   carry
                   him
                   up
                   against
                   the
                   Torrent
                   ;
                   Neither
                   of
                   them
                   will
                   do
                   it
                   single
                   :
                   But
                   if
                   he
                   hoist
                   the
                   sail
                   ,
                   and
                   use
                   the
                   Oar
                   too
                   ,
                   
                   this
                   united
                   force
                   prevails
                   ;
                   and
                   he
                   gets
                   happily
                   to
                   the
                   Harbour
                   .
                   This
                   methinks
                   resembles
                   our
                   Condition
                   ;
                   we
                   are
                   carried
                   down
                   the
                   Torrent
                   of
                   
                     evil
                     inclinations
                  
                   and
                   Affections
                   ,
                   our
                   own
                   unaided
                   powers
                   are
                   too
                   little
                   for
                   that
                   great
                   force
                   :
                   but
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Spirit
                  
                   is
                   with
                   us
                   ,
                   It
                   breaths
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   ready
                   to
                   assist
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   are
                   so
                   to
                   use
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   the
                   superaddition
                   and
                   ingagement
                   of
                   those
                   blessed
                   Aids
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   evil
                   in
                   our
                   natures
                   but
                   may
                   be
                   overcome
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   we
                   have
                   no
                   reason
                   to
                   be
                   discouraged
                   at
                   the
                   apprehension
                   of
                   our
                   
                     impotence
                     ,
                     out
                     of
                     weakness
                     we
                     shall
                     be
                     made
                     strong
                     ,
                  
                   Heb.
                   11.
                   24.
                   
                   If
                   we
                   imploy
                   our
                   Talent
                   ,
                   though
                   it
                   be
                   but
                   a
                   very
                   small
                   one
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   have
                   more
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   25.
                   29.
                   
                   And
                   if
                   we
                   accept
                   of
                   those
                   divine
                   helps
                   ,
                   and
                   use
                   them
                   ,
                   what
                   was
                   before
                   ,
                   to
                   meer
                   natural
                   consideration
                   ,
                   uneasie
                   ,
                   will
                   be
                   pleasant
                   and
                   sweetly
                   relishing
                   .
                
                 
                   One
                   of
                   the
                   greatest
                   Difficulties
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   begin
                   :
                   the
                   first
                   steps
                   are
                   roughest
                   to
                   those
                   feet
                   that
                   have
                   been
                   unaccustomed
                   to
                   it
                   .
                   The
                   helps
                   and
                   manifold
                   incouragements
                   we
                   shall
                   meet
                   with
                   in
                   the
                   Progress
                   ,
                   will
                   render
                   it
                   more
                   agreeable
                   and
                   delightsome
                   .
                   Those
                   very
                   toils
                   will
                   be
                   grateful
                   ;
                   there
                   is
                   scarce
                   any
                   great
                   sense
                   of
                   pleasure
                   ,
                   but
                   where
                   there
                   is
                   some
                   Difficulty
                   and
                   Pain
                   .
                   Even
                   our
                   Work
                   it self
                   will
                   be
                   Wages
                   .
                   And
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   only
                   the
                   End
                   of
                   Wisdom
                   that
                   is
                   pleasantness
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   
                     very
                     way
                  
                   ,
                   Prov.
                   3.
                   17.
                   
                   So
                   that
                   though
                   
                   we
                   are
                   call'd
                   upon
                   to
                   strive
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   run
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   fight
                   ,
                   (
                   which
                   words
                   import
                   Labour
                   )
                   yet
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   required
                   to
                   Quit
                   our
                   pleasures
                   ,
                   but
                   to
                   change
                   the
                   objects
                   of
                   them
                   ;
                   to
                   leave
                   the
                   delights
                   of
                   Swine
                   for
                   those
                   of
                   
                     Angels
                     ;
                     sensual
                  
                   for
                   spiritual
                   Satisfactions
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   all
                   things
                   encourage
                   ,
                   and
                   invite
                   us
                   to
                   strive
                   ;
                   God
                   calls
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   own
                   Interests
                   call
                   ;
                   
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                  
                   came
                   to
                   engage
                   us
                   to
                   this
                   Work
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Spirit
                  
                   waits
                   to
                   assist
                   it
                   .
                   If
                   notwithstanding
                   all
                   this
                   ,
                   we
                   
                     sit
                     still
                  
                   ,
                   our
                   Negligence
                   will
                   be
                   inexcusable
                   and
                   fatal
                   :
                   or
                   if
                   we
                   arise
                   and
                   go
                   a
                   little
                   forward
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   lay
                   us
                   down
                   to
                   take
                   our
                   ease
                   and
                   rest
                   ,
                   our
                   state
                   (
                   in
                   the
                   judgement
                   of
                   one
                   that
                   knew
                   )
                   will
                   be
                   worse
                   ,
                   more
                   desperate
                   ,
                   and
                   excuseless
                   ,
                   2
                   Pet.
                   2.
                   21.
                   
                
                 
                   I
                   Conclude
                   
                     all
                     then
                     ,
                     in
                     the
                     words
                     of
                     the
                     Blessed
                  
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   15.
                   
                   Therefore
                   my
                   beloved
                   Brethren
                   ,
                   be
                   ye
                   stedfast
                   ,
                   unmoveable
                   ,
                   always
                   abounding
                   in
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   forasmuch
                   as
                   ye
                   know
                   that
                   your
                   Labour
                   is
                   not
                   in
                   vain
                   in
                   the
                   Lord
                   :
                   
                     To
                     him
                     be
                     Glory
                     and
                     Honour
                     henceforth
                     ,
                     and
                     for
                     ever
                     .
                  
                   Amen
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   II.
                   Catholick
                   Charity
                   .
                   Preach'd
                   to
                   the
                   Lord
                   Mayor
                   ,
                   and
                   Aldermen
                   OF
                   LONDON
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Third
                   Edition
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   II.
                   OF
                   Catholick
                   Charity
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     1
                     Pet.
                     I.
                     part
                     of
                     xxii
                     .
                     v.
                     
                  
                   
                     See
                     that
                     ye
                     Love
                     one
                     another
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   HOW
                   many
                   ,
                   and
                   how
                   great
                   ,
                   have
                   been
                   the
                   Feuds
                   ,
                   and
                   still
                   are
                   ,
                   of
                   this
                   tottering
                   ,
                   and
                   broken
                   Age
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   man
                   here
                   so
                   happy
                   as
                   to
                   be
                   ignorant
                   :
                   That
                   such
                   Strifes
                   among
                   Brethren
                   are
                   Unnatural
                   ,
                   and
                   Diabolical
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   lovely
                   thing
                   to
                   see
                   Christians
                   live
                   together
                   in
                   Charity
                   ,
                   and
                   Love
                   ;
                   
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   Christian
                   but
                   will
                   grant
                   :
                   but
                   how
                   the
                   fatal
                   Evil
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   cur'd
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   lovely
                   thing
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   compast
                   ;
                   here
                   's
                   the
                   Knot
                   ,
                   here
                   's
                   the
                   Difficulty
                   :
                   To
                   endeavour
                   the
                   reconciling
                   Extreams
                   that
                   are
                   so
                   divided
                   ,
                   looks
                   like
                   a
                   design
                   to
                   perswade
                   a
                   friendship
                   between
                   the
                   Winds
                   and
                   Waves
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   very
                   strange
                   that
                   Christians
                   should
                   be
                   so
                   at
                   odds
                   ,
                   whose
                   Religion
                   is
                   Peace
                   ,
                   and
                   Love
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   reasons
                   of
                   whose
                   differences
                   are
                   so
                   small
                   ,
                   in
                   proportion
                   to
                   the
                   degree
                   of
                   their
                   Animosities
                   :
                   Our
                   GOD
                   is
                   One
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   have
                   the
                   same
                   common
                   SAVIOUR
                   ;
                   we
                   profess
                   one
                   GOSPEL
                   ,
                   and
                   believe
                   the
                   same
                   Creeds
                   ;
                   we
                   have
                   the
                   same
                   SACRAMENTS
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   same
                   fundamental
                   ORDINANCES
                   :
                   And
                   since
                   we
                   are
                   agreed
                   in
                   These
                   ,
                   what
                   is
                   there
                   left
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   worth
                   the
                   heat
                   of
                   a
                   
                     Dispute
                     ?
                     what
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   can
                   justifie
                   a
                   Division
                   ?
                   Certainly
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   mens
                   Principles
                   that
                   keep
                   them
                   so
                   at
                   odds
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   somewhat
                   more
                   in
                   the
                   matter
                   ;
                   there
                   is
                   something
                   wanting
                   that
                   would
                   heal
                   our
                   Breaches
                   ,
                   and
                   compose
                   our
                   Divisions
                   :
                   Love
                   would
                   heal
                   us
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   would
                   be
                   healed
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   in
                   a
                   general
                   Combustion
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   every
                   Christians
                   Duty
                   to
                   bring
                   what
                   Water
                   he
                   can
                   ,
                   to
                   throw
                   upon
                   the
                   Flames
                   ;
                   especially
                   it
                   is
                   the
                   office
                   of
                   the
                   Ministers
                   of
                   Peace
                   ,
                   to
                   endeavour
                   to
                   promote
                   it
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   a
                   plain
                   subject
                   ;
                   but
                   such
                   are
                   most
                   
                   necessary
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   is
                   most
                   seasonable
                   ;
                   seasonable
                   at
                   all
                   times
                   ,
                   but
                   principally
                   in
                   these
                   ,
                   wherein
                   't
                   is
                   hard
                   to
                   discern
                   by
                   the
                   practice
                   of
                   Christians
                   that
                   the
                   Duty
                   of
                   Love
                   hath
                   any
                   thing
                   to
                   do
                   with
                   Christianity
                   :
                   And
                   yet
                   this
                   is
                   a
                   vital
                   grace
                   of
                   our
                   Religion
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   the
                   Law
                   and
                   Gospel
                   in
                   a
                   word
                   ;
                   for
                   Love
                   is
                   the
                   fulfilling
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Gospel
                   is
                   a
                   Law
                   of
                   Love
                   ;
                   And
                   't
                   is
                   very
                   strange
                   ,
                   and
                   very
                   sad
                   ,
                   that
                   an
                   Age
                   ,
                   which
                   hath
                   so
                   much
                   of
                   light
                   and
                   faith
                   in
                   the
                   pretence
                   ,
                   should
                   have
                   so
                   little
                   of
                   Charity
                   and
                   love
                   in
                   the
                   practice
                   ;
                   especially
                   ,
                   since
                   that
                   light
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   from
                   above
                   ,
                   is
                   full
                   of
                   Benignity
                   ,
                   and
                   Goodness
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   Faith
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   truly
                   Divine
                   ,
                   
                     worketh
                     by
                     love
                  
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   that
                   which
                   our
                   Apostle
                   recommends
                   in
                   the
                   words
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   have
                   chosen
                   it
                   for
                   my
                   present
                   subject
                   :
                   In
                   Discoursing
                   it
                   ,
                   I
                   shall
                   shew
                   you
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   The
                   Necessity
                   of
                   the
                   Duty
                   ,
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   It
                   s
                   Extent
                   ,
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   The
                   Excellency
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   (
                   4.
                   )
                   propose
                   some
                   Means
                   to
                   assist
                   us
                   towards
                   the
                   attainment
                   of
                   this
                   Generous
                   ,
                   and
                   Catholick
                   Spirit
                   .
                
                 
                   FOR
                   the
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   The
                   Necessity
                   of
                   the
                   Duty
                   ;
                   the
                   whole
                   Scripture
                   is
                   so
                   full
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   express
                   in
                   enjoyning
                   it
                   ,
                   that
                   methinks
                   I
                   might
                   be
                   excused
                   from
                   a
                   labour
                   ,
                   that
                   would
                   seem
                   superfluous
                   to
                   one
                   ,
                   that
                   knows
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   the
                   practice
                   of
                   those
                   that
                   profess
                   it
                   :
                   But
                   because
                   
                   the
                   Christianity
                   of
                   most
                   Christians
                   is
                   ,
                   (
                   if
                   I
                   may
                   so
                   speak
                   )
                   quite
                   another
                   thing
                   from
                   the
                   Christianity
                   of
                   CHRIST
                   ;
                   it
                   will
                   be
                   necessary
                   to
                   mind
                   them
                   what
                   HIS
                   was
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   be
                   perswaded
                   to
                   conform
                   theirs
                   unto
                   it
                   :
                   and
                   though
                   mens
                   understandings
                   are
                   convinced
                   already
                   that
                   Charity
                   is
                   their
                   Duty
                   ;
                   yet
                   there
                   is
                   but
                   too
                   much
                   need
                   to
                   represent
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   vast
                   heap
                   of
                   injunctions
                   that
                   make
                   it
                   so
                   ,
                   to
                   incline
                   their
                   Wills.
                   I
                   shall
                   therefore
                   briefly
                   lay
                   together
                   a
                   few
                   of
                   the
                   chief
                   instances
                   of
                   this
                   kind
                   ;
                   that
                   you
                   may
                   have
                   the
                   distincter
                   sense
                   of
                   the
                   reasons
                   of
                   your
                   Duty
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   them
                   ,
                   the
                   most
                   powerful
                   motives
                   to
                   enforce
                   it
                   .
                   In
                   order
                   to
                   this
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   consider
                   in
                   short
                   ,
                   the
                   Injunctions
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   teachings
                   of
                   his
                   Apostles
                   .
                
                 
                   Our
                   Saviour
                   urgeth
                   it
                   as
                   his
                   
                     New
                     Commandment
                     ;
                     John
                  
                   13.
                   34.
                   and
                   inculcates
                   it
                   again
                   under
                   the
                   obliging
                   form
                   of
                   his
                   
                     Command
                     ,
                     John
                  
                   15.
                   12.
                   
                   He
                   makes
                   it
                   a
                   distinguishing
                   note
                   of
                   his
                   
                     Disciples
                     ,
                     John
                  
                   13.
                   35.
                   and
                   enjoyns
                   them
                   to
                   
                     love
                     their
                     Enemies
                     ,
                     Mat.
                  
                   5.
                   24.
                   
                   He
                   mentions
                   it
                   as
                   the
                   great
                   qualification
                   of
                   those
                   on
                   his
                   Right
                   hand
                   ,
                   that
                   shall
                   be
                   received
                   into
                   his
                   Kingdom
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   25.
                   34
                   ,
                   35.
                   and
                   the
                   want
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   reason
                   of
                   the
                   dreadful
                   Curse
                   pronounced
                   upon
                   those
                   miserable
                   ones
                   on
                   the
                   Left
                   ,
                   at
                   the
                   solemn
                   Judgement
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   41
                   ,
                   42.
                   
                   St.
                   Paul
                   calls
                   
                     Love
                     the
                     fulfilling
                     
                     of
                     the
                     Law
                     ,
                     Rom.
                  
                   13.
                   8
                   ,
                   9
                   ,
                   10.
                   and
                   sets
                   it
                   in
                   the
                   first
                   place
                   among
                   the
                   fruits
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Spirit
                     ,
                     Gal.
                  
                   5.
                   22.
                   yea
                   ,
                   reckons
                   it
                   five
                   times
                   over
                   under
                   other
                   Names
                   in
                   the
                   Catalogue
                   ,
                   viz.
                   those
                   of
                   
                     Peace
                     ,
                     Long-suffering
                     ,
                     Gentleness
                     ,
                     Goodness
                     ,
                     Meekness
                     ,
                     ver
                     .
                  
                   22
                   ,
                   23.
                   
                   He
                   advanceth
                   it
                   above
                   all
                   Gifts
                   and
                   Graces
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   13.
                   above
                   the
                   Tongues
                   of
                   Men
                   and
                   Angels
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   1.
                   and
                   above
                   Prophecie
                   ,
                   and
                   Mysteries
                   ,
                   and
                   Knowledge
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Faith
                     ,
                     ver
                  
                   .
                   2.
                   
                   And
                   the
                   beloved
                   Disciple
                   St.
                   John
                   ,
                   who
                   lay
                   in
                   the
                   Bosom
                   of
                   his
                   Dear
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   seems
                   to
                   partake
                   most
                   of
                   his
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   is
                   transported
                   in
                   the
                   commendation
                   of
                   this
                   Grace
                   .
                   He
                   tells
                   us
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     God
                     is
                     love
                     ,
                     1
                     John
                  
                   4.
                   7.
                   and
                   repeats
                   it
                   again
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   16.
                   
                   He
                   makes
                   it
                   an
                   Argument
                   of
                   our
                   being
                   
                     born
                     of
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Knowing
                     Him
                     ,
                     ver
                  
                   .
                   7.
                   and
                   the
                   want
                   of
                   this
                   an
                   evidence
                   of
                   not
                   Knowing
                   God
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   8.
                   
                   He
                   counts
                   it
                   the
                   mark
                   of
                   Discipleship
                   ;
                   a●d
                   the
                   contrary
                   ,
                   a
                   sign
                   of
                   one
                   that
                   
                     abideth
                     in
                     Death
                     ,
                     1
                     John
                  
                   3.
                   14.
                   
                   He
                   calls
                   him
                   a
                   Murtherer
                   that
                   hates
                   another
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   15.
                   and
                   a
                   Lyar
                   ,
                   if
                   he
                   pretends
                   to
                   Love
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   loveth
                   not
                   his
                   Brother
                   ,
                   1
                   John
                   4.
                   20.
                   
                   In
                   fine
                   ,
                   he
                   out-speaks
                   the
                   greatest
                   heights
                   of
                   Praise
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   saith
                   
                     God
                     is
                     Love
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   
                     loveth
                     dwelleth
                     in
                     God
                     ,
                     and
                     God
                     in
                     him
                     ,
                     1
                     John
                  
                   4.
                   16.
                   
                   I
                   might
                   represent
                   further
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   commanded
                   to
                   
                     Love
                     without
                     dissimulation
                     ,
                     Rom.
                  
                   12.
                   9.
                   to
                   be
                   
                     kindly
                     affectioned
                     one
                     towards
                     
                     another
                     ,
                     ver
                     .
                     10.
                     to
                     put
                     on
                     the
                     Breast-plate
                     of
                     Faith
                     ,
                     and
                     Love
                     ,
                     1
                     Thess
                     .
                     5.
                     8.
                     to
                     be
                     pitiful
                     ,
                     and
                     courteous
                     ,
                     1
                     Pet.
                     3.
                     8.
                     to
                     provoke
                     one
                     another
                     to
                     love
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     good
                     works
                     ,
                     Heb.
                     10.
                     24.
                     to
                     serve
                     one
                     another
                     ,
                  
                   Gal.
                   5.
                   13.
                   
                     to
                     love
                     as
                     Brethren
                     ,
                     1
                     Pet.
                  
                   3.
                   8.
                   
                   We
                   are
                   minded
                   of
                   Christ's
                   New
                   Commandment
                   ,
                   1
                   Joh.
                   3.
                   23.
                   and
                   of
                   the
                   Message
                   which
                   was
                   from
                   the
                   beginning
                   ,
                   
                     That
                     we
                     should
                     love
                     one
                     another
                     ,
                  
                   ver
                   .
                   11.
                   and
                   are
                   urged
                   by
                   the
                   consideration
                   of
                   Gods
                   loving
                   us
                   ,
                   1
                   John
                   4.
                   1.
                   
                   Thus
                   the
                   Apostles
                   exhort
                   ,
                   and
                   teach
                   :
                   and
                   they
                   Pray
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     our
                     Love
                     may
                     abound
                     ,
                     Phil.
                  
                   1.
                   9.
                   and
                   1
                   Thess
                   .
                   3.
                   12.
                   and
                   give
                   solemn
                   Thanks
                   for
                   it
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   have
                   found
                   it
                   ,
                   2
                   Thess
                   .
                   1.
                   3.
                   
                
                 
                   And
                   now
                   considering
                   the
                   expresness
                   of
                   all
                   these
                   places
                   ,
                   I
                   cannot
                   see
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   any
                   Duty
                   of
                   Religion
                   may
                   be
                   more
                   easily
                   evaded
                   than
                   this
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   who
                   can
                   fansie
                   themselves
                   Christians
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   continue
                   in
                   the
                   contrary
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   Practice
                   ,
                   may
                   conceit
                   themselves
                   religious
                   ,
                   though
                   they
                   live
                   in
                   the
                   constant
                   commission
                   of
                   the
                   greatest
                   sins
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   such
                   can
                   quiet
                   their
                   Consciences
                   ,
                   and
                   shuffle
                   from
                   all
                   these
                   plain
                   Recommendations
                   and
                   Injunctions
                   ;
                   they
                   have
                   found
                   a
                   way
                   to
                   escape
                   all
                   the
                   Laws
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   may
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   please
                   ,
                   become
                   Christians
                   ,
                   without
                   Christianity
                   :
                   For
                   the
                   evidence
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   suggested
                   to
                   prove
                   the
                   necessity
                   of
                   this
                   Duty
                   ,
                   doth
                   not
                   consist
                   in
                   half
                   
                   Sentences
                   ,
                   and
                   doubtful
                   Phrases
                   ,
                   in
                   fancied
                   Analogies
                   ,
                   and
                   far-fetcht
                   Interpretations
                   ;
                   but
                   in
                   plain
                   Commands
                   ,
                   and
                   frequent
                   Inculcations
                   ;
                   in
                   earnest
                   Intreaties
                   ,
                   and
                   pressing
                   Importunities
                   ;
                   in
                   repeated
                   Advices
                   ,
                   and
                   passionate
                   Commendations
                   :
                   And
                   those
                   whom
                   all
                   these
                   will
                   not
                   move
                   ,
                   are
                   Incapable
                   of
                   being
                   perswaded
                   ,
                   against
                   their
                   humour
                   ,
                   or
                   their
                   interest
                   ,
                   to
                   any
                   Duty
                   of
                   Religion
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   ,
                   though
                   I
                   see
                   never
                   so
                   much
                   eagerness
                   for
                   an
                   Opinion
                   ,
                   or
                   Heat
                   for
                   an
                   indifferent
                   Circumstance
                   without
                   the
                   conscience
                   of
                   Christian
                   Love
                   ;
                   I
                   shall
                   never
                   call
                   that
                   forwardness
                   for
                   those
                   little
                   things
                   ,
                   Zeal
                   ,
                   or
                   Religion
                   :
                   Yea
                   ,
                   though
                   those
                   warm
                   men
                   should
                   sacrifice
                   their
                   Lives
                   to
                   their
                   beloved
                   Trifles
                   ,
                   I
                   should
                   not
                   think
                   them
                   Martyrs
                   ;
                   but
                   fear
                   rather
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   went
                   from
                   one
                   Fire
                   to
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   Worse
                   .
                   And
                   in
                   this
                   I
                   have
                   the
                   great
                   Apostle
                   to
                   warrant
                   me
                   ,
                   who
                   saith
                   :
                   Though
                   I
                   give
                   my
                   body
                   to
                   be
                   burned
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   not
                   Charity
                   ,
                   it
                   profiteth
                   me
                   nothing
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   13.
                   3.
                   
                   Thus
                   of
                   the
                   First
                   Head
                   ,
                   the
                   Necessity
                   of
                   the
                   duty
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   Come
                   to
                   the
                   II.
                   the
                   Extent
                   .
                   Our
                   Love
                   ought
                   ,
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   To
                   be
                   extended
                   to
                   all
                   Mankind
                   .
                   The
                   more
                   general
                   it
                   is
                   ,
                   the
                   more
                   Christian
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   more
                   like
                   unto
                   the
                   Love
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   who
                   causeth
                   his
                   
                     Sun
                     to
                     shine
                     ,
                     and
                     his
                     Rain
                     to
                     
                     fall
                     upon
                     the
                     Good
                     ,
                     and
                     upon
                     the
                     Evil.
                  
                   And
                   though
                   our
                   Arms
                   be
                   very
                   short
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   ordinary
                   influence
                   of
                   our
                   kindness
                   and
                   good
                   will
                   ,
                   can
                   reach
                   but
                   to
                   a
                   very
                   few
                   ,
                   yet
                   we
                   may
                   pray
                   for
                   all
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   desire
                   the
                   good
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   world
                   ;
                   and
                   in
                   these
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   charitable
                   without
                   bounds
                   .
                   But
                   these
                   are
                   not
                   all
                   .
                   Love
                   obligeth
                   us
                   to
                   relieve
                   the
                   Needy
                   ,
                   and
                   help
                   the
                   Distressed
                   ,
                   to
                   visit
                   the
                   Sick
                   ,
                   and
                   succour
                   the
                   Fatherless
                   and
                   Widows
                   ,
                   to
                   strengthen
                   the
                   Weak
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   confirm
                   the
                   Staggering
                   and
                   Doubting
                   ,
                   to
                   encourage
                   the
                   Vertuous
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   reprove
                   the
                   Faulty
                   ;
                   and
                   in
                   short
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   ready
                   in
                   all
                   the
                   offices
                   of
                   Kindness
                   ,
                   that
                   may
                   promote
                   the
                   good
                   of
                   any
                   man
                   ,
                   Spiritual
                   ,
                   or
                   Temporal
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   utmost
                   of
                   our
                   power
                   ,
                   and
                   capacity
                   .
                   
                     The
                     good
                     man
                     is
                     Merciful
                     to
                     his
                     Beast
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   the
                   Christian
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   Charitable
                   to
                   his
                   Brother
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   Neighbour
                   ;
                   and
                   every
                   man
                   is
                   our
                   Brother
                   ,
                   and
                   every
                   one
                   that
                   Needs
                   us
                   ,
                   is
                   our
                   Neighbour
                   :
                   And
                   so
                   our
                   Love
                   ought
                   to
                   extend
                   to
                   all
                   men
                   universally
                   ,
                   without
                   limitation
                   ;
                   though
                   with
                   this
                   distinction
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   II.
                   )
                   That
                   the
                   more
                   especial
                   Objects
                   of
                   our
                   Love
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   those
                   that
                   agree
                   with
                   us
                   in
                   a
                   common
                   Faith
                   ,
                   Gal.
                   6.
                   10.
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   All
                   Christians
                   ,
                   as
                   Christians
                   ,
                   and
                   because
                   such
                   .
                   Whatever
                   makes
                   our
                   Brother
                   a
                   Member
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   Catholick
                   ,
                   that
                   gives
                   him
                   a
                   title
                   to
                   our
                   nearer
                   
                   affections
                   ,
                   which
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   as
                   large
                   as
                   that
                   .
                   Our
                   Love
                   must
                   not
                   be
                   confin'd
                   by
                   names
                   ,
                   and
                   petty
                   agreements
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   interests
                   of
                   Parties
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   corners
                   of
                   a
                   Sect
                   :
                   but
                   ought
                   to
                   reach
                   as
                   far
                   as
                   Christianity
                   it self
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   largest
                   notion
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   To
                   love
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   of
                   our
                   Way
                   ,
                   Humour
                   ,
                   and
                   Opinion
                   ,
                   is
                   not
                   Charity
                   ,
                   but
                   Self-love
                   ;
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   for
                   Christ's
                   sake
                   ,
                   but
                   our
                   own
                   .
                   To
                   Love
                   like
                   Christians
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   Love
                   his
                   Image
                   from
                   whom
                   we
                   are
                   so
                   called
                   ,
                   And
                   that
                   consists
                   not
                   in
                   
                     demure
                     Looks
                  
                   and
                   
                     affected
                     Phrases
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   
                     melting
                     Tones
                  
                   and
                   
                     mimick
                     Gestures
                  
                   ,
                   in
                   Heats
                   and
                   Vehemence
                   ,
                   in
                   Rapture
                   ,
                   and
                   Ecstasie
                   ,
                   in
                   systems
                   of
                   Opinion
                   ,
                   and
                   scrupulosity
                   about
                   Nothing
                   :
                   But
                   in
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Patience
                     ,
                     Innocence
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Integrity
                   ;
                   in
                   Love
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   Charity
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   World
                   ;
                   in
                   a
                   modest
                   sweetness
                   ,
                   and
                   humble
                   Deportment
                   ;
                   in
                   a
                   
                     peaceable
                     Spirit
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   readiness
                   to
                   
                     obey
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Those
                   He
                   hath
                   set
                   over
                   Us
                   :
                   Where-ever
                   These
                   are
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   the
                   Image
                   of
                   our
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   There
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   our
                   Love
                   ;
                   though
                   the
                   persons
                   thus
                   affected
                   ,
                   are
                   Ignorant
                   of
                   many
                   things
                   ,
                   and
                   err
                   in
                   many
                   ;
                   though
                   they
                   differ
                   from
                   us
                   in
                   some
                   Opinions
                   we
                   count
                   Orthodox
                   ,
                   and
                   walk
                   not
                   in
                   the
                   particular
                   ways
                   or
                   Circumstances
                   which
                   We
                   esteem
                   Best
                   .
                   And
                   thus
                   briefly
                   of
                   the
                   Extent
                   of
                   the
                   Duty
                   ,
                   we
                   ought
                   to
                   Love
                   
                     ALL
                     MEN
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   especially
                   ALL
                   Christians
                   ,
                   I
                   descend
                   to
                   the
                   Third
                   general
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                 
                   (
                   III.
                   )
                   The
                   Excellency
                   of
                   Christian
                   Love
                   ,
                   which
                   I
                   represent
                   in
                   the
                   following
                   particulars
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   I.
                   )
                   IT
                   is
                   the
                   Image
                   of
                   God
                   ;
                   and
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   graces
                   renders
                   us
                   most
                   like
                   our
                   Maker
                   :
                   For
                   
                     God
                     is
                     love
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     Lover
                     of
                     men
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   his
                   
                     tender
                     Mercies
                     are
                     over
                     all
                     his
                     Works
                     :
                  
                   And
                   the
                   most
                   sutable
                   apprehension
                   we
                   can
                   form
                   of
                   his
                   Being
                   ,
                   is
                   ,
                   to
                   look
                   on
                   him
                   as
                   an
                   
                     Omnipotent
                     ,
                     Omniscient
                     ,
                     Immutable
                     Goodness
                     .
                  
                   And
                   is
                   it
                   not
                   a
                   glorious
                   Excellency
                   ,
                   that
                   makes
                   Men
                   like
                   the
                   fountain
                   of
                   all
                   perfection
                   ?
                   Our
                   unhappy
                   first
                   Parents
                   lost
                   Paradise
                   ,
                   by
                   aspiring
                   to
                   be
                   like
                   God
                   in
                   Knowledge
                   :
                   and
                   if
                   we
                   endeavour
                   to
                   be
                   like
                   him
                   in
                   Love
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   be
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   gaining
                   a
                   better
                   Paradise
                   than
                   they
                   lost
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   II.
                   )
                   LOVE
                   is
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Angels
                   ,
                   Glorified
                   Souls
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   best
                   of
                   Men.
                   There
                   is
                   nothing
                   by
                   which
                   the
                   Angelical
                   nature
                   is
                   so
                   much
                   distinguish'd
                   from
                   the
                   Diabolical
                   ,
                   as
                   Love
                   ,
                   and
                   Goodness
                   ;
                   for
                   the
                   Devils
                   have
                   Spiritual
                   ,
                   and
                   Immortal
                   natures
                   ,
                   and
                   great
                   degrees
                   of
                   Power
                   and
                   Knowledge
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   perhaps
                   not
                   much
                   inferiour
                   to
                   what
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   found
                   in
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   better
                   Spirits
                   :
                   so
                   that
                   the
                   great
                   difference
                   is
                   not
                   in
                   the
                   excess
                   of
                   natural
                   perfections
                   ,
                   which
                   the
                   Angels
                   of
                   Light
                   have
                   above
                   those
                   of
                   Darkness
                   ;
                   but
                   in
                   this
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   former
                   abound
                   in
                   Love
                   ,
                   Sweetness
                   ,
                   and
                   Benignity
                   ;
                   
                   and
                   the
                   latter
                   ,
                   in
                   Malice
                   ,
                   Cruelty
                   ,
                   and
                   Revenge
                   ;
                   these
                   are
                   the
                   very
                   Image
                   of
                   Satan
                   ,
                   and
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Hell.
                   Whereas
                   all
                   the
                   Celestial
                   Inhabitants
                   live
                   in
                   the
                   joyful
                   exercise
                   of
                   uninterrupted
                   Love
                   and
                   endearments
                   :
                   Nor
                   is
                   that
                   Love
                   confined
                   to
                   the
                   blessed
                   and
                   glorified
                   Company
                   ,
                   but
                   it
                   sheds
                   it self
                   abroad
                   upon
                   the
                   nether
                   world
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   are
                   
                     Ministring
                     Spirits
                     for
                     our
                     good
                     ,
                     Heb.
                  
                   1.
                   14.
                   
                   They
                   so
                   far
                   Love
                   us
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   can
                   stoop
                   from
                   Heaven
                   to
                   serve
                   us
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   Joy
                   there
                   at
                   the
                   Conversion
                   of
                   a
                   Sinner
                   ;
                   and
                   no
                   doubt
                   there
                   is
                   Love
                   to
                   converted
                   Saints
                   ,
                   and
                   care
                   and
                   pity
                   for
                   all
                   the
                   rest
                   of
                   Men.
                   For
                   the
                   spirits
                   of
                   the
                   just
                   made
                   perfect
                   are
                   freed
                   from
                   their
                   froward
                   humours
                   ,
                   and
                   pettish
                   natures
                   ,
                   their
                   mistaken
                   Zeal
                   ,
                   and
                   fondness
                   of
                   Opinions
                   ,
                   which
                   straitned
                   their
                   Affections
                   while
                   they
                   were
                   on
                   Earth
                   :
                   and
                   now
                   they
                   are
                   inlarged
                   by
                   the
                   vast
                   improvements
                   of
                   their
                   Knowledge
                   ,
                   and
                   accomplishment
                   of
                   their
                   Vertue
                   ;
                   by
                   a
                   fuller
                   sense
                   of
                   Divine
                   Love
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   their
                   Duty
                   ;
                   by
                   the
                   genius
                   of
                   their
                   company
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   imployment
                   of
                   the
                   happy
                   Place
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   in
                   Heaven
                   all
                   are
                   truly
                   Catholick
                   in
                   their
                   Affections
                   :
                
                 
                   And
                   the
                   better
                   any
                   man
                   is
                   ,
                   the
                   more
                   he
                   is
                   so
                   upon
                   Earth
                   :
                   The
                   good
                   man
                   makes
                   not
                   himself
                   his
                   center
                   ,
                   nor
                   are
                   his
                   thoughts
                   wholly
                   engrost
                   about
                   his
                   own
                   concernments
                   ;
                   but
                   he
                   is
                   carefully
                   
                   solicitous
                   for
                   the
                   general
                   benefit
                   ,
                   and
                   never
                   so
                   much
                   pleased
                   as
                   when
                   he
                   is
                   made
                   an
                   instrument
                   of
                   Divine
                   Goodness
                   ,
                   to
                   promote
                   the
                   interests
                   of
                   his
                   Christian
                   brethren
                   .
                   'T
                   was
                   an
                   high
                   strain
                   of
                   Love
                   in
                   Moses
                   ,
                   exprest
                   towards
                   the
                   Transgressing
                   Israelites
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   was
                   content
                   to
                   be
                   
                     blotted
                     out
                     of
                     Gods
                     Book
                  
                   ,
                   rather
                   than
                   that
                   their
                   Sin
                   should
                   not
                   be
                   blotted
                   out
                   ,
                   Exod.
                   32.
                   32.
                   
                   And
                   St.
                   Paul
                   was
                   no
                   less
                   Zealously
                   affectionate
                   towards
                   the
                   Jews
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   said
                   ,
                   he
                   could
                   
                     wish
                     himself
                     accursed
                     from
                     Christ
                  
                   ,
                   viz.
                   separated
                   from
                   Christian
                   communion
                   as
                   a
                   most
                   vile
                   and
                   abject
                   person
                   ,
                   for
                   their
                   sakes
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   9.
                   3.
                   
                   These
                   were
                   spirits
                   whom
                   Religion
                   and
                   Divine
                   Love
                   had
                   enlarged
                   :
                   and
                   the
                   more
                   any
                   man
                   advanceth
                   in
                   Christianity
                   ,
                   the
                   nearer
                   he
                   approacheth
                   to
                   this
                   generous
                   ,
                   heroick
                   temper
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   III.
                   )
                   LOVE
                   is
                   an
                   eminent
                   branch
                   of
                   the
                   Divine
                   Life
                   ,
                   and
                   Nature
                   .
                   
                     Love
                     is
                     of
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     every
                     one
                     that
                     Loveth
                     ,
                     is
                     born
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   saith
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   1
                   John
                   4.
                   7
                   ,
                   8.
                   
                   The
                   Divine
                   Nature
                   in
                   us
                   ,
                   is
                   the
                   Image
                   of
                   God
                   Pourtray'd
                   ,
                   and
                   lively
                   drawn
                   upon
                   the
                   regenerated
                   Soul
                   ;
                   and
                   I
                   noted
                   before
                   ,
                   that
                   Love
                   is
                   the
                   vital
                   Image
                   of
                   our
                   Maker
                   ;
                   't
                   is
                   His
                   spirit
                   infused
                   into
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   growing
                   in
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   upon
                   that
                   account
                   to
                   be
                   preferred
                   before
                   all
                   Gifts
                   ,
                   and
                   natural
                   Perfections
                   :
                   as
                   St.
                   Paul
                   hath
                   done
                   it
                   in
                   the
                   mentioned
                   1
                   Cor.
                   13.
                   
                   And
                   
                   the
                   common
                   Gifts
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   differ
                   from
                   this
                   special
                   Grace
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   Painters
                   Picture
                   doth
                   from
                   his
                   Son
                   :
                   His
                   Counterfeit
                   may
                   indeed
                   ,
                   in
                   a
                   superficial
                   appearance
                   to
                   the
                   Eye
                   ,
                   resemble
                   him
                   more
                   than
                   his
                   Child
                   ;
                   but
                   yet
                   it
                   is
                   but
                   an
                   empty
                   shadow
                   ,
                   destitute
                   ,
                   and
                   incapable
                   of
                   his
                   Life
                   ,
                   and
                   Nature
                   :
                   So
                   there
                   are
                   a
                   sort
                   of
                   Gifts
                   ,
                   that
                   have
                   a
                   spiritual
                   appearance
                   ,
                   and
                   may
                   ,
                   to
                   those
                   that
                   see
                   things
                   at
                   distance
                   ,
                   or
                   have
                   not
                   their
                   senses
                   exercised
                   ,
                   seem
                   more
                   like
                   the
                   divine
                   nature
                   ,
                   than
                   this
                   modest
                   vertue
                   :
                   But
                   those
                   that
                   come
                   near
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   better
                   able
                   to
                   discern
                   ,
                   perceive
                   that
                   in
                   themselves
                   they
                   are
                   without
                   the
                   Divine
                   Life
                   ,
                   and
                   Motion
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   meer
                   Lifeless
                   Pictures
                   .
                   And
                   here
                   I
                   dare
                   say
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   happiest
                   faculty
                   to
                   Preach
                   Plausibly
                   ,
                   and
                   Pray
                   with
                   Fluency
                   ,
                   and
                   Eloquence
                   ;
                   to
                   Discourse
                   Devoutly
                   ,
                   and
                   readily
                   to
                   Interpret
                   Scripture
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   not
                   joyned
                   with
                   a
                   benign
                   and
                   charitable
                   spirit
                   ,
                   is
                   no
                   participation
                   of
                   the
                   God-like
                   life
                   and
                   nature
                   ;
                   nor
                   indeed
                   any
                   more
                   Divine
                   ,
                   than
                   those
                   common
                   gifts
                   ,
                   and
                   natural
                   parts
                   ,
                   which
                   those
                   that
                   think
                   highly
                   of
                   themselves
                   upon
                   these
                   accounts
                   ,
                   despise
                   .
                   For
                   very
                   Evil
                   men
                   have
                   been
                   eminent
                   in
                   these
                   accomplishments
                   ,
                   and
                   Wicked
                   Spirits
                   are
                   without
                   question
                   endowed
                   with
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   are
                   of
                   themselves
                   arguments
                   of
                   nothing
                   but
                   a
                   faculty
                   of
                   Imitation
                   ,
                   a
                   devotional
                   Complexion
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   warm
                   Imagination
                   :
                   Whereas
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   hand
                   ,
                   Charity
                   ,
                   and
                   Christian
                   Love
                   are
                   good
                   Evidence
                   of
                   a
                   Renewed
                   state
                   ,
                   and
                   nature
                   .
                   Our
                   Saviour
                   made
                   it
                   a
                   Character
                   ,
                   Joh.
                   13.
                   and
                   the
                   Apostle
                   concludes
                   from
                   it
                   ,
                   1
                   John
                   3.
                   14.
                   
                   By
                   
                     this
                     we
                     know
                     that
                     we
                     are
                     passed
                     from
                     death
                     to
                     life
                     ,
                     because
                     we
                     love
                     the
                     Brethren
                     .
                  
                   And
                   if
                   this
                   be
                   a
                   Mark
                   ,
                   and
                   St.
                   John
                   be
                   not
                   mistaken
                   ,
                   I
                   doubt
                   that
                   some
                   who
                   are
                   very
                   gracious
                   ,
                   by
                   many
                   Signs
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   ,
                   will
                   want
                   one
                   of
                   Christs
                   ,
                   to
                   prove
                   their
                   comfortable
                   presumption
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   IV.
                   )
                   LOVE
                   is
                   the
                   bond
                   and
                   tye
                   of
                   Christian
                   Communion
                   ;
                   
                     How
                     can
                     two
                     walk
                     together
                     except
                     they
                     are
                     agreed
                     ?
                  
                   The
                   Church
                   is
                   a
                   Body
                   consisting
                   of
                   many
                   Members
                   ,
                   which
                   unless
                   they
                   Unite
                   ,
                   and
                   send
                   their
                   mutual
                   supplies
                   one
                   to
                   another
                   ,
                   the
                   whole
                   is
                   distempered
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   ready
                   way
                   to
                   Death
                   and
                   Dissolution
                   .
                   Now
                   Charity
                   is
                   that
                   vital
                   Cement
                   whereby
                   they
                   are
                   United
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Soul
                   by
                   which
                   the
                   common
                   body
                   lives
                   ;
                   that
                   whereby
                   the
                   League
                   between
                   the
                   members
                   is
                   preserved
                   ,
                   and
                   health
                   with
                   it
                   .
                   When
                   this
                   decays
                   ,
                   sad
                   symptoms
                   ,
                   and
                   mortal
                   evils
                   follow
                   .
                   We
                   see
                   in
                   Nature
                   ,
                   the
                   great
                   Fabrick
                   of
                   the
                   World
                   is
                   maintained
                   by
                   the
                   mutual
                   Friendship
                   ,
                   and
                   conspiracy
                   of
                   its
                   parts
                   ;
                   which
                   should
                   they
                   universally
                   fall
                   out
                   ,
                   and
                   break
                   the
                   bond
                   of
                   Amity
                   that
                   is
                   between
                   them
                   ;
                   should
                   they
                   act
                   their
                   Antipathies
                   
                   upon
                   each
                   other
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   should
                   they
                   but
                   cease
                   to
                   serve
                   one
                   another
                   for
                   the
                   general
                   good
                   ;
                   the
                   whole
                   frame
                   would
                   be
                   dissolved
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   things
                   shuffled
                   into
                   their
                   old
                   Chaos
                   ,
                   and
                   Abyss
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   greatest
                   evils
                   that
                   have
                   ,
                   or
                   can
                   happen
                   to
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   have
                   been
                   the
                   effects
                   of
                   the
                   Decay
                   of
                   Charity
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   intestine
                   Divisions
                   that
                   have
                   grown
                   up
                   in
                   it
                   .
                   From
                   these
                   she
                   hath
                   always
                   suffered
                   more
                   ,
                   than
                   from
                   external
                   persecutions
                   :
                   The
                   flames
                   within
                   have
                   consumed
                   her
                   ,
                   when
                   those
                   from
                   without
                   ,
                   have
                   only
                   sindg'd
                   her
                   garments
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   V.
                   )
                   LOVE
                   is
                   the
                   most
                   Catholick
                   grace
                   ,
                   and
                   upon
                   that
                   account
                   the
                   most
                   excellent
                   ;
                   since
                   that
                   which
                   promotes
                   the
                   good
                   of
                   the
                   whole
                   ,
                   is
                   better
                   than
                   any
                   private
                   perfection
                   :
                   for
                   which
                   reason
                   ,
                   things
                   in
                   nature
                   will
                   quit
                   their
                   particular
                   interests
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   common
                   good
                   so
                   requireth
                   ;
                   as
                   heavy
                   bodies
                   will
                   ascend
                   ,
                   and
                   light
                   bodies
                   descend
                   ,
                   to
                   prevent
                   a
                   chasm
                   ,
                   and
                   breach
                   in
                   Nature
                   .
                   Now
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   divine
                   vertues
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   none
                   of
                   so
                   large
                   an
                   influence
                   ,
                   as
                   Love
                   ;
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   grace
                   designed
                   for
                   the
                   good
                   of
                   the
                   community
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   principle
                   of
                   self-Love
                   is
                   for
                   the
                   preservation
                   of
                   particular
                   beings
                   .
                   This
                   stirs
                   up
                   our
                   endeavours
                   for
                   the
                   good
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   and
                   especially
                   for
                   the
                   general
                   good
                   .
                   The
                   Church
                   receives
                   no
                   wound
                   ,
                   but
                   Love
                   feels
                   the
                   smart
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   nor
                   is
                   
                   any
                   member
                   of
                   it
                   afflicted
                   ,
                   but
                   Love
                   is
                   grieved
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   very
                   Spirit
                   of
                   our
                   dear
                   Lord
                   ,
                   who
                   was
                   touched
                   with
                   a
                   
                     feeling
                     of
                     our
                     Infirmities
                  
                   .
                   And
                   to
                   these
                   I
                   add
                   this
                   last
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   VI.
                   )
                   LOVE
                   commends
                   Christianity
                   to
                   those
                   without
                   ,
                   and
                   cleanseth
                   the
                   Profession
                   of
                   it
                   from
                   many
                   Spots
                   it
                   hath
                   contracted
                   within
                   .
                   The
                   generality
                   of
                   men
                   are
                   not
                   able
                   to
                   judge
                   of
                   Religions
                   themselves
                   ,
                   but
                   usually
                   reckon
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   do
                   of
                   their
                   Professors
                   .
                   Whatever
                   is
                   excellent
                   ,
                   or
                   else
                   unworthy
                   ,
                   in
                   a
                   Votary
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   redounds
                   to
                   the
                   credit
                   ,
                   or
                   disparagement
                   ,
                   of
                   the
                   Religion
                   he
                   hath
                   adopted
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   ,
                   were
                   the
                   charity
                   and
                   goodness
                   of
                   Christianity
                   transcribed
                   into
                   the
                   lives
                   of
                   Christians
                   ,
                   it
                   would
                   ravish
                   the
                   eyes
                   of
                   all
                   Beholders
                   ,
                   and
                   out-shine
                   all
                   other
                   Professions
                   .
                   Men
                   would
                   more
                   easily
                   be
                   perswaded
                   to
                   believe
                   that
                   Religion
                   to
                   be
                   from
                   God
                   ,
                   whose
                   Professors
                   they
                   saw
                   to
                   be
                   so
                   God-like
                   .
                   Love
                   and
                   goodness
                   prevail
                   where
                   nothing
                   else
                   will
                   ;
                   these
                   win
                   and
                   captivate
                   the
                   Soul
                   ;
                   And
                   such
                   conquests
                   are
                   better
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   noble
                   than
                   either
                   those
                   of
                   Arts
                   ,
                   or
                   Arms
                   ,
                   which
                   only
                   bring
                   the
                   body
                   under
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   but
                   small
                   credit
                   to
                   any
                   Religion
                   to
                   cut
                   its
                   way
                   by
                   the
                   Sword
                   ,
                   or
                   gain
                   upon
                   the
                   world
                   by
                   Power
                   ,
                   or
                   Policy
                   ;
                   That
                   which
                   opens
                   it self
                   a
                   passage
                   by
                   its
                   native
                   loveliness
                   ,
                   and
                   beauty
                   ,
                   is
                   the
                   most
                   Illustrious
                   ,
                   and
                   makes
                   the
                   surest
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   generous
                   
                   Conquests
                   .
                   And
                   were
                   Christendom
                   but
                   Christian
                   in
                   this
                   regard
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Professors
                   of
                   the
                   true
                   Religion
                   ,
                   truly
                   Religious
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   abounding
                   in
                   that
                   charity
                   ,
                   and
                   goodness
                   ,
                   which
                   Christianity
                   enjoyns
                   ;
                   our
                   Religion
                   would
                   spread
                   its
                   wings
                   through
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   contrary
                   Professions
                   would
                   lie
                   in
                   the
                   dust
                   before
                   it
                   :
                   Whereas
                   the
                   Divisions
                   ,
                   and
                   fatal
                   feuds
                   of
                   Paganized
                   ,
                   degenerated
                   Christendom
                   ,
                   are
                   now
                   the
                   great
                   partition-Wall
                   between
                   Us
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Heathen-World
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   more
                   particularly
                   the
                   great
                   scandal
                   of
                   the
                   Reformation
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   us
                   the
                   scorn
                   of
                   Those
                   of
                   Rome
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   O
                   that
                   They
                   that
                   speak
                   and
                   pray
                   much
                   against
                   the
                   Beast
                   ,
                   would
                   not
                   prove
                   instrumental
                   to
                   uphold
                   his
                   Throne
                   !
                   We
                   expect
                   ,
                   and
                   hope
                   for
                   glorious
                   times
                   when
                   the
                   Man
                   of
                   Sin
                   is
                   faln
                   ;
                   and
                   doubtless
                   there
                   shall
                   be
                   such
                   :
                   But
                   then
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   those
                   times
                   consists
                   not
                   in
                   external
                   rule
                   ,
                   or
                   dominion
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   the
                   Universal
                   Restauration
                   of
                   it
                   to
                   its
                   primitive
                   Simplicity
                   ,
                   and
                   Purity
                   :
                   Then
                   will
                   the
                   Church
                   be
                   Glorious
                   indeed
                   ,
                   when
                   all
                   Christians
                   shall
                   unite
                   upon
                   the
                   Foundation
                   of
                   an
                   Holy
                   Life
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   joynt
                   Profession
                   of
                   the
                   few
                   ,
                   plain
                   ,
                   Fundamentals
                   of
                   Faith
                   :
                   When
                   they
                   shall
                   make
                   real
                   Goodness
                   the
                   Object
                   of
                   their
                   affections
                   towards
                   each
                   other
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   Differences
                   in
                   Opinions
                   and
                   dispensable
                   Practices
                   ,
                   
                   the
                   Objects
                   of
                   their
                   mutual
                   Forbearance
                   :
                   When
                   such
                   times
                   as
                   these
                   shall
                   come
                   ,
                   then
                   doth
                   the
                   Reign
                   of
                   Christ
                   begin
                   :
                   And
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   true
                   ,
                   and
                   wish't
                   Millennium
                   .
                   Now
                   we
                   cannot
                   expect
                   those
                   glorious
                   days
                   which
                   are
                   to
                   Commence
                   upon
                   the
                   Fall
                   of
                   Anti-christ
                   ,
                   till
                   we
                   see
                   all
                   Christians
                   sincerely
                   set
                   upon
                   Destroying
                   what
                   is
                   Anti-christian
                   in
                   themselves
                   .
                   Anti-christ
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   overthrown
                   by
                   our
                   declaiming
                   against
                   Him
                   ,
                   and
                   spitting
                   the
                   fire
                   of
                   Rage
                   at
                   the
                   Infallible
                   Chair
                   .
                   It
                   will
                   be
                   to
                   better
                   purpose
                   for
                   us
                   to
                   examine
                   what
                   of
                   Anti-christianism
                   remains
                   in
                   our selves
                   :
                   And
                   while
                   Rancour
                   ,
                   and
                   Bitterness
                   ,
                   Rage
                   ,
                   and
                   Animosities
                   upon
                   the
                   Account
                   of
                   Difference
                   in
                   smaller
                   Opinions
                   are
                   in
                   our
                   Borders
                   ,
                   Anti-christ
                   hath
                   a
                   Throne
                   among
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   nothing
                   could
                   be
                   so
                   Effectual
                   a
                   Blow
                   at
                   the
                   Root
                   of
                   Anti-christianism
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   exercise
                   of
                   Charity
                   and
                   Catholick
                   Goodness
                   .
                   And
                   when
                   we
                   see
                   these
                   take
                   place
                   ,
                   then
                   may
                   we
                   Triumphantly
                   sing
                   forth
                   ,
                   
                     BABYLON
                     IS
                     FALN
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   Come
                   now
                   Fourthly
                   to
                   the
                   Means
                   of
                   attaining
                   this
                   excellent
                   and
                   Catholick
                   Temper
                   ;
                   And
                   I
                   propose
                   them
                   by
                   way
                   of
                   
                     DIRECTION
                     ,
                     CONSIDERATION
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   CAUTION
                   .
                   The
                   DIRECTIONS
                   are
                   these
                   :
                
                 
                 
                   (
                   I.
                   )
                   Acknowledge
                   worth
                   in
                   any
                   man.
                   Whatever
                   is
                   good
                   is
                   from
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   He
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   lov'd
                   ,
                   and
                   owned
                   in
                   all
                   things
                   ;
                   as
                   well
                   in
                   the
                   Paint
                   upon
                   the
                   Butter-flies
                   wing
                   ,
                   as
                   in
                   the
                   glorious
                   ,
                   uniform
                   lustre
                   of
                   the
                   Sun
                   ;
                   as
                   well
                   in
                   the
                   composure
                   of
                   the
                   little
                   Ant
                   ,
                   as
                   in
                   the
                   vast
                   Bodies
                   of
                   the
                   Whale
                   ,
                   or
                   Elephant
                   ;
                   In
                   the
                   least
                   Herb
                   under
                   our
                   feet
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   in
                   the
                   Stupendous
                   Fabrick
                   of
                   the
                   Heavens
                   over
                   us
                   :
                   And
                   moral
                   Perfections
                   are
                   to
                   be
                   acknowledg'd
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   these
                   natural
                   ones
                   :
                   We
                   are
                   to
                   love
                   Vertue
                   in
                   an
                   Heathen
                   ,
                   and
                   whatever
                   is
                   Well
                   ,
                   or
                   Worthy
                   in
                   those
                   ,
                   whose
                   Apprehensions
                   are
                   most
                   distant
                   from
                   our
                   own
                   :
                   And
                   we
                   must
                   take
                   care
                   that
                   we
                   make
                   not
                   our
                   Relish
                   ,
                   the
                   Measure
                   of
                   Worth
                   and
                   Goodness
                   :
                   Say
                   not
                   this
                   is
                   excellent
                   ,
                   because
                   't
                   is
                   agreeable
                   to
                   your
                   particular
                   Palates
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   hand
                   is
                   Vile
                   ,
                   and
                   Loathsom
                   ,
                   because
                   't
                   is
                   distastful
                   to
                   your
                   Gust
                   and
                   Genius
                   :
                   There
                   are
                   various
                   kinds
                   ,
                   and
                   degrees
                   of
                   Excellency
                   ,
                   which
                   differently
                   affect
                   the
                   diversity
                   of
                   Tempers
                   ,
                   and
                   Constitutions
                   ;
                   And
                   ,
                   at
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   Imperfectly
                   good
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   cannot
                   be
                   the
                   Measure
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   then
                   be
                   so
                   Ingenuous
                   as
                   to
                   own
                   the
                   vertue
                   and
                   the
                   goodness
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   all
                   parties
                   ,
                   and
                   Opinions
                   ,
                   Let
                   us
                   commend
                   and
                   love
                   it
                   :
                   This
                   will
                   be
                   a
                   means
                   to
                   sweeten
                   our
                   Spirits
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   remove
                   the
                   Animosities
                   we
                   are
                   apt
                   to
                   conceive
                   against
                   the
                   Persons
                   of
                   Dissenters
                   ;
                   
                   and
                   't
                   will
                   ingage
                   them
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   hand
                   ,
                   to
                   a
                   greater
                   kindness
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   Lessen
                   our
                   Distance
                   ,
                   and
                   Disagreements
                   .
                
                 
                   There
                   is
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   Spirit
                   among
                   some
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   so
                   different
                   from
                   that
                   Charity
                   ,
                   which
                   thinketh
                   no
                   Evil
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   13.
                   that
                   it
                   thinks
                   nothing
                   else
                   concerning
                   those
                   of
                   a
                   differing
                   Judgement
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   their
                   Vertues
                   are
                   dull
                   Morality
                   ;
                   and
                   their
                   Piety
                   ,
                   Hypocritical
                   Pretensions
                   ;
                   or
                   what-ever
                   Worse
                   Ill-will
                   can
                   Invent
                   ,
                   and
                   Rage
                   can
                   say
                   :
                   They
                   will
                   not
                   believe
                   that
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   Jewel
                   ,
                   which
                   they
                   find
                   among
                   so
                   much
                   supposed
                   Rubbish
                   .
                   But
                   let
                   us
                   take
                   Care
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   deny
                   not
                   God
                   the
                   Honour
                   of
                   his
                   Gifts
                   ,
                   and
                   Graces
                   ;
                   or
                   proudly
                   fancy
                   that
                   he
                   hath
                   given
                   us
                   the
                   Monopoly
                   :
                   This
                   is
                   contrary
                   to
                   that
                   Charity
                   which
                   is
                   not
                   
                     puffed
                     up
                     ,
                     and
                     doth
                     not
                     behave
                     it self
                     unseemly
                     .
                  
                   Or
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   could
                   modestly
                   suppose
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   nothing
                   but
                   Ignorance
                   ,
                   and
                   mistake
                   among
                   all
                   those
                   who
                   are
                   not
                   of
                   our
                   Opinion
                   ;
                   yet
                   however
                   ,
                   their
                   Vertues
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   acknowledg'd
                   :
                   The
                   Son
                   of
                   God
                   was
                   to
                   be
                   Worshipped
                   ,
                   even
                   when
                   he
                   lay
                   in
                   the
                   Stable
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Ark
                   to
                   be
                   owned
                   ,
                   when
                   among
                   the
                   Philistins
                   .
                   (
                   'T
                   is
                   a
                   sign
                   that
                   we
                   love
                   God
                   for
                   himself
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   Love
                   him
                   every
                   where
                   )
                   And
                   indeed
                   ,
                   that
                   Worth
                   is
                   more
                   to
                   be
                   admired
                   that
                   grows
                   up
                   in
                   an
                   uncultivated
                   Soyl
                   ,
                   and
                   among
                   the
                   Weeds
                   of
                   Errour
                   ,
                   and
                   false
                   Principles
                   :
                   
                   To
                   find
                   a
                   Rose
                   ,
                   or
                   Tulip
                   in
                   a
                   Garden
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   common
                   thing
                   ,
                   and
                   merits
                   less
                   of
                   our
                   regard
                   ;
                   but
                   to
                   meet
                   with
                   them
                   in
                   the
                   High-way
                   ,
                   or
                   open
                   Fields
                   ,
                   this
                   ingageth
                   our
                   nearer
                   Notice
                   ,
                   and
                   recommends
                   the
                   Flowers
                   to
                   our
                   more
                   particular
                   Kindness
                   :
                   Thus
                   Vertue
                   ,
                   though
                   in
                   all
                   men
                   excellent
                   ,
                   yet
                   't
                   is
                   no
                   more
                   than
                   is
                   expected
                   to
                   be
                   in
                   Persons
                   of
                   Knowledge
                   ,
                   and
                   right
                   Judgement
                   ;
                   But
                   in
                   the
                   Ignorant
                   ,
                   and
                   Mistaken
                   ,
                   it
                   thrives
                   under
                   Disadvantages
                   ,
                   and
                   deserves
                   more
                   to
                   be
                   Cherish'd
                   ,
                   and
                   Incourag'd
                   .
                   And
                   now
                   if
                   't
                   were
                   possible
                   to
                   bring
                   the
                   divided
                   World
                   to
                   these
                   Ingenuous
                   Acknowledgements
                   ,
                   men
                   would
                   find
                   their
                   Spirits
                   compos'd
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   Animosities
                   qualified
                   ;
                   They
                   would
                   see
                   they
                   have
                   Friends
                   ,
                   even
                   in
                   the
                   Tents
                   of
                   their
                   Enemies
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   ,
                   Apprehended
                   and
                   Own'd
                   mutually
                   ,
                   would
                   be
                   a
                   very
                   hopeful
                   way
                   to
                   endear
                   and
                   reconcile
                   us
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   II.
                   )
                   
                     Be
                     much
                     in
                     the
                     Contemplation
                     of
                     the
                     Love
                     of
                     God.
                  
                   He
                   that
                   knows
                   how
                   much
                   God
                   hath
                   Loved
                   him
                   ,
                   hath
                   a
                   mighty
                   Reason
                   to
                   Love
                   his
                   Brother
                   ;
                   The
                   Apostle
                   urgeth
                   the
                   Argument
                   ,
                   1
                   
                     John
                     4.
                     11.
                     
                     If
                     God
                     so
                     Loved
                     us
                     ,
                     we
                     ought
                     also
                     to
                     Love
                     one
                     another
                     :
                  
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   considers
                   ,
                   cannot
                   choose
                   ;
                   for
                   he
                   must
                   needs
                   find
                   himself
                   sweetly
                   Ingaged
                   to
                   Love
                   God
                   ,
                   of
                   whose
                   Love
                   he
                   is
                   sensible
                   ;
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   loves
                   Him
                   ,
                   loves
                   all
                   things
                   in
                   him
                   :
                   For
                   all
                   things
                   are
                   his
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   tenders
                   every
                   thing
                   he
                   
                   hath
                   made
                   .
                   The
                   Love
                   of
                   God
                   doth
                   not
                   confine
                   us
                   to
                   his
                   single
                   abstracted
                   Essence
                   ,
                   but
                   requires
                   our
                   Kindness
                   to
                   all
                   that
                   bear
                   his
                   Image
                   ,
                   yea
                   and
                   produceth
                   it
                   .
                   Seraphick
                   Love
                   will
                   be
                   Catholick
                   ;
                   It
                   doth
                   not
                   burn
                   like
                   a
                   Lamp
                   in
                   a
                   Sepulchre
                   ,
                   but
                   't
                   is
                   like
                   the
                   Stars
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   that
                   impart
                   themselves
                   to
                   all
                   things
                   :
                   And
                   as
                   the
                   Planets
                   ,
                   that
                   receive
                   their
                   Light
                   from
                   the
                   Sun
                   ,
                   do
                   not
                   suck
                   it
                   in
                   ,
                   and
                   ingross
                   it
                   ,
                   but
                   disperse
                   ,
                   and
                   shed
                   it
                   abroad
                   upon
                   the
                   most
                   distant
                   Bodies
                   ;
                   in
                   like
                   manner
                   ,
                   a
                   Christian
                   Soul
                   that
                   is
                   warmed
                   and
                   lightned
                   by
                   Divine
                   Love
                   doth
                   not
                   keep
                   it
                   within
                   it self
                   ,
                   but
                   communicates
                   its
                   benign
                   Influences
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   Objects
                   that
                   are
                   within
                   its
                   reach
                   .
                   The
                   Love
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   its
                   proper
                   Nature
                   is
                   diffusive
                   ,
                   and
                   very
                   opposite
                   to
                   Envy
                   and
                   Animosity
                   ;
                   It
                   Dispels
                   the
                   Clouds
                   ,
                   and
                   Allays
                   the
                   Tempests
                   that
                   arise
                   from
                   the
                   Body
                   ,
                   and
                   its
                   Appetites
                   ;
                   and
                   composeth
                   the
                   Soul
                   to
                   the
                   Sweetest
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   even
                   Temper
                   ;
                   It
                   Inlarges
                   our
                   Minds
                   ,
                   and
                   Softens
                   our
                   Affections
                   ,
                   and
                   Calms
                   our
                   Passions
                   ,
                   and
                   Smooths
                   the
                   Ruggedness
                   of
                   our
                   Natures
                   ;
                   It
                   destroys
                   our
                   Pride
                   and
                   Selfishness
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   strikes
                   up
                   the
                   Roots
                   of
                   Enmity
                   ,
                   and
                   Divisions
                   ;
                   and
                   thus
                   disposeth
                   us
                   to
                   the
                   most
                   Generous
                   and
                   Comprehensive
                   Charity
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   III.
                   )
                   
                     Make
                     the
                     great
                     Design
                     of
                     Religion
                     ,
                     yours
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   know
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Intent
                   of
                   that
                   ,
                   is
                   ,
                   not
                   to
                   fill
                   
                   our
                   heads
                   with
                   Notion
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   teach
                   us
                   Systems
                   of
                   Opinion
                   ;
                   to
                   resolve
                   us
                   a
                   Body
                   of
                   Difficult
                   Points
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   Inable
                   us
                   to
                   talk
                   plausibly
                   for
                   lesser
                   Truths
                   ;
                   But
                   to
                   furnish
                   our
                   minds
                   with
                   incouragements
                   of
                   Virtue
                   and
                   instances
                   of
                   Duty
                   ;
                   to
                   direct
                   us
                   to
                   govern
                   our
                   Passions
                   ,
                   and
                   subdue
                   our
                   appetites
                   and
                   self-wills
                   ,
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   the
                   good
                   of
                   Societies
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   own
                   present
                   and
                   eternal
                   Interests
                   :
                   And
                   if
                   Christians
                   would
                   take
                   this
                   to
                   be
                   their
                   business
                   ,
                   and
                   conscientiously
                   apply
                   themselves
                   unto
                   it
                   ;
                   they
                   would
                   find
                   work
                   enough
                   in
                   their
                   own
                   hearts
                   to
                   imploy
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   neither
                   have
                   time
                   ,
                   nor
                   occasion
                   to
                   pry
                   into
                   the
                   Infirmities
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   nor
                   inclination
                   to
                   quarrel
                   with
                   them
                   :
                   they
                   would
                   see
                   how
                   unwise
                   it
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   seeking
                   ,
                   and
                   making
                   Enemies
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   have
                   so
                   many
                   within
                   themselves
                   ;
                   and
                   how
                   dangerous
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   diverted
                   to
                   a
                   needless
                   ,
                   and
                   unjust
                   forein
                   War
                   ,
                   while
                   a
                   deadly
                   domestick
                   Foe
                   is
                   strengthned
                   by
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   methinks
                   't
                   is
                   wonderful
                   ,
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   sad
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   so
                   mild
                   and
                   indulgent
                   to
                   the
                   Enemies
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   bound
                   to
                   engage
                   against
                   by
                   our
                   Duty
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   our selves
                   ,
                   by
                   his
                   Laws
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   own
                   Reasons
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   precepts
                   and
                   examples
                   of
                   his
                   Son
                   our
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   by
                   his
                   Sacraments
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   his
                   Blood
                   ,
                   by
                   all
                   things
                   in
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   things
                   in
                   Interest
                   ;
                   and
                   at
                   the
                   same
                   time
                   ,
                   be
                   so
                   eager
                   against
                   those
                   ,
                   whom
                   we
                   ought
                   to
                   consider
                   as
                   
                   Friends
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   account
                   of
                   our
                   relation
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   tie
                   of
                   common
                   nature
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   obligations
                   of
                   Divine
                   Commands
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   interests
                   of
                   Societies
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   practice
                   of
                   the
                   best
                   times
                   past
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   hopes
                   of
                   a
                   future
                   happiness
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   is
                   lamentable
                   in
                   it self
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   the
                   more
                   so
                   ,
                   for
                   being
                   common
                   :
                   And
                   it
                   seems
                   to
                   me
                   such
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   madness
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   a
                   man
                   should
                   be
                   picking
                   causless
                   quarrels
                   with
                   his
                   Neighbours
                   about
                   a
                   chip
                   of
                   Wood
                   ,
                   or
                   a
                   broken
                   Hedge
                   ,
                   when
                   a
                   Fire
                   in
                   his
                   house
                   is
                   consuming
                   his
                   Goods
                   ,
                   and
                   Children
                   :
                   Such
                   Frenzies
                   ,
                   and
                   much
                   greater
                   ,
                   are
                   our
                   mutual
                   enmities
                   and
                   oppositions
                   ,
                   while
                   we
                   quietly
                   sit
                   down
                   in
                   our
                   unmortified
                   Affections
                   .
                   And
                   we
                   should
                   know
                   them
                   to
                   be
                   so
                   ,
                   did
                   we
                   understand
                   our
                   Danger
                   ,
                   or
                   our
                   Duty
                   ,
                   and
                   seriously
                   mind
                   either
                   the
                   one
                   ,
                   or
                   other
                   :
                   We
                   should
                   find
                   then
                   that
                   a
                   Christian
                   hath
                   no
                   such
                   enemies
                   as
                   the
                   Flesh
                   ,
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Devil
                   ;
                   that
                   these
                   will
                   require
                   all
                   our
                   care
                   ,
                   and
                   imploy
                   all
                   our
                   strength
                   ,
                   and
                   diligence
                   :
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   knows
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   considers
                   ,
                   and
                   acts
                   suitably
                   ,
                   will
                   find
                   too
                   much
                   in
                   himself
                   to
                   censure
                   ,
                   and
                   oppose
                   ,
                   and
                   too
                   little
                   to
                   admire
                   himself
                   for
                   above
                   other
                   men
                   ;
                   He
                   will
                   see
                   sufficient
                   reason
                   to
                   incline
                   him
                   to
                   pardon
                   his
                   erring
                   brother
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   the
                   more
                   easily
                   induced
                   to
                   exercise
                   charity
                   ,
                   which
                   himself
                   so
                   many
                   ways
                   needs
                   .
                   The
                   last
                   Direction
                   is
                   this
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   (
                   IV.
                   )
                   
                     Study
                     the
                     moderate
                     pacifick
                     ways
                     ,
                     and
                     principles
                     ,
                     and
                     run
                     not
                     in
                     extremes
                     :
                  
                   both
                   Truth
                   ,
                   and
                   Love
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   middle
                   ;
                   Extremes
                   are
                   dangerous
                   .
                   After
                   all
                   the
                   swaggering
                   ,
                   and
                   confidence
                   of
                   Disputers
                   ,
                   there
                   will
                   be
                   uncertainty
                   in
                   lesser
                   matters
                   :
                   and
                   when
                   we
                   travel
                   in
                   uncertain
                   Roads
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   safest
                   to
                   choose
                   the
                   Middle
                   .
                   In
                   this
                   ,
                   though
                   we
                   should
                   miss
                   a
                   lesser
                   truth
                   ,
                   (
                   which
                   yet
                   is
                   not
                   very
                   likely
                   )
                   we
                   shall
                   meet
                   with
                   Charity
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   gain
                   will
                   be
                   greater
                   than
                   our
                   loss
                   .
                   He
                   that
                   is
                   extreme
                   in
                   his
                   Principles
                   ,
                   must
                   needs
                   be
                   narrow
                   in
                   his
                   Affections
                   :
                   whereas
                   he
                   that
                   stands
                   on
                   the
                   middle
                   path
                   ,
                   may
                   extend
                   the
                   arms
                   of
                   his
                   Charity
                   to
                   those
                   on
                   both
                   sides
                   :
                   It
                   is
                   indeed
                   very
                   natural
                   to
                   most
                   ,
                   to
                   run
                   into
                   extremes
                   :
                   and
                   when
                   men
                   are
                   faln
                   Out
                   with
                   a
                   Practice
                   ,
                   or
                   Opinion
                   ,
                   they
                   think
                   they
                   can
                   never
                   remove
                   to
                   too
                   great
                   a
                   distance
                   from
                   it
                   ;
                   being
                   frighted
                   by
                   the
                   steep
                   before
                   them
                   ,
                   they
                   run
                   so
                   far
                   back
                   ,
                   till
                   they
                   fall
                   into
                   a
                   precipice
                   behind
                   them
                   .
                   
                     Every
                     Truth
                     is
                     near
                     an
                     Errour
                  
                   ;
                   for
                   it
                   lies
                   between
                   two
                   Falshoods
                   :
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   goes
                   far
                   from
                   One
                   ,
                   is
                   apt
                   to
                   slip
                   into
                   the
                   other
                   ;
                   and
                   while
                   he
                   flies
                   from
                   a
                   Bear
                   ,
                   a
                   Lyon
                   meets
                   him
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   best
                   way
                   to
                   avoid
                   the
                   Danger
                   is
                   to
                   steer
                   the
                   middle
                   Course
                   ;
                   in
                   which
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   sure
                   there
                   is
                   Charity
                   and
                   Peace
                   ,
                   and
                   ,
                   very
                   probably
                   ,
                   Truth
                   in
                   their
                   Company
                   .
                   Thus
                   of
                   my
                   Directions
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   FOr
                   CONSIDERATIONS
                   ,
                   I
                   'le
                   propose
                   such
                   ,
                   as
                   shew
                   the
                   Unreasonableness
                   of
                   our
                   Enmities
                   ,
                   and
                   Disagreements
                   upon
                   the
                   account
                   of
                   different
                   Opinions
                   ;
                   which
                   will
                   prove
                   that
                   our
                   Affections
                   ought
                   to
                   meet
                   ,
                   though
                   our
                   Judgements
                   cannot
                   .
                   My
                   first
                   is
                   this
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   I.
                   )
                   
                     Love
                     is
                     part
                     of
                     Religion
                     ;
                     but
                     Opinions
                     for
                     the
                     sake
                     of
                     which
                     we
                     lose
                     Charity
                     ,
                     are
                     not
                     so
                     .
                  
                   The
                   First
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   proved
                   already
                   :
                   and
                   for
                   the
                   other
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   consider
                   ,
                   That
                   Religion
                   consists
                   not
                   in
                   knowing
                   many
                   things
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   practising
                   the
                   few
                   plain
                   things
                   we
                   know
                   .
                   
                     THE
                     NECESSARY
                     PRINCIPLES
                     OF
                     FAITH
                     LYE
                     IN
                     A
                     LITTLE
                     ROOM
                     .
                     This
                     is
                     Life
                     Eternal
                     to
                     know
                     thee
                     the
                     only
                     true
                     God
                     ,
                     and
                     Jesus
                     Christ
                     whom
                     thou
                     hast
                     sent
                  
                   ;
                   Saith
                   he
                   that
                   best
                   knew
                   what
                   was
                   Eternal
                   Life
                   ,
                   and
                   what
                   necessary
                   unto
                   it
                   ,
                   Joh.
                   17.
                   3.
                   
                   And
                   the
                   Apostle
                   St.
                   Paul
                   draws
                   up
                   all
                   into
                   the
                   same
                   two
                   Principles
                   .
                   
                     He
                     that
                     cometh
                     unto
                     God
                     must
                     know
                     that
                     he
                     is
                     ,
                     and
                     that
                     he
                     is
                     a
                     Rewarder
                     of
                     them
                     that
                     diligently
                     seek
                     him
                     ;
                     Heb.
                  
                   11.
                   6.
                   
                   St.
                   Peter
                   was
                   pronounced
                   blessed
                   upon
                   the
                   single
                   Profession
                   ,
                   that
                   Jesus
                   was
                   
                     Christ
                     ,
                     the
                     Son
                     of
                     the
                     Living
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   Mat.
                   16.
                   16.
                   and
                   the
                   Eunuch
                   was
                   baptized
                   upon
                   the
                   
                     same
                     ,
                     Act.
                  
                   8.
                   37.
                   
                   St.
                   Paul
                   reckons
                   these
                   as
                   the
                   only
                   Necessaries
                   to
                   Salvation
                   ,
                   
                     Rom.
                     10.
                     9.
                     
                     If
                     thou
                     confess
                     with
                     thy
                     Mouth
                     the
                     Lord
                     Jesus
                     ,
                     and
                     believe
                     
                     in
                     thy
                     heart
                     that
                     God
                     hath
                     raised
                     him
                     from
                     the
                     Dead
                     ,
                     thou
                     shalt
                     be
                     save
                     .
                  
                   And
                   St.
                   John
                   to
                   the
                   same
                   purpose
                   ,
                   
                     Whosever
                     believes
                     that
                     Jesus
                     is
                     the
                     Christ
                     ,
                     is
                     born
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   This
                   Faith
                   indeed
                   must
                   suppose
                   the
                   general
                   Principles
                   of
                   natural
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   produce
                   the
                   Real
                   Fruits
                   of
                   Righteousness
                   to
                   make
                   it
                   effectual
                   to
                   its
                   end
                   ;
                   and
                   these
                   supposed
                   ,
                   the
                   Apostles
                   speak
                   as
                   if
                   it
                   contain'd
                   all
                   that
                   is
                   essentially
                   necessary
                   to
                   be
                   believed
                   ,
                   and
                   known
                   ,
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   our
                   Happiness
                   .
                   Thus
                   the
                   Fundamentals
                   of
                   belief
                   are
                   few
                   ,
                   and
                   plain
                   :
                   For
                   certainly
                   the
                   Divine
                   Goodness
                   would
                   not
                   lay
                   our
                   Eternal
                   Interests
                   in
                   Difficulties
                   ,
                   and
                   multitudes
                   ;
                   things
                   hard
                   to
                   be
                   understood
                   ,
                   and
                   retained
                   .
                   
                     The
                     difficult
                     work
                     of
                     Religion
                     is
                     not
                     in
                     the
                     Understanding
                     ,
                     but
                     in
                     the
                     Affections
                     ,
                     and
                     Will.
                  
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   Principles
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   Religion
                   consists
                   ,
                   are
                   the
                   clearly
                   revealed
                   Articles
                   in
                   which
                   we
                   are
                   agreed
                   .
                   For
                   the
                   others
                   about
                   which
                   we
                   differ
                   ,
                   and
                   dispute
                   ,
                   though
                   some
                   of
                   them
                   may
                   be
                   consequences
                   of
                   those
                   ,
                   and
                   good
                   helps
                   to
                   the
                   practice
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   yet
                   I
                   should
                   be
                   loth
                   to
                   make
                   them
                   a
                   necessary
                   and
                   essential
                   part
                   of
                   it
                   :
                   For
                   he
                   that
                   saith
                   they
                   are
                   ,
                   concludes
                   all
                   men
                   under
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   Ruine
                   and
                   Damnation
                   ,
                   who
                   either
                   do
                   not
                   know
                   ,
                   or
                   are
                   not
                   able
                   to
                   receive
                   them
                   :
                   An
                   uncharitableness
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   as
                   bad
                   as
                   Heresie
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   not
                   one
                   it self
                   .
                   The
                   sum
                   is
                   ,
                   Religion
                   lies
                   in
                   few
                   Principles
                   ,
                   I
                   mean
                   as
                   to
                   the
                   Essence
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   
                   and
                   that
                   principally
                   consists
                   in
                   Practice
                   .
                   So
                   the
                   Prophet
                   reckons
                   ,
                   
                     Mic.
                     6.
                     8.
                     
                     He
                     hath
                     shewed
                     thee
                     O
                     man
                     what
                     is
                     good
                     :
                     and
                     what
                     doth
                     the
                     Lord
                     require
                     of
                     thee
                     ,
                     but
                     to
                     do
                     Justice
                     ,
                     and
                     love
                     Mercy
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     walk
                     humbly
                     with
                     thy
                     God
                     ?
                  
                   And
                   St.
                   James
                   gives
                   an
                   Account
                   of
                   Religion
                   like
                   it
                   ,
                   
                     Jam.
                     1.
                     17.
                     
                     True
                     Religion
                     ,
                     and
                     undefiled
                     before
                     God
                     and
                     the
                     Father
                     is
                     this
                     ,
                     to
                     Visit
                     the
                     Widow
                     ,
                     and
                     Fatherless
                     in
                     their
                     Afflictions
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     keep
                     himself
                     unspotted
                     from
                     the
                     World.
                  
                   Religion
                   is
                   an
                   Holy
                   Life
                   ,
                   and
                   Charity
                   is
                   a
                   main
                   branch
                   of
                   that
                   ;
                   But
                   Opinions
                   are
                   no
                   vital
                   part
                   ,
                   nor
                   do
                   they
                   appertain
                   to
                   the
                   substance
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   shall
                   we
                   lose
                   a
                   Limb
                   for
                   an
                   Excrescence
                   ,
                   or
                   an
                   Ornament
                   ;
                   An
                   Essential
                   of
                   Religion
                   for
                   that
                   which
                   is
                   but
                   accessary
                   ,
                   and
                   extrinsick
                   ;
                   Charity
                   ,
                   for
                   an
                   Opinion
                   ?
                   I
                   think
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   reasonable
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   hope
                   you
                   think
                   so
                   likewise
                   .
                   But
                   I
                   offer
                   to
                   your
                   Consideration
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   II.
                   )
                   
                     Charity
                     is
                     certainly
                     our
                     Duty
                     ,
                     but
                     many
                     of
                     the
                     Opinions
                     ,
                     about
                     which
                     we
                     fall
                     out
                     ,
                     are
                     uncertainly
                     true
                  
                   ;
                   viz.
                   as
                   to
                   us
                   .
                   The
                   main
                   ,
                   and
                   Fundamental
                   Points
                   of
                   Faith
                   are
                   indeed
                   as
                   firm
                   as
                   the
                   Centre
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   Opinions
                   of
                   men
                   are
                   as
                   fluctuating
                   as
                   the
                   Waves
                   of
                   the
                   Ocean
                   .
                   The
                   Root
                   ,
                   and
                   body
                   of
                   a
                   Tree
                   is
                   fast
                   ,
                   and
                   unshaken
                   ;
                   while
                   the
                   Leaves
                   are
                   made
                   the
                   sport
                   of
                   every
                   Wind
                   :
                   And
                   Colours
                   sometimes
                   vary
                   with
                   every
                   position
                   of
                   the
                   Object
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Eye
                   ,
                   though
                   the
                   Light
                   of
                   the
                   Sun
                   be
                   an
                   
                   uniform
                   Splendour
                   .
                   The
                   Foundation
                   of
                   God
                   standeth
                   sure
                   ,
                   but
                   men
                   often
                   build
                   upon
                   it
                   what
                   is
                   very
                   Tottering
                   ,
                   and
                   uncertain
                   .
                   The
                   great
                   Truths
                   of
                   Religion
                   are
                   easily
                   discernable
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   smaller
                   ,
                   and
                   remoter
                   ones
                   require
                   more
                   sagacity
                   and
                   acuteness
                   to
                   descry
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   best
                   sight
                   may
                   be
                   deceived
                   about
                   such
                   obscure
                   ,
                   and
                   distant
                   Objects
                   .
                   And
                   methinks
                   't
                   is
                   very
                   strange
                   ,
                   that
                   men
                   should
                   be
                   so
                   excessively
                   confident
                   of
                   the
                   Truth
                   ,
                   and
                   Certainty
                   of
                   their
                   Opinions
                   ,
                   since
                   they
                   cannot
                   but
                   know
                   the
                   Weakness
                   of
                   Humane
                   understanding
                   in
                   general
                   ,
                   and
                   cannot
                   but
                   often
                   have
                   found
                   the
                   Fallibility
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   .
                   The
                   Apostle
                   tells
                   us
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     we
                     know
                     but
                     in
                     part
                     ,
                     1
                     Cor.
                  
                   13.
                   9.
                   and
                   makes
                   Confidence
                   an
                   Argument
                   of
                   Ignorance
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   8.
                   2.
                   
                   If
                   any
                   man
                   think
                   that
                   he
                   knoweth
                   any
                   thing
                   ,
                   he
                   knoweth
                   nothing
                   yet
                   ,
                   as
                   he
                   ought
                   to
                   know
                   .
                   And
                   Solomon
                   reckons
                   it
                   as
                   an
                   argument
                   of
                   Folly
                   ;
                   
                     The
                     Fool
                     rageth
                     ,
                     and
                     is
                     confident
                     :
                  
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   nothing
                   that
                   discovers
                   it
                   more
                   ;
                
                 
                   For
                   let
                   us
                   consider
                   ;
                   The
                   Scripture
                   hath
                   not
                   been
                   so
                   clear
                   ,
                   and
                   express
                   in
                   defining
                   lesser
                   Points
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   words
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   they
                   are
                   thought
                   to
                   be
                   Lodged
                   ,
                   are
                   many
                   times
                   figurative
                   ,
                   and
                   obscure
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   various
                   meaning
                   ,
                   spoken
                   only
                   by
                   the
                   by
                   ,
                   or
                   agreeably
                   to
                   forms
                   of
                   speech
                   ,
                   or
                   customs
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   do
                   not
                   know
                   ;
                   or
                   by
                   way
                   of
                   condescension
                   to
                   common
                   Apprehension
                   :
                   And
                   therefore
                   we
                   see
                   
                   that
                   Interpretations
                   are
                   infinite
                   ,
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   sort
                   of
                   men
                   less
                   agreed
                   ,
                   than
                   Commentators
                   :
                   All
                   Opinions
                   plead
                   Scripture
                   ,
                   and
                   many
                   pretend
                   to
                   reason
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   to
                   Antiquity
                   .
                   The
                   Learned
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Prudent
                   ;
                   Churches
                   ,
                   and
                   Councils
                   ;
                   Confessors
                   ,
                   and
                   Fathers
                   ;
                   the
                   former
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   latter
                   Ages
                   ;
                   the
                   Vertuous
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Devout
                   ;
                   the
                   Credulous
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Inquisitive
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   all
                   differ'd
                   in
                   the
                   lesser
                   matters
                   of
                   Belief
                   :
                   And
                   every
                   man
                   differs
                   from
                   almost
                   every
                   other
                   in
                   some
                   thing
                   ,
                   and
                   every
                   man
                   differs
                   often
                   from
                   himself
                   in
                   many
                   things
                   :
                   Age
                   hath
                   altered
                   our
                   Judgements
                   ,
                   or
                   we
                   are
                   children
                   still
                   :
                   Our
                   Affections
                   change
                   our
                   Thoughts
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Imaginations
                   shift
                   the
                   Scene
                   :
                   and
                   what
                   we
                   call
                   Reason
                   is
                   many
                   times
                   but
                   a
                   chain
                   of
                   Phantasms
                   .
                   And
                   we
                   are
                   guided
                   by
                   prejudices
                   ,
                   and
                   over-ruled
                   by
                   Authority
                   ,
                   and
                   formed
                   by
                   Education
                   ;
                   and
                   suck
                   in
                   our
                   Opinions
                   Carelesly
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   accident
                   :
                   We
                   are
                   deeply
                   setled
                   ,
                   before
                   we
                   have
                   examined
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   we
                   examine
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   but
                   by
                   halves
                   ;
                   we
                   see
                   but
                   few
                   things
                   ,
                   and
                   judge
                   all
                   things
                   by
                   those
                   we
                   see
                   :
                   We
                   either
                   seek
                   not
                   Truth
                   at
                   all
                   ,
                   or
                   are
                   unable
                   to
                   manage
                   a
                   due
                   ,
                   and
                   impartial
                   search
                   ;
                   when
                   we
                   stumble
                   upon
                   it
                   ,
                   we
                   do
                   not
                   know
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   in
                   sight
                   we
                   boggle
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   afraid
                   ,
                   and
                   run
                   away
                   from
                   it
                   ;
                   or
                   stand
                   ,
                   to
                   pelt
                   it
                   with
                   dirt
                   ,
                   and
                   vile
                   Names
                   :
                   In
                   the
                   mean
                   while
                   ,
                   we
                   catch
                   
                   at
                   shadows
                   ,
                   and
                   grow
                   fond
                   of
                   the
                   Images
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   Fansies
                   ,
                   and
                   cry
                   up
                   these
                   for
                   Truth
                   ,
                   and
                   Faith
                   ;
                   and
                   disturb
                   Societies
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Peace
                   of
                   mankind
                   ,
                   to
                   gain
                   credit
                   to
                   our
                   Dreams
                   .
                   Such
                   a
                   thing
                   is
                   man
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   reasons
                   have
                   we
                   to
                   be
                   confident
                   of
                   our
                   Opinions
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   hate
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   of
                   our
                   Perswasion
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   forsake
                   a
                   certain
                   Duty
                   for
                   Doubtful
                   Tenents
                   .
                   These
                   things
                   ,
                   well
                   considered
                   ,
                   might
                   lessen
                   our
                   fondness
                   towards
                   Opinions
                   ,
                   and
                   promote
                   our
                   Charity
                   towards
                   each
                   other
                   ;
                   which
                   will
                   grow
                   by
                   the
                   same
                   degrees
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   the
                   other
                   decreaseth
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   it
                   may
                   ,
                   I
                   add
                   this
                   further
                   to
                   be
                   consider'd
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   (
                   III.
                   )
                   
                     Christian
                     Love
                     is
                     necessary
                     ,
                     but
                     Agreement
                     in
                     Opinions
                     is
                     neither
                     necessary
                     ,
                     nor
                     possible
                     .
                  
                   'T
                   is
                   very
                   true
                   indeed
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   WAY
                   to
                   HEAVEN
                   is
                   but
                   One
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   walk
                   in
                   that
                   ,
                   is
                   the
                   one
                   thing
                   necessary
                   :
                   but
                   then
                   that
                   is
                   not
                   the
                   particular
                   Path
                   of
                   this
                   Sect
                   ,
                   or
                   another
                   :
                   but
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   an
                   Holy
                   Life
                   ;
                   which
                   may
                   be
                   practised
                   under
                   very
                   different
                   Forms
                   of
                   Apprehension
                   ,
                   and
                   Belief
                   .
                   Though
                   the
                   way
                   be
                   not
                   broad
                   in
                   respect
                   of
                   Practice
                   ,
                   or
                   sensual
                   Indulgence
                   ;
                   yet
                   it
                   hath
                   a
                   Latitude
                   in
                   respect
                   of
                   Judgement
                   ,
                   and
                   Circumstantial
                   Opinion
                   .
                   The
                   Paths
                   may
                   be
                   many
                   in
                   this
                   Royal
                   Road
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   absolutely
                   necessary
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   should
                   measure
                   Foot-steps
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   exactly
                   
                   tread
                   the
                   same
                   :
                   He
                   that
                   goes
                   in
                   the
                   plainest
                   ,
                   and
                   nearest
                   ,
                   is
                   in
                   the
                   best
                   condition
                   for
                   Pleasure
                   ,
                   and
                   Safety
                   ;
                   but
                   another
                   that
                   goes
                   about
                   ,
                   or
                   in
                   the
                   rugged
                   and
                   uneven
                   Path
                   ,
                   may
                   come
                   to
                   the
                   same
                   journeys
                   end
                   ,
                   though
                   with
                   more
                   difficulty
                   ,
                   and
                   danger
                   :
                   And
                   I
                   shall
                   not
                   deny
                   to
                   afford
                   him
                   Pardon
                   for
                   the
                   folly
                   of
                   his
                   choice
                   ,
                   lest
                   possibly
                   I
                   should
                   need
                   it
                   my self
                   .
                
                 
                   'T
                   is
                   true
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   commanded
                   to
                   hold
                   the
                   Unity
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   is
                   necessary
                   :
                   but
                   this
                   is
                   in
                   the
                   Essentials
                   of
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   Life
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   all
                   good
                   men
                   are
                   agreed
                   ,
                   notwithstanding
                   that
                   their
                   forward
                   Zeal
                   will
                   not
                   permit
                   them
                   to
                   see
                   it
                   :
                   Unity
                   in
                   the
                   lesser
                   things
                   may
                   be
                   requisite
                   for
                   Peace
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Interests
                   of
                   Societies
                   ;
                   but
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   absolutely
                   so
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   Salvation
                   of
                   mens
                   Souls
                   :
                   Yea
                   different
                   Apprehension
                   about
                   Opinions
                   in
                   Religion
                   might
                   consist
                   well
                   enough
                   with
                   Peace
                   ,
                   and
                   publique
                   safety
                   likewise
                   ,
                   could
                   men
                   be
                   perswaded
                   to
                   be
                   modest
                   ,
                   to
                   keep
                   their
                   Apprehensions
                   to
                   themselves
                   ,
                   or
                   not
                   to
                   fansie
                   their
                   Conceits
                   necessary
                   for
                   all
                   the
                   rest
                   of
                   mankind
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   vex
                   their
                   Neighbours
                   ,
                   provoke
                   their
                   Rulers
                   ,
                   and
                   dissettle
                   Government
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   Propagation
                   of
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   'T
                   is
                   a
                   frequent
                   Wish
                   with
                   some
                   ,
                   
                     That
                     all
                     men
                     were
                     once
                     of
                     one
                     mind
                     :
                  
                   but
                   then
                   it
                   must
                   be
                   theirs
                   ,
                   no
                   doubt
                   ;
                   for
                   they
                   would
                   not
                   judge
                   it
                   reasonable
                   
                   upon
                   other
                   terms
                   :
                   They
                   may
                   as
                   well
                   wish
                   that
                   we
                   were
                   all
                   of
                   one
                   Age
                   ,
                   Complexion
                   ,
                   Humour
                   ,
                   and
                   Degree
                   of
                   Understanding
                   :
                   In
                   these
                   we
                   see
                   Providence
                   hath
                   order'd
                   a
                   great
                   diversity
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   this
                   there
                   is
                   both
                   Beauty
                   and
                   Convenience
                   :
                   Perhaps
                   variety
                   of
                   Opinions
                   may
                   be
                   contrived
                   into
                   us
                   for
                   the
                   same
                   reasons
                   ;
                   and
                   much
                   of
                   the
                   pleasure
                   of
                   Conversation
                   ,
                   and
                   inquiry
                   would
                   be
                   lost
                   ,
                   if
                   there
                   were
                   an
                   universal
                   Harmony
                   in
                   our
                   Conceptions
                   :
                   But
                   however
                   this
                   is
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   enough
                   ,
                   that
                   such
                   an
                   agreement
                   is
                   not
                   necessary
                   ;
                   Yea
                   ,
                   I
                   take
                   the
                   other
                   Step
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   impossible
                   ,
                
                 
                   Our
                   Tempers
                   ,
                   Capacities
                   ,
                   Educations
                   ,
                   Genius's
                   ,
                   Converses
                   ,
                   Interests
                   ,
                   and
                   Accidents
                   are
                   strangely
                   divers
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   our
                   Apprehensions
                   must
                   needs
                   be
                   different
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   scarce
                   any
                   exact
                   likeness
                   in
                   Nature
                   :
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   variety
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   ariseth
                   from
                   the
                   various
                   mixture
                   of
                   a
                   few
                   Elements
                   :
                   How
                   great
                   a
                   diversity
                   then
                   must
                   needs
                   proceed
                   from
                   the
                   different
                   Combination
                   of
                   so
                   many
                   things
                   as
                   influence
                   our
                   Belief
                   ,
                   and
                   Judgements
                   ?
                   Since
                   the
                   World
                   began
                   to
                   this
                   day
                   ,
                   men
                   have
                   been
                   of
                   different
                   Opinions
                   ;
                   and
                   ,
                   no
                   doubt
                   ,
                   they
                   will
                   be
                   so
                   to
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   it
                   :
                   For
                   circumstances
                   consider'd
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   morally
                   impossible
                   it
                   should
                   be
                   otherwise
                   .
                
                 
                   Seeing
                   then
                   that
                   Charity
                   is
                   necessary
                   ,
                   and
                   agreement
                   in
                   Opinions
                   is
                   neither
                   necessary
                   ,
                   nor
                   
                   possible
                   ;
                   we
                   ought
                   to
                   comply
                   with
                   our
                   main
                   Duty
                   ,
                   notwithstanding
                   any
                   lesser
                   difference
                   .
                   If
                   this
                   were
                   consider'd
                   ,
                   there
                   might
                   be
                   some
                   Hope
                   of
                   reconciling
                   ;
                   and
                   Contenders
                   would
                   see
                   ,
                   that
                   though
                   they
                   differ
                   ,
                   yet
                   they
                   need
                   not
                   ,
                   they
                   ought
                   not
                   to
                   divide
                   ;
                   but
                   Unity
                   of
                   Affection
                   might
                   be
                   preserved
                   amid
                   diversity
                   of
                   Opinions
                   :
                   For
                   which
                   happy
                   Christian
                   temper
                   men
                   would
                   see
                   more
                   reason
                   ,
                   if
                   they
                   would
                   Consider
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   IV.
                   )
                   That
                   
                     Errours
                     ,
                     of
                     themselves
                     ,
                     are
                     Infirmities
                     of
                     the
                     Understanding
                     ,
                     and
                     not
                     Enormities
                     of
                     the
                     Will
                     :
                  
                   For
                   no
                   man
                   is
                   willing
                   to
                   be
                   deceived
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   they
                   ought
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   Objects
                   of
                   our
                   hatred
                   ,
                   but
                   our
                   pity
                   .
                   We
                   hate
                   no
                   man
                   for
                   being
                   Poor
                   ,
                   or
                   Blind
                   ,
                   or
                   Lame
                   :
                   and
                   Errour
                   is
                   the
                   Poverty
                   ,
                   and
                   Blindness
                   ,
                   and
                   Lameness
                   of
                   the
                   mind
                   .
                   We
                   all
                   are
                   Pilgrims
                   in
                   our
                   Way
                   to
                   the
                   Jerusalem
                   that
                   is
                   above
                   :
                   If
                   some
                   will
                   go
                   in
                   this
                   Path
                   ,
                   some
                   in
                   the
                   other
                   ,
                   these
                   in
                   a
                   Circuit
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   amongst
                   the
                   Rocks
                   ;
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   sure
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   because
                   they
                   know
                   not
                   the
                   danger
                   ,
                   and
                   Inconveniences
                   ,
                   which
                   they
                   Choose
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   ought
                   to
                   perswade
                   them
                   ,
                   all
                   we
                   can
                   ,
                   not
                   to
                   divert
                   into
                   those
                   Ways
                   :
                   But
                   if
                   they
                   will
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   Supposition
                   ,
                   and
                   Belief
                   of
                   their
                   being
                   best
                   ;
                   we
                   may
                   lament
                   their
                   unhappy
                   mistake
                   ,
                   but
                   must
                   not
                   beat
                   them
                   ,
                   or
                   throw
                   Stones
                   at
                   them
                   for
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   Errour
                   is
                   founded
                   in
                   Ignorance
                   ;
                   even
                   that
                   gross
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   Sadducees
                   about
                   the
                   Resurrection
                   is
                   imputed
                   to
                   their
                   
                     not
                     knowing
                  
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   nor
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   Mat.
                   22.
                   29.
                   and
                   both
                   Reason
                   ,
                   and
                   Charity
                   requires
                   us
                   to
                   pity
                   Ignorance
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   pardon
                   it
                   .
                   Our
                   Saviour
                   makes
                   it
                   the
                   motive
                   of
                   his
                   Prayer
                   for
                   the
                   forgiveness
                   of
                   the
                   Jews
                   that
                   Murdered
                   him
                   ,
                   
                     Luke
                     23.
                     34.
                     
                     Father
                     forgive
                     them
                     ,
                     for
                     they
                     know
                     not
                     what
                     they
                     do
                     .
                  
                   'T
                   is
                   very
                   true
                   ,
                   that
                   Errour
                   many
                   times
                   is
                   occasioned
                   by
                   a
                   corrupt
                   Bias
                   in
                   the
                   Will
                   ,
                   and
                   Affections
                   ;
                   But
                   then
                   if
                   our
                   erring
                   Brother
                   be
                   sincere
                   in
                   other
                   matters
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   to
                   conclude
                   that
                   his
                   Understanding
                   is
                   this
                   way
                   corrupted
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   can
                   scarce
                   be
                   certain
                   of
                   it
                   in
                   any
                   case
                   :
                   Or
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   ,
                   (
                   if
                   he
                   believes
                   himself
                   )
                   he
                   doth
                   not
                   know
                   that
                   his
                   Interest
                   or
                   Inclination
                   are
                   the
                   things
                   ,
                   which
                   prevail
                   with
                   his
                   Judgement
                   :
                   and
                   so
                   Ignorance
                   is
                   at
                   the
                   bottom
                   still
                   :
                   For
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   Contradiction
                   that
                   any
                   man
                   should
                   believe
                   that
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   doth
                   not
                   think
                   is
                   true
                   ,
                   though
                   he
                   have
                   never
                   so
                   much
                   Appetite
                   ,
                   or
                   Interest
                   to
                   incline
                   him
                   :
                   And
                   if
                   these
                   oblige
                   a
                   man
                   to
                   profess
                   against
                   the
                   Dictates
                   of
                   his
                   mind
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   suspend
                   the
                   exercise
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   (
                   as
                   oftentimes
                   they
                   do
                   )
                   such
                   men
                   are
                   to
                   be
                   reckon'd
                   under
                   the
                   Character
                   of
                   Vitious
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   barely
                   erroneous
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   are
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   counted
                   among
                   meer
                   Dissenters
                   in
                   Opinion
                   ,
                   concerning
                   whom
                   I
                   am
                   now
                   discoursing
                   .
                   
                   And
                   that
                   you
                   may
                   not
                   rashly
                   judge
                   that
                   your
                   Brother
                   speaks
                   against
                   his
                   Conscience
                   ,
                   because
                   he
                   professeth
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   things
                   that
                   to
                   us
                   seem
                   very
                   wild
                   and
                   absurd
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   hate
                   him
                   as
                   a
                   time-server
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   Hypocrite
                   ;
                   when
                   heis
                   but
                   an
                   innocently
                   mistaken
                   person
                   ;
                   I
                   add
                   this
                   other
                   Consideration
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   (
                   V.
                   )
                   
                     That
                     we
                     ought
                     to
                     make
                     allowance
                     for
                     Education
                     ,
                     Authority
                     ,
                     and
                     fair
                     pretences
                  
                   ;
                   which
                   have
                   a
                   mighty
                   power
                   ,
                   even
                   over
                   honest
                   minds
                   ,
                   and
                   do
                   often
                   unavoidably
                   lead
                   them
                   into
                   Errour
                   .
                   For
                   let
                   us
                   consider
                   ,
                   how
                   easily
                   we
                   receive
                   the
                   first
                   impressions
                   ,
                   and
                   how
                   deeply
                   they
                   sink
                   into
                   our
                   souls
                   :
                   Childhood
                   refuseth
                   no
                   folly
                   ,
                   examines
                   no
                   absurdity
                   ;
                   Education
                   makes
                   it
                   any
                   thing
                   ;
                   The
                   first
                   is
                   entertained
                   as
                   best
                   ,
                   and
                   what-ever
                   offers
                   after
                   ,
                   is
                   execrated
                   and
                   despised
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   not
                   like
                   it
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   all
                   Man-kind
                   in
                   their
                   tender
                   age
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   far
                   greatest
                   part
                   carry
                   the
                   apprehensions
                   to
                   their
                   graves
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   sucked
                   in
                   infancy
                   ;
                   And
                   hence
                   it
                   comes
                   about
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   nothing
                   more
                   impossible
                   ,
                   or
                   ridiculous
                   ,
                   even
                   in
                   dreams
                   ,
                   and
                   distracted
                   imaginations
                   ,
                   than
                   the
                   things
                   which
                   have
                   been
                   entertain'd
                   by
                   great
                   numbers
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   as
                   Sacred
                   :
                   There
                   are
                   no
                   conceits
                   in
                   Bedlam
                   more
                   wild
                   and
                   extravagant
                   ,
                   than
                   many
                   about
                   Religion
                   ,
                   which
                   have
                   been
                   believ'd
                   firmly
                   ,
                   and
                   zealously
                   promoted
                   ,
                   and
                   fiercely
                   contended
                   for
                   ,
                   
                   even
                   to
                   Blood
                   and
                   Desolation
                   ,
                   by
                   mighty
                   Nations
                   ,
                   and
                   whole
                   Empires
                   ;
                   by
                   Princes
                   and
                   People
                   ;
                   by
                   Great
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   Learned
                   ;
                   by
                   Devout
                   ,
                   and
                   Prudent
                   ,
                   in
                   long
                   Successions
                   from
                   Father
                   to
                   Son
                   ,
                   many
                   Ages
                   together
                   .
                   And
                   all
                   these
                   follies
                   have
                   been
                   first
                   imposed
                   by
                   Education
                   ,
                   and
                   confirmed
                   by
                   Authority
                   ,
                   and
                   Custom
                   ;
                   The
                   power
                   of
                   which
                   is
                   very
                   great
                   ,
                   and
                   very
                   few
                   have
                   strength
                   enough
                   in
                   their
                   Understandings
                   to
                   overcome
                   it
                   :
                   And
                   in
                   matters
                   of
                   Religion
                   they
                   are
                   afraid
                   to
                   use
                   their
                   Reasons
                   against
                   those
                   Follies
                   which
                   are
                   taught
                   to
                   be
                   Divine
                   Dictates
                   ,
                   above
                   all
                   humane
                   Intellect
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   tryed
                   or
                   examined
                   by
                   it
                   .
                   Upon
                   which
                   accounts
                   it
                   hath
                   been
                   ,
                   that
                   Man-kind
                   hath
                   been
                   more
                   extravagantly
                   mad
                   in
                   many
                   Tenents
                   about
                   Religion
                   ,
                   than
                   in
                   any
                   thing
                   else
                   whatsoever
                   :
                   For
                   in
                   other
                   things
                   the
                   use
                   of
                   Reason
                   is
                   permitted
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   Religion
                   it
                   hath
                   been
                   almost
                   Universally
                   denyed
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   then
                   ,
                   the
                   far
                   greatest
                   part
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   are
                   slaves
                   to
                   the
                   Principles
                   in
                   which
                   they
                   were
                   bred
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   constitution
                   ,
                   infirmity
                   ,
                   and
                   circumstances
                   are
                   such
                   ,
                   that
                   very
                   few
                   can
                   help
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   errour
                   in
                   the
                   most
                   is
                   in
                   a
                   manner
                   unavoidable
                   ,
                   at
                   least
                   in
                   the
                   weaker
                   sort
                   ,
                   and
                   Herd
                   of
                   men
                   :
                   For
                   they
                   have
                   no
                   doubts
                   ,
                   about
                   what
                   they
                   have
                   been
                   always
                   Taught
                   ;
                   and
                   have
                   little
                   or
                   no
                   capacity
                   ,
                   inclination
                   ,
                   or
                   opportunity
                   ,
                   to
                   Examine
                   :
                   So
                   
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   morally
                   impossible
                   for
                   them
                   to
                   free
                   themselves
                   from
                   the
                   prejudices
                   they
                   lie
                   under
                   ;
                   And
                   consequently
                   we
                   ought
                   not
                   to
                   judge
                   them
                   Insincere
                   ,
                   because
                   they
                   profess
                   things
                   incredible
                   ,
                   and
                   ridiculous
                   ;
                   or
                   hate
                   them
                   for
                   believing
                   them
                   ,
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   so
                   difficult
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   almost
                   impossible
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   should
                   do
                   otherwise
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   yet
                   we
                   are
                   further
                   to
                   consider
                   ,
                   how
                   much
                   those
                   that
                   differ
                   from
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   err
                   in
                   the
                   things
                   in
                   which
                   they
                   differ
                   ,
                   are
                   to
                   be
                   allowed
                   upon
                   the
                   account
                   of
                   the
                   Authority
                   ,
                   and
                   Example
                   of
                   many
                   learned
                   ,
                   wise
                   ,
                   pious
                   ,
                   and
                   devout
                   Men
                   that
                   instruct
                   ,
                   and
                   incourage
                   them
                   in
                   their
                   way
                   ;
                   and
                   deeply
                   threaten
                   any
                   diversion
                   from
                   it
                   :
                   This
                   is
                   a
                   mighty
                   prejudice
                   ,
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   on
                   the
                   side
                   of
                   Errour
                   ,
                   and
                   ,
                   no
                   doubt
                   ,
                   many
                   honest
                   minds
                   are
                   carried
                   away
                   by
                   it
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   naturally
                   apt
                   to
                   follow
                   others
                   ,
                   especially
                   those
                   that
                   we
                   esteem
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   reasonable
                   to
                   do
                   so
                   in
                   things
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   so
                   well
                   able
                   to
                   judge
                   of
                   our selves
                   ;
                   and
                   modest
                   to
                   permit
                   our
                   judgements
                   to
                   be
                   inclin'd
                   by
                   the
                   sense
                   of
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   wiser
                   ,
                   and
                   better
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   He
                   may
                   be
                   a
                   good
                   man
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   lover
                   of
                   Truth
                   ,
                   that
                   yet
                   is
                   much
                   Mistaken
                   in
                   his
                   Opinion
                   ;
                   which
                   ,
                   in
                   such
                   a
                   case
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   is
                   his
                   Unhappiness
                   ,
                   not
                   his
                   Fault
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   I
                   may
                   add
                   the
                   other
                   thing
                   mention'd
                   ,
                   viz.
                   that
                   we
                   ought
                   to
                   allow
                   our
                   erring
                   brother
                   for
                   the
                   fair
                   ,
                   and
                   specious
                   pretences
                   which
                   many
                   
                   errours
                   plead
                   for
                   themselves
                   ;
                   as
                   Antiquity
                   ,
                   Piety
                   ,
                   Consent
                   of
                   Churches
                   ,
                   Reverend
                   Names
                   ,
                   Spirituality
                   ,
                   Gods
                   Glory
                   ,
                   Gospel-light
                   ,
                   and
                   Liberty
                   ,
                   and
                   many
                   other
                   such
                   ,
                   which
                   sound
                   well
                   ,
                   and
                   sway
                   much
                   with
                   many
                   very
                   pious
                   people
                   who
                   are
                   taken
                   with
                   the
                   pretence
                   ,
                   but
                   are
                   not
                   able
                   to
                   discern
                   the
                   fallacy
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   swallow
                   the
                   errour
                   for
                   the
                   sake
                   of
                   those
                   fine
                   Names
                   ,
                   wherewith
                   it
                   is
                   gilded
                   :
                   In
                   which
                   case
                   also
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   Infirmity
                   ,
                   and
                   Misfortune
                   ,
                   that
                   require
                   our
                   Pity
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Charity
                   ;
                   but
                   nothing
                   that
                   can
                   justifie
                   our
                   Rage
                   or
                   Hatred
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   why
                   should
                   we
                   not
                   Love
                   him
                   for
                   the
                   Zeal
                   and
                   Respect
                   he
                   hath
                   to
                   those
                   good
                   things
                   ,
                   the
                   shadows
                   of
                   which
                   have
                   deceived
                   him
                   ,
                   rather
                   than
                   Hate
                   him
                   for
                   his
                   weakness
                   in
                   Mistaking
                   ?
                   And
                   for
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   so
                   Rigid
                   to
                   the
                   Infirmities
                   of
                   Mistaken
                   Judgements
                   ,
                   I
                   wish
                   they
                   would
                   Consider
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   VI.
                   )
                   That
                   
                     in
                     many
                     things
                     they
                     may
                     err
                     themselves
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   shall
                   have
                   need
                   of
                   the
                   Charity
                   of
                   others
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   none
                   of
                   us
                   ,
                   I
                   hope
                   ,
                   so
                   immodest
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   say
                   ,
                   or
                   think
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   mistaken
                   in
                   nothing
                   :
                   If
                   any
                   do
                   ,
                   that
                   person
                   errs
                   more
                   ,
                   than
                   most
                   of
                   those
                   whose
                   Errours
                   he
                   censures
                   :
                   And
                   if
                   he
                   acknowledgeth
                   that
                   he
                   errs
                   in
                   some
                   things
                   ,
                   though
                   he
                   knows
                   not
                   the
                   particulars
                   :
                   he
                   is
                   himself
                   concerned
                   in
                   the
                   plea
                   for
                   Charity
                   towards
                   the
                   erroneous
                   .
                   If
                   we
                   were
                   infallible
                   ,
                   and
                   
                   all
                   our
                   Opinions
                   were
                   Certainties
                   ,
                   and
                   Demonstrations
                   ,
                   we
                   might
                   then
                   have
                   more
                   pretence
                   for
                   our
                   Stifness
                   ,
                   and
                   Severities
                   ;
                   But
                   to
                   confess
                   the
                   Infirmities
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   understandings
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   give
                   no
                   candid
                   allowances
                   to
                   other
                   mens
                   failings
                   ,
                   this
                   is
                   utterly
                   inexcusable
                   ,
                   and
                   contrary
                   to
                   our
                   own
                   interests
                   :
                   For
                   in
                   this
                   rigorous
                   way
                   ,
                   every
                   man
                   condemns
                   himself
                   ,
                   and
                   puts
                   a
                   weapon
                   into
                   every
                   other
                   mans
                   hand
                   to
                   destroy
                   him
                   .
                   Let
                   him
                   that
                   is
                   without
                   Errour
                   ,
                   throw
                   the
                   first
                   Stone
                   at
                   the
                   Erroneous
                   ;
                   but
                   if
                   he
                   begins
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   obnoxious
                   himself
                   ,
                   what
                   favour
                   can
                   he
                   expect
                   ?
                   The
                   same
                   reason
                   he
                   hath
                   to
                   Assault
                   those
                   before
                   him
                   ,
                   all
                   the
                   rest
                   have
                   to
                   Pelt
                   him
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   to
                   hate
                   ,
                   and
                   reproach
                   our
                   Brother
                   for
                   his
                   supposed
                   Errours
                   ,
                   is
                   ,
                   besides
                   the
                   other
                   evil
                   things
                   ,
                   very
                   unwise
                   ,
                   and
                   unpolitick
                   ,
                   and
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   principles
                   of
                   Safety
                   ,
                   and
                   Self-love
                   .
                   If
                   this
                   were
                   well
                   consider'd
                   ,
                   Interest
                   might
                   perhaps
                   effect
                   that
                   in
                   some
                   ,
                   which
                   sense
                   of
                   Duty
                   cannot
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   in
                   all
                   this
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   no
                   intention
                   to
                   make
                   Apologies
                   for
                   Errour
                   ,
                   but
                   to
                   lay
                   sure
                   grounds
                   for
                   Universal
                   Love
                   ;
                   and
                   what
                   I
                   have
                   said
                   ,
                   is
                   not
                   for
                   the
                   Interest
                   of
                   any
                   particular
                   Sect
                   ,
                   but
                   it
                   is
                   the
                   joynt
                   concern
                   of
                   all
                   parties
                   in
                   Religion
                   ;
                   since
                   they
                   all
                   equally
                   need
                   each
                   others
                   Charity
                   .
                   If
                   any
                   man
                   be
                   Angry
                   ,
                   and
                   think
                   I
                   would
                   have
                   him
                   be
                   too
                   kind
                   to
                   the
                   Erroneous
                   ;
                   he
                   will
                   ,
                   I
                   hope
                   ,
                   be
                   
                   pacified
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   considers
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   also
                   design
                   to
                   make
                   them
                   kind
                   to
                   him
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   kindness
                   I
                   plead
                   for
                   ,
                   respects
                   mens
                   Persons
                   ,
                   and
                   Vertuous
                   Qualities
                   ,
                   and
                   my
                   Charity
                   is
                   to
                   the
                   Infirmities
                   of
                   their
                   Understandings
                   :
                   but
                   for
                   the
                   fondness
                   ,
                   and
                   bitter
                   Zeal
                   ;
                   the
                   pride
                   ,
                   and
                   narrowness
                   ;
                   the
                   malice
                   ,
                   scorn
                   ,
                   and
                   separation
                   ,
                   that
                   useth
                   to
                   go
                   with
                   the
                   opinions
                   of
                   Sects
                   ;
                   these
                   I
                   confess
                   are
                   very
                   odious
                   ,
                   and
                   detestable
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   very
                   hard
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   warmed
                   to
                   Indignation
                   by
                   them
                   :
                   These
                   are
                   Vices
                   ,
                   and
                   Immoralities
                   ;
                   and
                   a
                   True
                   Catholick
                   ,
                   that
                   loves
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   Neighbour
                   heartily
                   ,
                   may
                   ,
                   and
                   ought
                   ,
                   to
                   manifest
                   his
                   resentments
                   against
                   them
                   ,
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   the
                   discountenancing
                   and
                   curing
                   such
                   hateful
                   and
                   deadly
                   evils
                   .
                   Thus
                   of
                   my
                   Considerations
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   Propose
                   the
                   CAUTIONS
                   under
                   the
                   following
                   Heads
                   ;
                
                 
                   (
                   I.
                   )
                   
                     Beware
                     of
                     inordinate
                     Admiration
                     ,
                     and
                     Love
                     of
                     any
                     Sect
                     :
                  
                   When
                   we
                   passionately
                   Admire
                   a
                   Party
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   apt
                   to
                   Despise
                   them
                   that
                   differ
                   from
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   confine
                   the
                   Church
                   to
                   those
                   of
                   that
                   particular
                   way
                   :
                   Hence
                   it
                   is
                   that
                   fond
                   Opinators
                   invest
                   their
                   beloved
                   Congregation
                   ,
                   with
                   all
                   the
                   glorious
                   Priviledges
                   ,
                   and
                   Titles
                   ,
                   making
                   Angels
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   men
                   ;
                   whenas
                   for
                   others
                   ,
                   they
                   lookdown
                   upon
                   them
                   ,
                   as
                   heretical
                   ,
                   or
                   carnal
                   ,
                   as
                   formal
                   people
                   ,
                   
                   or
                   meerly
                   moral
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   strangers
                   to
                   Gods
                   Grace
                   ,
                   and
                   Covenant
                   ,
                   and
                   ignorant
                   of
                   the
                   mysteries
                   of
                   Faith
                   and
                   Religion
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   defile
                   themselves
                   with
                   their
                   Conversation
                   ,
                   nor
                   come
                   into
                   their
                   Assemblies
                   .
                   They
                   look
                   upon
                   the
                   rest
                   of
                   Christians
                   with
                   an
                   eye
                   of
                   pride
                   ,
                   and
                   scorn
                   ;
                   and
                   affectedly
                   thank
                   God
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   like
                   these
                   Publicans
                   ,
                   these
                   men
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   :
                   They
                   hug
                   themselves
                   in
                   the
                   dear
                   opinion
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   Light
                   ;
                   and
                   conclude
                   all
                   others
                   to
                   be
                   in
                   Darkness
                   .
                   They
                   heap
                   up
                   Teachers
                   to
                   themselves
                   ,
                   2
                   Tim.
                   4.
                   3.
                   and
                   doat
                   upon
                   their
                   own
                   Apostles
                   ;
                   I
                   am
                   for
                   Paul
                   ,
                   or
                   I
                   am
                   for
                   Apollos
                   ,
                   or
                   I
                   am
                   for
                   Cephas
                   :
                   This
                   is
                   a
                   pretious
                   man
                   ,
                   or
                   that
                   is
                   a
                   Gospel-Preacher
                   ;
                   such
                   a
                   one
                   is
                   very
                   Powerful
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   a
                   one
                   is
                   very
                   Sweet
                   ,
                   and
                   Spiritual
                   ;
                   and
                   O
                   how
                   Beautiful
                   are
                   the
                   Feet
                   of
                   those
                   Messengers
                   of
                   good
                   tydings
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   while
                   they
                   assure
                   them
                   by
                   the
                   Marks
                   of
                   their
                   Sect
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   Gods
                   Peculiar
                   ,
                   and
                   Chosen
                   People
                   !
                
                 
                   Which
                   Fondness
                   were
                   not
                   so
                   Mischievous
                   ,
                   if
                   at
                   the
                   same
                   time
                   all
                   others
                   were
                   not
                   counted
                   Reprobates
                   and
                   Cast-aways
                   ;
                   But
                   this
                   follows
                   ,
                   and
                   many
                   other
                   fatal
                   evils
                   :
                   endless
                   Enmities
                   are
                   begun
                   ,
                   and
                   Charity
                   is
                   destroyed
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   foundation
                   is
                   laid
                   for
                   Cruelty
                   ,
                   and
                   Persecution
                   :
                   and
                   Gods
                   goodness
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   to
                   his
                   whole
                   Church
                   ,
                   is
                   wronged
                   by
                   being
                   narrowed
                   ,
                   and
                   Christs
                   Blood
                   
                   is
                   undervalued
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   greatest
                   part
                   of
                   his
                   Purchase
                   is
                   by
                   these
                   men
                   given
                   to
                   the
                   Devil
                   ,
                   and
                   Christianity
                   is
                   undermined
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Peace
                   of
                   Mankind
                   is
                   overthrown
                   :
                   All
                   this
                   we
                   have
                   sadly
                   seen
                   ;
                   and
                   I
                   have
                   said
                   nothing
                   here
                   out
                   of
                   any
                   Animosity
                   ,
                   or
                   Bitterness
                   ;
                   nor
                   have
                   I
                   any
                   design
                   to
                   render
                   any
                   good
                   man
                   ,
                   or
                   number
                   of
                   men
                   Odious
                   ,
                   or
                   Contemptible
                   ;
                   but
                   to
                   represent
                   the
                   Vanity
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Mischief
                   of
                   this
                   fond
                   spirit
                   ,
                   of
                   admiring
                   Parties
                   ;
                   which
                   hath
                   been
                   very
                   fatal
                   to
                   Charity
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   the
                   whole
                   body
                   of
                   Religion
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   we
                   shall
                   understand
                   more
                   of
                   the
                   evil
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   consider
                   St.
                   
                   Jude's
                   description
                   of
                   the
                   Sectaries
                   of
                   his
                   time
                   ,
                   who
                   looked
                   upon
                   themselves
                   as
                   the
                   only
                   illuminated
                   people
                   ,
                   and
                   despised
                   all
                   other
                   Christians
                   :
                   These
                   the
                   Apostle
                   describes
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   by
                   the
                   groundlesness
                   ,
                   and
                   vanity
                   of
                   their
                   conceits
                   ;
                   They
                   were
                   
                     Dreamers
                     ,
                     ver
                  
                   .
                   8.
                   
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   by
                   their
                   insolence
                   against
                   Government
                   ;
                   They
                   Despised
                   Dominion
                   ,
                   and
                   spake
                   Evil
                   of
                   Dignities
                   ;
                   in
                   the
                   same
                   Verse
                   :
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   by
                   their
                   
                     ignorant
                     malice
                  
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   10.
                   
                   They
                   spoke
                   
                     evil
                     of
                     things
                     they
                     knew
                     not
                  
                   ;
                   (
                   4.
                   )
                   by
                   their
                   Cruelty
                   and
                   Unmercifulness
                   to
                   their
                   Brethren
                   ;
                   They
                   have
                   gone
                   in
                   the
                   
                     way
                     of
                     Cain
                  
                   ;
                   (
                   5.
                   )
                   by
                   their
                   Murmuring
                   ,
                   and
                   Projecting
                   against
                   their
                   Rulers
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   11.
                   
                   And
                   perished
                   in
                   the
                   
                     gain
                     saying
                     of
                     Core
                  
                   ;
                   (
                   6.
                   )
                   By
                   the
                   speciousness
                   of
                   their
                   shews
                   ,
                   and
                   appearances
                   ;
                   They
                   were
                   Clouds
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   12.
                   
                   (
                   7.
                   )
                   By
                   their
                   
                   emptiness
                   ,
                   and
                   want
                   of
                   real
                   vertue
                   ,
                   notwithstanding
                   their
                   pretences
                   ;
                   They
                   were
                   
                     Clouds
                     without
                     water
                  
                   :
                   (
                   8.
                   )
                   By
                   their
                   unconstancy
                   ,
                   and
                   unsetledness
                   ;
                   They
                   were
                   
                     carried
                     about
                     of
                     winds
                  
                   :
                   (
                   9.
                   )
                   By
                   their
                   violence
                   and
                   fury
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   13.
                   
                   
                     Raging
                     waves
                     of
                     the
                     Sea
                  
                   :
                   (
                   10.
                   )
                   By
                   their
                   eminency
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     pretended
                     Light
                  
                   ;
                   They
                   were
                   Stars
                   :
                   (
                   11.
                   )
                   By
                   the
                   irregularity
                   of
                   their
                   motions
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   running
                   up
                   and
                   down
                   ;
                   they
                   were
                   
                     Wandring
                     Stars
                  
                   :
                   (
                   12.
                   )
                   By
                   their
                   discontentedness
                   ;
                   They
                   were
                   
                     Murmurers
                     ,
                     Complainers
                  
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   16.
                   
                   (
                   13.
                   )
                   by
                   their
                   Stubbornness
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   wills
                   ,
                   
                     Walking
                     after
                     their
                     own
                     Lusts
                  
                   :
                   (
                   14.
                   )
                   By
                   their
                   
                     Proud
                     expressions
                  
                   concerning
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   Party
                   ;
                   by
                   their
                   Canting
                   ,
                   and
                   Mysteriousness
                   of
                   their
                   Phrases
                   ;
                   
                     Their
                     Mouth
                     speaketh
                     great
                     swelling
                     Words
                     :
                  
                   (
                   15.
                   )
                   By
                   their
                   
                     fond
                     Admiration
                  
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   People
                   ,
                   
                     Having
                     mens
                     Persons
                     in
                     Admiration
                  
                   :
                   (
                   16.
                   )
                   By
                   their
                   
                     Proud
                     Scorn
                  
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   called
                   Mockers
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   18.
                   
                   (
                   17.
                   )
                   By
                   their
                   Separation
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   19.
                   
                   
                     These
                     be
                     they
                     who
                     Separate
                     themselves
                     :
                  
                   (
                   18.
                   )
                   By
                   their
                   real
                   Sensuality
                   ,
                   and
                   self-pleasing
                   ,
                   under
                   great
                   Boasts
                   ,
                   and
                   pretensions
                   to
                   the
                   
                     Spirit
                     ;
                     sensual
                  
                   ,
                   having
                   not
                   the
                   Spirit
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   Apostles
                   description
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   Separatists
                   ,
                   the
                   Gnosticks
                   ,
                   who
                   admired
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   withdrew
                   from
                   the
                   Communion
                   of
                   other
                   Christians
                   ,
                   under
                   pretence
                   of
                   greater
                   Holiness
                   :
                   And
                   I
                   could
                   wish
                   they
                   had
                   had
                   no
                   Successors
                   among
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   
                   they
                   will
                   have
                   the
                   fewer
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   learn
                   to
                   avoid
                   the
                   undue
                   Admiration
                   of
                   any
                   particular
                   Sect.
                   
                
                 
                   My
                   next
                   Caution
                   is
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   II.
                   )
                   
                     That
                     you
                     avoid
                     eager
                     ,
                     and
                     passionate
                     Disputes
                  
                   ;
                   in
                   these
                   ,
                   Charity
                   is
                   always
                   lost
                   ,
                   and
                   Truth
                   seldom
                   ,
                   or
                   never
                   found
                   :
                   When
                   the
                   Passion
                   is
                   raised
                   ,
                   the
                   Judgement
                   is
                   gone
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   seeing
                   to
                   the
                   bottom
                   in
                   disturbed
                   ,
                   and
                   muddied
                   waters
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   the
                   calm
                   ,
                   and
                   quiet
                   considerer
                   that
                   finds
                   Truth
                   ,
                   while
                   the
                   hot
                   ,
                   and
                   confident
                   disputer
                   loseth
                   both
                   himself
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   ;
                   when
                   his
                   passion
                   is
                   once
                   kindled
                   ,
                   he
                   cannot
                   speak
                   any
                   thing
                   pertinently
                   himself
                   ,
                   nor
                   understand
                   what
                   is
                   spoken
                   to
                   purpose
                   ,
                   by
                   another
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   can
                   neither
                   convince
                   ,
                   nor
                   be
                   convinced
                   .
                   If
                   thou
                   differ
                   with
                   thy
                   brother
                   then
                   ,
                   do
                   not
                   ruffle
                   with
                   him
                   in
                   vehement
                   disputes
                   ,
                   but
                   remember
                   the
                   Apologue
                   :
                   The
                   Sun
                   and
                   Wind
                   contended
                   for
                   the
                   Travellers
                   Cloak
                   ;
                   the
                   Wind
                   bluster'd
                   about
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   endeavoured
                   to
                   prevail
                   by
                   violence
                   ;
                   but
                   with
                   this
                   bad
                   success
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   man
                   held
                   his
                   Garment
                   the
                   faster
                   for
                   it
                   :
                   At
                   length
                   ,
                   the
                   Sun
                   shines
                   forth
                   with
                   a
                   calm
                   and
                   insinuating
                   beam
                   ,
                   which
                   warmed
                   him
                   gently
                   ,
                   and
                   caus'd
                   him
                   at
                   last
                   to
                   throw
                   his
                   Cloak
                   from
                   him
                   .
                   If
                   thou
                   art
                   desirous
                   to
                   prevail
                   with
                   thy
                   friend
                   to
                   lay
                   down
                   his
                   Opinion
                   ,
                   assault
                   him
                   not
                   by
                   the
                   fierceness
                   of
                   disputes
                   ;
                   For
                   such
                   attempts
                   will
                   but
                   raise
                   his
                   passion
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   will
                   make
                   him
                   
                   stick
                   the
                   closer
                   to
                   his
                   Errour
                   ;
                   but
                   shine
                   upon
                   him
                   with
                   a
                   calm
                   light
                   ,
                   insinuate
                   thy
                   better
                   principle
                   by
                   modest
                   ,
                   and
                   gentle
                   suggestions
                   .
                   He
                   that
                   hath
                   wedded
                   any
                   falshood
                   ,
                   hath
                   many
                   prejudices
                   against
                   the
                   contrary
                   Truth
                   ;
                   and
                   these
                   are
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   torn
                   off
                   all
                   at
                   once
                   ,
                   but
                   softly
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   degrees
                   to
                   be
                   unwound
                   :
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   likeliest
                   way
                   to
                   prevail
                   upon
                   Dissenters
                   ;
                   or
                   ,
                   if
                   at
                   any
                   time
                   it
                   fails
                   of
                   its
                   success
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   however
                   no
                   hurt
                   done
                   :
                   Charity
                   and
                   Peace
                   are
                   preserved
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   much
                   better
                   ,
                   than
                   most
                   Opinions
                   ,
                   for
                   which
                   we
                   contend
                   :
                   Whereas
                   by
                   Disputes
                   men
                   are
                   mutually
                   provoked
                   ,
                   and
                   tempted
                   to
                   pour
                   forth
                   many
                   Idle
                   ,
                   and
                   many
                   bitter
                   words
                   ;
                   the
                   quiet
                   and
                   temper
                   of
                   their
                   minds
                   is
                   disturbed
                   ,
                   and
                   likely
                   the
                   Peace
                   of
                   others
                   also
                   :
                   They
                   are
                   brought
                   no
                   whit
                   nearer
                   each
                   other
                   ,
                   in
                   their
                   Judgements
                   ,
                   but
                   put
                   at
                   a
                   much
                   greater
                   distance
                   ,
                   in
                   their
                   Affections
                   :
                   Whereas
                   by
                   the
                   other
                   method
                   of
                   calm
                   proceeding
                   all
                   these
                   evils
                   are
                   avoided
                   .
                
                 
                   'T
                   is
                   true
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   commanded
                   to
                   contend
                   earnestly
                   for
                   the
                   faith
                   that
                   was
                   once
                   delivered
                   to
                   the
                   Saints
                   ,
                   Jude
                   3.
                   
                   But
                   the
                   Faith
                   there
                   meant
                   ,
                   doth
                   not
                   consist
                   in
                   points
                   of
                   doubtful
                   disputation
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   the
                   Fundamental
                   Article
                   That
                   
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                     is
                     the
                     Messias
                  
                   ,
                   joyn'd
                   with
                   a
                   vertuous
                   and
                   holy
                   conversation
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   persons
                   against
                   whom
                   those
                   primitive
                   Christians
                   were
                   to
                   contend
                   ,
                   were
                   
                     Ungodly
                     
                     Men
                  
                   that
                   denied
                   
                     the
                     only
                     Lord
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     our
                     Lord
                     Jesus
                     Christ
                  
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   5.
                   
                   For
                   these
                   Essential
                   matters
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   earnest
                   ;
                   but
                   Contention
                   about
                   lesser
                   things
                   ,
                   is
                   called
                   by
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   Perverse-Disputing
                   ,
                   and
                   reckoned
                   as
                   the
                   effect
                   of
                   pride
                   ,
                   and
                   ignorance
                   ,
                   1
                   Tim.
                   6.
                   5.
                   
                   And
                   hence
                   I
                   pass
                   to
                   a
                   Third
                   Caution
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   this
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   III.
                   )
                   
                     Beware
                     of
                     Zeal
                     about
                     Opinions
                  
                   ;
                   by
                   which
                   ,
                   I
                   mean
                   all
                   the
                   Propositions
                   of
                   less
                   certainty
                   ,
                   or
                   consequence
                   :
                   About
                   these
                   we
                   may
                   ,
                   no
                   doubt
                   ,
                   be
                   inquisitive
                   and
                   thoughtful
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   search
                   will
                   be
                   commendable
                   ,
                   while
                   we
                   manage
                   it
                   with
                   modesty
                   ,
                   and
                   caution
                   ,
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   the
                   gaining
                   more
                   Motives
                   ,
                   and
                   directions
                   for
                   a
                   vertuous
                   Practice
                   :
                   But
                   to
                   be
                   eager
                   in
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   disturb
                   the
                   peace
                   of
                   Societies
                   for
                   their
                   sakes
                   ;
                   this
                   is
                   a
                   vitious
                   ,
                   and
                   dangerous
                   excess
                   ,
                   destructive
                   to
                   Christian
                   Charity
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   publick
                   weal
                   ,
                   and
                   order
                   .
                
                 
                   There
                   is
                   nothing
                   hath
                   done
                   the
                   world
                   more
                   mischief
                   ,
                   than
                   indiscreet
                   ,
                   unseasonable
                   Zeal
                   for
                   Truths
                   ,
                   while
                   men
                   have
                   not
                   made
                   a
                   difference
                   between
                   those
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   necessary
                   to
                   be
                   believed
                   ,
                   and
                   known
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   others
                   ,
                   which
                   may
                   safely
                   be
                   doubted
                   ,
                   and
                   denied
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   a
                   great
                   and
                   dangerous
                   mistake
                   to
                   think
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   ought
                   to
                   publish
                   ,
                   and
                   propagate
                   all
                   the
                   Truth
                   we
                   know
                   ;
                   For
                   every
                   man
                   thinks
                   his
                   own
                   Opinions
                   about
                   Religion
                   ,
                   Gods
                   Truth
                   ;
                   and
                   nature
                   inclines
                   men
                   to
                   desire
                   to
                   
                   beget
                   their
                   own
                   image
                   upon
                   other
                   mens
                   minds
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   this
                   be
                   made
                   a
                   Duty
                   too
                   ,
                   every
                   man
                   will
                   be
                   a
                   Teacher
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   rest
                   ;
                   and
                   no
                   man
                   will
                   let
                   his
                   brother
                   be
                   at
                   quiet
                   ;
                   This
                   man
                   is
                   ready
                   to
                   burst
                   till
                   he
                   hath
                   given
                   himself
                   vent
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   other
                   is
                   as
                   impatient
                   ,
                   till
                   he
                   hath
                   contradicted
                   what
                   he
                   hath
                   said
                   :
                   Both
                   are
                   zealous
                   to
                   Proselyte
                   each
                   other
                   ,
                   and
                   neither
                   can
                   be
                   contented
                   with
                   a
                   single
                   conquest
                   ,
                   till
                   the
                   publick
                   be
                   disturbed
                   .
                   These
                   are
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   effects
                   of
                   opinionative
                   zeal
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   know
                   it
                   by
                   a
                   dear
                   experience
                   .
                   Here
                   is
                   the
                   source
                   of
                   all
                   Divisions
                   ,
                   and
                   Sects
                   .
                   Gods
                   Truth
                   is
                   the
                   pretence
                   of
                   every
                   Party
                   ,
                   and
                   being
                   enlightned
                   themselves
                   ,
                   they
                   all
                   think
                   they
                   ought
                   to
                   enlighten
                   all
                   others
                   ;
                   and
                   these
                   Lights
                   meeting
                   ,
                   and
                   being
                   infinitely
                   reflected
                   ,
                   beget
                   a
                   flame
                   between
                   them
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   all
                   of
                   them
                   are
                   scorched
                   ,
                   and
                   Charity
                   ,
                   and
                   Peace
                   are
                   consumed
                   .
                
                 
                   If
                   therefore
                   we
                   are
                   friends
                   to
                   Christian
                   Love
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   avoid
                   ,
                   and
                   oppose
                   this
                   its
                   most
                   fatal
                   enemy
                   ;
                   and
                   consider
                   ,
                   That
                   we
                   need
                   not
                   be
                   zealous
                   for
                   more
                   truth
                   ,
                   than
                   what
                   God
                   hath
                   made
                   necessary
                   ;
                   and
                   ought
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   zealous
                   for
                   more
                   ,
                   than
                   what
                   Scripture
                   and
                   Reason
                   have
                   made
                   certain
                   ;
                   That
                   the
                   Necessary
                   ,
                   and
                   certain
                   things
                   are
                   very
                   few
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   remoter
                   doctrines
                   difficult
                   ,
                   and
                   deep
                   ;
                   That
                   we
                   may
                   easily
                   be
                   deceived
                   in
                   speculative
                   points
                   ,
                   where
                   so
                   much
                   acuteness
                   ,
                   and
                   freedom
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   care
                   ,
                   and
                   diligence
                   is
                   needful
                   ;
                   That
                   the
                   greatest
                   part
                   imbrace
                   Shadows
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   Zeal
                   is
                   for
                   folly
                   ,
                   and
                   falshood
                   :
                   That
                   our
                   brethren
                   may
                   be
                   good
                   men
                   ,
                   though
                   they
                   understand
                   not
                   many
                   things
                   that
                   we
                   know
                   ;
                   or
                   err
                   in
                   many
                   in
                   which
                   we
                   judge
                   aright
                   ;
                   That
                   the
                   benefits
                   of
                   an
                   Opinion
                   ,
                   if
                   true
                   ,
                   will
                   not
                   make
                   amends
                   for
                   the
                   trouble
                   ,
                   and
                   disturbance
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   made
                   to
                   promote
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   That
                   Charity
                   is
                   more
                   valuable
                   than
                   Knowledge
                   ,
                   1
                   
                     Cor.
                     8.
                     1.
                     1
                     
                     Cor.
                  
                   13.
                   
                
                 
                   If
                   we
                   thus
                   Consider
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   be
                   contented
                   with
                   the
                   satisfactions
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   minds
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   be
                   Angry
                   with
                   others
                   because
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   take
                   us
                   for
                   their
                   Guides
                   ;
                   we
                   shall
                   exercise
                   our
                   Zeal
                   upon
                   the
                   necessary
                   ,
                   certain
                   things
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   Charity
                   about
                   the
                   rest
                   ;
                   we
                   shall
                   inform
                   our
                   brother
                   who
                   needs
                   ,
                   or
                   desires
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   let
                   him
                   alone
                   when
                   it
                   may
                   do
                   him
                   ,
                   or
                   others
                   hurt
                   to
                   disturb
                   him
                   ;
                   we
                   shall
                   propose
                   our
                   Opinions
                   seasonably
                   ,
                   and
                   modestly
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   willing
                   that
                   men
                   should
                   receive
                   them
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   can
                   ;
                   we
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   concerned
                   at
                   any
                   mans
                   Mistake
                   ,
                   that
                   doth
                   not
                   minister
                   to
                   Vice
                   ,
                   and
                   when
                   it
                   doth
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   prudently
                   ,
                   and
                   calmly
                   endeavour
                   to
                   rectifie
                   his
                   thoughts
                   ;
                   we
                   shall
                   converse
                   indifferently
                   with
                   all
                   Perswasions
                   without
                   wrangling
                   ,
                   and
                   discord
                   ;
                   and
                   exercise
                   our
                   Charity
                   ,
                   and
                   Good
                   Will
                   towards
                   the
                   Good
                   men
                   of
                   any
                   sort
                   :
                   Thus
                   our
                   Zeal
                   will
                   be
                   rightly
                   
                   tempered
                   ,
                   and
                   directed
                   ,
                   and
                   Charity
                   promoted
                   .
                   And
                   yet
                   further
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   it
                   ,
                   I
                   propose
                   this
                   last
                   Caution
                   :
                
                 
                   (
                   IV.
                   )
                   
                     Beware
                     of
                     censuring
                     ,
                     and
                     affixing
                     odious
                     Names
                     and
                     consequences
                     upon
                     the
                     persons
                     or
                     opinions
                     of
                     Dissenters
                     .
                  
                   He
                   that
                   Censures
                   another
                   ,
                   in
                   part
                   Hates
                   him
                   ;
                   and
                   wants
                   many
                   degrees
                   of
                   that
                   Charity
                   the
                   Apostle
                   commends
                   ,
                   and
                   describes
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   13.
                   4
                   ,
                   5
                   ,
                   6
                   ,
                   7.
                   which
                   
                     beareth
                     all
                     things
                     ,
                     hopeth
                     all
                     things
                     ,
                     believeth
                     all
                     things
                     ,
                     endureth
                     all
                     things
                     .
                  
                   He
                   that
                   Rails
                   at
                   his
                   Neighbour
                   for
                   his
                   Opinion
                   ,
                   wants
                   only
                   power
                   to
                   Persecute
                   him
                   for
                   it
                   :
                   yea
                   ,
                   even
                   this
                   is
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   Persecution
                   ;
                   for
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   persecution
                   of
                   the
                   Tongue
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   of
                   the
                   Hand
                   ;
                   and
                   He
                   that
                   Injures
                   his
                   Brother
                   in
                   his
                   Name
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   Persecutor
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   the
                   other
                   ,
                   that
                   hurts
                   him
                   in
                   his
                   Body
                   or
                   Estate
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   take
                   heed
                   then
                   ,
                   lest
                   we
                   become
                   guilty
                   by
                   fastning
                   names
                   of
                   Reproach
                   upon
                   those
                   of
                   different
                   Judgement
                   ;
                   and
                   imposing
                   the
                   odious
                   consequences
                   that
                   we
                   our selves
                   make
                   ,
                   upon
                   our
                   Neighbour
                   ,
                   as
                   his
                   Opinion
                   :
                   Both
                   these
                   are
                   very
                   common
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Spight
                   ,
                   and
                   Injustice
                   of
                   them
                   do
                   exceedingly
                   exasperate
                   our
                   Spirits
                   ,
                   and
                   enflame
                   our
                   Disagreements
                   :
                   By
                   this
                   way
                   ,
                   Truth
                   is
                   exposed
                   to
                   contempt
                   ,
                   and
                   scorn
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   Falshood
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   none
                   so
                   Sacred
                   ,
                   but
                   its
                   Adversaries
                   have
                   made
                   it
                   a
                   deformed
                   Vizard
                   ,
                   to
                   bring
                   it
                   under
                   the
                   Hatred
                   and
                   Reproaches
                   
                   of
                   the
                   Ignorant
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   which
                   hath
                   an
                   Ugly
                   Face
                   ,
                   is
                   more
                   than
                   half
                   condemned
                   among
                   the
                   generality
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   who
                   cannot
                   distinguish
                   the
                   true
                   complexion
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   dirt
                   that
                   is
                   thrown
                   upon
                   it
                   :
                   This
                   the
                   Zealots
                   of
                   all
                   Parties
                   very
                   well
                   understand
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   run
                   down
                   many
                   things
                   by
                   a
                   Vile
                   name
                   which
                   they
                   cannot
                   Confute
                   by
                   Argument
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   but
                   raising
                   the
                   Cry
                   of
                   
                     Arminianism
                     ,
                     Socinianism
                     ,
                     Popery
                     ,
                     Pelagianism
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   such
                   like
                   upon
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   other
                   Refutation
                   is
                   Superfluous
                   :
                   These
                   I
                   mention
                   not
                   out
                   of
                   Favour
                   ,
                   but
                   for
                   Instance
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   the
                   like
                   in
                   many
                   other
                   cases
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   apt
                   are
                   men
                   to
                   be
                   frighted
                   by
                   Bugbear
                   Names
                   ,
                   from
                   Truth
                   ,
                   and
                   Charity
                   :
                   And
                   this
                   is
                   Superstition
                   in
                   the
                   true
                   sense
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   afraid
                   of
                   things
                   in
                   which
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   hurt
                   ;
                   and
                   it
                   is
                   promoted
                   by
                   the
                   Uncharitable
                   fastning
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   consequences
                   upon
                   our
                   brothers
                   Opinion
                   ;
                   This
                   we
                   think
                   follows
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   make
                   no
                   Scruple
                   to
                   say
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   his
                   Opinion
                   ;
                   when
                   he
                   hates
                   ,
                   and
                   disowns
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   would
                   quit
                   his
                   Tenent
                   ,
                   if
                   he
                   thought
                   any
                   such
                   thing
                   were
                   a
                   consequence
                   from
                   it
                   :
                   And
                   thus
                   also
                   are
                   our
                   differences
                   heightned
                   ,
                   and
                   rendred
                   almost
                   incurable
                   .
                
                 
                   If
                   then
                   we
                   have
                   any
                   kindness
                   for
                   Charity
                   and
                   Christian
                   Love
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   take
                   care
                   of
                   such
                   dis-ingenuous
                   practices
                   :
                   A
                   true
                   Catholick
                   should
                   not
                   take
                   any
                   Name
                   to
                   himself
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   of
                   a
                   Christian
                   ;
                   nor
                   
                   Reproach
                   any
                   other
                   with
                   any
                   Style
                   of
                   Infamy
                   .
                   He
                   should
                   not
                   ,
                   and
                   cannot
                   in
                   Modesty
                   ,
                   or
                   Justice
                   ,
                   charge
                   his
                   brother
                   with
                   any
                   Opinion
                   which
                   he
                   will
                   not
                   own
                   ,
                   though
                   he
                   never
                   so
                   clearly
                   see
                   that
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   concluded
                   ,
                   from
                   what
                   he
                   believes
                   and
                   teacheth
                   .
                   If
                   men
                   would
                   learn
                   to
                   be
                   thus
                   Fair
                   ,
                   and
                   Candid
                   ,
                   to
                   each
                   other
                   ,
                   our
                   Differences
                   would
                   be
                   reduced
                   to
                   a
                   narrower
                   Circle
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   might
                   be
                   some
                   hopes
                   that
                   Peace
                   and
                   Love
                   would
                   revive
                   ,
                   and
                   flourish
                   in
                   our
                   Borders
                   .
                
                 
                   IF
                   any
                   now
                   should
                   ask
                   me
                   ,
                   Whether
                   this
                   Doctrine
                   of
                   
                     Universal
                     Love
                  
                   do
                   not
                   tend
                   to
                   
                     Universal
                     Toleration
                  
                   ?
                   I
                   should
                   answer
                   ,
                   that
                   thus
                   far
                   it
                   doth
                   ,
                   viz.
                   that
                   all
                   private
                   persons
                   should
                   Tolerate
                   each
                   other
                   ,
                   and
                   bear
                   with
                   their
                   brothers
                   Infirmities
                   ;
                   That
                   every
                   man
                   should
                   allow
                   another
                   that
                   Liberty
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   desires
                   himself
                   ,
                   in
                   things
                   wherein
                   the
                   Laws
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Land
                   ,
                   have
                   left
                   him
                   Free
                   ;
                   and
                   permit
                   him
                   his
                   own
                   Opinion
                   without
                   Censure
                   ,
                   or
                   Displeasure
                   :
                   Such
                   a
                   Toleration
                   ,
                   I
                   think
                   ,
                   Christianity
                   requires
                   in
                   Private
                   men
                   ;
                
                 
                   But
                   as
                   to
                   the
                   Publick
                   ,
                   I
                   do
                   by
                   no
                   means
                   think
                   it
                   Modest
                   for
                   Us
                   to
                   determine
                   what
                   the
                   Government
                   should
                   do
                   :
                   And
                   in
                   This
                   case
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   as
                   unfit
                   as
                   in
                   Any
                   whatsoever
                   ;
                   since
                   this
                   matter
                   depends
                   upon
                   the
                   Consideration
                   of
                   so
                   many
                   Things
                   ,
                   that
                   
                   't
                   is
                   very
                   Difficult
                   to
                   state
                   the
                   Bounds
                   of
                   Just
                   Permission
                   ,
                   and
                   Restraint
                   :
                   Leaving
                   That
                   therefore
                   to
                   Their
                   Prudence
                   ,
                   whom
                   Providence
                   hath
                   called
                   to
                   determine
                   in
                   It
                   ;
                   I
                   shall
                   only
                   say
                   ,
                   that
                   so
                   much
                   Toleration
                   ,
                   as
                   may
                   consist
                   with
                   the
                   Interests
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   Publick
                   Safety
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   Granted
                   :
                   But
                   such
                   a
                   Liberty
                   as
                   is
                   prejudicial
                   to
                   any
                   of
                   These
                   ,
                   should
                   not
                   be
                   expected
                   :
                   For
                   Christianity
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   other
                   Considerations
                   ,
                   oblige
                   the
                   Government
                   to
                   provide
                   for
                   the
                   Common
                   Good.
                   And
                   were
                   the
                   Duty
                   of
                   Catholick
                   Charity
                   duly
                   practised
                   ;
                   and
                   Private
                   Christians
                   once
                   perswaded
                   to
                   Tolerate
                   one
                   another
                   ;
                   it
                   might
                   then
                   be
                   safer
                   for
                   the
                   Government
                   to
                   give
                   a
                   Larger
                   publick
                   Toleration
                   than
                   possibly
                   now
                   is
                   fit
                   .
                   In
                   the
                   mean
                   while
                   ,
                   without
                   troubling
                   our selves
                   with
                   fansies
                   about
                   the
                   Duty
                   of
                   our
                   Governours
                   ,
                   Let
                   us
                   mind
                   our
                   Own
                   ;
                   especially
                   this
                   great
                   one
                   ,
                   of
                   Charity
                   and
                   Christian
                   Love
                   :
                   And
                   if
                   we
                   mind
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   practise
                   sutably
                   ,
                   God
                   will
                   be
                   Glorified
                   ,
                   and
                   Religion
                   Advanced
                   ;
                   the
                   Church
                   will
                   be
                   Edified
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Souls
                   Comforted
                   ;
                   Government
                   will
                   be
                   Established
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Peace
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   Promoted
                   ;
                   And
                   the
                   
                     Peace
                     of
                     God
                     which
                     passeth
                     all
                     Understanding
                     ,
                  
                   will
                   
                     keep
                     our
                     hearts
                     ,
                     and
                     minds
                     ,
                     in
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                     :
                  
                   To
                   whom
                   ,
                   with
                   God
                   the
                   Father
                   ,
                   and
                   God
                   the
                   Holy
                   Ghost
                   ,
                   be
                   ascribed
                   all
                   Glory
                   ,
                   and
                   Worship
                   ,
                   henceforth
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   ever
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   III.
                   
                
                 
                   Christian
                   Loyalty
                   .
                   Preach'd
                   on
                   the
                   KING'S
                   MARTYRDOME
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Second
                   Edition
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   III.
                   A
                   FAST
                   SERMON
                   ON
                   THE
                   King's
                   Martyrdom
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     ROM
                     .
                     XIII
                     .
                     2.
                     
                  
                   
                     —
                     And
                     they
                     that
                     resist
                     shall
                     receive
                     to
                     themselves
                     Damnation
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   AS
                   there
                   are
                   some
                   Ages
                   and
                   Times
                   that
                   are
                   more
                   infested
                   than
                   others
                   with
                   
                     unhappy
                     influences
                  
                   from
                   the
                   Heavens
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     noxious
                     reeks
                  
                   from
                   the
                   Earth
                   ,
                   which
                   ,
                   by
                   poysoning
                   the
                   
                     Air
                     ,
                     Roots
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Herbs
                   ,
                   convey
                   that
                   pestilential
                   venome
                   into
                   mens
                   bodies
                   ,
                   that
                   even
                   wearies
                   Death
                   ,
                   and
                   gluts
                   the
                   
                   Grave
                   with
                   its
                   slaughters
                   ,
                   and
                   was
                   matter
                   of
                   our
                   late
                   miseries
                   :
                
                 
                   In
                   like
                   manner
                   there
                   are
                   Times
                   when
                   poysonous
                   Doctrines
                   from
                   the
                   Pulpit
                   ,
                   and
                   malign
                   humours
                   in
                   the
                   Populace
                   ,
                   infect
                   the
                   
                     Publick
                     Air
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   spread
                   a
                   fatal
                   Contagion
                   into
                   mens
                   Principles
                   and
                   Manners
                   ,
                   which
                   flies
                   like
                   Infection
                   ,
                   and
                   destroys
                   like
                   the
                   Plague
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   if
                   ever
                   Times
                   were
                   under
                   cross
                   and
                   
                     unlucky
                     Aspects
                  
                   ,
                   if
                   ever
                   there
                   were
                   a
                   publick
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Phrensie
                   and
                   mischief
                   in
                   the
                   World
                   in
                   any
                   days
                   ,
                   since
                   the
                   first
                   ;
                   certainly
                   this
                   Lot
                   is
                   fallen
                   upon
                   ours
                   ;
                   wherein
                   mens
                   Principles
                   and
                   Practices
                   contend
                   ,
                   which
                   shall
                   out-do
                   the
                   other
                   in
                   the
                   degree
                   of
                   Evil
                   :
                   And
                   't
                   is
                   hard
                   to
                   say
                   which
                   are
                   worse
                   ,
                   Mens
                   actions
                   or
                   opinions
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   are
                   fallen
                   into
                   Times
                   ,
                   wherein
                   among
                   some
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   piece
                   of
                   Gallantry
                   to
                   
                     defie
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   Wit
                   to
                   be
                   an
                   Atheist
                   ;
                   among
                   others
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   Religion
                   to
                   be
                   Humorous
                   and
                   Phantastick
                   ,
                   and
                   Conscience
                   to
                   be
                   Turbulent
                   ,
                   and
                   Ungovernable
                   .
                   Nor
                   have
                   mens
                   Practices
                   come
                   short
                   of
                   the
                   malignity
                   of
                   their
                   Belief
                   ;
                   but
                   if
                   possible
                   have
                   out-done
                   it
                   .
                   Atheism
                   hath
                   not
                   rested
                   in
                   the
                   judgement
                   ,
                   but
                   proceeded
                   to
                   all
                   enormities
                   ,
                   and
                   debauches
                   :
                   And
                   we
                   had
                   not
                   been
                   called
                   to
                   the
                   
                     sad
                     solemnity
                  
                   of
                   this
                   Day
                   ,
                   if
                   Rebellion
                   had
                   stopt
                   in
                   Opinion
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   But
                   alas
                   ,
                   the
                   venome
                   of
                   the
                   Asp
                   hath
                   swoln
                   into
                   
                     deadly
                     Tumors
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   
                     seditious
                     Principles
                  
                   have
                   shot
                   their
                   poysonous
                   arrows
                   into
                   the
                   vitals
                   of
                   the
                   
                     publick
                     Body
                  
                   .
                   We
                   yet
                   feel
                   the
                   smart
                   of
                   those
                   wounds
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Generations
                   to
                   come
                   will
                   wear
                   the
                   scars
                   and
                   the
                   marks
                   of
                   our
                   misery
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   guilt
                   .
                
                 
                   What
                   is
                   past
                   we
                   may
                   lament
                   ,
                   but
                   cannot
                   help
                   .
                   What
                   we
                   may
                   do
                   ,
                   and
                   what
                   we
                   ought
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   inform
                   our selves
                   better
                   of
                   the
                   Duty
                   we
                   owe
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   he
                   hath
                   appointed
                   over
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   endeavour
                   the
                   suppressing
                   those
                   principles
                   ,
                   and
                   affections
                   which
                   breathed
                   the
                   Plagues
                   that
                   destroyed
                   the
                   Nation
                   ,
                   and
                   would
                   again
                   burn
                   us
                   up
                   in
                   hotter
                   Flames
                   than
                   those
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   that
                   
                     fatal
                     Fire
                  
                   which
                   so
                   lately
                   prey'd
                   upon
                   our
                   Peace
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Properties
                   ,
                   our
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Government
                   ,
                   our
                   Persons
                   and
                   our
                   Friends
                   ,
                   hath
                   not
                   yet
                   convinced
                   us
                   of
                   the
                   evils
                   and
                   danger
                   of
                   Resistance
                   ;
                   yet
                   there
                   is
                   another
                   and
                   a
                   greater
                   ,
                   one
                   as
                   certain
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   fatal
                   ,
                   threatned
                   by
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   
                     They
                     that
                     resist
                     shall
                     receive
                     to
                     themselves
                     damnation
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   Which
                   words
                   were
                   spoken
                   in
                   the
                   days
                   of
                   NERO
                   ,
                   who
                   besides
                   that
                   he
                   was
                   an
                   Heathen
                   ,
                   was
                   a
                   Persecutor
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   Tyrant
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   most
                   infamous
                   instance
                   in
                   Nature
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   this
                   Monster
                   is
                   not
                   excepted
                   as
                   to
                   the
                   Tribute
                   of
                   Obedience
                   .
                   Whereas
                   had
                   this
                   been
                   said
                   in
                   the
                   days
                   of
                   such
                   a
                   Prince
                   
                   as
                   our
                   CHARLES
                   the
                   First
                   ,
                   it
                   might
                   have
                   been
                   supposed
                   that
                   the
                   vertue
                   of
                   the
                   person
                   claimed
                   the
                   reverence
                   and
                   subjection
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   the
                   character
                   of
                   the
                   Prince
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   't
                   was
                   damnable
                   to
                   resist
                   because
                   he
                   was
                   Good
                   ,
                   not
                   because
                   he
                   was
                   Supream
                   ;
                   because
                   he
                   was
                   a
                   Nursing
                   Father
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   not
                   because
                   the
                   Ruling
                   Father
                   of
                   his
                   Countrey
                   .
                   'T
                   was
                   an
                   happy
                   coincidence
                   therefore
                   to
                   secure
                   the
                   Authority
                   of
                   the
                   Magistrate
                   ,
                   which
                   answers
                   the
                   greatest
                   pretensions
                   of
                   Rebellion
                   .
                   If
                   Religion
                   be
                   pretended
                   ,
                   an
                   Heathen
                   must
                   not
                   be
                   resisted
                   :
                   If
                   Tyranny
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   damnation
                   to
                   oppose
                   a
                   
                     Nero.
                     They
                     that
                     resist
                     shall
                     receive
                  
                   —
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   wrath
                   and
                   judgement
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   which
                   implies
                   the
                   guilt
                   ,
                   and
                   expresseth
                   the
                   danger
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   to
                   resist
                   lawful
                   Authority
                   ,
                   is
                   so
                   sinful
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   dangerous
                   ,
                   principally
                   upon
                   this
                   three-fold
                   account
                   .
                   RESISTANCE
                   ,
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Affronts
                   the
                   Authority
                   of
                   God.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   'T
                   is
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   
                     Spirit
                     of
                     Religion
                  
                   .
                   And
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   Destructive
                   to
                   the
                   Interest
                   of
                   Societies
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   two
                   former
                   express
                   the
                   Guilt
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   latter
                   both
                   the
                   Sin
                   and
                   the
                   Punishment
                   .
                   Of
                   each
                   in
                   order
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   RESISTANCE
                   is
                   an
                   affront
                   to
                   the
                   authority
                   of
                   God.
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                   sets
                   up
                   Kings
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Father
                   .
                   And
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   Kings
                   are
                   from
                   God
                   ,
                   says
                   the
                   Heathen
                   .
                   And
                   a
                   greater
                   
                   than
                   both
                   acknowledgeth
                   
                   Pilate's
                   power
                   to
                   be
                   from
                   above
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Scripture
                   intitles
                   God
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   
                     Royal
                     adjuncts
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   both
                   Christian
                   and
                   Heathen
                   Antiquity
                   agree
                   in
                   this
                   with
                   the
                   sacred
                   Oracles
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   The
                   
                     Kings
                     person
                  
                   is
                   said
                   to
                   be
                   
                     God's
                     ,
                     Great
                     deliverance
                     giveth
                     He
                     to
                  
                   HIS
                   
                     King
                     ,
                     2
                     Sam.
                  
                   xxii
                   .
                   51.
                   and
                   He
                   
                     shall
                     give
                     strength
                     unto
                  
                   HIS
                   
                     King
                     ,
                     1
                     Sam.
                  
                   ii
                   .
                   10.
                   
                   Yea
                   ,
                   
                     I
                     have
                     said
                     ye
                     are
                     Gods
                     ,
                  
                   saith
                   the
                   Text
                   ;
                   and
                   consonantly
                   Plato
                   calls
                   the
                   King
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   God
                   among
                   men
                   .
                   And
                   as
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   God
                   is
                   called
                   upon
                   his
                   person
                   ,
                   so
                   also
                   is
                   it
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   upon
                   his
                   Throne
                   .
                   Then
                   
                     Solomon
                     sate
                     upon
                     the
                     Throne
                     of
                     the
                     Lord
                     as
                     King
                     ,
                     instead
                     of
                  
                   DAVID
                   
                     his
                     Father
                     ,
                     1
                     Chron.
                  
                   xxix
                   .
                   23.
                   
                   And
                   saith
                   the
                   Queen
                   of
                   
                     Sheba
                     ,
                     Blessed
                     be
                     the
                     Lord
                     thy
                     God
                     which
                     delighteth
                     in
                     thee
                     ,
                     to
                     set
                     thee
                     on
                  
                   HIS
                   
                     Throne
                     ,
                     2
                     Chron.
                  
                   ix
                   .
                   8.
                   
                   To
                   a
                   like
                   sense
                   also
                   is
                   that
                   of
                   Nestor
                   to
                   Agamemnon
                   in
                   Homer
                   ,
                   
                     
                       
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                      
                    
                     
                       
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                      
                       —
                    
                  
                   
                     Jove
                     lent
                     thee
                     thy
                     Scepter
                     and
                     Jurisdiction
                     .
                  
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   The
                   
                     Kings
                     Titles
                  
                   also
                   relate
                   him
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   viz.
                   those
                   of
                   
                     Gods
                     Anointed
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   Servant
                   :
                   The
                   former
                   given
                   even
                   to
                   
                     Saul
                     ,
                     1
                     Sam.
                  
                   xii
                   .
                   3.
                   and
                   
                     Cyrus
                     ,
                     Isa
                  
                   .
                   xlv
                   .
                   1.
                   and
                   the
                   later
                   to
                   
                     Nebuchadnezzar
                     ,
                     Jer.
                  
                   xxv
                   .
                   9.
                   
                   The
                   same
                   also
                   Athanasius
                   gives
                   to
                   Constantius
                   the
                   great
                   Favourer
                   of
                   the
                   Arrians
                   .
                   (
                   4.
                   )
                   The
                   
                   
                     Kings
                     power
                  
                   likewise
                   is
                   from
                   God
                   ;
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   
                     power
                     but
                     of
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     powers
                     that
                     are
                     ,
                     are
                     ordained
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   saith
                   the
                   Apostle
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   Pythagorean
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   
                     God
                     hath
                     given
                     him
                     Dominion
                  
                   .
                   Upon
                   which
                   account
                   also
                   Themistius
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   God
                   sent
                   Regal
                   Power
                   from
                   Heaven
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   a
                   Kingdom
                   is
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   a
                   
                     Divine
                     Good
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   the
                   assertion
                   of
                   Plato
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   confession
                   of
                   
                     Cyrus
                     :
                     All
                     the
                     Kingdoms
                     of
                     the
                     Earth
                     hath
                     the
                     Lord
                     of
                     Heaven
                     given
                     me
                     ,
                     2
                     Chron.
                  
                   xxxvi
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   and
                   Tiberius
                   acknowledgeth
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   
                     our
                     Kingdom
                     is
                     from
                     God.
                  
                   And
                   Daniel
                   minds
                   
                     Nebuchadnezzar
                     ,
                     The
                     God
                     of
                     Heaven
                     hath
                     given
                     thee
                     a
                     Kingdom
                     ,
                     Power
                     ,
                     and
                     Strength
                     ,
                     and
                     Glory
                     ,
                     Dan.
                  
                   ii
                   .
                   27.
                   
                   And
                   Athanasius
                   in
                   his
                   Prayer
                   for
                   Constantius
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   
                     Thou
                     hast
                     given
                     this
                     Kingdom
                     to
                     Constantius
                     thy
                     servant
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   These
                   ,
                   I
                   think
                   ,
                   are
                   testimonies
                   enough
                   to
                   prove
                   that
                   Kings
                   wear
                   Gods
                   Image
                   and
                   Authority
                   .
                   And
                   therefore
                   Menander
                   calls
                   the
                   King
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   
                     God's
                     living
                     Image
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Pythagorean
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   
                     The
                     King
                     is
                     the
                     Figure
                     of
                     God
                     among
                     Men.
                  
                   But
                   besides
                   all
                   this
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   evidence
                   enough
                   in
                   the
                   nature
                   of
                   the
                   thing
                   to
                   prove
                   ,
                   that
                   Kings
                   have
                   their
                   Power
                   and
                   Authority
                   from
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   no
                   Substitutes
                   of
                   the
                   People
                   :
                   which
                   I
                   thus
                   inferr
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   God
                   made
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   and
                   consequently
                   the
                   World
                   is
                   his
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   alone
                   is
                   the
                   Right
                   to
                   Govern
                   it
                   :
                   But
                   he
                   being
                   of
                   such
                   immense
                   perfections
                   ,
                   that
                   our
                   Frailty
                   cannot
                   bear
                   his
                   immediate
                   converses
                   ;
                   't
                   is
                   necessary
                   that
                   he
                   rule
                   us
                   by
                   men
                   like
                   our selves
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   the
                   Sword
                   into
                   the
                   hands
                   of
                   Creatures
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   make
                   .
                   This
                   he
                   doth
                   ,
                   and
                   hence
                   it
                   follows
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   that
                   Rule
                   are
                   
                     Gods
                     Substitutes
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   no
                   Creatures
                   of
                   the
                   People
                   :
                   For
                   the
                   People
                   have
                   no
                   power
                   to
                   Govern
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   consequently
                   cannot
                   devolve
                   any
                   upon
                   another
                   .
                
                 
                   Upon
                   the
                   whole
                   I
                   conclude
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   same
                   Commands
                   and
                   Authority
                   that
                   oblige
                   us
                   to
                   obey
                   God
                   ,
                   bind
                   us
                   to
                   revere
                   those
                   that
                   so
                   signally
                   wear
                   his
                   Image
                   :
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   disobeys
                   the
                   Vice-Roy
                   ,
                   affronts
                   the
                   
                     Soveraign
                     .
                     He
                     that
                     resists
                     ,
                     resists
                     the
                     Ordinance
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   saith
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ;
                   and
                   
                     who
                     can
                     lift
                     up
                     himself
                     against
                     the
                     Lords
                     Anointed
                     and
                     be
                     guiltless
                     ?
                  
                   saith
                   David
                   in
                   the
                   case
                   of
                   Saul
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   thus
                   I
                   have
                   dispatched
                   the
                   first
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                     Resistance
                     affronts
                  
                   the
                   authority
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   with
                   which
                   Kings
                   are
                   invested
                   ;
                   as
                   I
                   think
                   I
                   have
                   made
                   evident
                   from
                   testimony
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   nature
                   of
                   the
                   thing
                   .
                
                 
                   Secondly
                   ,
                   RESISTANCE
                   is
                   opposite
                   to
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   RELIGION
                   :
                   Religion
                   is
                   of
                   a
                   calm
                   and
                   pacifick
                   temper
                   ,
                   like
                   that
                   of
                   its
                   Author
                   ,
                   whose
                   
                     voice
                     was
                     not
                     heard
                     in
                     the
                     street
                     .
                  
                   It
                   subdues
                   our
                   passions
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   governs
                   our
                   appetites
                   ;
                   it
                   destroys
                   our
                   pride
                   and
                   
                     sordid
                     selfishness
                  
                   ;
                   it
                   allays
                   the
                   tempests
                   ,
                   and
                   speaks
                   down
                   the
                   storms
                   of
                   our
                   natures
                   ;
                   it
                   sweetens
                   our
                   Humours
                   ,
                   and
                   polisheth
                   the
                   roughness
                   of
                   our
                   tempers
                   :
                   it
                   makes
                   men
                   gentle
                   and
                   
                     peaceable
                     ,
                     meek
                  
                   and
                   compliant
                   .
                   This
                   was
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   the
                   great
                   exemplar
                   of
                   our
                   Religion
                   ;
                   this
                   was
                   the
                   genius
                   of
                   his
                   Doctrine
                   and
                   his
                   Practice
                   .
                
                 
                   He
                   commands
                   the
                   payment
                   of
                   all
                   Duties
                   to
                   Caesar
                   ;
                   He
                   acknowledgeth
                   
                     Pilates
                     Power
                  
                   to
                   be
                   from
                   above
                   ;
                   He
                   commands
                   his
                   Disciples
                   to
                   pray
                   for
                   their
                   Persecutors
                   ;
                   He
                   permits
                   them
                   to
                   flie
                   ,
                   not
                   to
                   oppose
                   .
                   He
                   rebukes
                   
                     Peters
                     violence
                  
                   to
                   the
                   High
                   Priests
                   servant
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   
                     revenge
                     of
                     the
                     Disciples
                  
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   called
                   for
                   Fire
                   from
                   Heaven
                   .
                
                 
                   He
                   paid
                   Tribute
                   ,
                   submitted
                   to
                   the
                   Laws
                   of
                   the
                   Sanhedrim
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   that
                   
                     unjust
                     sentence
                  
                   against
                   his
                   life
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   was
                   his
                   temper
                   :
                   and
                   the
                   Apostles
                   who
                   lived
                   among
                   
                     his
                     enemies
                  
                   and
                   theirs
                   ,
                   and
                   met
                   with
                   severity
                   enough
                   to
                   have
                   sowred
                   their
                   Spirits
                   ,
                   and
                   exasperated
                   their
                   Pens
                   to
                   contrary
                   resolutions
                   and
                   instructions
                   ;
                   Yet
                   as
                   true
                   Followers
                   of
                   their
                   dear
                   Lord
                   ,
                   they
                   faithfully
                   transmit
                   to
                   us
                   what
                   they
                   had
                   learnt
                   from
                   him
                   ,
                   
                     viz.
                     That
                     we
                     should
                     obey
                     those
                     that
                     have
                     the
                     rule
                     over
                     us
                     ;
                     submit
                     to
                     every
                     ordinance
                     of
                     man
                     ;
                     pray
                     for
                     Kings
                     and
                     all
                     in
                     authority
                     ;
                     submit
                     to
                     Principalities
                     and
                     Powers
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     obey
                     Magistrates
                     .
                  
                
                 
                 
                   And
                   those
                   
                     Noble
                     Spirits
                  
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   Ages
                   after
                   ,
                   who
                   began
                   to
                   be
                   Martyrs
                   as
                   soon
                   as
                   to
                   be
                   Christians
                   ;
                   who
                   lived
                   in
                   the
                   Fire
                   ,
                   and
                   went
                   to
                   Heaven
                   wrapt
                   in
                   those
                   Flames
                   that
                   had
                   less
                   ardor
                   than
                   their
                   
                     love
                     :
                     These
                  
                   ,
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   amidst
                   the
                   greatest
                   and
                   fiercest
                   Fires
                   that
                   Cruelty
                   and
                   Barbarism
                   had
                   kindled
                   ,
                   paid
                   the
                   Tribute
                   of
                   a
                   peaceable
                   and
                   quiet
                   subjection
                   to
                   their
                   Murderers
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   unforced
                   acknowledgements
                   of
                   the
                   right
                   they
                   had
                   to
                   their
                   obedience
                   .
                   Nor
                   do
                   we
                   ever
                   read
                   of
                   any
                   attempts
                   they
                   made
                   to
                   free
                   themselves
                   by
                   resistance
                   ,
                   though
                   (
                   as
                   Tertullian
                   saith
                   )
                   they
                   were
                   in
                   powerful
                   numbers
                   mingled
                   in
                   their
                   Villages
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   their
                   Cities
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   in
                   their
                   Castles
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   their
                   Armies
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   an
                   illustrious
                   instance
                   of
                   
                     passive
                     obedience
                  
                   in
                   the
                   
                     Thebaean
                     Legion
                  
                   ,
                   whose
                   tenth
                   man
                   being
                   executed
                   for
                   not
                   offering
                   Sacrifice
                   to
                   Idols
                   ,
                   they
                   quietly
                   submitted
                   to
                   the
                   cruelty
                   .
                   And
                   a
                   second
                   Decimation
                   being
                   commanded
                   by
                   Maximiniam
                   ,
                   the
                   Author
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   ,
                   one
                   of
                   their
                   great
                   Commanders
                   ,
                   (
                   an
                   excellent
                   Christian
                   )
                   perswades
                   them
                   to
                   suffer
                   it
                   with
                   the
                   same
                   patience
                   :
                   because
                   it
                   was
                   not
                   with
                   their
                   Swords
                   they
                   could
                   make
                   their
                   way
                   to
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   but
                   by
                   another
                   kind
                   of
                   Warfare
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   now
                   if
                   after
                   all
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   infinitely
                   more
                   that
                   might
                   be
                   said
                   on
                   this
                   subject
                   ,
                   for
                   men
                   to
                   pretend
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   plead
                   Scripture
                   for
                   Rebellion
                   ,
                   
                   is
                   impudent
                   and
                   shameless
                   ,
                   an
                   affront
                   to
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   Lie
                   in
                   the
                   face
                   of
                   Conscience
                   .
                   And
                   those
                   that
                   cannot
                   discern
                   those
                   
                     great
                     lines
                  
                   of
                   their
                   Duty
                   which
                   are
                   set
                   upon
                   the
                   High
                   places
                   ,
                   and
                   shone
                   upon
                   with
                   a
                   full
                   beam
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   can
                   find
                   sin
                   in
                   
                     little
                     harmless
                     circumstances
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   nothing
                   hath
                   forbidden
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   coyness
                   and
                   perverseness
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   fancies
                   ;
                   are
                   like
                   him
                   that
                   could
                   see
                   the
                   Stars
                   at
                   noon
                   ,
                   but
                   could
                   not
                   see
                   the
                   Sun
                   ;
                   and
                   could
                   spy
                   the
                   shadows
                   made
                   by
                   the
                   Mountains
                   in
                   the
                   Moon
                   ,
                   but
                   could
                   not
                   discern
                   the
                   greater
                   spots
                   upon
                   its
                   
                     visible
                     surface
                  
                   .
                   And
                   for
                   men
                   to
                   strain
                   at
                   the
                   decency
                   of
                   an
                   Habit
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   usage
                   of
                   a
                   Ceremony
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   can
                   swallow
                   Rebellion
                   and
                   Sacriledge
                   without
                   chewing
                   ;
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   like
                   him
                   who
                   durst
                   not
                   eat
                   an
                   Egg
                   on
                   Saturday
                   ,
                   but
                   made
                   nothing
                   to
                   kill
                   a
                   Man.
                   Doubtless
                   had
                   the
                   Scripture
                   said
                   by
                   a
                   thousandth
                   part
                   so
                   much
                   for
                   the
                   
                     Jus
                     Divinum
                  
                   of
                   Presbytery
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   hath
                   for
                   obedience
                   to
                   Authority
                   ;
                   had
                   there
                   been
                   one
                   plain
                   word
                   against
                   Conformity
                   ,
                   as
                   there
                   are
                   many
                   against
                   Rebellion
                   ;
                   that
                   would
                   have
                   been
                   worn
                   bare
                   upon
                   the
                   tongue
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   World
                   would
                   have
                   rung
                   with
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   the
                   Injunctions
                   and
                   Commands
                   of
                   Obedience
                   are
                   against
                   our
                   humours
                   and
                   opinions
                   ,
                   against
                   the
                   darlings
                   of
                   our
                   fancies
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   interest
                   of
                   our
                   Party
                   :
                   and
                   therefore
                   here
                   we
                   must
                   shuffle
                   ,
                   and
                   evade
                   ,
                   cogg
                   ,
                   and
                   interpret
                   by
                   Analogies
                   of
                   our
                   
                   own
                   making
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   Rules
                   of
                   our
                   Sect
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Authority
                   we
                   worship
                   ,
                   by
                   Necessity
                   and
                   Providence
                   ,
                   and
                   any
                   thing
                   that
                   will
                   colour
                   Sin
                   ,
                   and
                   cozen
                   Conscience
                   ,
                   that
                   will
                   turn
                   Religion
                   into
                   the
                   Current
                   of
                   our
                   appetites
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   Scripture
                   speak
                   the
                   language
                   of
                   our
                   humours
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   interests
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   Religion
                   and
                   
                     divine
                     Authority
                  
                   shall
                   be
                   reverenced
                   ,
                   and
                   pleaded
                   when
                   they
                   agree
                   with
                   mens
                   fancies
                   ,
                   and
                   send
                   light
                   or
                   advantage
                   to
                   the
                   Favourites
                   of
                   their
                   affections
                   :
                   But
                   when
                   they
                   cross
                   their
                   Models
                   ,
                   oppose
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   their
                   imaginations
                   ,
                   and
                   call
                   them
                   to
                   duties
                   that
                   are
                   displeasant
                   ;
                   the
                   case
                   is
                   altered
                   ,
                   the
                   great
                   motives
                   of
                   perswasion
                   have
                   lost
                   their
                   power
                   ,
                   and
                   influence
                   ,
                   and
                   Religion
                   can
                   do
                   nothing
                   with
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   briefly
                   of
                   the
                   two
                   first
                   Heads
                   ,
                   viz.
                   Resistance
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   
                     affronts
                     the
                     Authority
                     of
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   is
                   
                     opposite
                     to
                     the
                     Spirit
                     of
                     Religion
                     .
                  
                   From
                   which
                   I
                   come
                   to
                   the
                   third
                   ,
                   which
                   makes
                   resistance
                   both
                   a
                   great
                   sin
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   great
                   
                     punishment
                     ,
                     viz.
                  
                   
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   It
                   is
                   ruinous
                   to
                   the
                   INTEREST
                   of
                   SOCIETIES
                   .
                   This
                   I
                   must
                   more
                   largely
                   prosecute
                   ,
                   because
                   it
                   will
                   lead
                   us
                   into
                   the
                   sad
                   occasion
                   of
                   our
                   present
                   meeting
                   .
                   Man
                   is
                   a
                   Creature
                   made
                   for
                   Society
                   ;
                   and
                   what
                   is
                   against
                   the
                   interest
                   of
                   Societies
                   ,
                   is
                   destructive
                   to
                   
                     Humane
                     Nature
                  
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   the
                   greatness
                   of
                   a
                   sin
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   mischief
                   be
                   to
                   be
                   measured
                   
                   by
                   its
                   reference
                   to
                   the
                   Publick
                   ,
                   for
                   ought
                   I
                   know
                   ,
                   Rebellion
                   will
                   be
                   the
                   next
                   sin
                   to
                   that
                   which
                   is
                   unpardonable
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   degree
                   of
                   guilt
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   near
                   it
                   in
                   the
                   penalty
                   threatned
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   there
                   are
                   two
                   great
                   interests
                   of
                   
                     Societies
                     ,
                     viz.
                  
                   GOVERNMENT
                   and
                   RELIGION
                   ,
                   to
                   both
                   which
                   Resistance
                   is
                   fatal
                   both
                   in
                   the
                   doctrine
                   and
                   practice
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   To
                   begin
                   with
                   Government
                   in
                   order
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Resistance
                   is
                   destructive
                   to
                   Government
                   :
                   For
                   if
                   Subjects
                   may
                   resist
                   the
                   Powers
                   over
                   them
                   ,
                   no
                   Government
                   in
                   the
                   World
                   can
                   stand
                   longer
                   ,
                   than
                   till
                   the
                   next
                   opportunity
                   to
                   overthrow
                   it
                   .
                   Every
                   man
                   will
                   
                     resist
                     what
                     he
                     doth
                     not
                     like
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   endeavour
                   to
                   pluck
                   down
                   what
                   comports
                   not
                   with
                   his
                   humour
                   .
                   Thus
                   every
                   fit
                   of
                   discontent
                   will
                   stir
                   up
                   the
                   various
                   ,
                   and
                   inconstant
                   People
                   to
                   seek
                   an
                   alteration
                   :
                   And
                   there
                   was
                   never
                   any
                   Government
                   so
                   exactly
                   framed
                   in
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   the
                   menage
                   ,
                   and
                   administration
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   many
                   things
                   would
                   displease
                   .
                   Now
                   the
                   generality
                   of
                   men
                   are
                   led
                   by
                   their
                   
                     present
                     senses
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   they
                   feel
                   themselves
                   pained
                   by
                   any
                   thing
                   (
                   though
                   the
                   Grief
                   be
                   but
                   in
                   their
                   Imagination
                   )
                   they
                   are
                   for
                   present
                   deliverance
                   from
                   that
                   Evil
                   by
                   
                     any
                     means
                  
                   ;
                   never
                   considering
                   whether
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   Cure
                   draws
                   not
                   greater
                   Evils
                   after
                   it
                   than
                   the
                   distemper
                   :
                   and
                   so
                   upon
                   every
                   discontent
                   the
                   people
                   are
                   inflamed
                   ,
                   and
                   upon
                   every
                   
                     occasion
                     ,
                     
                     rebel
                  
                   .
                   And
                   thus
                   is
                   a
                   Kingdom
                   laid
                   open
                   to
                   inevitable
                   devastation
                   and
                   ruine
                   :
                   and
                   by
                   a
                   dear
                   experience
                   we
                   have
                   learnt
                   ,
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   better
                   to
                   endure
                   any
                   inconveniences
                   in
                   a
                   setled
                   Government
                   ,
                   than
                   to
                   endeavour
                   
                     violent
                     alterations
                  
                   .
                   When
                   the
                   Sword
                   is
                   drawn
                   ,
                   no
                   man
                   knows
                   where
                   ,
                   and
                   when
                   it
                   will
                   be
                   sheathed
                   :
                   When
                   the
                   Stone
                   is
                   out
                   of
                   a
                   mans
                   hand
                   ,
                   he
                   cannot
                   direct
                   it
                   as
                   he
                   pleaseth
                   .
                   Men
                   with
                   Swords
                   by
                   their
                   sides
                   ,
                   will
                   do
                   what
                   likes
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   what
                   is
                   enjoyned
                   by
                   those
                   that
                   imploy
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   Or
                   ,
                   could
                   we
                   suppose
                   (
                   what
                   our
                   own
                   unhappy
                   experience
                   hath
                   confuted
                   )
                   that
                   Armies
                   would
                   be
                   obedient
                   ;
                   yet
                   the
                   Murders
                   and
                   Rapes
                   ,
                   the
                   Spoils
                   and
                   devastations
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   the
                   
                     natural
                     issues
                  
                   of
                   a
                   
                     Civil
                     War
                  
                   ,
                   are
                   worse
                   than
                   any
                   inconveniencies
                   in
                   any
                   Government
                   possible
                   :
                   And
                   though
                   ,
                   as
                   my
                   Lord
                   Bacon
                   notes
                   ,
                   
                     Foreign
                     War
                  
                   is
                   like
                   the
                   heat
                   of
                   exercise
                   ,
                   good
                   and
                   healthful
                   for
                   the
                   Body
                   ;
                   yet
                   Civil
                   War
                   is
                   like
                   the
                   heat
                   of
                   a
                   Fever
                   ,
                   ruinous
                   ,
                   and
                   destructive
                   .
                
                 
                   Besides
                   ,
                   those
                   that
                   resist
                   ,
                   either
                   overcome
                   the
                   supream
                   Power
                   ,
                   or
                   are
                   conquered
                   by
                   it
                   .
                   If
                   the
                   former
                   ,
                   their
                   Instruments
                   in
                   all
                   likelihood
                   conquer
                   them
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   those
                   they
                   served
                   them
                   against
                   :
                   and
                   so
                   from
                   the
                   
                     just
                     authority
                  
                   of
                   their
                   
                     lawful
                     Rulers
                  
                   ,
                   they
                   fall
                   under
                   the
                   insolence
                   of
                   their
                   
                     licentious
                     Vassals
                  
                   .
                   Or
                   suppose
                   they
                   get
                   the
                   Government
                   to
                   
                   themselves
                   ,
                   all
                   the
                   evils
                   will
                   follow
                   ,
                   which
                   usually
                   do
                   upon
                   Competitions
                   and
                   variety
                   of
                   Claims
                   ,
                   which
                   will
                   breed
                   
                     everlasting
                     disturbance
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     eternal
                     fears
                  
                   .
                   Such
                   evils
                   will
                   follow
                   if
                   the
                   
                     resisters
                     prevail
                  
                   :
                   and
                   if
                   they
                   chance
                   to
                   be
                   supprest
                   and
                   overcome
                   by
                   the
                   Powers
                   they
                   oppose
                   ,
                   they
                   can
                   expect
                   nothing
                   less
                   than
                   to
                   be
                   crusht
                   ,
                   and
                   ruined
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   those
                   that
                   resist
                   ,
                   whether
                   they
                   conquer
                   ,
                   or
                   are
                   overcome
                   ,
                   draw
                   inevitable
                   ruine
                   upon
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   probably
                   on
                   the
                   common
                   Body
                   .
                   For
                   Laws
                   and
                   Government
                   are
                   the
                   great
                   Charter
                   of
                   our
                   Lives
                   and
                   Libenties
                   ,
                   our
                   Properties
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   All
                   ;
                   and
                   as
                   the
                   Father
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   .
                   
                     Murders
                     ,
                     rapes
                     ,
                     violence
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   kind
                   of
                   mischief
                   invade
                   the
                   World
                   with
                   Anarchy
                   and
                   Disorder
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   how
                   far
                   all
                   this
                   hath
                   been
                   verified
                   in
                   our
                   Land
                   :
                   a
                   little
                   recollection
                   will
                   inform
                   us
                   .
                   For
                   ,
                
                 
                   WHEN
                   fair
                   Weather
                   and
                   a
                   warm
                   Sun
                   ,
                   the
                   indulgence
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   long
                   tranquillity
                   ,
                   had
                   made
                   us
                   fat
                   and
                   
                     frolick
                     ,
                     rich
                     and
                     full
                  
                   ,
                   our
                   prosperity
                   made
                   us
                   wanton
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   
                     riches
                     insolent
                  
                   .
                   We
                   began
                   to
                   murmur
                   ,
                   we
                   knew
                   not
                   why
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   complain
                   ,
                   because
                   we
                   had
                   nothing
                   to
                   
                     complain
                     of
                  
                   .
                   Discontents
                   grew
                   upon
                   the
                   stock
                   of
                   our
                   ill
                   Nature
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   perverseness
                   of
                   our
                   humours
                   ;
                   and
                   every
                   little
                   occasion
                   was
                   Fuel
                   to
                   the
                   Fire
                   that
                   was
                   
                   kindling
                   in
                   the
                   distempered
                   Body
                   .
                   We
                   began
                   to
                   invade
                   the
                   Government
                   with
                   
                     malicious
                     whispers
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     private
                     Preachments
                  
                   ,
                   with
                   Libels
                   and
                   Declamations
                   ,
                   with
                   Insolencies
                   and
                   Tumults
                   :
                   And
                   when
                   Sedition
                   had
                   incouraged
                   it self
                   by
                   Noise
                   and
                   Numbers
                   ,
                   by
                   
                     Popular
                     zeal
                  
                   and
                   
                     loud
                     talk
                  
                   of
                   Reformation
                   ,
                   it
                   flew
                   into
                   the
                   highest
                   irreverences
                   towards
                   the
                   King
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   most
                   violent
                   proceedings
                   against
                   his
                   Ministers
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   nearest
                   Trees
                   being
                   removed
                   ,
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   a
                   full
                   stroke
                   at
                   the
                   Cedar
                   .
                   Nor
                   did
                   things
                   stop
                   here
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Sparks
                   grew
                   into
                   mighty
                   Flames
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   Vapours
                   into
                   Thunder
                   and
                   Tempests
                   :
                   The
                   whispers
                   of
                   the
                   Corner
                   past
                   into
                   the
                   noise
                   of
                   a
                   Camp
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   murmurs
                   of
                   the
                   Street
                   into
                   the
                   sound
                   of
                   the
                   Trumpet
                   .
                   The
                   Cloud
                   like
                   an
                   hand
                   ,
                   became
                   a
                   Magazine
                   of
                   Storms
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   
                     New
                     lights
                  
                   set
                   us
                   all
                   on
                   Fire
                   .
                   The
                   Pulpit
                   sounded
                   as
                   much
                   War
                   as
                   the
                   Drum
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Preacher
                   spit
                   as
                   much
                   flame
                   as
                   the
                   
                     Cannon
                     .
                     Curse
                     ye
                     Meroz
                  
                   was
                   the
                   Text
                   ,
                   and
                   Blood
                   and
                   Plunder
                   the
                   Comment
                   and
                   the
                   Use
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   began
                   our
                   happy
                   Reformation
                   :
                   From
                   Law
                   to
                   Licentiousness
                   ;
                   from
                   Religion
                   to
                   Frensie
                   ;
                   from
                   an
                   happy
                   Government
                   ,
                   to
                   a
                   wretched
                   Hurry
                   and
                   Confusion
                   :
                   and
                   the
                   progress
                   and
                   the
                   end
                   were
                   suitable
                   to
                   those
                   
                     hopeful
                     beginnings
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   God
                   was
                   worshipped
                   
                     with
                     the
                  
                   Devils
                   Sacrifices
                   ,
                   humane
                   blood
                   and
                   slaughter
                   :
                   and
                   glorified
                   
                     by
                     being
                  
                   
                   affronted
                   
                     in
                     his
                  
                   Authority
                   
                     and
                     his
                  
                   Laws
                   .
                   The
                   King
                   was
                   honoured
                   
                     by
                     the
                  
                   persecution
                   
                     of
                     his
                  
                   Person
                   ,
                   and
                   murder
                   
                     of
                     his
                  
                   Friends
                   ;
                   submisly
                   addrest
                   
                     by
                     the
                  
                   civilities
                   
                     of
                     a
                  
                   Rabble
                   ;
                   and
                   petitioned
                   
                     in
                     the
                  
                   humble
                   form
                   of
                   Drums
                   ,
                   and
                   Granadoes
                   ;
                   Welcomed
                   
                     at
                     his
                  
                   Cities
                   ,
                   
                     by
                     the
                  
                   shutting
                   
                     of
                     their
                  
                   Gates
                   ;
                   and
                   entertained
                   
                     in
                     the
                  
                   Country
                   
                     with
                     the
                  
                   glittering
                   of
                   Swords
                   ,
                   
                     and
                     the
                  
                   noise
                   of
                   War
                   :
                   Fought
                   against
                   
                     for
                     his
                  
                   defence
                   ;
                   
                     and
                     his
                  
                   life
                   sought
                   ,
                   
                     for
                     the
                  
                   preservation
                   
                     of
                     the
                  
                   King.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     Thus
                     happy
                     were
                     our
                  
                   Reformers
                   in
                   twisting
                   Contradictions
                   ,
                   
                     and
                     they
                     would
                     be
                  
                   so
                   
                     indeed
                     ,
                     could
                     they
                     reconcile
                  
                   one
                   more
                   ,
                   viz.
                   That
                   they
                   are
                   the
                   good
                   People
                   and
                   sure
                   Heirs
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ;
                   
                     because
                     the
                  
                   Apostle
                   
                     saith
                     ,
                     They
                     that
                  
                   resist
                   shall
                   receive
                   to
                   themselves
                   damnation
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   yet
                   at
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   the
                   line
                   ,
                   the
                   most
                   fatal
                   part
                   of
                   the
                   Story
                   is
                   to
                   come
                   .
                
                 
                   Therefore
                   ,
                   after
                   ten
                   thousand
                   butcheries
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     devastations
                     ,
                     miseries
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   disorders
                   ,
                   which
                   cannot
                   be
                   described
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   will
                   in
                   part
                   be
                   felt
                   ;
                   
                     prosperous
                     wickedness
                  
                   finally
                   prevailed
                   ,
                   the
                   friends
                   of
                   Loyalty
                   and
                   Justice
                   were
                   scattered
                   ,
                   and
                   destroyed
                   :
                   Majesty
                   is
                   made
                   a
                   prey
                   to
                   the
                   sons
                   of
                   a
                   Dunghil
                   ;
                   and
                   
                     afflicted
                     innocence
                  
                   falls
                   into
                   the
                   hands
                   of
                   the
                   Hunters
                   :
                   And
                   after
                   He
                   had
                   been
                   
                     infamously
                     sold
                  
                   like
                   a
                   Slave
                   ,
                   and
                   imprisoned
                   like
                   a
                   vile
                   Malefactor
                   :
                   after
                   He
                   had
                   been
                   ravisht
                   from
                   his
                   Friends
                   ,
                   blasphemed
                   in
                   his
                   name
                   ,
                   and
                   robbed
                   of
                   the
                   ensigns
                   of
                   his
                   
                   dignity
                   :
                   after
                   He
                   had
                   been
                   tost
                   up
                   and
                   down
                   from
                   one
                   place
                   to
                   another
                   ,
                   according
                   as
                   the
                   designs
                   ,
                   and
                   insolencies
                   of
                   his
                   
                     cruel
                     Jaylors
                  
                   would
                   have
                   it
                   ;
                   after
                   He
                   had
                   been
                   mocked
                   by
                   Conditions
                   of
                   Peace
                   ,
                   and
                   terms
                   of
                   Accommodation
                   ,
                   that
                   were
                   never
                   meant
                   ;
                   after
                   He
                   had
                   made
                   concessions
                   to
                   all
                   their
                   Demands
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   the
                   sake
                   of
                   the
                   Peace
                   and
                   Settlement
                   of
                   his
                   Kingdoms
                   ,
                   had
                   granted
                   things
                   that
                   Subjects
                   had
                   never
                   the
                   insolence
                   to
                   ask
                   ;
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   after
                   these
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   thousand
                   instances
                   of
                   barbarism
                   ,
                   and
                   indignity
                   more
                   ;
                   that
                   his
                   
                     cruel
                     Persecutors
                  
                   might
                   transcend
                   all
                   examples
                   of
                   wickedness
                   ;
                   that
                   Generations
                   to
                   come
                   might
                   honour
                   them
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   do
                   that
                   HIGH
                   COURT
                   OF
                   JUSTICE
                   ,
                   whereof
                   PONTIUS
                   PILATE
                   was
                   PRESIDENT
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   deserve
                   a
                   
                     deeper
                     damnation
                  
                   than
                   that
                   threatned
                   by
                   the
                   Apostle
                   to
                   bare
                   Resisters
                   ;
                   They
                   summon
                   their
                   SOVERAIGN
                   to
                   their
                   Bar
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     try
                     Him
                  
                   by
                   a
                   company
                   of
                   Petty-fellows
                   ,
                   that
                   called
                   themselves
                   by
                   a
                   
                     great
                     Name
                  
                   :
                   They
                   buffet
                   him
                   with
                   their
                   
                     insolent
                     Taunts
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   bait
                   him
                   with
                   the
                   
                     mercenary
                     noise
                  
                   of
                   JUSTICE
                   ,
                   JUSTICE
                   ,
                   like
                   CRUCIFIE
                   him
                   ,
                   CRUCIFIE
                   him
                   ;
                   They
                   upbraid
                   him
                   with
                   their
                   own
                   faults
                   ,
                   and
                   charge
                   him
                   with
                   the
                   guilt
                   of
                   that
                   blood
                   which
                   themselves
                   had
                   spilt
                   ;
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   add
                   the
                   guilt
                   of
                   his
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   rest
                   ;
                   which
                   BLACK
                   TREASON
                   ,
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   thought
                   on
                   
                   without
                   horrour
                   ,
                   nor
                   named
                   without
                   a
                   tear
                   ,
                   this
                   Day
                   they
                   accomplisht
                   ,
                   beyond
                   any
                   president
                   of
                   former
                   times
                   ,
                   and
                   perhaps
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   the
                   future
                   ;
                   contrary
                   to
                   their
                   Allegiance
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   Covenant
                   ,
                   to
                   their
                   duty
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   professions
                   to
                   the
                   People
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   obligation
                   of
                   all
                   Laws
                   and
                   
                     Common
                     Right
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   Therefore
                   let
                   this
                   Day
                   be
                   darkness
                   ,
                   let
                   the
                   covering
                   of
                   the
                   
                     blackest
                     Grief
                  
                   be
                   upon
                   it
                   ;
                   because
                   this
                   Day
                   fell
                   a
                   Prince
                   ,
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   the
                   wisest
                   ;
                   the
                   most
                   pious
                   ,
                   most
                   gracious
                   that
                   ever
                   swayed
                   these
                   Scepters
                   .
                   He
                   fell
                   ,
                   and
                   fell
                   by
                   violence
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   violent
                   hands
                   of
                   his
                   own
                   ,
                   who
                   ought
                   to
                   have
                   sacrificed
                   their
                   lives
                   to
                   the
                   preservation
                   of
                   His
                   :
                   He
                   fell
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   dishonour
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   grief
                   of
                   good
                   Men
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   scandal
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   shame
                   of
                   Protestantism
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   overthrow
                   of
                   Government
                   ,
                   and
                   ruine
                   of
                   the
                   Nation
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   a
                   Lamentation
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   all
                   Generations
                   it
                   shall
                   be
                   for
                   a
                   LAMENTATION
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   Oh
                   Heavens
                   !
                   oh
                   Providence
                   !
                   must
                   Vertue
                   be
                   dethroned
                   ,
                   and
                   Villany
                   be
                   crowned
                   !
                   must
                   Victory
                   and
                   Success
                   wait
                   upon
                   Treasons
                   ,
                   and
                   Parricides
                   ,
                   while
                   infamy
                   and
                   loss
                   dogg
                   Innocence
                   to
                   the
                   Grave
                   !
                   Must
                   the
                   most
                   righteous
                   of
                   Princes
                   be
                   the
                   most
                   miserable
                   of
                   Men
                   ;
                   and
                   Religion
                   and
                   a
                   
                     good
                     Cause
                  
                   be
                   the
                   only
                   way
                   to
                   be
                   unfortunate
                   ,
                   and
                   undone
                   !
                   Will
                   the
                   Searcher
                   of
                   hearts
                   abet
                   hypocrites
                   !
                   and
                   Providence
                   lend
                   
                   it self
                   for
                   an
                   argument
                   to
                   
                     legitimate
                     Rebellion
                  
                   !
                   Shall
                   the
                   
                     Pharisee
                     pray
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   prosper
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   
                     righteous
                     cry
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   forsaken
                   !
                   Shall
                   Treason
                   carry
                   Religion
                   in
                   Triumph
                   upon
                   its
                   
                     gilded
                     Banners
                  
                   !
                   and
                   shall
                   the
                   wicked
                   lift
                   up
                   their
                   hands
                   in
                   an
                   appeal
                   to
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   and
                   bring
                   them
                   down
                   to
                   the
                   destruction
                   of
                   the
                   Just
                   !
                   Shall
                   Villany
                   raise
                   its
                   head
                   to
                   the
                   Clouds
                   ,
                   and
                   meet
                   no
                   Thunderbolts
                   there
                   ;
                   while
                   the
                   Devotions
                   of
                   the
                   Innocent
                   return
                   upon
                   him
                   in
                   storms
                   and
                   flames
                   !
                
                 
                   Thus
                   Sense
                   and
                   Nature
                   would
                   complain
                   on
                   this
                   occasion
                   :
                   But
                   Providence
                   is
                   just
                   ,
                   though
                   we
                   are
                   
                     blind
                     .
                     Prosperous
                     Villany
                  
                   crows
                   and
                   triumphs
                   for
                   a
                   moment
                   ,
                   but
                   is
                   covered
                   with
                   shame
                   ,
                   and
                   eternal
                   darkness
                   in
                   the
                   issue
                   :
                   The
                   end
                   of
                   things
                   will
                   disentangle
                   Providence
                   ,
                   and
                   rectifie
                   all
                   disorders
                   .
                   Then
                   shall
                   we
                   see
                   that
                   
                     afflicted
                     Vertue
                  
                   shoots
                   up
                   on
                   the
                   
                     other
                     side
                  
                   the
                   Grave
                   ,
                   and
                   sends
                   its
                   branches
                   into
                   a
                   
                     flowring
                     Paradise
                  
                   ,
                   where
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   green
                   and
                   verdant
                   in
                   an
                   eternal
                   Spring
                   ,
                   while
                   every
                   Tree
                   that
                   Vertue
                   hath
                   not
                   planted
                   shall
                   be
                   rooted
                   up
                   ,
                   and
                   wither
                   in
                   a
                   moment
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   briefly
                   I
                   thought
                   fit
                   to
                   suggest
                   as
                   an
                   Apology
                   for
                   Providence
                   ;
                   lest
                   the
                   successes
                   of
                   the
                   wicked
                   ,
                   and
                   misfortunes
                   of
                   the
                   Just
                   ,
                   in
                   instances
                   so
                   great
                   and
                   so
                   near
                   ,
                   might
                   tempt
                   any
                   to
                   think
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   
                     no
                     GOD
                     that
                     judgeth
                     in
                     the
                     Earth
                     .
                  
                
                 
                 
                   And
                   thus
                   I
                   am
                   arrived
                   at
                   the
                   
                     first
                     period
                  
                   of
                   the
                   miseries
                   that
                   we
                   brought
                   upon
                   our selves
                   by
                   Resistance
                   ,
                   which
                   concludes
                   in
                   the
                   ruine
                   and
                   dissolution
                   of
                   Government
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   runs
                   into
                   all
                   the
                   mischiefs
                   to
                   which
                   humane
                   Nature
                   is
                   obnoxious
                   .
                   For
                   Government
                   is
                   the
                   great
                   interest
                   of
                   mankind
                   ;
                   that
                   which
                   bounds
                   our
                   passions
                   ,
                   and
                   secures
                   our
                   rights
                   ;
                   prevents
                   confusion
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   
                     deluge
                     of
                     Debauches
                  
                   that
                   Anarchy
                   lets
                   in
                   upon
                   the
                   World.
                   And
                   how
                   far
                   we
                   felt
                   this
                   also
                   in
                   the
                   consequent
                   Calamities
                   ,
                   would
                   be
                   considered
                   .
                
                 
                   When
                   the
                   Nation
                   then
                   had
                   lost
                   its
                   Head
                   ,
                   and
                   its
                   Glory
                   ,
                   't
                   was
                   turned
                   with
                   its
                   
                     Heels
                     upwards
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   governed
                   by
                   a
                   Thing
                   as
                   infamous
                   in
                   its
                   quality
                   ,
                   as
                   its
                   Name
                   .
                   The
                   Dreggs
                   of
                   the
                   Populace
                   ,
                   the
                   Creatures
                   of
                   a
                   
                     Sectarian
                     Army
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   worst
                   part
                   of
                   a
                   Body
                   ,
                   that
                   was
                   bad
                   enough
                   in
                   its
                   best
                   ;
                   these
                   were
                   our
                   Senators
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Patriots
                   ,
                   the
                   preservers
                   of
                   our
                   Peace
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Keepers
                   of
                   our
                   Liberties
                   :
                   and
                   keep
                   them
                   they
                   did
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   but
                   from
                   us
                   .
                   And
                   was
                   not
                   this
                   a
                   Liberty
                   worth
                   the
                   Bloud
                   ,
                   and
                   Treasure
                   that
                   was
                   spent
                   to
                   purchase
                   it
                   ?
                
                 
                   O
                   the
                   
                     blessed
                     Reformation
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   filled
                   our
                   Pulpits
                   ,
                   and
                   emptied
                   our
                   Purses
                   ;
                   that
                   quickned
                   our
                   endeavours
                   ,
                   and
                   inspired
                   our
                   zeal
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   was
                   so
                   glorious
                   in
                   our
                   mouths
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   pleasant
                   in
                   our
                   hopes
                   !
                   Were
                   not
                   
                   all
                   miscarriages
                   of
                   Government
                   well
                   mended
                   ,
                   when
                   Government
                   was
                   thrown
                   up
                   by
                   the
                   roots
                   ?
                   and
                   was
                   not
                   the
                   disease
                   well
                   cured
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   Body
                   was
                   destroyed
                   ?
                   Were
                   we
                   not
                   well
                   freed
                   from
                   
                     evil
                     Counsellors
                  
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   made
                   Kings
                   of
                   the
                   worst
                   we
                   had
                   ?
                   And
                   was
                   not
                   Tyranny
                   well
                   extirpated
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   were
                   under
                   an
                   Army
                   of
                   Tyrants
                   ?
                
                 
                   But
                   the
                   glorious
                   things
                   are
                   to
                   come
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   must
                   be
                   cast
                   into
                   
                     New
                     Models
                  
                   :
                   And
                   when
                   the
                   Birds
                   of
                   Prey
                   have
                   divided
                   the
                   Spoil
                   ,
                   and
                   satisfied
                   the
                   cravings
                   of
                   their
                   appetites
                   and
                   ambition
                   ,
                   the
                   Nation
                   shall
                   be
                   made
                   happy
                   with
                   New-nothings
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     golden
                     Mountains
                  
                   ;
                   with
                   Chimaera's
                   of
                   Common-wealths
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     fine
                     names
                  
                   for
                   Slavery
                   .
                   In
                   the
                   mean
                   while
                   Loyalty
                   must
                   be
                   scourged
                   with
                   the
                   Scorpions
                   that
                   are
                   due
                   to
                   Rebellion
                   :
                   And
                   those
                   that
                   feared
                   the
                   damnation
                   of
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   shall
                   be
                   sure
                   to
                   incur
                   the
                   
                     damnation
                     of
                     the
                     Reformers
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   that
                   would
                   not
                   hazard
                   their
                   Souls
                   ,
                   must
                   compound
                   for
                   their
                   Estates
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   when
                   the
                   JUNCTO
                   had
                   run
                   to
                   the
                   length
                   of
                   their
                   Line
                   ;
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   as
                   far
                   as
                   their
                   MASTER
                   would
                   permit
                   them
                   ;
                   when
                   they
                   were
                   as
                   odious
                   as
                   they
                   deserved
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     his
                     designs
                  
                   as
                   ripe
                   as
                   he
                   could
                   wish
                   ;
                   then
                   up
                   steps
                   the
                   single
                   TYRANT
                   ,
                   kicks
                   them
                   out
                   of
                   their
                   Seats
                   ,
                   and
                   BEELZEBUB
                   dispossesseth
                   the
                   LEGION
                   .
                   He
                   engrosseth
                   the
                   prey
                   to
                   himself
                   ,
                   and
                   assumes
                   the
                   sole
                   priviledge
                   of
                   compleating
                   our
                   miseries
                   .
                   He
                   
                   made
                   himself
                   after
                   the
                   Image
                   of
                   a
                   King
                   ,
                   and
                   invested
                   his
                   Sword
                   with
                   the
                   authority
                   of
                   Law
                   :
                   He
                   ruled
                   us
                   with
                   the
                   Rod
                   of
                   Iron
                   we
                   deserved
                   ;
                   and
                   made
                   us
                   feel
                   a
                   difference
                   between
                   the
                   
                     silken
                     Reins
                  
                   of
                   a
                   
                     lawful
                     Authority
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     heavy
                     yoke
                  
                   of
                   an
                   
                     insolent
                     Usurpation
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   when
                   Providence
                   had
                   freed
                   us
                   from
                   this
                   Plague
                   ,
                   and
                   called
                   him
                   to
                   account
                   for
                   his
                   Villanies
                   ,
                   we
                   fell
                   back
                   into
                   our
                   old
                   disorders
                   ;
                   we
                   
                     reeled
                     to
                  
                   and
                   fro
                   ,
                   and
                   staggered
                   like
                   a
                   
                     Drunken
                     man
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   were
                   at
                   our
                   
                     wits
                     end
                  
                   .
                   We
                   knew
                   not
                   this
                   week
                   ,
                   who
                   would
                   be
                   our
                   Lords
                   the
                   next
                   ;
                   nor
                   did
                   our
                   Lords
                   themselves
                   know
                   to
                   day
                   ,
                   by
                   what
                   Laws
                   they
                   would
                   Rule
                   to
                   
                     morrow
                     .
                     Confusion
                  
                   was
                   in
                   their
                   Councils
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   Tyranny
                   in
                   their
                   Actions
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   was
                   but
                   
                     one
                     thing
                  
                   they
                   seemed
                   to
                   be
                   agreed
                   upon
                   ,
                   which
                   was
                   to
                   inslave
                   the
                   Nation
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   we
                   would
                   not
                   believe
                   that
                   this
                   was
                   Liberty
                   ,
                   we
                   must
                   be
                   knockt
                   on
                   the
                   head
                   with
                   our
                   chains
                   ;
                   if
                   the
                   Sheep
                   would
                   not
                   take
                   the
                   Wolves
                   for
                   their
                   Guardians
                   ,
                   't
                   was
                   fault
                   enough
                   ,
                   and
                   good
                   reason
                   why
                   they
                   should
                   be
                   devoured
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   were
                   not
                   things
                   come
                   at
                   length
                   to
                   a
                   good
                   pass
                   ,
                   when
                   men
                   in
                   Buff
                   durst
                   proclaim
                   themselves
                   the
                   only
                   
                     Legal
                     Authority
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Nation
                   ?
                   when
                   our
                   Armed
                   Masters
                   murdered
                   men
                   in
                   the
                   Streets
                   ,
                   and
                   threatned
                   the
                   
                     ancient
                     Metropolis
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Nation
                   ,
                   with
                   Gunpowder
                   and
                   
                     Granadoes
                     ?
                     Fire
                  
                   and
                   
                   Sword
                   must
                   be
                   our
                   portion
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   would
                   not
                   be
                   in
                   love
                   with
                   
                     infamous
                     Usurpers
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   a
                   worse
                   Powder-plot
                   than
                   
                   Faux's
                   was
                   acting
                   in
                   the
                   face
                   of
                   the
                   Sun
                   :
                   The
                   strength
                   ,
                   the
                   riches
                   ,
                   the
                   beauty
                   ,
                   yea
                   ,
                   the
                   almost
                   All
                   of
                   the
                   Nation
                   was
                   designed
                   a
                   Sacrifice
                   to
                   the
                   rage
                   and
                   revenge
                   of
                   our
                   Oppressors
                   ;
                   and
                   Plunder
                   and
                   Massacres
                   were
                   almost
                   the
                   
                     least
                     evils
                  
                   we
                   feared
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   were
                   we
                   tost
                   up
                   and
                   down
                   from
                   one
                   wave
                   to
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   the
                   sport
                   of
                   the
                   proud
                   and
                   
                     insulting
                     billows
                  
                   ,
                   till
                   Almighty
                   Goodness
                   setled
                   us
                   again
                   upon
                   our
                   
                     old
                     basis
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   a
                   Miracle
                   of
                   Providence
                   restored
                   us
                   our
                   PRINCE
                   and
                   our
                   Government
                   which
                   our
                   sins
                   had
                   deprived
                   us
                   of
                   ,
                   to
                   re-establish
                   us
                   upon
                   the
                   
                     sure
                     Foundations
                  
                   of
                   Righteousness
                   and
                   Peace
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   are
                   some
                   sprinklings
                   of
                   that
                   deluge
                   of
                   Woe
                   that
                   we
                   brought
                   upon
                   our selves
                   by
                   resistance
                   ,
                   which
                   I
                   have
                   briefly
                   described
                   to
                   this
                   purpose
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   remembrance
                   of
                   these
                   miseries
                   may
                   beget
                   a
                   sense
                   of
                   our
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   truth
                   of
                   the
                   
                     particular
                     Proposition
                  
                   I
                   have
                   been
                   discoursing
                   under
                   this
                   Head
                   ,
                   
                     viz.
                     That
                     Resistance
                     is
                     fatal
                     to
                     Government
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   And
                   though
                   Government
                   may
                   be
                   fixt
                   again
                   upon
                   its
                   Foundations
                   ,
                   and
                   Laws
                   turned
                   into
                   their
                   ancient
                   Channel
                   ,
                   after
                   the
                   violence
                   they
                   have
                   suffered
                   ;
                   yet
                   they
                   lose
                   much
                   of
                   their
                   reverence
                   and
                   strength
                   by
                   such
                   dissettlements
                   :
                   And
                   the
                   People
                   that
                   have
                   
                   
                     rebelled
                     once
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   successfully
                   ,
                   will
                   be
                   ready
                   to
                   do
                   so
                   often
                   .
                   As
                   water
                   that
                   hath
                   been
                   boyled
                   ,
                   will
                   boyl
                   again
                   the
                   sooner
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   thus
                   we
                   see
                   how
                   ruinous
                   resistance
                   is
                   to
                   Government
                   ,
                   and
                   how
                   destructive
                   to
                   that
                   first
                   great
                   Interest
                   of
                   Societies
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   also
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   TO
                   RELIGION
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   the
                   other
                   .
                   That
                   Rebellion
                   is
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   seen
                   ;
                   and
                   consequently
                   ,
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   destructive
                   of
                   its
                   Being
                   ,
                   will
                   not
                   need
                   much
                   proof
                   ;
                   since
                   contraries
                   destroy
                   one
                   another
                   .
                   Rebellion
                   lays
                   the
                   Reins
                   on
                   mens
                   necks
                   ,
                   and
                   takes
                   off
                   the
                   restraints
                   of
                   their
                   appetites
                   ;
                   it
                   opens
                   the
                   flood-gates
                   of
                   Impiety
                   ,
                   and
                   le
                   ts
                   loose
                   the
                   brats
                   of
                   
                     extravagant
                     Imagination
                  
                   :
                   It
                   destroys
                   the
                   reverence
                   of
                   all
                   things
                   sacred
                   ,
                   and
                   drives
                   Vertue
                   to
                   Corners
                   :
                   It
                   gathers
                   mens
                   lusts
                   into
                   a
                   
                     common
                     storm
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   fills
                   all
                   things
                   with
                   Chaos
                   and
                   
                     confusion
                     .
                     Religion
                  
                   cannot
                   be
                   heard
                   in
                   the
                   noise
                   of
                   a
                   battel
                   ,
                   but
                   is
                   trampled
                   under-foot
                   in
                   the
                   hurry
                   and
                   
                     tumult
                     .
                     Faith
                  
                   and
                   
                     love
                     ,
                     humility
                  
                   and
                   
                     meekness
                     ,
                     purity
                  
                   and
                   patience
                   are
                   overcast
                   and
                   silenced
                   by
                   Atheism
                   and
                   
                     Cruelty
                     ,
                     pride
                  
                   and
                   
                     barbarism
                     ,
                     lust
                  
                   and
                   revenge
                   .
                   Thus
                   Rebellion
                   by
                   breaking
                   up
                   the
                   foundations
                   of
                   the
                   Earth
                   ,
                   le
                   ts
                   in
                   an
                   Hell
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   brings
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   present
                   damnation
                   upon
                   the
                   World.
                   And
                   that
                   this
                   is
                   another
                   fatal
                   mischief
                   of
                   Resistance
                   ,
                   we
                   
                   have
                   felt
                   also
                   by
                   an
                   experience
                   that
                   will
                   keep
                   it
                   in
                   our
                   memories
                   .
                   And
                   what
                   execution
                   it
                   hath
                   done
                   upon
                   Religion
                   must
                   be
                   considered
                   next
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   this
                   is
                   a
                   
                     tender
                     thing
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   am
                   willing
                   to
                   keep
                   my self
                   within
                   bounds
                   that
                   are
                   charitable
                   ,
                   and
                   sober
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   must
                   premise
                   to
                   what
                   I
                   have
                   to
                   say
                   about
                   it
                   ;
                   that
                   I
                   charge
                   not
                   the
                   whole
                   Body
                   of
                   the
                   People
                   of
                   the
                   late
                   Times
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   guilt
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   Follies
                   and
                   corruptions
                   I
                   describe
                   .
                   Nor
                   do
                   I
                   believe
                   ,
                   or
                   say
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   whole
                   Mass
                   of
                   their
                   Religion
                   was
                   so
                   
                     monstrously
                     vitiated
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   depraved
                   .
                   I
                   profess
                   
                     Universal
                     Charity
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   perhaps
                   ,
                   more
                   for
                   the
                   worst
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   than
                   they
                   generally
                   will
                   own
                   for
                   any
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   party
                   ,
                   or
                   opinion
                   .
                   And
                   therefore
                   at
                   present
                   I
                   shall
                   say
                   no
                   more
                   ,
                   than
                   what
                   the
                   sober
                   and
                   intelligent
                   among
                   themselves
                   will
                   acknowledge
                   to
                   be
                   justly
                   chargeable
                   upon
                   some
                   or
                   other
                   of
                   the
                   Sects
                   bred
                   by
                   our
                   
                     late
                     Disorders
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   will
                   be
                   enough
                   for
                   my
                   purpose
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   only
                   to
                   prove
                   by
                   near
                   and
                   
                     deplorable
                     instances
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   resistance
                   brings
                   mischiefs
                   upon
                   Religion
                   ;
                   and
                   not
                   to
                   expose
                   to
                   hatred
                   ,
                   or
                   contempt
                   the
                   persons
                   of
                   any
                   that
                   are
                   serious
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   their
                   profession
                   ,
                   though
                   I
                   judge
                   it
                   never
                   so
                   obnoxious
                   ,
                   and
                   mistaken
                   :
                   And
                   having
                   said
                   this
                   out
                   of
                   a
                   
                     tender
                     charity
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   none
                   may
                   be
                   wronged
                   by
                   misinterpretation
                   ,
                   nor
                   any
                   offended
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   concerned
                   ;
                   I
                   come
                   with
                   freedom
                   to
                   describe
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   
                   injuries
                   our
                   
                     unhappy
                     resistance
                  
                   hath
                   done
                   Religion
                   ,
                   not
                   withstanding
                   that
                   both
                   Arms
                   and
                   Tongues
                   so
                   highly
                   pretended
                   its
                   defence
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   indeed
                   men
                   fought
                   for
                   Religion
                   till
                   they
                   had
                   destroyed
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   disputed
                   about
                   it
                   ,
                   till
                   they
                   had
                   lost
                   it
                   .
                   Midtiplicity
                   of
                   Opinion
                   had
                   quite
                   confounded
                   the
                   simplicity
                   of
                   Life
                   and
                   Faith
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   was
                   most
                   peoples
                   business
                   to
                   chatter
                   like
                   Pyes
                   ,
                   rather
                   than
                   to
                   live
                   like
                   Christians
                   ,
                   or
                   like
                   Men.
                   If
                   Religion
                   had
                   been
                   computed
                   by
                   mens
                   talk
                   ,
                   and
                   dispute
                   about
                   it
                   ,
                   those
                   later
                   days
                   of
                   the
                   declining
                   World
                   had
                   been
                   its
                   best
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   in
                   its
                   growth
                   and
                   ways
                   of
                   highest
                   improvement
                   ,
                   when
                   all
                   things
                   else
                   were
                   verging
                   to
                   their
                   Set
                   ,
                   and
                   Period
                   .
                   But
                   alas
                   ,
                   the
                   Tongue
                   was
                   the
                   most
                   ,
                   if
                   not
                   the
                   
                     only
                     religious
                     Member
                  
                   .
                   And
                   many
                   of
                   the
                   Pretenders
                   ,
                   like
                   the
                   
                     Aegyptian
                     Temples
                  
                   ,
                   were
                   
                     fair
                     without
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   Beasts
                   and
                   Serpents
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Crocodiles
                     within
                  
                   .
                   Or
                   like
                   the
                   Bird
                   of
                   Paradise
                   ,
                   they
                   had
                   Wings
                   to
                   flye
                   in
                   the
                   Clouds
                   of
                   Imagination
                   ,
                   but
                   no
                   Feet
                   to
                   walk
                   on
                   the
                   Ground
                   of
                   a
                   
                     vertuous
                     practice
                  
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   some
                   had
                   found
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   swim
                   to
                   Heaven
                   in
                   the
                   Current
                   of
                   their
                   appetites
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   reconcile
                   
                     Covetousness
                     ,
                     Rapine
                     ,
                     Cruelty
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Spiritual
                     Pride
                  
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   glorious
                   names
                   of
                   the
                   Elect
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     People
                     of
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     Church
                     of
                     Christ
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     good
                     Party
                     :
                     Religion
                  
                   with
                   Rebellion
                   ;
                   and
                   Sacriledge
                   with
                   Saintship
                   .
                   Men
                   had
                   learnt
                   to
                   be
                   godly
                   ,
                   without
                   goodness
                   ;
                   and
                   Christians
                   without
                   Christianity
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   They
                   were
                   lovers
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   haters
                   of
                   their
                   
                     Brother
                     :
                     haters
                  
                   of
                   
                     open
                     Prophaneness
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   of
                   spiritual
                   wickedness
                   :
                   Very
                   godly
                   ,
                   though
                   cruel
                   ,
                   and
                   unjust
                   :
                   True
                   penitents
                   ,
                   though
                   they
                   returned
                   to
                   their
                   sins
                   ,
                   as
                   soon
                   as
                   they
                   had
                   complain'd
                   ,
                   and
                   wept
                   :
                   Their
                   hearts
                   were
                   good
                   ,
                   though
                   their
                   actions
                   were
                   dishonest
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   had
                   the
                   root
                   of
                   the
                   matter
                   in
                   them
                   ,
                   though
                   that
                   root
                   were
                   a
                   
                     dry
                     stump
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   had
                   no
                   branches
                   :
                   They
                   were
                   regenerated
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   
                     reformed
                     ;
                     converted
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   a
                   jot
                   the
                   
                     better
                     :
                     Devout
                     Worshippers
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   
                     bad
                     Neighbours
                     :
                     Lovers
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   but
                   
                     no
                     haters
                     of
                     Covetousness
                  
                   :
                   Had
                   power
                   in
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   but
                   none
                   over
                   themselves
                   :
                   They
                   were
                   
                     Gods
                     Servants
                  
                   ,
                   though
                   they
                   obeyed
                   their
                   appetites
                   ;
                   and
                   
                     his
                     children
                  
                   ,
                   though
                   no
                   better
                   than
                   those
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   of
                   their
                   Father
                   the
                   Devil
                   .
                   Thus
                   had
                   men
                   got
                   the
                   knack
                   to
                   be
                   religious
                   without
                   religion
                   ,
                   and
                   were
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   be
                   saved
                   ,
                   without
                   salvation
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   were
                   gross
                   disorders
                   whereby
                   Religion
                   was
                   taken
                   from
                   its
                   foundation
                   of
                   Vertue
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Holy
                     living
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   placed
                   in
                   
                     emotions
                     ,
                     raptures
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     swelling
                     words
                  
                   of
                   vanity
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   when
                   these
                   had
                   kindled
                   the
                   imagination
                   ,
                   and
                   raised
                   the
                   fansie
                   to
                   the
                   Clouds
                   ,
                   to
                   flutter
                   there
                   in
                   
                     mystical
                     non-sense
                  
                   :
                   and
                   when
                   that
                   was
                   mounted
                   on
                   the
                   Wings
                   of
                   the
                   Wind
                   ,
                   and
                   got
                   into
                   the
                   Revelations
                   to
                   loosen
                   the
                   
                     seals
                     ,
                     pour
                  
                   out
                   the
                   vials
                   ,
                   and
                   phantastically
                   to
                   interpret
                   the
                   fates
                   of
                   Kingdoms
                   ;
                   when
                   it
                   flew
                   into
                   
                   the
                   Tongue
                   in
                   an
                   
                     extravagant
                     ramble
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   abused
                   the
                   Name
                   and
                   Word
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   mingling
                   it
                   with
                   
                     canting
                     ,
                     unintelligible
                  
                   babble
                   :
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   diseased
                   and
                   disturbed
                   phansie
                   thus
                   
                     variously
                     displayed
                  
                   it self
                   ,
                   many
                   made
                   themselves
                   believe
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   acted
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   those
                   
                     wild
                     agitations
                  
                   of
                   
                     sick
                     Imaginations
                  
                   ,
                   were
                   
                     divine
                     motions
                  
                   :
                   And
                   when
                   this
                   fire
                   was
                   descended
                   from
                   the
                   fansie
                   to
                   the
                   affections
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   being
                   
                     exceedingly
                     moved
                  
                   by
                   those
                   vain
                   and
                   
                     proud
                     conceits
                  
                   ,
                   caused
                   tremblings
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     foamings
                     ,
                     convulsions
                  
                   and
                   ecstasies
                   in
                   the
                   body
                   ,
                   (
                   all
                   which
                   are
                   but
                   
                     natural
                     diseases
                  
                   ,
                   if
                   not
                   worse
                   ;
                   and
                   just
                   like
                   those
                   
                     odd
                     ecstatical
                     motions
                     of
                     the
                     Devils
                     Priests
                  
                   when
                   they
                   came
                   foaming
                   from
                   his
                   Altars
                   )
                   these
                   ,
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     wild
                     phantasticks
                  
                   had
                   learnt
                   to
                   ascribe
                   to
                   the
                   blessed
                   and
                   
                     adorable
                     Spirit
                  
                   :
                   And
                   when
                   their
                   phansies
                   being
                   full
                   of
                   
                     turgid
                     notions
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   bodies
                   in
                   an
                   ecstasie
                   ,
                   they
                   dream'd
                   of
                   
                     strange
                     sights
                     ,
                     voices
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   wonderful
                   discoveries
                   ,
                   which
                   were
                   nothing
                   but
                   the
                   
                     unquiet
                     agitations
                  
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   disordered
                   brains
                   :
                   These
                   also
                   were
                   taken
                   for
                   
                     divine
                     Revelations
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   effects
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   shewing
                   it self
                   miraculously
                   in
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   Briefly
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   sum
                   ;
                   Every
                   humour
                   and
                   
                     phantastick
                     unaccountable
                     motion
                  
                   ,
                   was
                   by
                   some
                   represented
                   as
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   that
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   to
                   which
                   they
                   are
                   most
                   opposite
                   :
                   Thus
                   when
                   warm
                   and
                   
                     brisk
                     sanguine
                  
                   presented
                   a
                   
                     cheerful
                     Scene
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   filled
                   the
                   imagination
                   
                   with
                   pleasant
                   Dreams
                   ;
                   these
                   were
                   divine
                   Illapses
                   ,
                   the
                   Joys
                   and
                   Incomes
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   :
                   When
                   
                     heated
                     Melancholy
                  
                   had
                   kindled
                   the
                   busie
                   and
                   
                     active
                     phansie
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   Enthusiast
                   talks
                   of
                   
                     Illuminations
                     ,
                     New
                     Lights
                     ,
                     Revelations
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   many
                   
                     wonderful
                     fine
                     things
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   were
                   ascribed
                   to
                   the
                   same
                   Spirit
                   :
                   and
                   when
                   Phlegm
                   prevailed
                   ,
                   and
                   had
                   quencht
                   the
                   
                     phantastick
                     Fire
                  
                   ,
                   rendring
                   the
                   
                     Mad
                     man
                  
                   more
                   dull
                   and
                   unactive
                   ;
                   then
                   the
                   Spirit
                   was
                   withdrawn
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   man
                   under
                   
                     spiritual
                     darkness
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   desertion
                   :
                   And
                   when
                   again
                   Choler
                   was
                   boyled
                   up
                   into
                   rage
                   and
                   fury
                   against
                   every
                   thing
                   that
                   was
                   not
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Fanatique
                     genius
                  
                   ;
                   this
                   also
                   was
                   presumed
                   to
                   be
                   an
                   
                     Holy
                     Fervour
                  
                   kindled
                   by
                   that
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   whose
                   
                     real
                     Fruits
                  
                   are
                   gentleness
                   ,
                   and
                   love
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   now
                   ,
                   after
                   that
                   which
                   I
                   have
                   said
                   on
                   this
                   occasion
                   ,
                   it
                   may
                   perhaps
                   be
                   necessary
                   to
                   add
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   hope
                   none
                   here
                   will
                   be
                   so
                   uncharitable
                   ,
                   or
                   so
                   unjust
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   think
                   that
                   I
                   go
                   about
                   to
                   disparage
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   its
                   influence
                   ;
                   which
                   (
                   as
                   I
                   ought
                   )
                   I
                   adore
                   and
                   reverence
                   :
                   and
                   because
                   I
                   do
                   so
                   ,
                   I
                   think
                   it
                   fit
                   to
                   represent
                   ,
                   and
                   shame
                   the
                   
                     blasphemous
                     abuses
                  
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   which
                   would
                   expose
                   the
                   most
                   Divine
                   things
                   to
                   scorn
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   them
                   ridiculous
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   the
                   Holy
                   Spirit
                   hath
                   been
                   thus
                   traduced
                   and
                   injured
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   still
                   by
                   great
                   numbers
                   among
                   us
                   ,
                   't
                   would
                   be
                   shameful
                   not
                   to
                   acknowledge
                   :
                   And
                   I
                   add
                   ,
                   that
                   my
                   zeal
                   and
                   reverence
                   for
                   the
                   realities
                   ,
                   make
                   me
                   
                   thus
                   justly
                   sharp
                   against
                   the
                   Counterfeits
                   .
                   Nor
                   do
                   I
                   think
                   that
                   folly
                   and
                   phantastry
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   spared
                   ,
                   because
                   they
                   wear
                   the
                   
                     stollen
                     Livery
                  
                   of
                   things
                   venerable
                   ,
                   and
                   sacred
                   .
                
                 
                   Therefore
                   ,
                   to
                   go
                   on
                   ;
                   such
                   a
                   Religion
                   had
                   the
                   corruption
                   of
                   it
                   bred
                   among
                   us
                   :
                   A
                   Religion
                   conceived
                   in
                   the
                   Imagination
                   ,
                   and
                   begot
                   by
                   Pride
                   ,
                   and
                   Self-Love
                   ,
                   which
                   gilded
                   the
                   Professors
                   of
                   it
                   with
                   all
                   the
                   
                     glorious
                     names
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   priviledges
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   :
                   And
                   when
                   they
                   had
                   encircled
                   their
                   Heads
                   with
                   their
                   own
                   phantastick
                   rays
                   ,
                   and
                   swoln
                   their
                   Imaginations
                   into
                   a
                   Tympany
                   of
                   
                     ridiculous
                     greatness
                  
                   ,
                   they
                   scornfully
                   contemned
                   all
                   but
                   their
                   
                   Darling-selves
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   the
                   Formal
                   ,
                   the
                   Moral
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Wicked
                   :
                   and
                   proudly
                   pitied
                   the
                   poor
                   and
                   carnal
                   World
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   all
                   that
                   were
                   not
                   of
                   
                     their
                     conceited
                  
                   pitch
                   ,
                   and
                   elevation
                   .
                   And
                   having
                   thus
                   dignified
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   debased
                   others
                   :
                   they
                   herded
                   together
                   ,
                   drew
                   the
                   Church
                   into
                   their
                   
                     little
                     Corners
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   withdrew
                   from
                   the
                   communion
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   who
                   had
                   less
                   conceit
                   ,
                   though
                   more
                   Christianity
                   .
                   They
                   bid
                   us
                   
                     stand
                     off
                  
                   ,
                   lest
                   we
                   should
                   have
                   polluted
                   them
                   by
                   our
                   unhallowed
                   approaches
                   ;
                   and
                   having
                   made
                   us
                   as
                   the
                   Heathen
                   and
                   the
                   Publican
                   ,
                   they
                   cried
                   ,
                   
                     Come
                     out
                     from
                     among
                     them
                  
                   .
                   The
                   
                     true
                     Church
                     ,
                     soundness
                  
                   of
                   
                     Judgement
                     ,
                     purity
                  
                   of
                   Doctrine
                   and
                   of
                   Worship
                   (
                   if
                   men
                   would
                   believe
                   them
                   )
                   was
                   confined
                   to
                   their
                   clans
                   ,
                   just
                   as
                   they
                   wee
                   to
                   the
                   Corners
                   of
                   Africa
                   of
                   old
                   ,
                   
                   when
                   their
                   Friends
                   the
                   Donatists
                   were
                   there
                   .
                   Thus
                   did
                   the
                   Votaries
                   of
                   each
                   Sect
                   swell
                   in
                   their
                   Imaginations
                   ,
                   till
                   some
                   other
                   sort
                   as
                   well
                   conceited
                   as
                   themselves
                   ,
                   endeavoured
                   to
                   take
                   their
                   Plumes
                   from
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   appropriate
                   those
                   glorious
                   prerogatives
                   to
                   their
                   own
                   party
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   this
                   went
                   for
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   spirituality
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   under
                   pretence
                   of
                   which
                   ,
                   all
                   reverence
                   to
                   things
                   sacred
                   was
                   destroyed
                   .
                   For
                   when
                   this
                   Spirit
                   had
                   got
                   into
                   the
                   Pulpit
                   ,
                   and
                   set
                   up
                   the
                   Cry
                   of
                   the
                   Purity
                   ,
                   and
                   Spirituality
                   of
                   Worship
                   ,
                   it
                   never
                   left
                   canting
                   on
                   the
                   Subject
                   ,
                   till
                   mens
                   Tongues
                   and
                   Minds
                   were
                   fired
                   against
                   every
                   matter
                   of
                   decency
                   and
                   order
                   ,
                   as
                   formal
                   ,
                   and
                   Antichristian
                   :
                   And
                   so
                   far
                   had
                   it
                   prevailed
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   drive
                   those
                   of
                   warm
                   affections
                   and
                   weak
                   heads
                   ,
                   from
                   all
                   
                     external
                     Reverence
                  
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   Holy
                   things
                   :
                   And
                   the
                   well
                   meaning
                   people
                   being
                   frighted
                   with
                   the
                   terrible
                   noise
                   of
                   
                     Popery
                     ,
                     Superstition
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Antichristianism
                   ,
                   (
                   words
                   they
                   had
                   learnt
                   to
                   hate
                   ,
                   though
                   not
                   to
                   understand
                   )
                   boggled
                   and
                   flew
                   off
                   from
                   every
                   thing
                   their
                   furious
                   Guides
                   had
                   marked
                   with
                   these
                   
                     abhorred
                     Characters
                  
                   ,
                   though
                   it
                   were
                   never
                   so
                   innocent
                   and
                   becoming
                   .
                   And
                   thus
                   a
                   rude
                   and
                   slovenly
                   Religion
                   had
                   made
                   its
                   way
                   into
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   a
                   sordid
                   carelessness
                   in
                   matters
                   of
                   divine
                   Worship
                   ▪
                   that
                   should
                   a
                   Stranger
                   have
                   come
                   into
                   the
                   Assemblies
                   that
                   were
                   acted
                   by
                   this
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   he
                   would
                   not
                   have
                   imagined
                   what
                   they
                   
                   had
                   been
                   doing
                   :
                   and
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   about
                   
                     Holy
                     Offices
                  
                   ,
                   would
                   perhaps
                   have
                   been
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   last
                   things
                   in
                   his
                   Conjecture
                   .
                   Thus
                   bold
                   and
                   sawcy
                   talk
                   had
                   crept
                   into
                   mens
                   Prayers
                   ,
                   under
                   pretence
                   of
                   
                     Holy
                     Familiarity
                  
                   with
                   God
                   ;
                   nauseous
                   impertinent
                   Gibberish
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   Praying
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   kind
                   of
                   irreverences
                   in
                   external
                   demeanour
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   shelter
                   of
                   a
                   pretended
                   spiritual
                   Worship
                   .
                
                 
                   Men
                   had
                   subtilized
                   Religion
                   ,
                   till
                   they
                   had
                   destroyed
                   it
                   ,
                   made
                   it
                   first
                   invisible
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   Nothing
                   .
                
                 
                   AND
                   now
                   it
                   being
                   thus
                   
                     multiplied
                     ,
                     corrupted
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   debaucht
                   ;
                   being
                   made
                   the
                   Game
                   of
                   the
                   Tongue
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Frolick
                   of
                   
                     Imagination
                     ;
                     phantastick
                  
                   in
                   its
                   
                     principles
                     ,
                     sordid
                  
                   in
                   its
                   
                     practices
                     ;
                     separated
                  
                   from
                   the
                   
                     foundation
                     of
                     a
                     vertuous
                     life
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   to
                   serve
                   the
                   ends
                   of
                   Pride
                   ,
                   and
                   Avarice
                   ;
                   what
                   was
                   like
                   to
                   follow
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   nature
                   and
                   order
                   of
                   things
                   ,
                   but
                   Atheism
                   and
                   contempt
                   of
                   all
                   Religion
                   ?
                   And
                   when
                   one
                   says
                   ,
                   
                     here
                     's
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   another
                   says
                   ,
                   
                     there
                     's
                     Religion
                  
                   ;
                   a
                   third
                   will
                   scornfully
                   ask
                   ,
                   
                     where
                     's
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     what
                     's
                     Religion
                  
                   ?
                   When
                   the
                   
                     Heathen
                     Deities
                  
                   were
                   so
                   multiplied
                   ,
                   that
                   every
                   thing
                   was
                   made
                   a
                   
                     God
                     ;
                     Protagoras
                     ,
                     Diagoras
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   others
                   ,
                   first
                   began
                   to
                   question
                   ,
                   and
                   next
                   to
                   affirm
                   that
                   there
                   was
                   NONE
                   .
                   Religions
                   have
                   been
                   multiplied
                   in
                   
                     our
                     days
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   much
                   as
                   Gods
                   in
                   theirs
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   have
                   seen
                   much
                   of
                   the
                   
                   same
                   fatal
                   event
                   ,
                   and
                   issue
                   .
                   They
                   made
                   their
                   
                     Gods
                     contemptible
                  
                   and
                   vile
                   ,
                   by
                   deifying
                   things
                   that
                   were
                   so
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   had
                   no
                   less
                   detracted
                   from
                   the
                   credit
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   by
                   bringing
                   it
                   down
                   to
                   things
                   of
                   the
                   lowest
                   and
                   vilest
                   rank
                   and
                   nature
                   :
                   Our
                   
                     Idolized
                     Opinions
                  
                   were
                   no
                   better
                   than
                   their
                   Garlick
                   and
                   Onyons
                   .
                   The
                   diseases
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Mind
                     ,
                     Phrensie
                  
                   and
                   Enthusiasm
                   ,
                   which
                   our
                   days
                   have
                   worshipped
                   ,
                   were
                   no
                   better
                   than
                   those
                   of
                   the
                   Body
                   which
                   
                     they
                     adored
                  
                   :
                   And
                   they
                   never
                   raised
                   Altars
                   to
                   worse
                   Vices
                   than
                   REBELLION
                   ,
                   FRAUD
                   ,
                   and
                   VIOLENCE
                   ,
                   which
                   our
                   Age
                   hath
                   hallowed
                   and
                   made
                   sacred
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   notwithstanding
                   all
                   the
                   glorious
                   pretensions
                   of
                   those
                   Times
                   ,
                   Religion
                   was
                   ,
                   among
                   many
                   ,
                   taken
                   off
                   all
                   its
                   Foundations
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   World
                   prepared
                   for
                   Atheism
                   .
                   The
                   Follies
                   and
                   Divisions
                   of
                   
                     one
                     Age
                  
                   ,
                   make
                   way
                   for
                   Atheism
                   in
                   the
                   next
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   also
                   briefly
                   of
                   the
                   Condition
                   of
                   our
                   RELIGION
                   .
                
                 
                   AND
                   thus
                   I
                   have
                   shewn
                   how
                   much
                   RESISTANCE
                   of
                   the
                   Authority
                   that
                   is
                   over
                   us
                   ,
                   is
                   against
                   our
                   DUTY
                   and
                   our
                   INTEREST
                   .
                   The
                   former
                   God
                   hath
                   plainly
                   told
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   latter
                   we
                   have
                   sadly
                   felt
                   .
                
                 
                   It
                   remains
                   that
                   we
                   humble
                   our selves
                   under
                   the
                   sense
                   of
                   the
                   
                     publick
                     guilt
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   complain
                   of
                   the
                   
                     consequent
                     miseries
                  
                   .
                   That
                   we
                   may
                   not
                   draw
                   down
                   
                   
                     new
                     judgements
                  
                   ,
                   by
                   repeating
                   
                     old
                     provocations
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   adding
                   our
                   
                     particular
                     sins
                  
                   to
                   the
                   
                     common
                     score
                  
                   .
                   And
                   I
                   think
                   we
                   shall
                   do
                   well
                   to
                   consider
                   ,
                   what
                   we
                   ,
                   who
                   abhor
                   Rebellion
                   ,
                   have
                   contributed
                   to
                   the
                   fatal
                   evils
                   that
                   followed
                   it
                   .
                   We
                   can
                   perhaps
                   be
                   well
                   enough
                   content
                   that
                   the
                   
                     visible
                     actors
                  
                   of
                   those
                   mischiefs
                   should
                   be
                   lasht
                   ,
                   and
                   exposed
                   ;
                   and
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   ,
                   are
                   well
                   pleased
                   and
                   tickled
                   with
                   our
                   reprehensions
                   in
                   which
                   we
                   think
                   our selves
                   not
                   concerned
                   .
                   But
                   if
                   we
                   will
                   be
                   just
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   will
                   have
                   this
                   Fast
                   to
                   signifie
                   ,
                   we
                   must
                   turn
                   our
                   reproofs
                   upon
                   our selves
                   also
                   ,
                   and
                   with
                   grief
                   and
                   shame
                   acknowledge
                   that
                   our
                   sins
                   and
                   Debauches
                   ,
                   our
                   contempt
                   of
                   God
                   and
                   scorn
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   have
                   helpt
                   towards
                   the
                   plucking
                   down
                   that
                   sad
                   judgement
                   upon
                   the
                   Nation
                   ,
                   which
                   we
                   lament
                   this
                   Day
                   :
                   And
                   it
                   must
                   be
                   confest
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   were
                   those
                   that
                   fought
                   against
                   the
                   KING
                   ,
                   who
                   yet
                   spent
                   their
                   blood
                   in
                   his
                   service
                   :
                   and
                   many
                   by
                   their
                   vices
                   ,
                   endeavoured
                   to
                   engage
                   Heaven
                   against
                   that
                   Cause
                   ,
                   which
                   themselves
                   strove
                   in
                   another
                   way
                   ,
                   to
                   less
                   purpose
                   ,
                   to
                   promote
                   .
                   And
                   therefore
                   we
                   ought
                   not
                   to
                   think
                   ,
                   that
                   this
                   Fast
                   is
                   appointed
                   to
                   inveigh
                   against
                   the
                   faults
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   make
                   them
                   and
                   their
                   
                     actions
                     odious
                  
                   ;
                   but
                   to
                   humble
                   our selves
                   under
                   the
                   apprehension
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   teach
                   us
                   to
                   shew
                   our
                   love
                   to
                   the
                   King
                   ,
                   and
                   readiness
                   to
                   obey
                   him
                   ,
                   by
                   subjecting
                   our selves
                   first
                   unto
                   God
                   ,
                   whose
                   Vice-gerent
                   HE
                   is
                   .
                   And
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   assured
                   
                   that
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   Loyal
                   to
                   the
                   UNIVERSAL
                   LORD
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   can
                   scarce
                   possibly
                   be
                   so
                   to
                   their
                   particular
                   SOVEREIGN
                   .
                   And
                   't
                   will
                   need
                   a
                   great
                   deal
                   of
                   Charity
                   to
                   help
                   us
                   to
                   believe
                   ,
                   that
                   those
                   who
                   make
                   no
                   scruple
                   to
                   blaspheme
                   the
                   Name
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   break
                   the
                   plainest
                   ,
                   most
                   earnest
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   express
                   of
                   his
                   Laws
                   ,
                   will
                   be
                   withheld
                   by
                   considerations
                   of
                   Duty
                   or
                   Conscience
                   from
                   rebelling
                   against
                   their
                   King
                   ,
                   or
                   affronting
                   His
                   ,
                   when
                   there
                   is
                   any
                   powerful
                   interest
                   to
                   oblige
                   them
                   to
                   it
                   .
                   If
                   therefore
                   we
                   would
                   give
                   any
                   evidence
                   of
                   a
                   serious
                   humiliation
                   at
                   present
                   ,
                   or
                   any
                   security
                   of
                   a
                   future
                   loyalty
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   do
                   so
                   by
                   confessing
                   our
                   particular
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   forsaking
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   then
                   there
                   will
                   be
                   hope
                   that
                   the
                   Authority
                   of
                   God
                   may
                   oblige
                   us
                   quietly
                   and
                   peaceably
                   to
                   submit
                   to
                   his
                   MINISTER
                   ;
                   and
                   in
                   doing
                   so
                   we
                   shall
                   be
                   blest
                   with
                   his
                   influence
                   ,
                   and
                   deserve
                   his
                   protection
                   .
                   And
                   thus
                   demeaning
                   our selves
                   like
                   Professors
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   of
                   Peace
                   ,
                   and
                   Subjects
                   of
                   the
                   Prince
                   of
                   Peace
                   ,
                   the
                   Peace
                   He
                   left
                   with
                   his
                   Disciples
                   will
                   be
                   with
                   us
                   here
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     everlasting
                     Peace
                  
                   will
                   encircle
                   our
                   heads
                   with
                   rays
                   of
                   glory
                   in
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Peace
                   .
                   And
                   so
                   the
                   Peace
                   of
                   God
                   which
                   passeth
                   all
                   understanding
                   ,
                   keep
                   your
                   hearts
                   and
                   minds
                   in
                   
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                  
                   :
                   To
                   whom
                   with
                   God
                   the
                   Father
                   ,
                   and
                   God
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   ,
                   be
                   ascribed
                   all
                   Glory
                   ,
                   Honour
                   ,
                   and
                   adoration
                   henceforth
                   and
                   for
                   ever
                   .
                   Amen
                   and
                   Amen
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   IV.
                   
                
                 
                   THE
                   SIN
                   and
                   DANGER
                   OF
                   SCOFFING
                   AT
                   RELIGION
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Second
                   Edition
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   IV.
                   AGAINST
                   SCOFFING
                   AT
                   RELIGION
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     2
                     PET.
                     III.
                     3.
                     
                  
                   
                     —
                     There
                     shall
                     come
                     in
                     the
                     last
                     days
                     Scoffers
                     ,
                     walking
                     after
                     their
                     own
                     Lusts
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   IT
                   is
                   a
                   question
                   that
                   hath
                   much
                   exercised
                   the
                   wits
                   of
                   the
                   Curious
                   ,
                   
                     whether
                     there
                     be
                     any
                     decay
                     in
                     nature
                     ?
                  
                   or
                   whether
                   all
                   things
                   are
                   not
                   still
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   were
                   from
                   the
                   beginning
                   ,
                   in
                   all
                   their
                   kinds
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   all
                   the
                   degrees
                   of
                   their
                   vigour
                   ,
                   and
                   perfection
                   ?
                   I
                   
                   shall
                   not
                   undertake
                   to
                   determine
                   ought
                   in
                   this
                   Theory
                   ;
                   Be
                   the
                   matter
                   how
                   it
                   will
                   as
                   to
                   ▪
                   the
                   natural
                   world
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   cause
                   to
                   believe
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   are
                   degeneracies
                   in
                   the
                   
                     moral
                     :
                     This
                  
                   our
                   Saviour
                   supposeth
                   in
                   the
                   Question
                   ,
                   
                     Luke
                     18.
                     8.
                     
                     When
                     the
                     Son
                     of
                     man
                     cometh
                     ,
                     shall
                     he
                     find
                     faith
                     on
                     earth
                     ?
                  
                   Implying
                   ,
                   that
                   in
                   the
                   
                     last
                     Times
                  
                   ,
                   there
                   shall
                   be
                   remarkable
                   fallings
                   from
                   the
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   general
                   Reign
                   of
                   unbelief
                   ;
                   which
                   cannot
                   be
                   without
                   great
                   defection
                   in
                   manners
                   also
                   .
                   And
                   St.
                   
                     Paul
                     ,
                     2
                     ▪
                     Tim.
                  
                   3.
                   1.
                   tells
                   us
                   ,
                   That
                   the
                   
                     last
                     days
                  
                   should
                   be
                   perillous
                   ,
                   that
                   men
                   should
                   be
                   
                     Lovers
                     of
                     their
                     own
                     selves
                     ,
                     Covetous
                     ,
                     Boasters
                     ,
                     Proud
                     ,
                     Blasphemers
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   Apostle
                   in
                   the
                   Text
                   ,
                   
                     —
                     Scoffers
                     ,
                     walking
                     after
                     their
                     own
                     lusts
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   Now
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   to
                   think
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   holy
                   Writers
                   suppos'd
                   ,
                   that
                   these
                   evils
                   were
                   not
                   in
                   other
                   days
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   in
                   the
                   last
                   :
                   No
                   ,
                   the
                   same
                   catalogue
                   of
                   Vices
                   runs
                   ▪
                   through
                   all
                   Ages
                   ,
                   which
                   more
                   ,
                   or
                   less
                   ,
                   are
                   infected
                   with
                   them
                   :
                   But
                   the
                   meaning
                   ,
                   I
                   conceive
                   ,
                   is
                   ,
                   That
                   in
                   the
                   latter
                   ,
                   they
                   should
                   be
                   more
                   notorious
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   numerous
                   ,
                   acted
                   in
                   higher
                   degrees
                   of
                   impudence
                   ,
                   and
                   with
                   more
                   circumstances
                   of
                   guilt
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   doubt
                   but
                   there
                   were
                   always
                   scoffers
                   ;
                   but
                   never
                   such
                   ,
                   nor
                   so
                   many
                   ,
                   as
                   in
                   the
                   last
                   days
                   ;
                   (
                   The
                   last
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   simply
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   only
                   those
                   of
                   the
                   Jewish
                   State
                   )
                   
                     scoffers
                     ,
                     walking
                     after
                     their
                     own
                     lusts
                  
                   —
                   viz.
                   as
                   absolute
                   
                   slaves
                   to
                   their
                   Appetites
                   ,
                   and
                   Passions
                   .
                   For
                   the
                   word
                   Lusts
                   ,
                   takes
                   in
                   all
                   unruly
                   desires
                   ,
                   and
                   inclinations
                   .
                
                 
                   In
                   treating
                   of
                   the
                   words
                   I
                   shall
                   shew
                   ,
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   What
                   sort
                   of
                   Scoffers
                   we
                   may
                   suppose
                   here
                   meant
                   ?
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   What
                   is
                   the
                   evil
                   and
                   malignity
                   of
                   the
                   humour
                   ?
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   What
                   are
                   the
                   consequences
                   ,
                   and
                   effects
                   of
                   it
                   ?
                   And
                   thence
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   Pass
                   to
                   improvement
                   for
                   practice
                   .
                
                 
                   FOr
                   the
                   
                     First
                     ,
                     
                       Who
                       are
                       the
                       scoffers
                       meant
                    
                  
                   ?
                   I
                   take
                   direction
                   in
                   it
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   character
                   annext
                   ,
                   
                     Scoffers
                     ,
                     walking
                     after
                     their
                     own
                     lusts
                     .
                  
                   Now
                   the
                   lusts
                   of
                   men
                   would
                   be
                   boundless
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   impatient
                   of
                   any
                   check
                   ,
                   or
                   stop
                   :
                   They
                   hate
                   all
                   restraints
                   that
                   are
                   laid
                   upon
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   greatest
                   restraints
                   of
                   appetite
                   ,
                   are
                   from
                   Religion
                   :
                   Religion
                   hinders
                   men
                   most
                   from
                   walking
                   after
                   their
                   own
                   lusts
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   are
                   most
                   resolv'd
                   on
                   that
                   :
                   so
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   suppose
                   the
                   scoffers
                   in
                   the
                   Text
                   ,
                   
                     who
                     walk
                     after
                     their
                     own
                     lusts
                     ,
                  
                   to
                   be
                   scoffers
                   at
                   Religion
                   ,
                   which
                   would
                   hinder
                   and
                   disturb
                   them
                   most
                   in
                   that
                   course
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   such
                   ,
                   appears
                   from
                   the
                   following
                   verse
                   ;
                   in
                   which
                   they
                   argue
                   scoffingly
                   ,
                   against
                   the
                   Christian
                   belief
                   ,
                   and
                   expectations
                   :
                   Saying
                   ,
                   
                     Where
                     is
                     the
                     promise
                     of
                     his
                     coming
                     ?
                     
                     for
                     since
                     the
                     Fathers
                     fell
                     a-sleep
                     ,
                     all
                     things
                     continue
                     as
                     they
                     were
                     from
                     the
                     beginning
                  
                   —
                   vers
                   .
                   4.
                   
                
                 
                   Now
                   generally
                   the
                   
                     less
                     impudent
                  
                   sort
                   of
                   sinners
                   endeavour
                   to
                   reconcile
                   Religion
                   to
                   their
                   Lusts
                   ,
                   by
                   walking
                   in
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   forms
                   of
                   godliness
                   ;
                   so
                   did
                   the
                   Pharisees
                   among
                   the
                   Jews
                   ,
                   and
                   divers
                   Hereticks
                   among
                   the
                   ancient
                   Christians
                   ;
                   and
                   their
                   modern
                   successors
                   do
                   the
                   same
                   still
                   :
                   But
                   there
                   are
                   an
                   
                     other
                     sort
                  
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   more
                   bold
                   ,
                   and
                   impatient
                   ,
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   give
                   themselves
                   the
                   trouble
                   of
                   reconciling
                   Religion
                   to
                   their
                   Lusts
                   ,
                   but
                   take
                   the
                   shorter
                   course
                   of
                   opposing
                   it
                   ,
                   in
                   favour
                   of
                   them
                   .
                   This
                   some
                   do
                   by
                   ingaging
                   their
                   parts
                   ,
                   and
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   gravely
                   ,
                   and
                   seriously
                   to
                   reason
                   it
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   ;
                   but
                   these
                   are
                   the
                   
                     few
                     :
                     Reason
                  
                   is
                   a
                   severe
                   thing
                   ,
                   and
                   doth
                   as
                   little
                   comport
                   with
                   mens
                   Lusts
                   ,
                   as
                   Religion
                   :
                   And
                   the
                   same
                   Lusts
                   that
                   make
                   them
                   willing
                   to
                   reason
                   against
                   Religion
                   ,
                   make
                   them
                   incapable
                   of
                   it
                   :
                   For
                   debauchery
                   is
                   almost
                   as
                   great
                   an
                   enemy
                   to
                   mens
                   intellectuals
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   their
                   morals
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   therefore
                   others
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   most
                   ,
                   go
                   an
                   easier
                   way
                   ,
                   and
                   fight
                   against
                   Religion
                   by
                   scoffing
                   and
                   buffoonry
                   :
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   game
                   the
                   Devil
                   seems
                   to
                   be
                   playing
                   in
                   the
                   present
                   Age.
                   He
                   hath
                   tryed
                   the
                   power
                   and
                   rage
                   of
                   the
                   mighty
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   wit
                   ,
                   and
                   knowledge
                   of
                   the
                   learned
                   ;
                   but
                   these
                   have
                   not
                   succeeded
                   for
                   the
                   destruction
                   of
                   Religion
                   .
                   And
                   therefore
                   
                   now
                   he
                   is
                   making
                   an
                   experiment
                   by
                   an
                   other
                   sort
                   of
                   enemies
                   ,
                   and
                   sets
                   the
                   Apes
                   ,
                   and
                   Drollers
                   upon
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   certainly
                   there
                   was
                   never
                   any
                   other
                   Age
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   sacred
                   and
                   serious
                   things
                   have
                   been
                   so
                   rudely
                   ,
                   and
                   impudently
                   assaulted
                   by
                   the
                   prophane
                   abuses
                   of
                   Jesters
                   ,
                   and
                   Buffoons
                   ,
                   who
                   have
                   been
                   the
                   contempt
                   of
                   all
                   wise
                   Times
                   ,
                   but
                   are
                   the
                   darlings
                   ,
                   and
                   wits
                   of
                   these
                   .
                
                 
                   O
                   the
                   Invention
                   !
                   the
                   rare
                   invention
                   of
                   this
                   happy
                   Age
                   !
                   How
                   easie
                   hath
                   it
                   made
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   this
                   glorious
                   reputation
                   ?
                   'T
                   is
                   but
                   laughing
                   gracefully
                   at
                   the
                   Fopps
                   ;
                   the
                   grave
                   ,
                   the
                   learned
                   ,
                   the
                   religious
                   Fopps
                   ;
                   and
                   a
                   man
                   cannot
                   fail
                   of
                   being
                   a
                   Wit
                   ,
                   in
                   spight
                   of
                   ignorance
                   ,
                   and
                   impertinence
                   .
                   Away
                   with
                   the
                   pedantry
                   ,
                   and
                   dull
                   formalities
                   of
                   former
                   days
                   !
                   we
                   are
                   Wits
                   upon
                   terms
                   more
                   generous
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   easie
                   .
                   Our
                   Age
                   hath
                   more
                   spirit
                   and
                   flame
                   :
                   our
                   conversation
                   ;
                   yes
                   !
                   our
                   vertuous
                   conversation
                   hath
                   refined
                   and
                   improved
                   us
                   ;
                   We
                   see
                   the
                   folly
                   and
                   ignorance
                   of
                   our
                   fore-fathers
                   ;
                   and
                   laugh
                   at
                   the
                   Tales
                   with
                   which
                   crafty
                   Priests
                   abused
                   their
                   easiness
                   ,
                   and
                   credulity
                   .
                   
                     Spiritual
                     substance
                     !
                     Immortal
                     souls
                     !
                     Authority
                     of
                     Scripture
                     !
                  
                   
                     Fictions
                     ,
                     Ideas
                     ,
                     Phantomes
                     ,
                     Iargon
                     :
                  
                   Here
                   is
                   demonstration
                   against
                   the
                   spiritual
                   Trade
                   ,
                   and
                   spiritual
                   men
                   .
                   The
                   rest
                   of
                   the
                   work
                   is
                   for
                   Songs
                   and
                   Plays
                   ;
                   for
                   the
                   wit
                   and
                   humour
                   of
                   agreeable
                   conversation
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   Thus
                   far
                   we
                   are
                   come
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   infection
                   spreads
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   scarce
                   a
                   little
                   
                     vain
                     Thing
                  
                   that
                   hath
                   a
                   mind
                   to
                   be
                   modish
                   ,
                   but
                   sets
                   up
                   for
                   a
                   derider
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   Religion
                   ;
                   and
                   makes
                   a
                   scoff
                   of
                   the
                   most
                   serious
                   thoughts
                   ,
                   and
                   profession
                   of
                   the
                   wisest
                   men
                   of
                   all
                   Ages
                   .
                   Heaven
                   and
                   Hell
                   are
                   become
                   words
                   of
                   sport
                   :
                   and
                   Devils
                   and
                   
                     Angels
                     ,
                     Fairyes
                  
                   and
                   Chimaera's
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   Foppish
                   to
                   speak
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   Railery
                   ;
                   or
                   to
                   mention
                   such
                   a
                   thing
                   as
                   Scripture
                   ;
                   except
                   it
                   be
                   to
                   burlesque
                   and
                   deride
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   'T
                   is
                   dreadful
                   to
                   consider
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   man
                   may
                   tremble
                   to
                   describe
                   this
                   monstrous
                   humour
                   of
                   many
                   in
                   our
                   Age
                   ,
                   which
                   I
                   believe
                   hath
                   out-done
                   
                     all
                     former
                  
                   in
                   the
                   heights
                   of
                   this
                   amazing
                   sort
                   of
                   wickedness
                   ,
                   and
                   sadly
                   proves
                   that
                   in
                   the
                   last
                   days
                   shall
                   come
                   Scoffers
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   as
                   have
                   not
                   been
                   from
                   the
                   beginning
                   :
                   For
                   though
                   former
                   Ages
                   ,
                   no
                   doubt
                   ,
                   have
                   had
                   deriders
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   yet
                   in
                   those
                   times
                   they
                   hid
                   their
                   heads
                   ,
                   and
                   did
                   it
                   covertly
                   behind
                   the
                   curtain
                   ;
                   in
                   their
                   privacies
                   ,
                   and
                   among
                   their
                   Confidents
                   ;
                   But
                   in
                   these
                   ,
                   they
                   face
                   the
                   Sun
                   ,
                   and
                   impudently
                   vent
                   their
                   folly
                   in
                   all
                   companies
                   ,
                   and
                   places
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   it
                   were
                   a
                   matter
                   of
                   renown
                   and
                   glory
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   expected
                   to
                   be
                   counted
                   
                   Hero's
                   for
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   we
                   see
                   what
                   sort
                   of
                   Scoffers
                   they
                   are
                   that
                   are
                   to
                   come
                   in
                   the
                   
                     last
                     days
                     ,
                     impudent
                     deriders
                     of
                     Religion
                     ,
                  
                   
                   because
                   they
                   are
                   resolved
                   on
                   
                     walking
                     after
                     their
                     own
                     Lusts
                  
                   .
                   I
                   come
                   ,
                
                 
                   II.
                   To
                   shew
                   the
                   malignity
                   ,
                   and
                   aggravations
                   of
                   this
                   humour
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   'T
                   is
                   an
                   
                     open
                     defiance
                     of
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   
                     direct
                     opposition
                     of
                     his
                     Glory
                  
                   .
                   His
                   glory
                   ,
                   namely
                   the
                   derivative
                   ,
                   consists
                   in
                   those
                   praises
                   ,
                   and
                   acknowledgements
                   that
                   are
                   due
                   to
                   his
                   perfections
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   are
                   paid
                   in
                   the
                   exercises
                   of
                   Religion
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   to
                   buffoon
                   this
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   shoot
                   the
                   arrows
                   of
                   our
                   scorn
                   directly
                   at
                   the
                   Throne
                   of
                   God.
                   Indeed
                   all
                   sins
                   are
                   oppositions
                   of
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   his
                   Glory
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   most
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   so
                   in
                   the
                   consequence
                   of
                   the
                   sin
                   ,
                   not
                   in
                   the
                   intention
                   of
                   the
                   sinner
                   :
                   The
                   Drunkard
                   ,
                   the
                   Oppressor
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   unclean
                   person
                   ,
                   design
                   only
                   their
                   
                     own
                     satisfactions
                  
                   ,
                   not
                   any
                   immediate
                   affront
                   to
                   their
                   Maker
                   :
                   But
                   the
                   Scoffer
                   with
                   prodigious
                   impudence
                   doth
                   that
                   .
                   He
                   derides
                   the
                   love
                   and
                   obedience
                   ,
                   fear
                   and
                   reverence
                   of
                   the
                   most
                   High
                   ;
                   which
                   is
                   a
                   direct
                   contempt
                   of
                   his
                   perfections
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   scorn
                   is
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   greatest
                   indignities
                   ;
                   especially
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   sore
                   and
                   provoking
                   ,
                   when
                   one
                   is
                   contemn'd
                   by
                   his
                   inferiours
                   ;
                   and
                   more
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   his
                   dependants
                   ,
                   that
                   have
                   their
                   bread
                   from
                   his
                   Bounty
                   ?
                   such
                   is
                   the
                   case
                   here
                   ,
                   in
                   all
                   possible
                   degrees
                   of
                   aggravation
                   ;
                   vilest
                   worms
                   and
                   lowest
                   
                     dust
                     ,
                     scoff
                  
                   at
                   the
                   highest
                   Majesty
                   ,
                   and
                   fullest
                   perfection
                   :
                   
                   The
                   
                     universal
                     King
                  
                   our
                   Soveraign
                   ,
                   before
                   whom
                   Angels
                   bow
                   ,
                   and
                   Devils
                   tremble
                   ,
                   is
                   derided
                   by
                   the
                   slaves
                   of
                   his
                   Kingdom
                   and
                   Creation
                   :
                   The
                   general
                   Father
                   and
                   Benefactor
                   flouted
                   by
                   those
                   that
                   have
                   their
                   Being
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   their
                   comforts
                   from
                   his
                   goodness
                   ,
                   and
                   cannot
                   live
                   ,
                   or
                   move
                   ,
                   or
                   breathe
                   without
                   him
                   ,
                   Acts
                   17.
                   28.
                   
                   Instead
                   of
                   lowest
                   reverence
                   ,
                   gratitude
                   ,
                   and
                   prostrations
                   ,
                   they
                   lift
                   up
                   their
                   heads
                   in
                   proud
                   scorn
                   and
                   defiance
                   of
                   him
                   ;
                   and
                   as
                   the
                   Royal
                   Psalmist
                   speaks
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   
                     Psal
                     .
                     73.
                     18.
                     
                     They
                     set
                     their
                     mouth
                     against
                     the
                     Heavens
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   
                     This
                     is
                     a
                     sin
                     that
                     is
                     a
                     step
                     beyond
                     Atheism
                     it self
                     .
                  
                   'T
                   is
                   greater
                   impiety
                   to
                   say
                   ,
                   God
                   is
                   a
                   careless
                   ,
                   or
                   a
                   contemptible
                   Being
                   ,
                   than
                   to
                   say
                   ,
                   
                     He
                     is
                     not
                  
                   .
                   As
                   the
                   Moralist
                   tells
                   us
                   ,
                   He
                   would
                   rather
                   it
                   should
                   be
                   affirm'd
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   was
                   
                     no
                     such
                     man
                  
                   as
                   Plutarch
                   ,
                   than
                   that
                   it
                   should
                   be
                   believ'd
                   that
                   there
                   was
                   such
                   a
                   man
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   he
                   was
                   a
                   vile
                   and
                   worthless
                   person
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   to
                   
                     deride
                     Religion
                  
                   while
                   we
                   allow
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   God
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   say
                   by
                   immediate
                   consequence
                   ,
                   either
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   a
                   careless
                   and
                   
                     idle
                     Greatness
                  
                   that
                   heeds
                   not
                   his
                   Creatures
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   worship
                   is
                   an
                   impertinence
                   :
                   or
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   so
                   bad
                   ,
                   or
                   so
                   mean
                   a
                   Being
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   deserves
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   worshipp'd
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   owe
                   him
                   no
                   acknowledgement
                   of
                   his
                   Being
                   ,
                   or
                   his
                   Bounty
                   ;
                   and
                   which
                   is
                   more
                   ,
                   
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   ridiculous
                   to
                   pay
                   him
                   any
                   .
                   To
                   deny
                   the
                   existence
                   of
                   God
                   is
                   gross
                   and
                   unreasonable
                   ;
                   but
                   to
                   acknowledge
                   that
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   scoff
                   at
                   the
                   expressions
                   of
                   love
                   and
                   veneration
                   of
                   him
                   ,
                   is
                   down-right
                   madness
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   if
                   the
                   scoffer
                   be
                   not
                   an
                   Atheist
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   the
                   more
                   inexcusable
                   in
                   his
                   scoffing
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   possible
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   worse
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   The
                   humour
                   of
                   deriding
                   Religion
                   is
                   
                     monstrousness
                     in
                     the
                     soul
                     :
                     All
                     sin
                  
                   is
                   deformity
                   ,
                   but
                   this
                   is
                   Horrid
                   .
                   For
                   a
                   man
                   to
                   have
                   his
                   parts
                   and
                   members
                   misplaced
                   ;
                   His
                   legs
                   ,
                   suppose
                   ,
                   on
                   his
                   shoulders
                   ,
                   his
                   eyes
                   in
                   his
                   neck
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   arms
                   growing
                   out
                   of
                   his
                   belly
                   ,
                   is
                   frightful
                   ;
                   but
                   there
                   's
                   a
                   misplacing
                   in
                   the
                   soul
                   that
                   is
                   
                     more
                     ugly
                  
                   .
                   Man
                   hath
                   such
                   powers
                   given
                   him
                   as
                   scorn
                   and
                   derision
                   ,
                   and
                   while
                   they
                   are
                   exercised
                   against
                   sin
                   and
                   folly
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   
                     nothing
                     amiss
                  
                   in
                   them
                   :
                   But
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   misplaced
                   upon
                   holiness
                   and
                   wisdom
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   greatest
                   and
                   the
                   purest
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   most
                   visible
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   universally
                   acknowledg'd
                   perfections
                   ;
                   they
                   are
                   then
                   an
                   excess
                   of
                   deformity
                   in
                   the
                   soul
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   scorners
                   are
                   greater
                   monsters
                   than
                   the
                   man
                   that
                   hath
                   horns
                   and
                   hoofs
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   It
                   is
                   a
                   
                     wickedness
                     beyond
                     the
                     degeneracy
                     of
                     Devils
                     .
                  
                   We
                   read
                   that
                   
                     They
                     fought
                  
                   against
                   the
                   Angels
                   ,
                   the
                   Ministers
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   Rev.
                   12.
                   7.
                   but
                   never
                   that
                   they
                   derided
                   them
                   for
                   their
                   Ministeries
                   .
                   They
                   oppose
                   Gods
                   ends
                   ,
                   and
                   interests
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   but
                   we
                   
                   find
                   them
                   not
                   scoffing
                   at
                   Him.
                   No
                   ,
                   they
                   believe
                   and
                   tremble
                   ,
                   Jam.
                   2.
                   19.
                   
                   This
                   Fear
                   is
                   not
                   a
                   vertue
                   indeed
                   ,
                   in
                   those
                   Apostate
                   spirits
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   it
                   proceeds
                   from
                   a
                   sense
                   ,
                   and
                   apprehension
                   of
                   divine
                   power
                   and
                   vengeance
                   :
                   But
                   the
                   impious
                   Scoffers
                   at
                   Religion
                   have
                   out-grown
                   that
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   more
                   bold
                   than
                   all
                   the
                   Legions
                   of
                   darkness
                   .
                   They
                   have
                   so
                   little
                   dread
                   of
                   the
                   wrath
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   that
                   by
                   their
                   scoffs
                   they
                   endeavour
                   to
                   provoke
                   ,
                   and
                   as
                   it
                   were
                   to
                   dare
                   him
                   to
                   pour
                   his
                   displeasure
                   on
                   them
                   :
                   As
                   if
                   they
                   had
                   a
                   mind
                   to
                   challenge
                   the
                   field
                   with
                   Him
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   try
                   the
                   reality
                   ,
                   and
                   force
                   of
                   his
                   power
                   and
                   terrours
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   briefly
                   of
                   the
                   malignity
                   and
                   aggravations
                   of
                   the
                   
                     sin
                     of
                     Scoffing
                     at
                     Religion
                  
                   :
                   There
                   will
                   be
                   an
                   occasion
                   of
                   saying
                   more
                   of
                   it
                   in
                   the
                   sequel
                   ;
                   I
                   therefore
                   descend
                   now
                   ,
                
                 
                   III.
                   To
                   an
                   account
                   of
                   some
                   Effects
                   and
                   Consequences
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   shall
                   confine
                   my self
                   here
                   also
                   within
                   the
                   bounds
                   of
                   that
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   mention'd
                   as
                   the
                   character
                   of
                   these
                   Scoffers
                   in
                   the
                   Text
                   —
                   
                     Walking
                     after
                     their
                     own
                     Lusts
                  
                   —
                   We
                   have
                   seen
                   that
                   mens
                   lusts
                   are
                   the
                   ground
                   and
                   occasion
                   of
                   their
                   scoffing
                   ;
                   and
                   I
                   add
                   ,
                   that
                   this
                   again
                   is
                   a
                   cause
                   of
                   the
                   
                     greater
                     heights
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   boldness
                   of
                   their
                   Lusts
                   ;
                   like
                   Water
                   and
                   Ice
                   they
                   produce
                   one
                   another
                   .
                   Mens
                   lusts
                   put
                   them
                   upon
                   scoffing
                   at
                   that
                   
                   which
                   should
                   restrain
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   ,
                   through
                   the
                   judgement
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   nature
                   of
                   the
                   thing
                   ,
                   brings
                   them
                   at
                   last
                   to
                   walk
                   after
                   their
                   lusts
                   in
                   such
                   obsequiousness
                   and
                   intireness
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   follow
                   them
                   ,
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Without
                   any
                   check
                   ,
                   or
                   restraint
                   upon
                   their
                   Lusts
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Without
                   power
                   to
                   forsake
                   ,
                   or
                   disobey
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   Without
                   ,
                   or
                   with
                   very
                   little
                   ,
                   hope
                   of
                   remedy
                   ,
                   or
                   deliverance
                   from
                   the
                   dominion
                   ,
                   and
                   sad
                   consequences
                   of
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   are
                   all
                   dreadful
                   things
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   as
                   frequently
                   (
                   if
                   not
                   mostly
                   )
                   follow
                   upon
                   the
                   impious
                   humour
                   of
                   scoffing
                   at
                   Relgion
                   .
                
                 
                   As
                   to
                   the
                   first
                   ,
                   The
                   Scoffers
                   walk
                   after
                   their
                   own
                   lusts
                   ,
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Without
                   restraint
                   ,
                   or
                   check
                   from
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   God.
                   This
                   
                     strives
                     long
                  
                   with
                   sinners
                   ;
                   but
                   it
                   
                     will
                     not
                     always
                     strive
                  
                   with
                   them
                   that
                   strive
                   against
                   it
                   ,
                   Gen.
                   6.
                   3.
                   
                   When
                   men
                   move
                   with
                   their
                   Lusts
                   ,
                   as
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   
                     joyn'd
                     to
                     them
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   holy
                   Spirit
                   will
                   
                     let
                     them
                     alone
                  
                   ,
                   Hos
                   .
                   4.
                   17.
                   
                   And
                   this
                   impiety
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   very
                   nature
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   is
                   of
                   all
                   sins
                   most
                   likely
                   to
                   provoke
                   Him
                   to
                   a
                   dereliction
                   of
                   the
                   sinner
                   :
                   Since
                   it
                   is
                   the
                   greatest
                   ,
                   most
                   direct
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   intolerable
                   affront
                   of
                   the
                   most
                   High
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   any
                   thing
                   be
                   a
                   
                     fighting
                     against
                  
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Spirit
                  
                   ,
                   a
                   vexing
                   ,
                   yea
                   a
                   blaspheming
                   of
                   Him
                   ,
                   This
                   is
                   .
                   Moreover
                   ,
                   such
                   a
                   sinner
                   becomes
                   a
                   subject
                   incapable
                   of
                   His
                   communications
                   .
                   Nothing
                   that
                   is
                   sacr●d
                   
                   or
                   serious
                   makes
                   any
                   impression
                   upon
                   such
                   whiffling
                   spirits
                   ;
                   't
                   were
                   as
                   good
                   attempt
                   writing
                   on
                   the
                   water
                   ,
                   or
                   painting
                   with
                   a
                   Pencil
                   on
                   the
                   air
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   think
                   of
                   fastening
                   any
                   sober
                   sense
                   upon
                   the
                   scoffer
                   .
                   And
                   when
                   it
                   is
                   come
                   to
                   this
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   sinner
                   hath
                   made
                   himself
                   incapable
                   of
                   any
                   benefit
                   from
                   the
                   influences
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   He
                   withdraws
                   his
                   solicitations
                   from
                   that
                   miserable
                   person
                   .
                   He
                   will
                   not
                   plough
                   upon
                   a
                   rock
                   ,
                   nor
                   sow
                   upon
                   the
                   sands
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   man
                   hath
                   the
                   advantage
                   now
                   of
                   not
                   being
                   disturb'd
                   in
                   his
                   pursuits
                   by
                   the
                   grand
                   Enemy
                   of
                   his
                   lusts
                   ;
                   but
                   is
                   suffer'd
                   to
                   run
                   upon
                   the
                   wrath
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   everlasting
                   torments
                   without
                   controul
                   from
                   Him.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   scoffer
                   gets
                   this
                   priviledge
                   also
                   ,
                   
                     to
                     walk
                     after
                     his
                     own
                     Lusts
                     ,
                     without
                     check
                     from
                     his
                     Conscience
                     .
                  
                   This
                   is
                   an
                   
                     Inward
                     Judge
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     summons
                     ,
                     censures
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   condemns
                   ;
                   and
                   while
                   there
                   is
                   such
                   a
                   Court
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   transactions
                   in
                   the
                   sinners
                   breast
                   ,
                   he
                   cannot
                   walk
                   after
                   his
                   lusts
                   in
                   quiet
                   .
                   But
                   the
                   scoffer
                   takes
                   a
                   course
                   with
                   Conscience
                   :
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   
                     He
                     debauches
                  
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   ,
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   He
                   makes
                   it
                   stupid
                   .
                
                 
                   As
                   to
                   the
                   First
                   ,
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   consider'd
                   ,
                   That
                   when
                   
                     He
                     enters
                  
                   upon
                   the
                   trade
                   of
                   deriding
                   Religion
                   ,
                   he
                   doth
                   
                     not
                     believe
                  
                   it
                   to
                   be
                   really
                   so
                   contemptible
                   ,
                   and
                   ridiculous
                   ;
                   only
                   he
                   follows
                   a
                   fashion
                   ,
                   and
                   thinks
                   't
                   is
                   witty
                   to
                   Scoff
                   at
                   it
                   :
                   But
                   
                   in
                   process
                   of
                   time
                   and
                   practice
                   ,
                   his
                   understanding
                   ,
                   through
                   the
                   withcraft
                   of
                   this
                   vice
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     secret
                     judgement
                  
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   grows
                   into
                   the
                   very
                   nature
                   and
                   temper
                   of
                   the
                   sin
                   ;
                   And
                   he
                   comes
                   insensibly
                   at
                   last
                   ,
                   to
                   believe
                   that
                   in
                   earnest
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   entred
                   on
                   at
                   first
                   in
                   jest
                   :
                   and
                   so
                   Satan
                   and
                   his
                   Lusts
                   have
                   decoy'd
                   him
                   into
                   a
                   down
                   right
                   ,
                   serious
                   Infidelity
                   .
                   If
                   the
                   
                     horrid
                     Articles
                  
                   of
                   impiety
                   and
                   unbelief
                   had
                   been
                   offer'd
                   him
                   at
                   the
                   beginning
                   ,
                   in
                   a
                   way
                   of
                   
                     serious
                     argument
                  
                   ,
                   he
                   would
                   have
                   entertain'd
                   them
                   with
                   some
                   
                     intellectual
                     detestation
                  
                   and
                   abhorrence
                   :
                   But
                   having
                   a
                   long
                   time
                   droll'd
                   upon
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   represented
                   it
                   
                     as
                     ridiculous
                  
                   ;
                   rather
                   than
                   so
                   much
                   wit
                   and
                   sport
                   should
                   be
                   lost
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   willing
                   to
                   believe
                   it
                   
                     is
                     so
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   such
                   a
                   will
                   quickly
                   draws
                   
                     such
                     an
                     understanding
                  
                   to
                   it
                   .
                   But
                   especially
                   the
                   consideration
                   of
                   
                     full
                     liberty
                  
                   in
                   his
                   Lusts
                   ,
                   indears
                   and
                   recommends
                   the
                   opinion
                   to
                   him
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   intellect
                   
                     so
                     prepar'd
                  
                   is
                   quickly
                   convinc'd
                   ,
                   having
                   so
                   great
                   an
                   interest
                   to
                   incline
                   it
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   
                     now
                     the
                     foolish
                     mind
                     is
                     darkened
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   1.
                   21.
                   and
                   the
                   Conscience
                   made
                   a
                   party
                   with
                   the
                   lusts
                   .
                   It
                   is
                   become
                   reprobate
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   1.
                   28.
                   and
                   given
                   up
                   to
                   
                     strong
                     delusions
                  
                   ,
                   2
                   Thes
                   .
                   2.
                   11.
                   
                   The
                   Scoffer
                   now
                   believes
                   his
                   Jests
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   were
                   arguments
                   of
                   Reason
                   ,
                   and
                   pleads
                   for
                   his
                   lusts
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   were
                   actions
                   of
                   vertue
                   :
                   And
                   thus
                   his
                   Conscience
                   is
                   debauch'd
                   :
                   Or
                   ,
                   if
                   he
                   have
                   not
                   proceeded
                   so
                   far
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   Yet
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   2.
                   
                   He
                   stupifieth
                   it
                   at
                   least
                   .
                   There
                   are
                   two
                   main
                   acts
                   of
                   Conscience
                   :
                   to
                   inform
                   us
                   
                     what
                     is
                     our
                     Duty
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   
                     judge
                     how
                     far
                     we
                     do
                     it
                     ,
                  
                   or
                   
                     do
                     it
                     not
                  
                   .
                   And
                   
                     this
                     sort
                  
                   of
                   wicked
                   men
                   deal
                   so
                   with
                   Conscience
                   as
                   to
                   
                     stupifie
                     both
                  
                   .
                   For
                   Duty
                   ,
                   they
                   think
                   of
                   
                     none
                     ;
                     who
                     is
                     Lord
                     over
                     them
                     !
                  
                   and
                   for
                   reflection
                   on
                   their
                   actions
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   strangers
                   to
                   it
                   .
                   They
                   follow
                   on
                   with
                   their
                   eyes
                   and
                   thoughts
                   upon
                   their
                   Lusts
                   ,
                   but
                   never
                   consider
                   whither
                   the
                   way
                   leads
                   .
                   They
                   pursue
                   sense
                   and
                   appetite
                   ,
                   but
                   reflect
                   and
                   think
                   no
                   more
                   than
                   Beasts
                   .
                   
                     Whither
                     am
                     I
                     going
                  
                   ?
                   and
                   
                     what
                     have
                     I
                     done
                  
                   ?
                   are
                   
                     no
                     questions
                  
                   with
                   them
                   .
                   All
                   the
                   soul
                   and
                   mind
                   they
                   have
                   is
                   employ'd
                   in
                   seeking
                   means
                   to
                   gratifie
                   and
                   please
                   their
                   Lusts
                   ;
                   and
                   while
                   those
                   are
                   satisfied
                   ,
                   the
                   men
                   are
                   content
                   and
                   quiet
                   ,
                   be
                   their
                   actions
                   what
                   they
                   will.
                   They
                   feel
                   no
                   inward
                   trouble
                   ,
                   or
                   disturbance
                   from
                   the
                   
                     greatest
                     villanies
                  
                   :
                   They
                   can
                   blaspheme
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   God
                   by
                   horrid
                   Oaths
                   every
                   moment
                   ;
                   and
                   debauch
                   themselves
                   by
                   drunkenness
                   ,
                   and
                   vile
                   sensuality
                   every
                   day
                   ,
                   without
                   the
                   least
                   remorse
                   or
                   sense
                   that
                   any
                   thing
                   is
                   a-miss
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   they
                   make
                   sport
                   of
                   their
                   Sin
                   ,
                   Prov.
                   14.
                   9.
                   and
                   
                     glory
                     in
                     their
                     shame
                  
                   ,
                   Phil.
                   3.
                   19.
                   
                   They
                   
                     live
                     undisturbedly
                  
                   in
                   a
                   course
                   of
                   hellish
                   wickedness
                   ,
                   and
                   die
                   in
                   the
                   same
                   ,
                   without
                   any
                   thought
                   or
                   apprehension
                   of
                   
                     Sin
                     ,
                     Death
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   Judgement
                   .
                   They
                   laugh
                   and
                   debauch
                   themselves
                   into
                   a
                   state
                   
                     past
                     feeling
                  
                   ,
                   Ephes
                   .
                   4.
                   19.
                   and
                   
                     sear
                     
                     their
                     Consciences
                     as
                     with
                     an
                     hot
                     iron
                     ,
                  
                   1
                   Tim.
                   4.
                   2.
                   
                   They
                   are
                   
                     twice
                     dead
                     ,
                     plucked
                     up
                     by
                     the
                     roots
                     ,
                  
                   Jude
                   12.
                   dead
                   by
                   nature
                   to
                   the
                   spiritual
                   Life
                   ;
                   and
                   now
                   by
                   these
                   vile
                   usages
                   ,
                   dead
                   to
                   the
                   moral
                   also
                   .
                   And
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   come
                   
                     thus
                     far
                  
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   freed
                   too
                   ,
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   From
                   the
                   
                     Restraints
                     of
                     the
                     Ministers
                     of
                     Gods
                     Providence
                     ,
                     the
                     Holy
                     Angels
                     .
                     They
                  
                   are
                   Instruments
                   in
                   the
                   distribution
                   of
                   mercies
                   and
                   judgements
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   God
                   restrains
                   sinners
                   from
                   their
                   Lusts
                   ;
                   
                     Ministring
                     spirits
                     for
                     our
                     good
                  
                   ,
                   Heb.
                   1.
                   14.
                   and
                   are
                   perhaps
                   concern'd
                   about
                   us
                   in
                   more
                   things
                   than
                   we
                   imagine
                   ;
                   throwing
                   bars
                   a-thwart
                   the
                   way
                   where
                   danger
                   or
                   temptation
                   lies
                   ;
                   inwardly
                   and
                   secretly
                   exciting
                   good
                   thoughts
                   and
                   desires
                   ,
                   as
                   Satan
                   doth
                   evil
                   ones
                   ,
                   and
                   defending
                   us
                   ,
                   in
                   many
                   instances
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   power
                   and
                   subtilty
                   of
                   that
                   enemy
                   :
                   But
                   the
                   derider
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   forsaken
                   of
                   God
                   and
                   Conscience
                   ,
                   is
                   also
                   left
                   by
                   These
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   such
                   a
                   dereliction
                   of
                   incurable
                   sinners
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   see
                   
                     Jer.
                     51.
                     9.
                     
                     We
                     would
                     have
                     healed
                     Babylon
                     ;
                     but
                     she
                     is
                     not
                     healed
                     ,
                     forsake
                     her
                     ,
                     and
                     let
                     her
                     go
                     .
                  
                   Spoken
                   ,
                   as
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   learned
                   Ancients
                   suppose
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   Presidential
                   Angels
                   ;
                   like
                   the
                   voice
                   in
                   the
                   Temple
                   ,
                   a
                   little
                   before
                   the
                   last
                   destruction
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   
                     Let
                     us
                     go
                     hence
                  
                   .
                   Thus
                   Psal
                   .
                   71.
                   9.
                   the
                   Septuagint
                   reads
                   —
                   
                     They
                     that
                     keep
                     my
                     soul
                     take
                     counsel
                     together
                     ,
                     saying
                     ,
                     God
                     hath
                     forsaken
                     him
                     ,
                     let
                     us
                     persecute
                     and
                     take
                     him
                     ,
                     for
                     there
                     is
                     none
                     to
                     deliver
                     
                     him
                     .
                  
                   The
                   
                     good
                     Spirits
                  
                   depart
                   from
                   the
                   incorrigible
                   sinner
                   ,
                   and
                   leave
                   him
                   to
                   the
                   
                     evil
                     ones
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   dreadful
                   consequence
                   of
                   Scoffing
                   at
                   Religion
                   ;
                   the
                   Scoffers
                   are
                   given
                   up
                   to
                   follow
                   their
                   Lusts
                   without
                   restraint
                   .
                   Another
                   is
                   ,
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   That
                   
                     they
                     follow
                     without
                     power
                     to
                     leave
                     or
                     disobey
                     them
                     .
                  
                   They
                   follow
                   as
                   Vassals
                   and
                   Slaves
                   ;
                   yea
                   they
                   follow
                   as
                   a
                   Beast
                   that
                   is
                   led
                   .
                   Their
                   wills
                   are
                   but
                   the
                   motions
                   of
                   their
                   Lust
                   ;
                   their
                   Reasons
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   impure
                   Phantasms
                   and
                   Imaginations
                   that
                   are
                   raised
                   by
                   their
                   Lusts
                   ;
                   and
                   their
                   affections
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   various
                   inclinations
                   of
                   their
                   Lusts
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   what
                   ever
                   may
                   be
                   said
                   of
                   the
                   liberty
                   of
                   
                     less
                     degenerate
                  
                   men
                   ,
                   these
                   have
                   none
                   .
                
                 
                   Our
                   power
                   consists
                   in
                   the
                   aids
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   informations
                   ,
                   convictions
                   and
                   reproofs
                   of
                   Conscience
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   offices
                   of
                   kindness
                   we
                   receive
                   from
                   the
                   Ministring
                   Spirits
                   :
                   When
                   these
                   are
                   gone
                   ,
                   all
                   our
                   power
                   is
                   gone
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   those
                   reprobate
                   men
                   are
                   
                     dead
                     in
                     sin
                     ,
                     Eph.
                  
                   2.
                   1.
                   and
                   
                     Sold
                     unto
                     it
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   7.
                   14.
                   
                   They
                   are
                   
                     led
                     into
                     Captivity
                     ,
                     by
                     the
                     Law
                     of
                     sin
                     and
                     death
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   7.
                   23.
                   
                
                 
                   They
                   are
                   slaves
                   ,
                   and
                   slaves
                   to
                   the
                   worst
                   of
                   Tyrants
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   worst
                   of
                   slaves
                   :
                   even
                   to
                   him
                   that
                   
                     is
                     held
                     in
                     the
                     chains
                     of
                     darkness
                     ,
                     to
                     the
                     judgement
                     of
                     the
                     great
                     day
                     .
                  
                   Being
                   left
                   of
                   God
                   and
                   good
                   Angels
                   ,
                   the
                   evil
                   ones
                   take
                   possession
                   of
                   them
                   ;
                   on
                   which
                   account
                   they
                   are
                   truly
                   Demoniacks
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   of
                   the
                   worst
                   
                   sort
                   :
                   they
                   are
                   mov'd
                   and
                   acted
                   by
                   the
                   Devil
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   had
                   
                     no
                     other
                     Soul.
                  
                   And
                   so
                   ,
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   They
                   
                     follow
                     their
                     Lusts
                     with
                     none
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     very
                     little
                     hope
                     of
                     Remedy
                  
                   .
                   The
                   condition
                   of
                   the
                   Scoffers
                   (
                   of
                   some
                   of
                   them
                   at
                   least
                   )
                   is
                   quite
                   or
                   
                     very
                     near
                     desperate
                  
                   .
                   This
                   follows
                   from
                   what
                   hath
                   been
                   said
                   already
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   may
                   consider
                   further
                   ;
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   That
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   
                     day
                     of
                     Grace
                  
                   ;
                   a
                   time
                   in
                   which
                   there
                   is
                   ground
                   for
                   hope
                   :
                   when
                   that
                   is
                   
                     done
                     ,
                     hope
                  
                   is
                   at
                   an
                   end
                   .
                   Now
                   this
                   day
                   is
                   the
                   time
                   ,
                   and
                   possibility
                   of
                   repentance
                   :
                   When
                   ever
                   a
                   sinner
                   repents
                   and
                   turns
                   ,
                   he
                   shall
                   be
                   accepted
                   and
                   live
                   :
                   But
                   men
                   may
                   out-live
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     sin
                     away
                  
                   the
                   power
                   and
                   capacity
                   of
                   repentance
                   ;
                   And
                   then
                   their
                   Sun
                   is
                   set
                   ,
                   their
                   day
                   is
                   done
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   Repentance
                   begins
                   in
                   Sense
                   ,
                   and
                   conviction
                   of
                   sin
                   ;
                   but
                   when
                   a
                   man
                   is
                   arriv'd
                   at
                   a
                   state
                   
                     past
                     feeling
                  
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   incapable
                   of
                   that
                   :
                   the
                   most
                   powerful
                   word
                   ,
                   most
                   terrible
                   judgements
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   alluring
                   mercies
                   have
                   no
                   effect
                   on
                   such
                   ;
                   the
                   best
                   Physick
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   will
                   not
                   work
                   on
                   a
                   dead
                   carkass
                   ;
                   the
                   loudest
                   voice
                   will
                   not
                   rouze
                   a
                   Marble
                   Statue
                   ;
                   nor
                   the
                   most
                   soveraign
                   Salve
                   ,
                   close
                   up
                   a
                   cut
                   in
                   the
                   stump
                   of
                   a
                   Tree
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   summ
                   is
                   ,
                   When
                   one
                   is
                   past
                   the
                   
                     inward
                     sense
                  
                   of
                   Duty
                   and
                   
                     danger
                     ,
                     Sin
                  
                   and
                   Misery
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   past
                   
                     Repentance
                     ,
                     Grace
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Hope
                   :
                   And
                   this
                   very
                   often
                   
                   is
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   the
                   Scoffer
                   ,
                   who
                   hath
                   debauch'd
                   and
                   jested
                   away
                   all
                   feeling
                   of
                   these
                   Interests
                   .
                
                 
                   Yea
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   there
                   is
                   great
                   cause
                   to
                   think
                   that
                   he
                   commits
                   the
                   
                     Sin
                     against
                     the
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   (
                   or
                   a
                   sin
                   that
                   is
                   very
                   near
                   it
                   )
                   For
                   that
                   consists
                   in
                   the
                   Disbelief
                   and
                   
                     contempt
                     of
                     the
                     great
                     and
                     last
                     Testimony
                     that
                     was
                     given
                     by
                     the
                     Spirit
                     ,
                     to
                     the
                     truth
                     of
                     Christianity
                     :
                  
                   And
                   that
                   I
                   may
                   not
                   seem
                   to
                   speak
                   this
                   without
                   ground
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   look
                   into
                   the
                   place
                   where
                   the
                   first
                   and
                   fullest
                   account
                   of
                   this
                   sin
                   is
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   have
                   it
                   Matth.
                   12.
                   
                   Our
                   Saviour
                   had
                   cur'd
                   one
                   that
                   was
                   possest
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   22.
                   
                   The
                   people
                   marvell'd
                   ,
                   and
                   were
                   inclin'd
                   to
                   believe
                   upon
                   it
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   23.
                   
                   But
                   the
                   Pharisees
                   revil'd
                   ,
                   saying
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   
                     cast
                     out
                     Devils
                     by
                     Belzebub
                     ,
                     ver
                     .
                  
                   24.
                   
                   Christ
                   shews
                   the
                   absurdity
                   and
                   falshood
                   of
                   their
                   suggestion
                   ,
                   arguing
                   that
                   then
                   Satan
                   would
                   be
                   
                     divided
                     against
                     himself
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   
                     Kingdom
                     ,
                     so
                     divided
                     ,
                     could
                     not
                     stand
                     ,
                  
                   ver
                   .
                   25
                   ,
                   26.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     And
                     having
                     reason'd
                     against
                     that
                     malicious
                     account
                     of
                     his
                     Miracle
                     ,
                     he
                     infers
                     from
                     the
                  
                   contrary
                   ,
                   and
                   true
                   
                     way
                     of
                     his
                     performing
                     it
                  
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   28.
                   
                   If
                   I
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   cast
                   out
                   Devils
                   ,
                   then
                   is
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   God
                   come
                   unto
                   you
                   ,
                   
                     viz.
                     then
                     I
                     ,
                     that
                     have
                     done
                     this
                     ,
                  
                   am
                   the
                   Messias
                   :
                   
                     And
                     he
                     concludes
                     by
                     a
                     serious
                     application
                     to
                     them
                     to
                     shew
                     the
                     sad
                     consequence
                     of
                     such
                     bold
                     ,
                     and
                     impious
                     suggestions
                     ,
                  
                   
                   31.
                   
                   Wherefore
                   I
                   say
                   unto
                   you
                   ,
                   All
                   manner
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   and
                   blasphemy
                   shall
                   be
                   forgiven
                   unto
                   men
                   :
                   but
                   the
                   blasphemy
                   against
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   forgiven
                   unto
                   men
                   .
                
                 
                   Where
                   by
                   Blasphemy
                   against
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   must
                   be
                   understood
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   context
                   ,
                   That
                   of
                   imputing
                   the
                   operation
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   in
                   Miracles
                   to
                   the
                   Devil
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   therefore
                   so
                   hainous
                   ,
                   because
                   it
                   is
                   an
                   expression
                   of
                   the
                   greatest
                   contempt
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   bar
                   against
                   the
                   being
                   perswaded
                   by
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   to
                   apply
                   this
                   ;
                   Though
                   the
                   Scoffer
                   doth
                   not
                   impute
                   the
                   
                     Spirits
                     Testimony
                  
                   in
                   Miracles
                   to
                   the
                   Devil
                   ;
                   yet
                   that
                   is
                   not
                   because
                   he
                   hath
                   a
                   greater
                   esteem
                   of
                   the
                   operations
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ;
                   but
                   because
                   he
                   hath
                   less
                   belief
                   of
                   the
                   existence
                   of
                   Devils
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   not
                   allow
                   so
                   much
                   as
                   the
                   Pharisees
                   did
                   ,
                   
                     That
                     any
                     such
                     things
                     were
                     done
                  
                   ;
                   but
                   supposeth
                   all
                   to
                   have
                   been
                   Impostures
                   and
                   delusions
                   in
                   the
                   Author
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     cunningly
                     devised
                     Fables
                  
                   in
                   the
                   Relators
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   a
                   contempt
                   put
                   upon
                   the
                   operations
                   of
                   the
                   Holy
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   
                     equal
                     to
                     that
                  
                   of
                   
                     ascribing
                     them
                     to
                     the
                     Devil
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   doth
                   as
                   effectually
                   and
                   incurably
                   strike
                   up
                   the
                   Grounds
                   of
                   Faith
                   ,
                   as
                   that
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   in
                   substance
                   ,
                   the
                   sin
                   of
                   the
                   Scoffers
                   is
                   the
                   same
                   with
                   that
                   described
                   in
                   the
                   Text
                   ,
                   though
                   differing
                   in
                   circumstance
                   and
                   form
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   the
                   sin
                   with
                   aggravation
                   ;
                   since
                   they
                   do
                   not
                   barely
                   
                     speak
                     against
                     the
                     
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   his
                   operations
                   ,
                   but
                   deride
                   them
                   :
                   an
                   expression
                   of
                   the
                   greatest
                   contempt
                   possible
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   when
                   men
                   are
                   come
                   thus
                   far
                   ,
                   to
                   despise
                   the
                   great
                   Testimony
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   and
                   ground
                   of
                   Faith
                   ,
                   after
                   it
                   hath
                   been
                   sufficiently
                   propounded
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   entertain'd
                   by
                   them
                   ,
                   in
                   favour
                   of
                   their
                   Lusts
                   ;
                   we
                   have
                   cause
                   to
                   think
                   their
                   Infidelity
                   is
                   incurable
                   ,
                   and
                   consequently
                   ,
                   unpardonable
                   .
                   For
                   so
                   the
                   Apostle
                   hath
                   declar'd
                   plainly
                   ,
                   
                     Heb.
                     6.
                     4
                     ,
                     5
                     ,
                     6.
                     
                     For
                     it
                     is
                     impossible
                     for
                     those
                  
                   who
                   were
                   
                     once
                     enlightened
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     have
                     tasted
                     of
                     the
                     heavenly
                     Gift
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   were
                   made
                   
                     partakers
                     of
                     the
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   ,
                   viz.
                   in
                   Baptism
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     have
                     tasted
                     the
                     good
                     Word
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   
                     the
                     powers
                     of
                     the
                     World
                     to
                     come
                  
                   ;
                   (
                   all
                   which
                   are
                   expressions
                   of
                   the
                   visibly
                   owning
                   Christianity
                   ,
                   and
                   partaking
                   in
                   the
                   duties
                   and
                   priviledges
                   of
                   it
                   )
                   if
                   they
                   shall
                   
                     fall
                     away
                     ,
                     to
                     renew
                     them
                     again
                     to
                     repentance
                     .
                  
                   And
                   they
                   that
                   are
                   arriv'd
                   at
                   the
                   impudent
                   height
                   of
                   
                     deriding
                     all
                     this
                  
                   ,
                   are
                   
                     faln
                     away
                  
                   with
                   a
                   witness
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   ,
                   I
                   think
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   conclude
                   safely
                   from
                   the
                   Doctrine
                   of
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   incurable
                   and
                   unpardonable
                   ;
                   and
                   from
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   discourse
                   before
                   ,
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   sadly
                   probable
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   committed
                   the
                   
                     sin
                     against
                     the
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   't
                   is
                   like
                   may
                   seem
                   very
                   severe
                   Doctrine
                   ,
                   but
                   I
                   cannot
                   help
                   that
                   :
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   true
                   ,
                   I
                   am
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   blam'd
                   for
                   the
                   severity
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   
                     And
                     I
                     'me
                     sure
                     the
                     Book
                     of
                  
                   Homilies
                   
                     declares
                     more
                     positively
                     in
                     the
                     case
                     ,
                     than
                     I
                     have
                     done
                     :
                     For
                     speaking
                     in
                     the
                  
                   Tenth
                   Homily
                   ,
                   
                     of
                     the
                  
                   Scorners
                   of
                   Godliness
                   and
                   Religion
                   ,
                   
                     who
                     are
                     there
                     describ'd
                     ;
                     the
                     Author
                     saith
                     of
                     them
                     ,
                  
                   [
                   I
                   think
                   I
                   may
                   without
                   danger
                   of
                   Gods
                   judgement
                   pronounce
                   ,
                   that
                   never
                   any
                   yet
                   were
                   converted
                   unto
                   God
                   by
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   but
                   continued
                   still
                   in
                   their
                   abominable
                   wickedness
                   ,
                   heaping
                   up
                   to
                   themselves
                   Damnation
                   against
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   Gods
                   inevitable
                   Judgement
                   .
                   ]
                
                 
                   I
                   Come
                   now
                   ,
                   IV.
                   to
                   the
                   APPLICATION
                   ;
                   which
                   shall
                   be
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Earnestly
                   to
                   Dehort
                   all
                   that
                   have
                   the
                   least
                   sense
                   of
                   vertue
                   ,
                   or
                   reason
                   ,
                   from
                   Scoffing
                   at
                   Religion
                   ;
                   or
                   at
                   men
                   for
                   making
                   profession
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   then
                   ,
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   I
                   shall
                   conclude
                   with
                   some
                   very
                   brief
                   Directions
                   and
                   Rules
                   of
                   caution
                   ,
                   to
                   secure
                   us
                   from
                   the
                   danger
                   of
                   this
                   Sin.
                   
                
                 
                   Concerning
                   the
                   first
                   ,
                   I
                   consider
                   that
                   the
                   Scoffers
                   ,
                   with
                   whom
                   I
                   am
                   further
                   to
                   treat
                   ,
                   are
                   of
                   two
                   sorts
                   ,
                   1.
                   
                   The
                   desperate
                   ;
                   who
                   have
                   debauch'd
                   themselves
                   into
                   
                     down-right
                     Infidelity
                  
                   :
                   And
                   2.
                   the
                   Fashionable
                   ones
                   ,
                   (
                   as
                   I
                   crave
                   leave
                   ,
                   for
                   distinction
                   ,
                   to
                   call
                   them
                   )
                   who
                   do
                   not
                   Scoff
                   at
                   Religion
                   out
                   of
                   enmity
                   or
                   malice
                   ,
                   but
                   out
                   of
                   modishness
                   and
                   compliance
                   ;
                   and
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   ,
                   out
                   of
                   design
                   to
                   be
                   accounted
                   Wits
                   for
                   so
                   doing
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   I
                   shall
                   deal
                   First
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   former
                   sort
                   ;
                   and
                   in
                   treating
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   shall
                   use
                   none
                   of
                   the
                   acknowledgments
                   of
                   Religion
                   ;
                   but
                   from
                   
                     plain
                     unassisted
                     reason
                  
                   ,
                   shall
                   shew
                   the
                   extreme
                   vanity
                   and
                   madness
                   of
                   their
                   practice
                   :
                   And
                   I
                   would
                   entreat
                   them
                   to
                   think
                   of
                   the
                   following
                   things
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   Be
                   Religion
                   True
                   (
                   as
                   we
                   know
                   )
                   or
                   false
                   (
                   as
                   they
                   vainly
                   imagine
                   )
                   their
                   Scoffing
                   at
                   it
                   is
                   exceedingly
                   absurd
                   .
                   Every
                   Faculty
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   applyed
                   to
                   its
                   proper
                   object
                   :
                   to
                   employ
                   and
                   of
                   them
                   about
                   others
                   that
                   belong
                   not
                   to
                   them
                   is
                   foolish
                   and
                   unnatural
                   .
                   Now
                   God
                   hath
                   bestowed
                   upon
                   us
                   Reason
                   ,
                   and
                   understanding
                   to
                   judge
                   and
                   discourse
                   about
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   serious
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Faculty
                   of
                   laughter
                   and
                   derision
                   to
                   be
                   exercised
                   upon
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   vain
                   :
                   to
                   employ
                   the
                   former
                   ,
                   and
                   discourse
                   gravely
                   about
                   ludicrous
                   ,
                   trifling
                   matters
                   is
                   ridiculous
                   :
                   And
                   't
                   is
                   equally
                   absurd
                   to
                   be
                   sportive
                   about
                   affairs
                   that
                   are
                   serious
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   ;
                   whether
                   Religion
                   be
                   true
                   or
                   not
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   serious
                   thing
                   :
                   If
                   true
                   ,
                   the
                   greatest
                   Interests
                   of
                   this
                   world
                   and
                   another
                   ,
                   are
                   included
                   and
                   concerned
                   in
                   it
                   .
                   Or
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   otherwise
                   ,
                   it
                   must
                   yet
                   be
                   granted
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   hath
                   much
                   agreeableness
                   with
                   the
                   Reasons
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   serious
                   Faculties
                   of
                   Mankind
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   greatest
                   and
                   most
                   important
                   concerns
                   in
                   this
                   Life
                   ,
                   viz.
                   the
                   main
                   affairs
                   of
                   the
                   Government
                   of
                   the
                   World
                   are
                   bound
                   up
                   with
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   relation
                   
                   to
                   it
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   whether
                   true
                   or
                   false
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   no
                   matter
                   of
                   sport
                   ,
                   but
                   subject
                   for
                   our
                   most
                   serious
                   considerations
                   and
                   discourses
                   .
                   And
                   from
                   this
                   last
                   hint
                   about
                   Government
                   ,
                   I
                   mind
                   the
                   Scoffer
                   ,
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   That
                   his
                   practice
                   tends
                   to
                   the
                   
                     dissolution
                     of
                     humane
                     Society
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   turning
                   of
                   mankind
                   into
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   
                     wild
                     nature
                  
                   :
                   And
                   if
                   it
                   should
                   succeed
                   ,
                   and
                   prevail
                   generally
                   ,
                   upon
                   any
                   whole
                   people
                   ,
                   it
                   would
                   make
                   them
                   more
                   barbarous
                   than
                   any
                   Nation
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ever
                   yet
                   was
                   .
                
                 
                   For
                   be
                   Religion
                   
                     what
                     it
                     will
                  
                   ,
                   Government
                   hath
                   
                     Strength
                     ,
                     Security
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Reverence
                   from
                   it
                   .
                   Take
                   this
                   off
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   fears
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   no
                   Laws
                   can
                   be
                   put
                   in
                   execution
                   (
                   and
                   without
                   this
                   ,
                   Government
                   is
                   a
                   meer
                   name
                   ,
                   and
                   nothing
                   )
                   For
                   there
                   can
                   be
                   no
                   assurance
                   of
                   the
                   truth
                   of
                   fact
                   ,
                   where
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   restraint
                   from
                   Religion
                   upon
                   Lying
                   ,
                   and
                   false
                   witness
                   :
                   and
                   suppose
                   but
                   this
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   
                     no
                     reckoning
                  
                   or
                   account
                   hereafter
                   ;
                   every
                   man
                   may
                   say
                   ,
                   and
                   testifie
                   ,
                   what
                   is
                   for
                   the
                   advantage
                   of
                   his
                   Lusts
                   (
                   for
                   no
                   humane
                   Laws
                   can
                   reach
                   him
                   )
                   and
                   
                     then
                     Laws
                  
                   will
                   be
                   useless
                   ,
                   or
                   hurtful
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   Government
                   will
                   quickly
                   be
                   at
                   an
                   end
                   .
                   For
                   though
                   ,
                   as
                   things
                   are
                   under
                   the
                   acknowledgements
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   much
                   lying
                   ,
                   false-witness
                   ,
                   and
                   injustice
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ;
                   yet
                   let
                   all
                   the
                   Restraints
                   of
                   Conscience
                   and
                   Religion
                   be
                   removed
                   ,
                   and
                   things
                   will
                   be
                   incomparably
                   worse
                   :
                   
                   No
                   mans
                   Life
                   or
                   property
                   will
                   be
                   safe
                   ;
                   mankind
                   would
                   worry
                   and
                   prey
                   upon
                   one
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   should
                   ere
                   long
                   fall
                   a-sunder
                   into
                   a
                   condition
                   of
                   dissolution
                   and
                   wildness
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   Scoffers
                   at
                   Religion
                   are
                   declared
                   enemies
                   of
                   
                     humane
                     Nature
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   strive
                   to
                   turn
                   us
                   out
                   into
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   Savages
                   and
                   Cannibals
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   The
                   humour
                   is
                   exceedingly
                   rude
                   and
                   uncivil
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   
                     ill
                     manners
                  
                   to
                   flout
                   and
                   deride
                   what
                   is
                   esteemed
                   by
                   our
                   Betters
                   ;
                   especially
                   ,
                   if
                   
                     that
                     esteem
                  
                   be
                   in
                   the
                   highest
                   degree
                   of
                   veneration
                   .
                   Now
                   Religion
                   hath
                   publick
                   acknowledgements
                   of
                   greatest
                   respects
                   from
                   all
                   Ages
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   Nations
                   ;
                   from
                   the
                   Princes
                   and
                   the
                   people
                   ;
                   from
                   the
                   Mighty
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Learned
                   ;
                   from
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   most
                   ;
                   from
                   the
                   deepest
                   Inquirers
                   ,
                   and
                   acutest
                   Discerners
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   to
                   Scoff
                   at
                   Religion
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   it
                   were
                   ridiculous
                   and
                   contemptible
                   ,
                   is
                   rudely
                   to
                   affront
                   all
                   these
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   publish
                   them
                   for
                   a
                   pack
                   of
                   fools
                   and
                   madmen
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   to
                   make
                   Fopps
                   of
                   all
                   our
                   Forefathers
                   ,
                   and
                   Idiots
                   of
                   the
                   Founders
                   of
                   our
                   Laws
                   ,
                   and
                   Government
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   to
                   defie
                   every
                   man
                   we
                   meet
                   (
                   except
                   the
                   Atheist
                   and
                   the
                   Scoffer
                   )
                   and
                   to
                   proclaim
                   all
                   mankind
                   besides
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   set
                   of
                   simpletons
                   and
                   
                     superstitious
                     Sneaks
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   Let
                   such
                   men
                   quit
                   all
                   pretences
                   to
                   civility
                   and
                   breeding
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   ruder
                   than
                   Toryes
                   ,
                   and
                   wild
                   Americans
                   ;
                   and
                   were
                   they
                   treated
                   according
                   to
                   
                   their
                   deserts
                   from
                   mankind
                   ,
                   they
                   would
                   meet
                   every
                   where
                   with
                   Chains
                   and
                   Strappadoes
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   To
                   
                     Scoff
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   
                     ridiculously
                     proud
                     and
                     immodest
                  
                   :
                   And
                   the
                   
                     scorner
                     supposeth
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   sees
                   more
                   with
                   
                     one
                     twinkle
                  
                   of
                   his
                   eye
                   ,
                   than
                   the
                   wisest
                   ,
                   most
                   learned
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   considering
                   part
                   of
                   mankind
                   have
                   seen
                   in
                   all
                   their
                   most
                   serious
                   and
                   laborious
                   observations
                   .
                
                 
                   Certainly
                   if
                   Religion
                   be
                   a
                   deceit
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   so
                   thin
                   and
                   transparent
                   a
                   one
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   be
                   presently
                   looked
                   through
                   by
                   every
                   whiffler
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     swilling
                     Buffoon
                  
                   .
                   If
                   
                     it
                     is
                  
                   an
                   Imposture
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   such
                   a
                   one
                   ,
                   as
                   hath
                   impos'd
                   upon
                   the
                   wisdom
                   of
                   all
                   Ages
                   ;
                   upon
                   all
                   the
                   old
                   World
                   ,
                   and
                   upon
                   the
                   greatest
                   part
                   of
                   the
                   present
                   :
                   And
                   be
                   it
                   what
                   it
                   will
                   ,
                   it
                   hath
                   made
                   it self
                   very
                   plausible
                   by
                   the
                   helps
                   of
                   reason
                   ,
                   and
                   Arts
                   of
                   Learning
                   ;
                   and
                   it
                   would
                   be
                   very
                   Strange
                   ,
                   if
                   after
                   all
                   ,
                   it
                   should
                   be
                   detected
                   and
                   made
                   so
                   naked
                   by
                   every
                   one
                   that
                   can
                   laugh
                   ,
                   and
                   break
                   a
                   Jest
                   .
                   It
                   would
                   be
                   wonderful
                   if
                   the
                   Mystery
                   hid
                   from
                   Ages
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     Grand
                     cheat
                     of
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   should
                   at
                   last
                   be
                   found
                   out
                   by
                   Raileurs
                   ,
                   and
                   Songsters
                   :
                   That
                   it
                   should
                   so
                   long
                   have
                   been
                   conceal'd
                   from
                   the
                   wise
                   and
                   prudent
                   in
                   all
                   their
                   disquisitions
                   and
                   reasonings
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   reveal'd
                   at
                   last
                   to
                   Debauchees
                   and
                   Jesters
                   ,
                   amid
                   the
                   wild
                   inspirations
                   of
                   Wine
                   and
                   Ale.
                   
                
                 
                 
                   Suppose
                   the
                   worst
                   ;
                   and
                   let
                   Religion
                   be
                   as
                   false
                   and
                   as
                   ridiculous
                   as
                   can
                   be
                   imagin'd
                   :
                   the
                   Scoffers
                   that
                   deride
                   it
                   ,
                   are
                   impudent
                   to
                   pretend
                   that
                   They
                   have
                   found
                   it
                   out
                   .
                   They
                   find
                   the
                   folly
                   and
                   falshood
                   of
                   Religion
                   !
                   Let
                   them
                   find
                   new
                   Fashions
                   ,
                   or
                   new
                   Oaths
                   (
                   things
                   suitable
                   to
                   their
                   genius
                   and
                   capacities
                   )
                   But
                   for
                   shame
                   let
                   not
                   them
                   talk
                   of
                   discoveries
                   about
                   Religion
                   .
                   Or
                   if
                   they
                   must
                   be
                   medling
                   here
                   ,
                   let
                   them
                   first
                   learn
                   their
                   Catechisms
                   ,
                   and
                   know
                   
                     what
                     Religion
                     is
                  
                   :
                   And
                   when
                   they
                   understand
                   what
                   they
                   Scoff
                   at
                   ,
                   let
                   them
                   
                     Scoff
                     on
                  
                   if
                   they
                   can
                   .
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   To
                   
                     deride
                     Religion
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   
                     dangerous
                     and
                     unsafe
                  
                   practice
                   .
                   For
                   the
                   Scoffer
                   is
                   not
                   sure
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   wiser
                   than
                   
                     all
                     mankind
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   hath
                   reverence
                   for
                   it
                   .
                   He
                   hath
                   
                     no
                     demonstration
                  
                   to
                   prove
                   Religion
                   false
                   and
                   ridiculous
                   :
                   Nor
                   is
                   he
                   
                     absolutely
                     certain
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   Immortality
                   or
                   
                     future
                     judgement
                  
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   ,
                   suppose
                   it
                   should
                   prove
                   true
                   ,
                   at
                   last
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   will
                   be
                   a
                   
                     general
                     day
                     of
                     account
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   men
                   shall
                   be
                   summon'd
                   by
                   
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                  
                   to
                   be
                   judg'd
                   according
                   to
                   his
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   for
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   eternal
                   happiness
                   ,
                   or
                   woe
                   ;
                   what
                   is
                   the
                   case
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Scoffer
                     then
                  
                   ?
                   yea
                   what
                   
                     will
                     it
                     be
                  
                   at
                   that
                   day
                   ?
                   will
                   his
                   
                     mirth
                     hold
                  
                   when
                   the
                   Judge
                   shall
                   appear
                   ?
                   or
                   will
                   his
                   
                     Wit
                     recreate
                  
                   and
                   support
                   him
                   when
                   he
                   shall
                   be
                   call'd
                   to
                   the
                   Bar
                   ?
                   will
                   he
                   have
                   any
                   heart
                   to
                   droll
                   when
                   the
                   Sentence
                   is
                   past
                   ?
                   or
                   will
                   he
                   applaud
                   
                   himself
                   in
                   having
                   made
                   Hell
                   his
                   sport
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   feels
                   it
                   ?
                   will
                   he
                   shew
                   himself
                   
                     good
                     company
                  
                   among
                   the
                   Devils
                   and
                   his
                   Angels
                   ;
                   or
                   make
                   pastime
                   of
                   Heaven
                   and
                   Religion
                   ,
                   amid
                   the
                   flames
                   of
                   Brimstone
                   ?
                
                 
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   possible
                   (
                   at
                   least
                   )
                   that
                   what
                   we
                   have
                   heard
                   of
                   a
                   day
                   of
                   Judgement
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   
                     future
                     state
                  
                   of
                   Heaven
                   and
                   Hell
                   ,
                   Angels
                   and
                   Devils
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   real
                   ;
                   And
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   ,
                   the
                   Scoffer
                   is
                   undone
                   ,
                   to
                   Eternity
                   undone
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   
                     extreamly
                     a
                     fool
                  
                   ,
                   to
                   venture
                   so
                   great
                   a
                   stake
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   life
                   and
                   happiness
                   of
                   his
                   Soul
                   for
                   evermore
                   ,
                   upon
                   a
                   confidence
                   that
                   
                     may
                     deceive
                  
                   him
                   ;
                   yea
                   he
                   doth
                   it
                   upon
                   a
                   presumption
                   that
                   hath
                   not
                   as
                   much
                   as
                   any
                   good
                   probabilities
                   to
                   incourage
                   it
                   .
                   For
                   if
                   Religion
                   be
                   
                     not
                     certain
                  
                   ,
                   yet
                   most
                   of
                   the
                   appearances
                   lie
                   
                     that
                     way
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   no
                   wise
                   man
                   would
                   hazard
                   his
                   soul
                   against
                   such
                   shews
                   of
                   truth
                   :
                   especially
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   gain
                   for
                   which
                   he
                   runs
                   the
                   risque
                   ,
                   must
                   needs
                   be
                   very
                   little
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   loss
                   will
                   be
                   infinite
                   and
                   irreparable
                   .
                   If
                   Religion
                   proves
                   false
                   ,
                   the
                   Scoffer
                   gains
                   the
                   satisfaction
                   of
                   a
                   little
                   merriment
                   and
                   sport
                   ;
                   and
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   ,
                   of
                   being
                   taken
                   for
                   a
                   Wit
                   among
                   his
                   companions
                   ;
                   But
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   true
                   ,
                   he
                   loseth
                   the
                   vision
                   and
                   enjoyment
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   eternal
                   happiness
                   and
                   perfection
                   of
                   his
                   soul
                   ,
                   he
                   falls
                   under
                   the
                   vengeance
                   of
                   the
                   most
                   High
                   ,
                   and
                   into
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   Devils
                   ;
                   under
                   the
                   stings
                   of
                   Conscience
                   ,
                   and
                   into
                   the
                   pains
                   of
                   Hell.
                   
                
                 
                 
                   Now
                   what
                   man
                   in
                   his
                   wits
                   ,
                   would
                   run
                   the
                   venture
                   of
                   such
                   
                     fatal
                     losses
                  
                   and
                   miseries
                   ,
                   for
                   such
                   trivial
                   Nothings
                   of
                   advantage
                   ?
                   He
                   were
                   mad
                   ,
                   that
                   would
                   stake
                   his
                   Estate
                   and
                   Life
                   to
                   get
                   a
                   pin
                   or
                   a
                   feather
                   ,
                   in
                   a
                   case
                   wherein
                   he
                   could
                   have
                   
                     no
                     assurance
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   he
                   were
                   
                     more
                     so
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   would
                   do
                   it
                   ,
                   when
                   there
                   was
                   odds
                   against
                   him
                   .
                   If
                   there
                   were
                   ten
                   thousand
                   probabilities
                   on
                   the
                   part
                   of
                   Infidelity
                   (
                   without
                   certainty
                   )
                   no
                   wise
                   man
                   would
                   lay
                   all
                   his
                   Interests
                   upon
                   it
                   ,
                   when
                   no
                   more
                   could
                   be
                   got
                   by
                   it
                   ,
                   than
                   the
                   pleasure
                   of
                   a
                   little
                   laughing
                   :
                   But
                   to
                   do
                   it
                   when
                   so
                   many
                   appearances
                   (
                   if
                   they
                   are
                   no
                   more
                   )
                   lie
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   side
                   ,
                   is
                   Bedlam
                   madness
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   have
                   thus
                   represented
                   to
                   the
                   
                     desperate
                     Scoffer
                  
                   ,
                   whose
                   Lusts
                   have
                   made
                   him
                   seriously
                   believe
                   ,
                   that
                   Religion
                   is
                   contemptible
                   ;
                   that
                   the
                   practice
                   of
                   Scoffing
                   at
                   it
                   ,
                   (
                   be
                   it
                   what
                   it
                   will
                   )
                   is
                   very
                   absurd
                   and
                   dangerous
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   there
                   is
                   yet
                   
                     another
                     sort
                  
                   of
                   Scoffers
                   to
                   be
                   treated
                   with
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   not
                   yet
                   come
                   
                     so
                     far
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   believe
                   that
                   Religion
                   is
                   a
                   Fable
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   Scoff
                   at
                   the
                   profession
                   of
                   it
                   out
                   of
                   modishness
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   humour
                   of
                   imitation
                   .
                   They
                   do
                   not
                   in
                   their
                   hearts
                   deny
                   Religion
                   ,
                   but
                   yet
                   they
                   deride
                   Those
                   that
                   practise
                   according
                   to
                   it
                   ;
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   content
                   to
                   laugh
                   at
                   the
                   fopperies
                   ,
                   that
                   many
                   times
                   call
                   themselves
                   by
                   that
                   
                   sacred
                   name
                   ;
                   but
                   fleer
                   also
                   ,
                   and
                   spend
                   the
                   
                     silly
                     thing
                  
                   ,
                   they
                   think
                   to
                   be
                   Wit
                   ,
                   upon
                   those
                   actions
                   that
                   are
                   undoubtedly
                   religious
                   :
                   Such
                   never
                   enter
                   into
                   the
                   consideration
                   of
                   the
                   matter
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   I
                   shall
                   endeavour
                   to
                   awaken
                   them
                   (
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   know
                   what
                   they
                   do
                   )
                   by
                   the
                   things
                   that
                   follow
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   
                     They
                     Scoff
                     at
                     the
                     Religious
                     for
                     acting
                     according
                     to
                     Reason
                     ,
                  
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   because
                   they
                   are
                   men
                   and
                   not
                   bruits
                   :
                   Because
                   they
                   act
                   like
                   intelligent
                   creatures
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   like
                   the
                   Horse
                   and
                   Mule
                   that
                   
                     have
                     no
                     understanding
                  
                   .
                   They
                   deride
                   them
                   for
                   passing
                   
                     right
                     judgements
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   making
                   a
                   
                     right
                     choice
                  
                   :
                   for
                   preferring
                   God
                   before
                   the
                   creature
                   ;
                   the
                   soul
                   before
                   the
                   body
                   ;
                   and
                   eternity
                   before
                   time
                   :
                   For
                   
                     choosing
                     light
                  
                   before
                   
                     darkness
                     ;
                     beauty
                  
                   before
                   deformity
                   ;
                   and
                   life
                   and
                   happiness
                   before
                   the
                   extreams
                   of
                   death
                   and
                   misery
                   .
                   God
                   hath
                   given
                   to
                   all
                   his
                   creatures
                   a
                   principle
                   to
                   direct
                   their
                   actions
                   ;
                   Reason
                   to
                   Men
                   ,
                   and
                   Sense
                   and
                   Appetite
                   to
                   Beasts
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   to
                   deride
                   men
                   for
                   governing
                   themselves
                   by
                   their
                   reasons
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   by
                   inferiour
                   principles
                   ,
                   is
                   as
                   absurd
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   a
                   man
                   should
                   laugh
                   at
                   the
                   Ox
                   for
                   grazing
                   freely
                   in
                   the
                   field
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   standing
                   still
                   to
                   grow
                   like
                   a
                   tree
                   ;
                   or
                   at
                   the
                   bird
                   ,
                   because
                   it
                   flies
                   in
                   the
                   air
                   ,
                   and
                   doth
                   not
                   creep
                   like
                   the
                   worm
                   on
                   the
                   ground
                   .
                   He
                   that
                   doth
                   so
                   ,
                   is
                   an
                   Ideot
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   Natural
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Scoffer
                   acts
                   at
                   the
                   same
                   rate
                   of
                   folly
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   2.
                   
                   He
                   derides
                   men
                   for
                   living
                   by
                   the
                   most
                   
                     Catholick
                     rule
                     of
                     nature
                  
                   ,
                   viz.
                   that
                   of
                   Self-love
                   ,
                   and
                   self-preservation
                   .
                   He
                   flouts
                   them
                   for
                   seeking
                   health
                   and
                   
                     happiness
                     ,
                     riches
                     ,
                     honours
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   pleasures
                   ,
                   the
                   truest
                   and
                   the
                   best
                   :
                   For
                   endeavouring
                   to
                   obtain
                   the
                   favour
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   the
                   peace
                   of
                   Conscience
                   ,
                   and
                   security
                   of
                   future
                   and
                   eternal
                   well
                   being
                   :
                   For
                   striving
                   to
                   avoid
                   the
                   snares
                   of
                   Satan
                   ,
                   the
                   wrath
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   pains
                   of
                   Hell.
                   He
                   laughs
                   at
                   them
                   ,
                   because
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   thrust
                   their
                   heads
                   into
                   the
                   Fire
                   ,
                   and
                   leap
                   the
                   precipice
                   into
                   the
                   gulph
                   of
                   woe
                   :
                   Because
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   their
                   
                     own
                     executioners
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   beat
                   out
                   their
                   own
                   brains
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   He
                   Scoffs
                   at
                   the
                   
                     Religious
                     ,
                     because
                     they
                     act
                     for
                     the
                     great
                     ends
                     of
                     their
                     Being
                     .
                  
                   God
                   made
                   all
                   things
                   for
                   an
                   end
                   ,
                   and
                   man
                   for
                   a
                   noble
                   one
                   ,
                   the
                   injoyment
                   of
                   himself
                   for
                   ever
                   :
                   Now
                   the
                   exercises
                   of
                   Religion
                   are
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   this
                   end
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   deride
                   men
                   for
                   this
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   laugh
                   at
                   them
                   for
                   acting
                   ,
                   and
                   designing
                   pertinently
                   and
                   nobly
                   .
                   The
                   Scoffer
                   jeers
                   the
                   religious
                   ,
                   because
                   he
                   lives
                   for
                   greater
                   ends
                   ,
                   than
                   the
                   Beasts
                   ;
                   and
                   indeavours
                   to
                   be
                   happier
                   than
                   his
                   horses
                   and
                   his
                   swine
                   :
                   Because
                   he
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   content
                   ,
                   only
                   to
                   eat
                   and
                   drink
                   ,
                   and
                   revel
                   and
                   die
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   The
                   
                     Scoffer
                     laughs
                  
                   at
                   the
                   
                     Religious
                     for
                     aiming
                     at
                     the
                     perfection
                     of
                     his
                     nature
                     .
                  
                   God
                   made
                   man
                   perfect
                   ,
                   but
                   we
                   have
                   
                     corrupted
                     our selves
                  
                   ,
                   Eccl.
                   7.
                   29.
                   
                   and
                   debased
                   our
                   noble
                   beings
                   :
                   We
                   have
                   destroyed
                   our
                   Makers
                   Image
                   ,
                   and
                   deform'd
                   our
                   natures
                   .
                   Now
                   the
                   design
                   of
                   Religion
                   is
                   ,
                   to
                   repair
                   our
                   ruines
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   recover
                   us
                   to
                   the
                   integrity
                   ,
                   and
                   perfection
                   of
                   our
                   first
                   selves
                   ;
                   to
                   restore
                   Light
                   to
                   the
                   mind
                   ,
                   and
                   vertue
                   to
                   the
                   will
                   ,
                   and
                   order
                   to
                   the
                   affections
                   ;
                   to
                   heal
                   ,
                   cleanse
                   ,
                   and
                   beautifie
                   the
                   soul
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   to
                   Scoff
                   at
                   men
                   for
                   living
                   by
                   this
                   ,
                   is
                   as
                   if
                   one
                   should
                   deride
                   the
                   sick
                   for
                   taking
                   physick
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   blind
                   for
                   using
                   a
                   guide
                   .
                   As
                   if
                   a
                   man
                   should
                   be
                   scorn'd
                   for
                   washing
                   ,
                   after
                   he
                   had
                   faln
                   into
                   a
                   mire
                   ;
                   or
                   for
                   seeking
                   cure
                   for
                   a
                   foul
                   Leprosie
                   that
                   had
                   over-spread
                   him
                   .
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   The
                   
                     scoffer
                     derides
                  
                   the
                   Religious
                   for
                   
                     acting
                     according
                     to
                     his
                     own
                     principles
                     .
                  
                   He
                   saith
                   ,
                   there
                   
                     is
                     a
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   jeers
                   those
                   that
                   worship
                   Him
                   ;
                   he
                   believes
                   that
                   God
                   is
                   infinitely
                   amiable
                   ,
                   wise
                   ,
                   great
                   ,
                   and
                   good
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   laughs
                   at
                   men
                   for
                   loving
                   his
                   beauty
                   ,
                   and
                   believing
                   his
                   wisdom
                   ,
                   and
                   trusting
                   in
                   his
                   power
                   and
                   goodness
                   .
                   He
                   saith
                   ,
                   that
                   Christ
                   is
                   the
                   Saviour
                   ;
                   and
                   derides
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   willing
                   to
                   be
                   saved
                   by
                   Him
                   :
                   that
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   is
                   the
                   sanctifier
                   ;
                   and
                   laughs
                   at
                   
                     that
                     holiness
                  
                   ,
                   He
                   teacheth
                   and
                   produceth
                   .
                   He
                   will
                   tell
                   you
                   ,
                   he
                   believes
                   there
                   is
                   an
                   Heaven
                   of
                   eternal
                   happiness
                   ;
                   and
                   scorns
                   those
                   that
                   seek
                   it
                   :
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   an
                   Hell
                   of
                   endless
                   woe
                   and
                   torment
                   ;
                   
                   and
                   makes
                   sport
                   of
                   all
                   endeavours
                   to
                   avoid
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   He
                   derides
                   men
                   ,
                   
                     because
                     they
                     are
                     true
                     to
                     their
                     engagements
                     and
                     professions
                     .
                  
                   Because
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   have
                   promised
                   to
                   
                     forsake
                     the
                     Devil
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     all
                     his
                     works
                  
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   willing
                   in
                   practice
                   to
                   
                     forsake
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   his
                   :
                   Because
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   say
                   ,
                   
                     Thy
                     will
                     be
                     done
                  
                   ,
                   they
                   don't
                   resolve
                   to
                   do
                   all
                   they
                   can
                   to
                   cross
                   it
                   :
                   Because
                   after
                   they
                   have
                   pray'd
                   an
                   hundred
                   times
                   ,
                   
                     Incline
                     our
                     hearts
                     to
                     keep
                     thy
                     Laws
                     ,
                  
                   they
                   do
                   not
                   set
                   themselves
                   every
                   day
                   to
                   break
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   At
                   such
                   extravagant
                   rates
                   as
                   these
                   ,
                   doth
                   he
                   act
                   ,
                   that
                   retains
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   scoffs
                   at
                   the
                   practice
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   O
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   wise
                   ,
                   and
                   would
                   
                     consider
                     this
                  
                   ,
                   who
                   so
                   far
                   forget
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Reasonable
                   natures
                   he
                   hath
                   given
                   them
                   !
                
                 
                   I
                   shall
                   now
                   ,
                   II.
                   conclude
                   with
                   some
                   Directions
                   and
                   Rules
                   of
                   caution
                   for
                   security
                   against
                   this
                   grievous
                   folly
                   .
                   And
                   ,
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Let
                   us
                   be
                   in
                   earnest
                   in
                   Religion
                   ;
                   endeavouring
                   to
                   understand
                   what
                   we
                   profess
                   ;
                   to
                   believe
                   what
                   we
                   understand
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   practise
                   what
                   we
                   believe
                   :
                   And
                   then
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   feel
                   such
                   a
                   sense
                   of
                   Religion
                   on
                   our
                   souls
                   ,
                   as
                   will
                   beget
                   the
                   highest
                   reverence
                   to
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   effectually
                   secure
                   us
                   from
                   any
                   such
                   impiety
                   .
                   For
                   't
                   is
                   
                     ignorance
                     ,
                     infidelity
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   
                     evil
                     life
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   the
                   great
                   causes
                   of
                   mens
                   contempt
                   of
                   Religion
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Let
                   us
                   take
                   care
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   place
                   not
                   Religion
                   in
                   
                     uncertain
                     opinions
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     vain
                     trifles
                  
                   :
                   Mens
                   superstitious
                   fondness
                   of
                   such
                   ,
                   hath
                   expos'd
                   Christianity
                   to
                   much
                   scorn
                   and
                   derision
                   ;
                   while
                   its
                   enemies
                   
                     will
                     not
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     can
                     not
                     ,
                     distinguish
                  
                   between
                   Religion
                   it self
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   fopperies
                   that
                   pretend
                   unto
                   it
                   .
                   This
                   hath
                   been
                   a
                   main
                   ground
                   of
                   most
                   of
                   the
                   contempt
                   that
                   is
                   upon
                   it
                   at
                   this
                   day
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   nothing
                   in
                   
                     substantial
                     ,
                     naked
                  
                   Religion
                   ,
                   that
                   can
                   afford
                   the
                   least
                   just
                   occasion
                   for
                   laughter
                   ,
                   or
                   malicious
                   sport
                   ,
                   it
                   being
                   in
                   it self
                   the
                   most
                   
                     reasonable
                     ,
                     venerable
                  
                   thing
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   take
                   care
                   then
                   that
                   we
                   mingle
                   not
                   any
                   thing
                   that
                   is
                   ridiculous
                   with
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   When
                   we
                   deride
                   the
                   vanities
                   of
                   errour
                   and
                   superstition
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   be
                   cautious
                   ,
                   lest
                   we
                   give
                   incouragement
                   ,
                   or
                   ground
                   ,
                   to
                   others
                   by
                   it
                   ,
                   to
                   Scoff
                   at
                   
                     Religion
                     it self
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   consider
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Lusts
                   of
                   men
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   catch
                   at
                   any
                   occasion
                   to
                   abuse
                   and
                   vilifie
                   their
                   eternal
                   enemy
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   Let
                   us
                   beware
                   of
                   too
                   much
                   delight
                   in
                   the
                   humour
                   of
                   Drollery
                   and
                   Jesting
                   ,
                   expresly
                   forbidden
                   by
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   
                     Eph.
                     5.
                     4.
                     
                     This
                     sort
                     of
                     wit
                     ,
                  
                   in
                   most
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   dangerous
                   and
                   ungovernable
                   Lust
                   ,
                   and
                   spares
                   nothing
                   sacred
                   or
                   serious
                   ,
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   indulg'd
                   ;
                   it
                   makes
                   the
                   Spirit
                   vain
                   and
                   trifling
                   ;
                   and
                   indisposeth
                   it
                   for
                   any
                   weighty
                   exercise
                   either
                   
                   of
                   Reason
                   or
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   the
                   indisposition
                   it
                   produceth
                   to
                   such
                   imployments
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   an
                   easie
                   step
                   to
                   the
                   contempt
                   of
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   Let
                   us
                   not
                   intimately
                   and
                   frequently
                   converse
                   with
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   
                     this
                     sort
                  
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   infection
                   in
                   such
                   company
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   
                     secret
                     Witchcraft
                  
                   in
                   this
                   humour
                   ,
                   that
                   may
                   work
                   us
                   insensibly
                   to
                   an
                   imitation
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   O
                   that
                   the
                   Youth
                   of
                   the
                   present
                   Age
                   ,
                   would
                   be
                   perswaded
                   to
                   put
                   a
                   mark
                   upon
                   those
                   men
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   avoid
                   their
                   dangerous
                   conversation
                   !
                   Certainly
                   they
                   had
                   better
                   joyn
                   themselves
                   to
                   Poisoners
                   ,
                   and
                   Cut-throats
                   ,
                   than
                   to
                   have
                   much
                   to
                   do
                   with
                   those
                   Factors
                   for
                   Damnation
                   ;
                   A
                   Generation
                   so
                   vile
                   ,
                   that
                   should
                   Satan
                   send
                   the
                   most
                   malignant
                   spirits
                   of
                   Hell
                   openly
                   and
                   professedly
                   to
                   trade
                   for
                   him
                   ,
                   They
                   could
                   not
                   act
                   with
                   more
                   direct
                   ,
                   and
                   declar'd
                   opposition
                   to
                   God
                   and
                   goodness
                   ,
                   than
                   these
                   wretched
                   men
                   do
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   one
                   may
                   justly
                   wonder
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   shun'd
                   by
                   all
                   sensible
                   men
                   ,
                   as
                   desolation
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   plague
                   :
                   and
                   hooted
                   into
                   their
                   wits
                   ,
                   or
                   quite
                   out
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   by
                   an
                   universal
                   contempt
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   deserved
                   scorn
                   .
                   I
                   am
                   sure
                   it
                   becomes
                   all
                   that
                   are
                   of
                   a
                   Gentile
                   ,
                   Vertuous
                   ,
                   and
                   ingenuous
                   Education
                   ,
                   to
                   avoid
                   giving
                   them
                   any
                   countenance
                   or
                   incouragement
                   ,
                   by
                   any
                   familiarity
                   of
                   acquaintance
                   ;
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   duty
                   they
                   owe
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   their
                   Nation
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   own
                   present
                   and
                   eternal
                   interests
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   6.
                   
                   Take
                   heed
                   of
                   
                     speaking
                     lightly
                     of
                     any
                     thing
                     that
                     appertains
                     to
                     Religion
                     .
                     Sacred
                  
                   things
                   are
                   never
                   to
                   be
                   mention'd
                   but
                   with
                   seriousness
                   and
                   reverence
                   :
                   If
                   we
                   toy
                   and
                   play
                   in
                   our
                   discourses
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   though
                   without
                   direct
                   scorn
                   or
                   malice
                   ,
                   this
                   too
                   familiar
                   use
                   of
                   Divine
                   things
                   ,
                   will
                   at
                   last
                   bring
                   us
                   to
                   an
                   habitual
                   disvalue
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   which
                   in
                   time
                   will
                   grow
                   into
                   contempt
                   .
                
                 
                   If
                   we
                   direct
                   our selves
                   by
                   such
                   Rules
                   of
                   caution
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   Grace
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   escape
                   the
                   Epidemical
                   infection
                   that
                   flies
                   almost
                   every
                   where
                   in
                   our
                   days
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   Scoffers
                   that
                   walk
                   
                     after
                     their
                     own
                     Lusts
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   have
                   thus
                   shewn
                   the
                   
                     sin
                     ,
                     folly
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   danger
                   of
                   scoffing
                   at
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   given
                   some
                   Rules
                   of
                   caution
                   against
                   it
                   .
                   One
                   would
                   think
                   there
                   should
                   be
                   no
                   need
                   of
                   such
                   a
                   discourse
                   among
                   a
                   Christian
                   people
                   ,
                   who
                   have
                   felt
                   so
                   many
                   Judgements
                   ,
                   and
                   enjoy
                   so
                   many
                   mercies
                   ,
                   who
                   have
                   the
                   Gospel
                   preach'd
                   to
                   them
                   with
                   so
                   much
                   power
                   and
                   plainness
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   made
                   so
                   long
                   and
                   so
                   zealous
                   a
                   profession
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   But
                   is
                   there
                   not
                   a
                   cause
                   for
                   all
                   this
                   ?
                   If
                   there
                   be
                   none
                   ,
                   I
                   crave
                   pardon
                   for
                   my
                   troubling
                   you
                   so
                   long
                   to
                   no
                   purpose
                   :
                   but
                   if
                   there
                   be
                   ,
                   I
                   pray
                   God
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   all
                   lay
                   it
                   to
                   heart
                   ,
                   earnestly
                   beseeching
                   him
                   to
                   awaken
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   guilty
                   of
                   this
                   
                     hainous
                     impiety
                  
                   ,
                   to
                   see
                   their
                   sin
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   danger
                   ,
                   before
                   it
                   be
                   too
                   late
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   divert
                   from
                   them
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   others
                   ,
                   the
                   Judgements
                   that
                   such
                   bold
                   heights
                   in
                   wickedness
                   do
                   most
                   justly
                   deserve
                   .
                   That
                   he
                   would
                   in
                   mercy
                   find
                   a
                   way
                   to
                   remove
                   this
                   
                     vile
                     abomination
                  
                   and
                   scandal
                   from
                   our
                   Land
                   ;
                   and
                   diffuse
                   such
                   an
                   aweful
                   sense
                   of
                   Religion
                   through
                   the
                   Nation
                   ,
                   as
                   may
                   keep
                   us
                   under
                   the
                   power
                   and
                   obedience
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   That
                   he
                   would
                   make
                   us
                   all
                   tender
                   and
                   zealous
                   in
                   the
                   things
                   that
                   refer
                   to
                   his
                   Glory
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Honour
                   of
                   his
                   Religion
                   ;
                   and
                   assist
                   us
                   by
                   his
                   Grace
                   ,
                   in
                   all
                   holy
                   endeavours
                   to
                   promote
                   those
                   interests
                   :
                   begging
                   all
                   in
                   the
                   Name
                   and
                   Mediation
                   of
                   Christ
                   our
                   Lord
                   ,
                   to
                   whom
                   with
                   the
                   Father
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Holy
                     Ghost
                  
                   ,
                   be
                   all
                   Honour
                   and
                   adoration
                   henceforth
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   ever
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   V.
                   THE
                   CHURCHES
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   and
                   Complaint
                   OF
                   CONTEMPT
                   FROM
                   PROPHANE
                   and
                   FANATICK
                   Enemies
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Second
                   Edition
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   V.
                   THE
                   CHURCHES
                   PRAYER
                   ,
                   AND
                   COMPLAINT
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     PSAL.
                     CXXIII
                     .
                     3
                     ,
                     4.
                     
                  
                   
                     
                       HAVE
                       MERCY
                    
                     upon
                     us
                     ,
                     O
                     Lord
                     !
                     have
                     mercy
                     upon
                     us
                     :
                     for
                     we
                     are
                     exceedingly
                     filled
                     with
                     Contempt
                     .
                     Our
                     soul
                     is
                     exceedingly
                     filled
                     with
                     the
                     Scorning
                     of
                     those
                     that
                     are
                     at
                     ease
                     ;
                     and
                     with
                     the
                     Contempt
                     of
                     the
                     Proud.
                     
                  
                
                 
                   THE
                   State
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   in
                   this
                   world
                   is
                   Militant
                   ,
                   and
                   uncertain
                   ;
                   subject
                   to
                   those
                   alterations
                   ,
                   and
                   vicissitudes
                   which
                   attend
                   all
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   of
                   a
                   mutable
                   nature
                   .
                   One
                   while
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   in
                   a
                   fair
                   and
                   flourishing
                   condition
                   ;
                   orderly
                   without
                   ,
                   and
                   united
                   within
                   :
                   
                   beautiful
                   in
                   its
                   external
                   appearance
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   so
                   in
                   its
                   inward
                   holiness
                   and
                   peace
                   :
                   And
                   then
                   ,
                   its
                   Heaven
                   is
                   overcast
                   ,
                   clouds
                   and
                   thick
                   darkness
                   rest
                   upon
                   it
                   :
                   It
                   is
                   overwhelm'd
                   by
                   troubles
                   and
                   disorders
                   ;
                   and
                   rent
                   asunder
                   by
                   Heresies
                   and
                   Divisions
                   :
                   so
                   that
                   the
                   
                     ways
                     of
                     Sion
                     mourn
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   her
                   
                     Gates
                     are
                     desolate
                  
                   .
                   In
                   the
                   afflicted
                   state
                   was
                   the
                   Church
                   at
                   the
                   penning
                   of
                   this
                   Psalm
                   :
                   whether
                   its
                   afflictions
                   were
                   from
                   the
                   Tyranny
                   of
                   Antiochus
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     Babylonish
                     Captivity
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   its
                   
                     own
                     corruptions
                  
                   ,
                   I
                   shall
                   not
                   here
                   dispute
                   .
                   It
                   may
                   suffice
                   for
                   us
                   to
                   take
                   notice
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Church
                   was
                   now
                   in
                   great
                   distress
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   it
                   took
                   the
                   right
                   way
                   of
                   remedy
                   ,
                   by
                   applying
                   it self
                   to
                   God
                   for
                   relief
                   :
                   
                     
                       Have
                       mercy
                       upon
                       us
                       ,
                       O
                       Lord
                       !
                       have
                       mercy
                       upon
                       us
                       —
                    
                     
                       In
                       which
                       words
                       we
                       have
                       two
                       parts
                       .
                    
                  
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   
                     A
                     
                       passionate
                       Supplication
                    
                     :
                  
                   Have
                   mercy
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   !
                   have
                   mercy
                   —
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   
                     The
                     Ground
                     and
                     occasion
                     of
                     it
                     :
                  
                   for
                   we
                   are
                   exceedingly
                   fill'd
                   with
                   contempt
                   —
                
                 
                   This
                   is
                   last
                   in
                   order
                   of
                   words
                   ,
                   but
                   first
                   in
                   order
                   of
                   nature
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   I
                   shall
                   begin
                   here
                   ,
                   and
                   consider
                   in
                   it
                   :
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   The
                   matter
                   of
                   trouble
                   and
                   complaint
                   :
                   it
                   was
                   contempt
                   and
                   scorning
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   degree
                   of
                   it
                   :
                   't
                   was
                   exceeding
                   contempt
                   ;
                   and
                   their
                   souls
                   were
                   fill'd
                   with
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   The
                   character
                   of
                   the
                   persons
                   ,
                   by
                   whom
                   the
                   
                   Church
                   was
                   so
                   contemn'd
                   :
                   they
                   were
                   ,
                   1.
                   
                   Those
                   
                     at
                     ease
                  
                   .
                   And
                   2.
                   
                     the
                     Proud.
                  
                   
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   For
                   the
                   matter
                   of
                   complaint
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   exprest
                   to
                   be
                   Contempt
                   ,
                   which
                   consists
                   in
                   a
                   mean
                   and
                   vile
                   opinion
                   of
                   the
                   person
                   contemn'd
                   :
                   and
                   scorning
                   ,
                   which
                   may
                   be
                   taken
                   for
                   the
                   shewing
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   in
                   
                     actual
                     derision
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   abuse
                   .
                   Now
                   contempt
                   supposeth
                   a
                   mean
                   and
                   low
                   condition
                   ,
                   and
                   hatred
                   upon
                   it
                   .
                   For
                   misery
                   moves
                   pity
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   contempt
                   ,
                   where
                   there
                   is
                   any
                   thing
                   of
                   charity
                   or
                   kindness
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   at
                   this
                   time
                   the
                   Church
                   was
                   low
                   ,
                   and
                   hated
                   in
                   its
                   lowness
                   ,
                   both
                   which
                   together
                   ,
                   make
                   up
                   the
                   occasion
                   of
                   contempt
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   scorning
                   that
                   was
                   consequent
                   to
                   it
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   most
                   grievous
                   of
                   all
                   evils
                   ,
                   exprest
                   well
                   by
                   him
                   that
                   said
                   ,
                   
                     Nihil
                     in
                     se
                     gravius
                     habet
                     paupertas
                     ,
                     quàm
                     quòd
                     homines
                     efficit
                     ridiculos
                     .
                     Want
                     ,
                  
                   we
                   may
                   think
                   ,
                   
                     is
                     misery
                     enough
                  
                   ;
                   but
                   it
                   is
                   aggravated
                   and
                   heightned
                   by
                   the
                   contempt
                   and
                   scorn
                   that
                   usually
                   goes
                   along
                   with
                   it
                   :
                   even
                   the
                   vertues
                   and
                   the
                   
                     wisdom
                     of
                     the
                     poor
                     are
                     despised
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   
                     We
                     have
                     the
                  
                   degree
                   of
                   contempt
                   
                     exprest
                     .
                     They
                     were
                  
                   exceedingly
                   contemn'd
                   :
                   and
                   exceedingly
                   fill'd
                   with
                   contempt
                   .
                   
                     And
                     their
                  
                   souls
                   were
                   exceedingly
                   fill'd
                   with
                   scorning
                   .
                
                 
                   Exceedingly
                   fill'd
                   ,
                   glutted
                   with
                   it
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   Metaphor
                   taken
                   from
                   an
                   oppressive
                   repletion
                   of
                   the
                   stomach
                   ,
                   even
                   to
                   nauseating
                   and
                   loathing
                   .
                   Their
                   soul
                   was
                   fill'd
                   ,
                   the
                   greatest
                   and
                   quickest
                   sense
                   of
                   evil
                   was
                   
                   over-charg'd
                   with
                   this
                   ,
                   very
                   grievous
                   one
                   .
                
                 
                   They
                   are
                   ,
                   we
                   see
                   ,
                   greatly
                   mov'd
                   and
                   concern'd
                   ,
                   and
                   seem
                   to
                   speak
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   there
                   were
                   scarce
                   words
                   enough
                   to
                   declare
                   their
                   trouble
                   :
                   which
                   intimates
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   contempt
                   upon
                   them
                   ,
                   was
                   not
                   only
                   from
                   open
                   and
                   Gentile
                   enemies
                   ;
                   for
                   from
                   Them
                   it
                   was
                   to
                   be
                   expected
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   Them
                   not
                   so
                   much
                   to
                   be
                   regarded
                   .
                   The
                   complaint
                   had
                   been
                   too
                   soft
                   ,
                   and
                   unspirited
                   ,
                   if
                   there
                   had
                   been
                   no
                   more
                   in
                   it
                   .
                   If
                   an
                   
                     open
                     enemy
                     did
                     them
                     this
                     dishonour
                     ,
                  
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   born
                   it
                   ,
                   without
                   so
                   much
                   expression
                   of
                   tender
                   resentment
                   .
                   
                     'T
                     is
                     likely
                  
                   therefore
                   from
                   the
                   greatness
                   of
                   their
                   concern
                   ,
                   that
                   some
                   of
                   them
                   (
                   at
                   least
                   )
                   were
                   ,
                   or
                   had
                   been
                   ,
                   pretended
                   
                     familiar
                     friends
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   some
                   time
                   went
                   
                     up
                     to
                     the
                     house
                     of
                     God
                  
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   profession
                   of
                   the
                   same
                   
                     General
                     Faith
                  
                   and
                   Religion
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   sufferings
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   and
                   good
                   men
                   ,
                   are
                   not
                   only
                   from
                   adversaries
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   without
                   :
                   but
                   very
                   oft
                   from
                   
                     weak
                     ,
                     peevish
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     mistaken
                     friends
                  
                   :
                   from
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   righteous
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     Orthodox
                     overmuch
                  
                   :
                   from
                   the
                   superstitious
                   and
                   ignorantly
                   zealous
                   :
                   from
                   those
                   that
                   have
                   more
                   heat
                   than
                   light
                   ;
                   that
                   mean
                   well
                   ,
                   but
                   understand
                   little
                   .
                   Such
                   ,
                   many
                   times
                   ,
                   are
                   more
                   troublesome
                   to
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   than
                   declar'd
                   opposers
                   :
                   and
                   Satan
                   useth
                   them
                   as
                   instruments
                   of
                   affliction
                   ,
                   and
                   disturbance
                   to
                   the
                   wise
                   ;
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   the
                   prophane
                   and
                   unbelieving
                   
                   enemy
                   .
                   This
                   sort
                   we
                   may
                   well
                   suppose
                   to
                   be
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   proud
                   mention'd
                   in
                   the
                   Text
                   :
                   which
                   may
                   be
                   consider'd
                   further
                   under
                   the
                   Third
                   Head
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   The
                   Persons
                   
                     from
                     whom
                     the
                     Church
                     suffer'd
                     this
                     contempt
                     and
                     scorning
                     .
                  
                   1.
                   
                   Those
                   
                     that
                     were
                  
                   at
                   ease
                   .
                   
                     And
                     2.
                     the
                  
                   Proud.
                   Our
                   soul
                   is
                   exceedingly
                   filled
                   with
                   the
                   scorning
                   of
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   at
                   ease
                   ;
                   and
                   with
                   the
                   contempt
                   of
                   the
                   Proud.
                   
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Those
                   that
                   were
                   
                     at
                     ease
                  
                   :
                   the
                   rich
                   and
                   prosperous
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   .
                   Who
                   were
                   
                     inclosed
                     in
                     their
                     own
                     fat
                  
                   ;
                   who
                   had
                   their
                   
                     portion
                     in
                     this
                     life
                  
                   ;
                   whose
                   
                     bellies
                     were
                     fill'd
                     with
                     hid
                     treasure
                     ,
                  
                   as
                   the
                   Psalmist
                   speaks
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   17.
                   
                   Yea
                   ,
                   they
                   had
                   
                     more
                     than
                     heart
                     could
                     wish
                  
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   73.
                   and
                   were
                   such
                   ,
                   as
                   said
                   unto
                   their
                   Souls
                   ,
                   
                     Soul
                     take
                     thy
                     ease
                     ,
                     thou
                     hast
                     Goods
                     laid
                     up
                     for
                     many
                     years
                     ,
                     eat
                     ,
                     drink
                     ,
                     and
                     be
                     merry
                     ,
                  
                   Luke
                   12.
                   
                   They
                   were
                   at
                   rest
                   in
                   their
                   enjoyments
                   ,
                   and
                   very
                   loth
                   to
                   be
                   disturb'd
                   by
                   the
                   thoughts
                   of
                   leaving
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   more
                   unwilling
                   to
                   consider
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   to
                   give
                   an
                   account
                   of
                   their
                   Stewardship
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   they
                   must
                   needs
                   look
                   with
                   an
                   evil
                   eye
                   upon
                   Religion
                   ,
                   the
                   disturber
                   of
                   their
                   quiet
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   a
                   great
                   mind
                   to
                   say
                   in
                   their
                   
                     hearts
                     ,
                     There
                     is
                     no
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   Psal
                   .
                   14.
                   1.
                   and
                   that
                   Religion
                   is
                   but
                   a
                   
                     cunningly
                     devised
                     Fable
                  
                   ,
                   2
                   Pet.
                   1.
                   or
                   ,
                   if
                   they
                   cannot
                   bring
                   themselves
                   to
                   believe
                   that
                   ,
                   they
                   will
                   be
                   apt
                   to
                   say
                   ,
                   
                     Tush
                     God
                     seeth
                     not
                     ,
                     he
                     careth
                     not
                     :
                  
                   or
                   ,
                   if
                   He
                   do
                   ,
                   
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   ;
                   they
                   endeavour
                   to
                   be
                   as
                   careless
                   and
                   as
                   blind
                   as
                   they
                   can
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   put
                   him
                   
                     far
                     from
                     them
                  
                   ,
                   for
                   they
                   
                     like
                     not
                     to
                     retain
                     God
                     in
                     their
                     knowledge
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   1.
                   
                   And
                   being
                   thus
                   disposed
                   ,
                   they
                   set
                   themselves
                   to
                   quarrel
                   Religion
                   ,
                   to
                   dispute
                   against
                   it
                   ,
                   as
                   far
                   as
                   their
                   wit
                   will
                   give
                   leave
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   that
                   fails
                   ,
                   to
                   Scorn
                   and
                   deride
                   it
                   .
                   These
                   envy
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   while
                   it
                   enjoyes
                   any
                   thing
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   despise
                   it
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   have
                   robb'd
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   Contemners
                   were
                   the
                   
                     Proud
                     ;
                     And
                     with
                     the
                     Contempt
                     of
                     the
                     Proud.
                     They
                  
                   are
                   of
                   two
                   sorts
                   ,
                   1.
                   
                   Such
                   as
                   are
                   made
                   so
                   by
                   their
                   riches
                   and
                   worldly
                   prosperity
                   .
                   2.
                   
                   Those
                   that
                   are
                   swell'd
                   with
                   the
                   conceit
                   of
                   their
                   
                     Knowledge
                     ,
                     Spiritualities
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Graces
                   .
                
                 
                   For
                   the
                   first
                   ,
                   It
                   is
                   an
                   usual
                   effect
                   of
                   worldly
                   fulness
                   .
                   Riches
                   make
                   men
                   haughty
                   and
                   insolent
                   ,
                   saith
                   Aristotle
                   in
                   his
                   Rhetorick
                   :
                   And
                   a
                   greater
                   than
                   he
                   ,
                   having
                   described
                   the
                   prosperity
                   of
                   the
                   wicked
                   ,
                   adds
                   ,
                   Therefore
                   pride
                   
                     compasseth
                     them
                     about
                     like
                     a
                     chain
                     ,
                  
                   Psal
                   .
                   73.
                   6.
                   
                   They
                   
                     speak
                     loftily
                  
                   ,
                   verse
                   8.
                   and
                   loftily
                   indeed
                   ,
                   for
                   they
                   
                     set
                     their
                     mouth
                     against
                     the
                     heavens
                     ,
                  
                   ver
                   .
                   9.
                   
                   They
                   speak
                   with
                   
                     proud
                     scorn
                  
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   retainers
                   to
                   it
                   .
                   
                     Proud
                     —
                     despisers
                     of
                     them
                     that
                     are
                     good
                     ,
                  
                   2
                   Tim.
                   3.
                   3.
                   
                
                 
                   'T
                   is
                   the
                   vanity
                   of
                   man
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   would
                   fain
                   have
                   
                   others
                   to
                   think
                   him
                   happy
                   :
                   And
                   were
                   it
                   not
                   for
                   the
                   considerations
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   another
                   world
                   that
                   it
                   discovers
                   ,
                   the
                   Rich
                   would
                   be
                   ,
                   of
                   all
                   men
                   ,
                   the
                   most
                   blessed
                   :
                   But
                   Religion
                   denies
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   affronts
                   the
                   vanity
                   of
                   the
                   great
                   .
                   It
                   acquaints
                   us
                   with
                   nobler
                   and
                   surer
                   ,
                   with
                   more
                   satisfying
                   and
                   more
                   lasting
                   Riches
                   .
                   It
                   pronounceth
                   the
                   
                     wicked
                     Rich
                  
                   to
                   be
                   miserable
                   amid
                   their
                   fulness
                   ;
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   set
                   in
                   
                     slippery
                     places
                  
                   ;
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   
                     brought
                     to
                     desolation
                     as
                     in
                     a
                     moment
                  
                   ;
                   that
                   they
                   shall
                   be
                   
                     consum'd
                     with
                     terrours
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     their
                     image
                  
                   ,
                   viz.
                   the
                   remembrance
                   of
                   them
                   shall
                   be
                   despised
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   73.
                   
                   On
                   the
                   other
                   side
                   ,
                   it
                   teacheth
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   righteous
                   is
                   the
                   
                     truly
                     rich
                  
                   and
                   
                     onely
                     happy
                  
                   man
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   the
                   little
                   he
                   enjoyes
                   ,
                   is
                   better
                   than
                   
                     great
                     riches
                     of
                     the
                     ungodly
                  
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   37.
                   16.
                   
                   That
                   he
                   is
                   Heir
                   to
                   a
                   mighty
                   inheritance
                   ,
                   an
                   heavenly
                   inheritance
                   an
                   everlasting
                   one
                   :
                   to
                   the
                   inheritance
                   of
                   a
                   Kingdom
                   ,
                   to
                   a
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Glory
                   ,
                   a
                   Kingdom
                   among
                   the
                   blessed
                   ,
                   whose
                   crown
                   is
                   unmixt
                   and
                   unfading
                   .
                   This
                   outdoth
                   all
                   the
                   splendor
                   and
                   magnificence
                   ,
                   all
                   the
                   
                     enjoyments
                     ,
                     expectations
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   pretences
                   of
                   the
                   Proud
                   who
                   are
                   swell'd
                   by
                   their
                   earthly
                   Riches
                   ;
                   and
                   their
                   pride
                   inclines
                   them
                   to
                   hate
                   Religion
                   for
                   this
                   cause
                   ;
                   and
                   
                     those
                     especially
                  
                   that
                   minister
                   in
                   it
                   .
                   The
                   wicked
                   that
                   are
                   great
                   ,
                   take
                   it
                   in
                   scorn
                   ,
                   it
                   should
                   be
                   thought
                   
                     any
                     greatness
                  
                   excels
                   theirs
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   there
                   are
                   riches
                   so
                   much
                   better
                   than
                   those
                   which
                   make
                   them
                   the
                   adored
                   and
                   potent
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   .
                   They
                   cannot
                   
                   bear
                   that
                   the
                   Servants
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   whom
                   they
                   have
                   despis'd
                   for
                   wanting
                   Lands
                   and
                   Titles
                   ,
                   Feathers
                   and
                   painted
                   Coats
                   ,
                   should
                   think
                   of
                   ever
                   being
                   
                     more
                     splendid
                  
                   and
                   
                     more
                     happy
                  
                   than
                   They
                   :
                   and
                   therefore
                   they
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   scorn
                   Rligion
                   ,
                   as
                   phantastick
                   delusion
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   account
                   the
                   hopes
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   imagery
                   of
                   dreams
                   .
                   They
                   will
                   talk
                   as
                   if
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   happiness
                   of
                   another
                   world
                   ,
                   were
                   only
                   feign'd
                   ,
                   to
                   support
                   their
                   spirits
                   ,
                   that
                   want
                   the
                   comforts
                   of
                   this
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   the
                   mysterie
                   of
                   
                     living
                     again
                  
                   ,
                   was
                   but
                   the
                   crafty
                   contrivance
                   of
                   Priests
                   and
                   Politicians
                   to
                   gain
                   wealth
                   ,
                   and
                   keep
                   mankind
                   in
                   awe
                   and
                   observance
                   by
                   Romantick
                   hopes
                   ,
                   and
                   causeless
                   fears
                   .
                   Or
                   ,
                   if
                   the
                   Church
                   and
                   its
                   immediate
                   servants
                   partake
                   of
                   the
                   good
                   things
                   of
                   this
                   world
                   ,
                   they
                   think
                   it
                   
                     too
                     much
                  
                   ,
                   for
                   those
                   that
                   expect
                   so
                   much
                   in
                   another
                   :
                   They
                   would
                   have
                   them
                   live
                   by
                   
                     Faith
                     purely
                  
                   ;
                   intirely
                   on
                   the
                   next
                   world
                   ,
                   without
                   enjoying
                   any
                   thing
                   in
                   this
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   by
                   all
                   wayes
                   of
                   violence
                   and
                   oppression
                   they
                   endeavour
                   to
                   deprive
                   them
                   of
                   their
                   properties
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   they
                   have
                   made
                   them
                   poor
                   and
                   naked
                   ,
                   they
                   pour
                   all
                   manner
                   of
                   contempt
                   upon
                   them
                   .
                   When
                   the
                   Church
                   is
                   
                     wholly
                     Spiritual
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   without
                   all
                   earthy
                   comforts
                   ,
                   and
                   enjoyments
                   ;
                   when
                   the
                   Ministers
                   of
                   it
                   are
                   cloath'd
                   in
                   Sack-cloth
                   ,
                   and
                   brought
                   to
                   a
                   morsel
                   of
                   bread
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   an
                   entire
                   dependance
                   upon
                   what
                   they
                   will
                   let
                   them
                   have
                   :
                   Then
                   they
                   clap
                   their
                   
                   hands
                   ,
                   and
                   cry
                   ,
                   
                     Ha
                     ,
                     ha
                     !
                     so
                     would
                     we
                     have
                     it
                  
                   ;
                   they
                   treat
                   them
                   with
                   
                     imperious
                     Scorn
                  
                   ,
                   speaking
                   
                     grievous
                     things
                     proudly
                     ,
                     and
                     contemptuously
                     against
                     the
                     Righteous
                     ,
                  
                   Psal
                   .
                   31.
                   18.
                   
                   Thus
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   sort
                   of
                   
                     proud
                     Contemners
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   another
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   
                     Spiritual
                     proud
                  
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   lifted
                   up
                   above
                   measure
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   thoughts
                   of
                   their
                   priviledges
                   and
                   attainments
                   .
                   Pride
                   takes
                   occasion
                   from
                   all
                   things
                   :
                   and
                   when
                   it
                   hath
                   not
                   riches
                   and
                   
                     worldly
                     honours
                  
                   to
                   raise
                   it self
                   upon
                   ,
                   it
                   takes
                   
                     even
                     Religion
                  
                   to
                   serve
                   its
                   vanity
                   .
                   It
                   sets
                   men
                   upon
                   the
                   pinnacle
                   ,
                   yea
                   it
                   carries
                   them
                   into
                   the
                   clouds
                   of
                   imagination
                   :
                   and
                   thence
                   they
                   
                     Scornfully
                     look
                     down
                  
                   upon
                   all
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   of
                   the
                   same
                   phanciful
                   height
                   .
                   They
                   choose
                   unto
                   themselves
                   singular
                   wayes
                   ,
                   and
                   heap
                   up
                   to
                   themselves
                   Teachers
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   ;
                   they
                   put
                   on
                   glorious
                   shews
                   of
                   spirituality
                   and
                   strictness
                   ;
                   and
                   make
                   a
                   more
                   
                     refined
                     form
                  
                   of
                   Godliness
                   :
                   And
                   then
                   they
                   phancy
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   worship
                   in
                   a
                   more
                   acceptable
                   and
                   Spiritual
                   manner
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   have
                   
                     more
                     knowledge
                  
                   of
                   Gods
                   mind
                   ,
                   and
                   experience
                   of
                   his
                   wayes
                   ,
                   than
                   all
                   others
                   :
                   And
                   so
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   are
                   his
                   
                     special
                     favourites
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   dear
                   unto
                   him
                   than
                   all
                   the
                   rest
                   of
                   mankind
                   .
                   That
                   
                     they
                     only
                  
                   have
                   
                     pure
                     Ordinances
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   pretious
                   truths
                   ;
                   while
                   the
                   rest
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   are
                   in
                   darkness
                   and
                   the
                   shadow
                   of
                   death
                   ,
                   cover'd
                   with
                   the
                   night
                   of
                   Ignorance
                   and
                   Superstition
                   :
                   and
                   were
                   it
                   not
                   for
                   
                   them
                   ,
                   fire
                   and
                   brimstone
                   ,
                   destruction
                   and
                   utter
                   desolation
                   would
                   seize
                   on
                   the
                   rest
                   of
                   men
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   being
                   thus
                   opinion'd
                   of
                   themselves
                   ,
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   mingle
                   with
                   the
                   wicked
                   ,
                   but
                   gather
                   into
                   their
                   Select
                   companies
                   ,
                   and
                   worship
                   after
                   their
                   own
                   fashion
                   :
                   They
                   despise
                   the
                   publick
                   orders
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   contemn
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   in
                   the
                   mode
                   of
                   singularity
                   and
                   separation
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   especially
                   ,
                   they
                   look
                   on
                   the
                   Ministers
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   with
                   the
                   greatest
                   and
                   
                     bitterest
                     scorn
                  
                   :
                   they
                   undervalue
                   their
                   abilities
                   ,
                   and
                   defame
                   their
                   lives
                   :
                   they
                   talk
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   there
                   were
                   nothing
                   but
                   ignorance
                   and
                   debauchery
                   among
                   them
                   .
                   As
                   if
                   a
                   man
                   were
                   forsaken
                   of
                   God
                   and
                   all
                   goodness
                   ,
                   assoon
                   as
                   the
                   Church
                   had
                   taken
                   him
                   into
                   her
                   service
                   ;
                   and
                   bereft
                   of
                   all
                   understanding
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   sense
                   of
                   vertue
                   and
                   Godliness
                   ,
                   assoon
                   as
                   he
                   undertook
                   to
                   Minister
                   in
                   the
                   
                     publique
                     legal
                  
                   places
                   of
                   worship
                   .
                   They
                   greedily
                   hunt
                   after
                   Stories
                   ,
                   to
                   make
                   them
                   odious
                   and
                   contemptible
                   ;
                   and
                   catch
                   the
                   vomit
                   of
                   Atheists
                   and
                   Drunkards
                   to
                   throw
                   in
                   their
                   faces
                   :
                   I
                   mean
                   ,
                   they
                   publish
                   ,
                   and
                   authenticate
                   the
                   slanderous
                   lies
                   that
                   those
                   sots
                   make
                   in
                   their
                   more
                   than
                   bestial
                   debauches
                   ;
                   what
                   They
                   intend
                   for
                   
                     sport
                     ;
                     these
                  
                   propagate
                   in
                   malice
                   :
                   they
                   vent
                   the
                   scandalous
                   tales
                   among
                   their
                   friends
                   ,
                   for
                   
                     sad
                     certainties
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   confirm
                   them
                   with
                   sighs
                   ,
                   and
                   solemn
                   nods
                   (
                   as
                   the
                   others
                   did
                   with
                   Oaths
                   and
                   
                   
                   Dammee's
                   )
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   were
                   troubled
                   at
                   the
                   evil
                   they
                   report
                   ,
                   when
                   as
                   indeed
                   they
                   are
                   then
                   most
                   tickled
                   and
                   pleased
                   !
                   
                     'T
                     is
                     marrow
                     and
                     fatness
                  
                   to
                   them
                   to
                   hear
                   and
                   
                     tell
                     stories
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Sons
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   :
                   no
                   one
                   can
                   oblige
                   them
                   more
                   ,
                   than
                   he
                   that
                   so
                   entertains
                   them
                   :
                   And
                   when
                   informations
                   fail
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   good
                   inventions
                   to
                   supply
                   that
                   want
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   no
                   innocence
                   can
                   escape
                   them
                   :
                   
                     No
                     vertue
                  
                   is
                   protection
                   against
                   them
                   .
                   They
                   'l
                   interpret
                   every
                   harmless
                   action
                   into
                   a
                   miscarriage
                   ;
                   and
                   aggravate
                   every
                   the
                   smallest
                   miscarriage
                   with
                   all
                   the
                   most
                   heinous
                   circumstances
                   of
                   guilt
                   and
                   villany
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   where
                   no
                   blot
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   found
                   ,
                   none
                   to
                   be
                   pretended
                   ;
                   there
                   they
                   vilifie
                   the
                   vertue
                   of
                   those
                   unblamable
                   persons
                   ,
                   as
                   dull
                   morality
                   ,
                   and
                   them
                   as
                   strangers
                   to
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   Mysterie
                   of
                   Religion
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   besides
                   these
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   another
                   sort
                   of
                   Proud
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   occasions
                   of
                   the
                   Church's
                   contempt
                   :
                   men
                   that
                   would
                   have
                   themselves
                   thought
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   only
                   friends
                   to
                   it
                   :
                   That
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   satisfied
                   with
                   their
                   brethrens
                   subscriptions
                   and
                   declarations
                   for
                   the
                   Articles
                   and
                   Constitutions
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   except
                   they
                   will
                   take
                   
                     Their
                     Interpretations
                  
                   :
                   And
                   unless
                   you
                   will
                   be
                   of
                   their
                   mind
                   in
                   every
                   disputed
                   Doctrine
                   ;
                   you
                   must
                   be
                   publish'd
                   enemies
                   to
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   suspicions
                   will
                   be
                   raised
                   upon
                   you
                   as
                   
                     secret
                     adversaries
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   dangerous
                   persons
                   that
                   undermine
                   the
                   
                     foundations
                     .
                     These
                  
                   would
                   set
                   the
                   
                   Church
                   upon
                   an
                   indivisible
                   point
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   it
                   stand
                   like
                   a
                   steeple
                   invers'd
                   .
                   They
                   would
                   shut
                   out
                   those
                   that
                   have
                   serv'd
                   the
                   Church
                   to
                   as
                   good
                   purpose
                   ,
                   as
                   any
                   of
                   themselves
                   ;
                   that
                   can
                   do
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   in
                   spight
                   of
                   their
                   peevishness
                   ,
                   and
                   conceited
                   folly
                   .
                   Such
                   men
                   as
                   these
                   act
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   thought
                   the
                   Church
                   had
                   not
                   enemies
                   enough
                   :
                   they
                   would
                   make
                   more
                   divide
                   from
                   it
                   ,
                   if
                   they
                   could
                   :
                   and
                   would
                   have
                   themselves
                   accounted
                   the
                   
                     only
                     members
                  
                   and
                   pillars
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   Whether
                   this
                   be
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   assert
                   its
                   honour
                   and
                   reputation
                   ;
                   or
                   to
                   lay
                   the
                   ground
                   for
                   
                     more
                     contempt
                  
                   ;
                   let
                   indifferent
                   men
                   judge
                   :
                   and
                   to
                   their
                   thoughts
                   I
                   leave
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   come
                   now
                   to
                   the
                   other
                   General
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   
                     The
                     
                       earnest
                       Supplication
                    
                     :
                  
                   —
                   Have
                   mercy
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   !
                
                 
                   This
                   may
                   be
                   understood
                   as
                   a
                   Petition
                   both
                   for
                   ,
                   1.
                   
                   Pardon
                   :
                   And
                   2.
                   
                   Deliverance
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Common
                   contempt
                   is
                   a
                   Judgement
                   ,
                   of
                   which
                   sin
                   is
                   the
                   ground
                   and
                   occasion
                   :
                   and
                   when
                   men
                   complain
                   of
                   Judgements
                   ,
                   they
                   should
                   remember
                   their
                   offences
                   :
                   which
                   if
                   they
                   do
                   ,
                   with
                   hearty
                   penitence
                   ,
                   and
                   due
                   humiliation
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   then
                   prepar'd
                   for
                   pardon
                   ,
                   and
                   may
                   ,
                   and
                   ought
                   to
                   apply
                   themselves
                   to
                   God
                   for
                   it
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   first
                   thing
                   to
                   be
                   done
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   deliverance
                   from
                   any
                   evil
                   ,
                   and
                   particularly
                   from
                   this
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   vain
                   to
                   seek
                   for
                   the
                   removal
                   of
                   the
                   effect
                   ,
                   while
                   the
                   cause
                   is
                   suffer'd
                   
                   to
                   continue
                   .
                   Allow'd
                   sin
                   is
                   contempt
                   thrown
                   upon
                   the
                   Majesty
                   of
                   God
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   that
                   
                     dishonour
                     Him
                     ,
                     shall
                     be
                     lightly
                     esteem'd
                     .
                  
                   He
                   must
                   first
                   be
                   restored
                   to
                   
                     his
                     honour
                  
                   by
                   our
                   humbling
                   our selves
                   ,
                   and
                   renouncing
                   our
                   sins
                   :
                   and
                   then
                   He
                   will
                   be
                   ready
                   to
                   deliver
                   us
                   in
                   his
                   time
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   scorning
                   of
                   
                     those
                     that
                     are
                     at
                     ease
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     the
                     contempt
                     of
                     the
                     proud
                  
                   .
                   For
                   those
                   that
                   
                     honour
                     him
                     ,
                     he
                     will
                     honour
                     ,
                  
                   1.
                   
                   Sam.
                   2.
                   3.
                   
                   And
                   
                     when
                     a
                     mans
                     waies
                     please
                     the
                     Lord
                     ,
                     his
                     enemies
                     shall
                     be
                     at
                     peace
                     with
                     him
                     ,
                  
                   Prov.
                   16.
                   7.
                   
                
                 
                   This
                   seems
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   first
                   thing
                   implied
                   in
                   the
                   Petition
                   :
                   
                     Have
                     mercy
                     upon
                     us
                     ,
                     O
                     Lord
                  
                   ;
                   in
                   the
                   
                     pardon
                     of
                     our
                     sins
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   second
                   is
                   for
                   deliverance
                   from
                   the
                   contempt
                   ,
                   of
                   which
                   they
                   complain
                   :
                   and
                   so
                   the
                   Supplication
                   speaks
                   
                     thus
                     :
                     Have
                     mercy
                     upon
                     us
                     ,
                     O
                     Lord
                     !
                  
                   and
                   
                     help
                     us
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   They
                   do
                   not
                   trouble
                   themselves
                   with
                   Appeals
                   and
                   Apologies
                   unto
                   men
                   ;
                   no
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   
                     small
                     thing
                  
                   with
                   them
                   to
                   
                     be
                     judged
                     of
                     mans
                     judgement
                  
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   4.
                   3.
                   but
                   they
                   make
                   their
                   application
                   to
                   Him
                   that
                   
                     judgeth
                     righteously
                  
                   :
                   if
                   He
                   approves
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   no
                   matter
                   who
                   condemns
                   ;
                   if
                   He
                   honour
                   ,
                   let
                   men
                   vilifie
                   and
                   contemn
                   at
                   their
                   peril
                   .
                   The
                   Church
                   seeks
                   His
                   favour
                   and
                   his
                   help
                   for
                   deliverance
                   :
                   for
                   
                     vain
                     is
                     the
                     help
                     of
                     man.
                  
                   And
                   it
                   seems
                   to
                   be
                   exceeding
                   earnest
                   ,
                   and
                   solicitous
                   to
                   procure
                   it
                   ;
                   which
                   is
                   implied
                   in
                   
                   the
                   reiteration
                   of
                   the
                   request
                   ,
                   
                     Have
                     mercy
                     upon
                     us
                     ,
                     O
                     Lord
                     !
                     have
                     mercy
                     .
                     Which
                     earnestness
                  
                   we
                   may
                   not
                   suppose
                   to
                   proceed
                   only
                   from
                   tenderness
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   names
                   and
                   reputation
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   their
                   being
                   disvalued
                   were
                   so
                   very
                   grievous
                   a
                   thing
                   to
                   them
                   :
                   No
                   ,
                   there
                   was
                   more
                   in
                   it
                   ,
                   the
                   honour
                   of
                   God
                   was
                   concern'd
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   were
                   vilified
                   and
                   despised
                   because
                   of
                   their
                   Relation
                   to
                   Him
                   :
                   For
                   
                     his
                     sake
                     they
                     suffer'd
                     reproach
                  
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   69.
                   7.
                   and
                   the
                   
                     reproaches
                     of
                     them
                     that
                     reproached
                     thee
                     ,
                  
                   saith
                   the
                   Psalmist
                   ,
                   
                     ver
                     .
                     9.
                     are
                     faln
                     upon
                     me
                     .
                  
                   Those
                   that
                   despise
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   its
                   Servants
                   ,
                   first
                   despised
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   Religion
                   :
                   And
                   't
                   is
                   the
                   interest
                   that
                   his
                   Glory
                   hath
                   in
                   its
                   contempt
                   ,
                   that
                   makes
                   them
                   in
                   the
                   Text
                   so
                   sensible
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   earnest
                   .
                   When
                   men
                   hate
                   and
                   contemn
                   their
                   Prince
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   Government
                   ,
                   they
                   will
                   scarce
                   dare
                   to
                   vent
                   their
                   spite
                   immediately
                   against
                   him
                   :
                   but
                   do
                   it
                   against
                   his
                   Ministers
                   ,
                   and
                   Favorites
                   :
                   in
                   like
                   manner
                   ,
                   the
                   contemptuous
                   enemies
                   of
                   God
                   carry
                   themselves
                   to
                   him
                   and
                   to
                   his
                   Messengers
                   ,
                   and
                   Servants
                   :
                   they
                   give
                   him
                   a
                   little
                   formality
                   of
                   complement
                   and
                   respect
                   ;
                   but
                   pour
                   all
                   possible
                   scorn
                   and
                   reproach
                   upon
                   them
                   :
                   But
                   't
                   is
                   for
                   
                     his
                     sake
                     they
                     are
                     thus
                     slain
                     all
                     the
                     day
                     long
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   He
                   knows
                   where
                   the
                   contempt
                   ,
                   and
                   enmity
                   begins
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   scorn'd
                   on
                   the
                   account
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   resent
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   ought
                   so
                   far
                   as
                   to
                   be
                   earnest
                   with
                   God
                   for
                   
                   deliverance
                   ,
                   because
                   his
                   honour
                   is
                   concern'd
                   with
                   ours
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   this
                   will
                   be
                   matter
                   of
                   particular
                   Application
                   and
                   Address
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   I
                   say
                   no
                   more
                   of
                   it
                   in
                   this
                   place
                   ;
                   but
                   descend
                   to
                   apply
                   the
                   discourse
                   for
                   our
                   Instruction
                   and
                   Practice
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   
                     Infer
                     First
                  
                   ,
                   That
                   no
                   Church
                   upon
                   Earth
                   can
                   secure
                   it self
                   from
                   contempt
                   .
                   This
                   of
                   the
                   Jews
                   was
                   Gods
                   own
                   constitution
                   ;
                   a
                   Church
                   of
                   his
                   framing
                   ,
                   not
                   only
                   in
                   the
                   essentials
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   the
                   circumstances
                   of
                   it
                   :
                   A
                   Church
                   inlightned
                   by
                   Prophets
                   ,
                   founded
                   on
                   Miracles
                   ,
                   and
                   incouraged
                   by
                   the
                   more
                   than
                   ordinary
                   presence
                   of
                   God
                   with
                   them
                   :
                   and
                   yet
                   even
                   They
                   were
                   a
                   reproach
                   to
                   
                     their
                     neighbours
                     ,
                     a
                     scorn
                     and
                     derision
                     to
                     them
                     that
                     were
                     round
                     about
                     them
                     ,
                  
                   Psal
                   .
                   79.
                   4.
                   
                   Their
                   souls
                   
                     were
                     filled
                     with
                     the
                     scorning
                     of
                     those
                     that
                     were
                     at
                     ease
                     ,
                     and
                     with
                     the
                     contempt
                     of
                     the
                     proud
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   And
                   the
                   Christian
                   Church
                   that
                   succeeds
                   into
                   all
                   their
                   priviledges
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   the
                   addition
                   of
                   more
                   and
                   
                     greater
                     ;
                     That
                  
                   also
                   hath
                   undergone
                   heavy
                   burdens
                   of
                   contempt
                   ever
                   since
                   it
                   appear'd
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   .
                   The
                   Author
                   of
                   it
                   was
                   the
                   
                     Son
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     God
                     blessed
                     for
                     ever
                     ;
                     the
                     brightness
                     of
                     his
                     Fathers
                     Glory
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   
                     express
                     image
                     of
                     his
                     person
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   
                     He
                     was
                     despised
                     and
                     rejected
                     of
                     men
                     ,
                  
                   Isa
                   .
                   53.
                   3.
                   they
                   
                     hid
                     their
                     faces
                     
                     from
                     him
                     ,
                     and
                     esteemed
                     him
                     not
                  
                   ;
                   as
                   Isaiah
                   Prophesyed
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   event
                   made
                   good
                   .
                   
                     He
                     came
                     unto
                     his
                     own
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     they
                     received
                     him
                     not
                  
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   they
                   rejected
                   him
                   with
                   contempt
                   :
                   They
                   reproach'd
                   him
                   in
                   his
                   Life
                   ,
                   as
                   a
                   Wine-bibber
                   ,
                   a
                   Glutton
                   ,
                   a
                   friend
                   of
                   Publicans
                   and
                   sinners
                   ;
                   In
                   his
                   Doctrines
                   ,
                   as
                   a
                   Deceiver
                   ,
                   and
                   Blasphemer
                   ;
                   In
                   his
                   Miracles
                   ,
                   as
                   a
                   Conjurer
                   and
                   Magician
                   ,
                   and
                   one
                   that
                   
                     cast
                     out
                     Devils
                     by
                     Belzebub
                  
                   ;
                   in
                   his
                   Declarations
                   ,
                   and
                   rightful
                   claims
                   ,
                   as
                   an
                   ignominious
                   Impostor
                   :
                   And
                   at
                   his
                   Death
                   ,
                   they
                   loaded
                   him
                   with
                   all
                   the
                   marks
                   of
                   contempt
                   and
                   reproach
                   imaginable
                   :
                   Seiz'd
                   him
                   with
                   Swords
                   and
                   Staves
                   ,
                   like
                   a
                   Murderer
                   or
                   a
                   Thief
                   ;
                   condemn'd
                   him
                   by
                   a
                   publique
                   cry
                   ,
                   as
                   one
                   not
                   fit
                   to
                   live
                   upon
                   the
                   earth
                   ,
                   
                     Away
                     with
                     him
                     ;
                     Crucifie
                     him
                     ,
                     crucifie
                     him
                  
                   ;
                   Buffeted
                   him
                   ,
                   Spit
                   upon
                   him
                   ,
                   hung
                   him
                   up
                   on
                   an
                   infamous
                   tree
                   ,
                   as
                   a
                   vile
                   person
                   between
                   two
                   notorious
                   Malefactors
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   the
                   Master
                   had
                   such
                   usage
                   ,
                   what
                   were
                   the
                   servants
                   to
                   expect
                   ?
                   If
                   He
                   be
                   call'd
                   Belzebub
                   ,
                   what
                   must
                   they
                   look
                   for
                   ?
                   Matth.
                   10.
                   25.
                   
                   They
                   could
                   expect
                   no
                   other
                   than
                   contempt
                   and
                   reproach
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   had
                   it
                   in
                   full
                   measure
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   
                     Apostles
                     ,
                     and
                     immediate
                  
                   Messengers
                   of
                   the
                   holy
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   were
                   accounted
                   as
                   
                     madmen
                     ,
                     bablers
                     ,
                     deceivers
                  
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   ;
                   and
                   
                     setters
                     forth
                  
                   of
                   
                     strange
                     Gods
                  
                   ;
                   their
                   way
                   and
                   Doctrines
                   ,
                   
                     foolishness
                     ,
                     cunningly
                     devised
                     fables
                     ,
                     every
                     where
                     spoken
                     against
                     .
                  
                   Their
                   persons
                   treated
                   
                   infamously
                   with
                   Whips
                   ,
                   and
                   publique
                   scorns
                   :
                   And
                   the
                   disciples
                   that
                   were
                   made
                   by
                   their
                   Ministry
                   and
                   endeavours
                   ,
                   had
                   trial
                   of
                   
                     cruel
                     mockings
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     scourgings
                     ,
                     bonds
                  
                   and
                   imprisonment
                   ;
                   and
                   were
                   forced
                   to
                   wander
                   about
                   in
                   Sheep-kins
                   and
                   
                     Goat-skins
                     ,
                     destitute
                     ,
                     afflicted
                     ,
                     tormented
                     ,
                  
                   as
                   the
                   Apostle
                   speaks
                   to
                   the
                   Hebrews
                   ,
                   Heb.
                   11.
                   
                
                 
                   They
                   suffered
                   reproach
                   from
                   the
                   
                     carnal
                     proud
                  
                   ,
                   their
                   enemies
                   without
                   ,
                   Jews
                   and
                   Heathens
                   :
                   and
                   from
                   the
                   
                     spiritual
                     proud
                  
                   that
                   pretended
                   to
                   be
                   within
                   ,
                   the
                   Gnosticks
                   ,
                   those
                   
                     vile
                     Fanaticks
                  
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   times
                   ,
                   who
                   boasted
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   more
                   knowing
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   spiritual
                   than
                   all
                   others
                   ;
                   that
                   they
                   better
                   understood
                   ,
                   yea
                   ,
                   only
                   understood
                   the
                   mysterie
                   of
                   Religion
                   ;
                   they
                   spoke
                   
                     swelling
                     words
                     of
                     vanity
                  
                   ,
                   had
                   
                     mens
                     persons
                     in
                     admiration
                     ,
                     heap'd
                     up
                     teachers
                     ,
                     crept
                     into
                     houses
                     ,
                     led
                     captive
                     silly
                     women
                     ,
                     despised
                     dominions
                     ,
                     spoke
                     evil
                     of
                     dignities
                     ,
                  
                   caused
                   
                     divisions
                     ,
                     separated
                     themselves
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   are
                   described
                   by
                   the
                   Apostles
                   :
                   These
                   despised
                   the
                   true
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   sober
                   members
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   as
                   people
                   of
                   a
                   low
                   Form
                   ,
                   and
                   utterly
                   unacquainted
                   with
                   the
                   heights
                   and
                   spiritualities
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   they
                   scorn'd
                   their
                   company
                   ,
                   and
                   communion
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     went
                     out
                     from
                     among
                     them
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   need
                   not
                   further
                   prosecute
                   the
                   relation
                   of
                   the
                   Churches
                   usage
                   in
                   those
                   old
                   times
                   :
                   These
                   last
                   accounts
                   lead
                   my
                   thoughts
                   to
                   our
                   own
                   ;
                   and
                   perhaps
                   
                   there
                   have
                   been
                   none
                   from
                   the
                   beginning
                   which
                   more
                   sadly
                   prove
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     no
                     Church
                  
                   can
                   be
                   secure
                   from
                   contempt
                   ,
                   than
                   these
                   .
                
                 
                   By
                   the
                   blessing
                   of
                   God
                   we
                   enjoy
                   a
                   Constitution
                   ,
                   Apostolical
                   in
                   its
                   
                     Doctrine
                     ,
                     Primitive
                  
                   in
                   its
                   
                     Government
                     ;
                     decent
                  
                   in
                   its
                   
                     Ceremonies
                     ;
                     grave
                  
                   and
                   pious
                   in
                   its
                   Liturgy
                   ;
                   We
                   have
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   the
                   Creeds
                   ,
                   the
                   Sacraments
                   ,
                   the
                   main
                   Ordinances
                   ,
                   and
                   Duties
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   and
                   purest
                   times
                   ;
                   we
                   are
                   freed
                   from
                   
                     Idolatries
                     ,
                     Superstitions
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   other
                   corruptions
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Roman
                     Church
                  
                   ,
                   on
                   this
                   hand
                   ;
                   and
                   clear
                   from
                   the
                   vanities
                   ,
                   and
                   Enthusiasms
                   that
                   have
                   overspread
                   some
                   pretended
                   Protestants
                   on
                   that
                   ;
                   our
                   Church
                   hath
                   rejected
                   the
                   
                     painted
                     bravery
                  
                   of
                   the
                   one
                   ;
                   and
                   provided
                   against
                   the
                   sordid
                   slovenliness
                   of
                   the
                   other
                   .
                   Her
                   cloathing
                   is
                   decent
                   and
                   not
                   gaudy
                   ;
                   Hath
                   all
                   that
                   which
                   may
                   assist
                   reverence
                   ,
                   without
                   any
                   thing
                   that
                   can
                   directly
                   minister
                   to
                   vanity
                   or
                   superstition
                   .
                
                 
                   It
                   is
                   a
                   Church
                   reformed
                   by
                   grave
                   Councils
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   by
                   popular
                   Tumults
                   ;
                   fram'd
                   to
                   primitive
                   patterns
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   to
                   modern
                   phancies
                   ;
                   conducted
                   by
                   Reverend
                   Prelates
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   left
                   to
                   the
                   pride
                   and
                   ignorance
                   of
                   Novices
                   ,
                   or
                   factious
                   multitudes
                   .
                   And
                   now
                   ,
                   one
                   would
                   think
                   ,
                   that
                   such
                   a
                   Church
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   might
                   escape
                   the
                   contempt
                   of
                   the
                   Proud
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   it
                   would
                   be
                   rever'd
                   (
                   at
                   least
                   )
                   among
                   the
                   professors
                   of
                   the
                   same
                   Faith
                   and
                   Religion
                   .
                   But
                   alas
                   !
                   how
                   much
                   otherwise
                   is
                   our
                   case
                   !
                   we
                   are
                   
                     exceedingly
                     
                     contemn'd
                     ;
                     our
                     soul
                     is
                     exceedingly
                     filled
                     with
                     the
                     scorning
                     of
                     those
                     that
                     are
                     at
                     ease
                     ,
                     and
                     with
                     the
                     conptempt
                     of
                     the
                     proud
                     .
                  
                   Never
                   any
                   Church
                   had
                   more
                   just
                   reason
                   to
                   take
                   up
                   this
                   sad
                   complaint
                   of
                   the
                   Text
                   than
                   this
                   .
                
                 
                   For
                   ,
                   its
                   Government
                   ,
                   the
                   most
                   Apostolical
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   Catholick
                   ,
                   is
                   decryed
                   by
                   the
                   
                     spiritual
                     proud
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   Antichristian
                   and
                   Tyrannical
                   :
                   Its
                   worship
                   ,
                   the
                   purest
                   and
                   most
                   primitive
                   ,
                   reproach'd
                   as
                   Idolatrous
                   ,
                   and
                   avoided
                   by
                   them
                   as
                   the
                   Plague
                   :
                   Its
                   Liturgy
                   (
                   the
                   best
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   )
                   loaded
                   with
                   contempt
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   a
                   common
                   Theme
                   of
                   derision
                   :
                   Its
                   discipline
                   made
                   void
                   by
                   every
                   one
                   that
                   pleaseth
                   ;
                   observ'd
                   by
                   very
                   few
                   out
                   of
                   Conscience
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   none
                   out
                   of
                   Fear
                   :
                   Its
                   penalties
                   the
                   greatest
                   (
                   its
                   Excommunications
                   that
                   were
                   so
                   justly
                   terrible
                   heretofore
                   )
                   slighted
                   and
                   despised
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   were
                   but
                   meer
                   Buggs
                   and
                   Scare-crows
                   :
                   Its
                   Ceremonies
                   ,
                   those
                   few
                   
                     comely
                     Rites
                  
                   it
                   enjoyes
                   ,
                   declam'd
                   against
                   with
                   loud
                   outcries
                   ,
                   as
                   superstitious
                   and
                   abominable
                   ;
                   and
                   its
                   publick
                   places
                   of
                   worship
                   (
                   those
                   sacred
                   houses
                   of
                   God
                   )
                   deserted
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   their
                   walls
                   were
                   infected
                   ;
                   and
                   exchang'd
                   for
                   private
                   corners
                   .
                
                 
                   Such
                   contempt
                   is
                   pour'd
                   upon
                   this
                   excellent
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   this
                   reproach
                   it
                   suffers
                   from
                   the
                   
                     spiritual
                     proud
                  
                   ,
                   who
                   think
                   themselves
                   
                     wiser
                     than
                     the
                     Aged
                  
                   ,
                   not
                   because
                   they
                   keep
                   ,
                   but
                   because
                   they
                   break
                   the
                   Laws
                   ,
                   and
                   phancy
                   they
                   are
                   inlightned
                   enough
                   
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   
                     Law
                     unto
                     themselves
                  
                   ,
                   without
                   needing
                   the
                   Rules
                   of
                   other
                   Governours
                   ,
                   than
                   those
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   Imaginations
                   .
                   In
                   
                     the
                     last
                     days
                     shall
                     come
                     Scoffers
                     ,
                     walking
                     after
                     their
                     own
                     lusts
                     ,
                  
                   2
                   Pet.
                   3.
                   3.
                   
                   Pharisaical
                   as
                   well
                   Dehauch'd
                   Scoffers
                   ,
                   who
                   walk
                   after
                   their
                   phantastical
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   others
                   do
                   after
                   their
                   carnal
                   lusts
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   despise
                   and
                   contemn
                   all
                   Laws
                   that
                   should
                   bound
                   and
                   restrain
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   the
                   Church
                   suffers
                   contempt
                   also
                   from
                   the
                   other
                   sort
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     carnal
                     proud
                  
                   have
                   her
                   exceedingly
                   in
                   derision
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   
                     mouths
                     at
                     her
                  
                   .
                   And
                   we
                   are
                   faln
                   into
                   an
                   Age
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   
                     to
                     be
                     a
                     Church
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   profess
                   Religion
                   ,
                   not
                   this
                   ,
                   or
                   that
                   ,
                   but
                   any
                   ,
                   is
                   occasion
                   enough
                   ,
                   with
                   some
                   (
                   and
                   God
                   knows
                   not
                   a
                   few
                   )
                   for
                   contempt
                   and
                   scorning
                   .
                   The
                   fool
                   ,
                   in
                   old
                   time
                   ,
                   said
                   in
                   his
                   
                     heart
                     ,
                     There
                     no
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   14.
                   1.
                   but
                   that
                   folly
                   hath
                   put
                   off
                   its
                   modesty
                   in
                   ours
                   :
                   and
                   vile
                   men
                   now
                   set
                   more
                   than
                   their
                   
                     hearts
                     against
                     the
                     Heavens
                  
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   73.
                   9.
                   
                   'T
                   is
                   wit
                   to
                   deride
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   modish
                   accomplishment
                   to
                   make
                   merriment
                   of
                   things
                   Sacred
                   .
                   As
                   if
                   we
                   were
                   past
                   the
                   dispensation
                   of
                   disputing
                   against
                   God
                   ;
                   and
                   were
                   so
                   certain
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   not
                   ,
                   or
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   worshipped
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   were
                   no
                   more
                   to
                   be
                   done
                   now
                   ,
                   but
                   to
                   laugh
                   at
                   the
                   silly
                   belief
                   of
                   his
                   Existence
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   vain
                   folly
                   of
                   adoring
                   Him.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     To
                     this
                     height
                     we
                     are
                     come
                     ,
                     and
                     by
                     it
                     have
                     out-done
                     the
                     impudence
                     of
                     all
                     former
                     times
                     ;
                     
                     and
                     what
                     we
                     are
                     to
                     expect
                     if
                     this
                     bold
                     impiety
                     be
                     not
                     stopt
                     ,
                     is
                     very
                  
                   sad
                   ,
                   
                     but
                     very
                  
                   easie
                   
                     to
                     foresee
                     .
                     What
                     are
                     the
                     effects
                     of
                     it
                     at
                     present
                     ,
                     we
                     know
                     ;
                     and
                     the
                     Church
                     wofully
                     feels
                     in
                     the
                     extream
                     contempt
                     and
                     scorn
                     that
                     is
                     upon
                     it
                     .
                     And
                     by
                     reason
                     of
                     the
                  
                   one
                   
                     sort
                     of
                     proud
                     contemners
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     other
                     ,
                     it
                     may
                     too
                     justly
                     complain
                     in
                     the
                     words
                     of
                     the
                     Jewish
                     Church
                     in
                     the
                  
                   Lamentations
                   ,
                   I
                   am
                   a
                   derision
                   to
                   all
                   my
                   people
                   ;
                   and
                   their
                   Song
                   all
                   the
                   day
                   ;
                   
                     and
                     in
                     the
                     language
                     of
                     the
                     Prophet
                     ,
                  
                   How
                   do
                   I
                   sit
                   solitary
                   ,
                   that
                   was
                   full
                   of
                   people
                   !
                   my
                   ways
                   mourn
                   because
                   few
                   come
                   to
                   my
                   solemn
                   Feasts
                   ;
                   my
                   Gates
                   are
                   desolate
                   .
                   My
                   Priests
                   sigh
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   precious
                   Sons
                   of
                   Sion
                   ,
                   comparable
                   to
                   fine
                   Gold
                   ,
                   are
                   esteem'd
                   as
                   earthen
                   pitchers
                   ,
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   the
                   hands
                   of
                   the
                   Potter
                   .
                   My
                   adversaries
                   are
                   the
                   chief
                   ,
                   my
                   enemies
                   prosper
                   ;
                   all
                   my
                   persecutors
                   overtake
                   me
                   between
                   the
                   straights
                   .
                   They
                   hiss
                   ,
                   and
                   gnash
                   their
                   teeth
                   ,
                   and
                   say
                   ,
                   We
                   have
                   swallowed
                   her
                   up
                   :
                   Certainly
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   day
                   we
                   looked
                   for
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   found
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   seen
                   it
                   .
                   
                     This
                     is
                     our
                     case
                     ,
                     and
                  
                   O
                   Lord
                   ,
                   have
                   mercy
                   upon
                   us
                   :
                   have
                   mercy
                   upon
                   us
                   ;
                   for
                   none
                   other
                   fighteth
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   but
                   only
                   thou
                   ,
                   O
                   God.
                   
                
                 
                   II.
                   SInce
                   we
                   cannot
                   be
                   secure
                   from
                   contempt
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   endeavour
                   not
                   to
                   deserve
                   it
                   ;
                   nor
                   give
                   occasion
                   to
                   that
                   hatred
                   and
                   scorn
                   which
                   is
                   upon
                   the
                   Church
                   and
                   its
                   members
                   .
                   This
                   I
                   shall
                   take
                   liberty
                   to
                   address
                   ,
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   To
                   my
                   Brethren
                   of
                   the
                   
                   Clergy
                   ;
                   and
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   To
                   the
                   people
                   that
                   are
                   yet
                   in
                   communion
                   with
                   us
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   As
                   for
                   Vs
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   sure
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   first
                   ,
                   and
                   deepest
                   sharers
                   of
                   the
                   contempt
                   that
                   is
                   upon
                   the
                   Church
                   :
                   And
                   how
                   it
                   is
                   with
                   us
                   at
                   this
                   day
                   by
                   reason
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   is
                   easie
                   to
                   see
                   ,
                   but
                   deplorable
                   to
                   consider
                   .
                   I
                   desire
                   not
                   to
                   speak
                   fond
                   ,
                   or
                   over-weaning
                   things
                   ,
                   but
                   this
                   I
                   think
                   I
                   may
                   say
                   with
                   justice
                   ,
                   That
                   no
                   Church
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   enjoyes
                   a
                   more
                   truly
                   learned
                   ,
                   and
                   sober
                   Clergy
                   than
                   this
                   ;
                   and
                   with
                   as
                   much
                   truth
                   I
                   may
                   affirm
                   ,
                   That
                   no
                   Clergy
                   upon
                   earth
                   undergoes
                   so
                   great
                   a
                   burden
                   of
                   contempt
                   .
                   The
                   Heathens
                   of
                   all
                   times
                   ,
                   and
                   places
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   have
                   had
                   reverence
                   for
                   their
                   Priests
                   :
                   the
                   Jews
                   and
                   Turks
                   sacred
                   respect
                   for
                   theirs
                   ;
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   the
                   Greek
                   Churches
                   pay
                   great
                   venerations
                   to
                   the
                   meanest
                   of
                   the
                   Priesthood
                   ;
                   the
                   Romanists
                   are
                   very
                   respectful
                   to
                   them
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   even
                   the
                   several
                   Classes
                   of
                   Sects
                   among
                   us
                   ,
                   reverence
                   their
                   Teachers
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   dueness
                   of
                   respect
                   to
                   the
                   Ministers
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   seems
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   common
                   acknowledgement
                   of
                   mankind
                   ;
                   grounded
                   upon
                   the
                   Relation
                   they
                   have
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   as
                   his
                   Embassadours
                   ,
                   and
                   Stewards
                   of
                   his
                   Mysteries
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   nobleness
                   and
                   importance
                   of
                   the
                   business
                   they
                   are
                   employed
                   in
                   ,
                   the
                   conducting
                   the
                   souls
                   of
                   men
                   to
                   everlasting
                   happiness
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   we
                   ,
                   the
                   Clergy
                   of
                   this
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   only
                   
                   we
                   ,
                   seem
                   to
                   be
                   cut
                   off
                   from
                   the
                   common
                   acknowledg'd
                   rights
                   of
                   Priesthood
                   :
                   as
                   if
                   there
                   were
                   an
                   exception
                   against
                   us
                   in
                   the
                   general
                   Rule
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   Ministers
                   of
                   Religion
                   were
                   to
                   be
                   honour'd
                   ,
                   except
                   those
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   .
                
                 
                   In
                   all
                   cases
                   else
                   ,
                   greatness
                   of
                   Relation
                   ,
                   and
                   dignity
                   of
                   employment
                   give
                   title
                   to
                   respect
                   :
                   But
                   in
                   this
                   ,
                   where
                   the
                   Relation
                   is
                   to
                   the
                   highest
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   business
                   is
                   about
                   things
                   most
                   worthy
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   necessary
                   ,
                   the
                   practice
                   is
                   quite
                   otherwise
                   :
                   and
                   we
                   are
                   exposed
                   by
                   our
                   character
                   and
                   employment
                   to
                   disesteem
                   and
                   neglect
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   true
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   guilty
                   of
                   many
                   sins
                   and
                   imperfections
                   ,
                   that
                   may
                   occasion
                   disrespect
                   ;
                   but
                   I
                   hope
                   ,
                   not
                   in
                   proportion
                   to
                   the
                   contempt
                   that
                   is
                   upon
                   us
                   .
                   In
                   judging
                   of
                   all
                   others
                   ,
                   men
                   make
                   abatements
                   in
                   consideration
                   of
                   the
                   weakness
                   of
                   humane
                   nature
                   :
                   But
                   we
                   are
                   
                     under
                     the
                     Law
                  
                   (
                   I
                   mean
                   as
                   to
                   mens
                   censures
                   )
                   and
                   are
                   judg'd
                   by
                   the
                   
                     strictest
                     severities
                  
                   :
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   mitigation
                   ,
                   no
                   pardon
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   considered
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   but
                   dust
                   .
                
                 
                   Yea
                   every
                   Mote
                   in
                   our
                   eye
                   ,
                   is
                   made
                   a
                   beam
                   ,
                   every
                   infirmity
                   is
                   blown
                   up
                   to
                   an
                   height
                   of
                   villany
                   ;
                   and
                   every
                   vice
                   of
                   which
                   any
                   person
                   among
                   us
                   is
                   guilty
                   ,
                   is
                   reflected
                   upon
                   the
                   whole
                   Order
                   .
                
                 
                   So
                   that
                   were
                   it
                   not
                   for
                   the
                   right
                   we
                   expect
                   at
                   a
                   juster
                   Bar
                   ,
                   than
                   that
                   of
                   mans
                   judgement
                   ,
                   we
                   
                   were
                   of
                   all
                   men
                   the
                   most
                   miserable
                   :
                   for
                   we
                   are
                   treated
                   here
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   we
                   had
                   no
                   claim
                   to
                   the
                   civility
                   and
                   good
                   nature
                   of
                   mankind
                   ,
                   but
                   were
                   either
                   
                     another
                     race
                  
                   of
                   creatures
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     out
                     laws
                  
                   of
                   this
                   .
                   The
                   Apostle
                   suppos'd
                   it
                   reasonable
                   ,
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   counted
                   worthy
                   of
                   
                     double
                     honour
                  
                   ;
                   but
                   the
                   world
                   thinks
                   single
                   respect
                   too
                   much
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   treble
                   contempt
                   scarce
                   enough
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   gone
                   over
                   as
                   the
                   stones
                   in
                   the
                   street
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   carnal
                   proud
                   ,
                   and
                   reckon'd
                   as
                   the
                   dirt
                   of
                   it
                   by
                   the
                   spiritual
                   Scorners
                   :
                   Yea
                   ,
                   there
                   are
                   scarce
                   any
                   whose
                   condition
                   is
                   so
                   bad
                   ,
                   or
                   so
                   low
                   ,
                   but
                   think
                   themselves
                   good
                   enough
                   ,
                   and
                   great
                   enough
                   to
                   despise
                   us
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   look
                   not
                   for
                   the
                   great
                   honours
                   and
                   venerations
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   fit
                   we
                   should
                   ;
                   but
                   yet
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   man
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   not
                   stupid
                   ,
                   but
                   would
                   be
                   sensible
                   of
                   such
                   treatment
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   think
                   we
                   ought
                   to
                   resent
                   it
                   ,
                   since
                   the
                   ground
                   of
                   our
                   reproach
                   is
                   contempt
                   upon
                   Religion
                   ,
                   if
                   not
                   upon
                   the
                   Author
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   Abstract
                   us
                   from
                   our
                   relation
                   to
                   that
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Order
                   may
                   without
                   boasting
                   ,
                   pretend
                   to
                   as
                   much
                   wisdom
                   ,
                   and
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   ingenuity
                   and
                   vertue
                   ,
                   as
                   other
                   men
                   .
                   Our
                   Education
                   is
                   as
                   handsome
                   and
                   ingenuous
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   know
                   not
                   why
                   the
                   parts
                   of
                   the
                   Clergy
                   should
                   not
                   be
                   equal
                   to
                   those
                   of
                   other
                   ways
                   of
                   breeding
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   we
                   might
                   pass
                   well
                   enough
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   ,
                   for
                   ought
                   I
                   know
                   ,
                   might
                   meet
                   tolerable
                   reception
                   in
                   it
                   ,
                   were
                   it
                   not
                   
                   that
                   God
                   hath
                   honour'd
                   us
                   with
                   the
                   dignity
                   of
                   being
                   his
                   immediate
                   Servants
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   employ'd
                   us
                   in
                   the
                   affairs
                   of
                   Souls
                   .
                   But
                   for
                   this
                   ,
                   I
                   can
                   see
                   no
                   cause
                   ,
                   why
                   we
                   should
                   not
                   be
                   as
                   capable
                   of
                   the
                   qualities
                   that
                   procure
                   respect
                   ,
                   as
                   others
                   that
                   have
                   a
                   competent
                   measure
                   of
                   it
                   :
                   And
                   therefore
                   upon
                   the
                   whole
                   matter
                   ,
                   I
                   must
                   say
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   so
                   far
                   from
                   having
                   honour
                   for
                   our
                   office
                   and
                   our
                   work
                   sake
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   lessened
                   by
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   if
                   a
                   Minister
                   meet
                   respective
                   entertainment
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   the
                   kindness
                   is
                   extorted
                   by
                   some
                   personal
                   advantages
                   he
                   owns
                   ;
                   and
                   not
                   given
                   him
                   for
                   his
                   character
                   and
                   Function
                   ;
                   no
                   ,
                   he
                   's
                   taken
                   down
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   so
                   much
                   less
                   ,
                   in
                   consideration
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   God
                   himself
                   is
                   affronted
                   ,
                   and
                   Religion
                   vilified
                   by
                   the
                   excessive
                   ,
                   unreasonable
                   contempt
                   that
                   is
                   put
                   upon
                   the
                   dispensers
                   of
                   his
                   Truths
                   and
                   Laws
                   :
                   And
                   't
                   is
                   pity
                   that
                   our
                   concernment
                   in
                   this
                   matter
                   will
                   not
                   permit
                   us
                   without
                   incurring
                   more
                   reproach
                   ,
                   roundly
                   to
                   reprove
                   this
                   indignity
                   to
                   our
                   Lord
                   and
                   theirs
                   ,
                   who
                   hath
                   sent
                   us
                   in
                   the
                   most
                   important
                   errand
                   to
                   them
                   .
                   But
                   alas
                   ,
                   all
                   we
                   can
                   do
                   without
                   the
                   loud
                   imputation
                   of
                   
                     Preaching
                     up
                     our selves
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   bear
                   our
                   Reproach
                   in
                   silence
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   mourn
                   in
                   secret
                   ,
                   for
                   that
                   horrid
                   Atheism
                   ,
                   and
                   Scorn
                   of
                   all
                   Religion
                   ,
                   or
                   of
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   the
                   occasion
                   of
                   it
                   :
                   and
                   certainly
                   where
                   there
                   is
                   contempt
                   of
                   the
                   Priesthood
                   above
                   board
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   disvalue
                   
                   of
                   Religion
                   under
                   it
                   :
                   disrespect
                   to
                   one
                   doth
                   suppose
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   soon
                   produce
                   irreverence
                   to
                   the
                   other
                   .
                
                 
                   Upon
                   the
                   whole
                   ,
                   we
                   see
                   ,
                   how
                   great
                   reason
                   we
                   have
                   to
                   be
                   cautious
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   contribute
                   not
                   to
                   the
                   contempt
                   that
                   is
                   on
                   Religion
                   and
                   our selves
                   ,
                   and
                   justifie
                   this
                   impious
                   barbarous
                   Age
                   in
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   better
                   advice
                   can
                   be
                   given
                   to
                   secure
                   us
                   from
                   it
                   ,
                   than
                   that
                   of
                   St.
                   Paul
                   to
                   Timothy
                   ,
                   1
                   Tim.
                   4.
                   16.
                   
                   
                     Take
                     heed
                     unto
                     thy self
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     to
                     the
                     doctrine
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   It
                   concerns
                   us
                   first
                   ,
                   to
                   
                     take
                     heed
                     of
                     our selves
                  
                   ,
                   to
                   our
                   Lives
                   and
                   Conversations
                   .
                   We
                   have
                   many
                   observers
                   whose
                   malice
                   makes
                   them
                   critical
                   and
                   
                     curious
                     ;
                     They
                  
                   lay
                   in
                   wait
                   for
                   our
                   haltings
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   glad
                   at
                   heart
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   have
                   caught
                   an
                   opportunity
                   to
                   revile
                   us
                   ;
                   we
                   are
                   encompast
                   on
                   all
                   hands
                   by
                   those
                   envious
                   pryers
                   ;
                   by
                   the
                   debauch'd
                   on
                   the
                   one
                   side
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Schismatical
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   .
                   The
                   roaring
                   Lyon
                   is
                   before
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   wily
                   Serpent
                   in
                   the
                   next
                   ambush
                   ;
                   one
                   would
                   fain
                   have
                   an
                   occasion
                   from
                   our
                   miscarriages
                   to
                   tear
                   and
                   violate
                   the
                   honour
                   of
                   all
                   Religion
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   other
                   to
                   spit
                   its
                   venome
                   against
                   that
                   which
                   we
                   profess
                   .
                   It
                   behoves
                   us
                   therefore
                   to
                   beware
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   walk
                   
                     circumspectly
                     ,
                     not
                     as
                     fools
                     but
                     as
                     wise
                     ,
                     because
                     the
                     daies
                     are
                     so
                     evil
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   In
                   order
                   hereunto
                   I
                   humbly
                   recommend
                   these
                   
                   Cautions
                   in
                   paticular
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   take
                   care
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   found
                   guilty
                   of
                   ,
                   1.
                   
                   
                     Pharisaism
                     .
                     2.
                     
                     Immorality
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   ,
                   3.
                   
                   Negligence
                   in
                   our
                   calling
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Pharisaick
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   and
                   Phantastick
                   heights
                   of
                   zeal
                   beget
                   great
                   respects
                   and
                   venerations
                   among
                   the
                   vulgar
                   ;
                   but
                   contempt
                   among
                   those
                   of
                   better-understanding
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   nothing
                   whereby
                   Religion
                   hath
                   been
                   more
                   expos'd
                   in
                   the
                   present
                   Age
                   ,
                   than
                   this
                   .
                   
                     Plain
                     unaffected
                  
                   righteousness
                   and
                   sincerity
                   is
                   accountable
                   in
                   all
                   times
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   still
                   reputation
                   among
                   the
                   most
                   knowing
                   :
                   but
                   the
                   
                     flanting
                     shews
                  
                   of
                   the
                   Pharisee
                   are
                   despised
                   assoon
                   as
                   they
                   are
                   understood
                   .
                   Our
                   Righteousness
                   then
                   must
                   
                     exceed
                     his
                  
                   ,
                   not
                   in
                   pomp
                   ,
                   and
                   appearance
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   reality
                   and
                   sincere
                   practice
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   one
                   that
                   understands
                   the
                   nature
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   the
                   constitution
                   of
                   our
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   temper
                   of
                   the
                   Age
                   ,
                   but
                   knows
                   it
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   present
                   interest
                   both
                   of
                   Church
                   and
                   Religion
                   ,
                   that
                   Pharisaism
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   the
                   general
                   humour
                   that
                   runs
                   through
                   all
                   the
                   
                     Proud
                     Sects
                  
                   ,
                   should
                   be
                   discountenanc'd
                   and
                   detected
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   we
                   should
                   take
                   heed
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   do
                   not
                   encourage
                   the
                   spreading
                   vanity
                   ,
                   by
                   any
                   conformity
                   unto
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   Indeed
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   other
                   way
                   lesenow
                   ,
                   to
                   make
                   us
                   popular
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   Crown
                   us
                   with
                   the
                   applauses
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   :
                   and
                   those
                   who
                   affect
                   
                     that
                     sort
                  
                   of
                   glory
                   and
                   reputation
                   ,
                   are
                   under
                   great
                   temptation
                   to
                   
                   square
                   their
                   discourse
                   and
                   lives
                   according
                   to
                   those
                   vain
                   models
                   :
                   but
                   those
                   Ministers
                   deserve
                   to
                   be
                   despis'd
                   that
                   are
                   possest
                   by
                   that
                   low
                   spirited
                   ambition
                   :
                   and
                   do
                   not
                   prefer
                   the
                   pleasing
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   Conscience
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   few
                   wise
                   men
                   ,
                   before
                   the
                   pacifying
                   the
                   humours
                   ,
                   and
                   receiving
                   the
                   caresses
                   and
                   applauses
                   of
                   ignorant
                   and
                   giddy
                   Phantasticks
                   :
                   and
                   there
                   are
                   no
                   sort
                   of
                   men
                   worse
                   enemies
                   to
                   this
                   Church
                   than
                   these
                   ;
                   who
                   while
                   they
                   pretend
                   to
                   be
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   promote
                   this
                   spirit
                   and
                   humour
                   that
                   destroyes
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   We
                   ought
                   on
                   this
                   ,
                   as
                   on
                   all
                   accounts
                   else
                   ,
                   to
                   shun
                   all
                   Immoralities
                   of
                   practice
                   .
                   Vice
                   makes
                   
                     any
                     one
                  
                   contemptible
                   among
                   good
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   us
                   despicable
                   among
                   all
                   .
                   The
                   worst
                   have
                   an
                   abhorrence
                   of
                   Debauchery
                   ,
                   or
                   any
                   degree
                   of
                   Prophaneness
                   in
                   the
                   Clergy
                   :
                   The
                   best
                   things
                   degenerated
                   ,
                   are
                   worst
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   true
                   ,
                   live
                   we
                   how
                   we
                   will
                   ,
                   the
                   malicious
                   world
                   will
                   find
                   accusations
                   against
                   us
                   ,
                   but
                   we
                   must
                   take
                   care
                   we
                   do
                   not
                   justifie
                   their
                   reproaches
                   .
                   Though
                   (
                   as
                   things
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   present
                   Age
                   )
                   we
                   are
                   disabled
                   from
                   doing
                   much
                   to
                   promote
                   Religion
                   by
                   our
                   Doctrine
                   ;
                   yet
                   we
                   may
                   disserve
                   it
                   much
                   by
                   our
                   lives
                   .
                   The
                   best
                   that
                   we
                   can
                   say
                   doth
                   but
                   
                     little
                     good
                  
                   ;
                   but
                   the
                   least
                   evil
                   that
                   we
                   do
                   ,
                   is
                   cause
                   of
                   
                     great
                     hurt
                  
                   and
                   mischief
                   .
                   Men
                   are
                   hardned
                   by
                   it
                   in
                   their
                   Contempt
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   are
                   made
                   incapable
                   of
                   doing
                   it
                   ,
                   or
                   them
                   any
                   considerable
                   service
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   Or
                   if
                   we
                   do
                   nothing
                   that
                   is
                   morally
                   evil
                   ,
                   yet
                   such
                   is
                   the
                   world
                   now
                   ,
                   that
                   advantage
                   will
                   be
                   taken
                   of
                   the
                   least
                   appearance
                   ;
                   every
                   thing
                   shall
                   be
                   urg'd
                   against
                   us
                   that
                   the
                   wit
                   of
                   malice
                   can
                   make
                   criminal
                   ;
                   And
                   therefore
                   it
                   exceedingly
                   concerns
                   us
                   to
                   heed
                   the
                   Rule
                   of
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   
                     Avoid
                     all
                     appearances
                     of
                     evil
                  
                   ,
                   1
                   Thes
                   .
                   5.
                   22.
                   we
                   should
                   take
                   care
                   not
                   to
                   come
                   within
                   the
                   shadow
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   We
                   live
                   in
                   an
                   Age
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   enough
                   for
                   a
                   Clergy-man
                   to
                   be
                   innocent
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   much
                   wisdom
                   and
                   prudence
                   necessary
                   to
                   keep
                   that
                   from
                   having
                   a
                   stain
                   upon
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   though
                   we
                   be
                   as
                   harmless
                   as
                   Doves
                   ,
                   yet
                   we
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   thought
                   to
                   be
                   so
                   ,
                   except
                   we
                   are
                   as
                   wise
                   as
                   Serpents
                   .
                   Men
                   were
                   never
                   more
                   careless
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   conversations
                   ,
                   and
                   never
                   more
                   exact
                   observers
                   and
                   censurers
                   of
                   ours
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   nothing
                   will
                   secure
                   us
                   in
                   this
                   Age
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   tongues
                   set
                   on
                   fire
                   of
                   Hell
                   :
                   our
                   only
                   course
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   as
                   much
                   as
                   we
                   can
                   out
                   of
                   their
                   way
                   ;
                   And
                   as
                   far
                   as
                   our
                   profession
                   will
                   give
                   leave
                   to
                   draw
                   our selves
                   up
                   into
                   privacy
                   and
                   retirement
                   .
                   For
                   the
                   Sea
                   is
                   too
                   rough
                   for
                   us
                   to
                   be
                   abroad
                   upon
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   summ
                   is
                   ,
                   'T
                   is
                   not
                   possible
                   for
                   us
                   to
                   avoid
                   contempt
                   ,
                   but
                   we
                   may
                   avoid
                   being
                   accessary
                   unto
                   it
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   take
                   care
                   that
                   our
                   Religion
                   be
                   not
                   Pharisaical
                   ,
                   nor
                   our
                   practice
                   immoral
                   ,
                   in
                   reality
                   or
                   appearance
                   .
                   Not
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   sufficient
                   for
                   a
                   Minister
                   
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   to
                   be
                   thus
                   negatively
                   righteous
                   ;
                   no
                   ,
                   besides
                   other
                   considerations
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   a
                   great
                   charge
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   which
                   will
                   require
                   a
                   very
                   active
                   piety
                   ;
                   And
                   therefore
                   ,
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   We
                   must
                   take
                   heed
                   also
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   negligent
                   in
                   the
                   great
                   business
                   of
                   our
                   noble
                   Calling
                   .
                   That
                   business
                   is
                   so
                   worthy
                   and
                   so
                   necessary
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   requires
                   the
                   chief
                   of
                   our
                   thoughts
                   ,
                   the
                   flower
                   of
                   our
                   time
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   vigour
                   of
                   our
                   endeavours
                   ,
                   to
                   bestow
                   less
                   upon
                   it
                   is
                   to
                   neglect
                   it
                   :
                   and
                   every
                   neglect
                   of
                   that
                   ,
                   deserves
                   a
                   degree
                   of
                   contempt
                   upon
                   our selves
                   .
                   
                     Give
                     thy self
                     wholly
                     to
                     these
                     things
                     ,
                  
                   was
                   the
                   instruction
                   of
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   1
                   Tim.
                   4.
                   15.
                   and
                   our
                   whole
                   is
                   little
                   enough
                   :
                   for
                   
                     who
                     is
                     sufficient
                     for
                     these
                     things
                     ,
                  
                   2
                   Cor.
                   2.
                   16.
                   and
                   when
                   
                     we
                     have
                     done
                     all
                     ,
                     we
                     are
                     unprofitable
                     Servants
                     ,
                  
                   Luke
                   17.
                   10.
                   
                   'T
                   is
                   little
                   we
                   can
                   do
                   ,
                   God
                   knows
                   ,
                   to
                   make
                   the
                   world
                   wiser
                   or
                   better
                   ;
                   it
                   is
                   too
                   wise
                   ,
                   in
                   conceit
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   taught
                   ;
                   and
                   too
                   bad
                   in
                   practice
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   amended
                   by
                   us
                   .
                   However
                   we
                   must
                   labour
                   ,
                   and
                   ply
                   the
                   Oar
                   ,
                   though
                   the
                   tyde
                   be
                   never
                   so
                   strong
                   against
                   us
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   part
                   of
                   the
                   patience
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   to
                   work
                   even
                   there
                   ,
                   where
                   our
                   labour
                   for
                   the
                   present
                   ,
                   is
                   in
                   vain
                   .
                   It
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   so
                   always
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   15.
                   no
                   ,
                   it
                   shall
                   be
                   rewarded
                   by
                   plentiful
                   Glory
                   hereafter
                   ,
                   though
                   it
                   were
                   not
                   incouraged
                   by
                   any
                   visible
                   success
                   here
                   .
                   
                     Those
                     rewards
                  
                   we
                   publish
                   and
                   expect
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   us
                   to
                   do
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   negligently
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   put
                   a
                   
                   slight
                   upon
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   upon
                   Religion
                   ,
                   our selves
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   invite
                   contempt
                   from
                   others
                   .
                   And
                   there
                   is
                   none
                   certainly
                   that
                   more
                   justly
                   deserves
                   the
                   extreamest
                   degrees
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   than
                   he
                   that
                   loiters
                   in
                   the
                   Lords
                   Vineyard
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   negligent
                   in
                   the
                   Ministry
                   of
                   Souls
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   have
                   exprest
                   these
                   cautions
                   in
                   a
                   negative
                   way
                   ,
                   but
                   hope
                   it
                   will
                   be
                   understood
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   positive
                   duties
                   are
                   included
                   .
                   When
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   Pharisaical
                   in
                   our
                   Religion
                   ;
                   I
                   intend
                   also
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   be
                   very
                   
                     plain
                     ,
                     sober
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   sincere
                   in
                   it
                   :
                   When
                   I
                   caution
                   against
                   immoral
                   lives
                   ,
                   I
                   imply
                   ,
                   that
                   ours
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   very
                   virtuous
                   and
                   religious
                   :
                   When
                   I
                   give
                   the
                   rule
                   against
                   negligence
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   taken
                   care
                   to
                   be
                   understood
                   to
                   mean
                   likewise
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   greatest
                   sedulity
                   and
                   diligence
                   is
                   our
                   duty
                   .
                   To
                   have
                   run
                   out
                   into
                   full
                   Comments
                   upon
                   these
                   ,
                   would
                   have
                   taken
                   up
                   more
                   than
                   my
                   whole
                   time
                   .
                   I
                   descend
                   to
                   the
                   Second
                   Head
                   in
                   the
                   
                     Apostle's
                     Rule
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   We
                   ought
                   to
                   take
                   heed
                   to
                   our
                   Doctrine
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   would
                   not
                   deserve
                   contempt
                   .
                   We
                   live
                   in
                   a
                   ticklish
                   Age
                   for
                   this
                   also
                   ;
                   an
                   Age
                   of
                   itching
                   ears
                   ,
                   and
                   curious
                   palats
                   :
                   men
                   were
                   never
                   so
                   eritical
                   upon
                   their
                   teaching
                   ,
                   though
                   't
                   is
                   likewise
                   sadly
                   true
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   never
                   so
                   little
                   careful
                   to
                   practise
                   according
                   to
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   In
                   the
                   variety
                   and
                   oppositions
                   of
                   opinions
                   ,
                   phancies
                   ,
                   humours
                   ,
                   and
                   capacities
                   ,
                   an
                   Angel
                   from
                   
                   Heaven
                   could
                   not
                   please
                   all
                   ;
                   and
                   as
                   things
                   are
                   ,
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   pleased
                   with
                   the
                   Doctrine
                   ,
                   will
                   contemn
                   the
                   Preacher
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   avoid
                   contempt
                   
                     we
                     cannot
                  
                   ;
                   but
                   we
                   shall
                   not
                   deserve
                   it
                   ,
                   if
                   our
                   Doctrine
                   be
                   guided
                   by
                   our
                   end
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   is
                   the
                   
                     Glory
                     of
                     God
                  
                   in
                   the
                   Salvation
                   of
                   those
                   that
                   hear
                   us
                   .
                   The
                   business
                   of
                   Preaching
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   instruct
                   men
                   in
                   what
                   they
                   are
                   to
                   believe
                   and
                   do
                   ,
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   their
                   serving
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   being
                   happy
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   great
                   Rule
                   ,
                   this
                   the
                   measure
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   Discourses
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   directed
                   by
                   it
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   witty
                   Orations
                   ,
                   and
                   learned
                   entertainments
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   
                     good
                     Sermons
                  
                   .
                   For
                   every
                   thing
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   judg'd
                   by
                   its
                   fitness
                   for
                   its
                   end
                   .
                   If
                   our
                   Doctrines
                   ,
                   and
                   publique
                   instructions
                   ▪
                   are
                   squar'd
                   by
                   that
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   approve
                   our selves
                   unto
                   God
                   and
                   Conscience
                   ;
                   though
                   vain
                   and
                   phantastick
                   men
                   despise
                   us
                   :
                   and
                   so
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   speak
                   
                     not
                     as
                     pleasing
                     men
                     ,
                     but
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   1
                   Thes
                   .
                   2.
                   4.
                   
                
                 
                   There
                   is
                   nothing
                   by
                   which
                   some
                   Preachers
                   have
                   more
                   exposed
                   Religion
                   and
                   themselves
                   ,
                   than
                   by
                   propounding
                   other
                   ends
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   mean
                   ones
                   as
                   the
                   gaining
                   the
                   reputation
                   of
                   being
                   
                     Witty
                     ,
                     Eloquent
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   Learned
                   :
                   for
                   when
                   they
                   miss
                   their
                   aim
                   (
                   as
                   they
                   do
                   always
                   with
                   the
                   wise
                   )
                   they
                   fall
                   under
                   extream
                   contempt
                   with
                   them
                   .
                   The
                   affectations
                   of
                   words
                   ,
                   and
                   Metaphors
                   ,
                   and
                   Cadencies
                   ,
                   and●
                   ends
                   of
                   Greek
                   ,
                   and
                   Latin
                   ,
                   are
                   now
                   the
                   scorn
                   o●
                   the
                   judicious
                   ,
                   and
                   as
                   much
                   despis'd
                   and
                   (
                   almost
                   )
                   
                   as
                   generally
                   as
                   they
                   deserve
                   .
                   They
                   are
                   banifh'd
                   from
                   conversation
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   not
                   endured
                   in
                   common
                   matters
                   ;
                   for
                   shame
                   then
                   let
                   us
                   not
                   retain
                   them
                   in
                   our
                   Pulpits
                   ,
                   and
                   defile
                   sacred
                   Subjects
                   with
                   them
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   leave
                   those
                   sorts
                   of
                   fooling
                   ,
                   when
                   none
                   but
                   the
                   ignorant
                   can
                   be
                   deceiv'd
                   by
                   them
                   into
                   a
                   good
                   opinion
                   of
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   by
                   their
                   use
                   we
                   shall
                   deceive
                   our selves
                   into
                   the
                   derision
                   and
                   Contempt
                   of
                   all
                   that
                   have
                   either
                   wit
                   or
                   judgement
                   ;
                   and
                   which
                   is
                   infinitely
                   worse
                   ,
                   into
                   the
                   displeasure
                   and
                   wrath
                   of
                   God.
                   
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Our
                   business
                   in
                   Preaching
                   is
                   the
                   greatest
                   and
                   most
                   important
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   very
                   grave
                   and
                   serious
                   in
                   it
                   ;
                   to
                   be
                   
                     slight
                     ,
                     flashy
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   affected
                   in
                   so
                   solemn
                   an
                   affair
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   shew
                   our selves
                   vain
                   and
                   contemptible
                   triflers
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   We
                   are
                   to
                   instruct
                   all
                   sorts
                   ,
                   the
                   most
                   ignorant
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   the
                   more
                   knowing
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   matters
                   of
                   Faith
                   and
                   practice
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   should
                   design
                   and
                   endeavour
                   to
                   be
                   as
                   plain
                   as
                   we
                   can
                   ,
                   both
                   in
                   our
                   Doctrines
                   and
                   Expressions
                   ,
                   avoiding
                   
                     hard
                     words
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   senseless
                   phrases
                   ,
                   and
                   speaking
                   in
                   the
                   
                     proper
                     ,
                     natural
                     ,
                     easie
                  
                   way
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   most
                   profitable
                   for
                   the
                   ignorant
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   acceptable
                   with
                   the
                   wise
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   And
                   for
                   the
                   accommodation
                   of
                   the
                   memories
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   the
                   understandings
                   of
                   the
                   generality
                   of
                   hearers
                   ,
                   our
                   Discourses
                   should
                   be
                   in
                   clear
                   ,
                   facile
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   distinct
                   methods
                   ;
                   not
                   involv'd
                   in
                   confusions
                   ,
                   nor
                   spun
                   out
                   into
                   nice
                   divisions
                   ,
                   or
                   numerous
                   particulars
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   And
                   because
                   the
                   main
                   work
                   is
                   to
                   perswade
                   ,
                   and
                   direct
                   an
                   holy
                   life
                   ,
                   our
                   Sermons
                   should
                   mostly
                   be
                   practical
                   ,
                   and
                   affectionate
                   :
                   Not
                   but
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   labour
                   to
                   explain
                   ,
                   establish
                   ,
                   and
                   defend
                   the
                   great
                   principles
                   of
                   Faith
                   and
                   practice
                   ,
                   especially
                   in
                   an
                   Age
                   in
                   which
                   such
                   Shipwrack
                   is
                   made
                   of
                   both
                   :
                   but
                   then
                   we
                   must
                   take
                   care
                   that
                   those
                   we
                   teach
                   are
                   such
                   indeed
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   we
                   vent
                   not
                   speculative
                   notions
                   and
                   opinions
                   ,
                   as
                   fundamentals
                   of
                   Religion
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   concern'd
                   for
                   any
                   Doctrines
                   in
                   our
                   Pulpits
                   ,
                   but
                   for
                   the
                   great
                   and
                   certain
                   Articles
                   of
                   Faith
                   and
                   Life
                   ;
                   As
                   for
                   our
                   opinions
                   ,
                   this
                   is
                   not
                   the
                   place
                   for
                   them
                   :
                   For
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   our
                   business
                   to
                   make
                   people
                   in
                   all
                   points
                   ,
                   Orthodox
                   and
                   Knowing
                   ;
                   but
                   to
                   endeavour
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   be
                   sincere
                   and
                   good
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   wisdom
                   to
                   
                     salvation
                     .
                     These
                  
                   I
                   take
                   to
                   be
                   
                     proper
                     measures
                  
                   for
                   Preaching
                   ,
                   and
                   if
                   he
                   that
                   directs
                   himself
                   by
                   them
                   ,
                   be
                   despised
                   for
                   his
                   Doctrine
                   ,
                   he
                   will
                   have
                   this
                   comfort
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   contempt
                   he
                   suffers
                   is
                   none
                   of
                   his
                   fault
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   have
                   done
                   with
                   what
                   I
                   intended
                   for
                   my
                   Brethren
                   of
                   the
                   Clergy
                   ,
                   namely
                   for
                   the
                   younger
                   sort
                   ,
                   for
                   I
                   presume
                   not
                   to
                   instruct
                   the
                   elder
                   and
                   graver
                   men
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   I
                   Am
                   (
                   II.
                   )
                   to
                   apply
                   the
                   advice
                   of
                   this
                   general
                   Use
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   people
                   ,
                   who
                   yet
                   profess
                   themselves
                   of
                   our
                   Church
                   .
                   You
                   see
                   the
                   contempt
                   that
                   is
                   upon
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   beseech
                   you
                   to
                   consider
                   whether
                   its
                   pretended
                   friends
                   have
                   not
                   been
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   not
                   still
                   ,
                   great
                   occasions
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   The
                   greatest
                   part
                   of
                   Christians
                   are
                   incapable
                   of
                   judging
                   concerning
                   the
                   truth
                   or
                   goodness
                   of
                   any
                   Church
                   or
                   Constitution
                   of
                   Religion
                   :
                   but
                   are
                   inclin'd
                   in
                   their
                   opinion
                   ,
                   and
                   affection
                   by
                   the
                   general
                   temper
                   and
                   practice
                   of
                   its
                   professors
                   and
                   adherents
                   :
                   Now
                   't
                   is
                   an
                   almost
                   universal
                   principle
                   among
                   men
                   ,
                   that
                   Religion
                   and
                   the
                   Worship
                   of
                   God
                   require
                   the
                   greatest
                   seriousness
                   and
                   zeal
                   ;
                   where
                   these
                   are
                   observ'd
                   in
                   peoples
                   carriage
                   to
                   their
                   particular
                   Church
                   ,
                   the
                   most
                   are
                   usually
                   inclin'd
                   to
                   have
                   respect
                   for
                   that
                   :
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   side
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   members
                   of
                   any
                   Church
                   are
                   cold
                   and
                   unconcern'd
                   ,
                   or
                   wanton
                   and
                   irreverent
                   in
                   their
                   Religion
                   ;
                   such
                   a
                   temper
                   when
                   it
                   comes
                   to
                   be
                   general
                   ,
                   draws
                   popular
                   contempt
                   upon
                   that
                   Church
                   and
                   way
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   at
                   present
                   is
                   the
                   sad
                   case
                   of
                   ours
                   ;
                   and
                   I
                   doubt
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   too
                   truly
                   said
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   are
                   no
                   retainers
                   to
                   any
                   Church
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   so
                   little
                   concern'd
                   for
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   worship
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   it
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   pretenders
                   to
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   .
                   If
                   we
                   survey
                   our
                   several
                   Congregations
                   ,
                   and
                   consider
                   
                   our
                   people
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   find
                   but
                   very
                   few
                   that
                   carry
                   themselves
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   they
                   had
                   any
                   conscientious
                   affection
                   to
                   the
                   Religion
                   they
                   profess
                   .
                   If
                   the
                   Estimate
                   be
                   taken
                   from
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   constant
                   or
                   frequent
                   at
                   the
                   publick
                   Prayers
                   in
                   Cathedrals
                   ,
                   or
                   other
                   Churches
                   ;
                   certainly
                   the
                   number
                   must
                   be
                   acknowledg'd
                   to
                   be
                   very
                   small
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   we
                   reckon
                   only
                   such
                   that
                   carry
                   but
                   the
                   appearance
                   of
                   serious
                   Devotion
                   ,
                   it
                   will
                   be
                   yet
                   less
                   :
                   so
                   that
                   the
                   Church
                   may
                   almost
                   be
                   tempted
                   to
                   say
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   
                     There
                     is
                     not
                     one
                     godly
                     man
                     left
                     ,
                     the
                     righteous
                     are
                     minished
                     from
                     among
                     the
                     children
                     of
                     men
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   There
                   are
                   indeed
                   multitudes
                   ,
                   who
                   will
                   tell
                   us
                   they
                   are
                   of
                   this
                   Church
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   give
                   us
                   no
                   ground
                   ,
                   but
                   their
                   
                     bare
                     word
                  
                   ,
                   to
                   believe
                   they
                   are
                   of
                   any
                   :
                   While
                   they
                   talk
                   of
                   owning
                   and
                   adhering
                   to
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   afford
                   the
                   solemn
                   worship
                   of
                   it
                   as
                   much
                   as
                   their
                   bodily
                   presence
                   ,
                   as
                   long
                   as
                   the
                   Devil
                   and
                   their
                   Lusts
                   have
                   employment
                   for
                   them
                   elsewhere
                   :
                   They
                   carry
                   themselves
                   to
                   it
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   a
                   matter
                   of
                   the
                   greatest
                   indifference
                   ;
                   will
                   go
                   to
                   Church
                   now
                   and
                   then
                   ,
                   when
                   time
                   lies
                   upon
                   their
                   hands
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   humour
                   for
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   then
                   again
                   never
                   think
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   or
                   Worship
                   ,
                   till
                   another
                   accident
                   excites
                   them
                   .
                   And
                   when
                   they
                   come
                   to
                   such
                   Sacred
                   places
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   with
                   what
                   rude
                   boldness
                   do
                   they
                   enter
                   Gods
                   house
                   ?
                   and
                   how
                   much
                   carelesness
                   and
                   irreverence
                   do
                   they
                   express
                   
                   in
                   their
                   very
                   looks
                   and
                   garb
                   ?
                   Confident
                   negligence
                   seems
                   at
                   present
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   fashion
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   whole
                   carriage
                   after
                   is
                   sutable
                   to
                   this
                   ill
                   beginning
                   .
                   What
                   
                     toying
                     ,
                     talking
                     ,
                     gazing
                     ,
                     laughing
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   other
                   rude
                   follies
                   may
                   we
                   observe
                   in
                   the
                   midst
                   of
                   the
                   most
                   solemn
                   parts
                   of
                   worship
                   ?
                   and
                   how
                   much
                   slightness
                   and
                   playsomness
                   in
                   speaking
                   of
                   
                     serving
                     God
                     ,
                     being
                     devout
                     ,
                     saying
                     prayers
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   such
                   like
                   serious
                   things
                   after
                   it
                   ?
                
                 
                   Now
                   when
                   these
                   carriages
                   are
                   observ'd
                   (
                   not
                   to
                   mention
                   worse
                   )
                   in
                   those
                   that
                   say
                   they
                   are
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   ,
                   how
                   readily
                   doth
                   it
                   dispose
                   the
                   generality
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   who
                   judge
                   by
                   bare
                   appearance
                   ,
                   to
                   think
                   amiss
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   that
                   is
                   ordinarily
                   thus
                   treated
                   by
                   its
                   members
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   suppose
                   most
                   others
                   that
                   profess
                   it
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   of
                   the
                   same
                   sort
                   ,
                   or
                   not
                   very
                   different
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   to
                   despise
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   that
                   adhere
                   unto
                   it
                   .
                   This
                   certainly
                   is
                   a
                   very
                   great
                   occasion
                   of
                   her
                   present
                   contempt
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   you
                   would
                   not
                   be
                   accessary
                   to
                   its
                   increase
                   and
                   growth
                   (
                   if
                   it
                   be
                   capable
                   of
                   any
                   more
                   )
                   beware
                   of
                   this
                   carelesness
                   and
                   irreverence
                   to
                   the
                   Religion
                   you
                   profess
                   .
                
                 
                   If
                   Religion
                   be
                   a
                   real
                   thing
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   a
                   meer
                   imagination
                   (
                   as
                   nothing
                   is
                   more
                   certain
                   )
                   it
                   then
                   requires
                   our
                   greatest
                   
                     zeal
                     and
                     venerations
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   most
                   serious
                   exercise
                   of
                   our
                   faculties
                   ,
                   and
                   endeavours
                   :
                   no
                   prostrations
                   can
                   be
                   too
                   low
                   in
                   the
                   adoration
                   
                   of
                   the
                   God
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ;
                   no
                   ingagement
                   of
                   soul
                   too
                   intense
                   ,
                   in
                   praying
                   for
                   his
                   blessing
                   ,
                   and
                   praising
                   him
                   for
                   his
                   bounty
                   ;
                   no
                   attention
                   too
                   serious
                   in
                   hearing
                   of
                   His
                   Word
                   ;
                   no
                   deportment
                   too
                   awful
                   in
                   His
                   eye
                   ,
                   and
                   special
                   presence
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   all
                   consider
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   demean
                   our selves
                   in
                   our
                   worship
                   ,
                   as
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   in
                   earnest
                   :
                   Let
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   our
                   zeal
                   and
                   devotion
                   
                     so
                     shine
                     before
                     men
                     ,
                     that
                     they
                     ,
                     seeing
                     our
                     works
                     ,
                     may
                     glorifie
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   reverence
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   vindicate
                   it
                   and
                   us
                   from
                   the
                   scorning
                   of
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   at
                   ease
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   contempt
                   of
                   the
                   proud
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   endeavour
                   so
                   to
                   worship
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   fervour
                   of
                   our
                   piety
                   may
                   equal
                   the
                   truth
                   of
                   our
                   profession
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   actions
                   in
                   Religion
                   ,
                   may
                   have
                   some
                   sutableness
                   to
                   our
                   expectations
                   from
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   then
                   though
                   the
                   Church
                   and
                   we
                   are
                   
                     filled
                     with
                     contempt
                  
                   ,
                   yet
                   we
                   shall
                   be
                   clear
                   from
                   any
                   imputation
                   of
                   the
                   guilt
                   ;
                   and
                   our
                   souls
                   may
                   be
                   at
                   ease
                   ,
                   though
                   we
                   are
                   scorn'd
                   by
                   the
                   Proud.
                   
                
                 
                   Preach'd
                   at
                   a
                   Visitation
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   VI.
                   MORAL
                   EVIDENCE
                   OF
                   A
                   Life
                   to
                   Come
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Second
                   Edition
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   VI.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     MATTH
                     .
                     XXII
                     .
                     32.
                     
                  
                   
                     —
                     God
                     is
                     not
                     the
                     God
                     of
                     the
                     dead
                     ,
                     but
                     of
                     the
                     living
                     —
                  
                
                 
                   NOtwithstanding
                   the
                   manifold
                   and
                   immediate
                   Transactions
                   of
                   God
                   with
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   the
                   Jews
                   ;
                   yet
                   were
                   they
                   a
                   dull
                   and
                   stupid
                   generation
                   ,
                   addicted
                   very
                   much
                   to
                   the
                   matters
                   of
                   sense
                   ,
                   and
                   indisposed
                   to
                   things
                   of
                   spiritual
                   and
                   invisible
                   nature
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   there
                   was
                   a
                   great
                   and
                   famous
                   Sect
                   among
                   them
                   that
                   denied
                   a
                   
                     Life
                     to
                     come
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Existence
                   of
                   immaterial
                   beings
                   ,
                   For
                   the
                   
                     Sadducees
                     say
                     ,
                     there
                     is
                     no
                     Resurrection
                     ,
                     neither
                     Angels
                     ,
                     nor
                     Spirit
                     ,
                  
                   Acts
                   23.
                   8.
                   
                
                 
                   These
                   put
                   the
                   Question
                   here
                   to
                   our
                   Saviour
                   in
                   a
                   case
                   of
                   a
                   woman
                   ,
                   who
                   successively
                   had
                   seven
                   Husbands
                   ,
                   
                     whose
                     Wife
                  
                   she
                   should
                   be
                   at
                   the
                   Resurrection
                   ,
                   
                   from
                   ver
                   .
                   22.
                   to
                   the
                   28.
                   which
                   captious
                   Query
                   they
                   intended
                   for
                   an
                   Argument
                   against
                   the
                   Doctrine
                   of
                   another
                   Life
                   .
                
                 
                   Christ
                   answers
                   directly
                   to
                   the
                   objection
                   ,
                   by
                   telling
                   them
                   their
                   mistake
                   of
                   the
                   state
                   and
                   condition
                   of
                   that
                   Life
                   :
                   since
                   they
                   
                     neither
                     marry
                     ,
                     nor
                     are
                     given
                     in
                     marriage
                     ,
                  
                   that
                   have
                   attain'd
                   unto
                   it
                   ,
                   but
                   are
                   
                     like
                     the
                     Angels
                     of
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   30.
                   and
                   then
                   ,
                   takes
                   occasion
                   to
                   prove
                   the
                   Resurrection
                   ,
                   or
                   
                     Living
                     again
                  
                   of
                   the
                   dead
                   ,
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   writings
                   of
                   Moses
                   ,
                   the
                   only
                   Scripture
                   the
                   Sadducees
                   allow'd
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   31
                   ,
                   32.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     "
                     But
                     as
                     touching
                     the
                     Resurrection
                     of
                     the
                     dead
                     ,
                     have
                     ye
                     not
                     read
                     that
                     which
                     was
                     spoken
                     unto
                     you
                     by
                     God
                     ,
                     saying
                     ,
                     
                       I
                       am
                       the
                       God
                       of
                       Abraham
                       ,
                       and
                       the
                       God
                       of
                       Isaac
                       ,
                       and
                       the
                       God
                       of
                       Jacob
                       ?
                       —
                       God
                       is
                       not
                       the
                       God
                       of
                       the
                       dead
                       but
                       of
                       the
                       living
                       .
                    
                     "
                  
                
                 
                   The
                   former
                   clause
                   of
                   the
                   verse
                   cites
                   the
                   Scripture
                   which
                   is
                   the
                   ground
                   of
                   the
                   Argument
                   ,
                   the
                   latter
                   is
                   a
                   principle
                   of
                   Reason
                   ;
                   and
                   both
                   together
                   infer
                   ,
                   That
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   Resurrection
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   the
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   Resurrection
                   of
                   the
                   dead
                   undertaken
                   to
                   be
                   shewn
                   ,
                   was
                   not
                   the
                   Resurrection
                   of
                   the
                   body
                   (
                   though
                   that
                   be
                   a
                   great
                   truth
                   also
                   )
                   since
                   the
                   argument
                   doth
                   not
                   reach
                   this
                   ;
                   For
                   one
                   who
                   believes
                   that
                   the
                   soul
                   lives
                   after
                   death
                   ,
                   may
                   say
                   ,
                   That
                   God
                   is
                   the
                   God
                   of
                   
                     Abraham
                     ,
                     Isaac
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Jacob
                   ,
                   though
                   the
                   body
                   doth
                   
                     not
                     rise
                  
                   ;
                   for
                   they
                   are
                   living
                   in
                   their
                   souls
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   their
                   true
                   selves
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   And
                   therefore
                   the
                   Conclusion
                   our
                   Saviour
                   went
                   about
                   to
                   prove
                   was
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     There
                     is
                     another
                     Life
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   the
                   Sadducees
                   deny'd
                   and
                   endeavour'd
                   by
                   this
                   Question
                   ,
                   though
                   very
                   weakly
                   ,
                   to
                   overthrow
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   word
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   signifies
                   standing
                   up
                   ,
                   and
                   implies
                   ,
                   Living
                   again
                   ,
                   simply
                   ,
                   not
                   the
                   Resurrection
                   of
                   the
                   Body
                   ;
                   except
                   where
                   the
                   Body
                   is
                   exprest
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   necessary
                   sense
                   doth
                   otherwise
                   inforce
                   it
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   ,
                   though
                   it
                   be
                   a
                   truth
                   that
                   the
                   body
                   shall
                   rise
                   ,
                   and
                   demonstrable
                   from
                   many
                   other
                   places
                   ,
                   yet
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   meant
                   here
                   ;
                   but
                   the
                   thing
                   intended
                   to
                   be
                   prov'd
                   ,
                   is
                   ,
                   
                     a
                     Life
                     to
                     come
                  
                   ;
                   without
                   determining
                   whether
                   in
                   our
                   bodies
                   or
                   without
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   was
                   undertaken
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   was
                   perform'd
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   Sadducees
                   were
                   put
                   to
                   silence
                   ,
                   ver
                   .
                   34.
                   
                   That
                   they
                   were
                   convinc'd
                   ,
                   we
                   do
                   not
                   hear
                   ;
                   Arguments
                   from
                   Faith
                   or
                   Reason
                   prevail
                   little
                   against
                   corrupt
                   interests
                   ,
                   and
                   affections
                   .
                   But
                   yet
                   't
                   is
                   something
                   to
                   stop
                   the
                   mouths
                   of
                   Gainsayers
                   ;
                   for
                   others
                   may
                   be
                   fortified
                   in
                   their
                   Faith
                   by
                   the
                   confutation
                   of
                   the
                   enemies
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   Would
                   to
                   God
                   we
                   could
                   say
                   ,
                   There
                   was
                   no
                   need
                   of
                   endeavours
                   of
                   this
                   sort
                   ,
                   in
                   our
                   days
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   this
                   subject
                   were
                   quite
                   out
                   of
                   date
                   .
                   But
                   alas
                   !
                   we
                   see
                   Sadducism
                   reviv'd
                   ,
                   after
                   Light
                   and
                   Immortality
                   hath
                   been
                   
                     brought
                     to
                     light
                     through
                     the
                     Gospel
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Holy
                   Jesus
                   hath
                   given
                   sensible
                   assurance
                   of
                   it
                   by
                   his
                   own
                   Resurrection
                   from
                   the
                   dead
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   the
                   
                   Heresie
                   is
                   improv'd
                   in
                   our
                   time
                   to
                   a
                   great
                   and
                   more
                   dangerous
                   height
                   ,
                   and
                   almost
                   to
                   Atheism
                   it self
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   faln
                   into
                   an
                   Age
                   wherein
                   ,
                   among
                   some
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   not
                   a
                   few
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   piece
                   of
                   Gallantry
                   to
                   be
                   an
                   Infidel
                   :
                   and
                   Heroically
                   great
                   to
                   have
                   out-grown
                   the
                   panick
                   terrours
                   of
                   another
                   world
                   .
                   We
                   have
                   liv'd
                   to
                   see
                   the
                   Doctrine
                   of
                   Spirits
                   ,
                   professedly
                   and
                   openly
                   derided
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   of
                   
                     Living
                     again
                  
                   esteem'd
                   equally
                   vain
                   ,
                   and
                   ridiculous
                   .
                   The
                   wantonness
                   of
                   some
                   hath
                   disputed
                   all
                   the
                   Articles
                   of
                   the
                   Christian
                   Creed
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   lusts
                   of
                   others
                   have
                   taken
                   advantage
                   thence
                   boldly
                   to
                   deny
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   So
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   unseasonable
                   in
                   such
                   a
                   world
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   to
                   labour
                   in
                   the
                   proof
                   of
                   a
                   future
                   Being
                   .
                   For
                   besides
                   those
                   that
                   openly
                   oppose
                   this
                   Principle
                   of
                   our
                   Faith
                   ;
                   the
                   vileness
                   and
                   debauchery
                   of
                   our
                   days
                   are
                   too
                   sad
                   an
                   argument
                   that
                   many
                   others
                   do
                   not
                   believe
                   it
                   .
                   Men
                   could
                   not
                   be
                   so
                   impious
                   ,
                   did
                   they
                   believe
                   themselves
                   immortal
                   ;
                   nor
                   live
                   so
                   much
                   like
                   Beasts
                   ,
                   did
                   they
                   not
                   think
                   also
                   that
                   they
                   should
                   die
                   as
                   such
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   as
                   our
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   dealing
                   with
                   the
                   
                     Jewish
                     Sadducees
                  
                   ,
                   did
                   not
                   make
                   use
                   of
                   the
                   proofs
                   that
                   were
                   most
                   obvious
                   and
                   direct
                   ,
                   but
                   of
                   that
                   which
                   was
                   most
                   sutable
                   ;
                   not
                   of
                   the
                   plain
                   and
                   clear
                   places
                   in
                   the
                   other
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   of
                   which
                   the
                   Sadducees
                   made
                   no
                   account
                   ;
                   but
                   of
                   this
                   from
                   the
                   Books
                   of
                   Moses
                   ,
                   whose
                   Authority
                   they
                   granted
                   :
                   In
                   like
                   manner
                   ,
                   
                   while
                   we
                   treat
                   with
                   the
                   
                     modern
                     Sadducees
                  
                   ,
                   we
                   must
                   not
                   offer
                   Arguments
                   from
                   the
                   Testimony
                   of
                   these
                   or
                   
                     other
                     Scriptures
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   they
                   value
                   not
                   ;
                   but
                   reckon
                   with
                   them
                   from
                   the
                   principles
                   of
                   Reason
                   ,
                   which
                   they
                   cannot
                   but
                   acknowledge
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   Arguments
                   I
                   shall
                   now
                   use
                   ,
                   to
                   prove
                   a
                   
                     Future
                     Life
                  
                   ,
                   shall
                   be
                   of
                   this
                   latter
                   sort
                   :
                   and
                   those
                   not
                   taken
                   from
                   Philosophick
                   heights
                   ,
                   and
                   remote
                   Speculations
                   ,
                   but
                   from
                   moral
                   Considerations
                   ,
                   improving
                   things
                   obvious
                   ;
                   and
                   taking
                   ground
                   from
                   matters
                   of
                   common
                   observation
                   .
                   And
                   though
                   I
                   hope
                   there
                   are
                   none
                   of
                   those
                   Infidels
                   in
                   this
                   place
                   ;
                   yet
                   ,
                   I
                   suppose
                   ,
                   it
                   may
                   not
                   be
                   wholly
                   unprofitable
                   to
                   you
                   to
                   be
                   minded
                   of
                   the
                   reasons
                   of
                   your
                   Faith
                   ,
                   in
                   days
                   wherein
                   so
                   many
                   make
                   Shipwrack
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   then
                   I
                   shall
                   endeavour
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   To
                   shew
                   some
                   moral
                   Arguments
                   to
                   enforce
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   a
                   
                     Future
                     Life
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   causes
                   and
                   occasions
                   of
                   unbelief
                   ,
                   in
                   this
                   Article
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   What
                   this
                   Infidelity
                   infers
                   in
                   the
                   just
                   reasoning
                   and
                   consequence
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   For
                   the
                   First
                   ,
                   I
                   prove
                   a
                   
                     Life
                     to
                     Come
                  
                   ,
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   From
                   some
                   OBSERVABLES
                   in
                   the
                   great
                   world
                   .
                   And
                   ,
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   From
                   the
                   FRAME
                   and
                   CONSTITUTION
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   Natures
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   The
                   Phaenomena
                   ,
                   or
                   observables
                   I
                   argue
                   from
                   ,
                   are
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   The
                   Miseries
                   of
                   this
                   state
                   .
                   And
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   
                     unequal
                     distribution
                  
                   of
                   good
                   and
                   evil
                   here
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   begin
                   with
                   the
                   Miseries
                   of
                   this
                   Life
                   .
                   In
                   the
                   description
                   of
                   which
                   ,
                   I
                   shall
                   take
                   liberty
                   to
                   enlarge
                   a
                   little
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   have
                   such
                   a
                   sense
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   as
                   may
                   dispose
                   us
                   to
                   feel
                   the
                   force
                   of
                   the
                   Argument
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   consider
                   then
                   ,
                   That
                
                 
                   In
                   whatever
                   condition
                   we
                   look
                   on
                   this
                   poor
                   thing
                   we
                   call
                   man
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   nothing
                   but
                   misery
                   before
                   us
                   :
                   Prosperity
                   is
                   temptation
                   to
                   wantonness
                   and
                   excess
                   :
                   Adversity
                   to
                   murmuring
                   and
                   impatience
                   :
                   Riches
                   are
                   anxiety
                   and
                   care
                   ;
                   and
                   poverty
                   ,
                   a
                   complicated
                   misery
                   :
                   Labour
                   is
                   pain
                   ,
                   and
                   idleness
                   as
                   uneasie
                   as
                   employment
                   :
                   Wisdom
                   affords
                   cutting
                   senses
                   of
                   the
                   evils
                   we
                   encounter
                   ;
                   and
                   folly
                   exposeth
                   us
                   to
                   the
                   edge
                   of
                   cross
                   events
                   .
                   
                     He
                     that
                     increaseth
                     knowledge
                     increaseth
                     trouble
                     ,
                  
                   Eccl.
                   1.
                   18.
                   and
                   
                     the
                     soul
                     without
                     it
                     is
                     not
                     good
                     ,
                  
                   Prov.
                   19.
                   2.
                   
                   Our
                   enjoyments
                   satiate
                   ,
                   and
                   weary
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   disappointments
                   are
                   smart
                   afflictions
                   ;
                   so
                   that
                   we
                   want
                   both
                   when
                   we
                   have
                   ,
                   and
                   when
                   we
                   
                     have
                     not
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   miserable
                   both
                   in
                   successful
                   issues
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   defeatures
                   :
                   we
                   complain
                   of
                   our
                   misfortunes
                   ,
                   and
                   seek
                   rest
                   and
                   ease
                   in
                   the
                   shifting
                   of
                   our
                   condition
                   ;
                   but
                   in
                   a
                   short
                   time
                   we
                   find
                   as
                   many
                   other
                   evils
                   as
                   those
                   we
                   shun'd
                   ;
                   and
                   are
                   convinc'd
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   change
                   of
                   our
                   state
                   yields
                   no
                   
                   happiness
                   ,
                   but
                   a
                   different
                   kind
                   of
                   misery
                   .
                   Like
                   men
                   in
                   a
                   Fever
                   ,
                   we
                   toss
                   from
                   side
                   to
                   side
                   ,
                   and
                   find
                   rest
                   no
                   where
                   but
                   in
                   the
                   Grave
                   .
                   If
                   we
                   have
                   a
                   pleasant
                   moment
                   we
                   pay
                   severely
                   for
                   it
                   in
                   the
                   next
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   short
                   happiness
                   is
                   a
                   torment
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   devour'd
                   by
                   our
                   eager
                   appetites
                   ,
                   and
                   torn
                   piece-meal
                   by
                   the
                   contrariety
                   of
                   desires
                   and
                   inclinations
                   :
                   We
                   carry
                   all
                   the
                   beasts
                   of
                   prey
                   within
                   us
                   ;
                   There
                   's
                   a
                   fire
                   in
                   our
                   breasts
                   that
                   consumes
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   die
                   by
                   the
                   same
                   flame
                   by
                   which
                   we
                   live
                   .
                   Nor
                   is
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   our
                   bodies
                   less
                   sad
                   and
                   tragical
                   :
                   We
                   are
                   scorch'd
                   by
                   Fevers
                   ,
                   melted
                   in
                   Catarrhs
                   ,
                   burn
                   and
                   freeze
                   in
                   Agues
                   ,
                   are
                   rack'd
                   by
                   Gouts
                   ,
                   maim'd
                   by
                   Gangrenes
                   ,
                   and
                   rent
                   asunder
                   by
                   violent
                   pains
                   within
                   our
                   bowels
                   :
                   At
                   last
                   we
                   are
                   made
                   the
                   food
                   of
                   worms
                   ,
                   except
                   a
                   Consumption
                   deceive
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   send
                   away
                   our
                   flesh
                   before
                   us
                   .
                   The
                   best
                   of
                   our
                   condition
                   is
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   can
                   die
                   ,
                   and
                   mingle
                   with
                   insensible
                   rottenness
                   and
                   corruption
                   .
                   The
                   Grave
                   is
                   the
                   best
                   bed
                   we
                   find
                   till
                   we
                   turn
                   to
                   ashes
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   silent
                   darkness
                   of
                   the
                   house
                   of
                   worms
                   and
                   bones
                   ,
                   is
                   better
                   than
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   the
                   Sun
                   ,
                   and
                   comfort
                   of
                   the
                   Elements
                   .
                
                 
                   Such
                   is
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   this
                   mortal
                   Life
                   ;
                   This
                   is
                   our
                   portion
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     our
                     lot
                     is
                     this
                  
                   .
                   And
                   these
                   miseries
                   of
                   the
                   present
                   state
                   afford
                   us
                   the
                   comfort
                   of
                   the
                   Conclusion
                   ,
                   That
                   there
                   is
                   another
                   :
                   and
                   that
                   this
                   is
                   not
                   all
                   the
                   Life
                   of
                   man.
                   For
                   God
                   hath
                   made
                   
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   
                     we
                     our selves
                  
                   ;
                   And
                   he
                   is
                   infinitely
                   good
                   ,
                   and
                   infinitely
                   powerful
                   :
                   Absolutely
                   perfect
                   ,
                   and
                   perfection
                   it self
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   his
                   fulness
                   he
                   communicates
                   to
                   his
                   creatures
                   ,
                   and
                   takes
                   infinite
                   pleasure
                   in
                   so
                   doing
                   .
                   This
                   our
                   Reasons
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   common
                   notions
                   of
                   mankind
                   teach
                   us
                   concerning
                   God
                   :
                   And
                   hence
                   it
                   follows
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   hath
                   
                     made
                     nothing
                  
                   to
                   be
                   miserable
                   ;
                   he
                   hath
                   no
                   pleasure
                   in
                   the
                   vexations
                   ,
                   and
                   destruction
                   of
                   the
                   Living
                   ;
                   but
                   
                     made
                     all
                     things
                     that
                     they
                     might
                     enjoy
                     their
                     Being
                     :
                  
                   There
                   can
                   be
                   no
                   envy
                   ,
                   imperfection
                   ,
                   or
                   shadow
                   of
                   evil
                   ,
                   or
                   defect
                   in
                   the
                   fountain
                   of
                   Benignity
                   and
                   fulness
                   .
                   Now
                   He
                   that
                   is
                   so
                   absolutely
                   perfect
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   infinitely
                   good
                   ,
                   hath
                   plac'd
                   us
                   under
                   these
                   circumstances
                   of
                   present
                   infelicity
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   from
                   that
                   goodness
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   perfection
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   argue
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   hath
                   made
                   other
                   provision
                   for
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   
                     Life
                     besides
                  
                   this
                   mortal
                   miserable
                   condition
                   .
                
                 
                   Otherwise
                   ,
                   with
                   how
                   much
                   reason
                   might
                   we
                   expostulate
                   as
                   Job
                   did
                   ,
                   
                     Job
                     3.
                     20.
                     
                     Why
                     was
                     light
                     given
                     unto
                     man
                     ?
                  
                   why
                   was
                   the
                   Sun
                   suffer'd
                   to
                   see
                   a
                   thing
                   so
                   miserable
                   ?
                   why
                   did
                   we
                   not
                   go
                   from
                   the
                   darkness
                   of
                   the
                   Womb
                   to
                   that
                   of
                   the
                   Grave
                   ;
                   and
                   cease
                   to
                   be
                   ,
                   assoon
                   as
                   we
                   had
                   a
                   Being
                   ?
                   Is
                   our
                   Maker
                   pleas'd
                   with
                   our
                   sighs
                   ;
                   or
                   is
                   there
                   any
                   Musick
                   or
                   sweetness
                   to
                   Him
                   in
                   our
                   groans
                   and
                   tears
                   ?
                   Every
                   thing
                   else
                   that
                   he
                   hath
                   made
                   ,
                   is
                   
                   perfect
                   in
                   its
                   kind
                   ,
                   and
                   enjoyes
                   an
                   happiness
                   sutable
                   to
                   its
                   nature
                   :
                   And
                   must
                   ours
                   be
                   the
                   single
                   excepted
                   case
                   ,
                   and
                   man
                   be
                   the
                   only
                   instance
                   of
                   wretchedness
                   and
                   misery
                   ?
                
                 
                   These
                   suppositions
                   are
                   not
                   consistent
                   with
                   the
                   perfections
                   of
                   the
                   Divine
                   nature
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   would
                   be
                   sad
                   realities
                   if
                   
                     this
                     Life
                  
                   were
                   all
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   were
                   nothing
                   else
                   to
                   succeed
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   I
                   prove
                   there
                   is
                   
                     another
                     Life
                  
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   
                     unequal
                     distribution
                  
                   of
                   good
                   and
                   evil
                   in
                   this
                   .
                   The
                   passages
                   of
                   the
                   present
                   world
                   are
                   a
                   very
                   Chaos
                   ;
                   there
                   must
                   be
                   a
                   world
                   of
                   light
                   and
                   order
                   .
                   All
                   things
                   here
                   
                     come
                     alike
                     unto
                     all
                  
                   ,
                   Eccles
                   .
                   9.
                   2.
                   
                   Yea
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   very
                   often
                   a
                   worse
                   event
                   of
                   things
                   to
                   the
                   righteous
                   ,
                   than
                   to
                   the
                   wicked
                   .
                   Treasons
                   and
                   Villanies
                   are
                   crown'd
                   with
                   successful
                   issues
                   :
                   Triumphs
                   and
                   Victories
                   attend
                   the
                   Ensigns
                   of
                   Tyrants
                   and
                   Usurpers
                   ;
                   the
                   Just
                   is
                   made
                   a
                   prey
                   to
                   the
                   Sons
                   of
                   Violence
                   ;
                   and
                   persecuted
                   in
                   his
                   friends
                   and
                   name
                   ,
                   even
                   beyond
                   the
                   Grave
                   ;
                   while
                   the
                   injurious
                   are
                   Courted
                   by
                   smiling
                   successes
                   ,
                   and
                   born
                   to
                   the
                   Stars
                   by
                   flatteries
                   and
                   applauses
                   .
                   They
                   lay
                   down
                   their
                   heads
                   upon
                   peaceful
                   pillows
                   ,
                   and
                   take
                   farewell
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   in
                   solemn
                   and
                   pompous
                   obsequies
                   :
                   When
                   the
                   persecuted
                   Vertue
                   swims
                   in
                   a
                   Sea
                   of
                   blood
                   to
                   the
                   Tomb
                   ,
                   without
                   other
                   ceremony
                   ,
                   than
                   the
                   tears
                   and
                   groans
                   of
                   a
                   ruin'd
                   Family
                   :
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   answer
                   here
                   to
                   the
                   
                   cries
                   of
                   the
                   Fatherless
                   and
                   the
                   Widow
                   ;
                   the
                   Oppressed
                   go
                   down
                   complaining
                   into
                   darkness
                   ;
                   and
                   providence
                   seems
                   as
                   silent
                   as
                   the
                   Grave
                   .
                   Wickedness
                   hath
                   Vertue
                   's
                   Livery
                   and
                   reward
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Patrimony
                   of
                   Innocence
                   is
                   beggery
                   and
                   unhappiness
                   .
                   Providence
                   seems
                   now
                   by
                   glorious
                   successes
                   to
                   countenance
                   the
                   Alchoran
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Tyrant
                   Ottoman
                   spreads
                   his
                   victorious
                   Arms
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   flesh'd
                   in
                   Triumphs
                   .
                   
                     The
                     race
                     is
                     not
                     to
                     the
                     swift
                     ,
                     nor
                     the
                     battel
                     to
                     the
                     strong
                     ,
                     nor
                     bread
                     to
                     men
                     of
                     understanding
                     ,
                  
                   Eccl.
                   9.
                   11.
                   
                   But
                   the
                   things
                   of
                   Earth
                   seem
                   to
                   be
                   distributed
                   by
                   a
                   kind
                   of
                   blind
                   Lottery
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   justifie
                   the
                   conclusion
                   of
                   the
                   Atheist
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   moral
                   world
                   (
                   as
                   he
                   supposeth
                   of
                   the
                   natural
                   )
                   is
                   rul'd
                   by
                   a
                   fortuitous
                   range
                   of
                   undesign'd
                   events
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   things
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   present
                   world
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   Almighty
                   Wisdom
                   and
                   Justice
                   governs
                   and
                   presides
                   over
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   thence
                   we
                   may
                   conclude
                   ,
                   that
                   all
                   things
                   shall
                   
                     at
                     last
                  
                   be
                   clear'd
                   ,
                   and
                   order'd
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   Rules
                   of
                   exactest
                   Justice
                   and
                   Decorum
                   :
                   And
                   since
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   done
                   in
                   this
                   life
                   ,
                   we
                   with
                   much
                   reason
                   expect
                   and
                   believe
                   another
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   see
                   all
                   things
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   of
                   Nature
                   ,
                   are
                   carried
                   on
                   in
                   a
                   beautiful
                   well
                   disposed
                   order
                   :
                   There
                   is
                   harmony
                   and
                   elegance
                   in
                   the
                   motion
                   of
                   the
                   Sun
                   and
                   Stars
                   ;
                   and
                   inferiour
                   creatures
                   are
                   managed
                   by
                   apparent
                   wisdom
                   and
                   contrivance
                   :
                   the
                   Universe
                   is
                   a
                   great
                   beauty
                   ,
                   made
                   up
                   of
                   regular
                   
                   variety
                   ;
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   monstrousness
                   or
                   unbecoming
                   disharmony
                   in
                   nature
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   can
                   we
                   think
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   divine
                   wisdom
                   would
                   be
                   so
                   curious
                   in
                   ordering
                   the
                   world
                   of
                   things
                   below
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   give
                   up
                   his
                   nobler
                   workmanship
                   to
                   eternal
                   confusions
                   and
                   disorders
                   ?
                
                 
                   No
                   ,
                   certainly
                   ,
                   He
                   that
                   gives
                   the
                   hungry
                   Beasts
                   their
                   meat
                   in
                   
                     due
                     season
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   sends
                   his
                   showers
                   at
                   the
                   appointed
                   time
                   ,
                   to
                   refresh
                   the
                   dry
                   and
                   parched
                   ground
                   ;
                   He
                   that
                   waters
                   the
                   Spring
                   with
                   his
                   seasonable
                   dews
                   ,
                   and
                   ripens
                   the
                   Fruit
                   with
                   his
                   benign
                   beams
                   ;
                   He
                   that
                   teacheth
                   the
                   Rivers
                   when
                   they
                   shall
                   overflow
                   ;
                   and
                   hath
                   made
                   the
                   swelling
                   Ocean
                   know
                   its
                   bounds
                   and
                   limits
                   :
                   will
                   doubtless
                   take
                   care
                   that
                   Vertue
                   shall
                   
                     at
                     last
                  
                   be
                   happy
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   the
                   wicked
                   shall
                   receive
                   the
                   due
                   reward
                   of
                   their
                   impieties
                   .
                   The
                   present
                   disorders
                   are
                   but
                   preparations
                   for
                   that
                   state
                   of
                   order
                   ,
                   and
                   like
                   the
                   rude
                   dashes
                   and
                   rudiments
                   of
                   a
                   Picture
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   of
                   the
                   arguments
                   I
                   propos'd
                   from
                   the
                   
                     First
                     General
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   Phaenomena
                   or
                   Observables
                   of
                   the
                   World.
                   
                
                 
                   I
                   descend
                   to
                   the
                   SECOND
                   ,
                   the
                   Frame
                   and
                   Constitution
                   of
                   our
                   
                     own
                     natures
                  
                   .
                   And
                   under
                   this
                   ,
                   shall
                   consider
                   our
                   
                     Reasons
                     ,
                     Passions
                     ,
                     Appetites
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Instincts
                   :
                   from
                   each
                   of
                   which
                   I
                   shall
                   infer
                   something
                   for
                   the
                   proof
                   of
                   a
                   future
                   Being
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   I
                   begin
                   I.
                   with
                   our
                   Faculty
                   of
                   Reason
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   a
                   noble
                   power
                   ,
                   and
                   exercis'd
                   not
                   only
                   about
                   the
                   matters
                   of
                   the
                   body
                   ,
                   but
                   upon
                   the
                   highest
                   and
                   noblest
                   objects
                   ;
                   in
                   a
                   way
                   that
                   is
                   rais'd
                   ,
                   and
                   spiritual
                   ,
                   and
                   shews
                   a
                   capacity
                   of
                   far
                   greater
                   heights
                   and
                   improvements
                   :
                   Which
                   exercises
                   ,
                   and
                   perfections
                   prove
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   design'd
                   for
                   more
                   than
                   this
                   poor
                   mortal
                   condition
                   .
                   For
                   if
                   this
                   be
                   all
                   the
                   Life
                   of
                   man
                   ,
                   his
                   end
                   and
                   happiness
                   would
                   then
                   be
                   only
                   to
                   provide
                   for
                   the
                   body
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   gratification
                   of
                   its
                   Senses
                   :
                   And
                   if
                   we
                   were
                   made
                   for
                   
                     no
                     more
                  
                   than
                   this
                   ,
                   our
                   Reasons
                   are
                   a
                   superfluous
                   provision
                   in
                   nature
                   :
                   For
                   what
                   need
                   of
                   the
                   Notions
                   of
                   a
                   
                     God
                     ,
                     Universals
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Abstracted
                   Theories
                   ;
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   the
                   filling
                   of
                   our
                   bellies
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   pleasing
                   of
                   our
                   Senses
                   ?
                   What
                   need
                   of
                   a
                   power
                   of
                   drawing
                   one
                   thing
                   from
                   another
                   in
                   a
                   chain
                   of
                   long
                   dependances
                   ;
                   if
                   we
                   had
                   nothing
                   to
                   do
                   but
                   to
                   eat
                   ,
                   and
                   drink
                   ,
                   and
                   laugh
                   ,
                   and
                   die
                   ?
                   The
                   eye
                   cannot
                   be
                   entertain'd
                   upon
                   abstracted
                   notions
                   ;
                   nor
                   the
                   palate
                   feasted
                   upon
                   Geometrick
                   subtilties
                   ;
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   Musick
                   to
                   the
                   ear
                   in
                   any
                   demonstration
                   of
                   Euclid
                   ,
                   nor
                   any
                   recreation
                   to
                   the
                   Senses
                   in
                   spiritual
                   contemplations
                   .
                
                 
                   Yea
                   high
                   and
                   intense
                   exercise
                   of
                   our
                   reasons
                   is
                   so
                   far
                   from
                   being
                   serviceable
                   in
                   such
                   low
                   offices
                   and
                   pleasures
                   ,
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   prejudicial
                   to
                   them
                   ;
                   for
                   it
                   spends
                   the
                   Spirits
                   ,
                   mortifies
                   the
                   body
                   ,
                   and
                   
                   flats
                   the
                   pleasure
                   of
                   the
                   Senses
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   if
                   this
                   were
                   our
                   only
                   state
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   advantages
                   of
                   the
                   body
                   our
                   end
                   and
                   happiness
                   ,
                   our
                   reasons
                   then
                   are
                   not
                   only
                   needless
                   but
                   hurtful
                   ;
                   especially
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   employ'd
                   upon
                   the
                   highest
                   and
                   noblest
                   objects
                   .
                
                 
                   Besides
                   ,
                   'T
                   is
                   not
                   agreeing
                   with
                   the
                   divine
                   wisdom
                   ,
                   as
                   't
                   is
                   discover'd
                   in
                   the
                   whole
                   Analogy
                   of
                   things
                   ,
                   to
                   make
                   such
                   noble
                   faculties
                   for
                   so
                   low
                   and
                   mean
                   services
                   :
                   All
                   things
                   have
                   their
                   proportion
                   in
                   the
                   oeconomy
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   in
                   
                     number
                     ,
                     weight
                  
                   and
                   measure
                   :
                   every
                   thing
                   is
                   suited
                   to
                   its
                   design
                   and
                   end
                   :
                   And
                   hence
                   we
                   may
                   conclude
                   that
                   our
                   Reasons
                   were
                   intended
                   for
                   more
                   than
                   the
                   little
                   business
                   of
                   this
                   inferiour
                   life
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   another
                   in
                   which
                   it
                   shall
                   be
                   becomingly
                   employ'd
                   ,
                   and
                   gloriously
                   improv'd
                   .
                
                 
                   II.
                   Our
                   Passions
                   in
                   the
                   present
                   temper
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   afford
                   us
                   evidence
                   of
                   another
                   Life
                   and
                   Being
                   .
                   As
                   to
                   which
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   consider
                   them
                   ,
                   (
                   1
                   )
                   in
                   their
                   
                     natural
                     disorders
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   in
                   the
                   regulation
                   of
                   them
                   by
                   reason
                   and
                   vertue
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Let
                   us
                   reflect
                   a
                   little
                   upon
                   their
                   present
                   disorders
                   .
                   In
                   our
                   first
                   and
                   growing
                   years
                   we
                   are
                   unavoidably
                   led
                   by
                   Sense
                   and
                   bodily
                   affections
                   :
                   and
                   before
                   Reason
                   comes
                   to
                   any
                   considerable
                   degree
                   of
                   exercise
                   ,
                   our
                   passions
                   are
                   commonly
                   too
                   strong
                   to
                   be
                   govern'd
                   by
                   it
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   they
                   maintain
                   war
                   
                   against
                   the
                   Laws
                   of
                   the
                   mind
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     lead
                     us
                     into
                     captivity
                     to
                     the
                     Law
                     of
                     sin
                     and
                     death
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   7.
                   
                   They
                   fight
                   against
                   reason
                   and
                   one
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   a
                   tempestuous
                   troubled
                   Sea
                   within
                   us
                   ,
                   Isa
                   .
                   27.
                   20.
                   so
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   driven
                   by
                   them
                   upon
                   Rocks
                   and
                   quicksands
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   peace
                   and
                   happiness
                   is
                   made
                   a
                   prey
                   to
                   the
                   waves
                   ,
                   Isa
                   .
                   48.
                   22.
                   
                   All
                   the
                   evils
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   bear
                   testimony
                   to
                   this
                   Reign
                   of
                   passion
                   :
                   and
                   the
                   History
                   of
                   all
                   ages
                   is
                   full
                   of
                   the
                   sad
                   issues
                   of
                   violent
                   affections
                   .
                
                 
                   Which
                   things
                   do
                   plainly
                   prove
                   ,
                   that
                   this
                   is
                   not
                   the
                   only
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   proper
                   Life
                   of
                   man.
                   For
                   certainly
                   Reason
                   was
                   intended
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   
                     ruling
                     principle
                  
                   in
                   reasonable
                   creatures
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   Reign
                   of
                   passion
                   is
                   an
                   usurpation
                   in
                   our
                   natures
                   ,
                   that
                   must
                   not
                   last
                   always
                   .
                   Passion
                   is
                   well
                   defin'd
                   by
                   Zeno
                   to
                   be
                   an
                   
                     unnatural
                     ,
                     over-boiling
                     motion
                  
                   :
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   credible
                   ,
                   that
                   reasonable
                   creatures
                   should
                   during
                   their
                   whole
                   being
                   ,
                   continue
                   under
                   violent
                   hurries
                   ,
                   and
                   brutish
                   force
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   suppos'd
                   that
                   our
                   light
                   shall
                   always
                   be
                   darkned
                   in
                   an
                   Eclipse
                   ,
                   and
                   muffled
                   up
                   in
                   clouds
                   ;
                   the
                   Moon
                   and
                   Stars
                   may
                   rule
                   the
                   night
                   ,
                   but
                   if
                   there
                   be
                   a
                   Sun
                   there
                   must
                   be
                   a
                   day
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   it
                   shall
                   govern
                   .
                   Reason
                   will
                   have
                   
                     its
                     time
                  
                   of
                   Rule
                   ;
                   as
                   Sense
                   and
                   Passion
                   have
                   had
                   theirs
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   must
                   be
                   in
                   another
                   world
                   ,
                   for
                   there
                   is
                   but
                   little
                   of
                   it
                   in
                   this
                   .
                   I
                   say
                   little
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   but
                   some
                   there
                   is
                   ▪
                   and
                   the
                   Empire
                   of
                   Conscience
                   is
                   begun
                   in
                   
                   the
                   vertuous
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   other
                   thing
                   in
                   the
                   temper
                   of
                   our
                   Passions
                   to
                   be
                   consider'd
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   Regulation
                   of
                   them
                   by
                   vertue
                   and
                   Reason
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   beginning
                   of
                   a
                   new
                   Life
                   ;
                   a
                   Life
                   proper
                   for
                   men
                   ;
                   which
                   in
                   the
                   best
                   is
                   weak
                   and
                   defective
                   here
                   ;
                   and
                   arrives
                   not
                   to
                   any
                   very
                   considerable
                   height
                   of
                   perfection
                   ;
                   hence
                   also
                   we
                   may
                   conclude
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   another
                   Life
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   those
                   divine
                   inchoations
                   shall
                   be
                   compleated
                   .
                   For
                   as
                   from
                   the
                   obscure
                   discoveries
                   of
                   Sense
                   ,
                   in
                   an
                   Infant
                   in
                   the
                   Womb
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   argue
                   there
                   is
                   another
                   state
                   ,
                   wherein
                   the
                   sensitive
                   faculties
                   that
                   have
                   begun
                   to
                   shew
                   themselves
                   ,
                   shall
                   act
                   with
                   more
                   advantage
                   and
                   perfection
                   ;
                   In
                   like
                   manner
                   those
                   Essayes
                   of
                   the
                   soul
                   towards
                   a
                   better
                   Life
                   in
                   the
                   vertuous
                   ,
                   is
                   an
                   Argument
                   that
                   indeed
                   there
                   
                     is
                     one
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   this
                   present
                   state
                   is
                   but
                   the
                   Womb
                   of
                   the
                   future
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   are
                   the
                   first
                   draughts
                   of
                   the
                   divine
                   nature
                   ,
                   and
                   Image
                   ;
                   and
                   God
                   will
                   not
                   suffer
                   it
                   to
                   die
                   in
                   imperfect
                   rudiments
                   .
                   The
                   blushes
                   of
                   the
                   morning
                   are
                   an
                   earnest
                   of
                   an
                   ensuing
                   day
                   .
                   The
                   Chaldee
                   Oracles
                   call
                   these
                   the
                   Tokens
                   and
                   Symbols
                   that
                   God
                   hath
                   inserted
                   in
                   the
                   Soul
                   ;
                   they
                   are
                   the
                   first-fruits
                   ,
                   and
                   no
                   doubt
                   the
                   harvest
                   will
                   follow
                   .
                   The
                   tendencies
                   of
                   lower
                   nature
                   do
                   not
                   use
                   to
                   be
                   altogether
                   in
                   vain
                   ;
                   much
                   less
                   shall
                   the
                   beginnings
                   of
                   the
                   divine
                   Life
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   resemblances
                   of
                   the
                   
                   immortal
                   Deity
                   .
                   
                     All
                     life
                     is
                     immortal
                  
                   ,
                   saith
                   Plato
                   ,
                   and
                   certainly
                   the
                   seed
                   of
                   this
                   noble
                   and
                   spiritual
                   one
                   shall
                   not
                   perish
                   .
                   God
                   will
                   not
                   leave
                   his
                   
                     Image
                     in
                     the
                     grave
                  
                   ,
                   nor
                   suffer
                   this
                   spark
                   of
                   him
                   to
                   
                     see
                     corruption
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   summ
                   is
                   ,
                   The
                   Regulation
                   and
                   Government
                   of
                   Passion
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   new
                   Life
                   begun
                   ;
                   the
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   true
                   ,
                   proper
                   rational
                   Life
                   (
                   as
                   Plotinus
                   calls
                   it
                   )
                   but
                   in
                   this
                   world
                   't
                   is
                   very
                   incompleat
                   and
                   defective
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   there
                   is
                   another
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   it
                   shall
                   grow
                   up
                   to
                   the
                   fulness
                   of
                   its
                   stature
                   and
                   perfection
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   come
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   argue
                   the
                   same
                   ,
                   III.
                   From
                   our
                   Desires
                   and
                   Appetites
                   in
                   two
                   instances
                   ,
                   viz.
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Their
                   dissatisfactions
                   with
                   the
                   things
                   of
                   the
                   present
                   World
                   ;
                   and
                   (
                   2
                   )
                   some
                   Tendencies
                   of
                   them
                   towards
                   another
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   I
                   begin
                   with
                   the
                   unsatisfiedness
                   of
                   them
                   .
                   Our
                   desires
                   are
                   too
                   wide
                   for
                   our
                   enjoyments
                   ;
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   thirst
                   in
                   the
                   soul
                   that
                   is
                   unsatiable
                   .
                   When
                   we
                   have
                   one
                   thing
                   we
                   want
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   appetites
                   are
                   always
                   craving
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   not
                   bread
                   for
                   the
                   
                     hungry
                     soul
                  
                   ,
                   nor
                   any
                   fitting
                   entertainment
                   on
                   this
                   side
                   the
                   Sun
                   :
                   We
                   flatter
                   our selves
                   with
                   fancied
                   satisfactions
                   at
                   distance
                   ,
                   but
                   when
                   we
                   come
                   near
                   we
                   find
                   not
                   the
                   happiness
                   and
                   content
                   we
                   expected
                   .
                   And
                   as
                   Children
                   think
                   that
                   at
                   such
                   a
                   Hill
                   they
                   should
                   touch
                   the
                   Skies
                   :
                   so
                   we
                   
                   phancy
                   that
                   in
                   compassing
                   such
                   ,
                   or
                   such
                   designs
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   happy
                   ;
                   but
                   when
                   that
                   is
                   done
                   ,
                   we
                   see
                   as
                   much
                   beyond
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   learn
                   that
                   in
                   appetities
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   Term
                   or
                   Horizon
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   these
                   dissatisfactions
                   with
                   the
                   things
                   of
                   the
                   present
                   world
                   (
                   which
                   are
                   no
                   sullen
                   or
                   Cynick
                   humours
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   complaint
                   of
                   all
                   mankind
                   (
                   afford
                   an
                   Argument
                   of
                   much
                   probability
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   were
                   not
                   made
                   for
                   this
                   state
                   only
                   ;
                   nor
                   chiefly
                   for
                   it
                   .
                   For
                   all
                   Faculties
                   are
                   satisfied
                   with
                   the
                   due
                   measures
                   of
                   their
                   proper
                   objects
                   ;
                   and
                   every
                   thing
                   rests
                   in
                   its
                   own
                   Element
                   :
                   And
                   therefore
                   the
                   restlesness
                   and
                   inquietudes
                   of
                   men
                   in
                   the
                   present
                   Life
                   are
                   an
                   Argument
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   yet
                   where
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   we
                   were
                   design'd
                   to
                   live
                   again
                   in
                   another
                   :
                   Which
                   reason
                   we
                   may
                   improve
                   by
                   this
                   further
                   observation
                   :
                   namely
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   better
                   any
                   man
                   is
                   ,
                   the
                   less
                   he
                   is
                   pleased
                   with
                   these
                   perishing
                   enjoyments
                   .
                   The
                   noise
                   of
                   Fame
                   ,
                   the
                   pleasures
                   of
                   Sense
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   pageantry
                   of
                   worldly
                   greatness
                   ,
                   are
                   to
                   Him
                   like
                   the
                   Rattles
                   and
                   Cherrystones
                   of
                   his
                   Child-hood
                   ;
                   He
                   hath
                   lost
                   his
                   taste
                   and
                   relish
                   of
                   such
                   entertainments
                   .
                   And
                   now
                   ,
                   if
                   all
                   the
                   delights
                   and
                   comforts
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   expect
                   ,
                   were
                   of
                   this
                   sort
                   ,
                   the
                   best
                   men
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   worst
                   condition
                   ,
                   in
                   losing
                   all
                   their
                   share
                   of
                   their
                   proper
                   pleasure
                   and
                   felicity
                   ;
                   and
                   living
                   
                     without
                     taste
                  
                   among
                   so
                   many
                   relishing
                   enjoyments
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   Bent
                   of
                   the
                   desires
                   of
                   Good
                   men
                   
                     towards
                     another
                     world
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   probable
                   inducement
                   to
                   believe
                   ,
                   
                     There
                     is
                     another
                  
                   .
                   Indeed
                   the
                   greatest
                   part
                   of
                   mankind
                   is
                   so
                   miserably
                   sunk
                   into
                   earth
                   and
                   sense
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   feel
                   no
                   such
                   tendencies
                   or
                   propensions
                   ,
                   but
                   rather
                   averseness
                   to
                   all
                   things
                   that
                   do
                   not
                   gratifie
                   the
                   body
                   ,
                   and
                   serve
                   its
                   interests
                   :
                   But
                   yet
                   there
                   are
                   those
                   who
                   have
                   strong
                   inclinations
                   towards
                   another
                   Life
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   
                     more
                     vertuous
                  
                   any
                   man
                   is
                   ,
                   the
                   earnester
                   will
                   his
                   desires
                   be
                   after
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   Immortality
                   :
                   which
                   importunities
                   and
                   cravings
                   of
                   their
                   souls
                   ,
                   give
                   us
                   some
                   ground
                   to
                   think
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   another
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   objects
                   in
                   it
                   suited
                   to
                   their
                   desires
                   :
                   Otherwise
                   those
                   appetites
                   would
                   be
                   in
                   vain
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   best
                   would
                   be
                   
                     most
                     miserable
                  
                   ,
                   while
                   they
                   quitted
                   other
                   satisfactions
                   ,
                   and
                   grasp'd
                   after
                   air
                   and
                   delusion
                   ,
                
                 
                   I
                   come
                   now
                   to
                   the
                   last
                   head
                   of
                   proof
                   .
                
                 
                   IV.
                   Our
                   Instincts
                   ;
                   or
                   some
                   
                     natural
                     propensions
                  
                   of
                   universal
                   mankind
                   .
                   The
                   instances
                   I
                   shall
                   name
                   are
                   two
                   ,
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   The
                   general
                   belief
                   and
                   acknowledgement
                   of
                   another
                   Life
                   .
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   The
                   common
                   desire
                   of
                   Memory
                   after
                   death
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   For
                   the
                   first
                   ,
                   the
                   Doctrine
                   of
                   a
                   
                     Life
                     to
                     Come
                  
                   ,
                   hath
                   not
                   been
                   the
                   opinion
                   only
                   of
                   concern'd
                   Priests
                   ,
                   or
                   designing
                   Politicians
                   ;
                   of
                   melancholy
                   Superstitionists
                   ,
                   or
                   distracted
                   Enthusiasts
                   .
                   It
                   hath
                   not
                   been
                   the
                   conceit
                   of
                   a
                   single
                   Age
                   ,
                   nor
                   confin'd
                   
                   within
                   the
                   limits
                   of
                   one
                   Country
                   or
                   Region
                   ,
                   but
                   is
                   as
                   general
                   as
                   the
                   Light
                   ,
                   and
                   spread
                   as
                   far
                   as
                   the
                   utmost
                   bounds
                   of
                   the
                   reasonable
                   nature
                   .
                   For
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   strangers
                   to
                   one
                   another
                   Laws
                   and
                   Customs
                   ,
                   and
                   as
                   different
                   in
                   their
                   natures
                   as
                   they
                   are
                   distant
                   in
                   their
                   Climes
                   ;
                   yet
                   all
                   alike
                   concur
                   in
                   the
                   expectation
                   ,
                   and
                   belief
                   of
                   a
                   future
                   Being
                   .
                   The
                   cold
                   Russian
                   ,
                   and
                   scorch'd
                   Moor
                   ;
                   the
                   barbarous
                   American
                   ,
                   and
                   spruce
                   Graecian
                   ;
                   the
                   soft
                   Chinese
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   rough
                   Tartar
                   ,
                   though
                   vastly
                   different
                   in
                   all
                   other
                   things
                   ,
                   yet
                   they
                   agree
                   in
                   
                     this
                     ,
                     That
                     there
                     is
                     another
                     world
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   immortal
                   .
                   And
                   't
                   is
                   the
                   observation
                   of
                   Pliny
                   ,
                   that
                   those
                   barbarous
                   people
                   that
                   have
                   neither
                   Cloathes
                   to
                   cover
                   their
                   nakedness
                   ,
                   nor
                   Laws
                   for
                   a
                   common
                   security
                   ;
                   that
                   live
                   by
                   the
                   Rules
                   of
                   ferity
                   and
                   lust
                   ,
                   and
                   differ
                   from
                   the
                   Beasts
                   ,
                   seemingly
                   ,
                   in
                   little
                   else
                   but
                   external
                   shape
                   ;
                   that
                   have
                   neither
                   Towns
                   nor
                   Houses
                   ,
                   and
                   but
                   
                     just
                     reason
                  
                   enough
                   to
                   provide
                   for
                   the
                   necessities
                   of
                   nature
                   ;
                   yet
                   these
                   live
                   in
                   expectation
                   and
                   belief
                   of
                   a
                   
                     Life
                     after
                     this
                  
                   ;
                   And
                   the
                   latter
                   improvements
                   of
                   Navigation
                   ,
                   and
                   remote
                   discoveries
                   ,
                   confirm
                   the
                   same
                   in
                   the
                   farthest
                   darkest
                   parts
                   of
                   the
                   habitable
                   Earth
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   this
                   
                     general
                     effect
                  
                   must
                   have
                   some
                   
                     general
                     cause
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   cannot
                   be
                   any
                   general
                   deception
                   ;
                   For
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   morally
                   possible
                   ,
                   that
                   those
                   who
                   are
                   at
                   so
                   vast
                   a
                   distance
                   in
                   place
                   ,
                   and
                   nature
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   
                   other
                   circumstances
                   ,
                   should
                   agree
                   in
                   a
                   common
                   deceit
                   ,
                   and
                   jump
                   in
                   the
                   same
                   imposture
                   .
                   It
                   must
                   arise
                   then
                   either
                   from
                   some
                   universal
                   
                     explicite
                     Revelation
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   an
                   universal
                   Instinct
                   ,
                   or
                   voice
                   of
                   nature
                   .
                   If
                   the
                   former
                   be
                   granted
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   full
                   proof
                   of
                   the
                   assertion
                   :
                   or
                   if
                   that
                   be
                   not
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   the
                   other
                   ,
                   which
                   seems
                   most
                   probable
                   ,
                   viz.
                   that
                   God
                   hath
                   inserted
                   it
                   into
                   our
                   reasonable
                   natures
                   ;
                   or
                   by
                   his
                   providence
                   hath
                   conveyed
                   it
                   into
                   the
                   minds
                   of
                   all
                   men
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   Tantamont
                   unto
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   so
                   we
                   are
                   carried
                   to
                   this
                   belief
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   Lamb
                   is
                   to
                   the
                   Dugg
                   :
                   or
                   other
                   creatures
                   to
                   the
                   food
                   or
                   work
                   of
                   their
                   particular
                   natures
                   .
                
                 
                   On
                   this
                   account
                   Aristotle
                   sets
                   it
                   down
                   for
                   a
                   Rule
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   Cicero
                   saith
                   the
                   same
                   ,
                   
                     Quod
                     omnibus
                     videtur
                     ,
                     est
                  
                   .
                   That
                   which
                   seems
                   to
                   all
                   ,
                   is
                   .
                   For
                   what
                   ever
                   is
                   so
                   universal
                   ,
                   is
                   from
                   God
                   ,
                   who
                   cannot
                   deceive
                   ,
                   or
                   be
                   mistaken
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   desire
                   of
                   Memory
                   after
                   death
                   is
                   an
                   Instinct
                   in
                   mankind
                   :
                   and
                   whether
                   the
                   former
                   be
                   so
                   properly
                   ,
                   or
                   not
                   ,
                   this
                   is
                   certainly
                   such
                   :
                   All
                   way
                   have
                   been
                   taken
                   to
                   perpetuate
                   mens
                   Names
                   and
                   Memories
                   ;
                   Children
                   and
                   great
                   Houses
                   ,
                   and
                   noble
                   Deeds
                   ,
                   and
                   Books
                   ,
                   and
                   Monuments
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   and
                   as
                   if
                   Earth
                   wanted
                   things
                   sufficiently
                   lasting
                   to
                   satisfie
                   this
                   appetite
                   of
                   Immortality
                   ;
                   men
                   have
                   placed
                   themselves
                   in
                   the
                   regions
                   of
                   incorruption
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   called
                   the
                   Stars
                   
                     by
                     their
                     own
                     names
                  
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   Now
                   this
                   universal
                   thirst
                   after
                   such
                   an
                   
                     imaginary
                     Immortality
                  
                   is
                   an
                   inducement
                   to
                   believe
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   a
                   
                     real
                     one
                  
                   :
                   Since
                   did
                   we
                   cease
                   to
                   be
                   ,
                   assoon
                   as
                   we
                   die
                   and
                   disappear
                   to
                   this
                   world
                   ,
                   such
                   an
                   appetite
                   would
                   be
                   unreasonable
                   and
                   ridiculous
                   :
                   For
                   why
                   should
                   we
                   desire
                   a
                   precarious
                   being
                   in
                   a
                   name
                   and
                   memory
                   ,
                   if
                   our
                   
                     true
                     selves
                  
                   were
                   so
                   shortly
                   to
                   be
                   nothing
                   ?
                   Of
                   what
                   concernment
                   is
                   it
                   to
                   us
                   to
                   be
                   remembred
                   ,
                   if
                   in
                   a
                   few
                   days
                   all
                   things
                   should
                   be
                   forgotten
                   for
                   ever
                   :
                   and
                   we
                   were
                   to
                   go
                   into
                   an
                   eternal
                   silence
                   and
                   oblivion
                   ?
                   What
                   would
                   a
                   Stone
                   be
                   the
                   better
                   for
                   being
                   accounted
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   Ancient
                   Pillars
                   of
                   Seth
                   ?
                   or
                   a
                   piece
                   of
                   wood
                   in
                   beeing
                   esteemed
                   a
                   Sacred
                   Relique
                   of
                   the
                   Cross
                   ?
                   The
                   summ
                   is
                   ,
                   Mankind
                   hath
                   an
                   appetite
                   of
                   
                     posthumous
                     Memory
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   would
                   be
                   senseless
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   
                     no
                     purpose
                  
                   if
                   there
                   be
                   
                     no
                     Life
                  
                   but
                   this
                   :
                   Now
                   
                     God
                     implants
                  
                   no
                   Instincts
                   in
                   his
                   creatures
                   that
                   are
                   futilous
                   and
                   
                     in
                     vain
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   hence
                   also
                   we
                   may
                   conclude
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   
                     is
                     a
                     Future
                     Being
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   have
                   now
                   done
                   with
                   the
                   Arguments
                   on
                   which
                   I
                   intended
                   to
                   insist
                   :
                   After
                   all
                   ,
                   I
                   cannot
                   say
                   that
                   each
                   of
                   them
                   is
                   an
                   absolute
                   demonstration
                   ;
                   or
                   that
                   the
                   evidence
                   of
                   
                     every
                     one
                  
                   is
                   such
                   as
                   is
                   impossible
                   to
                   be
                   avoided
                   :
                   there
                   are
                   few
                   proofs
                   of
                   that
                   nature
                   :
                   But
                   this
                   I
                   do
                   ,
                   that
                   all
                   of
                   them
                   together
                   will
                   ,
                   I
                   think
                   ,
                   make
                   a
                   cord
                   hardly
                   to
                   be
                   broken
                   :
                   And
                   
                     these
                     considerations
                  
                   in
                   conjunction
                   may
                   amount
                   to
                   a
                   
                   
                     moral
                     demonstration
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   force
                   enough
                   to
                   obtain
                   assent
                   from
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   stupid
                   or
                   unreasonable
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   yet
                   the
                   strongest
                   proofs
                   are
                   those
                   from
                   the
                   Scripture
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   Arguments
                   that
                   demonstrate
                   the
                   Truth
                   of
                   Christianity
                   ,
                   prove
                   also
                   the
                   certainly
                   of
                   a
                   
                     Life
                     after
                     this
                  
                   .
                   For
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   great
                   designs
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Jesus
                  
                   ,
                   was
                   to
                   bring
                   Immortality
                   to
                   light
                   ,
                   and
                   (
                   as
                   I
                   noted
                   before
                   )
                   he
                   gave
                   
                     visible
                     evidence
                  
                   of
                   a
                   future
                   existence
                   by
                   his
                   
                     own
                     Resurrection
                  
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   those
                   that
                   could
                   not
                   reason
                   and
                   dispute
                   ,
                   and
                   see
                   truth
                   at
                   distance
                   in
                   principles
                   ,
                   might
                   however
                   be
                   convinced
                   by
                   a
                   Demonstration
                   to
                   the
                   Sense
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   that
                   could
                   not
                   be
                   fully
                   assured
                   by
                   the
                   reasonings
                   of
                   Philosophers
                   ,
                   which
                   many
                   of
                   them
                   were
                   very
                   deep
                   ,
                   and
                   many
                   uncertain
                   ,
                   and
                   many
                   unsound
                   and
                   false
                   ,
                   might
                   yet
                   be
                   perswaded
                   by
                   the
                   miracles
                   which
                   were
                   wrought
                   by
                   Christ
                   and
                   his
                   Apostles
                   to
                   confirm
                   those
                   Doctrines
                   ,
                   which
                   they
                   taught
                   ,
                   of
                   rewards
                   and
                   punishments
                   in
                   
                     another
                     Life
                  
                   ;
                   And
                   that
                   there
                   are
                   such
                   ,
                   every
                   thing
                   in
                   the
                   whole
                   Gospel
                   either
                   supposeth
                   or
                   proves
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   are
                   the
                   clearest
                   and
                   best
                   evidence
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   are
                   such
                   as
                   are
                   obvious
                   to
                   every
                   understanding
                   ,
                   and
                   cannot
                   receive
                   more
                   light
                   than
                   what
                   they
                   have
                   at
                   first
                   fight
                   in
                   themselves
                   :
                   I
                   therefore
                   omit
                   
                     that
                     sort
                  
                   of
                   proof
                   ,
                   as
                   not
                   needed
                   by
                   those
                   that
                   embrace
                   the
                   Scripture
                   ;
                   and
                   for
                   others
                   that
                   believe
                   it
                   not
                   ,
                   the
                   
                   Reasons
                   taken
                   thence
                   will
                   be
                   of
                   no
                   force
                   with
                   such
                   men
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   have
                   also
                   designedly
                   omitted
                   the
                   Arguments
                   that
                   arise
                   from
                   the
                   nature
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Soul
                     ,
                     Philosophically
                  
                   consider'd
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   reason
                   mention'd
                   in
                   the
                   beginning
                   ,
                   viz.
                   because
                   they
                   are
                   speculative
                   and
                   nice
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   not
                   proper
                   for
                   such
                   discourses
                   as
                   this
                   ;
                   nor
                   are
                   they
                   usually
                   of
                   much
                   force
                   upon
                   the
                   mind
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   Come
                   II.
                   to
                   shew
                   the
                   Causes
                   and
                   Occasions
                   of
                   mens
                   not
                   believing
                   a
                   future
                   state
                   .
                   The
                   chief
                   are
                   such
                   as
                   these
                   ,
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   The
                   Wickedness
                   and
                   Debauchery
                   of
                   the
                   Unbelievers
                   :
                   the
                   horrid
                   sins
                   of
                   their
                   present
                   lives
                   make
                   them
                   afraid
                   of
                   another
                   .
                   They
                   are
                   resolv'd
                   on
                   the
                   course
                   of
                   vanity
                   and
                   folly
                   while
                   they
                   live
                   ,
                   and
                   would
                   have
                   all
                   to
                   
                     end
                     here
                  
                   .
                   They
                   will
                   crown
                   themselves
                   with
                   Rosebuds
                   ,
                   and
                   leave
                   tokens
                   of
                   their
                   mirth
                   in
                   
                     every
                     place
                  
                   ;
                   they
                   'l
                   let
                   no
                   Flower
                   of
                   the
                   Spring
                   pass
                   
                     by
                     them
                  
                   ,
                   nor
                   lose
                   any
                   part
                   of
                   voluptuousness
                   :
                   and
                   this
                   they
                   would
                   have
                   to
                   be
                   their
                   
                     whole
                     portion
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   
                     only
                     lot
                  
                   to
                   be
                   this
                   .
                   Away
                   then
                   ye
                   melancholick
                   dreams
                   ,
                   and
                   troublesome
                   fancies
                   of
                   another
                   world
                   !
                   ye
                   are
                   an
                   offence
                   unto
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   savour
                   not
                   the
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   of
                   jollity
                   and
                   good
                   humour
                   :
                   ye
                   damp
                   our
                   joyes
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   bitterness
                   into
                   the
                   sweetest
                   draught
                   of
                   pleasure
                   :
                   Therefore
                   away
                   to
                   Cloysters
                   and
                   Cells
                   ;
                   and
                   dwell
                   
                   there
                   among
                   the
                   superstitious
                   and
                   the
                   ignorant
                   ;
                   but
                   leave
                   us
                   the
                   liberty
                   of
                   our
                   thoughts
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   satisfaction
                   of
                   our
                   enjoyments
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   reasoning
                   ,
                   if
                   not
                   the
                   language
                   of
                   the
                   Sadducee
                   .
                   He
                   is
                   not
                   willing
                   that
                   there
                   should
                   be
                   another
                   Life
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   perswades
                   himself
                   that
                   there
                   
                     is
                     not
                     any
                  
                   :
                   He
                   would
                   not
                   meet
                   himself
                   again
                   ,
                   nor
                   have
                   such
                   a
                   restraint
                   upon
                   his
                   appetites
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   dread
                   of
                   an
                   
                     after-reckoning
                     .
                     The
                     fool
                     hath
                     said
                     in
                     his
                     heart
                     ,
                     there
                     is
                     no
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   Psal
                   .
                   14.
                   1.
                   it
                   follows
                   ,
                   
                     They
                     are
                     become
                     abominable
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   Vice
                   is
                   at
                   the
                   root
                   of
                   Atheism
                   and
                   unbelief
                   :
                   Sensuality
                   drowns
                   all
                   the
                   noble
                   conceptions
                   of
                   the
                   Soul
                   ,
                   and
                   fills
                   it
                   with
                   foul
                   and
                   bestial
                   imaginations
                   .
                   It
                   ties
                   mens
                   thoughts
                   down
                   to
                   present
                   and
                   sensible
                   things
                   ,
                   and
                   hinders
                   their
                   prospect
                   into
                   the
                   Regions
                   of
                   Immortality
                   .
                   It
                   makes
                   them
                   like
                   to
                   the
                   objects
                   of
                   their
                   pleasures
                   ,
                   and
                   renders
                   them
                   unable
                   to
                   resent
                   future
                   and
                   spiritual
                   satisfactions
                   ;
                   they
                   can
                   form
                   no
                   Idea
                   of
                   any
                   thing
                   agreeable
                   to
                   them
                   in
                   the
                   other
                   world
                   :
                   all
                   things
                   there
                   are
                   uneasie
                   and
                   unrelishing
                   at
                   the
                   best
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   worst
                   is
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   endured
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   they
                   bend
                   their
                   force
                   to
                   erase
                   all
                   impressions
                   of
                   so
                   ungrateful
                   a
                   Doctrine
                   ;
                   in
                   which
                   ,
                   at
                   last
                   ,
                   through
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   their
                   endeavours
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   co-operation
                   of
                   Satan
                   ,
                   they
                   effectually
                   prevail
                   ;
                   and
                   cast
                   off
                   all
                   belief
                   and
                   expectation
                   of
                   any
                   future
                   Being
                   .
                   Another
                   cause
                   of
                   which
                   is
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Vain-glory
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   proud
                   affectation
                   to
                   be
                   something
                   
                     extraordinary
                     .
                     Vain
                     men
                     would
                     be
                     Wits
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   soar
                   above
                   the
                   height
                   of
                   other
                   mortals
                   :
                   Their
                   Eagle-sight
                   is
                   sharp
                   and
                   piercing
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   espy
                   the
                   deceits
                   and
                   impostures
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   rest
                   of
                   mankind
                   are
                   too
                   dull
                   to
                   descry
                   !
                   They
                   despise
                   the
                   common
                   Doctrines
                   ,
                   and
                   proudly
                   pity
                   ,
                   or
                   laugh
                   at
                   the
                   easiness
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   who
                   suffer
                   themselves
                   to
                   be
                   sway'd
                   by
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   by
                   how
                   much
                   the
                   more
                   sacred
                   the
                   truths
                   are
                   which
                   they
                   reject
                   ,
                   by
                   so
                   much
                   greater
                   ,
                   they
                   reckon
                   ,
                   is
                   the
                   honour
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   sagacity
                   ,
                   in
                   
                     finding
                     out
                  
                   the
                   deceit
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   so
                   many
                   have
                   been
                   abus'd
                   and
                   misled
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   are
                   Wits
                   in
                   an
                   instant
                   ;
                   at
                   the
                   top
                   ,
                   before
                   they
                   have
                   taken
                   the
                   first
                   step
                   ;
                   and
                   perfect
                   in
                   knowledge
                   as
                   soon
                   ,
                   and
                   some
                   of
                   them
                   before
                   they
                   have
                   begun
                   .
                   If
                   their
                   accomplishments
                   be
                   measur'd
                   by
                   their
                   confidence
                   and
                   their
                   scorn
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   the
                   greatest
                   Wits
                   among
                   men
                   ;
                   but
                   if
                   by
                   their
                   judgement
                   and
                   real
                   
                     knowledge
                     ,
                     they
                  
                   (
                   of
                   any
                   )
                   have
                   not
                   the
                   least
                   pretence
                   to
                   that
                   title
                   .
                   For
                   though
                   they
                   may
                   gain
                   the
                   glory
                   among
                   their
                   easie
                   companions
                   ,
                   by
                   opposing
                   the
                   great
                   acknowledgements
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   particularly
                   this
                   ;
                   yet
                   they
                   will
                   never
                   by
                   such
                   ways
                   obtain
                   it
                   from
                   those
                   who
                   are
                   
                     really
                     that
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   they
                   affect
                   to
                   be
                   thought
                   .
                   It
                   is
                   the
                   known
                   observation
                   of
                   one
                   who
                   held
                   a
                   high
                   place
                   among
                   the
                   Wits
                   of
                   his
                   Age
                   ,
                   That
                   a
                   
                     little
                     Philosophy
                  
                   and
                   
                   knowledge
                   inclines
                   men
                   to
                   be
                   Infidels
                   and
                   Atheists
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   greater
                   measures
                   set
                   the
                   mind
                   right
                   in
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   secure
                   it
                   from
                   the
                   danger
                   of
                   those
                   impieties
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   who
                   takes
                   this
                   way
                   to
                   be
                   accounted
                   a
                   Wit
                   ,
                   makes
                   himself
                   a
                   Fool
                   to
                   the
                   wise
                   ;
                   without
                   gaining
                   the
                   reputation
                   of
                   being
                   wise
                   among
                   other
                   Fools
                   besides
                   those
                   of
                   his
                   own
                   sort
                   .
                   Or
                   if
                   he
                   could
                   attain
                   the
                   height
                   of
                   that
                   ambition
                   ,
                   't
                   would
                   prove
                   a
                   very
                   dear
                   credit
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   purchased
                   upon
                   such
                   terms
                   ,
                   as
                   are
                   the
                   ruine
                   of
                   his
                   soul
                   ,
                   the
                   destruction
                   of
                   his
                   best
                   hopes
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   degrading
                   of
                   his
                   noble
                   nature
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   Another
                   main
                   occasion
                   of
                   Infidelity
                   in
                   this
                   Article
                   ,
                   is
                   Enthusiasm
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   entertainment
                   of
                   Principles
                   of
                   Faith
                   upon
                   the
                   credit
                   of
                   phancies
                   :
                   Dangerous
                   is
                   the
                   case
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   when
                   Reason
                   is
                   thrown
                   by
                   ,
                   and
                   detested
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   whole
                   stress
                   laid
                   upon
                   
                     warm
                     imaginations
                     .
                     These
                  
                   indeed
                   will
                   hold
                   up
                   the
                   mind
                   for
                   a
                   while
                   ,
                   in
                   great
                   confidence
                   of
                   another
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   fill
                   it
                   with
                   a
                   thousand
                   extravagant
                   images
                   and
                   
                   chimaera's
                   about
                   it
                   ,
                   which
                   will
                   be
                   all
                   taken
                   for
                   
                     clear
                     light
                  
                   and
                   
                     solemn
                     certainties
                  
                   ,
                   while
                   the
                   wind
                   sits
                   right
                   :
                   But
                   then
                   alas
                   !
                   anon
                   the
                   scene
                   alters
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   change
                   in
                   the
                   habit
                   of
                   the
                   body
                   disposeth
                   the
                   man
                   to
                   
                     other
                     thoughts
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   so
                   all
                   is
                   flung
                   away
                   as
                   delusion
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Enthusiast
                   is
                   strongly
                   carried
                   down
                   by
                   the
                   over-bearing
                   of
                   his
                   melancholy
                   ,
                   into
                   the
                   doleful
                   conceit
                   of
                   his
                   
                   mortality
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   belief
                   that
                   he
                   shall
                   die
                   like
                   the
                   Beasts
                   
                     that
                     perish
                  
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   that
                   humour
                   disposeth
                   men
                   naturally
                   to
                   such
                   apprehensions
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   see
                   in
                   Job
                   ,
                   who
                   spake
                   
                     in
                     the
                     trouble
                     of
                     his
                     spirit
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   
                     bitterness
                     of
                     his
                     mind
                  
                   ,
                   he
                   said
                   ,
                   
                     There
                     is
                     hope
                     of
                     a
                     Tree
                     if
                     it
                     be
                     cut
                     down
                     ,
                     that
                     it
                     will
                     sprout
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     branches
                     thereof
                     will
                     not
                     cease
                     —
                     But
                     man
                     is
                     sick
                     ,
                     and
                     dieth
                     ,
                     and
                     man
                     perisheth
                     ,
                     and
                     where
                     is
                     he
                     ?
                  
                   Job
                   14.
                   
                   He
                   seems
                   to
                   speak
                   in
                   this
                   and
                   other
                   passages
                   like
                   an
                   Epicurean
                   ,
                   or
                   a
                   Sadducee
                   :
                   and
                   the
                   question
                   looks
                   comfortless
                   and
                   discouraging
                   ,
                   
                     ver
                     .
                     14.
                     
                     If
                     a
                     man
                     die
                     ,
                     shall
                     be
                     live
                     again
                     ?
                  
                   The
                   good
                   man
                   was
                   under
                   the
                   disorder
                   of
                   a
                   great
                   and
                   just
                   sadness
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   represented
                   all
                   things
                   as
                   dark
                   and
                   dismal
                   to
                   his
                   wounded
                   phancy
                   ,
                   and
                   seem'd
                   sometimes
                   to
                   deprive
                   him
                   of
                   the
                   only
                   remaining
                   comfort
                   ,
                   the
                   hope
                   of
                   a
                   better
                   condition
                   in
                   another
                   world
                   .
                   The
                   same
                   effects
                   hath
                   melancholy
                   still
                   upon
                   many
                   Euthusiastick
                   tempers
                   ,
                   on
                   some
                   of
                   which
                   it
                   prevails
                   so
                   far
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   fix
                   those
                   impressions
                   on
                   their
                   minds
                   ,
                   which
                   never
                   are
                   worn
                   off
                   .
                   And
                   though
                   Job
                   recover'd
                   quickly
                   by
                   the
                   exercise
                   of
                   his
                   Faculties
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   reason
                   that
                   God
                   had
                   given
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   expresseth
                   his
                   expectation
                   of
                   a
                   
                     Future
                     Life
                  
                   ,
                   immediately
                   after
                   the
                   passage
                   of
                   greatest
                   doubt
                   (
                   
                     All
                     the
                     days
                     of
                     my
                     appointed
                     time
                     will
                     I
                     wait
                     till
                     my
                     change
                     come
                  
                   )
                   Yet
                   those
                   whose
                   principles
                   are
                   fastned
                   only
                   by
                   their
                   phancies
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   impulse
                   of
                   
                   present
                   belief
                   ,
                   are
                   in
                   great
                   danger
                   to
                   be
                   lost
                   in
                   such
                   temptations
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   are
                   some
                   men
                   disposed
                   to
                   Infidelity
                   by
                   their
                   own
                   Enthusiasms
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   same
                   too
                   frequently
                   give
                   occasion
                   to
                   others
                   to
                   laugh
                   at
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   a
                   future
                   Being
                   ,
                   by
                   representing
                   that
                   state
                   in
                   various
                   shapes
                   ,
                   and
                   under
                   very
                   odd
                   disguises
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   Am
                   next
                   to
                   shew
                   ,
                
                 
                   III.
                   What
                   the
                   denial
                   of
                   a
                   future
                   Life
                   infers
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   reasoning
                   and
                   consequence
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   It
                   follows
                   hence
                   ,
                   that
                   man
                   is
                   but
                   a
                   
                     better
                     beast
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   Wits
                   speak
                   agreeably
                   to
                   this
                   principle
                   ,
                   that
                   (
                   whether
                   in
                   earnest
                   or
                   in
                   
                     jest
                     )
                     Satyrize
                  
                   humane
                   nature
                   ,
                   and
                   represent
                   us
                   only
                   as
                   somewhat
                   a
                   more
                   cunning
                   Herd
                   of
                   Cattle
                   .
                   For
                   if
                   
                     this
                     Life
                  
                   be
                   all
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   the
                   same
                   end
                   and
                   happiness
                   with
                   the
                   bruits
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   are
                   happier
                   of
                   the
                   two
                   ,
                   in
                   that
                   they
                   have
                   lesser
                   cares
                   ,
                   and
                   fewer
                   disappointments
                   than
                   we
                   .
                   Our
                   Reason
                   and
                   Religion
                   ,
                   upon
                   which
                   we
                   so
                   much
                   value
                   our selves
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   this
                   doctrine
                   ,
                   are
                   but
                   chains
                   of
                   imaginations
                   ;
                   and
                   those
                   but
                   refined
                   sense
                   :
                   and
                   so
                   the
                   soul
                   and
                   principle
                   of
                   action
                   ,
                   is
                   no
                   other
                   in
                   us
                   ,
                   than
                   it
                   is
                   in
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   differ
                   but
                   little
                   more
                   than
                   one
                   sort
                   of
                   Beasts
                   doth
                   from
                   another
                   ;
                   namely
                   ,
                   than
                   the
                   more
                   stupid
                   doth
                   from
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   more
                   sprightly
                   and
                   sagacious
                   .
                   And
                   then
                   farewell
                   the
                   Prerogatives
                   and
                   
                   dignity
                   of
                   
                     humane
                     nature
                  
                   .
                   Man
                   is
                   but
                   a
                   Beast
                   of
                   prey
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   use
                   of
                   and
                   dominion
                   over
                   the
                   other
                   creatures
                   ,
                   is
                   but
                   a
                   
                     proud
                     usurpation
                  
                   over
                   his
                   equals
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   this
                   opinion
                   degrades
                   our
                   natures
                   ,
                   and
                   affronts
                   the
                   whole
                   race
                   of
                   mankind
                   together
                   .
                   And
                   ,
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   In
                   the
                   direct
                   tendency
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   it
                   destroyes
                   humane
                   Societies
                   ;
                   For
                   those
                   cannot
                   subsist
                   without
                   Laws
                   ;
                   nor
                   Laws
                   without
                   some
                   conscience
                   of
                   good
                   and
                   evil
                   ,
                   nor
                   would
                   this
                   signifie
                   to
                   any
                   great
                   purpose
                   ,
                   without
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   another
                   world
                   .
                   Take
                   away
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   every
                   thing
                   will
                   be
                   good
                   that
                   is
                   profitable
                   ,
                   and
                   honest
                   that
                   conduceth
                   to
                   a
                   mans
                   designs
                   .
                   That
                   would
                   be
                   mine
                   that
                   I
                   could
                   get
                   by
                   force
                   ;
                   and
                   I
                   had
                   no
                   right
                   to
                   any
                   thing
                   longer
                   than
                   I
                   had
                   strength
                   to
                   defend
                   it
                   :
                   and
                   thus
                   the
                   world
                   would
                   be
                   
                     ipso
                     facto
                  
                   in
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   war
                   ,
                   and
                   fall
                   into
                   endless
                   confusions
                   and
                   disorders
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   whole
                   Earth
                   would
                   quickly
                   be
                   an
                   
                     Hell
                     intolerable
                     ;
                     every
                  
                   man
                   would
                   be
                   a
                   Devil
                   to
                   another
                   ,
                   yea
                   and
                   every
                   man
                   to
                   himself
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   It
                   suppresseth
                   mens
                   private
                   happiness
                   and
                   felicity
                   ;
                   and
                   even
                   the
                   Rioters
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   have
                   stings
                   and
                   torments
                   from
                   it
                   .
                   If
                   a
                   man
                   live
                   in
                   Sensuality
                   and
                   fulness
                   of
                   pleasure
                   ,
                   what
                   a
                   cutting
                   thought
                   is
                   it
                   to
                   consider
                   ,
                   that
                   in
                   a
                   little
                   time
                   he
                   must
                   bid
                   adieu
                   to
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   all
                   felicity
                   for
                   ever
                   ?
                   And
                   if
                   his
                   life
                   be
                   in
                   trouble
                   and
                   discomfort
                   ;
                   how
                   
                   terrible
                   is
                   it
                   to
                   reflect
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   must
                   go
                   from
                   being
                   miserable
                   to
                   be
                   nothing
                   ?
                   How
                   can
                   those
                   think
                   of
                   parting
                   with
                   their
                   possessions
                   and
                   enjoyments
                   ,
                   that
                   have
                   nothing
                   else
                   to
                   expect
                   ?
                   or
                   ,
                   how
                   can
                   they
                   bear
                   up
                   under
                   the
                   burdens
                   and
                   vexations
                   of
                   this
                   state
                   ,
                   that
                   cannot
                   relieve
                   themselves
                   by
                   the
                   hopes
                   of
                   a
                   better
                   ?
                   With
                   what
                   sad
                   pangs
                   of
                   sorrow
                   should
                   we
                   lay
                   our
                   Friends
                   into
                   the
                   Grave
                   ;
                   if
                   we
                   had
                   cause
                   to
                   be
                   assured
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   
                     lost
                     eternally
                  
                   ?
                   and
                   how
                   could
                   we
                   reflect
                   upon
                   our
                   own
                   mortality
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   were
                   to
                   look
                   for
                   no
                   farther
                   Being
                   ?
                   The
                   pleasures
                   of
                   the
                   present
                   Life
                   are
                   gone
                   in
                   a
                   moment
                   ,
                   and
                   leave
                   nothing
                   but
                   dregs
                   and
                   bitterness
                   behind
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   there
                   be
                   no
                   further
                   delights
                   besides
                   these
                   mean
                   and
                   fading
                   satisfactions
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   worth
                   the
                   while
                   to
                   live
                   ;
                   but
                   we
                   had
                   better
                   to
                   have
                   been
                   nothing
                   for
                   ever
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   summ
                   is
                   ,
                   The
                   Sadducee
                   vilifies
                   Mankind
                   ,
                   destroyes
                   the
                   peace
                   of
                   Societies
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   happiness
                   of
                   every
                   private
                   person
                   :
                   and
                   so
                   professeth
                   himself
                   the
                   common
                   enemy
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   Renegado
                   to
                   humane
                   nature
                   .
                
                 
                   IT
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   needful
                   for
                   me
                   to
                   say
                   much
                   in
                   Applying
                   this
                   Discourse
                   ;
                   Almost
                   every
                   Sermon
                   we
                   hear
                   ,
                   is
                   an
                   Application
                   of
                   it
                   :
                   for
                   here
                   is
                   the
                   matter
                   and
                   ground
                   of
                   our
                   hopes
                   ,
                   and
                   hence
                   are
                   taken
                   the
                   great
                   enforcements
                   of
                   our
                   duty
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   I
                   presume
                   there
                   are
                   few
                   ,
                   or
                   none
                   ,
                   in
                   this
                   place
                   ,
                   but
                   who
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   profess
                   their
                   belief
                   of
                   a
                   
                     Future
                     Life
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   (
                   as
                   I
                   premised
                   )
                   I
                   have
                   not
                   insisted
                   on
                   the
                   proof
                   ,
                   to
                   perswade
                   You
                   of
                   this
                   Article
                   ;
                   but
                   to
                   shew
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   confidence
                   is
                   groundless
                   ,
                   which
                   affirms
                   ,
                   
                     There
                     is
                     no
                     reason
                  
                   for
                   the
                   great
                   Doctrines
                   of
                   Religion
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   contribute
                   somewhat
                   towards
                   the
                   settlement
                   of
                   the
                   weak
                   ,
                   against
                   such
                   temptations
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   if
                   we
                   believe
                   this
                   great
                   Truth
                   ,
                   as
                   we
                   say
                   ;
                   Let
                   us
                   do
                   it
                   to
                   purpose
                   ;
                   and
                   not
                   content
                   our selves
                   with
                   a
                   cold
                   and
                   customary
                   assent
                   ,
                   but
                   endeavour
                   to
                   raise
                   our
                   Faith
                   to
                   such
                   an
                   height
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   may
                   have
                   an
                   effectual
                   influence
                   upon
                   our
                   lives
                   .
                   The
                   general
                   belief
                   that
                   education
                   hath
                   infused
                   ,
                   is
                   but
                   a
                   
                     dead
                     image
                  
                   in
                   the
                   soul
                   that
                   produceth
                   nothing
                   :
                   Let
                   us
                   endeavour
                   by
                   fervent
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   and
                   frequent
                   Meditation
                   to
                   invigorate
                   and
                   excite
                   ours
                   to
                   
                     that
                     degree
                  
                   ;
                   that
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   a
                   
                     living
                     representation
                  
                   of
                   eternal
                   things
                   ;
                   that
                   our
                   Faith
                   may
                   be
                   the
                   certainty
                   and
                   presence
                   of
                   the
                   invisible
                   world
                   .
                   The
                   
                     substance
                     of
                     things
                     hoped
                     for
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     evidence
                     of
                     things
                  
                   not
                   seen
                   ,
                   Heb.
                   11.
                   
                   That
                   we
                   may
                   have
                   such
                   an
                   apprehension
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   the
                   prospect
                   were
                   open
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   eyes
                   beheld
                   it
                   ;
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   fix
                   our
                   thoughts
                   there
                   ,
                   and
                   fill
                   up
                   our
                   souls
                   with
                   the
                   consideration
                   of
                   that
                   world
                   .
                
                 
                   Such
                   a
                   Faith
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   our
                   aim
                   ;
                   and
                   
                   if
                   we
                   did
                   so
                   believe
                   the
                   other
                   world
                   ;
                   what
                   excellent
                   ,
                   what
                   heroical
                   ,
                   what
                   happy
                   persons
                   should
                   we
                   be
                   in
                   this
                   ?
                   Such
                   a
                   Faith
                   would
                   secure
                   us
                   from
                   the
                   flatteries
                   and
                   temptations
                   of
                   this
                   sensual
                   life
                   ;
                   and
                   excite
                   us
                   to
                   more
                   earnest
                   longings
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   vigorous
                   endeavours
                   after
                   the
                   happiness
                   of
                   a
                   better
                   :
                   It
                   would
                   inable
                   us
                   to
                   despise
                   this
                   vain
                   world
                   in
                   comparison
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   bear
                   all
                   the
                   crosses
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   with
                   magnanimity
                   and
                   steadiness
                   of
                   mind
                   :
                   It
                   would
                   quiet
                   our
                   solicitudes
                   ,
                   and
                   answer
                   the
                   objections
                   against
                   providence
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   present
                   unequal
                   distribution
                   of
                   good
                   and
                   evil
                   .
                   It
                   would
                   make
                   the
                   most
                   difficult
                   services
                   of
                   Religion
                   easie
                   and
                   pleasant
                   to
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   fill
                   our
                   lives
                   with
                   sweet
                   hope
                   ,
                   and
                   delights
                   infinitely
                   more
                   agreeable
                   than
                   the
                   most
                   relishing
                   sensual
                   joys
                   :
                   It
                   would
                   afford
                   us
                   satisfaction
                   ,
                   amid
                   our
                   disappointments
                   ;
                   and
                   rest
                   amid
                   our
                   anxieties
                   and
                   cares
                   :
                   It
                   would
                   raise
                   our
                   designs
                   and
                   thoughts
                   to
                   things
                   generous
                   and
                   noble
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   us
                   live
                   like
                   the
                   Inhabitants
                   of
                   an
                   Heavenly
                   Countrey
                   .
                
                 
                   Such
                   blessed
                   effects
                   as
                   these
                   follow
                   this
                   Faith
                   here
                   ;
                   and
                   unmeasurably
                   ,
                   unspeakably
                   greater
                   in
                   the
                   other
                   world
                   ;
                   the
                   vision
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   full
                   enjoyment
                   of
                   His
                   love
                   ;
                   the
                   perfection
                   of
                   our
                   natures
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   compleatment
                   of
                   our
                   happiness
                   ;
                   in
                   the
                   arms
                   of
                   our
                   Redeemer
                   ,
                   and
                   amidst
                   the
                   triumphant
                   Songs
                   of
                   Angels
                   and
                   Saints
                   ;
                   in
                   the
                   exercise
                   of
                   holy
                   love
                   ,
                   
                   admiration
                   and
                   praise
                   :
                   Things
                   too
                   great
                   to
                   be
                   exprest
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   be
                   imagin'd
                   ,
                   
                     For
                     eye
                     hath
                     not
                     seen
                     ,
                     nor
                     ear
                     heard
                     ,
                     nor
                     hath
                     it
                     entred
                     into
                     the
                     heart
                     of
                     man
                     to
                     conceive
                     ,
                     what
                     God
                     hath
                     reserved
                     for
                     those
                     that
                     love
                     him
                     :
                  
                   To
                   Him
                   be
                   all
                   Glory
                   ,
                   and
                   humble
                   Adoration
                   henceforth
                   and
                   for
                   ever
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   VII
                   .
                   THE
                   Serious
                   Consideration
                   OF
                   THE
                   
                     Future
                     Iudgement
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Second
                   Edition
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   VII
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     ACTS
                     XVII
                     .
                     31.
                     
                  
                   
                     —
                     Because
                     he
                     hath
                     appointed
                     a
                     day
                     ,
                     in
                     which
                     he
                     will
                     judge
                     the
                     World
                     in
                     Righteousness
                     ,
                     by
                     the
                     man
                     whom
                     he
                     hath
                     ordained
                     —
                  
                
                 
                   ALthough
                   it
                   might
                   be
                   well
                   expected
                   that
                   the
                   Laws
                   of
                   God
                   should
                   abundantly
                   prevail
                   by
                   vertue
                   of
                   His
                   Authority
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   own
                   
                     native
                     reason
                  
                   and
                   goodness
                   ;
                   Yet
                   such
                   is
                   the
                   stupidity
                   and
                   perverseness
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     these
                     alone
                  
                   have
                   not
                   (
                   usually
                   )
                   any
                   considerable
                   effect
                   upon
                   us
                   :
                   And
                   therefore
                   God
                   who
                   earnestly
                   desires
                   our
                   Reformation
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   happiness
                   ,
                   hath
                   superadded
                   the
                   greatest
                   Sanctions
                   to
                   enforce
                   His
                   Laws
                   ,
                   glorious
                   rewards
                   on
                   the
                   one
                   hand
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   terrible
                   Penalties
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   to
                   be
                   distributed
                   in
                   a
                   most
                   solemn
                   manner
                   ,
                   represented
                   in
                   such
                   circumstances
                   
                   as
                   are
                   most
                   apt
                   to
                   work
                   upon
                   our
                   Hopes
                   and
                   Fears
                   :
                   For
                   —
                   
                     He
                     hath
                     appointed
                     a
                     day
                  
                   .
                   —
                
                 
                   Which
                   words
                   are
                   part
                   of
                   St.
                   
                   Paul's
                   Speech
                   to
                   the
                   Athenians
                   upon
                   the
                   occasion
                   of
                   their
                   superstitions
                   and
                   Idolatries
                   :
                   These
                   in
                   the
                   time
                   of
                   Gentile
                   ignorance
                   God
                   
                     winked
                     at
                  
                   ,
                   vers
                   .
                   30.
                   
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   He
                   took
                   no
                   notice
                   of
                   those
                   sins
                   (
                   in
                   comparison
                   )
                   He
                   was
                   not
                   so
                   much
                   offended
                   and
                   displeased
                   ,
                   but
                   consider'd
                   the
                   general
                   ignorance
                   ,
                   and
                   temptations
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   abatements
                   for
                   them
                   .
                   As
                   our
                   Saviour
                   said
                   with
                   reference
                   to
                   the
                   Jews
                   ,
                   
                     Joh.
                     15.
                     22.
                     
                     If
                     I
                     had
                     not
                     come
                     and
                     spoken
                     to
                     them
                     ,
                     they
                     had
                     not
                     had
                     sin
                  
                   ;
                   Their
                   sin
                   had
                   not
                   been
                   so
                   great
                   ,
                   or
                   so
                   inexcusable
                   ;
                   nor
                   would
                   it
                   have
                   been
                   charged
                   upon
                   them
                   with
                   such
                   severity
                   of
                   condemnation
                   .
                   But
                   now
                   that
                   the
                   
                     Light
                     hath
                     shined
                     in
                     darkness
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     true
                     Light
                     that
                     enlightens
                     every
                     one
                     that
                     cometh
                     into
                     the
                     world
                     ;
                     Now
                  
                   since
                   the
                   
                     Son
                     of
                     God
                     is
                     made
                     manifest
                     ,
                  
                   to
                   
                     destroy
                     the
                     works
                     of
                     the
                     Devil
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   to
                   turn
                   men
                   from
                   those
                   superstitious
                   and
                   idolatrous
                   vanities
                   to
                   the
                   right
                   worship
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   Spirit
                   and
                   in
                   Truth
                   :
                   The
                   plea
                   of
                   ignorance
                   will
                   no
                   longer
                   excuse
                   or
                   extenuate
                   ,
                   but
                   God
                   commands
                   all
                   men
                   every
                   where
                   to
                   Repent
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   inforc'd
                   with
                   the
                   most
                   powerful
                   consideration
                   of
                   the
                   Text
                   ,
                   
                     —
                     He
                     hath
                     appointed
                     a
                     day
                     —
                  
                
                 
                   In
                   which
                   words
                   we
                   have
                   these
                   things
                   ,
                   
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   
                     The
                     Declaration
                     of
                     a
                     future
                     Judgement
                     ,
                  
                   Because
                   he
                   hath
                   appointed
                   a
                   day
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   he
                   will
                   judge
                   —
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   The
                   universality
                   of
                   the
                   subject
                   to
                   be
                   Judg'd
                   ,
                   
                     the
                     World.
                  
                   
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   The
                   Person
                   that
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   judge
                   ;
                   —
                   
                     The
                     man
                     whom
                     He
                     hath
                     ordained
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   (
                   4.
                   )
                   
                     The
                     rule
                     and
                     manner
                     of
                     Judgement
                     ,
                  
                   He
                   will
                   Judge
                   the
                   World
                   in
                   Righteousness
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   Begin
                   in
                   order
                   with
                   the
                   Decree
                   of
                   a
                   future
                   Judgement
                   .
                   Of
                   this
                   the
                   Heathens
                   had
                   some
                   obscure
                   notions
                   ,
                   as
                   appears
                   among
                   other
                   things
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   stories
                   of
                   their
                   fam'd
                   Judges
                   ,
                   that
                   were
                   to
                   call
                   men
                   to
                   account
                   in
                   the
                   other
                   world
                   .
                   But
                   these
                   were
                   but
                   glimmering
                   apprehensions
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   the
                   Gospel
                   hath
                   brought
                   to
                   light
                   the
                   great
                   Doctrine
                   of
                   a
                   coming
                   Judgement
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   solemnity
                   and
                   circumstances
                   of
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   hath
                   declared
                   ,
                   That
                   there
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   a
                   
                     Judgement
                     Day
                  
                   ,
                   Matth.
                   10.
                   15.
                   
                   Jude
                   6.
                   
                   That
                   
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                  
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   
                     Judge
                     of
                     the
                     quick
                     and
                     the
                     dead
                     ,
                  
                   Acts
                   10.
                   42.
                   
                   That
                   he
                   shall
                   be
                   
                     revealed
                     from
                     Heaven
                     with
                     his
                     mighty
                     Angels
                     ,
                     in
                     flaming
                     fire
                     ,
                  
                   2
                   Thes
                   .
                   1.
                   8.
                   
                   That
                   he
                   shall
                   come
                   
                     with
                     ten
                     thousand
                     of
                     his
                     Saints
                     ,
                  
                   Jude
                   14.
                   
                   That
                   he
                   shall
                   judge
                   the
                   
                     secrets
                     of
                     men
                     according
                     to
                     the
                     Gospel
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   2.
                   16.
                   
                   That
                   the
                   Dead
                   shall
                   be
                   all
                   raised
                   by
                   a
                   General
                   summons
                   ,
                   
                   1
                   Cor.
                   15.
                   52.
                   and
                   all
                   shall
                   be
                   judg'd
                   
                     according
                     to
                     their
                     works
                  
                   ,
                   Rev.
                   20.
                   13.
                   
                   The
                   just
                   to
                   eternal
                   life
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   wicked
                   to
                   everlasting
                   punishment
                   ,
                   Matth.
                   25.
                   46.
                   
                
                 
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   a
                   Judgement
                   Day
                   ,
                   is
                   no
                   
                     panick
                     fear
                  
                   or
                   
                     melancholy
                     dream
                  
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   no
                   trick
                   of
                   Politicians
                   ,
                   or
                   Mormo
                   of
                   Priests
                   to
                   fright
                   fools
                   and
                   keep
                   the
                   world
                   in
                   awe
                   ,
                   but
                   a
                   Truth
                   as
                   certain
                   and
                   undoubted
                   as
                   the
                   Oracles
                   of
                   Truth
                   can
                   make
                   it
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   plainly
                   declar'd
                   in
                   the
                   most
                   infallible
                   Records
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   engraven
                   on
                   the
                   minds
                   of
                   universal
                   mankind
                   ,
                   who
                   all
                   expect
                   a
                   call
                   to
                   a
                   future
                   Judgement
                   .
                
                 
                   There
                   is
                   therefore
                   no
                   need
                   of
                   further
                   proof
                   of
                   so
                   clear
                   and
                   so
                   acknowledg'd
                   an
                   Article
                   ;
                   But
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   worth
                   our
                   while
                   to
                   consider
                   what
                   may
                   be
                   the
                   Reasons
                   of
                   this
                   appointment
                   of
                   a
                   Judgement
                   Day
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   same
                   will
                   serve
                   as
                   Arguments
                   to
                   confirm
                   and
                   enforce
                   our
                   Faith
                   in
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Then
                   ,
                   'T
                   is
                   reasonable
                   and
                   fit
                   there
                   should
                   be
                   a
                   General
                   Judgement
                   ,
                   that
                   
                     Religion
                     may
                     be
                     vindicated
                     and
                     cleared
                     .
                  
                   The
                   Gospel
                   was
                   of
                   old
                   to
                   the
                   Jews
                   a
                   stumbling-block
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   the
                   
                     Greeks
                     ,
                     foolishness
                  
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   1.
                   23.
                   and
                   we
                   know
                   ,
                   by
                   sad
                   experience
                   ,
                   how
                   in
                   latter
                   days
                   ,
                   Religion
                   is
                   expos'd
                   and
                   scorn'd
                   .
                   It
                   is
                   made
                   ridiculous
                   by
                   some
                   ,
                   and
                   laugh'd
                   at
                   by
                   others
                   ;
                   and
                   which
                   do
                   it
                   the
                   greater
                   mischief
                   ,
                   Those
                   that
                   put
                   it
                   into
                   contemptible
                   cloathing
                   ;
                   
                   or
                   those
                   that
                   pour
                   direct
                   contempt
                   upon
                   it
                   ,
                   is
                   not
                   our
                   present
                   business
                   to
                   conjecture
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   certain
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   is
                   nothing
                   hath
                   been
                   pretended
                   in
                   so
                   many
                   vile
                   actions
                   and
                   designs
                   ;
                   Nothing
                   in
                   which
                   mankind
                   have
                   been
                   ,
                   in
                   any
                   comparison
                   ,
                   so
                   out
                   of
                   their
                   wits
                   ,
                   as
                   in
                   what
                   they
                   have
                   abusively
                   call'd
                   by
                   this
                   Sacred
                   Name
                   .
                   Religion
                   !
                   we
                   have
                   seen
                   it
                   dy'd
                   with
                   humane
                   blood
                   ,
                   and
                   swoln
                   with
                   spoil
                   and
                   rapine
                   :
                   written
                   on
                   the
                   foreheads
                   of
                   tyrannies
                   and
                   usurpations
                   ,
                   and
                   pleaded
                   as
                   the
                   CAUSE
                   ,
                   the
                   CAUSE
                   of
                   prosperous
                   Villanies
                   .
                   Divided
                   into
                   Atoms
                   of
                   Sects
                   ,
                   and
                   disputed
                   into
                   Air
                   of
                   opinions
                   :
                   Entitled
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   vanities
                   of
                   sick
                   imagination
                   ,
                   and
                   claim'd
                   by
                   all
                   the
                   follies
                   of
                   zealous
                   ignorance
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   is
                   it
                   not
                   reasonable
                   there
                   should
                   be
                   a
                   time
                   ,
                   wherein
                   this
                   over-cast
                   ,
                   this
                   clouded
                   light
                   should
                   brighten
                   like
                   the
                   Sun
                   at
                   noon
                   ;
                   and
                   dispel
                   those
                   spots
                   and
                   that
                   scumm
                   ,
                   which
                   superstition
                   ,
                   ignorance
                   and
                   hypocrisie
                   have
                   fastned
                   upon
                   its
                   glorious
                   Face
                   ?
                   Is
                   it
                   not
                   fit
                   that
                   the
                   Gospel
                   should
                   at
                   length
                   appear
                   to
                   have
                   been
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   no
                   creature
                   of
                   melancholy
                   or
                   design
                   ?
                   Ought
                   it
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   at
                   last
                   confest
                   and
                   known
                   ,
                   that
                   Religion
                   was
                   a
                   great
                   Reality
                   ,
                   and
                   no
                   
                     cunningly
                     devised
                     Fable
                  
                   ?
                   No
                   dream
                   of
                   imagination
                   ,
                   or
                   interest
                   of
                   any
                   lust
                   ;
                   but
                   as
                   simple
                   as
                   Innocence
                   ,
                   and
                   as
                   clear
                   as
                   the
                   virgin
                   light
                   ?
                   And
                   it
                   will
                   be
                   so
                   in
                   
                   the
                   coming
                   day
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   the
                   other
                   World
                   hath
                   shone
                   in
                   upon
                   the
                   darkness
                   of
                   this
                   .
                
                 
                   In
                   summ
                   ,
                   'T
                   is
                   just
                   to
                   expect
                   that
                   Religion
                   will
                   be
                   gloriously
                   celebrated
                   and
                   cleared
                   ,
                   and
                   reasonable
                   to
                   believe
                   it
                   will
                   be
                   done
                   by
                   the
                   solemnity
                   of
                   a
                   Judgement
                   day
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   A
                   Future
                   Judgement
                   is
                   ordain'd
                   ,
                   That
                   
                     Providence
                     may
                     be
                     unridled
                     and
                     absolv'd
                     .
                  
                   The
                   Judgements
                   of
                   God
                   are
                   a
                   
                     great
                     Deep
                  
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   36.
                   6.
                   and
                   His
                   
                     ways
                     past
                     finding
                     out
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   11.
                   33.
                   
                   The
                   affairs
                   of
                   Providence
                   are
                   full
                   of
                   Mystery
                   and
                   Meanders
                   ,
                   as
                   dark
                   as
                   the
                   midnights
                   of
                   December
                   ,
                   and
                   as
                   crooked
                   as
                   the
                   paths
                   of
                   the
                   Desart
                   .
                   All
                   the
                   Lines
                   of
                   our
                   spinning
                   ,
                   all
                   our
                   observations
                   and
                   reasonings
                   are
                   too
                   short
                   to
                   lead
                   us
                   to
                   and
                   fro
                   the
                   Labyrinth
                   .
                   The
                   world
                   is
                   govern'd
                   by
                   secret
                   methods
                   that
                   are
                   beyond
                   our
                   most
                   improved
                   knowledge
                   .
                   How
                   are
                   we
                   puzzl'd
                   when
                   we
                   undertake
                   to
                   gloss
                   on
                   Providence
                   ,
                   and
                   presume
                   to
                   give
                   the
                   reasons
                   of
                   its
                   most
                   ordinary
                   managements
                   !
                   The
                   wicked
                   lift
                   up
                   their
                   heads
                   against
                   Heaven
                   and
                   prosper
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   just
                   bow
                   the
                   knee
                   ;
                   lifting
                   up
                   their
                   hands
                   unto
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   undone
                   :
                   Folly
                   succeeds
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   applauded
                   ,
                   and
                   Wisdom
                   is
                   disappointed
                   and
                   contemn'd
                   ;
                   Clouds
                   and
                   thick
                   darkness
                   encompass
                   the
                   devout
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   warm
                   Sun
                   shines
                   upon
                   him
                   that
                   sacrificeth
                   not
                   
                   (
                   Eccl.
                   7.
                   15.
                   )
                   And
                   when
                   vice
                   thrives
                   ,
                   and
                   folly
                   triumphs
                   ,
                   Providence
                   is
                   pleaded
                   to
                   credit
                   ignorance
                   and
                   impiety
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   success
                   of
                   the
                   actions
                   vouches
                   for
                   the
                   goodness
                   of
                   the
                   Cause
                   .
                   God
                   is
                   thought
                   to
                   have
                   own'd
                   what
                   ,
                   for
                   unknown
                   reasons
                   ,
                   he
                   hath
                   permitted
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   have
                   
                     acted
                     that
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   in
                   judgement
                   he
                   hath
                   suffer'd
                   .
                   On
                   the
                   other
                   hand
                   ,
                   the
                   best
                   Designs
                   are
                   thought
                   wicked
                   when
                   they
                   prove
                   unprosperous
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   whitest
                   Innocence
                   marked
                   with
                   black
                   characters
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   cloud
                   is
                   upon
                   it
                   .
                   Thus
                   Shimei
                   accused
                   David
                   for
                   a
                   man
                   of
                   blood
                   ,
                   because
                   of
                   the
                   evils
                   of
                   his
                   House
                   ,
                   2
                   Sam.
                   16.
                   7.
                   
                   And
                   Job
                   was
                   concluded
                   as
                   great
                   an
                   instance
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   as
                   he
                   was
                   of
                   misery
                   ,
                   Job
                   4.
                   
                   The
                   Barbarians
                   inferr'd
                   from
                   the
                   Viper
                   ,
                   that
                   St.
                   Paul
                   was
                   a
                   Murderer
                   ,
                   Acts
                   28.
                   3
                   ,
                   4.
                   
                   And
                   the
                   unbelieving
                   world
                   from
                   the
                   Cross
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Jesus
                  
                   was
                   a
                   Malefactor
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   do
                   men
                   shoot
                   one
                   another
                   out
                   of
                   this
                   crooked
                   bow
                   ,
                   and
                   judge
                   the
                   goodness
                   and
                   badness
                   of
                   things
                   by
                   successes
                   ,
                   not
                   by
                   Rules
                   ;
                   and
                   thereby
                   traduce
                   and
                   abuse
                   Providence
                   by
                   making
                   it
                   speak
                   the
                   language
                   of
                   their
                   affections
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   Interests
                   ,
                   and
                   serve
                   the
                   ends
                   of
                   malice
                   ,
                   and
                   Self-love
                   .
                
                 
                   Which
                   things
                   being
                   so
                   in
                   the
                   present
                   world
                   ,
                   it
                   is
                   fit
                   that
                   ,
                   at
                   last
                   ,
                   Providence
                   should
                   be
                   disintangled
                   and
                   absolv'd
                   ,
                   that
                   all
                   the
                   world
                   may
                   see
                   
                   the
                   
                     living
                     creatures
                  
                   in
                   the
                   Wheels
                   ,
                   Ezek.
                   1.
                   20.
                   and
                   the
                   eye
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   the
                   Scepter
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   
                     Aegyptian
                     Hieroglyphicks
                  
                   represented
                   Providence
                   .
                   That
                   we
                   may
                   at
                   length
                   understand
                   ,
                   that
                   its
                   
                     ways
                     are
                     equal
                  
                   ,
                   Ezek.
                   18.
                   25.
                   and
                   that
                   all
                   the
                   seeming
                   inequalities
                   prove
                   the
                   shortness
                   of
                   our
                   Reasonings
                   ,
                   not
                   the
                   unevenness
                   of
                   its
                   managements
                   ;
                   that
                   its
                   strangest
                   ,
                   and
                   least
                   accountable
                   issues
                   were
                   the
                   Results
                   of
                   Counsel
                   ,
                   and
                   govern'd
                   by
                   an
                   infinitely
                   wise
                   mind
                   that
                   shoots
                   it self
                   through
                   all
                   things
                   .
                   That
                   we
                   may
                   understand
                   the
                   difference
                   between
                   good
                   and
                   prosperous
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   reason
                   of
                   the
                   distance
                   between
                   vertue
                   and
                   success
                   .
                   Why
                   the
                   fire
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   Bramble
                   is
                   permitted
                   to
                   
                     devour
                     the
                     Cedar
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   desert
                   of
                   the
                   wicked
                   is
                   so
                   often
                   the
                   lot
                   of
                   the
                   just
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   expectations
                   are
                   reasonable
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   a
                   manner
                   necessary
                   ;
                   that
                   mankind
                   may
                   be
                   convinced
                   the
                   events
                   below
                   were
                   not
                   Lotteries
                   ,
                   but
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   full
                   of
                   Providence
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   Providence
                   acted
                   by
                   an
                   infinite
                   Wisdom
                   ,
                   Justice
                   ,
                   and
                   Goodness
                   .
                   That
                   wickedness
                   shall
                   ,
                   at
                   last
                   ,
                   reap
                   the
                   misery
                   it
                   hath
                   sown
                   ,
                   and
                   dwell
                   in
                   the
                   flames
                   it
                   hath
                   kindled
                   :
                   And
                   afflicted
                   Vertue
                   lift
                   up
                   its
                   head
                   to
                   receive
                   the
                   Crown
                   and
                   the
                   Glories
                   that
                   are
                   the
                   rewards
                   of
                   its
                   patience
                   :
                   and
                   appear
                   to
                   have
                   shot
                   it self
                   up
                   in
                   another
                   world
                   ,
                   when
                   it
                   was
                   deprest
                   in
                   this
                   .
                   And
                   so
                   all
                   shall
                   
                     know
                     that
                     there
                     was
                     a
                     God
                     that
                     judged
                     in
                     the
                     Earth
                     ,
                  
                   Psal
                   .
                   58.
                   11.
                   
                
                 
                 
                   And
                   this
                   is
                   another
                   reasonable
                   account
                   of
                   the
                   appointment
                   of
                   a
                   Future
                   Judgement
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   We
                   may
                   suppose
                   it
                   to
                   be
                   ordain'd
                   for
                   this
                   also
                   ,
                   
                     That
                     secret
                     wickedness
                     may
                     be
                     disclos'd
                     ,
                     and
                     shamed
                     .
                  
                   The
                   Heart
                   of
                   man
                   is
                   as
                   
                     deep
                     waters
                  
                   ,
                   hath
                   a
                   smooth
                   surface
                   ,
                   but
                   is
                   full
                   of
                   rocks
                   and
                   quicksands
                   at
                   the
                   bottom
                   .
                   The
                   world
                   is
                   a
                   Theatre
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   greatest
                   part
                   of
                   men
                   are
                   but
                   Actors
                   :
                   For
                   as
                   They
                   cloathe
                   themselves
                   with
                   Gold
                   and
                   Purple
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   on
                   great
                   names
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   fine
                   things
                   upon
                   the
                   Stage
                   ,
                   when
                   behind
                   the
                   Curtain
                   and
                   in
                   their
                   retiremen●s
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   but
                   common
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   like
                   their
                   ordinary
                   Spectators
                   :
                   Thus
                   we
                   dress
                   our selves
                   for
                   publique
                   converses
                   ,
                   set
                   our
                   looks
                   ,
                   and
                   gild
                   our
                   language
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   on
                   the
                   Livery
                   of
                   Wisdom
                   and
                   Saintship
                   ,
                   and
                   appear
                   what
                   we
                   would
                   be
                   thought
                   ,
                   not
                   what
                   we
                   are
                   :
                   But
                   in
                   our
                   privacies
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   familiar
                   conversations
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   loose
                   and
                   unconstrain'd
                   order
                   of
                   our
                   words
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   actions
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   quite
                   another
                   thing
                   ;
                   we
                   are
                   foolish
                   and
                   frivolous
                   ,
                   froward
                   and
                   impatient
                   ,
                   sordid
                   and
                   absurd
                   :
                   And
                   in
                   the
                   secret
                   Chambers
                   of
                   our
                   souls
                   we
                   are
                   worse
                   .
                   The
                   fairest
                   face
                   would
                   affright
                   us
                   ,
                   if
                   the
                   skin
                   were
                   taken
                   off
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   shew
                   us
                   nothing
                   but
                   ghastliness
                   and
                   deformity
                   :
                   And
                   it
                   would
                   amaze
                   us
                   to
                   see
                   the
                   
                     In
                     sides
                  
                   of
                   those
                   ,
                   whose
                   outward
                   appearance
                   is
                   fair
                   and
                   plausible
                   .
                   We
                   now
                   
                   seek
                   coverings
                   for
                   our
                   shame
                   ,
                   and
                   hide
                   our
                   follies
                   and
                   imperfections
                   under
                   handsome
                   names
                   ,
                   devout
                   shews
                   ,
                   and
                   fair
                   pretensions
                   ;
                   or
                   excuse
                   them
                   by
                   
                     Necessity
                     ,
                     Temptation
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   Devil
                   ,
                   or
                   Providence
                   .
                   And
                   though
                   we
                   see
                   much
                   sin
                   and
                   vileness
                   assoon
                   as
                   we
                   open
                   our
                   eyes
                   ,
                   and
                   look
                   out
                   of
                   doors
                   :
                   Yet
                   there
                   is
                   another
                   and
                   a
                   worse
                   world
                   of
                   wickedness
                   ,
                   shut
                   up
                   from
                   our
                   sight
                   ,
                   and
                   hid
                   in
                   its
                   own
                   darkness
                   ;
                   in
                   close
                   designs
                   and
                   private
                   actions
                   ;
                   in
                   the
                   corners
                   of
                   the
                   heart
                   ,
                   and
                   recesses
                   of
                   thoughts
                   :
                   These
                   make
                   up
                   a
                   dark
                   Region
                   cover'd
                   with
                   fear
                   and
                   shame
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   shadows
                   of
                   death
                   ;
                   open
                   only
                   to
                   Him
                   to
                   whom
                   all
                   things
                   are
                   so
                   ,
                   and
                   midnight
                   is
                   as
                   bright
                   as
                   noon
                   ,
                   (
                   Psal
                   .
                   139.
                   12.
                   )
                   And
                   he
                   will
                   provide
                   that
                   so
                   it
                   shall
                   be
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   world
                   ;
                   that
                   all
                   sin
                   may
                   be
                   as
                   odious
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   ugly
                   ;
                   and
                   unobserv'd
                   impiety
                   may
                   not
                   still
                   lie
                   hid
                   in
                   the
                   secrecie
                   and
                   silence
                   it
                   hath
                   sought
                   :
                   But
                   that
                   its
                   whispers
                   may
                   be
                   proclaim'd
                   by
                   a
                   voice
                   more
                   loud
                   than
                   Thunder
                   ;
                   and
                   its
                   conceal'd
                   deformities
                   be
                   brought
                   into
                   the
                   open
                   day
                   :
                   That
                   those
                   hidden
                   iniquities
                   which
                   hitherto
                   have
                   escap'd
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   whipt
                   with
                   the
                   scorpions
                   of
                   guilt
                   and
                   shame
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   divine
                   purity
                   and
                   patience
                   may
                   appear
                   in
                   their
                   Glory
                   and
                   proper
                   lustre
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   for
                   this
                   Reason
                   also
                   God
                   hath
                   appointed
                   a
                   Day
                   wherein
                   He
                   will
                   
                     Judge
                     the
                     secrets
                     of
                     men
                  
                   :
                   That
                   sin
                   may
                   not
                   be
                   the
                   more
                   secure
                   ,
                   for
                   
                   being
                   close
                   ;
                   But
                   that
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   feared
                   and
                   shunn'd
                   in
                   Grots
                   ,
                   as
                   well
                   as
                   in
                   most
                   publique
                   places
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   I
                   may
                   add
                   ,
                   That
                   those
                   actions
                   of
                   vertue
                   that
                   no
                   eye
                   sees
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   which
                   sees
                   all
                   things
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   unknown
                   tendencies
                   and
                   anhelations
                   of
                   divine
                   souls
                   after
                   the
                   adorable
                   object
                   of
                   their
                   Love
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   solemnly
                   celebrated
                   and
                   rewarded
                   .
                   Again
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   4.
                   )
                   Such
                   a
                   Day
                   is
                   fit
                   and
                   is
                   appointed
                   ,
                   
                     that
                     all
                     rights
                     and
                     claims
                     may
                     be
                     determined
                     .
                  
                   The
                   great
                   Controversies
                   are
                   ,
                   which
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     where
                     is
                     the
                     True
                     Church
                     and
                     Religion
                     .
                  
                   And
                   if
                   we
                   attend
                   to
                   the
                   Zeal
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   confidence
                   ,
                   the
                   loud
                   talk
                   ,
                   and
                   bold
                   claims
                   of
                   each
                   of
                   the
                   pretenders
                   ,
                   All
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   truth
                   ,
                   and
                   All
                   mistaken
                   :
                   Every
                   Sect
                   is
                   in
                   the
                   right
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   judg'd
                   by
                   the
                   fondness
                   of
                   its
                   own
                   assurance
                   ;
                   and
                   every
                   one
                   is
                   out
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   sentence
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   rest
                   :
                   Here
                   's
                   Religion
                   ,
                   sayes
                   one
                   ;
                   Nay
                   ,
                   but
                   it
                   's
                   here
                   ,
                   sayes
                   the
                   next
                   ;
                   and
                   a
                   third
                   gives
                   the
                   Lie
                   to
                   them
                   both
                   ;
                   And
                   then
                   they
                   scuffle
                   and
                   contend
                   till
                   they
                   have
                   talk'd
                   themselves
                   out
                   of
                   sense
                   ,
                   out
                   of
                   charity
                   ,
                   and
                   out
                   of
                   breath
                   :
                   And
                   when
                   they
                   would
                   say
                   on
                   ,
                   but
                   know
                   not
                   what
                   ;
                   when
                   their
                   passions
                   are
                   rais'd
                   ,
                   but
                   their
                   Reasons
                   lost
                   ;
                   They
                   fall
                   to
                   pelt
                   each
                   other
                   with
                   hard
                   names
                   ;
                   They
                   squabble
                   ,
                   and
                   strive
                   ,
                   and
                   damn
                   one
                   another
                   by
                   turns
                   ;
                   They
                   gather
                   parties
                   to
                   help
                   up
                   the
                   Cry
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   fill
                   all
                   places
                   with
                   the
                   noise
                   of
                   their
                   quarrels
                   ,
                   and
                   triumph
                   and
                   crow
                   after
                   a
                   conquest
                   in
                   Imagination
                   :
                   And
                   after
                   all
                   this
                   bustle
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   this
                   ado
                   ,
                   They
                   sit
                   down
                   where
                   they
                   begun
                   ;
                   Nothing
                   is
                   gain'd
                   on
                   either
                   side
                   ,
                   but
                   an
                   addition
                   of
                   malice
                   and
                   bitter
                   zeal
                   ,
                   more
                   rancour
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   damning
                   sentences
                   ,
                   while
                   they
                   are
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   most
                   part
                   ,
                   as
                   far
                   from
                   Truth
                   as
                   from
                   agreement
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   the
                   contending
                   world
                   ,
                   nor
                   can
                   we
                   expect
                   it
                   should
                   be
                   otherwise
                   ,
                   while
                   Ignorance
                   and
                   Malice
                   ,
                   Interest
                   and
                   Passion
                   inspire
                   the
                   quarrels
                   .
                   Or
                   ,
                   if
                   Controversies
                   should
                   be
                   ended
                   ,
                   the
                   Vote
                   would
                   ,
                   doubtless
                   ,
                   be
                   cast
                   on
                   the
                   side
                   of
                   Folly
                   and
                   Falshood
                   ,
                   for
                   their
                   adherents
                   are
                   most
                   numerous
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   loud
                   ;
                   while
                   the
                   friends
                   of
                   Truth
                   and
                   Reason
                   are
                   meek
                   and
                   modest
                   ,
                   thinly
                   scatter'd
                   among
                   the
                   Herd
                   ,
                   and
                   still
                   liable
                   to
                   be
                   over-born
                   ,
                   and
                   out-nois'd
                   by
                   the
                   Tumult
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   the
                   coming
                   Day
                   will
                   set
                   all
                   right
                   ,
                   and
                   effectually
                   resolve
                   
                   Pilate's
                   Question
                   ,
                   
                     What
                     is
                     Truth
                  
                   ?
                   And
                   then
                   no
                   doubt
                   ,
                   The
                   meek
                   and
                   the
                   peaceable
                   ,
                   the
                   charitable
                   and
                   the
                   just
                   ,
                   who
                   did
                   not
                   dispute
                   ,
                   but
                   live
                   ;
                   who
                   were
                   not
                   swoln
                   with
                   rage
                   and
                   notions
                   ,
                   but
                   big
                   of
                   Charity
                   ,
                   and
                   universal
                   kindness
                   for
                   mankind
                   :
                   Then
                   shall
                   These
                   be
                   declar'd
                   the
                   rightful
                   Heirs
                   of
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   ,
                   
                   when
                   the
                   presumed
                   Sons
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   who
                   hugg'd
                   themselves
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   only
                   favourites
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   and
                   warm'd
                   their
                   hands
                   by
                   their
                   own
                   fantastick
                   Fires
                   ,
                   who
                   flew
                   aloft
                   on
                   the
                   wings
                   of
                   Imagination
                   ,
                   and
                   proudly
                   look'd
                   down
                   upon
                   the
                   modest
                   and
                   humble
                   Believer
                   ;
                   who
                   were
                   full
                   of
                   mysterie
                   and
                   rapture
                   ,
                   scorn
                   and
                   talk
                   ,
                   but
                   void
                   of
                   justice
                   ,
                   modesty
                   and
                   love
                   :
                   These
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   reason
                   to
                   think
                   ,
                   shall
                   then
                   be
                   cast
                   out
                   ,
                   and
                   receive
                   their
                   portion
                   with
                   the
                   Pharisee
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   shame
                   and
                   disappointment
                   of
                   their
                   confidence
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   hopes
                   .
                
                 
                   In
                   this
                   Day
                   shall
                   the
                   Errours
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   follies
                   that
                   were
                   recommended
                   to
                   the
                   deceiv'd
                   embraces
                   of
                   the
                   Sons
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   by
                   frauds
                   ,
                   and
                   Art
                   ,
                   paint
                   ,
                   and
                   meretricious
                   bravery
                   ,
                   be
                   expos'd
                   in
                   their
                   naked
                   Deformities
                   to
                   the
                   sight
                   and
                   contempt
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   world
                   :
                   And
                   that
                   Truth
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   Vertues
                   that
                   were
                   persecuted
                   into
                   Corners
                   ,
                   and
                   cover'd
                   with
                   dust
                   and
                   shame
                   ;
                   torn
                   piece-meal
                   by
                   wrath
                   and
                   ignorance
                   ,
                   and
                   scatter'd
                   up
                   and
                   down
                   in
                   the
                   Tents
                   of
                   Errour
                   ,
                   shall
                   then
                   be
                   brought
                   into
                   the
                   Light
                   ,
                   and
                   cleansed
                   from
                   all
                   debasing
                   mixtures
                   ,
                   and
                   represented
                   in
                   their
                   native
                   loveliness
                   and
                   beauty
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   receive
                   the
                   praises
                   and
                   acclamations
                   of
                   their
                   ancient
                   friends
                   ,
                   and
                   acquaintance
                   ;
                   Yea
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   acknowledgements
                   of
                   their
                   now
                   blushing
                   and
                   confounded
                   enemies
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   Upon
                   the
                   whole
                   we
                   see
                   ,
                   That
                   the
                   Faith
                   of
                   a
                   Future
                   Judgement
                   is
                   not
                   misbecoming
                   the
                   severest
                   Sons
                   of
                   Reason
                   and
                   Philosophy
                   ,
                   but
                   is
                   infinitely
                   agreeable
                   to
                   the
                   faculties
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Analogy
                   of
                   things
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   Come
                   now
                   to
                   the
                   SECOND
                   main
                   thing
                   in
                   the
                   Text
                   ,
                
                 
                   II.
                   The
                   Universality
                   of
                   the
                   Subject
                   to
                   be
                   judged
                   ,
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   so
                   it
                   is
                   here
                   ;
                   And
                   the
                   Scripture
                   elsewhere
                   expresseth
                   it
                   in
                   very
                   general
                   terms
                   :
                   The
                   
                     secrets
                     of
                     men
                  
                   ,
                   Rom.
                   2.
                   16.
                   
                   
                     Every
                     man
                  
                   ,
                   Rev.
                   20.
                   13.
                   
                   The
                   
                     Dead
                     ,
                     small
                  
                   and
                   great
                   ,
                   Rev.
                   20.
                   12.
                   
                   
                     The
                     quick
                     and
                     the
                     dead
                  
                   ,
                   1
                   Pet.
                   4.
                   5.
                   
                
                 
                   Now
                   I
                   shall
                   consider
                   the
                   Universality
                   of
                   the
                   Subject
                   of
                   Judgement
                   in
                   two
                   great
                   solemnities
                   of
                   it
                   :
                   viz.
                   The
                   
                     General
                     Summons
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     General
                     Resurrection
                  
                   that
                   follows
                   :
                   both
                   mentioned
                   together
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   15.
                   52.
                   
                   
                     The
                     trumpet
                     shall
                     sound
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     Dead
                     shall
                     be
                     raised
                  
                   —
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   The
                   Trumpet
                   ;
                   either
                   some
                   divine
                   universal
                   vertue
                   ;
                   or
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   some
                   mighty
                   Angel
                   ,
                   crying
                   ,
                   
                     Arise
                     ye
                     Dead
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     come
                     to
                     Judgement
                  
                   .
                   Methinks
                   I
                   hear
                   that
                   voice
                   ;
                   't
                   is
                   full
                   of
                   Majesty
                   and
                   terrour
                   ;
                   't
                   is
                   more
                   loud
                   than
                   Fame
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   general
                   than
                   the
                   Light
                   of
                   Heaven
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   heard
                   at
                   both
                   the
                   Poles
                   ;
                   in
                   the
                   Earth
                   ,
                   and
                   Sea
                   ,
                   and
                   Air
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   Deep
                   places
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     Attend
                     ,
                     Attend
                  
                   ,
                   Ye
                   Sons
                   of
                   Adam
                   !
                   Ye
                   that
                   are
                   
                   afar
                   off
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   that
                   are
                   near
                   ;
                   Ye
                   that
                   begun
                   with
                   the
                   Infant
                   World
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   that
                   liv'd
                   in
                   its
                   latest
                   Periods
                   ;
                   Ye
                   that
                   freeze
                   under
                   the
                   uncomfortable
                   North
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   that
                   are
                   hid
                   under
                   the
                   remotest
                   South
                   ;
                   Ye
                   that
                   dwell
                   in
                   the
                   temperate
                   Regions
                   ;
                   and
                   ye
                   that
                   are
                   scorch'd
                   with
                   the
                   heats
                   of
                   the
                   Line
                   ;
                   Ye
                   that
                   only
                   cry'd
                   ,
                   and
                   ceas'd
                   to
                   breathe
                   ;
                   and
                   ye
                   that
                   went
                   slowly
                   and
                   late
                   to
                   the
                   Grave
                   ;
                   Ye
                   that
                   are
                   yet
                   alive
                   ,
                   and
                   ye
                   that
                   have
                   been
                   Ages
                   under
                   ground
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     Hearken
                     ,
                     Hearken
                  
                   to
                   the
                   Proclamation
                   of
                   the
                   great
                   King
                   ,
                   the
                   Prince
                   of
                   Glory
                   ,
                   the
                   Judge
                   of
                   Angels
                   and
                   Men
                   :
                   The
                   Day
                   ,
                   the
                   Day
                   of
                   vengeance
                   and
                   recompence
                   is
                   come
                   ,
                   the
                   Day
                   of
                   Terrours
                   and
                   of
                   Triumphs
                   .
                   The
                   night
                   is
                   past
                   :
                   Arise
                   ye
                   dead
                   ,
                   cease
                   sleeping
                   in
                   the
                   Grave
                   ;
                   Put
                   on
                   our
                   bodies
                   ,
                   gather
                   up
                   your
                   scatter'd
                   parts
                   ,
                   summon
                   your
                   thoughts
                   together
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   up
                   your
                   Accounts
                   .
                   The
                   Tribunal
                   is
                   set
                   ,
                   the
                   Judge
                   is
                   coming
                   .
                   And
                   ye
                   living
                   Inhabitants
                   ,
                   lay
                   by
                   your
                   designs
                   ,
                   let
                   fall
                   your
                   Traffique
                   ;
                   quit
                   your
                   pleasures
                   and
                   pursuits
                   ;
                   the
                   time
                   for
                   these
                   is
                   done
                   ,
                   
                     for
                     ever
                  
                   done
                   ;
                   Eternity
                   is
                   in
                   view
                   ;
                   Trim
                   your
                   Lamps
                   ,
                   the
                   Bridegroom
                   is
                   at
                   the
                   door
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   And
                   now
                   the
                   General
                   Resurrection
                   follows
                   .
                   Behold
                   the
                   closest
                   Vaults
                   throw
                   away
                   their
                   coverings
                   ,
                   and
                   disclose
                   the
                   proud
                   Families
                   that
                   lay
                   hid
                   in
                   that
                   stately
                   darkness
                   :
                   See
                   how
                   the
                   loose
                   Earth
                   
                   moves
                   about
                   the
                   Cloysters
                   of
                   the
                   Dead
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Grave
                   opens
                   all
                   its
                   doors
                   to
                   enlarge
                   its
                   Prisoners
                   :
                   And
                   lo
                   ,
                   a
                   numerous
                   people
                   riseth
                   from
                   under
                   ground
                   to
                   attend
                   the
                   great
                   Assize
                   of
                   Angels
                   and
                   men
                   !
                   They
                   arise
                   ,
                   but
                   are
                   not
                   yet
                   alive
                   ;
                   Death
                   sits
                   upon
                   their
                   faces
                   clad
                   in
                   dread
                   and
                   paleness
                   .
                   They
                   lose
                   that
                   motion
                   with
                   astonishment
                   which
                   they
                   gained
                   with
                   their
                   restored
                   parts
                   ;
                   and
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   be
                   shaken
                   into
                   their
                   former
                   dust
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   fear
                   that
                   hath
                   seized
                   their
                   unsettled
                   joynts
                   :
                   They
                   wonder
                   at
                   the
                   Light
                   ,
                   and
                   at
                   themselves
                   ;
                   and
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   drop
                   back
                   into
                   the
                   Graves
                   ,
                   from
                   which
                   they
                   just
                   peep'd
                   out
                   .
                
                 
                   See
                   here
                   the
                   mighty
                   sits
                   trembling
                   by
                   his
                   Monument
                   ,
                   unconcern'd
                   at
                   the
                   vain
                   Epithets
                   it
                   gave
                   to
                   his
                   flatter'd
                   Memory
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   delicate
                   sighs
                   with
                   his
                   first
                   breath
                   ,
                   willing
                   to
                   return
                   to
                   darkness
                   ,
                   rottenness
                   ,
                   and
                   worms
                   ;
                   rather
                   than
                   to
                   the
                   light
                   that
                   will
                   discover
                   the
                   guilt
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   follies
                   of
                   a
                   Life
                   of
                   vanity
                   and
                   sin
                   .
                   The
                   Hypocrite
                   droops
                   to
                   consider
                   that
                   his
                   painting
                   and
                   his
                   shame
                   are
                   to
                   be
                   brought
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   night
                   and
                   silence
                   of
                   the
                   Grave
                   ,
                   into
                   a
                   naked
                   ,
                   and
                   open
                   day
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   
                     vitious
                     dies
                     again
                  
                   to
                   think
                   ,
                   That
                   he
                   hath
                   taken
                   up
                   his
                   body
                   from
                   one
                   Death
                   to
                   carry
                   it
                   to
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   worse
                   .
                   Thus
                   the
                   world
                   of
                   the
                   wicked
                   shall
                   all
                   appear
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   be
                   concern'd
                   in
                   the
                   Judgement
                   that
                   follows
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   The
                   Righteous
                   shall
                   rise
                   also
                   ,
                   They
                   awake
                   with
                   vigour
                   in
                   their
                   souls
                   ,
                   and
                   life
                   in
                   their
                   eyes
                   ;
                   with
                   gayety
                   in
                   their
                   looks
                   ,
                   and
                   transports
                   in
                   all
                   their
                   powers
                   .
                   Their
                   new
                   warm'd
                   blood
                   moves
                   pleasantly
                   in
                   its
                   ancient
                   chanels
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   restored
                   spirits
                   dance
                   in
                   the
                   renewed
                   veins
                   .
                   They
                   are
                   glad
                   to
                   meet
                   the
                   old
                   companion
                   of
                   their
                   pleasures
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   miseries
                   ,
                   rejoycing
                   at
                   its
                   rescue
                   from
                   the
                   infamous
                   dishonours
                   of
                   corruption
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   't
                   is
                   ready
                   to
                   pass
                   with
                   them
                   into
                   the
                   promised
                   and
                   long
                   expected
                   Glories
                   .
                
                 
                   These
                   are
                   the
                   First-fruits
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   full
                   Crop
                   is
                   near
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   
                     joy
                     is
                     beyond
                     the
                     joy
                     of
                     Harvest
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   must
                   leave
                   the
                   degree
                   to
                   be
                   imagin'd
                   ,
                   that
                   cannot
                   be
                   exprest
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   thus
                   the
                   universal
                   World
                   both
                   of
                   the
                   wicked
                   and
                   the
                   righteous
                   shall
                   appear
                   on
                   the
                   Solemn
                   Summons
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Earth
                   ,
                   and
                   Air
                   ,
                   and
                   Sea
                   ,
                   and
                   Death
                   ,
                   and
                   Hell
                   shall
                   give
                   up
                   their
                   Dead
                   ,
                   Rev.
                   20.
                   13.
                   
                   And
                   so
                   Adam
                   and
                   the
                   Patriarchs
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   Ancient
                   Sages
                   ,
                   with
                   their
                   Sons
                   ,
                   and
                   Nephews
                   to
                   the
                   latest
                   Posterity
                   ,
                   shall
                   stand
                   up
                   together
                   before
                   the
                   Judgement
                   Seat
                   :
                   for
                   all
                   are
                   subjects
                   of
                   the
                   same
                   general
                   Empire
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   are
                   accountable
                   for
                   their
                   Actions
                   to
                   the
                   same
                   Soveraign
                   Judge
                   :
                   And
                   He
                   is
                   the
                   
                     Man
                     whom
                     God
                     hath
                     ordain'd
                     to
                     judge
                     the
                     world
                     in
                     Righteousness
                     .
                  
                   And
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   next
                   
                   thing
                   in
                   the
                   Text
                   to
                   be
                   consider'd
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   III.
                   The
                   person
                   appointed
                   ,
                   The
                   
                     Man
                     whom
                     he
                     hath
                     ordain'd
                  
                   :
                   And
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   
                     Man
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                  
                   ,
                   even
                   the
                   Man
                   ,
                   who
                   being
                   
                     in
                     the
                     form
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     thought
                     it
                     no
                     robberry
                     to
                     be
                     equal
                     with
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   Phil.
                   2.
                   6.
                   
                   The
                   same
                   is
                   He
                   who
                   is
                   ordain'd
                   of
                   God
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   Judge
                   of
                   
                     the
                     quick
                  
                   and
                   
                     the
                     dead
                  
                   ,
                   Act.
                   10.
                   42.
                   
                
                 
                   And
                   now
                   under
                   this
                   Head
                   I
                   shall
                   shew
                   how
                   fit
                   he
                   is
                   ,
                   as
                   man
                   ,
                   for
                   this
                   great
                   and
                   solemn
                   office
                   ,
                   in
                   these
                   two
                   particulars
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   He
                   is
                   fit
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   General
                   Judge
                   ,
                   as
                   Man
                   ,
                   because
                   he
                   
                     descended
                     to
                     the
                     meanness
                     of
                     our
                     condition
                     .
                  
                   'T
                   is
                   but
                   just
                   that
                   He
                   ,
                   who
                   laid
                   by
                   his
                   ancient
                   Glory
                   ,
                   and
                   cloath'd
                   himself
                   in
                   the
                   Livery
                   of
                   guilt
                   and
                   shame
                   ,
                   should
                   re-assume
                   that
                   native
                   Majesty
                   and
                   splendour
                   in
                   the
                   face
                   of
                   universal
                   mankind
                   :
                   That
                   He
                   ,
                   who
                   made
                   an
                   humble
                   stoop
                   from
                   the
                   Throne
                   to
                   the
                   Manger
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   Government
                   of
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   life
                   of
                   a
                   mean
                   subject
                   ;
                   should
                   (
                   at
                   last
                   )
                   be
                   illustriously
                   advanc'd
                   as
                   much
                   above
                   the
                   heights
                   of
                   humane
                   grandeurs
                   ,
                   as
                   then
                   he
                   was
                   below
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   'T
                   is
                   fit
                   that
                   
                     That
                     Holy
                     and
                     Divine
                     Person
                  
                   ,
                   who
                   was
                   buffeted
                   and
                   affronted
                   ,
                   condemned
                   and
                   crucified
                   by
                   an
                   abusive
                   and
                   injurious
                   world
                   ,
                   should
                   righteously
                   judge
                   his
                   Judges
                   .
                   That
                   Herod
                   may
                   see
                   that
                   he
                   persecuted
                   not
                   the
                   Infant
                   King
                   of
                   a
                   little
                   Province
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   Soveraign
                   of
                   Angels
                   
                   and
                   men
                   :
                   And
                   that
                   
                     Pontius
                     Pilate
                  
                   and
                   the
                   Jews
                   may
                   be
                   convinc'd
                   that
                   He
                   whom
                   they
                   called
                   
                     King
                     in
                     scorn
                  
                   ,
                   is
                   really
                   a
                   greater
                   Emperour
                   than
                   Caesar
                   :
                   And
                   that
                   those
                   who
                   were
                   scandal'd
                   at
                   the
                   Cross
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   verse
                   to
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   an
                   humble
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   may
                   see
                   the
                   shame
                   and
                   confutation
                   of
                   their
                   Infidelity
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   Folly
                   ;
                   in
                   the
                   exaltation
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Jesus
                  
                   above
                   all
                   the
                   possibilities
                   of
                   worldly
                   glory
                   .
                   Upon
                   this
                   account
                   't
                   is
                   reasonable
                   and
                   becoming
                   that
                   the
                   
                     Man
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                  
                   should
                   be
                   the
                   Judge
                   .
                   And
                   it
                   is
                   so
                   upon
                   another
                   ,
                   viz.
                   
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Because
                   
                     He
                     contracted
                     an
                     alliance
                     with
                     our
                     Natures
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   
                     experimentally
                     knows
                     and
                     felt
                     the
                     Infirmities
                     of
                     our
                     state
                     .
                  
                   If
                   the
                   Supream
                   naked
                   Deity
                   should
                   judge
                   us
                   immediately
                   ,
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   confunded
                   and
                   astonished
                   at
                   the
                   Mjaesty
                   of
                   his
                   presence
                   ,
                   &
                   his
                   greatness
                   would
                   make
                   us
                   afraid
                   .
                   For
                   who
                   can
                   bear
                   that
                   dazzling
                   Glory
                   ?
                   who
                   can
                   stand
                   before
                   a
                   Throne
                   surrounded
                   with
                   incomprehensible
                   Light
                   and
                   Flame
                   ?
                   This
                   Glory
                   is
                   therefore
                   allay'd
                   by
                   the
                   interposal
                   of
                   humane
                   nature
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   Light
                   wears
                   a
                   veil
                   upon
                   it
                   to
                   encourage
                   our
                   approaches
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   our
                   Brother
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Friend
                   that
                   loved
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   dyed
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   the
                   man
                   ordain'd
                   to
                   be
                   our
                   Judge
                   .
                   He
                   hath
                   the
                   
                     same
                     compassion
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   when
                   he
                   wept
                   over
                   an
                   obstinate
                   City
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     same
                     love
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   when
                   he
                   bled
                   and
                   dyed
                   for
                   a
                   rebellious
                   World.
                   He
                   knows
                   the
                   strength
                   of
                   our
                   temptations
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   weakness
                   of
                   our
                   natures
                   ,
                   and
                   
                   will
                   make
                   abatements
                   for
                   them
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   faithful
                   may
                   hearfully
                   appear
                   before
                   his
                   Throne
                   ,
                   confessing
                   their
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   relying
                   upon
                   his
                   Love.
                   He
                   that
                   loved
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   was
                   like
                   us
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   take
                   our
                   Accounts
                   .
                   'T
                   is
                   our
                   Redeemer
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   our
                   Judge
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   may
                   
                     believing
                     Penitents
                  
                   incourage
                   themselves
                   before
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   hold
                   up
                   their
                   heads
                   in
                   that
                   Day
                   of
                   terrours
                   ,
                   as
                   much
                   reviv'd
                   by
                   the
                   apprehension
                   of
                   his
                   humanity
                   and
                   meekness
                   ;
                   as
                   the
                   wicked
                   will
                   be
                   dejected
                   by
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   his
                   greatness
                   and
                   power
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   for
                   this
                   cause
                   also
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   congruous
                   and
                   fit
                   that
                   the
                   
                     Man
                     Christ
                     Jesus
                  
                   should
                   be
                   Judge
                   ,
                   when
                   mankind
                   is
                   at
                   the
                   Bar.
                   
                
                 
                   I
                   Come
                   now
                   to
                   the
                   IV.
                   General
                   to
                   be
                   consider'd
                   —
                   
                     He
                     will
                     judge
                     the
                     World
                     in
                     Righteousness
                  
                   —
                   viz.
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   By
                   a
                   Rule
                   :
                   Not
                   by
                   unaccountable
                   humour
                   ,
                   or
                   arbitrary
                   Will
                   ;
                   Not
                   by
                   hidden
                   Decrees
                   ,
                   or
                   secret
                   scrowls
                   of
                   Predestination
                   .
                   But
                   by
                   those
                   plain
                   and
                   
                     open
                     Records
                  
                   that
                   are
                   in
                   our
                   Houses
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   Hands
                   ;
                   that
                   are
                   Preached
                   in
                   Publique
                   places
                   ,
                   and
                   declar'd
                   in
                   a
                   language
                   we
                   understand
                   .
                   
                     The
                     Books
                     shall
                     be
                     opened
                  
                   ,
                   Rev.
                   20.
                   12.
                   and
                   the
                   Books
                   the
                   Rules
                   of
                   Righteousness
                   ,
                   are
                   the
                   Law
                   and
                   the
                   Gospel
                   .
                   The
                   one
                   strictly
                   requires
                   perfect
                   obedience
                   ,
                   the
                   other
                   accepts
                   of
                   sincere
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   while
                   our
                   actions
                   are
                   tried
                   by
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   and
                   measured
                   by
                   
                     its
                     Righteousness
                  
                   ,
                   our
                   straightest
                   Lines
                   
                   are
                   crooked
                   and
                   uneven
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   greatest
                   services
                   are
                   very
                   scant
                   and
                   defective
                   .
                   The
                   best
                   are
                   like
                   the
                   dust
                   in
                   the
                   Ballance
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   rest
                   are
                   lighter
                   than
                   Vanity
                   .
                   For
                   as
                   Magnifying
                   Glasses
                   betray
                   roughness
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   ragged
                   surface
                   in
                   the
                   best
                   polish'd
                   Marble
                   ;
                   So
                   this
                   Glass
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   discovers
                   wrinkles
                   and
                   deformity
                   in
                   the
                   fairest
                   and
                   most
                   even
                   vertue
                   .
                   And
                   while
                   mens
                   lives
                   and
                   actions
                   are
                   compared
                   with
                   
                     this
                     Rule
                  
                   ,
                   all
                   mankind
                   is
                   distrest
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   cloud
                   hangs
                   upon
                   the
                   brow
                   of
                   the
                   most
                   religious
                   and
                   most
                   innocent
                   .
                   The
                   Law
                   concludes
                   all
                   men
                   under
                   sin
                   ,
                   and
                   sin
                   under
                   wrath
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   by
                   this
                   all
                   the
                   world
                   is
                   cast
                   ;
                   and
                   were
                   happiness
                   to
                   be
                   had
                   upon
                   no
                   other
                   terms
                   ,
                   strait
                   would
                   be
                   the
                   
                     Gate
                     indeed
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     so
                     narrow
                  
                   the
                   way
                   ,
                   that
                   none
                   would
                   find
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   while
                   no
                   other
                   Book
                   than
                   this
                   is
                   opened
                   ,
                   all
                   the
                   Generations
                   of
                   men
                   fall
                   prostrate
                   before
                   the
                   Throne
                   ,
                   condemn'd
                   by
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   themselves
                   .
                   Nothing
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   heard
                   but
                   an
                   universal
                   groan
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   suppliant
                   cry
                   of
                   
                     Mercy
                     ,
                     Mercy
                  
                   Lord
                   !
                
                 
                   When
                   loe
                   !
                   the
                   
                     other
                     Book
                  
                   is
                   opened
                   ,
                   and
                   out
                   of
                   it
                   is
                   read
                   Grace
                   and
                   Peace
                   ,
                   and
                   multiplyed
                   Pardons
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   followers
                   of
                   the
                   Lamb
                   ,
                   who
                   have
                   believ'd
                   in
                   the
                   Crucified
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   and
                   testified
                   that
                   Faith
                   by
                   their
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   and
                   sincere
                   obedience
                   :
                   But
                   shame
                   and
                   darkness
                   ,
                   and
                   new
                   
                     confusions
                     ;
                     Death
                     ,
                     Horrour
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   everlasting
                   Destruction
                   
                   from
                   the
                   presence
                   of
                   God
                   and
                   of
                   his
                   Christ
                   ,
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   stubborn
                   rejecters
                   of
                   His
                   Grace
                   ,
                   who
                   would
                   not
                   have
                   him
                   to
                   Rule
                   over
                   them
                   ,
                   nor
                   accept
                   of
                   His
                   offer'd
                   Salvation
                   .
                   These
                   are
                   the
                   Declarations
                   of
                   this
                   Book
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   the
                   measures
                   of
                   
                     that
                     Righteousness
                  
                   whereby
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   be
                   judg'd
                   :
                   As
                   the
                   Judge
                   himself
                   hath
                   told
                   us
                   ,
                   
                     John
                     12.
                     48.
                     
                     The
                     words
                  
                   that
                   he
                   
                     spake
                     ,
                     the
                     same
                     shall
                     Judge
                     us
                     in
                     the
                     last
                     day
                     .
                  
                   And
                   God
                   will
                   judge
                   the
                   
                     secrets
                     of
                     men
                  
                   ,
                   saith
                   St.
                   
                     Paul
                     ,
                     according
                     to
                     my
                     Gospel
                     ,
                  
                   Rom.
                   2.
                   
                   So
                   that
                   
                     believing
                     Penitents
                  
                   that
                   are
                   
                     not
                     perfect
                  
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   Works
                   ,
                   may
                   plead
                   their
                   sincerity
                   ,
                   their
                   
                     Faith
                     ,
                     Repentance
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     new
                     obedience
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   their
                   perfection
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   Law
                   of
                   Pardon
                   :
                   And
                   this
                   will
                   be
                   accepted
                   by
                   the
                   Judge
                   with
                   a
                   gracious
                   Air
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   sweet
                   reviving
                   voice
                   of
                   ,
                   
                     Well
                     done
                     ye
                     good
                     and
                     faithful
                     Servants
                     .
                  
                   He
                   invites
                   them
                   to
                   Him
                   with
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   pity
                   and
                   endearment
                   ,
                   and
                   ravisheth
                   their
                   souls
                   with
                   the
                   pleasant
                   sound
                   of
                   
                     Come
                     ye
                     blessed
                     of
                     my
                     Father
                     ,
                  
                   Matth.
                   25.
                   34.
                   
                   O
                   the
                   Ecstasies
                   that
                   are
                   in
                   that
                   Sentence
                   !
                   O
                   the
                   
                     killing
                     harmony
                  
                   of
                   that
                   voice
                   !
                   Can
                   a
                   Finite
                   spirit
                   bear
                   
                     such
                     excess
                  
                   ?
                   The
                   pleasures
                   of
                   Eternity
                   crouded
                   into
                   a
                   moment
                   :
                   Did
                   unfaln
                   Angels
                   ever
                   know
                   
                     such
                     another
                  
                   ?
                   or
                   can
                   there
                   be
                   more
                   transport
                   in
                   ten
                   thousand
                   Hallelujahs
                   ?
                   Certainly
                   ,
                   the
                   boundless
                   imagination
                   it self
                   cannot
                   form
                   an
                   Idea
                   of
                   that
                   rapture
                   ,
                   nor
                   the
                   Tongue
                   of
                   a
                   Cherub
                   express
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   The
                   summ
                   is
                   ,
                   The
                   World
                   shall
                   be
                   judg'd
                   in
                   Righteousness
                   ,
                   viz.
                   according
                   to
                   a
                   Rule
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   by
                   
                     meer
                     power
                  
                   and
                   
                     will
                     :
                     A
                     Rule
                  
                   !
                   not
                   the
                   strict
                   and
                   severe
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   sweet
                   and
                   gracious
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ;
                   whose
                   Righteousness
                   is
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     sincere
                     obedience
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   in
                   the
                   Great
                   Day
                   shall
                   be
                   accepted
                   ,
                   and
                   gloriously
                   rewarded
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   God
                   will
                   judge
                   the
                   World
                   in
                   Righteousness
                   ,
                   viz.
                   with
                   
                     impartial
                     equity
                  
                   .
                   To
                   evidence
                   this
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   consider
                   the
                   Judge
                   in
                   the
                   three
                   great
                   qualifications
                   of
                   his
                   WISDOM
                   ,
                   JUSTICE
                   ,
                   and
                   POWER
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   He
                   is
                   Wise
                   ,
                   and
                   cannot
                   be
                   abused
                   by
                   Witnesses
                   ,
                   nor
                   mistaken
                   in
                   Law
                   ;
                   cannot
                   be
                   imposed
                   on
                   by
                   false
                   allegations
                   ,
                   nor
                   cozened
                   by
                   fair
                   pretensions
                   :
                   He
                   intimately
                   understands
                   the
                   Fact
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Cause
                   ,
                   and
                   cannot
                   be
                   deceived
                   by
                   malice
                   of
                   enemies
                   ,
                   nor
                   subtilty
                   of
                   excuses
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   He
                   is
                   Just
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   A
                   pure
                   Mind
                   ,
                   without
                   interest
                   ,
                   or
                   affection
                   .
                   He
                   cannot
                   be
                   
                     aw'd
                     by
                     greatness
                  
                   ,
                   nor
                   sway'd
                   by
                   partiality
                   ,
                   and
                   fondness
                   .
                   All
                   mankind
                   are
                   equally
                   distant
                   from
                   Him
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   stand
                   upon
                   a
                   Level
                   before
                   Him.
                   He
                   that
                   beggs
                   in
                   Raggs
                   ,
                   and
                   weeps
                   in
                   the
                   Corners
                   of
                   the
                   Streets
                   ,
                   shall
                   be
                   heard
                   assoon
                   as
                   the
                   proud
                   Gallant
                   that
                   lives
                   in
                   Luxury
                   ,
                   and
                   Pomp.
                   He
                   that
                   tugg'd
                   at
                   the
                   Oar
                   ,
                   assoon
                   as
                   the
                   Commander
                   
                   of
                   Legions
                   :
                   And
                   the
                   poor
                   fellow
                   that
                   follow'd
                   the
                   Plough
                   ,
                   shall
                   have
                   as
                   much
                   right
                   done
                   him
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   mighty
                   that
                   sate
                   upon
                   the
                   Throne
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   He
                   is
                   
                     powerful
                     .
                     All
                     power
                     is
                     in
                     his
                     hands
                     ,
                     both
                     in
                     Heaven
                     and
                     on
                     Earth
                     ,
                  
                   Mat.
                   28.
                   18.
                   
                   So
                   that
                   he
                   can
                   execute
                   his
                   Sentence
                   without
                   resistance
                   or
                   possibility
                   of
                   rescue
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   getting
                   out
                   of
                   His
                   reach
                   ,
                   who
                   holds
                   the
                   World
                   in
                   the
                   
                     hollow
                     of
                     his
                     Hand
                  
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   opposing
                   of
                   his
                   power
                   ,
                   except
                   we
                   had
                   an
                   
                     Arm
                     like
                     God
                     ,
                     and
                     could
                     Thunder
                     like
                     Him.
                  
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   quitting
                   His
                   Dominions
                   ,
                   for
                   his
                   Rule
                   ,
                   and
                   His
                   Presence
                   are
                   universal
                   .
                   The
                   frozen
                   North
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   farthest
                   South
                   ;
                   the
                   Desart
                   and
                   the
                   Ocean
                   ,
                   are
                   all
                   within
                   the
                   bounds
                   of
                   His
                   Empire
                   ,
                   and
                   His
                   Influence
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   could
                   we
                   climb
                   up
                   into
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   His
                   ;
                   descend
                   we
                   to
                   the
                   Centre
                   ,
                   He
                   is
                   there
                   ;
                   or
                   if
                   even
                   as
                   far
                   as
                   Hell
                   ,
                   His
                   power
                   reacheth
                   thither
                   also
                   ,
                   Psal
                   .
                   139.
                   8.
                   
                
                 
                   In
                   summ
                   ,
                   The
                   Judge
                   cannot
                   be
                   
                     deceiv'd
                     ,
                     corrupted
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   over-powered
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   on
                   this
                   account
                   likewise
                   He
                   will
                   judge
                   the
                   World
                   in
                   Righteousness
                   .
                
                 
                   HAving
                   thus
                   spoken
                   to
                   the
                   main
                   parts
                   of
                   the
                   Text
                   ,
                   I
                   descend
                   to
                   enforce
                   all
                   ,
                   by
                   some
                   
                     Practical
                     improvement
                  
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   If
                   then
                   there
                   be
                   an
                   
                     appointed
                     Day
                  
                   for
                   so
                   universal
                   and
                   righteous
                   a
                   Judgement
                   ,
                   by
                   so
                   great
                   and
                   just
                   a
                   Judge
                   ,
                   Let
                   us
                   consider
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   How
                   passionately
                   ,
                   and
                   differently
                   mankind
                   will
                   be
                   concern'd
                   at
                   that
                   time
                   .
                   Of
                   this
                   something
                   hath
                   been
                   said
                   before
                   ,
                   but
                   I
                   shall
                   now
                   discourse
                   the
                   matter
                   a
                   little
                   further
                   ,
                   and
                   endeavour
                   to
                   give
                   you
                   some
                   description
                   of
                   the
                   Terrours
                   of
                   the
                   wicked
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Raptures
                   of
                   the
                   Just
                   at
                   that
                   solemnity
                   :
                   Though
                   all
                   that
                   can
                   be
                   said
                   will
                   be
                   very
                   short
                   of
                   the
                   Passions
                   of
                   that
                   Day
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   How
                   will
                   the
                   careless
                   and
                   ungodly
                   world
                   be
                   appall'd
                   and
                   astonish'd
                   at
                   that
                   unlook'd
                   for
                   Summons
                   !
                   How
                   will
                   the
                   dark
                   Gentiles
                   ,
                   that
                   never
                   heard
                   of
                   such
                   a
                   Day
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   hardened
                   Infidels
                   that
                   heard
                   ,
                   but
                   did
                   not
                   believe
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   dissolute
                   spirit
                   that
                   heard
                   ,
                   and
                   believ'd
                   but
                   did
                   not
                   consider
                   ,
                   how
                   will
                   they
                   tremble
                   and
                   be
                   confounded
                   at
                   the
                   dread
                   preparations
                   of
                   that
                   Day
                   !
                
                 
                   Methinks
                   I
                   see
                   the
                   
                     pale
                     looks
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     shivering
                     motions
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   gazing
                   eye
                   and
                   listening
                   ear
                   ,
                   the
                   distracted
                   face
                   and
                   trembling
                   hand
                   of
                   the
                   most
                   proud
                   and
                   daring
                   sinner
                   .
                   The
                   Drunkard
                   le
                   ts
                   fall
                   his
                   Cup
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   busie
                   worldling
                   stands
                   at
                   gaze
                   ,
                   the
                   
                     loud
                     companions
                  
                   are
                   hush'd
                   into
                   silence
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     merry
                     Droll
                  
                   into
                   a
                   careful
                   look
                   .
                   The
                   Atheist
                   hides
                   his
                   head
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   
                     sleepy
                     Sot
                     starts
                  
                   up
                   into
                   anxious
                   wonder
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   And
                   after
                   this
                   first
                   amazement
                   ,
                   See
                   how
                   the
                   trembling-multitude
                   run
                   distracted
                   up
                   and
                   down
                   ,
                   Some
                   into
                   corners
                   to
                   cover
                   ,
                   others
                   into
                   companies
                   to
                   consult
                   :
                   Every
                   man
                   asks
                   his
                   Neighbour
                   ,
                   what
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   done
                   ?
                   and
                   he
                   again
                   repeats
                   the
                   question
                   to
                   every
                   one
                   that
                   is
                   next
                   unto
                   him
                   :
                   The
                   Son
                   runs
                   to
                   his
                   amazed
                   Father
                   ,
                   who
                   needs
                   the
                   advice
                   his
                   dear
                   child
                   seeks
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Wife
                   clasps
                   about
                   her
                   astonish'd
                   Husband
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   as
                   helpless
                   as
                   his
                   frighted
                   Consort
                   .
                   The
                   Publican
                   beggs
                   counsel
                   of
                   the
                   Pharisee
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   ,
                   poor
                   soul
                   ,
                   is
                   as
                   much
                   at
                   a
                   loss
                   as
                   the
                   Reprobate
                   .
                
                 
                   They
                   all
                   Court
                   the
                   Mountains
                   to
                   cover
                   them
                   ,
                   Rev.
                   6.
                   16.
                   and
                   shuffle
                   into
                   Caverns
                   to
                   hide
                   from
                   the
                   presence
                   of
                   the
                   Judge
                   .
                   But
                   alas
                   !
                   they
                   quickly
                   see
                   the
                   vanity
                   of
                   those
                   naked
                   retreats
                   ,
                   and
                   find
                   themselves
                   as
                   much
                   expos'd
                   in
                   the
                   closest
                   Vaults
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   would
                   be
                   in
                   the
                   body
                   of
                   the
                   Sun.
                   Mountains
                   are
                   but
                   Cobwebb
                   coverings
                   ,
                   and
                   Rocks
                   and
                   Earth
                   but
                   a
                   Cypress
                   veil
                   .
                   Hills
                   ,
                   Caves
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   are
                   His
                   ,
                   whom
                   the
                   frighted
                   Fugitives
                   would
                   avoid
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     will
                     not
                     ,
                     cannot
                  
                   conceal
                   His
                   enemies
                   from
                   His
                   eye
                   ,
                   that
                   strikes
                   through
                   the
                   Earth
                   as
                   through
                   a
                   Globe
                   of
                   Crystal
                   .
                   What
                   shall
                   they
                   do
                   then
                   ;
                   whither
                   shall
                   they
                   go
                   ?
                   they
                   cannot
                   bear
                   His
                   presence
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   cannot
                   avoid
                   it
                   :
                   the
                   Light
                   kills
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   darkness
                   will
                   not
                   hide
                   .
                   For
                   the
                   darkness
                   is
                   no
                   darkness
                   to
                   this
                   Judge
                   ;
                   
                   
                     The
                     darkness
                     and
                     the
                     day
                     to
                     Him
                     are
                     both
                     alike
                     ,
                  
                   Psal
                   .
                   139.
                   12.
                   
                
                 
                   Thus
                   will
                   the
                   wicked
                   be
                   confounded
                   by
                   the
                   coming
                   of
                   the
                   great
                   and
                   terrible
                   Day
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   of
                   all
                   those
                   that
                   liv'd
                   under
                   the
                   plain
                   and
                   frequent
                   warnings
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   Had
                   they
                   never
                   heard
                   of
                   this
                   solemn
                   time
                   ,
                   they
                   would
                   have
                   been
                   astonish'd
                   but
                   not
                   so
                   much
                   affrighted
                   ;
                   It
                   would
                   have
                   been
                   their
                   wonder
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   
                     so
                     much
                  
                   their
                   misery
                   .
                   Had
                   they
                   not
                   been
                   told
                   of
                   this
                   great
                   appearance
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   Judge
                   ,
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   look'd
                   on
                   
                     that
                     Majesty
                  
                   without
                   those
                   sad
                   degrees
                   of
                   dread
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   mortal
                   shiverings
                   ,
                   and
                   hoped
                   for
                   great
                   abatements
                   in
                   consideration
                   of
                   their
                   fatal
                   ignorance
                   :
                   But
                   alas
                   ,
                   they
                   were
                   told
                   of
                   this
                   Day
                   earnestly
                   ,
                   and
                   often
                   .
                   The
                   God
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   Judge
                   of
                   all
                   ,
                   acquainted
                   them
                   with
                   this
                   solemnity
                   while
                   't
                   was
                   future
                   ;
                   And
                   these
                   Preachers
                   that
                   were
                   most
                   infallible
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   urgent
                   ,
                   prest
                   the
                   Truth
                   of
                   these
                   things
                   upon
                   their
                   Faith
                   and
                   affections
                   with
                   all
                   evidence
                   and
                   importunity
                   ,
                   sutableness
                   of
                   address
                   and
                   accommodation
                   to
                   their
                   Reason
                   and
                   their
                   Interest
                   ;
                   with
                   all
                   the
                   motives
                   of
                   hope
                   and
                   fear
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   alliciencies
                   and
                   incentives
                   that
                   use
                   to
                   move
                   reasonable
                   nature
                   .
                   They
                   heard
                   ,
                   but
                   did
                   not
                   heed
                   ,
                   they
                   
                     heeded
                     a
                     little
                  
                   but
                   forgot
                   the
                   next
                   moment
                   ;
                   they
                   assented
                   ,
                   but
                   slept
                   ,
                   they
                   were
                   awakened
                   ,
                   but
                   sunk
                   again
                   into
                   a
                   
                     careless
                     slumber
                  
                   ;
                   they
                   
                   said
                   they
                   believ'd
                   ,
                   but
                   were
                   not
                   
                     concern'd
                     ;
                     convinc'd
                     a
                     little
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   
                     perswaded
                     ;
                     Perswaded
                  
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   
                     resolv'd
                     ;
                     Resolv'd
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   presently
                   
                     let
                     out
                  
                   of
                   mind
                   what
                   they
                   had
                   concluded
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   now
                   when
                   the
                   sight
                   of
                   the
                   Judgement
                   Day
                   shall
                   thorowly
                   awaken
                   them
                   to
                   consider
                   those
                   invitations
                   and
                   warnings
                   they
                   had
                   to
                   prepare
                   for
                   it
                   ,
                   what
                   inward
                   anguish
                   will
                   they
                   feel
                   at
                   the
                   thoughts
                   of
                   their
                   sottishness
                   and
                   neglects
                   ?
                   And
                   methinks
                   I
                   hear
                   the
                   sinner
                   thus
                   inveighing
                   against
                   himself
                   :
                
                 
                   
                     Brutish
                     Soul
                  
                   !
                   Where
                   was
                   thy
                   reason
                   ?
                   where
                   was
                   thy
                   Self-love
                   ?
                   where
                   were
                   thy
                   reflections
                   ?
                   where
                   was
                   thy
                   Providence
                   ?
                   couldst
                   thou
                   not
                   look
                   beyond
                   the
                   grates
                   of
                   flesh
                   ,
                   or
                   didst
                   thou
                   see
                   ,
                   and
                   wouldst
                   betray
                   me
                   into
                   this
                   danger
                   and
                   this
                   misery
                   ?
                   wert
                   thou
                   diverted
                   by
                   greater
                   matters
                   ?
                   or
                   hadst
                   thou
                   any
                   thing
                   of
                   
                     more
                     necessity
                  
                   ,
                   or
                   concernment
                   to
                   engage
                   thy
                   thoughts
                   ?
                   was
                   the
                   sordid
                   flesh
                   a
                   better
                   friend
                   than
                   that
                   triumphant
                   Jesus
                   ?
                   or
                   the
                   world
                   an
                   enjoyment
                   like
                   those
                   rewards
                   he
                   will
                   now
                   dispense
                   ?
                   were
                   thy
                   pleasures
                   comparable
                   to
                   the
                   joyes
                   of
                   the
                   happy
                   expectants
                   of
                   this
                   Time
                   ?
                   or
                   thy
                   little
                   policies
                   of
                   equal
                   moment
                   with
                   the
                   affairs
                   of
                   this
                   day
                   ?
                   O
                   how
                   wild
                   and
                   absurd
                   are
                   these
                   questions
                   now
                   !
                   and
                   why
                   were
                   they
                   not
                   alwayes
                   such
                   in
                   thy
                   esteem
                   ?
                   Yea
                   ,
                   why
                   didst
                   thou
                   determine
                   on
                   the
                   unreasonable
                   side
                   ?
                   what
                   can
                   the
                   fondling
                   flesh
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   eht
                   world
                   do
                   for
                   thee
                   ?
                   what
                   relish
                   now
                   in
                   those
                   pleasures
                   that
                   are
                   gone
                   out
                   in
                   stenchand
                   shame
                   ?
                   What
                   profit
                   in
                   those
                   designs
                   whose
                   objects
                   are
                   vanish'd
                   with
                   thy
                   hopes
                   ?
                   O
                   how
                   shall
                   I
                   answer
                   this
                   Judge
                   ?
                   what
                   shall
                   I
                   say
                   to
                   the
                   black
                   indictment
                   that
                   lies
                   against
                   me
                   ?
                   why
                   did
                   I
                   abuse
                   his
                   love
                   ,
                   and
                   reject
                   his
                   addresses
                   ?
                   disregard
                   his
                   promises
                   ,
                   and
                   slight
                   his
                   threatnings
                   ?
                   throw
                   off
                   his
                   easie
                   yoke
                   ,
                   as
                   an
                   intolerable
                   burthen
                   ,
                   and
                   choose
                   darkness
                   ,
                   death
                   and
                   misery
                   before
                   light
                   ,
                   and
                   life
                   ,
                   and
                   glory
                   ?
                   what
                   can
                   I
                   say
                   to
                   my
                   Judge
                   ?
                   what
                   to
                   my self
                   ?
                
                 
                   Cover
                   me
                   shame
                   and
                   blushing
                   ;
                   yea
                   let
                   death
                   hide
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   everlasting
                   darkness
                   cast
                   its
                   covering
                   upon
                   me
                   ;
                   But
                   death
                   will
                   not
                   befriend
                   one
                   that
                   hath
                   so
                   sad
                   a
                   reason
                   to
                   seek
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   darkness
                   flies
                   away
                   from
                   yond
                   glorious
                   presence
                   .
                   O
                   the
                   day
                   that
                   I
                   put
                   far
                   from
                   me
                   !
                   and
                   the
                   danger
                   that
                   I
                   would
                   not
                   consider
                   !
                   The
                   wrath
                   I
                   have
                   been
                   
                     treasuring
                     up
                  
                   !
                   and
                   the
                   evils
                   that
                   I
                   fear'd
                   ,
                   but
                   would
                   not
                   endeavour
                   to
                   avoid
                   !
                   These
                   are
                   come
                   upon
                   me
                   ;
                   Mercy
                   is
                   at
                   an
                   end
                   ;
                   and
                   pardon
                   is
                   no
                   more
                   ;
                   excuses
                   are
                   in
                   vain
                   ,
                   and
                   Prayers
                   insignificant
                   ;
                   The
                   Judge
                   is
                   just
                   and
                   inexorable
                   ,
                   not
                   mov'd
                   by
                   fond
                   pity
                   ,
                   nor
                   weak
                   affections
                   ;
                   He
                   will
                   shew
                   
                     no
                     more
                  
                   favour
                   to
                   those
                   who
                   so
                   long
                   have
                   slighted
                   it
                   ;
                   Nor
                   will
                   He
                   have
                   mercy
                   upon
                   them
                   that
                   would
                   have
                   none
                   upon
                   themselves
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   Such
                   reflections
                   of
                   anguish
                   and
                   despair
                   as
                   these
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   suppose
                   the
                   sight
                   of
                   the
                   Great
                   Day
                   will
                   occasion
                   in
                   the
                   wicked
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   the
                   beginnings
                   to
                   them
                   of
                   a
                   sad
                   and
                   intolerable
                   Eternity
                   .
                
                 
                   On
                   the
                   other
                   side
                   ,
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   The
                   Transports
                   of
                   the
                   faithful
                   will
                   be
                   unspeakable
                   on
                   that
                   day
                   ;
                   when
                   they
                   shall
                   exchange
                   the
                   doleful
                   tone
                   of
                   
                     How
                     long
                     !
                     how
                     long
                     ,
                     O
                     Lord
                     !
                  
                   for
                   the
                   pleasant
                   voice
                   ,
                   
                     He
                     is
                     come
                     ,
                     He
                     is
                     come
                     .
                  
                   See
                   now
                   how
                   the
                   nimble
                   spirits
                   play
                   in
                   the
                   smiling
                   eyes
                   ,
                   that
                   languish'd
                   and
                   droop'd
                   before
                   ;
                   And
                   all
                   the
                   lovers
                   of
                   the
                   
                     Holy
                     Jesus
                  
                   awaken
                   into
                   chearfulness
                   and
                   vigour
                   .
                   Joy
                   warms
                   the
                   cold
                   and
                   liveless
                   blood
                   ,
                   and
                   sends
                   it
                   about
                   with
                   a
                   pleasant
                   thrill
                   through
                   all
                   the
                   channels
                   of
                   its
                   motion
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   enkindled
                   spirit
                   is
                   ready
                   to
                   melt
                   the
                   gross
                   mass
                   that
                   detains
                   it
                   from
                   the
                   adorable
                   object
                   of
                   its
                   love
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     O
                     my
                     soul
                  
                   !
                   saith
                   the
                   transported
                   admirer
                   ,
                   How
                   reasonable
                   was
                   thy
                   Faith
                   ;
                   and
                   how
                   unjust
                   were
                   thy
                   Fears
                   ?
                   How
                   small
                   were
                   the
                   troubles
                   of
                   thy
                   night
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   pleasures
                   of
                   
                     this
                     day
                  
                   ?
                   and
                   how
                   injurious
                   were
                   thy
                   complaints
                   to
                   so
                   glorious
                   an
                   expectation
                   ?
                   O
                   blessed
                   tears
                   that
                   end
                   in
                   such
                   triumphs
                   !
                   O
                   pleasant
                   sorrow
                   that
                   ends
                   in
                   rapture
                   !
                   Was
                   it
                   
                     such
                     comfort
                  
                   that
                   our
                   Lord
                   promised
                   to
                   those
                   that
                   mourn
                   ?
                   was
                   this
                   the
                   time
                   I
                   did
                   so
                   coldly
                   expect
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   indifferently
                   regard
                   ?
                   Is
                   this
                   the
                   Saviour
                   I
                   loved
                   
                     so
                     little
                  
                   ?
                   and
                   was
                   
                     this
                     that
                     Lord
                  
                   I
                   was
                   so
                   careless
                   to
                   obey
                   ?
                   Is
                   
                     this
                     He
                  
                   
                   whom
                   the
                   flesh
                   and
                   world
                   tempted
                   me
                   so
                   often
                   to
                   deny
                   ;
                   and
                   whose
                   interest
                   could
                   do
                   so
                   little
                   with
                   me
                   ?
                   
                     Stupid
                     soul
                  
                   !
                   How
                   unworthy
                   art
                   thou
                   of
                   this
                   sight
                   of
                   Glory
                   ?
                   and
                   how
                   more
                   unworthy
                   of
                   the
                   favour
                   of
                   this
                   glorious
                   and
                   triumphant
                   Jesus
                   ?
                   O
                   the
                   grace
                   that
                   pardons
                   such
                   great
                   defects
                   ;
                   and
                   thus
                   rewards
                   such
                   mean
                   services
                   !
                   O
                   the
                   pleasure
                   of
                   Faith
                   when
                   it
                   comes
                   to
                   be
                   in
                   sight
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   transports
                   of
                   hope
                   that
                   is
                   within
                   the
                   reach
                   of
                   enjoyment
                   !
                
                 
                   Such
                   ,
                   and
                   incomprehensibly
                   greater
                   ,
                   will
                   be
                   the
                   Ecstasies
                   of
                   the
                   faithful
                   in
                   the
                   day
                   when
                   the
                   Judge
                   shall
                   appear
                   .
                
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   all
                   then
                   (
                   II.
                   )
                   make
                   it
                   our
                   main
                   care
                   and
                   business
                   to
                   prepare
                   for
                   
                     this
                     time
                  
                   .
                   We
                   are
                   probationers
                   here
                   for
                   another
                   state
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Day
                   of
                   Judgement
                   is
                   the
                   great
                   Time
                   of
                   Trial
                   for
                   it
                   .
                   As
                   we
                   are
                   found
                   then
                   ,
                   our
                   condition
                   will
                   be
                   for
                   ever
                   ;
                   And
                   according
                   as
                   our
                   actions
                   have
                   been
                   ,
                   the
                   Sentence
                   will
                   pass
                   ,
                   either
                   to
                   everlasting
                   Joyes
                   ,
                   or
                   endless
                   Woe
                   :
                   What
                   remains
                   then
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   we
                   look
                   on
                   this
                   as
                   our
                   great
                   and
                   most
                   necessary
                   work
                   ;
                   That
                   
                     we
                     have
                     the
                     future
                     Judgement
                     alwayes
                     in
                     our
                     eye
                     and
                     thoughts
                  
                   ;
                   That
                   we
                   
                     study
                     the
                     Laws
                     whereby
                     we
                     are
                     to
                     be
                     judged
                  
                   ;
                   That
                   
                     we
                     frequently
                     judge
                     our selves
                     before
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   
                     we
                     square
                     our
                     actions
                     by
                     the
                     directions
                     and
                     example
                     of
                     the
                     Judge
                     .
                  
                   And
                   if
                   we
                   thus
                   prepare
                   ,
                   That
                   Day
                   which
                   will
                   be
                   so
                   dreadful
                   to
                   the
                   wicked
                   ,
                   will
                   be
                   
                   the
                   most
                   joyful
                   one
                   to
                   us
                   that
                   we
                   ever
                   saw
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   beginning
                   of
                   an
                   everlasting
                   Day
                   of
                   Joy
                   ,
                   that
                   hath
                   no
                   night
                   of
                   sorrow
                   to
                   succeed
                   it
                   .
                   For
                   at
                   the
                   conclusion
                   of
                   the
                   Judgement
                   we
                   shall
                   pass
                   with
                   the
                   Judge
                   to
                   those
                   Regions
                   of
                   Bliss
                   and
                   Triumph
                   ,
                   where
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   dwell
                   with
                   him
                   to
                   eternal
                   Ages
                   ,
                   singing
                   Hallelujahs
                   to
                   God
                   the
                   Father
                   ,
                   Son
                   ,
                   and
                   Holy
                   Ghost
                   ;
                   To
                   whom
                   are
                   due
                   from
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   creatures
                   ,
                   all
                   Glory
                   ,
                   Honour
                   ,
                   Praise
                   and
                   Adoration
                   ,
                   henceforth
                   and
                   for
                   ever
                   .
                   Amen
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   IX
                   .
                   OF
                   THE
                   NECESSITY
                   OF
                   AN
                   Unfeigned
                   Repentance
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   IX
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     JONAH
                     III.
                     5.
                     
                  
                   
                     So
                     the
                     people
                     of
                     Nineveh
                     believed
                     God
                     ,
                     and
                     proclaimed
                     a
                     Fast
                     ,
                     and
                     put
                     on
                     Sackcloth
                     ,
                     from
                     the
                     greatest
                     of
                     them
                     even
                     to
                     the
                     least
                     of
                     them
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   NIneveh
                   ,
                   the
                   ancient
                   and
                   famous
                   City
                   of
                   Assyria
                   ,
                   was
                   founded
                   by
                   Nimrod
                   ,
                   the
                   mighty
                   Hunter
                   ,
                   and
                   supposed
                   first
                   Monarch
                   of
                   the
                   Earth
                   ;
                   it
                   had
                   its
                   name
                   from
                   Ninus
                   ,
                   who
                   compleated
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   was
                   the
                   third
                   of
                   that
                   Empire
                   .
                   Where
                   its
                   particular
                   place
                   was
                   ,
                   is
                   not
                   ,
                   at
                   this
                   day
                   ,
                   certainly
                   known
                   ;
                   but
                   this
                   is
                   certain
                   ,
                   it
                   was
                   a
                   great
                   City
                   ,
                   of
                   three
                   days
                   journey
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   
                   Sacred
                   History
                   ,
                   Jonah
                   1.
                   
                   And
                   ,
                   as
                   was
                   the
                   extent
                   ,
                   such
                   were
                   the
                   sins
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   all
                   great
                   Cities
                   abound
                   in
                   vice
                   ,
                   but
                   (
                   it
                   seems
                   )
                   the
                   wickedness
                   of
                   this
                   was
                   notorious
                   ,
                   it
                   made
                   a
                   cry
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   cry
                   came
                   up
                   before
                   God
                   to
                   call
                   for
                   deserved
                   vengeance
                   on
                   their
                   heads
                   !
                   but
                   he
                   that
                   
                     is
                     slow
                     to
                     wrath
                     ,
                     and
                     doth
                     not
                     willingly
                     afflict
                     the
                     children
                     of
                     men
                     ,
                  
                   resolves
                   to
                   warn
                   before
                   he
                   strikes
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   sends
                   Jonah
                   ,
                   a
                   Prophet
                   of
                   Israel
                   ,
                   to
                   foretel
                   their
                   approaching
                   Ruine
                   ;
                   He
                   (
                   considering
                   the
                   ungratefulness
                   of
                   the
                   Message
                   ,
                   and
                   doubting
                   what
                   Entertainment
                   he
                   was
                   like
                   to
                   have
                   from
                   a
                   proud
                   ,
                   and
                   (
                   as
                   he
                   might
                   think
                   )
                   an
                   obdurate
                   City
                   )
                   diverts
                   another
                   way
                   ,
                   and
                   flees
                   toward
                   Tarshish
                   ;
                   but
                   the
                   judgement
                   of
                   God
                   overtook
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   plunged
                   him
                   into
                   the
                   Deep
                   ,
                   where
                   a
                   Fish
                   prepared
                   ,
                   swallowed
                   the
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   who
                   having
                   been
                   three
                   days
                   in
                   that
                   Belly
                   of
                   Hell
                   was
                   by
                   Miracle
                   discharg'd
                   upon
                   the
                   Shoar
                   :
                   and
                   then
                   the
                   former
                   Commission
                   being
                   renewed
                   ,
                   he
                   was
                   not
                   disobedient
                   to
                   the
                   Heavenly
                   voice
                   ,
                   but
                   went
                   to
                   Nineveh
                   ,
                   cryed
                   against
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Event
                   was
                   beyond
                   all
                   expectation
                   ,
                   and
                   extremely
                   contrary
                   to
                   his
                   own
                   ;
                   for
                   ,
                
                 
                   [
                   The
                   people
                   of
                   Nineveh
                   believed
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   proclaimed
                   a
                   Fast
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   on
                   Sack-cloth
                   from
                   the
                   greatest
                   of
                   them
                   to
                   the
                   least
                   of
                   them
                   .
                   ]
                
                 
                 
                   Very
                   different
                   was
                   this
                   Success
                   from
                   what
                   other
                   Messengers
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   Patriarchs
                   and
                   Prophets
                   ,
                   and
                   holy
                   men
                   of
                   ancient
                   ,
                   and
                   later
                   times
                   ,
                   have
                   had
                   :
                   Noah
                   was
                   a
                   Preacher
                   of
                   Righteousness
                   ,
                   and
                   preached
                   many
                   years
                   ,
                   while
                   the
                   Ark
                   was
                   in
                   preparing
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   were
                   disobedient
                   in
                   the
                   days
                   of
                   Noah
                   ,
                   and
                   went
                   on
                   in
                   their
                   sins
                   ,
                   till
                   the
                   Flood
                   came
                   ,
                   and
                   swept
                   away
                   that
                   world
                   of
                   the
                   ungodly
                   .
                   The
                   Prophets
                   were
                   earnest
                   ,
                   and
                   importunate
                   ,
                   they
                   cryed
                   aloud
                   ,
                   spared
                   not
                   ,
                   and
                   God
                   by
                   them
                   stretched
                   out
                   his
                   hand
                   all
                   day
                   long
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   they
                   were
                   a
                   disobedient
                   and
                   a
                   gain-saying
                   people
                   ,
                   and
                   gave
                   them
                   reason
                   to
                   complain
                   ,
                   
                     Who
                     hath
                     believed
                     our
                     report
                     ,
                     or
                     to
                     whom
                     hath
                     the
                     Arm
                     of
                     the
                     Lord
                     been
                     revealed
                     ?
                  
                   The
                   Holy
                   Jesus
                   himself
                   ,
                   who
                   was
                   greater
                   than
                   Jonah
                   ,
                   than
                   any
                   of
                   the
                   Prophets
                   ,
                   than
                   all
                   ;
                   the
                   Brightness
                   of
                   his
                   Fathers
                   Glory
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   express
                   Image
                   of
                   his
                   person
                   ,
                   who
                   did
                   ,
                   as
                   never
                   man
                   did
                   ,
                   spake
                   ,
                   as
                   never
                   man
                   spake
                   ,
                   even
                   he
                   
                     came
                     unto
                     his
                     own
                     ,
                     and
                     they
                     received
                     him
                     not
                     !
                  
                   they
                   many
                   of
                   them
                   believed
                   not
                   his
                   words
                   ,
                   nor
                   would
                   they
                   abide
                   his
                   Counsel
                   ,
                   but
                   gave
                   him
                   occasion
                   to
                   lament
                   their
                   hardness
                   with
                   tears
                   of
                   compassion
                   ,
                   when
                   he
                   drew
                   near
                   the
                   City
                   ,
                   
                     he
                     beheld
                     ,
                     and
                     wept
                     over
                     it
                     ,
                     saying
                     ,
                     If
                     thou
                     hadst
                     known
                     ,
                     even
                     thou
                     in
                     this
                     thy
                     day
                     ,
                     the
                     things
                     that
                     belong
                     to
                     thy
                     peace
                     !
                  
                   and
                   then
                   grief
                   and
                   tenderness
                   breaks
                   off
                   the
                   sentence
                   ,
                   they
                   would
                   not
                   
                   know
                   the
                   things
                   belonging
                   to
                   their
                   peace
                   ,
                   though
                   the
                   Prince
                   of
                   Peace
                   was
                   the
                   Preacher
                   of
                   them
                   :
                   and
                   therefore
                   elsewhere
                   he
                   passionately
                   expostulated
                   with
                   them
                   upon
                   the
                   score
                   of
                   the
                   same
                   perverseness
                   ,
                
                 
                   
                     O
                     Jerusalem
                     ,
                     Jerusalem
                     ,
                     thou
                     that
                     killest
                     the
                     Prophets
                     ,
                     and
                     stonest
                     them
                     that
                     were
                     sent
                     unto
                     thee
                     ,
                     how
                     often
                     would
                     I
                     have
                     gathered
                     thee
                     ,
                     as
                     an
                     Hen
                     gathereth
                     her
                     Chickens
                     under
                     her
                     Wings
                     ,
                     and
                     ye
                     would
                     not
                     ?
                  
                   The
                   Son
                   of
                   God
                   himself
                   could
                   not
                   prevail
                   upon
                   a
                   City
                   ,
                   to
                   which
                   he
                   made
                   his
                   frequent
                   and
                   earnest
                   addresses
                   ;
                   all
                   he
                   could
                   do
                   by
                   the
                   Methods
                   of
                   his
                   Graces
                   was
                   to
                   bewail
                   their
                   obstinacy
                   ,
                   resolved
                   impenitency
                   ,
                   and
                   unbelief
                   :
                   But
                   Jonah
                   succeeds
                   on
                   one
                   ,
                   as
                   wicked
                   ,
                   and
                   much
                   greater
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   very
                   first
                   attempt
                   he
                   makes
                   on
                   it
                   ,
                   v.
                   4.
                   
                   
                     And
                     Jonah
                     began
                     to
                     enter
                     into
                     the
                     City
                     a
                     days
                     journey
                     ,
                     and
                     he
                     cryed
                     ,
                     and
                     said
                     ,
                     yet
                     forty
                     days
                     and
                     Nineveh
                     shall
                     be
                     destroyed
                     :
                  
                   and
                   the
                   very
                   next
                   words
                   are
                   those
                   of
                   my
                   Text
                   ,
                
                 
                   [
                   So
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   Nineveh
                   believed
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   proclaimed
                   a
                   Fast
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   on
                   Sack-cloth
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   greatest
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   least
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   &c.
                   ]
                
                 
                   In
                   discoursing
                   of
                   this
                   wonderful
                   change
                   ,
                   and
                   conversion
                   of
                   the
                   Ninevites
                   ,
                   I
                   shall
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Consider
                   their
                   sins
                   :
                   and
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   Their
                   Reformation
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   two
                   main
                   parts
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   Their
                   Faith
                   ,
                   
                     [
                     They
                     believed
                     God.
                  
                   ]
                   
                   Their
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   exprest
                   by
                   
                     [
                     Fasting
                     ,
                     prayer
                     ,
                     and
                     turning
                     from
                     evil
                     ways
                     .
                     ]
                  
                   And
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   
                     The
                     universality
                     of
                     both
                  
                   ,
                   [
                   From
                   the
                   greatest
                   of
                   them
                   to
                   the
                   least
                   of
                   them
                   .
                   ]
                   And
                   ,
                
                 
                   As
                   I
                   go
                   ,
                   shall
                   humbly
                   compare
                   their
                   Circumstances
                   with
                   our
                   own
                   ,
                   and
                   consider
                   what
                   duties
                   are
                   suggested
                   to
                   us
                   by
                   that
                   comparison
                   .
                   I
                   begin
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   With
                   their
                   Sins
                   ;
                   those
                   were
                   great
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   cry
                   of
                   them
                   was
                   loud
                   ,
                   
                     Their
                     wickedness
                     is
                     come
                     up
                     before
                     me
                     ,
                  
                   Chap.
                   1.
                   2.
                   
                   What
                   their
                   sins
                   were
                   in
                   particular
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   told
                   ,
                   but
                   from
                   the
                   circumstances
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   severity
                   of
                   the
                   judgement
                   threatned
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   conclude
                   they
                   were
                   very
                   grievous
                   ;
                   St.
                   Paul
                   tell
                   us
                   ,
                   
                     that
                     at
                     the
                     times
                     of
                     Ignorance
                     God
                     winked
                  
                   [
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   ]
                   He
                   over-lookt
                   ,
                   in
                   comparison
                   ,
                   he
                   made
                   abatements
                   ,
                   and
                   had
                   respect
                   to
                   their
                   frailties
                   ;
                   He
                   considers
                   our
                   Frame
                   ,
                   our
                   Impotency
                   ,
                   and
                   Temptations
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   not
                   so
                   severe
                   in
                   judging
                   ,
                   and
                   punishing
                   men
                   under
                   those
                   circumstances
                   of
                   disadvantage
                   :
                   According
                   to
                   the
                   same
                   Scheme
                   of
                   Speech
                   ,
                   our
                   Saviour
                   speaks
                   ,
                   
                     If
                     I
                     had
                     not
                     done
                     the
                     works
                     that
                     no
                     man
                     ever
                     did
                     ,
                     they
                     had
                     had
                     no
                     sin
                     :
                     (
                     viz.
                  
                   )
                   theirs
                   had
                   not
                   been
                   so
                   great
                   ,
                   not
                   such
                   in
                   comparison
                   .
                   But
                   now
                   ,
                   notwithstanding
                   the
                   allowances
                   the
                   divine
                   goodness
                   makes
                   for
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   Ignorance
                   ,
                   and
                   consequent
                   Infirmity
                   ,
                   the
                   sins
                   of
                   these
                   Ninevites
                   were
                   such
                   as
                   called
                   for
                   the
                   severest
                   judgements
                   ,
                   
                   even
                   desolation
                   [
                   Destruction
                   ]
                   —
                   
                     Nineveh
                     shall
                     be
                     destroyed
                  
                   .
                
                 
                   What
                   this
                   destruction
                   was
                   in
                   particular
                   ,
                   whether
                   Fire
                   from
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   such
                   as
                   destroyed
                   Sodom
                   and
                   Gomorrha
                   ;
                   or
                   an
                   Inundation
                   of
                   waters
                   ,
                   such
                   as
                   had
                   over-whelmed
                   divers
                   Cities
                   and
                   Countreys
                   ;
                   whether
                   an
                   Earth-quake
                   ,
                   such
                   as
                   swallowed
                   Corah
                   and
                   his
                   company
                   ;
                   a
                   sudden
                   surprize
                   of
                   Foreign
                   Enemies
                   ,
                   such
                   as
                   that
                   of
                   the
                   Barbarous
                   Nations
                   among
                   the
                   Romans
                   ;
                   or
                   of
                   the
                   Europeans
                   on
                   the
                   Americans
                   ;
                   or
                   else
                   any
                   unexpected
                   violent
                   commotion
                   among
                   themselves
                   ,
                   by
                   Massacre
                   ,
                   or
                   Rebellion
                   ;
                   whether
                   to
                   be
                   extraordinary
                   and
                   miraculous
                   ,
                   or
                   in
                   a
                   plain
                   and
                   visible
                   course
                   ;
                   which
                   of
                   these
                   it
                   was
                   ,
                   whether
                   any
                   of
                   them
                   in
                   particular
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   told
                   ,
                   only
                   destruction
                   is
                   threatned
                   :
                   Things
                   were
                   come
                   to
                   a
                   sad
                   issue
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   their
                   sins
                   were
                   full
                   ,
                   and
                   ripe
                   for
                   vengeance
                   .
                
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   now
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   Name
                   and
                   Fear
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   humbly
                   compare
                   this
                   with
                   our
                   own
                   case
                   .
                
                 
                   Our
                   sins
                   also
                   are
                   very
                   great
                   ,
                   great
                   as
                   theirs
                   in
                   their
                   Nature
                   ,
                   and
                   Quality
                   ,
                   in
                   their
                   circumstances
                   and
                   aggravations
                   much
                   greater
                   and
                   more
                   heinous
                   :
                   Blasphemy
                   ,
                   Prophane
                   Swearing
                   ,
                   Perjury
                   ,
                   Luxury
                   ,
                   Uncleanness
                   ,
                   Drunkenness
                   ,
                   Disobedience
                   ,
                   Murder
                   ,
                   Treason
                   ,
                   Violence
                   ,
                   Oppression
                   ,
                   all
                   the
                   deadly
                   sins
                   ,
                   whatever
                   is
                   contrary
                   to
                   found
                   Religion
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   true
                   Doctrine
                   ,
                   Reign
                   ,
                   Triumph
                   ,
                   brave
                   the
                   Sun
                   ,
                   are
                   fashionable
                   ,
                   almost
                   creditable
                   !
                   Fear
                   and
                   Shame
                   ,
                   all
                   the
                   Restraints
                   are
                   gone
                   ;
                   men
                   make
                   a
                   mock
                   of
                   sin
                   ,
                   glory
                   in
                   it
                   ,
                   are
                   ashamed
                   of
                   nothing
                   :
                   But
                   Virtue
                   ,
                   Sobriety
                   ,
                   Religion
                   ;
                   Religion
                   ,
                   matter
                   of
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   highest
                   ,
                   truest
                   honour
                   ,
                   despis'd
                   ,
                   buffoon'd
                   ,
                   exposed
                   as
                   ridiculous
                   !
                
                 
                   Atheism
                   ,
                   the
                   greater
                   ,
                   the
                   less
                   ,
                   formerly
                   hid
                   its
                   head
                   ,
                   
                     the
                     Fool
                  
                   of
                   old
                   said
                   only
                   
                     in
                     his
                     heart
                     ,
                     there
                     is
                     no
                     God
                     :
                  
                   but
                   now
                   it
                   appears
                   openly
                   ,
                   and
                   boldly
                   claims
                   the
                   reputation
                   of
                   wit
                   ,
                   the
                   only
                   wit
                   ,
                   and
                   good
                   sense
                   ;
                   men
                   like
                   not
                   to
                   retain
                   God
                   in
                   their
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   but
                   dispute
                   his
                   Being
                   ,
                   Attributes
                   ,
                   Providence
                   ,
                   and
                   you
                   are
                   beholding
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   if
                   they
                   do
                   not
                   bluntly
                   tell
                   you
                   ,
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   such
                   thing
                   ,
                   or
                   do
                   not
                   say
                   (
                   at
                   least
                   )
                   with
                   those
                   in
                   the
                   
                     Psalmist
                     ,
                     Tush
                     ,
                     God
                     seeth
                     not
                     ,
                     he
                     careth
                     not
                     ,
                     is
                     there
                     knowledge
                     in
                     the
                     most
                     high
                     ?
                  
                   Such
                   we
                   are
                   ,
                   and
                   thus
                   do
                   ,
                   after
                   Miracles
                   of
                   Mercies
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   Judgements
                   ;
                   after
                   mighty
                   Calamities
                   ,
                   and
                   equal
                   Deliverances
                   ;
                   frequent
                   warnings
                   ,
                   and
                   Importunate
                   Calls
                   to
                   Repentance
                   !
                
                 
                   And
                   now
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   not
                   indeed
                   any
                   immediate
                   extraordinary
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   particularly
                   sent
                   to
                   thunder
                   against
                   us
                   ,
                   but
                   we
                   have
                   the
                   warning
                   of
                   Moses
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   Prophets
                   ,
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   his
                   Apostles
                   ,
                   and
                   Ministers
                   of
                   all
                   sorts
                   ;
                   besides
                   all
                   which
                   ,
                   
                   the
                   Providence
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Circumstances
                   of
                   our
                   affairs
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   things
                   about
                   us
                   call
                   loudly
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   should
                   prepare
                   our selves
                   to
                   meet
                   the
                   Lord
                   coming
                   to
                   reckon
                   with
                   us
                   ;
                   but
                   ,
                   alas
                   !
                   how
                   shall
                   we
                   do
                   this
                   ?
                   Strength
                   is
                   weakness
                   ,
                   Policy
                   is
                   Folly
                   ,
                   and
                   Infatuation
                   ;
                   when
                   he
                   is
                   angry
                   ,
                   his
                   power
                   is
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   resisted
                   .
                   
                     Hast
                     thou
                     an
                     Arm
                     like
                     God
                     ,
                     or
                     canst
                     thou
                     Thunder
                     like
                     him
                     ?
                  
                   Job
                   .
                   
                     His
                     presence
                     is
                     not
                     to
                     be
                     avoided
                     .
                     Whither
                     shall
                     I
                     flee
                     from
                     thy
                     Spirit
                     ?
                  
                   Ps
                   .
                   What
                   shall
                   we
                   do
                   then
                   ?
                   must
                   we
                   sit
                   down
                   in
                   despondency
                   ,
                   in
                   despair
                   of
                   Mercy
                   ?
                   is
                   there
                   no
                   Remedy
                   ,
                   no
                   way
                   ?
                   Blessed
                   be
                   God
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   one
                   ;
                   the
                   same
                   that
                   was
                   taken
                   by
                   the
                   poor
                   Ninevites
                   ,
                   who
                   did
                   not
                   summon
                   their
                   armed
                   Forces
                   ,
                   nor
                   put
                   their
                   wits
                   upon
                   the
                   Rack
                   for
                   Stratagem
                   ,
                   and
                   Counsel
                   ,
                   for
                   publick
                   Safety
                   ,
                   (
                   means
                   that
                   may
                   be
                   used
                   ,
                   and
                   ought
                   ,
                   in
                   their
                   place
                   .
                   )
                   No
                   ,
                   they
                   lookt
                   on
                   the
                   Evil
                   threatned
                   ,
                   as
                   from
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   with
                   whom
                   there
                   was
                   no
                   contending
                   ,
                   against
                   whom
                   there
                   was
                   no
                   contriving
                   ,
                   and
                   applyed
                   themselves
                   to
                   appease
                   the
                   offended
                   Majesty
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   took
                   the
                   right
                   course
                   to
                   do
                   it
                   ;
                   for
                   
                     [
                     They
                     Believed
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   &c.
                   ]
                   This
                   was
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   Their
                   Reformation
                   ;
                   the
                   second
                   thing
                   I
                   was
                   to
                   speak
                   of
                   :
                   in
                   which
                   I
                   consider
                   ,
                
                 
                   First
                   ,
                   their
                   Faith
                   ,
                   
                     [
                     They
                     believed
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   ]
                   his
                   Being
                   ,
                   Attributes
                   ,
                   Providence
                   ,
                   Love
                   of
                   Virtue
                   ,
                   Hatred
                   of
                   Vice
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   appease
                   him
                   
                   when
                   he
                   was
                   angry
                   was
                   by
                   the
                   use
                   of
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   Fasting
                   ,
                   and
                   turning
                   from
                   evil
                   ways
                   .
                   These
                   they
                   understood
                   without
                   a
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   and
                   believed
                   before
                   the
                   preaching
                   of
                   Jonah
                   .
                   God
                   hath
                   conveyed
                   some
                   main
                   knowledge
                   of
                   himself
                   to
                   all
                   his
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   not
                   any
                   where
                   left
                   himself
                   without
                   a
                   Witness
                   ,
                   his
                   Laws
                   are
                   written
                   upon
                   the
                   hearts
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   of
                   those
                   we
                   call
                   most
                   Heathen
                   .
                   
                     Rom.
                     2.
                     
                     What
                     is
                     to
                     be
                     known
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     is
                     manifest
                     .
                  
                   Chapter
                   the
                   first
                   of
                   the
                   same
                   Epistle
                   ,
                   
                     all
                     the
                     World
                     is
                     his
                  
                   ,
                   the
                   Souls
                   of
                   men
                   especially
                   so
                   ,
                   of
                   his
                   Family
                   ,
                   his
                   Off-spring
                   (
                   as
                   it
                   were
                   )
                   Bone
                   of
                   his
                   Bone
                   ,
                   Flesh
                   of
                   his
                   Flesh
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   provides
                   for
                   his
                   own
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   worse
                   than
                   Infidels
                   that
                   do
                   not
                   .
                   He
                   takes
                   care
                   for
                   Oxen
                   ,
                   for
                   Sparrows
                   ,
                   for
                   Lillies
                   ;
                   much
                   more
                   then
                   for
                   the
                   Souls
                   of
                   his
                   Reasonable
                   Creatures
                   ;
                   
                     the
                     very
                     hairs
                     of
                     our
                     Heads
                     are
                     numbred
                     ,
                  
                   certainly
                   then
                   the
                   Souls
                   of
                   men
                   are
                   every
                   one
                   considered
                   ,
                   every
                   one
                   ,
                   some
                   way
                   or
                   other
                   ,
                   provided
                   for
                   .
                   The
                   Summ
                   is
                   ,
                   God
                   hath
                   dispersed
                   some
                   Light
                   ,
                   some
                   glimmerings
                   (
                   at
                   least
                   )
                   of
                   Light
                   and
                   Truth
                   among
                   universal
                   Mankind
                   ;
                   and
                   these
                   men
                   of
                   Nineveh
                   had
                   their
                   portion
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   that
                   were
                   prepared
                   for
                   more
                   ;
                   that
                   alone
                   was
                   not
                   sufficient
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   God
                   sends
                   them
                   a
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   not
                   an
                   Angel
                   to
                   destroy
                   (
                   like
                   those
                   sent
                   to
                   Sodom
                   ,
                   )
                   not
                   a
                   common
                   ordinary
                   Messenger
                   from
                   among
                   themselves
                   ,
                   
                   their
                   case
                   required
                   more
                   ;
                   but
                   an
                   extraordinary
                   person
                   ,
                   one
                   from
                   far
                   :
                   when
                   men
                   are
                   prepared
                   for
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   they
                   shall
                   have
                   the
                   proper
                   means
                   ,
                   God
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   wanting
                   to
                   his
                   Creatures
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   ordinary
                   means
                   will
                   not
                   do
                   ,
                   they
                   shall
                   have
                   such
                   as
                   are
                   extraordinary
                   and
                   uncommon
                   ;
                   when
                   the
                   Native
                   Light
                   ,
                   and
                   convictions
                   are
                   not
                   sufficient
                   ,
                   they
                   shall
                   have
                   an
                   external
                   Preacher
                   ,
                   such
                   was
                   Philip
                   to
                   the
                   Aethiopian
                   Eunuch
                   ,
                   Acts
                   8.
                   
                   And
                   an
                   Angel
                   sent
                   to
                   Cornelius
                   to
                   direct
                   him
                   to
                   an
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   Acts
                   10.
                   
                   Thus
                   was
                   Jonah
                   sent
                   to
                   the
                   Ninevites
                   ,
                   and
                   doubtless
                   many
                   other
                   good
                   Heathens
                   were
                   so
                   assisted
                   .
                   He
                   went
                   ,
                   though
                   after
                   a
                   Repulse
                   of
                   the
                   divine
                   commission
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   were
                   more
                   ready
                   to
                   hear
                   ,
                   than
                   he
                   to
                   preach
                   ;
                   in
                   that
                   they
                   both
                   believed
                   the
                   Messenger
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Terrible
                   Message
                   that
                   he
                   brought
                   .
                   We
                   alas
                   !
                   believe
                   what
                   we
                   like
                   ,
                   what
                   is
                   grateful
                   ,
                   and
                   agreeable
                   to
                   us
                   ▪
                   and
                   our
                   Faith
                   is
                   much
                   in
                   our
                   affections
                   ;
                   but
                   they
                   believe
                   what
                   was
                   dreadful
                   ,
                   and
                   amazing
                   ,
                   the
                   truth
                   was
                   most
                   opposite
                   to
                   their
                   corrupt
                   Inclinations
                   ,
                   and
                   carnal
                   Interest
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   their
                   Belief
                   is
                   interpreted
                   as
                   faith
                   in
                   God.
                   To
                   believe
                   his
                   Messengers
                   coming
                   in
                   his
                   name
                   ,
                   and
                   with
                   his
                   Truth
                   ,
                   is
                   Believing
                   him
                   ,
                   as
                   our
                   Saviour
                   saith
                   ,
                   
                     He
                     that
                     receiveth
                     you
                     ,
                     receiveth
                     me
                     ;
                     and
                     he
                     that
                     receiveth
                     me
                     ,
                     receiveth
                     him
                     that
                     sent
                     me
                     :
                  
                   and
                   again
                   ,
                   
                     He
                     that
                     despiseth
                     you
                     ,
                     despiseth
                     
                     me
                     ;
                     he
                     that
                     despiseth
                     me
                     ,
                     despiseth
                     him
                     that
                     sent
                     me
                     .
                  
                   The
                   Ninevites
                   did
                   not
                   so
                   by
                   Jonah
                   or
                   his
                   Message
                   ;
                   consciousness
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   guilt
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   Natural
                   Apprehensions
                   of
                   divine
                   justice
                   ,
                   made
                   them
                   apt
                   to
                   receive
                   Impressions
                   of
                   dread
                   ;
                   and
                   doubtless
                   they
                   had
                   ill
                   Abodings
                   in
                   their
                   minds
                   before
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   they
                   were
                   prepared
                   for
                   such
                   a
                   Message
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   one
                   coming
                   from
                   another
                   Countrey
                   to
                   appear
                   with
                   so
                   much
                   Resolution
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   speak
                   with
                   so
                   much
                   Authority
                   ,
                   and
                   assurance
                   ,
                   affected
                   them
                   more
                   than
                   if
                   they
                   had
                   been
                   used
                   to
                   such
                   preachers
                   of
                   Errours
                   ;
                   nor
                   are
                   we
                   to
                   suppose
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   only
                   repeated
                   to
                   them
                   these
                   dreadful
                   words
                   ,
                   
                     Yet
                     forty
                     days
                     and
                     Nineveh
                     shall
                     be
                     destroyed
                     .
                  
                   No
                   ,
                   these
                   (
                   more
                   likely
                   )
                   were
                   but
                   the
                   Summ
                   ,
                   the
                   Text
                   ,
                   the
                   Burden
                   of
                   his
                   Sermon
                   ,
                   which
                   probably
                   he
                   amplified
                   with
                   all
                   those
                   Considerations
                   ,
                   that
                   were
                   apt
                   to
                   move
                   ,
                   and
                   awaken
                   :
                   and
                   possibly
                   the
                   Mariners
                   that
                   were
                   with
                   him
                   in
                   the
                   Ship
                   ,
                   and
                   threw
                   him
                   over-board
                   ,
                   upon
                   the
                   Lot
                   ;
                   that
                   saw
                   the
                   Fish
                   swallow
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Tempest
                   quieted
                   upon
                   it
                   ,
                   might
                   have
                   come
                   into
                   Nineveh
                   before
                   him
                   ,
                   diverted
                   from
                   their
                   intended
                   voyage
                   by
                   the
                   Storm
                   ,
                   meeting
                   him
                   again
                   ,
                   after
                   they
                   had
                   seen
                   him
                   plunged
                   into
                   the
                   Ocean
                   ,
                   might
                   certifie
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   the
                   Miracle
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   thereby
                   assured
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   was
                   an
                   extraordinary
                   person
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   was
                   come
                   to
                   them
                   in
                   an
                   Extraordinary
                   ,
                   and
                   Divine
                   Errand
                   ;
                   but
                   whether
                   this
                   were
                   so
                   ,
                   or
                   not
                   ,
                   whether
                   they
                   credited
                   the
                   Prophet
                   on
                   these
                   Motives
                   ,
                   or
                   any
                   other
                   ,
                   is
                   not
                   certain
                   ;
                   but
                   this
                   is
                   ,
                   
                     They
                     believed
                     upon
                     the
                     preaching
                     of
                     Jonah
                     .
                  
                   And
                   now
                   ,
                
                 
                   As
                   God
                   daily
                   preacheth
                   unto
                   us
                   by
                   his
                   various
                   Messengers
                   ,
                   so
                   he
                   doth
                   by
                   his
                   Providence
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   we
                   are
                   sometimes
                   brought
                   into
                   great
                   straits
                   ,
                   even
                   to
                   the
                   Brink
                   of
                   Ruine
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   it
                   is
                   thus
                   with
                   us
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   in
                   a
                   state
                   of
                   perplexities
                   under
                   present
                   Evil
                   ,
                   and
                   Fears
                   of
                   greater
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   not
                   abuse
                   our selves
                   with
                   false
                   confidences
                   ,
                   put
                   far
                   from
                   us
                   the
                   evil
                   day
                   ,
                   and
                   cry
                   Peace
                   ,
                   Peace
                   ,
                   when
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   Peace
                   :
                   let
                   us
                   not
                   impute
                   our
                   Troubles
                   ,
                   and
                   disorders
                   to
                   accident
                   ,
                   and
                   common
                   causes
                   ;
                   but
                   consider
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Hand
                   of
                   God
                   is
                   in
                   them
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   then
                   about
                   to
                   reckon
                   with
                   us
                   for
                   our
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   voice
                   sounding
                   from
                   thence
                   ,
                   Repent
                   ,
                   Repent
                   ,
                   for
                   your
                   Iniquities
                   will
                   be
                   your
                   Ruine
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   not
                   be
                   deaf
                   ,
                   and
                   stupid
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   careless
                   old
                   world
                   were
                   ,
                   till
                   the
                   Flood
                   came
                   ,
                   and
                   swept
                   them
                   away
                   ;
                   or
                   as
                   those
                   Mockers
                   ,
                   the
                   Apostle
                   speaks
                   of
                   ,
                   who
                   scoffingly
                   said
                   ,
                   
                     where
                     is
                     the
                     promise
                  
                   (
                   to
                   them
                   it
                   was
                   threatning
                   )
                   
                     of
                     his
                     coming
                  
                   ?
                   when
                   he
                   was
                   at
                   the
                   door
                   ;
                   but
                   let
                   us
                   humbly
                   be
                   affected
                   ,
                   as
                   these
                   poor
                   creatures
                   were
                   ,
                   who
                   
                   believed
                   upon
                   the
                   preaching
                   of
                   Jonah
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   what
                   was
                   this
                   Belief
                   of
                   theirs
                   ?
                   was
                   it
                   cold
                   ,
                   indifferent
                   ,
                   unconcerned
                   assent
                   only
                   ?
                   no
                   ,
                   it
                   was
                   a
                   Faith
                   ,
                   powerful
                   and
                   active
                   ,
                   that
                   wrought
                   a
                   mighty
                   change
                   ,
                   and
                   produced
                   the
                   blessed
                   Fruits
                   of
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   and
                   Reformation
                   ;
                   their
                   Faith
                   had
                   been
                   dead
                   ,
                   and
                   unsignifying
                   ,
                   if
                   it
                   had
                   not
                   wrought
                   ,
                   and
                   wrought
                   this
                   way
                   ;
                   if
                   they
                   had
                   past
                   a
                   Complement
                   on
                   the
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   believed
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   gone
                   on
                   in
                   the
                   same
                   course
                   as
                   before
                   ;
                   if
                   they
                   had
                   believed
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   continued
                   in
                   their
                   provocations
                   of
                   him
                   ,
                   their
                   Faith
                   had
                   been
                   an
                   aggravation
                   ,
                   and
                   might
                   justly
                   have
                   heightned
                   ,
                   and
                   hastened
                   their
                   ruine
                   ;
                   it
                   had
                   then
                   been
                   a
                   great
                   argument
                   of
                   their
                   Impudence
                   ,
                   and
                   Obduration
                   :
                   but
                   theirs
                   was
                   not
                   a
                   Fanatical
                   ,
                   Pharisaical
                   Faith
                   ,
                   without
                   works
                   ;
                   but
                   a
                   Faith
                   Operative
                   ,
                   and
                   Fruitful
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Effect
                   of
                   it
                   was
                   Repentance
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   expressions
                   of
                   that
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   Fasting
                   and
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   and
                   turning
                   from
                   evil
                   ways
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Fasting
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   a
                   Rite
                   of
                   Humiliation
                   and
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   we
                   acknowledge
                   our
                   unworthiness
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   vileness
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   merit
                   not
                   common
                   mercies
                   ,
                   but
                   deserve
                   the
                   greatest
                   punishments
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   anciently
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   all
                   times
                   was
                   also
                   exprest
                   by
                   Sack-cloth
                   ,
                   and
                   vile
                   cloathing
                   ,
                   whereby
                   these
                   Ninevites
                   likewise
                   set
                   
                   out
                   their
                   wretchedness
                   ,
                   and
                   ill
                   deservings
                   .
                   God
                   Almighty
                   hath
                   so
                   made
                   us
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   apt
                   ,
                   and
                   cannot
                   help
                   it
                   ,
                   to
                   represent
                   our
                   inward
                   Affections
                   by
                   outward
                   Expressions
                   :
                   and
                   here
                   is
                   the
                   ground
                   in
                   Nature
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   Reason
                   of
                   Sacrifices
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   Rites
                   of
                   External
                   Worship
                   ,
                   and
                   particularly
                   of
                   this
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   the
                   men
                   of
                   Nineveh
                   declared
                   their
                   abasement
                   before
                   God
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   have
                   need
                   of
                   some
                   eminent
                   signal
                   way
                   to
                   humble
                   our selves
                   before
                   him
                   ,
                   in
                   acknowledgement
                   of
                   our
                   greater
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   aggravated
                   crimes
                   ;
                   we
                   have
                   sometimes
                   publick
                   Fasts
                   ,
                   and
                   days
                   of
                   publick
                   Humiliation
                   ;
                   But
                   are
                   they
                   such
                   as
                   God
                   hath
                   chosen
                   ?
                   do
                   we
                   in
                   them
                   afflict
                   our
                   souls
                   with
                   penitence
                   ,
                   and
                   Godly
                   sorrow
                   ?
                   do
                   we
                   as
                   much
                   as
                   impose
                   any
                   penance
                   upon
                   our
                   external
                   persons
                   ?
                   alas
                   !
                   we
                   generally
                   do
                   not
                   so
                   much
                   as
                   the
                   Pharisees
                   ,
                   and
                   Hypocritical
                   Jews
                   did
                   ,
                   who
                   hung
                   down
                   their
                   heads
                   ,
                   covered
                   them
                   with
                   Ashes
                   ,
                   put
                   on
                   Sack-cloth
                   ,
                   and
                   sad
                   looks
                   ,
                   and
                   abstained
                   from
                   all
                   things
                   that
                   were
                   grateful
                   ,
                   and
                   agreeable
                   to
                   the
                   Body
                   ,
                   but
                   we
                   will
                   not
                   give
                   our selves
                   the
                   trouble
                   as
                   much
                   as
                   to
                   appear
                   ,
                   or
                   look
                   like
                   it
                   ;
                   our
                   Fasts
                   are
                   not
                   only
                   not
                   the
                   thing
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   the
                   resemblance
                   ,
                   or
                   meer
                   name
                   ,
                   in
                   effect
                   a
                   Mockery
                   ;
                   other
                   kind
                   of
                   Fasting
                   and
                   Humiliation
                   is
                   expected
                   ,
                   and
                   required
                   from
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   greatest
                   ,
                   the
                   deepest
                   is
                   not
                   low
                   enough
                   ,
                   nor
                   great
                   
                   enough
                   to
                   signifie
                   the
                   sence
                   ,
                   and
                   sorrow
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   due
                   to
                   so
                   much
                   guilt
                   !
                   The
                   Ninevites
                   declared
                   theirs
                   solemnly
                   ,
                   The
                   King
                   descended
                   from
                   his
                   Throne
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   on
                   Sack-cloth
                   ,
                   sate
                   in
                   ashes
                   ,
                   and
                   proclaimed
                   general
                   Abstinence
                   to
                   Man
                   ,
                   and
                   Beast
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   see
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   whole
                   people
                   conformed
                   to
                   the
                   penitent
                   Example
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   on
                   Sack-cloth
                   from
                   the
                   greatest
                   of
                   them
                   to
                   the
                   least
                   of
                   them
                   :
                   This
                   was
                   one
                   expression
                   of
                   their
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   was
                   accompanied
                   with
                   another
                   ,
                   which
                   also
                   was
                   very
                   proper
                   ,
                   and
                   significant
                   ,
                   (
                   viz.
                   )
                
                 
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   Prayer
                   .
                   Earnest
                   ,
                   affectionate
                   Prayer
                   ,
                   exprest
                   by
                   
                     crying
                     mightily
                     unto
                     God
                     ,
                     v.
                  
                   8.
                   
                   This
                   also
                   is
                   a
                   Duty
                   generally
                   acknowledg'd
                   through
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   in
                   all
                   the
                   ages
                   ,
                   and
                   places
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   part
                   of
                   the
                   Law
                   written
                   on
                   the
                   Heart
                   ,
                   a
                   Branch
                   of
                   the
                   Religion
                   of
                   Mankind
                   :
                   These
                   Heathens
                   knew
                   the
                   necessity
                   ,
                   and
                   virtue
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   we
                   have
                   no
                   Reason
                   to
                   think
                   they
                   learnt
                   it
                   from
                   this
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   whose
                   Message
                   was
                   destruction
                   ;
                   and
                   by
                   the
                   consequent
                   story
                   ,
                   we
                   see
                   ,
                   he
                   thought
                   of
                   nothing
                   less
                   ;
                   they
                   knew
                   ,
                   that
                   their
                   sins
                   were
                   against
                   God
                   ,
                   as
                   all
                   are
                   ;
                   
                     against
                     thee
                     ,
                     and
                     thee
                     only
                     have
                     I
                     sinned
                     .
                  
                   He
                   was
                   offended
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   threatned
                   ;
                   he
                   was
                   to
                   be
                   appeased
                   ,
                   or
                   they
                   were
                   undone
                   ;
                   and
                   prayer
                   is
                   the
                   way
                   ,
                   that
                   all
                   the
                   world
                   is
                   taught
                   to
                   seek
                   pardon
                   ,
                   and
                   favour
                   by
                   ;
                   this
                   they
                   took
                   ,
                   
                     they
                     
                     cryed
                     unto
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   not
                   unto
                   Saints
                   and
                   Angels
                   ,
                   unto
                   God
                   ,
                   One
                   ,
                   the
                   true
                   God
                   ;
                   That
                   there
                   is
                   but
                   one
                   supreme
                   Deity
                   hath
                   ever
                   been
                   the
                   Belief
                   of
                   Mankind
                   ,
                   even
                   of
                   the
                   Heathen
                   world
                   ;
                   the
                   various
                   gods
                   ,
                   we
                   read
                   of
                   ,
                   are
                   but
                   the
                   divers
                   representations
                   of
                   the
                   one
                   all-perfect
                   Being
                   ,
                   or
                   of
                   his
                   different
                   Attributes
                   ,
                   and
                   Manifestations
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ;
                   or
                   they
                   are
                   of
                   lower
                   signification
                   ,
                   and
                   mean
                   only
                   Angels
                   ,
                   or
                   nobler
                   Souls
                   departed
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   sense
                   the
                   Scripture
                   saith
                   ,
                   
                     There
                     are
                     Gods
                     many
                  
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   Romanists
                   cannot
                   this
                   way
                   justifie
                   themselves
                   from
                   the
                   Imputation
                   of
                   Idolatry
                   ,
                   by
                   alledging
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   worship
                   one
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   true
                   God
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   ultimate
                   object
                   of
                   their
                   Adorations
                   ;
                   for
                   even
                   the
                   Heathens
                   ,
                   The
                   Ninevites
                   believed
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   cryed
                   mightily
                   unto
                   God
                   :
                   indeed
                   the
                   Mariners
                   in
                   the
                   Storm
                   
                     cryed
                     every
                     one
                     to
                     his
                     God
                     ,
                     viz.
                  
                   his
                   Tutelar
                   Angel
                   ,
                   and
                   Genius
                   ,
                   such
                   many
                   of
                   the
                   Heathens
                   had
                   ;
                   and
                   (
                   it
                   seems
                   )
                   these
                   were
                   Heathen
                   Mariners
                   :
                   But
                   these
                   here
                   direct
                   their
                   Devotions
                   to
                   the
                   one
                   Supreme
                   immediately
                   ;
                   so
                   they
                   were
                   required
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   by
                   the
                   consequence
                   ,
                   we
                   find
                   ,
                   they
                   did
                   ;
                   
                     for
                     God
                     saw
                     their
                     works
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   among
                   the
                   rest
                   :
                   
                     and
                     he
                     rerepented
                     him
                     of
                     the
                     Evil
                     he
                     had
                     threatned
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   sent
                   it
                   not
                   :
                   this
                   was
                   the
                   blessed
                   answer
                   of
                   their
                   prayers
                   !
                   And
                   now
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   If
                   they
                   ,
                   or
                   any
                   other
                   people
                   had
                   ever
                   Reason
                   to
                   cry
                   mightily
                   unto
                   God
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   ;
                   Let
                   us
                   humbly
                   do
                   this
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   ready
                   to
                   bestow
                   pardon
                   ,
                   and
                   deliverance
                   ,
                   but
                   he
                   will
                   be
                   sought
                   unto
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   do
                   it
                   in
                   Faith
                   and
                   fervour
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   great
                   Advantages
                   ,
                   and
                   Encouragement
                   ,
                   which
                   the
                   Ninevites
                   had
                   not
                   ;
                   we
                   are
                   taught
                   how
                   to
                   pray
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   whose
                   Name
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   have
                   a
                   Mediator
                   at
                   Gods
                   right
                   Hand
                   ,
                   that
                   ever
                   lives
                   to
                   make
                   Intercession
                   for
                   us
                   ;
                   we
                   have
                   through
                   him
                   free
                   admission
                   to
                   the
                   Throne
                   of
                   Grace
                   ,
                   with
                   boldness
                   ,
                   and
                   many
                   promises
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   shall
                   be
                   heard
                   ,
                   and
                   receive
                   the
                   Blessing
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   ask
                   in
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   Sons
                   Name
                   :
                   Let
                   us
                   then
                   pray
                   fervently
                   ,
                   humbly
                   ,
                   and
                   incessantly
                   ,
                   for
                   our
                   Prince
                   ,
                   and
                   Nation
                   ,
                   for
                   our selves
                   ,
                   and
                   posterity
                   ;
                   that
                   God
                   would
                   pity
                   ,
                   and
                   pardon
                   ,
                   divert
                   his
                   Judgements
                   ,
                   and
                   deliver
                   us
                   from
                   all
                   our
                   Enemies
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   our
                   Fears
                   ,
                   Establish
                   our
                   Religion
                   and
                   Government
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   our
                   Interests
                   in
                   those
                   .
                   And
                   ,
                
                 
                   O
                   thou
                   that
                   stillest
                   the
                   raging
                   of
                   the
                   Sea
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Madness
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   ,
                   be
                   merciful
                   to
                   us
                   ,
                   do
                   thou
                   save
                   us
                   ,
                   or
                   we
                   perish
                   ;
                   The
                   Seas
                   swell
                   ,
                   and
                   rage
                   horribly
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Deep
                   is
                   ready
                   to
                   swallow
                   us
                   up
                   quick
                   ,
                   do
                   thou
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   ,
                   put
                   forth
                   thy
                   Hand
                   ,
                   and
                   stay
                   us
                   ,
                   or
                   we
                   sink
                   ,
                   and
                   perish
                   in
                   the
                   great
                   waters
                   ,
                   we
                   sink
                   into
                   the
                   depth
                   of
                   the
                   Abysse
                   ,
                   and
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   help
                   ,
                   Be
                   thou
                   our
                   helper
                   
                   and
                   deliverer
                   ,
                   for
                   vain
                   is
                   the
                   help
                   of
                   Man
                   !
                
                 
                   Thus
                   prayer
                   ,
                   earnest
                   ,
                   affectionate
                   prayer
                   is
                   necessary
                   ;
                   not
                   that
                   God
                   can
                   be
                   moved
                   thereby
                   ,
                   but
                   thereby
                   we
                   are
                   prepared
                   for
                   his
                   Mercies
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   is
                   always
                   ready
                   to
                   give
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   are
                   fit
                   to
                   receive
                   .
                   But
                
                 
                   Besides
                   this
                   ,
                   the
                   men
                   of
                   Nineveh
                   did
                   somewhat
                   else
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   was
                   that
                   which
                   made
                   the
                   rest
                   significant
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   
                     They
                     turned
                     from
                     their
                     evil
                     ways
                     .
                  
                   This
                   was
                   the
                   main
                   thing
                   ,
                   and
                   without
                   it
                   ,
                   Fasting
                   and
                   prayer
                   had
                   been
                   to
                   little
                   purpose
                   ,
                   yea
                   they
                   had
                   been
                   Abominations
                   as
                   the
                   Sacrifices
                   ,
                   Oblations
                   ,
                   Fasts
                   and
                   Services
                   of
                   the
                   Jews
                   were
                   ,
                   because
                   they
                   did
                   not
                   loose
                   the
                   Bands
                   of
                   wickedness
                   ,
                   or
                   let
                   the
                   oppressed
                   go
                   free
                   ;
                   They
                   did
                   not
                   
                     do
                     Justice
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     love
                     Mercy
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     walk
                     humbly
                     with
                  
                   their
                   God
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   principally
                   required
                   from
                   them
                   ,
                   but
                   these
                   Ninevites
                   did
                   ;
                   
                     They
                     humbled
                     themselves
                     ,
                     and
                     turned
                     from
                     their
                     evil
                     ways
                     ,
                     and
                     from
                     the
                     violence
                     that
                     was
                     in
                     their
                     hands
                     .
                  
                   It
                   seems
                   ,
                   some
                   of
                   their
                   principal
                   sins
                   were
                   Cruelty
                   and
                   Injustice
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   their
                   Reformation
                   is
                   particularly
                   noted
                   :
                   they
                   knew
                   where
                   the
                   Root
                   of
                   the
                   Distemper
                   grew
                   ,
                   which
                   was
                   the
                   cause
                   of
                   approaching
                   Judgements
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   here
                   they
                   apply
                   the
                   Remedy
                   ,
                   in
                   renouncing
                   those
                   sins
                   they
                   were
                   so
                   notoriously
                   guilty
                   of
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Light
                   and
                   Law
                   of
                   Nature
                   told
                   them
                   ,
                   
                   how
                   displeasing
                   sin
                   was
                   to
                   the
                   Almighty
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   there
                   was
                   no
                   atonement
                   ,
                   but
                   by
                   Repentance
                   ;
                   no
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   Turning
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   did
                   this
                   :
                   They
                   thought
                   it
                   not
                   enough
                   to
                   cry
                   out
                   upon
                   their
                   sins
                   ,
                   
                     to
                     roar
                     like
                     Bears
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     mourn
                     like
                     Doves
                  
                   :
                   as
                   the
                   Expression
                   is
                   in
                   the
                   Prophet
                   :
                   This
                   (
                   't
                   is
                   like
                   )
                   they
                   did
                   ,
                   but
                   stopt
                   not
                   here
                   ,
                   they
                   went
                   on
                   to
                   what
                   was
                   more
                   to
                   purpose
                   ,
                   
                     They
                     turned
                     from
                     their
                     evil
                     ways
                     .
                  
                   Repentance
                   is
                   turning
                   ,
                   
                     Turn
                     ye
                     ,
                     turn
                     ye
                     ,
                     why
                     will
                     ye
                     dye
                     ?
                  
                
                 
                   Let
                   this
                   practice
                   of
                   theirs
                   be
                   a
                   pattern
                   to
                   us
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   seriously
                   consider
                   the
                   common
                   crying
                   National
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   how
                   far
                   we
                   are
                   guilty
                   of
                   those
                   provocations
                   ,
                   and
                   resolve
                   in
                   the
                   Strength
                   of
                   God
                   to
                   cease
                   from
                   them
                   ,
                   to
                   destroy
                   them
                   our selves
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   endeavour
                   every
                   one
                   in
                   his
                   place
                   ,
                   to
                   suppress
                   them
                   in
                   others
                   :
                   thus
                   far
                   each
                   man
                   is
                   his
                   Brothers
                   keeper
                   ;
                   and
                   Charity
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Common
                   Interest
                   require
                   this
                   Endeavour
                   from
                   us
                   ,
                   by
                   reproof
                   ,
                   by
                   advice
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   exercise
                   of
                   our
                   power
                   :
                   Let
                   us
                   consider
                   ,
                   what
                   are
                   our
                   particular
                   sins
                   ,
                   the
                   sins
                   of
                   our
                   Education
                   ,
                   of
                   our
                   Complexion
                   ,
                   of
                   our
                   Condition
                   ,
                   and
                   apply
                   the
                   Grace
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   chief
                   warchfulness
                   ,
                   and
                   diligence
                   against
                   them
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   strike
                   at
                   the
                   root
                   ,
                   and
                   destroy
                   the
                   strong
                   holds
                   ;
                   let
                   us
                   do
                   the
                   work
                   throughly
                   ,
                   and
                   effectually
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   our
                   present
                   safety
                   ,
                   ours
                   ,
                   our
                   Kings
                   ,
                   our
                   
                   Government
                   ,
                   our
                   Religion
                   ,
                   our
                   posterity
                   require
                   from
                   us
                   ;
                   for
                   if
                   we
                   continue
                   to
                   do
                   wickedly
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   expect
                   to
                   be
                   destroyed
                   ,
                   both
                   
                     we
                     and
                     our
                     King.
                  
                   This
                   ,
                   all
                   the
                   considerations
                   of
                   the
                   next
                   state
                   demand
                   ,
                   loudly
                   call
                   for
                   ,
                   all
                   manner
                   of
                   Reasons
                   from
                   both
                   the
                   worlds
                   urge
                   and
                   enforce
                   this
                   :
                   Let
                   us
                   not
                   be
                   still
                   stupid
                   ,
                   and
                   deaf
                   to
                   such
                   calls
                   ,
                   but
                   hear
                   ,
                   and
                   fear
                   ,
                   and
                   do
                   no
                   more
                   so
                   wickedly
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   put
                   a
                   stop
                   to
                   the
                   course
                   of
                   our
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   we
                   may
                   expect
                   that
                   a
                   stop
                   will
                   be
                   put
                   to
                   our
                   Troubles
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Judgements
                   threatned
                   and
                   feared
                   ,
                   will
                   be
                   turned
                   from
                   us
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Summ
                   of
                   all
                   is
                   ,
                   to
                   urge
                   us
                   to
                   be
                   as
                   wise
                   in
                   our
                   Generation
                   ,
                   as
                   those
                   poor
                   Heathens
                   were
                   in
                   theirs
                   ,
                   who
                   Believed
                   ,
                   Fasted
                   ,
                   Prayed
                   ,
                   Reformed
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   may
                   consider
                   further
                   ,
                
                 
                   (
                   3.
                   )
                   
                     The
                     Universality
                     of
                     these
                  
                   [
                   From
                   the
                   greatest
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   least
                   of
                   them
                   .
                   ]
                
                 
                   They
                   were
                   all
                   affected
                   ,
                   they
                   all
                   did
                   something
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   much
                   as
                   was
                   accepted
                   .
                   This
                   is
                   a
                   wonderful
                   Instance
                   of
                   Conversion
                   ,
                   somewhat
                   like
                   it
                   is
                   that
                   of
                   St.
                   Peters
                   3000
                   in
                   one
                   Sermon
                   ;
                   
                     The
                     King
                     humbled
                     himself
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     people
                     Fasted
                     ,
                     and
                     put
                     on
                     Sack-cloth
                     .
                  
                   The
                   Greatest
                   is
                   not
                   too
                   great
                   to
                   humble
                   himself
                   before
                   the
                   God
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   nor
                   the
                   least
                   too
                   little
                   to
                   be
                   consider'd
                   by
                   him
                   ,
                   all
                   Flesh
                   had
                   corrupted
                   it self
                   ,
                   all
                   were
                   become
                   abominable
                   in
                   their
                   doings
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   all
                   were
                   
                   concern'd
                   to
                   be
                   greatly
                   affected
                   ,
                   and
                   deeply
                   humbled
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   greatest
                   to
                   the
                   least
                   
                     [
                     From
                     the
                     Greatest
                     .
                  
                   ]
                   There
                   the
                   Humiliation
                   begun
                   ,
                   The
                   King
                   descended
                   from
                   his
                   Throne
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   on
                   Sack-cloth
                   ,
                   laid
                   by
                   his
                   Majesty
                   ,
                   and
                   Glory
                   ,
                   debased
                   himself
                   in
                   the
                   dust
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   on
                   vile
                   array
                   ,
                   significations
                   of
                   Sorrow
                   and
                   Repentance
                   ;
                   from
                   the
                   great
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   like
                   ,
                   their
                   enormous
                   sins
                   begun
                   ,
                   thence
                   they
                   had
                   their
                   examples
                   ,
                   thence
                   their
                   encouragement
                   .
                   The
                   great
                   draw
                   their
                   Trains
                   after
                   them
                   ,
                   Natural
                   Pride
                   and
                   Ambition
                   ,
                   make
                   all
                   desirous
                   to
                   imitate
                   them
                   ,
                   their
                   Example
                   is
                   largely
                   diffusive
                   and
                   infectious
                   ,
                   and
                   makes
                   sins
                   fashionable
                   :
                   their
                   sins
                   quickly
                   over-spread
                   ,
                   and
                   debauch
                   a
                   Nation
                   ,
                   and
                   therefore
                   ,
                   't
                   was
                   fit
                   ,
                   that
                   Repentance
                   should
                   begin
                   here
                   ,
                   where
                   ,
                   probably
                   ,
                   many
                   of
                   their
                   sins
                   did
                   ;
                   that
                   the
                   great
                   should
                   cure
                   by
                   their
                   good
                   example
                   those
                   they
                   had
                   hurt
                   by
                   their
                   bad
                   ,
                   and
                   theirs
                   being
                   against
                   more
                   Mercy
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   Expectation
                   are
                   the
                   greatest
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   aggravating
                   :
                   and
                   therefore
                   there
                   was
                   Reason
                   ,
                   and
                   need
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   should
                   be
                   most
                   penitent
                   ,
                   and
                   first
                   so
                   :
                   and
                   accordingly
                   here
                   it
                   Commenc'd
                   .
                
                 
                   Reformation
                   is
                   like
                   to
                   be
                   general
                   and
                   effectual
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   Great
                   begin
                   it
                   in
                   themselves
                   :
                   it
                   doth
                   not
                   stop
                   there
                   ,
                   but
                   passeth
                   through
                   the
                   middle
                   degrees
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   least
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   the
                   meanest
                   ,
                   and
                   least
                   considerable
                   ,
                   those
                   also
                   add
                   to
                   the
                   common
                   
                   heap
                   of
                   provocations
                   ,
                   and
                   those
                   have
                   therefore
                   reason
                   to
                   be
                   humbled
                   also
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   Gods
                   hand
                   is
                   lifted
                   up
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   Judgements
                   are
                   near
                   ,
                   he
                   requires
                   ,
                   and
                   expects
                   that
                   all
                   ,
                   and
                   every
                   one
                   ,
                   from
                   him
                   that
                   sits
                   on
                   the
                   Throne
                   ,
                   to
                   him
                   that
                   grinds
                   in
                   the
                   Mill
                   ,
                   should
                   repent
                   ,
                   and
                   turn
                   to
                   him
                   ;
                   the
                   sins
                   of
                   the
                   meanest
                   contribute
                   to
                   the
                   publick
                   guilt
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   Repentance
                   helps
                   forward
                   to
                   publick
                   deliverance
                   .
                
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   duly
                   consider
                   this
                   circumstance
                   of
                   the
                   Repentance
                   of
                   the
                   men
                   of
                   Nineveh
                   :
                   and
                   ,
                
                 
                   O
                   that
                   God
                   in
                   his
                   Mercy
                   to
                   us
                   and
                   them
                   would
                   open
                   the
                   eyes
                   of
                   the
                   Great
                   among
                   us
                   to
                   see
                   this
                   their
                   duty
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   things
                   that
                   belong
                   to
                   their
                   Peace
                   before
                   they
                   are
                   hidden
                   from
                   their
                   Eyes
                   :
                   as
                   their
                   Guilt
                   is
                   often
                   greatest
                   ,
                   so
                   the
                   publick
                   consequent
                   Judgements
                   (
                   many
                   times
                   )
                   fall
                   heaviest
                   upon
                   them
                   .
                   Two
                   late
                   dreadful
                   Judgements
                   we
                   have
                   been
                   under
                   ,
                   Fire
                   and
                   Pestilence
                   :
                   These
                   fell
                   chiefly
                   upon
                   the
                   middle
                   and
                   meaner
                   sort
                   .
                   The
                   Judgements
                   we
                   have
                   now
                   reason
                   to
                   fear
                   threaten
                   all
                   ,
                   but
                   chiefly
                   the
                   Great
                   .
                
                 
                   In
                   the
                   Name
                   of
                   God
                   let
                   us
                   all
                   pray
                   that
                   a
                   deep
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Humiliation
                   may
                   be
                   upon
                   them
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   reflect
                   on
                   the
                   greatest
                   of
                   their
                   sins
                   in
                   their
                   Nature
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Mischief
                   they
                   have
                   done
                   by
                   their
                   Influence
                   ;
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   strive
                   to
                   go
                   before
                   all
                   the
                   rest
                   in
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   and
                   shew
                   the
                   
                   Inferiour
                   souls
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   Safety
                   and
                   Happiness
                   ;
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   lay
                   aside
                   all
                   Vanity
                   ,
                   Luxury
                   ,
                   and
                   Intemperance
                   ,
                   Rioting
                   and
                   Drunkenness
                   ,
                   Chambering
                   and
                   Wantonness
                   ,
                   the
                   Dalilahs
                   ,
                   the
                   dearest
                   sins
                   ,
                   those
                   of
                   Pride
                   and
                   Pleasure
                   ,
                   the
                   sins
                   by
                   which
                   the
                   Nation
                   hath
                   been
                   made
                   drunk
                   ,
                   poysoned
                   ,
                   debauched
                   and
                   depraved
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   mourn
                   for
                   these
                   great
                   crying
                   Iniquities
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   strength
                   of
                   Divine
                   grace
                   resolve
                   to
                   turn
                   from
                   them
                   :
                   This
                   would
                   be
                   the
                   happiest
                   sight
                   that
                   ever
                   England
                   saw
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   most
                   hopeful
                   .
                   Oh
                   that
                   our
                   eyes
                   were
                   blest
                   with
                   it
                   .
                   And
                
                 
                   Let
                   not
                   us
                   of
                   the
                   middle
                   and
                   inferiour
                   sort
                   content
                   our selves
                   to
                   desire
                   their
                   Reformation
                   and
                   amendment
                   ,
                   but
                   resolve
                   also
                   on
                   our
                   own
                   :
                   'T
                   is
                   generally
                   very
                   grateful
                   to
                   us
                   to
                   hear
                   the
                   faults
                   of
                   the
                   Great
                   ript
                   up
                   ,
                   of
                   our
                   Governours
                   especially
                   :
                   It
                   will
                   concern
                   us
                   more
                   to
                   affect
                   our
                   hearts
                   duly
                   with
                   those
                   we
                   are
                   guilty
                   of
                   our selves
                   .
                   And
                   in
                   this
                   we
                   the
                   Ministers
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   the
                   Guides
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   (
                   at
                   least
                   ,
                   who
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   so
                   )
                   should
                   lead
                   the
                   way
                   ;
                   our
                   unworthiness
                   also
                   hath
                   been
                   great
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   provocations
                   have
                   been
                   many
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   not
                   returned
                   unto
                   the
                   Lord
                   according
                   to
                   his
                   Benefits
                   ,
                   or
                   made
                   a
                   right
                   use
                   of
                   his
                   Mercies
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   not
                   been
                   so
                   strict
                   in
                   our
                   Lives
                   ,
                   or
                   so
                   diligent
                   in
                   our
                   great
                   and
                   most
                   weighty
                   Imployment
                   ,
                   so
                   much
                   concern'd
                   for
                   
                   the
                   good
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   or
                   Interests
                   of
                   mens
                   Souls
                   as
                   we
                   ought
                   to
                   have
                   been
                   ;
                   many
                   have
                   been
                   Loyterers
                   ,
                   some
                   Rioters
                   ,
                   scarce
                   any
                   have
                   imploy'd
                   proportionable
                   Zeal
                   and
                   circumspect
                   diligence
                   :
                   Our
                   faults
                   are
                   published
                   and
                   aggravated
                   to
                   the
                   height
                   (
                   I
                   hope
                   beyond
                   it
                   )
                   by
                   our
                   Enemies
                   of
                   all
                   sorts
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   may
                   expect
                   still
                   a
                   greater
                   load
                   of
                   Criminations
                   and
                   Reproaches
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   consider
                   that
                   this
                   evil
                   is
                   from
                   the
                   Lord
                   for
                   our
                   sins
                   :
                   He
                   said
                   to
                   the
                   Lying
                   Spirits
                   Go
                   ;
                   and
                   David
                   reflected
                   that
                   he
                   might
                   have
                   bid
                   Shimei
                   curse
                   him
                   .
                   Let
                   us
                   look
                   at
                   his
                   hand
                   and
                   humble
                   our selves
                   before
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   spend
                   our
                   Breath
                   in
                   Invectives
                   against
                   the
                   Instruments
                   of
                   our
                   Troubles
                   and
                   Fears
                   ,
                   but
                   apply
                   the
                   proper
                   Remedy
                   to
                   the
                   Root
                   of
                   our
                   Distemper
                   ,
                   which
                   we
                   know
                   is
                   to
                   bring
                   forth
                   Fruit
                   meet
                   for
                   Repentance
                   .
                   And
                   let
                   not
                   the
                   people
                   spend
                   their
                   ,
                   all
                   their
                   Heat
                   ,
                   and
                   Zeal
                   against
                   the
                   sins
                   of
                   their
                   Governours
                   and
                   their
                   Misdeeds
                   ;
                   in
                   these
                   they
                   are
                   apt
                   to
                   exceed
                   ,
                   and
                   run
                   beyond
                   bounds
                   ,
                   and
                   multiply
                   their
                   own
                   sins
                   in
                   so
                   doing
                   :
                   But
                   let
                   them
                   lay
                   their
                   hands
                   on
                   their
                   hearts
                   ,
                   and
                   say
                   ,
                   We
                   have
                   all
                   sinned
                   and
                   done
                   wickedly
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   been
                   all
                   as
                   sheep
                   going
                   astray
                   ,
                   but
                   we
                   will
                   return
                   to
                   the
                   great
                   Shepherd
                   and
                   Bishop
                   of
                   our
                   souls
                   :
                   Let
                   them
                   make
                   themselves
                   deeply
                   sensible
                   ,
                   not
                   only
                   of
                   the
                   gross
                   carnal
                   Evils
                   ,
                   but
                   of
                   the
                   Spiritual
                   Iniquities
                   ,
                   malice
                   ,
                   
                   bitter
                   zeal
                   ,
                   contempt
                   of
                   Rulers
                   ,
                   and
                   betters
                   ,
                   Schism
                   ,
                   Separation
                   ,
                   waywardness
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   like
                   ;
                   and
                   not
                   excuse
                   and
                   extenuate
                   their
                   sins
                   ;
                   charge
                   others
                   ,
                   and
                   lessen
                   their
                   own
                   by
                   Pharisaical
                   comparisons
                   ;
                   but
                   let
                   all
                   sorts
                   and
                   degrees
                   of
                   men
                   charge
                   themselves
                   with
                   their
                   own
                   guilt
                   ,
                   and
                   deeply
                   abase
                   themselves
                   before
                   the
                   Almighty
                   in
                   the
                   sense
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   it
                   is
                   thus
                   ,
                   when
                   penitential
                   acknowledgements
                   and
                   humiliations
                   are
                   universal
                   ,
                   then
                   a
                   people
                   is
                   prepared
                   for
                   the
                   Mercy
                   of
                   deliverance
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   evils
                   threatned
                   shall
                   not
                   come
                   .
                   And
                
                 
                   In
                   order
                   to
                   this
                   we
                   should
                   not
                   look
                   and
                   stay
                   till
                   the
                   rest
                   begin
                   ,
                   but
                   every
                   one
                   should
                   endeavour
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   first
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   we
                   do
                   take
                   this
                   course
                   and
                   proceed
                   in
                   it
                   ,
                   whatever
                   others
                   do
                   ,
                   whatever
                   they
                   suffer
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   be
                   safe
                   ,
                   if
                   not
                   for
                   this
                   world
                   ,
                   yet
                   for
                   the
                   next
                   certainly
                   (
                   which
                   is
                   better
                   )
                   and
                   probably
                   for
                   both
                   .
                   And
                
                 
                   Now
                   I
                   shall
                   endeavour
                   to
                   enforce
                   this
                   great
                   ,
                   this
                   most
                   seasonable
                   ,
                   this
                   most
                   necessary
                   duty
                   ,
                   by
                   several
                   considerations
                   taken
                   from
                   the
                   circumstances
                   of
                   the
                   Repentance
                   of
                   the
                   men
                   of
                   Nineveh
                   ,
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   They
                   were
                   Heathens
                   ,
                   such
                   as
                   the
                   Prophet
                   speaks
                   ,
                   had
                   not
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   Gods
                   Law
                   ,
                   (
                   viz.
                   )
                   in
                   the
                   fulness
                   and
                   expressness
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   they
                   Repented
                   .
                   But
                   we
                   are
                   Christians
                   ,
                   
                   whose
                   are
                   the
                   Law
                   and
                   the
                   Prophets
                   ,
                   to
                   whom
                   Christ
                   is
                   come
                   ,
                   Eternal
                   Life
                   is
                   made
                   manifest
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Everlasting
                   Gospel
                   is
                   revealed
                   :
                   And
                   shall
                   we
                   continue
                   our
                   Impenitency
                   and
                   Obduration
                   ?
                   Are
                   there
                   Flowers
                   in
                   the
                   Wilderness
                   and
                   none
                   in
                   the
                   Garden
                   ?
                   Do
                   the
                   wild
                   Beasts
                   of
                   the
                   Forest
                   hear
                   his
                   voice
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   not
                   the
                   Sheep
                   of
                   his
                   own
                   Fold
                   obey
                   him
                   ?
                   This
                   will
                   be
                   an
                   aggravation
                   of
                   our
                   sins
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   impenitently
                   continue
                   in
                   them
                   ;
                   those
                   rude
                   Heathens
                   did
                   not
                   so
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   They
                   Repented
                   upon
                   Preaching
                   :
                   we
                   do
                   not
                   read
                   of
                   any
                   fiery
                   Tryals
                   they
                   had
                   been
                   under
                   ,
                   of
                   any
                   dreadful
                   Judgements
                   that
                   had
                   been
                   upon
                   them
                   ;
                   we
                   hear
                   not
                   of
                   any
                   prodigies
                   in
                   the
                   Heavens
                   ,
                   or
                   any
                   portents
                   in
                   the
                   Earth
                   ,
                   Blazing
                   Stars
                   ,
                   or
                   Fiery
                   Swords
                   ,
                   or
                   Earth-quakes
                   ,
                   or
                   dreadful
                   Apparitions
                   ,
                   or
                   other
                   terrible
                   sights
                   to
                   predict
                   their
                   approaching
                   Ruine
                   ;
                   such
                   as
                   have
                   been
                   fore-runners
                   of
                   Destruction
                   to
                   many
                   Nations
                   .
                   No
                   ,
                   we
                   hear
                   only
                   of
                   preaching
                   ,
                   Jonah
                   Preaches
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   Repent
                   .
                   But
                   now
                   God
                   hath
                   pleased
                   to
                   vouchsafe
                   unto
                   us
                   great
                   plenty
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   the
                   Declarations
                   of
                   his
                   word
                   and
                   will
                   by
                   preaching
                   ;
                   't
                   is
                   as
                   common
                   as
                   Gold
                   in
                   
                   Solomon's
                   Time
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   Stones
                   in
                   the
                   street
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   trample
                   on
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   make
                   it
                   as
                   vile
                   .
                   Preaching
                   is
                   customary
                   ,
                   grown
                   a
                   thing
                   of
                   Form
                   ,
                   hath
                   lost
                   its
                   force
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   we
                   believe
                   not
                   the
                   Report
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   we
                   refuse
                   
                   to
                   hear
                   ,
                   or
                   hear
                   with
                   carlesness
                   and
                   unconcernment
                   ,
                   with
                   no
                   design
                   ,
                   or
                   with
                   a
                   wrong
                   one
                   to
                   entertain
                   our
                   Curiosity
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   gratifie
                   our
                   Fancies
                   with
                   the
                   same
                   Affection
                   that
                   they
                   see
                   and
                   hear
                   Plays
                   ;
                   otherwise
                   generally
                   we
                   neither
                   heed
                   nor
                   mind
                   what
                   we
                   hear
                   :
                   The
                   most
                   powerful
                   preaching
                   hath
                   little
                   or
                   no
                   Authority
                   or
                   Effect
                   with
                   us
                   or
                   upon
                   us
                   .
                   Besides
                   which
                   ,
                
                 
                   We
                   have
                   been
                   exercised
                   with
                   great
                   and
                   grievous
                   Judgements
                   ;
                   when
                   his
                   word
                   would
                   not
                   prevail
                   ,
                   God
                   was
                   pleased
                   to
                   take
                   the
                   Rod
                   into
                   his
                   hand
                   ,
                   we
                   were
                   harrass'd
                   with
                   Twenty
                   years
                   Civil
                   war
                   ,
                   that
                   drew
                   our
                   Blood
                   ,
                   and
                   wasted
                   our
                   strength
                   ,
                   and
                   consumed
                   our
                   Treasure
                   ,
                   and
                   filled
                   us
                   with
                   horrour
                   and
                   desolation
                   ,
                   that
                   brought
                   in
                   Oppression
                   ,
                   Tyranny
                   ,
                   and
                   sad
                   Confusions
                   ;
                   from
                   the
                   aforesaid
                   War
                   was
                   the
                   overthrow
                   of
                   the
                   best
                   of
                   Governments
                   ,
                   the
                   Murder
                   of
                   the
                   best
                   of
                   Kings
                   ,
                   Suppression
                   of
                   Laws
                   ,
                   and
                   Destruction
                   of
                   the
                   best
                   Patriot
                   and
                   Subjects
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   universal
                   Slavery
                   ,
                   Misery
                   and
                   Disorder
                   .
                   And
                   after
                   our
                   deliverance
                   from
                   those
                   evils
                   by
                   a
                   wheel
                   of
                   Providence
                   ,
                   we
                   continuing
                   still
                   in
                   our
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   growing
                   the
                   worse
                   for
                   our
                   mercies
                   ,
                   he
                   sent
                   a
                   raging
                   Pestilence
                   among
                   us
                   ;
                   The
                   destroying
                   Angel
                   poured
                   forth
                   his
                   Viols
                   of
                   wrath
                   ,
                   and
                   poyson'd
                   the
                   publick
                   Air
                   of
                   our
                   chief
                   City
                   ,
                   and
                   destroyed
                   Thousands
                   and
                   Ten
                   Thousands
                   in
                   
                   our
                   Streets
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   a
                   Mortal
                   Contagion
                   as
                   had
                   not
                   been
                   in
                   all
                   the
                   days
                   of
                   our
                   Fore-fathers
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   Judgement
                   was
                   followed
                   on
                   the
                   heels
                   by
                   another
                   as
                   dreadful
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   a
                   devouring
                   Fire
                   we
                   were
                   made
                   as
                   Sodom
                   ,
                   and
                   like
                   unto
                   Gomorrha
                   :
                   The
                   Strength
                   ,
                   the
                   Glory
                   ,
                   the
                   Beauty
                   of
                   our
                   Land
                   laid
                   in
                   Ashes
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   an
                   heap
                   of
                   Stones
                   .
                   Notwithstanding
                   which
                   and
                   many
                   other
                   Providences
                   ,
                   Mercies
                   and
                   Judgements
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   sinned
                   yet
                   more
                   and
                   more
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   we
                   dared
                   the
                   most
                   High
                   ,
                   and
                   resolv'd
                   to
                   provoke
                   him
                   to
                   destroy
                   us
                   utterly
                   .
                
                 
                   Thus
                   we
                   have
                   done
                   ,
                   and
                   if
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   ground
                   of
                   our
                   present
                   Troubles
                   and
                   Fears
                   ,
                   and
                   if
                   we
                   persist
                   in
                   our
                   hardness
                   ,
                   and
                   do
                   not
                   at
                   last
                   return
                   by
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   What
                   can
                   we
                   expect
                   but
                   the
                   utmost
                   extremities
                   of
                   his
                   vengeance
                   ?
                   The
                   poor
                   Ninevites
                   repented
                   upon
                   preaching
                   ,
                   and
                   't
                   will
                   be
                   a
                   mighty
                   aggravation
                   of
                   our
                   sins
                   if
                   we
                   continue
                   impenitent
                   ,
                   not
                   only
                   under
                   the
                   most
                   awakening
                   Preachers
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   most
                   dreadful
                   Judgements
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   The
                   people
                   of
                   Nineveh
                   repented
                   upon
                   the
                   preaching
                   of
                   a
                   single
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   they
                   had
                   but
                   one
                   Jonah
                   ,
                   not
                   so
                   much
                   Testimony
                   as
                   useth
                   to
                   be
                   expected
                   in
                   common
                   business
                   ,
                   
                     in
                     the
                     mouth
                     or
                     two
                     or
                     three
                     witnesses
                     shall
                     every
                     thing
                     be
                     confirmed
                  
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   they
                   did
                   not
                   call
                   for
                   more
                   evidence
                   :
                   There
                   was
                   
                   a
                   Jonah
                   within
                   (
                   their
                   own
                   Conscience
                   )
                   that
                   preach't
                   the
                   same
                   Doctrine
                   for
                   the
                   main
                   with
                   the
                   other
                   without
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   repented
                   upon
                   the
                   Preaching
                   ,
                   external
                   Preaching
                   of
                   a
                   single
                   Jonah
                   .
                   But
                   now
                   among
                   us
                   ,
                   great
                   hath
                   been
                   the
                   number
                   of
                   the
                   Preachers
                   ,
                   Patriarchs
                   and
                   Prophets
                   ,
                   the
                   Son
                   of
                   God
                   himself
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   whole
                   Army
                   of
                   Apostles
                   ,
                   Ministers
                   ,
                   Confessors
                   ,
                   Martyrs
                   in
                   former
                   ,
                   in
                   latter
                   ,
                   in
                   present
                   times
                   ,
                   a
                   whole
                   Cloud
                   of
                   Witnesses
                   ,
                   with
                   a
                   Firmament
                   thick
                   of
                   Stars
                   and
                   Glories
                   ,
                   Lights
                   of
                   all
                   sorts
                   and
                   sizes
                   .
                   And
                   now
                   did
                   those
                   poor
                   Heathens
                   hear
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   a
                   little
                   Brook
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   not
                   we
                   the
                   noise
                   of
                   many
                   Waters
                   ?
                   Were
                   they
                   enlightened
                   by
                   a
                   single
                   Planet
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   not
                   so
                   by
                   numerous
                   Constellations
                   ?
                   This
                   also
                   will
                   be
                   another
                   and
                   great
                   aggravation
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   still
                   persist
                   and
                   go
                   on
                   harden'd
                   in
                   our
                   sins
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   The
                   Ninevites
                   repented
                   when
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   doubted
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   this
                   Jonah
                   ?
                   he
                   is
                   a
                   stranger
                   to
                   our
                   Countrey
                   ,
                   to
                   our
                   Laws
                   ,
                   to
                   our
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   he
                   lead
                   us
                   ?
                   this
                   Jonah
                   is
                   a
                   sinner
                   ,
                   and
                   God
                   doth
                   not
                   use
                   to
                   send
                   his
                   mind
                   and
                   messages
                   by
                   such
                   .
                   He
                   saith
                   he
                   is
                   a
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   but
                   how
                   shall
                   we
                   know
                   it
                   ,
                   where
                   are
                   his
                   Miracles
                   ?
                   where
                   are
                   his
                   Credentials
                   from
                   Heaven
                   to
                   justifie
                   our
                   Belief
                   of
                   him
                   ?
                   Thus
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   question'd
                   and
                   disputed
                   the
                   matter
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   took
                   the
                   better
                   
                   course
                   ,
                   and
                   repented
                   on
                   the
                   Preaching
                   of
                   Jonah
                   .
                   They
                   knew
                   that
                   though
                   Jonah
                   was
                   a
                   stranger
                   ,
                   yet
                   one
                   that
                   was
                   not
                   so
                   ,
                   the
                   Preacher
                   within
                   ,
                   taught
                   the
                   same
                   Doctrine
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   expect
                   Gods
                   Judgements
                   on
                   them
                   for
                   their
                   sins
                   ;
                   that
                   though
                   Jonah
                   were
                   a
                   sinner
                   ,
                   yet
                   they
                   might
                   learn
                   their
                   duty
                   from
                   such
                   ;
                   that
                   though
                   he
                   should
                   not
                   be
                   a
                   Prophet
                   ,
                   yet
                   there
                   needed
                   no
                   Prophecy
                   or
                   Extraordinary
                   Messenger
                   or
                   Message
                   to
                   make
                   them
                   acknowledge
                   the
                   Divine
                   Justice
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   own
                   Guilt
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   instead
                   of
                   cavilling
                   and
                   disputing
                   ,
                   they
                   repented
                   and
                   turned
                   from
                   their
                   evil
                   ways
                   .
                   But
                   now
                   God
                   hath
                   given
                   us
                   a
                   sure
                   word
                   of
                   Prophecie
                   ,
                   and
                   mighty
                   and
                   undoubted
                   Miracles
                   have
                   confirm'd
                   the
                   Ministry
                   of
                   Moses
                   and
                   the
                   Prophets
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Gospel
                   is
                   established
                   by
                   the
                   greatest
                   that
                   ever
                   were
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   have
                   highest
                   Reason
                   to
                   Believe
                   for
                   the
                   works
                   sake
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Divine
                   Testimony
                   that
                   was
                   given
                   to
                   the
                   Holy
                   Jesus
                   and
                   Apostles
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   uncontroulable
                   Miracles
                   which
                   they
                   wrought
                   especially
                   :
                   we
                   are
                   assur'd
                   by
                   that
                   greatest
                   ,
                   of
                   our
                   Saviours
                   Resurrection
                   from
                   the
                   Dead
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   he
                   is
                   declared
                   the
                   Son
                   of
                   God
                   with
                   power
                   ,
                   all
                   his
                   Doctrines
                   and
                   all
                   his
                   Actions
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   whole
                   Scope
                   of
                   his
                   designs
                   do
                   infinitely
                   confirm
                   it
                   unto
                   us
                   :
                   And
                   yet
                   we
                   doubt
                   and
                   dispute
                   ,
                   and
                   cavil
                   when
                   we
                   should
                   Repent
                   .
                   This
                   also
                   greatly
                   heightens
                   our
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   our
                   condemnation
                   ,
                   
                   if
                   we
                   do
                   not
                   seasonably
                   ,
                   speedily
                   take
                   another
                   course
                   .
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   The
                   Ninevites
                   repented
                   upon
                   the
                   Preaching
                   of
                   a
                   Temporal
                   Judgement
                   ,
                   
                     forty
                     days
                     and
                     Nineveh
                     shall
                     be
                     destroyed
                     .
                  
                   It
                   was
                   the
                   destruction
                   of
                   their
                   City
                   ,
                   no
                   express
                   mention
                   of
                   the
                   Ruine
                   of
                   their
                   persons
                   and
                   posterities
                   ,
                   much
                   less
                   of
                   the
                   damnation
                   of
                   their
                   Souls
                   ;
                   and
                   yet
                   upon
                   this
                   lesser
                   Threatning
                   they
                   Repented
                   .
                   But
                   now
                   besides
                   the
                   many
                   Temporal
                   evils
                   our
                   sins
                   threaten
                   us
                   with
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   denounc'd
                   against
                   us
                   the
                   loss
                   of
                   our
                   Souls
                   to
                   eternal
                   ages
                   .
                   
                     The
                     wicked
                     shall
                     be
                     turned
                     into
                     Hell
                     ,
                     and
                     all
                     the
                     Nations
                     that
                     forget
                     God
                     ,
                  
                   Ps
                   .
                   9.
                   17.
                   
                   And
                   terrible
                   is
                   that
                   Sentence
                   pass'd
                   on
                   the
                   impenitent
                   ,
                   
                     Mat.
                     25.
                     41.
                     
                     Depart
                     from
                     me
                     ye
                     cursed
                     into
                     everlasting
                     Fire
                     prepared
                     for
                     the
                     Devil
                     and
                     his
                     Angels
                     :
                  
                   Every
                   word
                   speaks
                   terrour
                   ,
                   depart
                   and
                   
                     Depart
                     cursed
                     into
                     Fire
                     ,
                     into
                     everlasting
                     Fire
                     ,
                  
                   and
                   Fire
                   
                     prepared
                     for
                     the
                     Devil
                     and
                     his
                     Angels
                     ,
                  
                   in
                   their
                   company
                   and
                   under
                   their
                   condemnation
                   and
                   Torment
                   .
                   Such
                   threatnings
                   one
                   would
                   think
                   should
                   effectually
                   restrain
                   men
                   from
                   their
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   bring
                   them
                   to
                   Repentance
                   ;
                   and
                   woe
                   to
                   us
                   if
                   those
                   or
                   Gods
                   other
                   Methods
                   do
                   not
                   effect
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   The
                   people
                   of
                   Nineveh
                   Repented
                   upon
                   uncertainty
                   of
                   Success
                   ;
                   They
                   were
                   not
                   sure
                   that
                   their
                   Repentance
                   would
                   be
                   accepted
                   ;
                   yea
                   they
                   
                   had
                   great
                   reason
                   to
                   fear
                   it
                   would
                   not
                   ;
                   for
                   the
                   threatning
                   in
                   the
                   Form
                   seem'd
                   to
                   be
                   absolute
                   .
                   But
                   they
                   knew
                   that
                   there
                   was
                   certain
                   Ruine
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   in
                   which
                   they
                   were
                   going
                   ,
                   and
                   some
                   probability
                   ,
                   possibility
                   at
                   least
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Divine
                   goodness
                   might
                   interpose
                   for
                   them
                   upon
                   their
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   acted
                   wisely
                   ,
                   and
                   took
                   the
                   safer
                   course
                   ,
                   they
                   Repented
                   and
                   Repented
                   upon
                   the
                   faint
                   Encouragement
                   of
                   a
                   
                     peradventure
                     ,
                     who
                     knows
                     but
                     the
                     Lord
                     may
                     repent
                     and
                     turn
                     ,
                  
                   v.
                   9.
                   
                   But
                   now
                   God
                   hath
                   pleased
                   to
                   give
                   us
                   the
                   fullest
                   ,
                   the
                   greatest
                   assurance
                   of
                   Pardon
                   and
                   Favour
                   upon
                   Repentance
                   :
                   for
                   this
                   we
                   have
                   his
                   repeated
                   word
                   and
                   his
                   Oath
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Blood
                   of
                   his
                   Son
                   and
                   the
                   Testimony
                   of
                   his
                   Spirit
                   :
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   Covenant
                   he
                   hath
                   made
                   with
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   Son
                   came
                   into
                   the
                   world
                   to
                   give
                   us
                   the
                   assurance
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   Spirit
                   hath
                   always
                   confirmed
                   it
                   ,
                   that
                   by
                   these
                   
                     immutable
                     things
                     by
                     which
                     it
                     is
                     impossible
                     for
                     God
                     to
                     lye
                     ,
                  
                   we
                   might
                   have
                   strong
                   confidence
                   that
                   our
                   Repentance
                   will
                   be
                   accepted
                   and
                   rewarded
                   .
                   And
                   't
                   will
                   be
                   a
                   very
                   great
                   Instance
                   and
                   aggravation
                   of
                   our
                   hardness
                   ,
                   if
                   notwithstanding
                   we
                   go
                   on
                   impenitently
                   in
                   our
                   accustomed
                   sins
                   .
                
                 
                   7.
                   
                   The
                   men
                   of
                   Nineveh
                   Repented
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   did
                   it
                   speedily
                   ,
                   
                     When
                     the
                     Prophet
                     began
                     to
                     enter
                     into
                     the
                     City
                     a
                     days
                     journey
                     ,
                  
                   it
                   follows
                   immediately
                   ,
                   
                     So
                     the
                     people
                     of
                     Nineveh
                     believed
                     God
                     :
                  
                   They
                   did
                   not
                   
                   stand
                   to
                   consult
                   and
                   deliberate
                   about
                   the
                   business
                   ,
                   they
                   did
                   not
                   say
                   to
                   Jonah
                   as
                   Foelix
                   did
                   to
                   St.
                   
                     Paul
                     ,
                     We
                     will
                     hear
                     thee
                     some
                     other
                     time
                     of
                     this
                     matter
                  
                   ;
                   no
                   ,
                   They
                   heard
                   and
                   Repented
                   presently
                   .
                   But
                   we
                   are
                   apt
                   to
                   procrastinate
                   and
                   delay
                   ,
                   and
                   put
                   the
                   work
                   off
                   from
                   one
                   day
                   to
                   another
                   ,
                   from
                   youth
                   to
                   manhood
                   ,
                   from
                   thence
                   to
                   old
                   age
                   ;
                   from
                   the
                   time
                   of
                   Health
                   to
                   Sickness
                   ,
                   from
                   thence
                   to
                   a
                   Death-bed
                   ,
                   and
                   still
                   cry
                   to
                   morrow
                   and
                   hereafter
                   .
                   But
                   if
                   we
                   think
                   to
                   do
                   it
                   at
                   all
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   take
                   the
                   next
                   time
                   ,
                   Delays
                   here
                   are
                   most
                   dangerous
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   work
                   will
                   still
                   grow
                   the
                   more
                   difficult
                   :
                   We
                   are
                   call'd
                   by
                   present
                   Providences
                   to
                   instant
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   delay
                   yet
                   longer
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   too
                   late
                   ,
                   immediate
                   Reformation
                   is
                   expected
                   and
                   required
                   from
                   us
                   ,
                   or
                   immediate
                   Judgements
                   are
                   to
                   befal
                   us
                   .
                   And
                
                 
                   The
                   same
                   Encouragement
                   have
                   we
                   for
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   speedy
                   Repentance
                   as
                   these
                   Ninevites
                   had
                   ;
                   for
                   this
                   is
                   most
                   certain
                   ,
                   that
                   if
                   we
                   Repent
                   of
                   the
                   Evil
                   we
                   have
                   done
                   ,
                   God
                   will
                   also
                   Repent
                   of
                   the
                   Evil
                   he
                   hath
                   said
                   .
                   Both
                   which
                   gracious
                   Acts
                   of
                   Penance
                   on
                   our
                   part
                   ,
                   and
                   Pardon
                   on
                   Gods
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   be
                   done
                   ,
                   God
                   of
                   his
                   infinite
                   Mercy
                   grant
                   through
                   the
                   Merits
                   and
                   Mediation
                   of
                   his
                   Son
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   our
                   Lord
                   ,
                
                 
                 
                   To
                   whom
                   with
                   the
                   Holy
                   Ghost
                   be
                   ascribed
                   by
                   Angels
                   and
                   men
                   ,
                   by
                   all
                   things
                   in
                   Heaven
                   and
                   Earth
                   ,
                   as
                   is
                   most
                   due
                   ,
                   all
                   possible
                   Praise
                   and
                   Power
                   ,
                   Might
                   and
                   Majesty
                   ,
                   Dominion
                   and
                   Adoration
                   to
                   Eternal
                   Ages
                   .
                   Amen
                   .
                
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   X.
                   The
                   Various
                   METHODS
                   OF
                   Satan's
                   Policy
                   DETECTED
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   X.
                   
                
                 
                   
                     2
                     COR.
                     II.
                     11.
                     
                  
                   
                     For
                     we
                     are
                     not
                     ignorant
                     of
                     his
                     Devices
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   THe
                   great
                   and
                   known
                   Enemy
                   of
                   Mankind
                   at
                   tempts
                   our
                   ruine
                   by
                   a
                   double
                   method
                   ,
                   that
                   of
                   confest
                   opposition
                   ,
                   and
                   flattering
                   insinuation
                   ;
                   and
                   what
                   he
                   cannot
                   compass
                   by
                   main
                   strength
                   ,
                   he
                   endeavours
                   by
                   Stratagem
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   Artifice
                   .
                   In
                   which
                   latter
                   ,
                   he
                   hath
                   always
                   been
                   most
                   unhappily
                   successful
                   ,
                   prevailing
                   more
                   by
                   Policies
                   ,
                   than
                   by
                   Power
                   .
                   Satan
                   is
                   most
                   dangerous
                   in
                   
                   the
                   livery
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   appearing
                   Angel
                   of
                   light
                   hath
                   done
                   more
                   execution
                   ,
                   than
                   the
                   known
                   Prince
                   of
                   Darkness
                   .
                
                 
                   Indeed
                   in
                   the
                   early
                   times
                   of
                   Christianity
                   ,
                   it
                   's
                   enemy
                   and
                   ours
                   thought
                   to
                   have
                   over-born
                   and
                   crusht
                   it
                   by
                   open
                   ways
                   of
                   violence
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   vigorously
                   assaulted
                   this
                   new
                   and
                   naked
                   Religion
                   ,
                   with
                   all
                   the
                   force
                   that
                   Wit
                   and
                   Interest
                   ,
                   Power
                   and
                   Malice
                   combined
                   ,
                   could
                   draw
                   together
                   ;
                   and
                   with
                   all
                   that
                   rage
                   ,
                   that
                   Hellish
                   zeal
                   could
                   inspire
                   ,
                   flew
                   upon
                   the
                   naked
                   Infant
                   ,
                   that
                   had
                   no
                   captivating
                   arts
                   to
                   recommend
                   ,
                   no
                   visible
                   aids
                   to
                   assist
                   it
                   :
                   But
                   Innocence
                   was
                   too
                   powerful
                   for
                   Arms
                   ,
                   and
                   Truth
                   and
                   Vertue
                   for
                   assault
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Designer
                   perceiving
                   that
                   this
                   persecuted
                   Christianity
                   did
                   but
                   brighten
                   and
                   grow
                   more
                   conspicuous
                   by
                   the
                   Flames
                   he
                   kindled
                   against
                   it
                   :
                   That
                   the
                   injured
                   Innocents
                   prevail'd
                   more
                   on
                   the
                   World
                   by
                   their
                   Patience
                   ,
                   than
                   their
                   enemies
                   did
                   on
                   them
                   by
                   their
                   Cruelties
                   :
                   That
                   this
                   hated
                   ,
                   this
                   maligned
                   Religion
                   stood
                   like
                   a
                   Rock
                   in
                   the
                   Sea
                   ,
                   while
                   the
                   spightful
                   Waves
                   and
                   foaming
                   Billows
                   did
                   but
                   dash
                   and
                   break
                   themselves
                   against
                   it
                   .
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   perceiving
                   how
                   little
                   success
                   he
                   had
                   in
                   his
                   assaults
                   ,
                   he
                   betakes
                   him
                   to
                   his
                   arts
                   and
                   his
                   devices
                   .
                   He
                   pretends
                   to
                   that
                   which
                   he
                   designs
                   against
                   :
                   and
                   gets
                   into
                   Religion
                   that
                   he
                   might
                   overthrow
                   it
                   :
                   And
                   this
                   design
                   he
                   hath
                   
                   been
                   ever
                   since
                   carrying
                   on
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   viz.
                   to
                   destroy
                   Religion
                   by
                   it self
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   ever
                   Christianity
                   be
                   exploded
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   like
                   to
                   be
                   by
                   a
                   Spirit
                   that
                   highly
                   pretends
                   unto
                   it
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   roaring
                   of
                   the
                   Lyon
                   is
                   not
                   so
                   formidable
                   as
                   the
                   wily
                   subtilties
                   of
                   the
                   Serpent
                   :
                   And
                   the
                   Deceiver
                   in
                   the
                   close
                   Pharisee
                   is
                   more
                   dangerous
                   than
                   Satan
                   in
                   the
                   Publican
                   and
                   open
                   Sinner
                   .
                
                 
                   Now
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   defeat
                   frauds
                   and
                   wiles
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   understand
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Designer
                   is
                   disappointed
                   assoon
                   as
                   his
                   practices
                   are
                   discovered
                   ;
                   we
                   therefore
                   owe
                   this
                   care
                   to
                   the
                   interest
                   of
                   our
                   souls
                   ,
                   to
                   endeavour
                   to
                   be
                   acquainted
                   with
                   the
                   arts
                   of
                   our
                   enemy
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   shall
                   be
                   secure
                   from
                   the
                   danger
                   of
                   their
                   influence
                   ,
                   when
                   
                     We
                     are
                     not
                     ignorant
                     of
                     his
                     Devices
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   Now
                   the
                   chief
                   Devices
                   of
                   the
                   Grand
                   Designer
                   are
                   levell'd
                   against
                   the
                   Glory
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   the
                   Peace
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   our
                   Faith
                   and
                   a
                   good
                   life
                   .
                   All
                   which
                   in
                   some
                   of
                   their
                   main
                   branches
                   ,
                   I
                   shall
                   endeavour
                   faithfully
                   to
                   discover
                   ;
                   and
                   though
                   I
                   foresee
                   my
                   discourse
                   will
                   light
                   on
                   things
                   which
                   are
                   very
                   sacred
                   with
                   some
                   who
                   will
                   be
                   angry
                   with
                   every
                   one
                   that
                   is
                   not
                   fond
                   of
                   their
                   darling
                   devices
                   ,
                   yet
                   I
                   shall
                   not
                   keep
                   the
                   Devils
                   Counsel
                   ,
                   because
                   I
                   know
                   they
                   are
                   not
                   so
                   much
                   theirs
                   ,
                   as
                   his
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   more
                   men
                   are
                   taken
                   with
                   the
                   pretence
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   greater
                   danger
                   are
                   they
                   of
                   the
                   mischief
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   To
                   begin
                   then
                   with
                   the
                   first
                   Head
                   proposed
                   ,
                   Satan
                   deviseth
                   against
                   the
                   Glory
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   in
                   these
                   instances
                   ,
                   viz.
                   against
                   his
                   Goodness
                   ,
                   his
                   Grace
                   ,
                   his
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   Worship
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Satan
                   designs
                   against
                   the
                   Glory
                   of
                   Gods
                   goodness
                   .
                   The
                   goodness
                   of
                   God
                   is
                   his
                   nature
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   fountain
                   of
                   his
                   actions
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Philosopher
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     God
                     is
                     love
                  
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Apostle
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   most
                   suitable
                   apprehension
                   we
                   can
                   form
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   look
                   on
                   him
                   as
                   an
                   Infinite
                   ,
                   Eternal
                   ,
                   and
                   Almighty
                   Love
                   ,
                   as
                   that
                   benign
                   fountain
                   that
                   is
                   continually
                   overflowing
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   glorious
                   Sun
                   that
                   is
                   always
                   shedding
                   abroad
                   its
                   beams
                   and
                   brightness
                   .
                   Indeed
                   the
                   dry
                   essence
                   of
                   God
                   we
                   cannot
                   know
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   hid
                   from
                   our
                   sight
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   approaches
                   in
                   dazling
                   glory
                   ,
                   and
                   light
                   inaccessible
                   :
                   But
                   his
                   nature
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   the
                   Principle
                   of
                   his
                   actions
                   ,
                   is
                   his
                   goodness
                   ;
                   and
                   his
                   attributes
                   are
                   but
                   the
                   several
                   modes
                   and
                   variegations
                   of
                   Almighty
                   Love
                   ,
                   from
                   which
                   they
                   differ
                   but
                   as
                   the
                   colours
                   of
                   the
                   Rain-bow
                   do
                   from
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   the
                   Sun.
                   This
                   then
                   is
                   the
                   dearest
                   and
                   most
                   God-like
                   Attribute
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Divine
                   glory
                   is
                   most
                   concern'd
                   in
                   the
                   honour
                   of
                   his
                   goodness
                   ;
                   and
                   against
                   this
                   Satan
                   hath
                   in
                   these
                   latter
                   days
                   especially
                   been
                   most
                   subtilly
                   and
                   unhappily
                   designing
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   For
                   perceiving
                   that
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   a
                   God
                   was
                   so
                   deeply
                   prest
                   upon
                   the
                   Souls
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   that
                   there
                   was
                   no
                   erasing
                   ,
                   no
                   plucking
                   it
                   thence
                   :
                   He
                   endeavours
                   to
                   corrupt
                   and
                   undermine
                   what
                   he
                   could
                   not
                   otherwise
                   destroy
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   he
                   cannot
                   obtain
                   of
                   the
                   world
                   to
                   say
                   with
                   the
                   Fool
                   ,
                   
                     There
                     is
                     no
                     God
                  
                   ,
                   he
                   'l
                   attempt
                   to
                   perswade
                   them
                   to
                   believe
                   ,
                   that
                   God
                   is
                   like
                   him
                   ,
                   or
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   is
                   worse
                   than
                   none
                   :
                   which
                   he
                   doth
                   by
                   instilling
                   notions
                   into
                   the
                   minds
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   vastly
                   prejudicial
                   to
                   the
                   honour
                   of
                   his
                   goodness
                   ,
                   and
                   representing
                   him
                   as
                   cruel
                   ,
                   merciless
                   ,
                   and
                   tyrannical
                   ,
                   as
                   one
                   that
                   hath
                   made
                   Myriads
                   of
                   excellent
                   creatures
                   ,
                   to
                   make
                   them
                   miserable
                   for
                   ever
                   ,
                   and
                   who
                   delights
                   in
                   triumphing
                   over
                   the
                   wretched
                   and
                   calamitous
                   whom
                   meer
                   unaccountable
                   Will
                   hath
                   made
                   so
                   .
                   As
                   one
                   that
                   hath
                   involv'd
                   the
                   greatest
                   part
                   of
                   his
                   best
                   Creation
                   in
                   black
                   and
                   dismal
                   fates
                   ,
                   before
                   they
                   sin'd
                   or
                   had
                   a
                   being
                   ,
                   that
                   do
                   what
                   they
                   can
                   ,
                   will
                   dragg
                   them
                   into
                   the
                   Regions
                   of
                   endless
                   woe
                   and
                   pain
                   .
                   Thus
                   representing
                   the
                   God
                   of
                   Love
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   character
                   of
                   the
                   most
                   detestable
                   Cruelty
                   and
                   Injustice
                   ,
                   and
                   making
                   him
                   who
                   is
                   a
                   Lover
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   an
                   Almighty
                   Cannibal
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   Idol
                   more
                   black
                   than
                   the
                   God
                   of
                   the
                   barbarous
                   Americans
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   Which
                   sowre
                   and
                   injurious
                   apprehensions
                   of
                   God
                   had
                   never
                   enter'd
                   upon
                   the
                   minds
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   by
                   profest
                   and
                   open
                   ways
                   of
                   opposing
                   that
                   goodness
                   which
                   shines
                   with
                   so
                   clear
                   a
                   beam
                   into
                   our
                   Souls
                   ,
                   and
                   is
                   writ
                   upon
                   every
                   leaf
                   of
                   the
                   sacred
                   volume
                   ,
                   and
                   external
                   nature
                   ;
                   and
                   therefore
                   the
                   cunning
                   agent
                   hath
                   insinuated
                   them
                   by
                   a
                   Device
                   ;
                   pretending
                   himself
                   a
                   mighty
                   Zelot
                   for
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   God's
                   absolute
                   will
                   ,
                   power
                   ,
                   and
                   prerogative
                   over
                   his
                   Creatures
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   hath
                   strain'd
                   and
                   forc'd
                   beyond
                   all
                   the
                   bounds
                   of
                   Right
                   ,
                   Just
                   ,
                   and
                   Good.
                   And
                   by
                   such
                   representations
                   he
                   knows
                   he
                   doth
                   no
                   real
                   honour
                   to
                   these
                   Attributes
                   ,
                   but
                   reflects
                   a
                   certain
                   disparagement
                   upon
                   the
                   divine
                   goodness
                   .
                   For
                   a
                   Will
                   that
                   is
                   arbitrary
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   govern'd
                   by
                   goodness
                   and
                   wisdome
                   ,
                   is
                   meer
                   unaccountable
                   humour
                   and
                   womanish
                   impotence
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   becoming
                   him
                   who
                   acts
                   by
                   the
                   Council
                   of
                   his
                   own
                   will
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ;
                   yea
                   and
                   the
                   Heathen
                   Poet
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   power
                   and
                   prerogative
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   a
                   perfection
                   of
                   the
                   divine
                   nature
                   ,
                   is
                   always
                   in
                   conjunction
                   with
                   the
                   milder
                   and
                   sweeter
                   attributes
                   ,
                   he
                   
                     cannot
                     lye
                  
                   ,
                   he
                   
                     cannot
                     destroy
                     him
                  
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Apostle
                   :
                   He
                   cannot
                   act
                   contrarily
                   to
                   the
                   rules
                   of
                   his
                   infinitely
                   perfect
                   essence
                   .
                   And
                   indeed
                   to
                   act
                   inconsistently
                   with
                   the
                   eternal
                   laws
                   of
                   Right
                   and
                   Good
                   ,
                   is
                   not
                   only
                   cruelty
                   and
                   injustice
                   ,
                   
                   but
                   impotency
                   ,
                   and
                   weakness
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   this
                   mighty
                   noise
                   of
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   Gods
                   absolute
                   power
                   and
                   prerogative
                   ,
                   in
                   contriving
                   and
                   resolving
                   the
                   ruine
                   of
                   his
                   creatures
                   ,
                   is
                   no
                   exaltation
                   of
                   any
                   perfection
                   in
                   God
                   ,
                   but
                   a
                   sad
                   and
                   particular
                   execution
                   upon
                   his
                   goodness
                   ,
                   and
                   consequently
                   upon
                   Religion
                   ,
                   the
                   foundation
                   of
                   which
                   is
                   laid
                   in
                   Love
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   fatally
                   overthrown
                   by
                   such
                   sowre
                   and
                   surly
                   notions
                   of
                   him
                   ,
                   as
                   represent
                   him
                   as
                   the
                   hater
                   of
                   his
                   creatures
                   .
                   
                     And
                     when
                     such
                     apprehensions
                  
                   (
                   as
                   one
                   hath
                   well
                   observ'd
                   )
                   
                     meet
                     with
                     stout
                     and
                     resolute
                     tempers
                     ,
                     they
                     do
                     but
                     canker
                     them
                     against
                     such
                     a
                     Being
                     ,
                  
                   so
                   that
                   first
                   they
                   wish
                   he
                   were
                   not
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   easily
                   perswade
                   themselves
                   he
                   is
                   not
                   .
                   Or
                   ,
                   if
                   such
                   opinions
                   of
                   God
                   light
                   on
                   the
                   more
                   timorous
                   and
                   passive
                   spirits
                   ,
                   they
                   do
                   but
                   fright
                   them
                   into
                   some
                   poor
                   sneaking
                   ,
                   forc'd
                   and
                   feminine
                   devotions
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   devoid
                   of
                   all
                   heart
                   and
                   life
                   .
                   And
                   thus
                   the
                   success
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   device
                   against
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   the
                   divine
                   goodness
                   ,
                   is
                   either
                   Atheism
                   ,
                   or
                   a
                   Superstition
                   that
                   is
                   near
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   Satan
                   deviseth
                   against
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   by
                   disparaging
                   his
                   Grace
                   ;
                   which
                   he
                   doth
                   by
                   detracting
                   from
                   the
                   fulness
                   ,
                   under
                   pretence
                   of
                   exalting
                   the
                   freeness
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   The
                   Enemy
                   of
                   Mankind
                   is
                   envious
                   at
                   that
                   Grace
                   the
                   Divine
                   goodness
                   affords
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   denies
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   because
                   
                   he
                   cannot
                   confine
                   the
                   bounty
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   or
                   hinder
                   the
                   beams
                   from
                   descending
                   from
                   above
                   ,
                   he
                   'l
                   endeavour
                   to
                   raise
                   clouds
                   below
                   that
                   shall
                   intercept
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   deprive
                   us
                   of
                   their
                   influence
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   doth
                   by
                   suggesting
                   narrow
                   and
                   diminishing
                   apprehensions
                   of
                   the
                   grace
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   representing
                   it
                   as
                   an
                   arbitrary
                   ,
                   contracted
                   desultory
                   thing
                   ,
                   bestowed
                   only
                   here
                   and
                   there
                   by
                   humoursome
                   measures
                   ,
                   and
                   directed
                   by
                   no
                   rule
                   but
                   that
                   of
                   meer
                   unaccountable
                   will
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   abusive
                   representation
                   ,
                   the
                   glory
                   of
                   the
                   divine
                   Grace
                   ,
                   which
                   consists
                   in
                   its
                   universal
                   diffusion
                   ,
                   is
                   clouded
                   and
                   eclipst
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   minds
                   of
                   men
                   hindred
                   from
                   apprehending
                   what
                   they
                   enjoy
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   enjoying
                   what
                   without
                   such
                   an
                   abuse
                   they
                   could
                   not
                   but
                   apprehend
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   is
                   the
                   design
                   and
                   the
                   mischievous
                   issue
                   which
                   to
                   cover
                   and
                   to
                   propagate
                   ,
                   the
                   cunning
                   Machinator
                   pretends
                   the
                   exaltation
                   of
                   the
                   freeness
                   of
                   that
                   grace
                   which
                   he
                   designs
                   to
                   dishonour
                   and
                   defeat
                   .
                   He
                   raiseth
                   a
                   mighty
                   cry
                   of
                   Free
                   Grace
                   ,
                   and
                   intitles
                   the
                   Libellings
                   of
                   divine
                   goodness
                   by
                   the
                   specious
                   name
                   of
                   
                     Vindiciae
                     gratiae
                  
                   .
                   He
                   fills
                   mens
                   heads
                   and
                   mouths
                   with
                   Grace
                   ,
                   Grace
                   :
                   O
                   the
                   freeness
                   of
                   Gods
                   grace
                   !
                   Nothing
                   will
                   be
                   admitted
                   but
                   what
                   comes
                   in
                   the
                   Livery
                   of
                   grace
                   ;
                   men
                   are
                   pleased
                   with
                   the
                   very
                   word
                   ,
                   and
                   tickled
                   with
                   that
                   dear
                   and
                   agreeable
                   sound
                   :
                   
                   all
                   discourses
                   are
                   insipid
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   full
                   of
                   free
                   grace
                   ;
                   and
                   he
                   will
                   not
                   be
                   allow'd
                   to
                   know
                   any
                   thing
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   not
                   rapt
                   up
                   into
                   the
                   ecstasie
                   of
                   admiring
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   Who
                   would
                   think
                   now
                   that
                   such
                   a
                   Spirit
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   that
                   so
                   highly
                   pretends
                   to
                   exalt
                   Grace
                   ,
                   should
                   really
                   disparage
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   undermine
                   it
                   ?
                   Who
                   would
                   think
                   that
                   the
                   enemy
                   of
                   Gods
                   Grace
                   ,
                   blew
                   in
                   this
                   humour
                   upon
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   kinled
                   this
                   mighty
                   zeal
                   that
                   seems
                   so
                   gloriously
                   to
                   illustrate
                   and
                   recommend
                   it
                   ?
                   And
                   yet
                   we
                   may
                   see
                   reason
                   to
                   believe
                   so
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   shall
                   consider
                   that
                   this
                   Free
                   Grace
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   so
                   magnificently
                   talkt
                   of
                   ,
                   is
                   infinitely
                   unworthy
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   prejudicial
                   to
                   his
                   Glory
                   ,
                   both
                   in
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   Free
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   Grace
                   .
                   For
                   a
                   thus
                   admired
                   ,
                   thus
                   celebrated
                   freeness
                   ,
                   is
                   but
                   an
                   humoursome
                   doating
                   on
                   a
                   party
                   ,
                   which
                   self-admirers
                   are
                   pleas'd
                   to
                   call
                   the
                   Elect
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   those
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   fashion
                   and
                   likeness
                   .
                   They
                   first
                   fansie
                   themselves
                   the
                   favourites
                   and
                   special
                   darlings
                   of
                   Heaven
                   ,
                   not
                   from
                   any
                   reason
                   they
                   have
                   to
                   think
                   so
                   from
                   the
                   goodness
                   of
                   their
                   lives
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   strength
                   of
                   their
                   imaginations
                   ,
                   which
                   furnish
                   them
                   with
                   strong
                   and
                   proud
                   presumptions
                   ;
                   and
                   then
                   they
                   admire
                   (
                   and
                   well
                   they
                   may
                   )
                   the
                   freeness
                   of
                   that
                   grace
                   which
                   chooseth
                   them
                   to
                   be
                   the
                   darlings
                   ,
                   and
                   peculiar
                   people
                   ,
                   with
                   as
                   little
                   reason
                   ,
                   as
                   
                   they
                   can
                   conceit
                   themselves
                   to
                   be
                   so
                   .
                   And
                   thus
                   the
                   freeness
                   they
                   commend
                   in
                   God
                   ,
                   is
                   that
                   we
                   call
                   childish
                   and
                   unreasonable
                   fondness
                   in
                   our selves
                   ;
                   which
                   is
                   infinitely
                   unbecoming
                   him
                   ,
                   who
                   is
                   
                     a
                     lover
                     of
                     Righteousness
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   
                     no
                     respecter
                     of
                     persons
                  
                   :
                   who
                   acts
                   by
                   the
                   eternal
                   Laws
                   of
                   Right
                   and
                   Good
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   by
                   the
                   feminine
                   measures
                   of
                   impotent
                   humour
                   and
                   indulgence
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   freeness
                   of
                   whose
                   Grace
                   consists
                   not
                   in
                   loving
                   or
                   favouring
                   us
                   ,
                   without
                   reason
                   ,
                   but
                   for
                   reasons
                   drawn
                   from
                   the
                   benignity
                   and
                   perfection
                   of
                   his
                   own
                   nature
                   ,
                   which
                   communicates
                   without
                   external
                   motive
                   or
                   constraint
                   ,
                   without
                   bounds
                   or
                   possibility
                   of
                   impediment
                   .
                   And
                   thus
                   we
                   see
                   how
                   a
                   corrupt
                   and
                   abusive
                   notion
                   of
                   the
                   freedom
                   of
                   Gods
                   grace
                   ,
                   hath
                   been
                   insinuated
                   by
                   this
                   device
                   to
                   the
                   prejudice
                   of
                   his
                   Glory
                   .
                   And
                   as
                   free
                   grace
                   has
                   been
                   misrepresented
                   in
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   Free
                   ,
                   so
                   also
                   hath
                   it
                   been
                   corruptly
                   taught
                   in
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   Grace
                   ,
                   which
                   some
                   have
                   represented
                   as
                   a
                   violence
                   the
                   divine
                   power
                   offers
                   unto
                   our
                   wills
                   ;
                   at
                   least
                   ,
                   superinducing
                   a
                   foreign
                   quality
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   to
                   which
                   we
                   contribute
                   nothing
                   ,
                   which
                   makes
                   us
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   Heathen
                   expresses
                   it
                   ,
                   Good
                   and
                   happy
                   by
                   a
                   certain
                   fate
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   good
                   men
                   are
                   but
                   a
                   better
                   sort
                   of
                   Engines
                   .
                   By
                   which
                   notion
                   of
                   grace
                   God
                   is
                   supposed
                   to
                   contradict
                   the
                   laws
                   himself
                   hath
                   establisht
                   in
                   the
                   Universe
                   ,
                   
                   which
                   have
                   provided
                   that
                   every
                   thing
                   act
                   consonantly
                   to
                   the
                   rules
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   natures
                   .
                   Besides
                   which
                   ,
                   such
                   an
                   irresistible
                   impulse
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   defeats
                   the
                   doctrine
                   of
                   Rewards
                   and
                   Punishments
                   .
                   For
                   who
                   is
                   rewarded
                   for
                   actions
                   that
                   are
                   prefectly
                   anothers
                   ,
                   or
                   who
                   is
                   punish'd
                   for
                   what
                   he
                   could
                   not
                   help
                   ?
                   And
                   if
                   grace
                   be
                   such
                   a
                   force
                   as
                   makes
                   men
                   good
                   irresistibly
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   Grace
                   bestow'd
                   only
                   on
                   one
                   here
                   ,
                   and
                   another
                   there
                   ,
                   meerly
                   as
                   arbitrary
                   Will
                   shall
                   dispose
                   it
                   ;
                   the
                   greatest
                   part
                   of
                   men
                   (
                   for
                   ought
                   I
                   see
                   )
                   will
                   have
                   fair
                   apology
                   for
                   their
                   sins
                   ,
                   at
                   least
                   for
                   their
                   neglects
                   ,
                   since
                   they
                   wanted
                   that
                   which
                   was
                   necessary
                   to
                   make
                   them
                   better
                   ,
                   and
                   God
                   alone
                   could
                   have
                   given
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     —
                     
                       〈◊〉
                       〈◊〉
                       〈◊〉
                       〈◊〉
                       〈◊〉
                    
                  
                   
                     
                       〈◊〉
                       〈◊〉
                       〈◊〉
                       〈◊〉
                       〈◊〉
                    
                     —
                  
                
                 
                   was
                   the
                   Apology
                   of
                   the
                   Heathen
                   ,
                   and
                   might
                   be
                   all
                   mens
                   else
                   upon
                   this
                   supposal
                   .
                   And
                   to
                   this
                   I
                   add
                   ,
                   that
                   such
                   a
                   notion
                   of
                   Gods
                   grace
                   ,
                   lays
                   a
                   foundation
                   for
                   sloth
                   and
                   remission
                   of
                   all
                   endeavour
                   .
                   For
                   whoever
                   believes
                   that
                   the
                   grace
                   of
                   God
                   where
                   it
                   comes
                   is
                   like
                   a
                   mighty
                   current
                   that
                   bears
                   down
                   all
                   before
                   it
                   ,
                   irresistibly
                   forceth
                   our
                   wills
                   to
                   a
                   compliance
                   ,
                   and
                   makes
                   such
                   sudden
                   and
                   miraculous
                   changes
                   upon
                   our
                   natures
                   :
                   I
                   say
                   whoever
                   believes
                   this
                   ,
                   and
                   thinks
                   also
                   that
                   this
                   grace
                   is
                   necessary
                   to
                   make
                   him
                   good
                   and
                   happy
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   that
                   nothing
                   he
                   can
                   do
                   can
                   obtain
                   it
                   ,
                   or
                   draw
                   it
                   near
                   him
                   ;
                   what
                   can
                   we
                   expect
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   such
                   a
                   man
                   should
                   neglect
                   all
                   care
                   and
                   diligence
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   the
                   making
                   himself
                   better
                   ,
                   in
                   expectation
                   of
                   this
                   necessary
                   irresistible
                   Grace
                   ,
                   without
                   which
                   his
                   endeavours
                   are
                   at
                   the
                   best
                   impertinent
                   ?
                   and
                   who
                   is
                   so
                   ridiculous
                   to
                   digg
                   for
                   the
                   wind
                   to
                   fill
                   his
                   Sails
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   endeavour
                   to
                   set
                   to
                   Sea
                   without
                   it
                   ?
                
                 
                   We
                   see
                   then
                   how
                   the
                   fulness
                   and
                   glory
                   of
                   the
                   divine
                   grace
                   have
                   been
                   undermined
                   by
                   plausible
                   and
                   dangerous
                   conceits
                   that
                   have
                   crept
                   into
                   the
                   world
                   under
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   free
                   grace
                   ,
                   dishonourable
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   injurious
                   to
                   the
                   interest
                   of
                   mens
                   Souls
                   .
                   And
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   second
                   device
                   I
                   proposed
                   to
                   detect
                   .
                
                 
                   Thirdly
                   then
                   ,
                   another
                   design
                   Satan
                   manageth
                   against
                   Gods
                   glory
                   ,
                   is
                   to
                   disparage
                   and
                   vilifie
                   his
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   doth
                   by
                   ascribing
                   to
                   it
                   the
                   foolish
                   ,
                   and
                   sometimes
                   wicked
                   impulses
                   ,
                   the
                   fond
                   and
                   extravagant
                   conceits
                   of
                   the
                   sons
                   of
                   imagination
                   .
                   For
                   as
                   of
                   old
                   when
                   he
                   perceived
                   he
                   could
                   not
                   overcome
                   the
                   belief
                   and
                   acknowledgement
                   of
                   a
                   Deity
                   :
                   He
                   multiplied
                   Gods
                   ,
                   and
                   Deified
                   things
                   of
                   the
                   meanest
                   and
                   vilest
                   rank
                   and
                   nature
                   ;
                   even
                   stocks
                   and
                   stones
                   ,
                   vices
                   and
                   diseases
                   :
                   in
                   like
                   manner
                   perceiving
                   now
                   that
                   he
                   cannot
                   hinder
                   the
                   influence
                   of
                   the
                   
                   Spirit
                   of
                   God
                   from
                   being
                   acknowledg'd
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   :
                   He
                   crys
                   up
                   every
                   folly
                   and
                   hot
                   imagination
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   :
                   He
                   entitles
                   it
                   to
                   boyling
                   passion
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   zeal
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   the
                   diseases
                   of
                   mens
                   fancies
                   ,
                   melancholy
                   ,
                   and
                   phrensie
                   under
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   the
                   Spirits
                   motions
                   .
                   Thus
                   when
                   kindled
                   melancholly
                   hath
                   inflamed
                   the
                   imagination
                   with
                   hot
                   and
                   scalding
                   conceits
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   fired
                   Fancy
                   gets
                   into
                   the
                   Revelations
                   ,
                   opens
                   the
                   Seals
                   ,
                   pours
                   out
                   the
                   Viols
                   ,
                   and
                   fantastically
                   interprets
                   the
                   Fates
                   of
                   Kingdoms
                   ;
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   mounted
                   on
                   the
                   Wings
                   of
                   the
                   Wind
                   ,
                   flys
                   into
                   the
                   Clouds
                   ,
                   and
                   flutters
                   there
                   in
                   Mystical
                   non-sense
                   ,
                   when
                   it
                   flows
                   into
                   the
                   tongue
                   in
                   an
                   extravagant
                   ramble
                   ,
                   and
                   abuseth
                   the
                   name
                   and
                   word
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   mingling
                   it
                   with
                   canting
                   ,
                   unintelligible
                   babble
                   ;
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   diseased
                   and
                   the
                   disturbed
                   Fancy
                   thus
                   variously
                   displays
                   it self
                   ,
                   Satan
                   makes
                   men
                   believe
                   they
                   are
                   acted
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   those
                   wild
                   agitations
                   of
                   sick
                   imagination
                   are
                   divine
                   motions
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   when
                   this
                   fire
                   is
                   descended
                   from
                   the
                   fancy
                   to
                   the
                   affections
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   ,
                   being
                   extreamly
                   moved
                   by
                   those
                   vain
                   and
                   proud
                   conceits
                   ,
                   cause
                   tremblings
                   and
                   foamings
                   ,
                   convulsions
                   and
                   ecstasies
                   in
                   the
                   body
                   (
                   all
                   which
                   are
                   but
                   natural
                   diseases
                   ,
                   if
                   not
                   worse
                   ,
                   and
                   just
                   such
                   as
                   were
                   those
                   odd
                   ecstatical
                   motions
                   of
                   the
                   Devils
                   Priests
                   ,
                   when
                   
                   they
                   came
                   foaming
                   from
                   his
                   Altars
                   .
                   )
                   These
                   I
                   say
                   the
                   same
                   wicked
                   Designer
                   hath
                   taught
                   these
                   wild
                   Phantasticks
                   blasphemously
                   to
                   ascribe
                   to
                   the
                   blessed
                   ,
                   and
                   adorable
                   Spirit
                   .
                   And
                   when
                   ,
                   their
                   fancies
                   being
                   full
                   of
                   turgid
                   notions
                   and
                   their
                   bodies
                   in
                   an
                   ecstasie
                   ,
                   they
                   dream
                   of
                   strange
                   sights
                   ,
                   voices
                   ,
                   and
                   wonderful
                   discoveries
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   nothing
                   but
                   the
                   unquiet
                   agitations
                   of
                   their
                   disorder'd
                   brains
                   .
                   These
                   also
                   Satan
                   perswades
                   them
                   to
                   be
                   divine
                   Revelations
                   ,
                   and
                   effects
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   God
                   shewing
                   it self
                   miraculously
                   in
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   Briefly
                   then
                   and
                   in
                   summ
                   :
                   Every
                   humour
                   and
                   Fantastick
                   unaccountable
                   motion
                   hath
                   by
                   this
                   device
                   been
                   represented
                   as
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   that
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   to
                   which
                   they
                   are
                   most
                   opposite
                   .
                   Thus
                   when
                   warm
                   and
                   brisk
                   Sanguine
                   presents
                   a
                   chearful
                   Scene
                   ,
                   and
                   fills
                   the
                   imagination
                   with
                   pleasant
                   dreams
                   ,
                   these
                   are
                   taken
                   for
                   divine
                   illapses
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   joys
                   and
                   incomes
                   of
                   the
                   Holy
                   Ghost
                   .
                   When
                   heated
                   Melancholly
                   hath
                   kindled
                   the
                   busie
                   and
                   active
                   fancy
                   ;
                   the
                   Enthusiast
                   then
                   talks
                   of
                   Illuminations
                   ,
                   New
                   Lights
                   ,
                   Revelations
                   ,
                   and
                   many
                   wonderful
                   fine
                   things
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   ascribed
                   to
                   the
                   same
                   Spirit
                   .
                   But
                   when
                   Flegm
                   predominates
                   ,
                   and
                   quencheth
                   the
                   Fantastick
                   Fire
                   ,
                   rendering
                   the
                   mad
                   man
                   more
                   dull
                   ,
                   lumpish
                   and
                   unactive
                   ;
                   
                   then
                   the
                   Spirit
                   is
                   withdrawn
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   man
                   under
                   spiritual
                   darkness
                   and
                   desertion
                   .
                   And
                   when
                   again
                   choler
                   is
                   boiled
                   up
                   into
                   rage
                   and
                   fury
                   ,
                   against
                   every
                   thing
                   that
                   is
                   not
                   of
                   the
                   Fantastick
                   cut
                   and
                   measure
                   ,
                   this
                   also
                   is
                   presumed
                   to
                   be
                   an
                   holy
                   fervour
                   kindled
                   by
                   that
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   whose
                   real
                   fruits
                   are
                   Gentleness
                   and
                   Love.
                   
                
                 
                   Thus
                   then
                   doth
                   the
                   Devil
                   devise
                   to
                   disgrace
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   God
                   and
                   its
                   influence
                   ,
                   by
                   those
                   numerous
                   ,
                   vile
                   ,
                   and
                   vain
                   pretensions
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   thinks
                   a
                   likely
                   means
                   to
                   extirpate
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   the
                   agency
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   render
                   it
                   ridiculous
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   again
                   (
                   4.
                   )
                   Satan
                   deviseth
                   against
                   Gods
                   own
                   glory
                   by
                   designing
                   against
                   his
                   worship
                   .
                   Which
                   he
                   doth
                   by
                   endeavouring
                   to
                   destroy
                   its
                   reverence
                   under
                   pretence
                   of
                   Spirituality
                   .
                   God
                   requires
                   to
                   be
                   glorified
                   in
                   body
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   soul
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   his
                   ,
                   and
                   Satan
                   sets
                   the
                   worship
                   of
                   one
                   against
                   the
                   other
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   may
                   destroy
                   both
                   .
                   Thus
                   when
                   under
                   the
                   Law
                   Religion
                   required
                   the
                   Pomp
                   and
                   Solemnity
                   of
                   external
                   Rites
                   and
                   Usages
                   ,
                   the
                   subtle
                   designer
                   drives
                   it
                   on
                   in
                   that
                   method
                   so
                   far
                   ,
                   that
                   at
                   last
                   the
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Religion
                   was
                   lost
                   in
                   the
                   ceremony
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   life
                   and
                   substance
                   in
                   the
                   circumstance
                   .
                   But
                   when
                   Christianity
                   came
                   into
                   the
                   world
                   to
                   abolish
                   that
                   ceremonial
                   oeconomy
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   the
                   establishing
                   a
                   
                   more
                   spiritual
                   frame
                   of
                   Worship
                   ,
                   then
                   doth
                   Satan
                   turn
                   with
                   the
                   Tyde
                   ,
                   and
                   puts
                   on
                   the
                   semblance
                   of
                   a
                   Zealot
                   for
                   Spirituality
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   prosecutes
                   so
                   far
                   ,
                   till
                   at
                   last
                   in
                   the
                   Gnosticks
                   and
                   other
                   aiery
                   Hereticks
                   ,
                   he
                   had
                   run
                   Religion
                   out
                   into
                   meer
                   empty
                   Fantastick
                   Notionality
                   .
                   In
                   like
                   manner
                   where
                   in
                   these
                   latter
                   ages
                   the
                   world
                   hath
                   been
                   disabused
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   detected
                   the
                   vanity
                   of
                   the
                   formal
                   outside
                   Religion
                   of
                   Rome
                   .
                   There
                   doth
                   the
                   designer
                   fall
                   in
                   with
                   the
                   Current
                   ,
                   sets
                   up
                   for
                   a
                   Reformer
                   ,
                   and
                   mightily
                   contends
                   for
                   the
                   Spirituality
                   of
                   Worship
                   .
                   He
                   gets
                   into
                   the
                   Pulpit
                   ,
                   and
                   there
                   with
                   hot
                   and
                   sweating
                   zeal
                   he
                   crys
                   up
                   the
                   purity
                   ,
                   the
                   purity
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   and
                   never
                   leaves
                   canting
                   on
                   the
                   subject
                   till
                   he
                   hath
                   fired
                   mens
                   tongues
                   against
                   every
                   matter
                   of
                   decency
                   and
                   order
                   ,
                   as
                   formal
                   and
                   Antichristian
                   .
                   And
                   when
                   he
                   is
                   shut
                   out
                   of
                   those
                   high
                   places
                   ,
                   he
                   creeps
                   into
                   corners
                   ,
                   and
                   inflames
                   the
                   Spirits
                   of
                   the
                   zealous
                   and
                   the
                   ignorant
                   ,
                   against
                   all
                   harmless
                   circumstances
                   of
                   Reverence
                   and
                   Decorum
                   .
                   And
                   so
                   far
                   hath
                   he
                   prevailed
                   in
                   this
                   device
                   ,
                   as
                   to
                   drive
                   those
                   of
                   warm
                   affections
                   ,
                   and
                   weak
                   heads
                   ,
                   from
                   all
                   due
                   external
                   Reverence
                   to
                   God
                   and
                   things
                   Sacred
                   .
                   For
                   these
                   well-meaning
                   people
                   being
                   frighted
                   by
                   the
                   terrible
                   noise
                   of
                   Popery
                   ,
                   Antichristianism
                   ,
                   Superstition
                   ,
                   (
                   things
                   
                   they
                   have
                   learnt
                   to
                   hate
                   ,
                   but
                   not
                   to
                   understand
                   )
                   boggle
                   ,
                   and
                   fly
                   off
                   from
                   every
                   thing
                   their
                   furious
                   Guides
                   have
                   marked
                   with
                   this
                   abhorred
                   Character
                   .
                   And
                   thus
                   a
                   rude
                   and
                   slovenly
                   kind
                   of
                   Religion
                   hath
                   made
                   its
                   way
                   into
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   such
                   a
                   sordid
                   carlesness
                   in
                   matters
                   of
                   divine
                   worship
                   ,
                   that
                   should
                   a
                   stranger
                   come
                   into
                   the
                   assemblies
                   that
                   are
                   acted
                   by
                   this
                   Spirit
                   .
                   He
                   could
                   not
                   by
                   their
                   carriage
                   imagine
                   what
                   they
                   were
                   a
                   doing
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   about
                   holy
                   Offices
                   ,
                   would
                   perhaps
                   be
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   last
                   things
                   he
                   could
                   conjecture
                   .
                   Thus
                   bold
                   and
                   sawcy
                   talk
                   hath
                   crept
                   into
                   mens
                   prayers
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   pretence
                   of
                   holy
                   familiarity
                   with
                   God
                   ,
                   nauseous
                   impertinent
                   bawling
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   cover
                   of
                   praying
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   kind
                   of
                   irreverences
                   in
                   external
                   demeanour
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   shelter
                   of
                   a
                   pretended
                   Spiritual
                   worship
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   thus
                   the
                   design
                   of
                   Satan
                   is
                   successfully
                   carried
                   on
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   ,
                   to
                   subtilize
                   Religion
                   till
                   he
                   hath
                   destroyed
                   it
                   .
                   To
                   make
                   it
                   invisible
                   that
                   he
                   may
                   make
                   it
                   nothing
                   .
                   And
                   this
                   is
                   another
                   way
                   whereby
                   be
                   betrays
                   those
                   who
                   are
                   
                     Ignorant
                     of
                     his
                     Devices
                  
                   .
                   And
                   thus
                   I
                   have
                   dispatcht
                   the
                   first
                   General
                   ,
                   viz.
                   Satans
                   Devices
                   against
                   Gods
                   glory
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   From
                   which
                   I
                   descend
                   to
                   the
                   second
                   ,
                   viz.
                   Satans
                   devices
                   against
                   the
                   Peace
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   which
                   ,
                   while
                   it
                   stands
                   in
                   its
                   main
                   and
                   united
                   body
                   ,
                   is
                   like
                   a
                   mighty
                   mountain
                   unconcern'd
                   in
                   the
                   tumults
                   in
                   the
                   air
                   ,
                   while
                   the
                   blustering
                   winds
                   and
                   tempests
                   assault
                   ,
                   but
                   cannot
                   prejudice
                   or
                   disorder
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   therefore
                   the
                   Designer
                   endeavours
                   to
                   divide
                   ,
                   what
                   he
                   cannot
                   deal
                   with
                   in
                   its
                   knit
                   and
                   combined
                   strength
                   :
                   He
                   strives
                   to
                   crumble
                   it
                   into
                   Sects
                   and
                   Atoms
                   ,
                   that
                   this
                   mountain
                   may
                   become
                   an
                   heap
                   of
                   Sands
                   ,
                   which
                   he
                   may
                   blow
                   up
                   and
                   down
                   ,
                   and
                   scatter
                   with
                   his
                   winds
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   at
                   last
                   become
                   a
                   plain
                   before
                   him
                   .
                   For
                   which
                   Design
                   he
                   hath
                   two
                   main
                   instruments
                   and
                   Devices
                   ,
                   viz.
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Pharisaical
                   Pride
                   under
                   the
                   cover
                   of
                   Religious
                   strictness
                   :
                   And
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   Intemperate
                   Heat
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   Holy
                   and
                   Divine
                   Zeal
                   .
                   These
                   are
                   the
                   chief
                   Engines
                   for
                   the
                   dividing
                   purposes
                   .
                
                 
                   (
                   1.
                   )
                   Then
                   he
                   hatches
                   ,
                   and
                   fosters
                   a
                   Spirit
                   of
                   Pride
                   and
                   Sectarian
                   Insolence
                   ,
                   (
                   a
                   sure
                   and
                   fatal
                   Divider
                   )
                   under
                   the
                   specious
                   pretence
                   of
                   Religious
                   strictness
                   .
                   For
                   where
                   he
                   perceives
                   he
                   cannot
                   succeed
                   in
                   his
                   designs
                   of
                   debauching
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   and
                   propagating
                   open
                   prophaneness
                   and
                   Impiety
                   :
                   He
                   shifts
                   his
                   shape
                   ,
                   puts
                   on
                   the
                   cloathing
                   of
                   light
                   ,
                   and
                   wraps
                   himself
                   in
                   
                   a
                   Cloak
                   spun
                   of
                   strict
                   and
                   severe
                   pretensions
                   ;
                   and
                   in
                   this
                   habit
                   puts
                   himself
                   among
                   the
                   proud
                   and
                   conceited
                   Professors
                   .
                   These
                   he
                   and
                   their
                   own
                   vanity
                   gild
                   and
                   adorn
                   ,
                   with
                   all
                   the
                   glorious
                   names
                   and
                   priviledges
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ;
                   and
                   when
                   they
                   have
                   incircled
                   their
                   heads
                   with
                   their
                   own
                   Fantastick
                   Rays
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   swoln
                   in
                   their
                   imaginations
                   ,
                   with
                   a
                   tympany
                   of
                   ridiculous
                   greatness
                   :
                   They
                   then
                   proudly
                   contemn
                   all
                   ,
                   but
                   their
                   darling
                   selves
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   the
                   formal
                   ,
                   the
                   moral
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   wicked
                   ;
                   and
                   scornfully
                   pity
                   the
                   poor
                   and
                   carnal
                   world
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   all
                   that
                   are
                   not
                   arrived
                   to
                   their
                   conceited
                   pitch
                   and
                   elevation
                   :
                   and
                   now
                   having
                   thus
                   dignified
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   debased
                   others
                   ,
                   they
                   herd
                   together
                   ,
                   draw
                   the
                   Church
                   into
                   their
                   little
                   corners
                   ,
                   and
                   proudly
                   withdraw
                   from
                   the
                   Communion
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   who
                   have
                   less
                   conceit
                   ,
                   though
                   more
                   Christianity
                   .
                   They
                   bid
                   us
                   stand
                   off
                   ,
                   lest
                   we
                   pollute
                   them
                   with
                   our
                   unhallowed
                   approaches
                   ,
                   and
                   having
                   made
                   us
                   as
                   the
                   Heathen
                   and
                   Publican
                   ,
                   they
                   cry
                   ,
                   
                     Come
                     out
                     from
                     among
                     them
                  
                   .
                   The
                   true
                   Church
                   ,
                   Soundness
                   of
                   Judgement
                   ,
                   Purity
                   of
                   Doctrine
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   worship
                   (
                   if
                   we
                   will
                   believe
                   them
                   )
                   is
                   confined
                   to
                   their
                   Gange
                   ;
                   just
                   as
                   it
                   was
                   to
                   the
                   corners
                   of
                   Africa
                   of
                   old
                   ,
                   when
                   their
                   friends
                   the
                   Gnosticks
                   were
                   there
                   .
                   Thus
                   they
                   swell
                   and
                   swagger
                   in
                   their
                   fantastick
                   imaginations
                   ,
                   
                   till
                   some
                   other
                   Sect
                   as
                   well
                   conceited
                   as
                   themselves
                   endeavour
                   to
                   take
                   their
                   Plumes
                   from
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   appropriate
                   these
                   glorious
                   Prerogatives
                   unto
                   their
                   own
                   party
                   ;
                   and
                   then
                   they
                   bustle
                   and
                   contend
                   ,
                   Here
                   's
                   the
                   Church
                   crys
                   one
                   ,
                   nay
                   but
                   't
                   is
                   here
                   crys
                   another
                   ,
                   till
                   a
                   third
                   gives
                   the
                   lye
                   to
                   them
                   both
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   the
                   scuffle
                   grows
                   warm
                   of
                   Pride
                   against
                   Hypocrisie
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   self-conceit
                   of
                   one
                   Sect
                   against
                   the
                   Pride
                   of
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   against
                   sobriety
                   and
                   truth
                   :
                   and
                   thus
                   is
                   the
                   Church
                   divided
                   ,
                   the
                   interest
                   of
                   Religion
                   weakned
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   world
                   prepared
                   for
                   Atheism
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   (
                   2.
                   )
                   Another
                   instrument
                   and
                   Device
                   ,
                   Satan
                   useth
                   to
                   imbroil
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   is
                   Fantastick
                   heat
                   under
                   the
                   name
                   and
                   notion
                   of
                   divine
                   zeal
                   .
                   Fire
                   is
                   a
                   subtile
                   and
                   powerful
                   Divider
                   ,
                   and
                   no
                   fire
                   like
                   that
                   which
                   is
                   supposed
                   to
                   come
                   from
                   the
                   Altar
                   ,
                   though
                   it
                   be
                   but
                   a
                   passionate
                   flame
                   kindled
                   in
                   a
                   fiery
                   temper
                   that
                   is
                   only
                   tinctured
                   with
                   Religion
                   .
                   For
                   every
                   thing
                   that
                   is
                   hot
                   and
                   vehement
                   about
                   Religious
                   matters
                   wears
                   the
                   name
                   and
                   Livery
                   of
                   Zeal
                   ;
                   and
                   Zeal
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   directed
                   by
                   good
                   Principles
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   ends
                   of
                   sobriety
                   and
                   vertue
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   noble
                   and
                   generous
                   temper
                   ;
                   but
                   when
                   't
                   is
                   actuated
                   by
                   ignorance
                   and
                   evil
                   principles
                   ,
                   and
                   hurried
                   on
                   by
                   blind
                   impulses
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   ends
                   of
                   rage
                   and
                   animosity
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   a
                   dangerous
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   killing
                   evil
                   .
                   And
                   like
                   a
                   fire-brand
                   in
                   a
                   Magazine
                   of
                   powder
                   ,
                   which
                   destroys
                   without
                   distinction
                   ,
                   and
                   blows
                   up
                   every
                   thing
                   that
                   resists
                   the
                   fury
                   of
                   its
                   motion
                   .
                   This
                   then
                   being
                   fair
                   in
                   its
                   pretence
                   ,
                   and
                   mischievous
                   in
                   its
                   effects
                   ,
                   Satan
                   useth
                   in
                   his
                   designs
                   of
                   dividing
                   .
                   He
                   kindleth
                   some
                   little
                   Religious
                   warmths
                   in
                   eager
                   and
                   violent
                   Constitutions
                   ,
                   and
                   blows
                   the
                   Coals
                   till
                   natural
                   passion
                   be
                   concerned
                   and
                   fired
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   at
                   last
                   what
                   was
                   at
                   first
                   only
                   a
                   spark
                   of
                   Religion
                   ,
                   becomes
                   a
                   mighty
                   flame
                   of
                   Rage
                   .
                   Then
                   breaks
                   he
                   out
                   upon
                   the
                   Church
                   with
                   this
                   holy
                   Fire
                   ,
                   destroys
                   that
                   Charity
                   which
                   is
                   the
                   bond
                   of
                   peace
                   ,
                   and
                   fills
                   all
                   with
                   smoak
                   and
                   vapour
                   ,
                   darkness
                   and
                   confusion
                   .
                   He
                   Christens
                   this
                   
                   Jehu-like
                   fury
                   ,
                   a
                   Zeal
                   for
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   declaims
                   against
                   every
                   thing
                   that
                   is
                   sober
                   and
                   temperate
                   ,
                   as
                   luke-warmness
                   and
                   indifference
                   .
                   He
                   gets
                   into
                   the
                   Populace
                   (
                   who
                   have
                   many
                   grains
                   of
                   Rage
                   for
                   one
                   of
                   Judgement
                   )
                   and
                   hurries
                   the
                   poor
                   mistaken
                   Bigot
                   ,
                   together
                   with
                   the
                   proud
                   Pharisaical
                   Dissenter
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   silly
                   conceited
                   Schismatick
                   ,
                   into
                   the
                   same
                   unavoidable
                   ruine
                   ,
                   to
                   eternal
                   ages
                   .
                
                 
                   From
                   which
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   XI
                   .
                   THE
                   ANTIQUITY
                   OF
                   OUR
                   FAITH
                   Stated
                   and
                   Cleared
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 
                 
                 
                   SERMON
                   XI
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     JUDE
                     I.
                     3.
                     
                  
                   
                     Beloved
                     when
                     I
                     gave
                     all
                     diligence
                     to
                     write
                     unto
                     you
                     of
                     the
                     common
                     Salvation
                     ,
                     it
                     was
                     needful
                     for
                     me
                     to
                     write
                     unto
                     you
                     ,
                     and
                     exhort
                     you
                     ,
                     that
                     you
                     should
                     earnestly
                     contend
                     for
                     the
                     Faith
                     which
                     was
                     once
                     delivered
                     to
                     the
                     Saints
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   OUr
                   Saviour
                   tells
                   us
                   in
                   the
                   Parable
                   ,
                   that
                   where
                   the
                   Husbandman
                   had
                   sown
                   the
                   good
                   Seed
                   ,
                   there
                   the
                   enemy
                   scatter'd
                   Tares
                   ,
                   where
                   God
                   by
                   his
                   Spirit
                   and
                   Messengers
                   hath
                   planted
                   Sacred
                   and
                   Divine
                   truths
                   ,
                   there
                   Satan
                   sets
                   Errours
                   ,
                   Heresies
                   ,
                   and
                   Doctrines
                   not
                   according
                   
                   to
                   Godliness
                   :
                   These
                   were
                   early
                   in
                   the
                   Christian
                   Church
                   ,
                   even
                   in
                   the
                   original
                   Purity
                   and
                   Simplicity
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   There
                   were
                   then
                   Deceivers
                   ,
                   Lying
                   Spirits
                   ,
                   Seducers
                   ,
                   who
                   separated
                   themselves
                   from
                   the
                   Communion
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   crept
                   into
                   houses
                   ,
                   led
                   captive
                   silly
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   silly
                   women
                   ;
                   privily
                   brought
                   in
                   
                     damnable
                     Heresies
                     ,
                     even
                     to
                     the
                     denying
                     the
                     Lord
                     that
                     bought
                     them
                  
                   ;
                   turned
                   many
                   from
                   the
                   faith
                   to
                   follow
                   fables
                   ,
                   dreams
                   ,
                   and
                   sensless
                   imaginations
                   .
                   Such
                   there
                   were
                   then
                   ,
                   and
                   St.
                   Paul
                   tells
                   us
                   that
                   there
                   must
                   be
                   Heresies
                   ,
                   1
                   Cor.
                   11.
                   19.
                   
                   The
                   lusts
                   and
                   various
                   corruptions
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   in
                   conjunction
                   with
                   the
                   permissions
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   make
                   them
                   unavoidable
                   .
                   Some
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   we
                   read
                   of
                   in
                   the
                   Christian
                   Church
                   ,
                   were
                   the
                   Judaizing
                   Christians
                   ,
                   who
                   taught
                   the
                   necessity
                   of
                   retaining
                   the
                   Mosaical
                   law
                   ,
                   the
                   denyers
                   of
                   the
                   Resurrection
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   vile
                   Gnosticks
                   who
                   under
                   pretence
                   of
                   more
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   and
                   higher
                   priviledges
                   ,
                   abused
                   Christian
                   Liberty
                   to
                   all
                   licentiousness
                   ,
                   and
                   vileness
                   of
                   living
                   ,
                   making
                   shipwrack
                   both
                   of
                   Faith
                   and
                   Conscience
                   .
                   Against
                   these
                   ,
                   St.
                   Peter
                   ,
                   St.
                   James
                   ,
                   St.
                   John
                   ,
                   particularly
                   write
                   in
                   their
                   Epistles
                   ,
                   and
                   this
                   of
                   our
                   Apostle
                   St.
                   Jude
                   ,
                   is
                   all
                   directed
                   against
                   that
                   Heresie
                   .
                   In
                   opposition
                   to
                   which
                   ,
                   writing
                   of
                   the
                   Common
                   Salvation
                   ,
                   he
                   saith
                   ,
                   it
                   was
                   needful
                   to
                   write
                   unto
                   them
                   (
                   the
                   true
                   Catholicks
                   )
                   and
                   exhort
                   
                   them
                   ,
                   
                     that
                     they
                     should
                     earnestly
                     contend
                     for
                     the
                     Faith
                     ,
                     which
                     was
                     once
                     deliver'd
                     to
                     the
                     Saints
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   This
                   was
                   needful
                   in
                   his
                   days
                   ,
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   certainly
                   as
                   necessary
                   in
                   ours
                   ,
                   in
                   which
                   all
                   the
                   old
                   Heresies
                   are
                   revived
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   addition
                   of
                   new
                   ,
                   on
                   which
                   account
                   the
                   subject
                   is
                   too
                   seasonable
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   chose
                   it
                   at
                   this
                   time
                   ,
                   as
                   a
                   Preface
                   to
                   the
                   discourses
                   ,
                   I
                   intend
                   on
                   all
                   the
                   main
                   Principles
                   of
                   the
                   Christian
                   Religion
                   ,
                   as
                   I
                   have
                   already
                   treated
                   ,
                   in
                   order
                   ,
                   on
                   all
                   the
                   Principal
                   heads
                   of
                   the
                   Natural
                   ,
                
                 
                   In
                   the
                   words
                   read
                   ,
                   two
                   main
                   propositions
                   are
                   implyed
                   .
                
                 
                   1.
                   
                   That
                   there
                   was
                   a
                   Faith
                   anciently
                   deliver'd
                   to
                   the
                   Saints
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   That
                   all
                   Christians
                   are
                   bound
                   to
                   contend
                   ,
                   and
                   earnestly
                   ,
                   for
                   that
                   Faith
                   which
                   was
                   deliver'd
                   to
                   those
                   Saints
                   .
                
                 
                   I
                   begin
                   with
                   the
                   First
                   .
                   There
                   was
                   a
                   Faith
                   deliver'd
                   to
                   the
                   Saints
                   .
                   Now
                   aimidst
                   the
                   great
                   diversity
                   ,
                   and
                   contrariety
                   of
                   opinions
                   ,
                   that
                   at
                   present
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   Christian
                   Church
                   ,
                   each
                   entitling
                   it self
                   to
                   the
                   Faith
                   that
                   was
                   originally
                   deliver'd
                   to
                   the
                   Saints
                   ,
                   it
                   may
                   seem
                   a
                   matter
                   of
                   difficulty
                   to
                   determine
                   which
                   is
                   the
                   right
                   ,
                   the
                   true
                   Faith
                   :
                   which
                   difficulty
                   doth
                   not
                   arise
                   so
                   much
                   from
                   the
                   nature
                   of
                   the
                   thing
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   doth
                   from
                   mens
                   corrupt
                   interests
                   and
                   affections
                   ,
                   disputing
                   about
                   it
                   .
                   And
                   therefore
                   abstracting
                   from
                   these
                   ,
                   I
                   shall
                   endeavour
                   
                   to
                   set
                   before
                   you
                   ,
                   the
                   chief
                   Characters
                   of
                   the
                   true
                   Faith
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   you
                   may
                   judge
                   what
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   and
                   where
                   it
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   found
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   1.
                   
                   The
                   Faith
                   we
                   treat
                   of
                   ,
                   is
                   an
                   Ancient
                   ,
                   Primitive
                   Faith.
                   
                     Quod
                     verum
                     id
                     prius
                  
                   :
                   Truth
                   was
                   from
                   the
                   beginning
                   .
                   Divers
                   of
                   the
                   Doctrines
                   with
                   which
                   our
                   Saviour
                   hath
                   enlightned
                   every
                   one
                   that
                   cometh
                   into
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   were
                   before
                   his
                   personal
                   appearance
                   in
                   it
                   .
                   
                     Before
                     Abraham
                     was
                     I
                     am
                  
                   ,
                   saith
                   He
                   ;
                   and
                   
                     Abraham
                     saw
                  
                   his
                   day
                   ,
                   the
                   discovery
                   of
                   his
                   great
                   truths
                   and
                   ways
                   .
                   He
                   was
                   
                     the
                     Author
                     and
                     Finisher
                     of
                     our
                     Faith
                     :
                  
                   In
                   him
                   it
                   begun
                   ;
                   and
                   it
                   was
                   consummate
                   in
                   his
                   personal
                   teaching
                   and
                   instructions
                   of
                   his
                   immediate
                   Disciples
                   and
                   Apostles
                   ,
                   who
                   by
                   the
                   Spirit
                   deliver'd
                   to
                   us
                   what
                   they
                   had
                   received
                   from
                   him
                   .
                   Natural
                   Truths
                   are
                   more
                   and
                   more
                   discover'd
                   by
                   time
                   :
                   For
                   many
                   go
                   to
                   and
                   fro
                   ,
                   and
                   Science
                   shall
                   be
                   encreased
                   .
                   But
                   those
                   divine
                   verities
                   are
                   most
                   perfect
                   in
                   their
                   fountain
                   and
                   original
                   .
                   They
                   contract
                   impurities
                   in
                   their
                   streams
                   and
                   remote
                   derivations
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   way
                   to
                   discover
                   the
                   corruptions
                   is
                   to
                   stand
                   upon
                   the
                   old
                   ways
                   ,
                   and
                   see
                   how
                   it
                   was
                   in
                   the
                   beginning
                   .
                
                 
                   By
                   this
                   Character
                   of
                   the
                   Faith
                   ;
                   that
                   of
                   the
                   Roman
                   Church
                   is
                   condemn'd
                   .
                   For
                   all
                   the
                   Doctrines
                   and
                   usages
                   of
                   that
                   Church
                   that
                   are
                   denyed
                   
                   and
                   opposed
                   by
                   ours
                   ,
                   are
                   in
                   comparison
                   Novelties
                   and
                   Innovations
                   ;
                   and
                   whatever
                   Antiquity
                   they
                   pretend
                   to
                   ,
                   they
                   were
                   not
                   primitive
                   .
                   Their
                   Image-Worship
                   ,
                   Invocation
                   of
                   Saints
                   ,
                   Half-Communion
                   ,
                   and
                   Prayer
                   in
                   an
                   unknown
                   tongue
                   ,
                   are
                   directly
                   ,
                   palpably
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   Holy
                   Scriptures
                   :
                   Their
                   pretended
                   Infallibility
                   ,
                   and
                   Universality
                   ,
                   their
                   Indulgences
                   ,
                   Purgatory
                   ,
                   and
                   Transubstantiation
                   ,
                   with
                   divers
                   others
                   of
                   their
                   Doctrines
                   ,
                   and
                   usages
                   are
                   by
                   plain
                   consequence
                   condemn'd
                   by
                   those
                   Sacred
                   Writings
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   the
                   repository
                   of
                   the
                   ancient
                   Faith
                   and
                   Practice
                   ;
                   and
                   both
                   the
                   one
                   and
                   the
                   other
                   were
                   unknown
                   to
                   the
                   first
                   and
                   purest
                   times
                   ,
                   those
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   three
                   hundred
                   ,
                   nay
                   six
                   hundred
                   years
                   :
                   which
                   assertions
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   in
                   this
                   place
                   particularly
                   and
                   largely
                   made
                   good
                   ;
                   and
                   divers
                   of
                   our
                   Learned
                   Divines
                   have
                   in
                   their
                   writings
                   fully
                   proved
                   it
                   :
                   Nor
                   is
                   there
                   any
                   one
                   thing
                   which
                   we
                   condemn
                   in
                   the
                   Roman
                   belief
                   or
                   practice
                   ,
                   but
                   what
                   hath
                   arose
                   by
                   the
                   corruption
                   of
                   times
                   ,
                   long
                   since
                   the
                   beginning
                   ;
                   and
                   indeed
                   in
                   the
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   Rome
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   an
                   eternal
                   fountain
                   of
                   Innovations
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   authority
                   they
                   assume
                   ,
                   of
                   declaring
                   ;
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   good
                   earnest
                   ,
                   in
                   making
                   new
                   Articles
                   of
                   Faith.
                   So
                   that
                   their
                   people
                   can
                   never
                   know
                   when
                   they
                   have
                   all
                   ;
                   new
                   things
                   may
                   still
                   be
                   obtruded
                   
                   as
                   necessary
                   and
                   essential
                   ,
                   without
                   end
                   .
                
                 
                   On
                   the
                   other
                   side
                   ,
                   the
                   Character
                   of
                   Antiquity
                   condemns
                   the
                   Sects
                   also
                   .
                   Among
                   them
                   there
                   are
                   some
                   old
                   Heresies
                   received
                   ,
                   but
                   their
                   principles
                   and
                   practices
                   ,
                   as
                   opposite
                   to
                   those
                   of
                   our
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   ,
                   were
                   not
                   in
                   the
                   first
                   ,
                   best
                   times
                   .
                   
                     Presbytery
                     ,
                     Independency
                     ,
                     Anabaptism
                     ,
                     Quakerism
                  
                   may
                   have
                   been
                   here
                   ,
                   and
                   there
                   of
                   old
                   in
                   the
                   brains
                   of
                   some
                   particular
                   conceited
                   men
                   ,
                   but
                   never
                   were
                   in
                   any
                   general
                   practice
                   any
                   where
                   ;
                   the
                   eldest
                   not
                   two
                   hundred
                   years
                   ago
                   ;
                   and
                   some
                   have
                   arose
                   in
                   our
                   own
                   time
                   .
                   Their
                   ways
                   they
                   pretend
                   to
                   ,
                   be
                   contain'd
                   in
                   the
                   holy
                   Scriptures
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   so
                   ,
                   we
                   would
                   presently
                   acknowledge
                   them
                   to
                   be
                   Primitive
                   :
                   But
                   they
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   only
                   as
                   those
                   are
                   interpreted
                   by
                   their
                   private
                   Spirits
                   ;
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   not
                   there
                   ,
                   but
                   in
                   the
                   fancies
                   of
                   the
                   Innovators
                   ;
                   and
                   these
                   being
                   their
                   guide
                   ,
                   in
                   interpreting
                   ,
                   Lo
                   !
                   here
                   also
                   is
                   a
                   fountain
                   of
                   perpetual
                   novellizing
                   .
                   And
                   as
                   long
                   as
                   the
                   imaginations
                   of
                   men
                   can
                   frame
                   novelties
                   ,
                   we
                   shall
                   never
                   be
                   at
                   the
                   end
                   of
                   new
                   Sects
                   .
                
                 
                   We
                   have
                   seen
                   the
                   rise
                   of
                   some
                   in
                   our
                   late
                   times
                   of
                   confusions
                   ,
                   and
                   if
                   ever
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   so
                   unhappy
                   as
                   to
                   see
                   such
                   again
                   (
                   which
                   God
                   forbid
                   )
                   in
                   all
                   likelihood
                   from
                   the
                   same
                   Source
                   ;
                   other
                   new
                   ,
                   yet
                   unheard
                   of
                   ,
                   Sects
                   and
                   Heresies
                   would
                   arise
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   further
                   dividing
                   of
                   the
                   
                   Chncurh
                   ,
                   ad
                   scandal
                   of
                   Religion
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   nothing
                   so
                   pregnant
                   with
                   Novelties
                   as
                   imagination
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Sectarian
                   private
                   Spirit
                   is
                   no
                   better
                   nor
                   worse
                   than
                   Fancy
                   .
                   I
                   deny
                   not
                   ,
                   but
                   these
                   ,
                   all
                   sorts
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   do
                   retain
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   Primitive
                   Doctrines
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   Roman
                   Church
                   also
                   doth
                   ;
                   but
                   their
                   opinions
                   and
                   ways
                   that
                   are
                   opposite
                   to
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   ,
                   are
                   not
                   such
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   our
                   Church
                   ,
                   without
                   fondness
                   or
                   overweening
                   ,
                   I
                   may
                   say
                   ,
                   doth
                   profess
                   and
                   teach
                   the
                   Ancient
                   ,
                   Apostolical
                   ,
                   Primitive
                   Christianity
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   admitted
                   no
                   new
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   contrary
                   to
                   it
                   .
                   It
                   was
                   reformed
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ;
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   are
                   interpreted
                   by
                   the
                   first
                   General
                   Councils
                   ,
                   and
                   Fathers
                   ,
                   those
                   next
                   the
                   Apostles
                   ,
                   who
                   ,
                   we
                   ought
                   to
                   believe
                   ,
                   understood
                   best
                   what
                   were
                   their
                   doctrines
                   and
                   ways
                   .
                
                 
                   This
                   Church
                   in
                   its
                   constitutions
                   is
                   therefore
                   truly
                   ancient
                   ,
                   so
                   in
                   every
                   main
                   ,
                   every
                   considerable
                   thing
                   ;
                   and
                   truly
                   Protestant
                   ,
                   protesting
                   both
                   against
                   Roman
                   and
                   Sectarian
                   Innovations
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Another
                   Character
                   of
                   
                     the
                     Faith
                     delivered
                     to
                     the
                  
                   ancient
                   Saints
                   ,
                   is
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   was
                   pure
                   :
                   'T
                   was
                   delivered
                   to
                   the
                   Saints
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   made
                   them
                   such
                   .
                   The
                   wisdom
                   that
                   is
                   from
                   above
                   is
                   first
                   pure
                   .
                   It
                   teacheth
                   and
                   produceth
                   Purity
                   ,
                   Holiness
                   ,
                   and
                   real
                   Goodness
                   ,
                   in
                   Heart
                   and
                   Life
                   .
                   The
                   
                   business
                   of
                   it
                   is
                   to
                   conform
                   us
                   unto
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   make
                   us
                   like
                   him
                   :
                   And
                   the
                   Lord
                   our
                   God
                   is
                   holy
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   by
                   this
                   Character
                   also
                   is
                   Popery
                   condemn'd
                   .
                   For
                   this
                   teacheth
                   some
                   direct
                   impieties
                   and
                   immoralities
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   the
                   consequence
                   of
                   some
                   other
                   of
                   its
                   Doctrines
                   ,
                   the
                   necessity
                   of
                   Reformation
                   of
                   life
                   ,
                   is
                   quite
                   taken
                   away
                   ;
                   the
                   Reins
                   are
                   laid
                   on
                   mens
                   necks
                   ,
                   and
                   Gods
                   Laws
                   are
                   made
                   void
                   by
                   their
                   traditions
                   .
                
                 
                   Of
                   the
                   first
                   sort
                   are
                   their
                   Idolatries
                   ,
                   and
                   Invocation
                   of
                   Saints
                   and
                   Angels
                   ,
                   which
                   God
                   both
                   in
                   the
                   Old
                   Testament
                   and
                   the
                   New
                   ,
                   hath
                   so
                   earnestly
                   declared
                   against
                   ;
                   as
                   the
                   highest
                   dishonour
                   to
                   his
                   Majesty
                   ,
                   and
                   affront
                   to
                   his
                   Glory
                   ;
                   and
                   which
                   he
                   stigmatizeth
                   as
                   the
                   greatest
                   impurities
                   ;
                   and
                   frequently
                   calls
                   Fornication
                   and
                   Whoredome
                   ;
                   they
                   are
                   spiritually
                   so
                   :
                   Likewise
                   their
                   doctrines
                   and
                   practices
                   of
                   deposing
                   and
                   murdering
                   of
                   Princes
                   ,
                   and
                   absolving
                   the
                   people
                   from
                   their
                   Allegiance
                   ,
                   their
                   dispensing
                   with
                   Perjuries
                   ,
                   Rebellions
                   ,
                   and
                   other
                   sorts
                   of
                   wickedness
                   ,
                   are
                   highest
                   immoralities
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   Antichristian
                   ;
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   most
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   Genius
                   ,
                   and
                   designs
                   of
                   the
                   holy
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   which
                   were
                   to
                   redeem
                   unto
                   himself
                   
                     a
                     peculiar
                     people
                     ,
                     zealous
                     of
                     good
                     works
                     .
                  
                   Besides
                   which
                   direct
                   and
                   point
                   blank
                   oppositions
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   Christian
                   principles
                   
                   and
                   Rules
                   ,
                   they
                   strike
                   at
                   the
                   root
                   and
                   main
                   design
                   of
                   Christianity
                   ,
                   by
                   those
                   their
                   doctrines
                   that
                   render
                   repentance
                   and
                   change
                   of
                   life
                   unnecessary
                   .
                
                 
                   For
                   according
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   the
                   favour
                   of
                   God
                   and
                   eternal
                   Salvation
                   may
                   be
                   had
                   upon
                   easier
                   terms
                   :
                   Crossings
                   ,
                   Pilgrimages
                   ,
                   
                     Ave
                     Maries
                  
                   ,
                   Whippings
                   ,
                   Fastings
                   ,
                   with
                   Confession
                   and
                   Absolution
                   ,
                   will
                   do
                   the
                   business
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   need
                   of
                   cutting
                   off
                   right
                   hands
                   ,
                   of
                   plucking
                   out
                   of
                   right
                   eyes
                   ,
                   and
                   mortifying
                   the
                   body
                   ,
                   in
                   our
                   Saviours
                   spiritual
                   sence
                   ;
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   of
                   subduing
                   and
                   rescinding
                   all
                   inordinate
                   appetites
                   and
                   affections
                   ,
                   (
                   which
                   are
                   the
                   great
                   difficulties
                   of
                   Religion
                   )
                   the
                   bodily
                   exercises
                   will
                   suffice
                   ;
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   safe
                   ,
                   and
                   Sainted
                   without
                   obedience
                   to
                   those
                   hard
                   sayings
                   .
                   Or
                   ,
                   if
                   the
                   other
                   things
                   should
                   be
                   omitted
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   but
                   going
                   to
                   Purgatory
                   at
                   last
                   ,
                   and
                   if
                   you
                   have
                   money
                   to
                   leave
                   for
                   Masses
                   and
                   Dirge's
                   ,
                   you
                   are
                   secure
                   of
                   being
                   pray'd
                   out
                   thence
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   here
                   the
                   greatest
                   design
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   real
                   ,
                   inward
                   holiness
                   ,
                   and
                   purity
                   ,
                   is
                   destroyed
                   :
                   And
                   without
                   holiness
                   't
                   is
                   here
                   made
                   possible
                   to
                   see
                   God.
                   And
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   worst
                   thing
                   that
                   any
                   thing
                   that
                   pretends
                   to
                   Religion
                   can
                   be
                   guilty
                   of
                   .
                
                 
                   On
                   the
                   other
                   hand
                   the
                   Sects
                   ,
                   whatever
                   purity
                   and
                   spirituality
                   they
                   pretend
                   ,
                   do
                   many
                   ,
                   
                   most
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   teach
                   doctrines
                   ,
                   and
                   walk
                   in
                   ways
                   that
                   are
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   purity
                   of
                   heart
                   and
                   life
                   ,
                   that
                   becomes
                   a
                   Christian
                   .
                   The
                   Gnosticks
                   ,
                   who
                   were
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   first
                   Fanaticks
                   in
                   the
                   Christian
                   Church
                   ,
                   pretended
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   the
                   spiritual
                   ,
                   the
                   pure
                   people
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   all
                   things
                   to
                   them
                   were
                   pure
                   ,
                   on
                   which
                   account
                   they
                   gave
                   themselves
                   up
                   to
                   all
                   Immorality
                   and
                   filthiness
                   :
                   Sensual
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Apostle
                   ,
                   
                     having
                     not
                     the
                     Spirit
                  
                   .
                   They
                   denyed
                   there
                   was
                   any
                   moral
                   good
                   and
                   evils
                   in
                   the
                   nature
                   of
                   things
                   ,
                   and
                   estimate
                   of
                   God.
                   And
                   this
                   Heresie
                   is
                   received
                   among
                   some
                   of
                   our
                   Sects
                   ,
                   God
                   they
                   think
                   and
                   say
                   ,
                   sees
                   no
                   sin
                   in
                   them
                   his
                   elect
                   people
                   .
                   He
                   loves
                   not
                   for
                   the
                   sake
                   of
                   holiness
                   and
                   vertue
                   ,
                   but
                   freely
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   for
                   no
                   reason
                   but
                   meer
                   unaccountable
                   will
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   so
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   in
                   vain
                   to
                   amend
                   our
                   lives
                   ,
                   to
                   live
                   soberly
                   ,
                   righteously
                   ,
                   and
                   godly
                   ,
                   in
                   order
                   to
                   our
                   acceptance
                   with
                   him
                   :
                   Though
                   we
                   are
                   the
                   quite
                   contrary
                   in
                   all
                   manner
                   of
                   evil
                   conversation
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   yet
                   be
                   his
                   beloved
                   ,
                   his
                   chosen
                   :
                   This
                   hath
                   the
                   malignity
                   of
                   the
                   worst
                   of
                   Popery
                   or
                   Heathenism
                   .
                   And
                   such
                   a
                   Principle
                   is
                   among
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   Sects
                   :
                   I
                   accuse
                   not
                   all
                   others
                   that
                   do
                   not
                   affirm
                   so
                   much
                   as
                   this
                   ,
                   do
                   in
                   a
                   manner
                   make
                   good
                   works
                   unnecessary
                   :
                   Faith
                   ,
                   their
                   airy
                   Faith
                   ,
                   that
                   prescinds
                   from
                   moral
                   goodness
                   is
                   all
                   .
                   All
                   is
                   believing
                   ,
                   receiving
                   ,
                   trusting
                   ,
                   relying
                   ;
                   which
                   
                   are
                   great
                   duties
                   ,
                   parts
                   of
                   Faith
                   ,
                   but
                   this
                   ,
                   as
                   justifying
                   implys
                   more
                   ,
                   viz.
                   an
                   entire
                   obedience
                   to
                   the
                   Gospel
                   .
                   Such
                   a
                   Faith
                   as
                   this
                   is
                   that
                   which
                   St.
                   James
                   writes
                   so
                   earnestly
                   against
                   ,
                   as
                   dead
                   ,
                   and
                   unsignifying
                   (
                   of
                   it self
                   alone
                   )
                   to
                   the
                   purpose
                   of
                   Justification
                   ,
                   and
                   acceptance
                   with
                   God.
                   Again
                   the
                   imputed
                   Righteousness
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   is
                   a
                   great
                   truth
                   rightly
                   understood
                   ,
                   but
                   by
                   divers
                   Sectaries
                   't
                   is
                   abused
                   to
                   this
                   false
                   notion
                   ,
                   that
                   all
                   Righteousness
                   that
                   Christ
                   wrought
                   ,
                   is
                   formally
                   and
                   properly
                   ours
                   ,
                   as
                   if
                   we
                   had
                   done
                   it
                   :
                   So
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   holy
                   and
                   vertuous
                   by
                   his
                   holiness
                   ,
                   though
                   we
                   have
                   none
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   ,
                   contrary
                   to
                   that
                   of
                   St.
                   
                     John
                     ,
                     Little
                     Children
                     ,
                     let
                     no
                     man
                     deceive
                     you
                     ,
                     he
                     that
                     doth
                     righteousness
                     ,
                     is
                     righteous
                     ,
                     even
                     as
                     he
                     is
                     righteous
                     .
                     1
                     Joh.
                  
                   3.
                   7.
                   
                   But
                   these
                   fancy
                   they
                   are
                   righteous
                   ,
                   without
                   doing
                   Righteousness
                   :
                   if
                   they
                   can
                   lay
                   hold
                   on
                   Christ
                   ,
                   roll
                   upon
                   him
                   ,
                   (
                   as
                   they
                   phrase
                   it
                   )
                   and
                   firmly
                   believe
                   that
                   he
                   is
                   theirs
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   then
                   compleatly
                   righteous
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   imputation
                   of
                   his
                   ,
                   though
                   they
                   have
                   none
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   :
                   which
                   
                     Solifidian
                     ,
                     Antinomian
                  
                   Notions
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   lately
                   spread
                   among
                   the
                   Sects
                   ,
                   place
                   Religion
                   in
                   the
                   fancy
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   Popish
                   Doctrines
                   do
                   in
                   some
                   external
                   services
                   ;
                   and
                   as
                   effectually
                   as
                   theirs
                   ,
                   take
                   away
                   the
                   necessity
                   of
                   real
                   reformation
                   ,
                   and
                   true
                   goodness
                   .
                   I
                   might
                   add
                   a
                   great
                   deal
                   more
                   under
                   this
                   head
                   ,
                   as
                   their
                   Doctrines
                   of
                   Infirmities
                   ,
                   
                   by
                   which
                   they
                   excuse
                   themselves
                   in
                   their
                   Spiritual
                   sins
                   ,
                   their
                   decrying
                   morality
                   ,
                   as
                   a
                   dull
                   ,
                   low
                   ,
                   graceless
                   thing
                   ,
                   the
                   immoral
                   practices
                   of
                   Schism
                   ,
                   Disobedience
                   ,
                   &c.
                   that
                   they
                   indulge
                   and
                   defend
                   themselves
                   in
                   .
                   These
                   are
                   impurities
                   that
                   are
                   contrary
                   
                     to
                     that
                     Faith
                     which
                     was
                     once
                     deliver'd
                     to
                     the
                     Saints
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   But
                   now
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   teacheth
                   all
                   the
                   duties
                   we
                   owe
                   to
                   God
                   ,
                   our
                   Neighbour
                   ,
                   and
                   our selves
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   just
                   latitude
                   and
                   extent
                   of
                   them
                   .
                   It
                   hath
                   no
                   shifts
                   or
                   evasions
                   of
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   and
                   Reformation
                   .
                   It
                   allows
                   no
                   hopes
                   of
                   Salvation
                   but
                   upon
                   those
                   terms
                   .
                   It
                   teacheth
                   no
                   practice
                   that
                   is
                   impious
                   ,
                   or
                   immoral
                   ,
                   nor
                   indulgeth
                   any
                   ;
                   whoever
                   is
                   an
                   evil
                   man
                   in
                   this
                   Church
                   ,
                   knows
                   he
                   is
                   so
                   ,
                   by
                   his
                   own
                   Principles
                   he
                   is
                   condemn'd
                   ;
                   and
                   hath
                   no
                   hopes
                   of
                   Salvation
                   ,
                   but
                   what
                   are
                   grounded
                   on
                   effectual
                   Repentance
                   ,
                   and
                   Reformation
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   
                     The
                     Faith
                     deliver'd
                     to
                     the
                     Saints
                  
                   is
                   peaceable
                   .
                   Those
                   Saints
                   were
                   so
                   ;
                   Sheep
                   ,
                   Lambs
                   ,
                   Doves
                   .
                   Such
                   was
                   their
                   Lord
                   ,
                   
                     the
                     Prince
                     of
                     Peace
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   Religion
                   ,
                   the
                   wisdome
                   from
                   above
                   
                     pure
                     and
                     peaceable
                  
                   .
                   By
                   this
                   Character
                   also
                   Popery
                   is
                   confuted
                   ,
                   which
                   tends
                   to
                   the
                   destruction
                   both
                   of
                   Ecclesiastical
                   ,
                   and
                   civil
                   peace
                   .
                   The
                   former
                   ,
                   the
                   peace
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   they
                   pretend
                   to
                   have
                   best
                   provided
                   for
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   Supremacy
                   and
                   Infallibility
                   they
                   have
                   erected
                   in
                   theirs
                   .
                   
                   And
                   by
                   these
                   all
                   Controversies
                   in
                   Religion
                   ,
                   are
                   (
                   they
                   tell
                   us
                   )
                   quickly
                   ended
                   .
                   But
                   the
                   misery
                   on
                   't
                   is
                   ,
                   that
                   that
                   which
                   should
                   end
                   the
                   Controversies
                   ,
                   is
                   it self
                   ,
                   one
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   greatest
                   .
                   They
                   have
                   an
                   effectual
                   Engine
                   for
                   Union
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   themselves
                   are
                   not
                   agreed
                   where
                   it
                   is
                   ;
                   and
                   they
                   are
                   incurably
                   divided
                   about
                   this
                   their
                   ground
                   of
                   uniting
                   .
                   For
                   some
                   place
                   the
                   Supremacy
                   and
                   Infallibility
                   in
                   the
                   Pope
                   ,
                   some
                   in
                   the
                   Council
                   ,
                   some
                   in
                   both
                   ;
                   and
                   this
                   hath
                   not
                   been
                   only
                   the
                   opposition
                   of
                   petty
                   Doctors
                   and
                   Disputers
                   ,
                   but
                   Church
                   is
                   against
                   Church
                   :
                   The
                   French
                   and
                   the
                   German
                   for
                   one
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   Spaniard
                   and
                   the
                   Italian
                   for
                   another
                   :
                   Yea
                   Pope
                   hath
                   decreed
                   against
                   Pope
                   in
                   this
                   matter
                   ;
                   and
                   Pope
                   and
                   General
                   Council
                   against
                   Pope
                   and
                   General
                   Council
                   .
                   Lo
                   !
                   here
                   is
                   the
                   Catholick
                   Union
                   ,
                   the
                   certain
                   and
                   infallible
                   way
                   of
                   ending
                   Controversies
                   in
                   Religion
                   .
                   A
                   way
                   they
                   have
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   cannot
                   find
                   it
                   :
                   Yea
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   together
                   by
                   the
                   ears
                   about
                   that
                   Infallible
                   way
                   of
                   ending
                   all
                   strife
                   .
                   And
                   notwithstanding
                   this
                   rare
                   receipt
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   their
                   hands
                   ,
                   the
                   disease
                   ,
                   the
                   great
                   differences
                   and
                   disputes
                   of
                   their
                   several
                   disorders
                   ,
                   remains
                   still
                   uncured
                   .
                   And
                   indeed
                   that
                   Church
                   hath
                   laid
                   a
                   foundation
                   for
                   everlasting
                   differences
                   and
                   disagreements
                   ,
                   by
                   bringing
                   numerary
                   ,
                   speculative
                   ,
                   and
                   doubtful
                   Tenents
                   into
                   their
                   Creeds
                   ;
                   
                   an
                   Engine
                   for
                   endless
                   divisions
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   no
                   possible
                   uniting
                   ,
                   but
                   upon
                   the
                   few
                   ,
                   main
                   ,
                   certain
                   Articles
                   contain'd
                   in
                   the
                   Primitive
                   Creeds
                   .
                   Additions
                   to
                   these
                   are
                   the
                   chief
                   grounds
                   of
                   the
                   Divisions
                   of
                   Christendome
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   the
                   Roman
                   Church
                   provides
                   not
                   for
                   Ecclesiastical
                   Peace
                   ,
                   but
                   destroys
                   it
                   by
                   its
                   disputable
                   Articles
                   of
                   Faith
                   ;
                   and
                   further
                   so
                   ,
                   by
                   its
                   other
                   intollerable
                   terms
                   of
                   Communion
                   ,
                   the
                   various
                   Idolatries
                   and
                   Superstitions
                   it
                   imposeth
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   they
                   drive
                   the
                   best
                   and
                   most
                   intelligent
                   Christians
                   from
                   them
                   :
                   And
                   so
                   are
                   themselves
                   the
                   Schismaticks
                   :
                   They
                   make
                   the
                   breaches
                   in
                   the
                   Church
                   they
                   complain
                   of
                   .
                   And
                   for
                   civil
                   peace
                   ,
                   't
                   is
                   clear
                   in
                   all
                   Histories
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Popes
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   Agents
                   and
                   Emissaries
                   (
                   especially
                   the
                   Jesuites
                   )
                   have
                   been
                   the
                   great
                   embroylers
                   and
                   Incendiaries
                   of
                   Christendome
                   :
                   The
                   combustions
                   and
                   troubles
                   of
                   every
                   nation
                   in
                   it
                   ,
                   can
                   sadly
                   witness
                   this
                   .
                   The
                   fore-mention'd
                   Doctrines
                   of
                   Deposing
                   Kings
                   ,
                   and
                   absolving
                   the
                   people
                   from
                   their
                   Allegiance
                   ,
                   are
                   principles
                   of
                   everlasting
                   Rebellions
                   ,
                   and
                   disturbance
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   let
                   us
                   look
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   side
                   .
                   How
                   is
                   it
                   with
                   the
                   Sects
                   in
                   respect
                   of
                   peaceableness
                   ?
                   why
                   ,
                   they
                   may
                   say
                   unto
                   strife
                   ,
                   
                     Thou
                     art
                     our
                     Mother
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   Feuds
                   and
                   Animosities
                   ,
                   
                     you
                     have
                     brought
                     us
                     into
                     the
                     world
                     .
                  
                   Unpeaceabless
                   of
                   principles
                   ,
                   and
                   
                   temper
                   ,
                   breed
                   and
                   maintain
                   them
                   .
                   They
                   are
                   broken
                   from
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   divided
                   each
                   from
                   other
                   ,
                   and
                   amongst
                   themselves
                   subdivided
                   ,
                   minc't
                   almost
                   into
                   Atoms
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   nothing
                   but
                   endless
                   divisions
                   ,
                   animosities
                   ,
                   jarrings
                   ,
                   disputes
                   among
                   them
                   :
                   
                     The
                     ways
                     of
                     peace
                     they
                     have
                     not
                     known
                     ,
                  
                   they
                   will
                   not
                   know
                   .
                   They
                   have
                   causlesly
                   separated
                   from
                   the
                   Communion
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   the
                   same
                   reasons
                   must
                   have
                   left
                   the
                   Fellowship
                   of
                   the
                   Saints
                   mention'd
                   in
                   the
                   Text
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   Christians
                   of
                   the
                   Primitive
                   times
                   ,
                   to
                   whom
                   both
                   in
                   doctrine
                   and
                   many
                   practices
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   most
                   unlike
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   upon
                   the
                   same
                   principles
                   ,
                   new
                   Sects
                   grow
                   out
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   that
                   divided
                   first
                   ,
                   and
                   more
                   evils
                   spring
                   from
                   those
                   others
                   from
                   time
                   to
                   time
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   worlds
                   end
                   .
                   I
                   deny
                   not
                   but
                   that
                   there
                   are
                   diverse
                   misled
                   abused
                   persons
                   of
                   peaceable
                   ,
                   and
                   quiet
                   Spirits
                   ,
                   drawn
                   in
                   among
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   are
                   to
                   pray
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   endeavour
                   that
                   such
                   may
                   be
                   regain'd
                   ;
                   and
                   if
                   the
                   Government
                   should
                   think
                   fit
                   to
                   abate
                   some
                   lesser
                   things
                   in
                   consideration
                   of
                   such
                   ,
                   to
                   satisfie
                   and
                   recover
                   them
                   ,
                   it
                   would
                   be
                   charity
                   and
                   kindness
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   know
                   not
                   who
                   would
                   dislike
                   .
                   But
                   those
                   that
                   are
                   of
                   the
                   right
                   Sectarian
                   stamp
                   and
                   temper
                   ,
                   will
                   never
                   rest
                   ,
                   or
                   settle
                   any
                   where
                   ,
                   nor
                   be
                   satisfied
                   with
                   any
                   concession
                   .
                   God
                   Almighty
                   may
                   change
                   their
                   hearts
                   and
                   
                   minds
                   by
                   his
                   power
                   ,
                   but
                   nothing
                   less
                   can
                   ;
                   and
                   all
                   that
                   we
                   can
                   do
                   is
                   to
                   pray
                   to
                   him
                   for
                   them
                   :
                   Nothing
                   less
                   than
                   their
                   whole
                   wills
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   entire
                   subjection
                   to
                   their
                   fancies
                   ,
                   will
                   content
                   them
                   :
                   and
                   if
                   those
                   were
                   granted
                   ,
                   we
                   could
                   not
                   be
                   assured
                   they
                   would
                   please
                   them
                   long
                   ;
                   nothing
                   useth
                   to
                   do
                   so
                   .
                   
                     They
                     are
                     Clouds
                     carried
                     about
                     with
                     winds
                     ,
                  
                   Jude
                   v.
                   12.
                   
                   Let
                   the
                   wind
                   be
                   where
                   it
                   will
                   to
                   day
                   ,
                   no
                   one
                   can
                   say
                   from
                   what
                   point
                   it
                   will
                   blow
                   to
                   morrow
                   .
                   They
                   are
                   acted
                   by
                   a
                   private
                   Spirit
                   that
                   is
                   as
                   little
                   certain
                   :
                   The
                   opinions
                   it
                   suggests
                   are
                   numerous
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   accounted
                   divine
                   and
                   sacred
                   ,
                   (
                   Gods
                   truth
                   ,
                   Gospel
                   ways
                   )
                   they
                   must
                   not
                   be
                   parted
                   with
                   ,
                   or
                   silenc't
                   ;
                   no
                   ,
                   all
                   Laws
                   and
                   Constitutions
                   of
                   Government
                   must
                   be
                   thwarted
                   ,
                   overthrown
                   rather
                   :
                   Love
                   and
                   Peace
                   and
                   all
                   must
                   be
                   sacrificed
                   to
                   the
                   Idols
                   ;
                   which
                   being
                   so
                   ,
                   what
                   quietness
                   can
                   there
                   be
                   from
                   hence
                   ?
                   what
                   peace
                   or
                   temper
                   among
                   such
                   principles
                   ?
                   These
                   perpetually
                   annoy
                   ,
                   and
                   disturb
                   the
                   Church
                   ;
                   and
                   to
                   know
                   what
                   they
                   do
                   in
                   the
                   State
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   consider
                   
                     Germany
                     ,
                     Scotland
                  
                   ,
                   and
                   't
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   hoped
                   (
                   though
                   we
                   have
                   frail
                   memories
                   on
                   this
                   side
                   )
                   we
                   shall
                   not
                   forget
                   how
                   peaceable
                   the
                   Sectaries
                   have
                   been
                   in
                   England
                   ,
                   or
                   not
                   observe
                   how
                   quiet
                   they
                   are
                   at
                   this
                   day
                   .
                   Remember
                   I
                   hope
                   we
                   shall
                   for
                   Caution
                   ;
                   I
                   urge
                   no
                   other
                   remembrance
                   .
                   I
                   wish
                   they
                   themselves
                   
                   did
                   not
                   remember
                   them
                   so
                   well
                   ,
                   as
                   we
                   find
                   they
                   do
                   by
                   many
                   of
                   the
                   same
                   actions
                   and
                   discourses
                   :
                   That
                   Kings
                   hold
                   from
                   the
                   people
                   ;
                   are
                   only
                   Trustees
                   for
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   may
                   be
                   resisted
                   and
                   deposed
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   fail
                   in
                   that
                   trust
                   ,
                   are
                   Politicks
                   that
                   do
                   not
                   much
                   tend
                   to
                   civil
                   peace
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   know
                   whose
                   Principles
                   those
                   were
                   ;
                   and
                   we
                   have
                   no
                   great
                   reason
                   to
                   think
                   they
                   have
                   quitted
                   them
                   .
                   I
                   can
                   give
                   but
                   brief
                   hints
                   of
                   things
                   that
                   would
                   afford
                   matter
                   enough
                   to
                   fill
                   Volumes
                   ,
                   as
                   both
                   Popish
                   and
                   Sectarian
                   disloyalty
                   ,
                   Rebellions
                   and
                   disturbances
                   would
                   do
                   .
                   But
                   into
                   these
                   mens
                   secrets
                   let
                   not
                   our
                   Souls
                   come
                   .
                
                 
                   The
                   Church
                   that
                   we
                   (
                   some
                   of
                   us
                   at
                   least
                   )
                   profess
                   our selves
                   to
                   be
                   members
                   of
                   ,
                   teacheth
                   no
                   unpeaceable
                   doctrines
                   ,
                   is
                   guilty
                   of
                   no
                   such
                   practices
                   .
                   It
                   imposeth
                   no
                   Articles
                   on
                   our
                   belief
                   ,
                   as
                   necessary
                   to
                   our
                   Salvation
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   Ancient
                   Creeds
                   ;
                   no
                   terms
                   of
                   Communion
                   ,
                   but
                   such
                   reasonable
                   orders
                   and
                   decencies
                   as
                   are
                   free
                   from
                   all
                   appearance
                   of
                   Idolatry
                   and
                   Superstition
                   ,
                   or
                   any
                   thing
                   else
                   that
                   is
                   unlawful
                   ;
                   as
                   will
                   appear
                   to
                   any
                   rational
                   man
                   ,
                   that
                   shall
                   take
                   the
                   pains
                   to
                   consider
                   ,
                   and
                   will
                   judge
                   impartially
                   :
                   nothing
                   that
                   is
                   more
                   burthensome
                   or
                   grievous
                   ,
                   than
                   the
                   Rites
                   and
                   usages
                   of
                   the
                   Primitive
                   Christian
                   Church
                   were
                   ;
                   which
                   assertions
                   I
                   have
                   in
                   this
                   place
                   lately
                   proved
                   ,
                   and
                   divers
                   of
                   our
                   Divines
                   
                   in
                   their
                   books
                   have
                   fully
                   done
                   it
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   shame
                   of
                   Fanatical
                   Gainsayers
                   .
                   As
                   to
                   the
                   concerns
                   of
                   civil
                   peace
                   ,
                   our
                   Church
                   ,
                   with
                   Christ
                   and
                   his
                   Apostles
                   ,
                   teacheth
                   active
                   ,
                   chearful
                   ,
                   conscientious
                   obedience
                   to
                   the
                   King
                   ,
                   and
                   subordinate
                   Rulers
                   in
                   all
                   lawful
                   things
                   ,
                   and
                   quiet
                   submission
                   to
                   the
                   penalties
                   of
                   not
                   obeying
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   things
                   required
                   are
                   unlawful
                   ,
                   plainly
                   ,
                   certainly
                   so
                   :
                   And
                   that
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   in
                   this
                   ,
                   nor
                   in
                   any
                   case
                   to
                   resist
                   .
                   Suitable
                   to
                   this
                   have
                   been
                   the
                   practices
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   this
                   peaceable
                   Church
                   :
                   Among
                   whom
                   there
                   hath
                   not
                   yet
                   been
                   found
                   a
                   Rebel
                   .
                   We
                   never
                   heard
                   of
                   a
                   Church
                   of
                   
                   England-man
                   in
                   the
                   late
                   wars
                   against
                   the
                   King
                   ,
                   nor
                   of
                   a
                   Sectary
                   for
                   him
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   4.
                   
                   
                     The
                     Faith
                     deliver'd
                     to
                     the
                     Saints
                     ,
                  
                   was
                   a
                   reasonable
                   Faith
                   ;
                   
                     the
                     understanding
                     of
                     man
                     is
                     the
                     Candle
                     of
                     the
                     Lord
                     ,
                     Prov.
                  
                   20.
                   27.
                   
                   The
                   light
                   of
                   Reason
                   is
                   his
                   light
                   ;
                   with
                   this
                   
                     The
                     true
                     light
                  
                   hath
                   
                     enlightned
                     every
                     one
                     that
                     cometh
                     into
                     the
                     world
                     ,
                     Joh.
                  
                   1.
                   9.
                   and
                   one
                   light
                   is
                   not
                   contrary
                   to
                   another
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   difference
                   in
                   degree
                   ,
                   but
                   no
                   opposition
                   of
                   Nature
                   .
                   Faith
                   and
                   Reason
                   accord
                   :
                   Yea
                   ,
                   Faith
                   is
                   an
                   act
                   of
                   Reason
                   :
                   't
                   is
                   the
                   highest
                   reason
                   to
                   believe
                   in
                   God
                   :
                   and
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   our
                   reason
                   ,
                   is
                   an
                   act
                   of
                   Faith
                   ,
                   viz.
                   Faith
                   in
                   the
                   truth
                   and
                   goodness
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   that
                   would
                   not
                   give
                   us
                   faculties
                   to
                   delude
                   and
                   deceive
                   us
                   ,
                   when
                   we
                   rightly
                   exercise
                   and
                   
                   employ
                   them
                   .
                   By
                   Faith
                   Reason
                   is
                   further
                   enlightned
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   the
                   use
                   of
                   Reason
                   Faith
                   is
                   applyed
                   .
                   Religion
                   and
                   Reason
                   sweetly
                   agree
                   ;
                   and
                   nothing
                   can
                   be
                   Religious
                   that
                   is
                   unreasonable
                   .
                   Religion
                   is
                   a
                   reasonable
                   service
                   .
                   And
                   by
                   this
                   Character
                   Popery
                   is
                   disproved
                   also
                   .
                   For
                   that
                   imposeth
                   on
                   the
                   practice
                   and
                   minds
                   of
                   men
                   ,
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   extreamly
                   unreasonable
                   and
                   absurd
                   ,
                   as
                   Articles
                   of
                   Religion
                   :
                   Such
                   are
                   the
                   worship
                   of
                   invisible
                   beings
                   ,
                   by
                   Images
                   of
                   Wood
                   or
                   Stone
                   ,
                   and
                   especially
                   the
                   Doctrine
                   of
                   Transubstantiation
                   which
                   is
                   full
                   of
                   Contradictions
                   ;
                   as
                   that
                   the
                   same
                   body
                   can
                   be
                   in
                   a
                   thousand
                   places
                   at
                   once
                   ;
                   that
                   at
                   the
                   same
                   time
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   bigger
                   ,
                   and
                   less
                   than
                   it self
                   ;
                   that
                   it
                   may
                   move
                   towards
                   and
                   from
                   it self
                   ;
                   That
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   divided
                   not
                   into
                   parts
                   ,
                   but
                   wholes
                   :
                   These
                   ,
                   and
                   numerous
                   other
                   absurdities
                   and
                   contradictions
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   reason
                   of
                   mankind
                   are
                   contain'd
                   in
                   the
                   sensless
                   mystery
                   of
                   Popish
                   Transubstantiation
                   .
                   To
                   defend
                   which
                   ,
                   the
                   Doctors
                   of
                   that
                   Church
                   are
                   put
                   upon
                   this
                   miserable
                   shift
                   of
                   denying
                   all
                   reason
                   in
                   Religion
                   ,
                   even
                   the
                   greatest
                   and
                   most
                   fundamental
                   Article
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   
                     That
                     the
                     same
                     thing
                     can
                     be
                     ,
                     and
                     not
                     be
                     :
                  
                   which
                   some
                   of
                   them
                   say
                   is
                   the
                   only
                   method
                   to
                   confute
                   Hereticks
                   .
                   And
                   while
                   Reason
                   and
                   our
                   Faculties
                   are
                   acknowledg'd
                   ,
                   we
                   cannot
                   entertain
                   their
                   non-sence
                   ,
                   nor
                   be
                   answer'd
                   in
                   our
                   just
                   oppositions
                   
                   of
                   their
                   gross
                   absurdities
                   .
                
                 
                   On
                   the
                   other
                   side
                   ,
                   the
                   Character
                   of
                   a
                   reasonable
                   Faith
                   condemns
                   the
                   Sects
                   ,
                   the
                   greatest
                   part
                   of
                   whose
                   Divinity
                   is
                   made
                   up
                   of
                   sensless
                   ,
                   absurd
                   notions
                   ,
                   set
                   forth
                   in
                   unintelligible
                   Fantastical
                   Phrases
                   ;
                   and
                   these
                   they
                   account
                   the
                   heights
                   of
                   spirituality
                   and
                   mystery
                   ,
                   upon
                   which
                   they
                   value
                   and
                   boast
                   themselves
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   only
                   knowing
                   ,
                   the
                   only
                   spiritual
                   people
                   .
                   When
                   there
                   is
                   nothing
                   in
                   all
                   their
                   pretended
                   heights
                   and
                   spiritualities
                   ,
                   but
                   vain
                   imagination
                   and
                   dreaming
                   ;
                   and
                   in
                   v.
                   8.
                   of
                   this
                   Epistle
                   they
                   are
                   described
                   by
                   this
                   Character
                   ,
                   
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                     〈◊〉
                  
                   ,
                   Dreamers
                   .
                   And
                   as
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   Sense
                   and
                   Reason
                   dispels
                   the
                   vain
                   Images
                   of
                   Dreams
                   ,
                   so
                   these
                   admitted
                   would
                   cure
                   Fanatical
                   impostures
                   and
                   delusions
                   .
                   For
                   which
                   cause
                   there
                   is
                   nothing
                   they
                   so
                   vehemently
                   declaim
                   against
                   as
                   Reason
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   notion
                   of
                   carnal
                   ,
                   and
                   as
                   an
                   enemy
                   to
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   things
                   of
                   it
                   .
                   There
                   is
                   indeed
                   a
                   carnal
                   Reason
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   enmity
                   to
                   truth
                   and
                   goodness
                   ;
                   but
                   that
                   is
                   not
                   the
                   reason
                   of
                   our
                   minds
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   reason
                   of
                   our
                   appetite
                   ,
                   passion
                   ,
                   and
                   corrupt
                   interest
                   ;
                   which
                   is
                   not
                   reason
                   truly
                   so
                   called
                   ,
                   no
                   more
                   than
                   an
                   Ape
                   is
                   a
                   man.
                   But
                   for
                   want
                   of
                   thus
                   distinguishing
                   the
                   things
                   that
                   so
                   differ
                   ,
                   Enthusiasts
                   rail
                   violently
                   against
                   all
                   Reason
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   grand
                   adversary
                   of
                   the
                   truths
                   and
                   mysteries
                   of
                   the
                   
                   Gospel
                   .
                   Their
                   Tenents
                   that
                   she
                   calls
                   so
                   will
                   not
                   bear
                   that
                   light
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   teacheth
                   no
                   opinions
                   ,
                   no
                   mysteries
                   that
                   need
                   such
                   a
                   desperate
                   course
                   to
                   defend
                   them
                   .
                   Its
                   Articles
                   of
                   Faith
                   are
                   all
                   contain'd
                   in
                   the
                   Ancient
                   Christian
                   Creeds
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   no
                   way
                   opposite
                   to
                   Reason
                   in
                   any
                   Article
                   ,
                   yea
                   ,
                   Reason
                   either
                   proves
                   or
                   defends
                   them
                   all
                   .
                   So
                   that
                   we
                   never
                   give
                   out
                   at
                   this
                   weapon
                   ,
                   but
                   are
                   ready
                   to
                   use
                   it
                   upon
                   all
                   occasions
                   against
                   Atheists
                   and
                   Infidels
                   of
                   all
                   sorts
                   .
                   The
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   owns
                   no
                   Religion
                   but
                   what
                   is
                   reasonable
                   .
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   
                     The
                     Faith
                     deliver'd
                     to
                     the
                     Saints
                  
                   was
                   certain
                   ;
                   it
                   was
                   deliver'd
                   to
                   them
                   by
                   those
                   that
                   had
                   it
                   from
                   the
                   holy
                   Spirit
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   immediate
                   inspiration
                   .
                   Those
                   holy
                   men
                   spake
                   as
                   they
                   were
                   inspired
                   .
                   And
                   that
                   they
                   were
                   really
                   so
                   ,
                   was
                   no
                   fond
                   imagination
                   ,
                   or
                   bold
                   presumption
                   ,
                   but
                   a
                   truth
                   assured
                   by
                   those
                   mighty
                   miracles
                   they
                   were
                   enabled
                   to
                   perform
                   .
                   Those
                   are
                   Gods
                   Seal
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   grand
                   confirmation
                   of
                   a
                   commission
                   from
                   him
                   :
                   and
                   to
                   this
                   proof
                   of
                   their
                   Doctrines
                   ,
                   both
                   Christ
                   and
                   his
                   Apostles
                   continually
                   appealed
                   .
                   Here
                   is
                   the
                   firm
                   reasonable
                   Foundation
                   of
                   the
                   Christian
                   certainty
                   :
                   The
                   truths
                   we
                   believed
                   are
                   confirmed
                   by
                   Miracles
                   ,
                   than
                   which
                   there
                   can
                   be
                   no
                   greater
                   evidence
                   .
                
                 
                 
                   But
                   now
                   the
                   Roman
                   Church
                   destroys
                   this
                   ground
                   of
                   certainty
                   by
                   a
                   multitude
                   of
                   lying
                   wonders
                   ,
                   which
                   they
                   impudently
                   obtrude
                   upon
                   the
                   belief
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   ,
                   for
                   proof
                   and
                   confirmation
                   of
                   their
                   false
                   and
                   corrupt
                   Religion
                   ;
                   the
                   immediate
                   consequence
                   of
                   which
                   is
                   a
                   suspicion
                   thereby
                   brought
                   upon
                   the
                   true
                   Miracles
                   ;
                   and
                   here
                   is
                   way
                   made
                   for
                   Scepticism
                   and
                   uncertainty
                   in
                   the
                   greatest
                   ,
                   and
                   most
                   Sacred
                   Christian
                   Doctrines
                   .
                   And
                   besides
                   ,
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   Rome
                   having
                   introduced
                   among
                   these
                   many
                   doubtful
                   ,
                   uncertain
                   ,
                   and
                   many
                   certainly
                   false
                   opinions
                   ,
                   and
                   imposed
                   them
                   upon
                   the
                   faith
                   of
                   its
                   votaries
                   ,
                   under
                   the
                   same
                   obligations
                   as
                   it
                   doth
                   the
                   most
                   fundamental
                   Articles
                   ;
                   what
                   can
                   be
                   the
                   consequence
                   ,
                   but
                   that
                   those
                   who
                   discover
                   the
                   errour
                   ,
                   or
                   uncertainty
                   of
                   some
                   of
                   those
                   pretended
                   propositions
                   of
                   Faith
                   ,
                   should
                   doubt
                   all
                   the
                   rest
                   ?
                   And
                   indeed
                   since
                   the
                   main
                   assurance
                   is
                   placed
                   in
                   the
                   Infallibility
                   of
                   that
                   Church
                   ,
                   for
                   which
                   there
                   is
                   so
                   no
                   reason
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   much
                   plain
                   evidence
                   to
                   the
                   contrary
                   :
                   Since
                   themselves
                   cannot
                   tell
                   where
                   that
                   boasted
                   Infallibility
                   is
                   ,
                   whether
                   in
                   Pope
                   or
                   Council
                   ,
                   if
                   we
                   should
                   allow
                   them
                   any
                   such
                   ,
                   it
                   follows
                   that
                   their
                   Faith
                   is
                   precarious
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   no
                   foundation
                   at
                   all
                   .
                
                 
                   In
                   like
                   manner
                   the
                   Sects
                   among
                   us
                   resolve
                   all
                   their
                   assurance
                   either
                   into
                   a
                   bare
                   belief
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   testimony
                   
                   of
                   a
                   private
                   Spirit
                   ;
                   for
                   their
                   ground
                   of
                   crediting
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   is
                   but
                   this
                   Testimony
                   ;
                   and
                   consequently
                   whatever
                   they
                   receive
                   from
                   hence
                   bottoms
                   here
                   .
                   The
                   Papists
                   believe
                   the
                   Scripture
                   on
                   the
                   Testimony
                   of
                   the
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   believe
                   them
                   on
                   the
                   Testimony
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   earnest
                   ,
                   the
                   suggestions
                   and
                   resolutions
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   ,
                   viz.
                   they
                   believe
                   because
                   they
                   will
                   believe
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   find
                   themselves
                   inclin'd
                   unto
                   it
                   .
                
                 
                   And
                   upon
                   the
                   same
                   reason
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   imagination
                   and
                   humour
                   alters
                   they
                   may
                   cease
                   to
                   believe
                   ,
                   or
                   believe
                   the
                   contrary
                   .
                   And
                   there
                   is
                   not
                   any
                   thing
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   more
                   various
                   and
                   uncertain
                   than
                   the
                   suggestions
                   and
                   impulses
                   of
                   a
                   private
                   Spirit
                   .
                   Besides
                   ,
                   the
                   Sects
                   also
                   have
                   vastly
                   multiplied
                   Articles
                   of
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   made
                   all
                   their
                   private
                   opinions
                   sacred
                   ,
                   calling
                   them
                   Gospel
                   truths
                   ,
                   precious
                   truths
                   ,
                   saving
                   truths
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   like
                   ;
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   but
                   uncertainties
                   at
                   the
                   best
                   ,
                   and
                   usually
                   false
                   ,
                   and
                   sensless
                   imaginations
                   ;
                   by
                   which
                   way
                   also
                   they
                   expose
                   the
                   whole
                   body
                   of
                   Christian
                   Principles
                   to
                   suspicion
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   weaken
                   the
                   Faith
                   of
                   some
                   ,
                   and
                   destroy
                   the
                   Faith
                   of
                   others
                   .
                
                 
                   But
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   secures
                   the
                   certainty
                   of
                   our
                   Faith
                   ,
                   by
                   resolving
                   it
                   into
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   the
                   true
                   seats
                   of
                   Infallibility
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   belief
                   
                   of
                   that
                   into
                   the
                   Testimony
                   of
                   the
                   Spirit
                   in
                   the
                   true
                   sense
                   ,
                   viz.
                   that
                   Testimony
                   that
                   God
                   gave
                   by
                   his
                   Spirit
                   to
                   Christ
                   and
                   his
                   Apostles
                   ,
                   in
                   those
                   miraculous
                   works
                   he
                   enabled
                   them
                   to
                   perform
                   :
                   They
                   did
                   not
                   only
                   bear
                   witness
                   of
                   themselves
                   ,
                   that
                   ,
                   as
                   our
                   Saviour
                   argues
                   with
                   the
                   
                     Jews
                     ,
                     Luk.
                  
                   11.
                   48.
                   would
                   not
                   have
                   signified
                   much
                   :
                   The
                   Father
                   bore
                   witness
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   John
                   15.
                   8.
                   and
                   the
                   works
                   they
                   performed
                   by
                   his
                   power
                   ,
                   were
                   the
                   sure
                   testimony
                   :
                   
                     Believe
                     me
                     for
                     the
                     works
                     sake
                     ,
                  
                   saith
                   our
                   Saviour
                   .
                   Here
                   is
                   the
                   ground
                   of
                   certainty
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   entertains
                   no
                   Articles
                   of
                   Faith
                   ,
                   but
                   those
                   principles
                   that
                   have
                   been
                   so
                   confirm'd
                   ,
                   that
                   is
                   ,
                   none
                   but
                   what
                   are
                   evidently
                   contain'd
                   in
                   the
                   Holy
                   Scriptures
                   .
                   Whereas
                   the
                   Roman
                   Church
                   (
                   to
                   mention
                   no
                   other
                   )
                   have
                   made
                   the
                   absurd
                   Doctrine
                   of
                   Transubstantiation
                   ,
                   sacred
                   ,
                   though
                   it
                   is
                   not
                   only
                   not
                   contained
                   in
                   Scripture
                   but
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   reason
                   ,
                   and
                   even
                   to
                   the
                   sound
                   senses
                   of
                   mankind
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   neither
                   reason
                   ,
                   nor
                   so
                   much
                   as
                   our
                   senses
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   believ'd
                   ,
                   what
                   assurance
                   can
                   we
                   have
                   of
                   any
                   thing
                   ?
                   A
                   ground
                   is
                   here
                   laid
                   for
                   everlasting
                   Scepticism
                   and
                   uncertainty
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   Sects
                   have
                   laid
                   the
                   same
                   in
                   their
                   numerous
                   ,
                   silly
                   tenents
                   ,
                   that
                   are
                   contrary
                   to
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   most
                   fundamental
                   principles
                   of
                   Reason
                   .
                   Nothing
                   of
                   which
                   ,
                   can
                   with
                   
                   any
                   shew
                   ,
                   be
                   objected
                   against
                   this
                   Church
                   .
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   
                     The
                     Faith
                     delivered
                     to
                     the
                     Saints
                     ,
                  
                   was
                   Catholick
                   .
                   'T
                   was
                   deliver'd
                   to
                   all
                   the
                   Saints
                   ,
                   entertain'd
                   by
                   all
                   :
                   and
                   was
                   not
                   only
                   the
                   opinion
                   and
                   belief
                   of
                   a
                   prevailing
                   Faction
                   ,
                   or
                   of
                   particular
                   men
                   in
                   Corners
                   .
                   The
                   Commission
                   given
                   the
                   Disciples
                   ,
                   was
                   to
                   go
                   and
                   teach
                   all
                   Nations
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   preach
                   the
                   Gospel
                   to
                   every
                   creature
                   ,
                   and
                   accordingly
                   it
                   was
                   widely
                   diffused
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   that
                   profest
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   Christ
                   ,
                   were
                   instructed
                   in
                   his
                   Faith
                   and
                   Religion
                   ;
                   in
                   all
                   the
                   articles
                   and
                   duties
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   that
                   were
                   essential
                   and
                   necessary
                   :
                   In
                   these
                   they
                   joyn'd
                   in
                   holy
                   love
                   and
                   communion
                   ,
                   till
                   Sects
                   came
                   among
                   them
                   ,
                   that
                   introduced
                   damnable
                   Heresies
                   ,
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   doctrine
                   they
                   had
                   received
                   :
                   These
                   divided
                   from
                   the
                   Unity
                   of
                   the
                   pure
                   Catholick
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   separated
                   themselves
                   from
                   it
                   ,
                   gathering
                   into
                   select
                   companies
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   ,
                   under
                   pretence
                   of
                   more
                   Truth
                   and
                   Holiness
                   .
                
                 
                   After
                   this
                   manner
                   ,
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   Rome
                   ;
                   which
                   had
                   for
                   some
                   ages
                   been
                   eminent
                   in
                   the
                   Catholick
                   Church
                   ,
                   did
                   at
                   last
                   corrupt
                   ,
                   and
                   introduce
                   divers
                   unsound
                   doctrines
                   and
                   usages
                   ,
                   unknown
                   to
                   the
                   Ancient
                   Catholicks
                   ;
                   and
                   being
                   great
                   and
                   powerful
                   ,
                   it
                   assumed
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   the
                   Catholick
                   Church
                   to
                   it self
                   ,
                   and
                   condemn'd
                   all
                   other
                   Christians
                   as
                   Hereticks
                   ,
                   when
                   it
                   was
                   it
                   
                   self
                   but
                   a
                   grand
                   Sect
                   ,
                   against
                   whose
                   depraved
                   doctrines
                   and
                   ways
                   ,
                   there
                   was
                   a
                   Church
                   in
                   all
                   ages
                   that
                   did
                   protest
                   .
                   For
                   the
                   Greek
                   Churches
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   of
                   as
                   large
                   extent
                   as
                   theirs
                   ,
                   never
                   assented
                   to
                   them
                   ;
                   and
                   divers
                   other
                   Christians
                   in
                   all
                   times
                   ,
                   bore
                   Testimony
                   against
                   those
                   errours
                   and
                   depravations
                   .
                   This
                   Sect
                   was
                   large
                   and
                   numerous
                   indeed
                   ,
                   but
                   't
                   is
                   not
                   the
                   number
                   ,
                   but
                   the
                   principles
                   ,
                   make
                   the
                   Catholick
                   ;
                   Principles
                   conformable
                   to
                   those
                   that
                   were
                   deliver'd
                   to
                   the
                   Saints
                   .
                   From
                   these
                   they
                   have
                   departed
                   .
                   And
                   the
                   lesser
                   Sects
                   among
                   us
                   have
                   done
                   the
                   same
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   many
                   vain
                   additions
                   that
                   they
                   have
                   made
                   to
                   the
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   unjust
                   Separation
                   from
                   that
                   Church
                   ,
                   which
                   retains
                   the
                   whole
                   body
                   of
                   Catholick
                   Doctrines
                   and
                   main
                   Practices
                   ;
                   without
                   the
                   mixture
                   of
                   any
                   thing
                   Heretical
                   or
                   unlawful
                   .
                   A
                   Church
                   that
                   doth
                   not
                   damn
                   all
                   the
                   world
                   besides
                   her
                   own
                   members
                   ,
                   as
                   the
                   Roman
                   Church
                   ,
                   and
                   divers
                   of
                   the
                   Sects
                   do
                   ,
                   but
                   extends
                   her
                   Charity
                   to
                   all
                   Christians
                   ,
                   though
                   many
                   of
                   them
                   are
                   under
                   great
                   mistakes
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   is
                   truly
                   Catholick
                   both
                   in
                   her
                   Principles
                   and
                   Affections
                   ,
                   I
                   mean
                   the
                   Church
                   of
                   England
                   as
                   now
                   established
                   by
                   Law
                   ,
                   which
                   God
                   preserve
                   in
                   its
                   purity
                   .
                   Amen
                   .
                
                 
                   FINIS
                   .
                
              
            
          
        
      
       
         
           
             
             
               A
               SERMON
               Preached
               at
               the
               FUNERAL
               OF
               M
               r.
               Jos
               .
               Glanvil
               ,
               Late
               Rector
               of
               BATH
               ,
               and
               Chaplain
               in
               Ordinary
               to
               His
               Majesty
               :
               Who
               dyed
               at
               his
               Rectory
               of
               Bath
               ,
               the
               fourth
               of
               November
               ,
               1680.
               and
               was
               Buried
               there
               the
               Ninth
               of
               the
               same
               Month.
               
            
             
               By
               
                 Jos
                 .
                 Pleydell
              
               ,
               Arch-Deacon
               of
               Chichester
               .
            
             
               LONDON
               ,
               Printed
               for
               
                 Henry
                 Mortlock
              
               at
               the
               Sign
               of
               the
               Phoenix
               in
               St.
               Pauls
               Church-yard
               ,
               and
               the
               
                 White
                 Hart
              
               in
               Westminster-Hall
               .
               1681.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             
             
             
               
                 REVEL
                 .
                 XIV
                 .
                 Ver.
                 13.
                 
              
               
                 And
                 I
                 heard
                 a
                 voice
                 from
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 saying
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 Write
                 ,
                 Blessed
                 are
                 the
                 dead
                 which
                 dye
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 from
                 henceforth
                 ,
                 yea
                 saith
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 rest
                 from
                 their
                 labours
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 works
                 do
                 follow
                 them
                 .
              
            
             
               THe
               more
               attentively
               we
               consider
               the
               Christian
               Religion
               in
               any
               of
               its
               parts
               ,
               we
               find
               greater
               grounds
               for
               the
               confirmation
               both
               of
               its
               Author
               and
               excellency
               ;
               so
               infinitely
               does
               it
               surpass
               all
               those
               writings
               of
               that
               nature
               ,
               which
               the
               great
               Sages
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               have
               ,
               with
               so
               much
               superciliousness
               on
               their
               part
               ,
               and
               admiration
               from
               their
               respective
               followers
               ,
               I
               may
               add
               too
               (
               all
               things
               considered
               )
               not
               without
               meriting
               due
               praise
               from
               us
               ,
               delivered
               to
               their
               Scholars
               .
            
             
               And
               this
               will
               appear
               evident
               and
               undeniable
               if
               we
               but
               parallel
               them
               in
               any
               of
               the
               chief
               heads
               ;
               for
               instance
               ,
               in
               the
               principles
               upon
               which
               our
               Religion
               does
               proceed
               ,
               the
               precepts
               it
               contains
               ,
               and
               the
               rewards
               it
               appoints
               ;
               which
               division
               will
               comprize
               the
               summ
               of
               what
               we
               profess
               :
               In
               all
               which
               the
               great
               Masters
               of
               Heathen
               wisdom
               ,
               do
               plainly
               discover
               ,
               either
               a
               great
               deal
               of
               Ignorance
               ,
               or
               
               malice
               ,
               in
               prevaricating
               that
               light
               they
               had
               reflected
               upon
               them
               from
               Jewish
               tradition
               ,
               so
               that
               it
               may
               be
               well
               doubted
               whether
               their
               Symbolick
               Divinity
               were
               not
               design'd
               rather
               to
               concel
               their
               own
               Ignorance
               in
               what
               they
               pretended
               to
               ,
               than
               to
               secure
               the
               rites
               and
               mysteries
               thereof
               from
               the
               vulgar's
               profanation
               .
               For
               example
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               Take
               first
               the
               Principles
               ,
               those
               truths
               that
               are
               the
               Basis
               and
               foundation
               of
               our
               Religion
               ;
               such
               as
               are
               the
               Being
               and
               Nature
               of
               God
               ,
               the
               Creation
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               the
               Fall
               of
               man
               ,
               and
               his
               Redemption
               by
               a
               Messias
               ,
               the
               Immortality
               of
               the
               Soul
               ,
               and
               the
               Resurrection
               ;
               't
               is
               plain
               the
               whole
               Philosophick
               world
               had
               none
               ,
               or
               but
               a
               very
               imperfect
               knowledge
               of
               almost
               all
               of
               them
               ;
               However
               some
               ,
               of
               their
               lavish
               Charity
               ,
               have
               endeavour'd
               to
               squeeze
               as
               much
               from
               their
               writings
               :
               Nay
               ,
               that
               they
               were
               not
               without
               some
               knowledge
               of
               our
               greatest
               Mysteries
               ,
               viz.
               of
               a
               Messias
               under
               their
               Daimono-Latria
               ,
               and
               even
               of
               the
               Trinity
               in
               
               Plato's
               Triad
               ,
               and
               the
               Resurrection
               of
               the
               body
               ,
               under
               the
               Indians
               Palin-genesis
               :
               But
               no
               body
               that
               has
               any
               veneration
               either
               for
               the
               Scriptures
               ,
               or
               but
               for
               Truth
               in
               general
               ,
               but
               must
               see
               and
               acknowledge
               that
               all
               this
               is
               but
               tortur'd
               from
               them
               .
            
             
               Nor
               may
               we
               deny
               this
               further
               ,
               that
               whatever
               Notions
               of
               this
               kind
               they
               had
               ,
               were
               but
               traditional
               
               in
               respect
               of
               their
               Origine
               ,
               and
               conjectural
               in
               reference
               to
               their
               ambiguity
               and
               uncertainty
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               like
               is
               to
               be
               said
               of
               their
               Rules
               and
               Precepts
               of
               virtuous
               living
               .
               For
               we
               may
               not
               detract
               thus
               much
               from
               them
               ,
               that
               they
               have
               recommended
               many
               excellent
               Institutes
               to
               their
               Sects
               .
               You
               shall
               collect
               among
               them
               many
               very
               admirable
               sayings
               ,
               such
               as
               these
               ;
            
             
               To
               know
               our selves
               ;
               to
               abstain
               from
               vice
               ;
               to
               bear
               afflictions
               :
               to
               do
               justly
               ,
               and
               speak
               truly
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               do
               as
               we
               would
               be
               done
               by
               ;
               
                 and
                 many
                 more
              
               .
            
             
               Indeed
               for
               that
               kind
               of
               Divinity
               which
               was
               deducible
               from
               the
               Rules
               of
               common
               prudence
               and
               observation
               ,
               and
               depended
               not
               chiefly
               or
               solely
               upon
               Divine
               Revelation
               ,
               they
               have
               done
               extraordinary
               well
               :
               And
               if
               they
               had
               not
               furnish'd
               us
               with
               so
               many
               famous
               examples
               of
               Vertue
               too
               ,
               it
               would
               not
               reflect
               so
               much
               upon
               the
               Professors
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               which
               in
               the
               spirituality
               of
               its
               precepts
               has
               as
               far
               exceeded
               all
               that
               they
               have
               writ
               ,
               as
               some
               of
               their
               Lives
               have
               most
               of
               ours
               ;
               though
               that
               be
               not
               to
               be
               imputed
               to
               our
               Religion
               ,
               unless
               it
               were
               justly
               chargeable
               upon
               the
               vitiosity
               or
               defect
               of
               its
               Principles
               or
               Rules
               .
            
             
               Thus
               miserably
               however
               do
               we
               compensate
               the
               Divine
               culture
               ;
               and
               as
               if
               Nature
               abhorring
               so
               great
               a
               disparity
               betwixt
               mankind
               ,
               would
               thus
               ballance
               
               the
               Heathen
               with
               the
               Christian
               World
               ;
               by
               opposing
               their
               Imperfect
               Knowledge
               ,
               but
               severer
               Vertue
               ,
               to
               our
               diviner
               Laws
               ,
               but
               greater
               licentiousness
               in
               Practice
               :
               Many
               of
               them
               having
               ,
               by
               as
               great
               proportions
               exceeded
               us
               in
               their
               endeavours
               after
               goodness
               ,
               as
               we
               do
               them
               in
               the
               knowledge
               and
               other
               means
               of
               it
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Last
               of
               all
               (
               which
               brings
               it
               to
               our
               present
               subject
               )
               Christianity
               propounds
               nothing
               but
               upon
               the
               fairest
               and
               surest
               encouragement
               imaginable
               .
               For
               the
               happiness
               of
               our
               Religion
               is
               both
               transcendently
               superiour
               to
               their
               discoveries
               and
               accompts
               of
               it
               ;
               and
               then
               also
               we
               are
               sufficiently
               and
               unquestionably
               assur'd
               hereof
               ,
               i.e.
               't
               is
               not
               recommended
               to
               us
               upon
               plausible
               perswasions
               and
               inconclusive
               arguments
               ,
               but
               in
               the
               genuine
               sence
               of
               St.
               
               Paul's
               expressions
               ,
               1
               Corinth
               .
               2.
               4.
               
                 in
                 demonstration
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 and
                 Power
                 .
              
            
             
               So
               that
               we
               see
               there
               is
               a
               kind
               of
               peculiar
               excellency
               in
               the
               Holy
               Scriptures
               ,
               above
               all
               the
               Systems
               of
               the
               greatest
               Moralists
               ;
               the
               foundation
               of
               our
               Obedience
               being
               laid
               upon
               clearer
               and
               better
               principles
               ,
               the
               practice
               of
               our
               obedience
               being
               carried
               higher
               by
               the
               spirituality
               of
               its
               commands
               ,
               and
               the
               rewards
               of
               our
               obedience
               being
               incomparably
               greater
               ,
               than
               what
               we
               can
               conceive
               ,
               much
               less
               could
               they
               promise
               or
               bestow
               .
            
             
             
               'T
               is
               the
               last
               of
               these
               that
               is
               contain'd
               in
               the
               Text
               ,
               and
               for
               which
               I
               am
               to
               be
               further
               accomptable
               to
               ye
               in
               the
               prosecution
               of
               the
               words
               I
               have
               read
               .
               
                 And
                 I
                 heard
                 a
                 voice
                 from
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 saying
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 Write
                 ,
                 Blessed
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
               Wherein
               we
               have
               these
               following
               particulars
               principally
               to
               be
               observed
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               The
               happiness
               of
               good
               men
               describ'd
               by
               its
               
                 general
                 nature
              
               ,
               they
               are
               blessed
               ,
               and
               by
               its
               integral
               parts
               ,
               they
               
                 rest
                 from
                 their
                 labours
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 works
                 do
                 follow
                 them
                 .
              
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               Security
               and
               Evidence
               upon
               which
               this
               happiness
               is
               promis'd
               and
               asserted
               ,
               
                 yea
                 saith
                 the
                 Spirit
              
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               time
               of
               its
               perfection
               and
               accomplishment
               ,
               partly
               in
               this
               life
               ,
               but
               not
               fully
               nor
               completely
               till
               death
               ,
               
                 saying
                 Blessed
                 are
                 the
                 dead
                 that
                 dye
                 in
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
              
            
             
               4.
               
               And
               lastly
               ,
               the
               Influence
               which
               the
               consideration
               of
               these
               premisses
               ought
               to
               have
               upon
               us
               ,
               both
               in
               Life
               and
               Death
               ,
               in
               reference
               to
               Obedience
               and
               Patience
               .
               And
            
             
               I.
               To
               begin
               with
               the
               description
               of
               that
               happiness
               ,
               those
               rewards
               ,
               which
               are
               propounded
               to
               us
               for
               the
               encouragement
               of
               our
               Obedience
               and
               Patience
               :
               Which
               are
               so
               great
               ,
               that
               I
               am
               utterly
               ignorant
               by
               what
               measures
               to
               describe
               them
               to
               ye
               .
               
               The
               nature
               of
               that
               Celestial
               bliss
               as
               far
               transcending
               all
               our
               present
               felicities
               ,
               by
               which
               we
               should
               judge
               of
               it
               ;
               as
               it
               does
               the
               very
               capacity
               of
               our
               meriting
               it
               .
            
             
               Sir
               
                 Francis
                 Bacon
              
               has
               observ'd
               ,
               We
               can
               have
               but
               a
               very
               imperfect
               accompt
               of
               those
               things
               ,
               which
               receed
               any
               whit
               near
               those
               extreams
               of
               Nothing
               and
               Infinity
               :
               because
               either
               by
               their
               parvity
               or
               immensity
               ,
               they
               elude
               or
               confound
               our
               knowledge
               .
            
             
               And
               especially
               the
               latter
               ,
               which
               choak
               the
               understanding
               ;
               and
               is
               like
               the
               beholding
               of
               the
               Sun
               ,
               whose
               light
               and
               lustre
               ,
               by
               which
               we
               discern
               other
               objects
               ,
               marrs
               ,
               and
               dimms
               our
               sight
               .
            
             
               Such
               is
               the
               transcendent
               excellency
               of
               our
               future
               bliss
               ,
               at
               once
               the
               delight
               and
               amazement
               of
               our
               Intellectuals
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               description
               whereof
               our
               highest
               expressions
               are
               so
               far
               from
               being
               hyperbolical
               ,
               that
               they
               amount
               but
               to
               a
               Litotes
               ;
               so
               that
               after
               our
               utmost
               endeavours
               we
               must
               content
               our selves
               with
               St.
               Pauls
               account
               of
               it
               ,
               in
               his
               First
               and
               Second
               Epistles
               to
               the
               Corinthians
               ,
               
               his
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               and
               his
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               unutterable
               ,
               
               for
               that
               I
               take
               to
               be
               the
               meaning
               (
               and
               not
               as
               we
               render
               it
               unlawful
               )
               of
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               and
               also
               unconceiveable
               .
            
             
             
               So
               inevitably
               should
               we
               diminish
               the
               Glory
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               by
               any
               expression
               ,
               illustration
               ,
               or
               parallel
               whatever
               .
            
             
               Which
               happiness
               of
               ours
               consists
               of
               ,
               and
               is
               integrated
               by
               these
               two
               parts
               .
            
             
               The
               total
               privation
               of
               all
               evil
               .
            
             
               And
               the
               aggregate
               enjoyment
               of
               all
               good
               .
            
             
               Both
               which
               as
               they
               are
               necessarily
               requisite
               to
               the
               nature
               of
               the
               things
               ,
               so
               are
               they
               contain'd
               in
               the
               very
               notion
               of
               the
               word
               .
            
             
               For
               as
               the
               plurality
               of
               the
               Hebrew
               word
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               
                 [
                 Ashrei
                 ]
                 ostendit
                 omnigenam
                 beatitudinem
              
               ;
               so
               more
               expresly
               does
               the
               Etymology
               of
               the
               Greek
               word
               answer
               hereunto
               ,
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               either
               from
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               immunity
               from
               evil
               ,
               or
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               extremity
               of
               joy
               ;
               and
               accordingly
               't
               is
               describ'd
               in
               my
               Text
               ,
               first
               Privatively
               ,
               and
               then
               Positively
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               For
               the
               privative
               part
               ,
               
                 Rest
                 from
                 their
                 labours
              
               ,
               or
               which
               is
               all
               one
               ,
               Immunity
               from
               Evil
               ,
               by
               which
               this
               happiness
               is
               oft-times
               describ'd
               :
               for
               though
               the
               privation
               hereof
               simply
               and
               absolutely
               signifie
               no
               part
               hereof
               ,
               the
               absence
               especially
               ;
               for
               by
               that
               reason
               you
               might
               call
               a
               stock
               or
               stone
               or
               any
               other
               insensible
               creature
               happy
               ,
               as
               by
               the
               other
               a
               Horse
               or
               Dog
               might
               be
               said
               to
               be
               so
               when
               dead
               :
               yet
               inasmuch
               as
               it
               is
               more
               than
               a
               negation
               ,
               namely
               the
               being
               deliver'd
               from
               a
               world
               of
               misery
               wherewith
               we
               are
               now
               infested
               ,
               and
               more
               
               which
               we
               had
               deserved
               ,
               and
               were
               once
               obnoxious
               to
               ,
               which
               we
               also
               then
               behold
               in
               others
               of
               the
               same
               make
               and
               nature
               with
               us
               ;
               the
               contemplation
               hereof
               ,
               by
               which
               it
               so
               widely
               differs
               from
               both
               the
               Instances
               ,
               must
               needs
               fill
               our
               mind
               with
               an
               ineffable
               delight
               and
               satisfaction
               .
            
             
               Or
               at
               least
               if
               this
               indolency
               be
               no
               part
               of
               our
               happiness
               ,
               yet
               is
               it
               so
               absolutely
               needful
               to
               it
               ,
               that
               we
               cannot
               tell
               well
               how
               to
               conceive
               of
               it
               without
               this
               ;
               and
               much
               less
               can
               such
               a
               thing
               be
               as
               perfect
               happiness
               and
               degrees
               of
               misery
               conjoyn'd
               together
               .
            
             
               Nor
               did
               ever
               any
               Sect
               of
               Philosophers
               think
               otherwise
               ,
               but
               those
               sullen
               and
               self
               will'd
               Stoicks
               .
               That
               ever
               any
               body
               should
               be
               so
               mad
               to
               cry
               out
               in
               the
               extremity
               of
               pain
               and
               misery
               ,
               
                 Quàm
                 suave
                 ,
                 quàm
                 dulce
                 hoc
                 est
                 ,
                 quàm
                 hoc
                 non
                 curo
                 !
              
               And
               I
               cannot
               but
               laugh
               at
               Possidonius
               his
               Rant
               ,
               
                 Nil
                 agis
                 ,
                 O
                 Dolor
              
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               There
               are
               divers
               instances
               of
               such
               who
               have
               born
               most
               exquisite
               miseries
               even
               to
               admiration
               ,
               as
               well
               out
               of
               a
               kind
               of
               hardiness
               of
               nature
               ,
               as
               greatness
               of
               mind
               ;
               and
               in
               that
               they
               were
               less
               miserable
               than
               the
               delicate
               and
               impatient
               :
               but
               whence
               was
               it
               ?
               either
               from
               necessity
               ,
               or
               hope
               ,
               or
               both
               ;
               this
               is
               Christian-like
               ,
               but
               that
               is
               bruitish
               ,
               if
               it
               were
               sufficient
               without
               t'other
               ,
               but
               't
               is
               not
               ,
               for
               perpetuity
               would
               certainly
               render
               any
               evil
               intolerable
               .
            
             
             
               So
               that
               we
               are
               so
               far
               from
               being
               completely
               happy
               as
               long
               as
               any
               disease
               or
               inquietude
               of
               mind
               or
               body
               does
               attend
               us
               ;
               that
               the
               hope
               of
               being
               delivered
               is
               the
               only
               argument
               that
               can
               afford
               us
               any
               solid
               and
               rational
               comfort
               in
               our
               afflictions
               :
               For
               as
               to
               fatality
               ,
               
                 hoc
                 ipsum
                 est
              
               ,
               said
               Augustus
               when
               one
               urg'd
               it
               ;
               and
               for
               the
               disease
               of
               Impatiency
               ,
               't
               is
               (
               as
               one
               has
               excellently
               observ'd
               )
               no
               proper
               consideration
               of
               comfort
               ,
               but
               only
               an
               art
               of
               managing
               our
               trouble
               ;
               so
               as
               not
               to
               make
               it
               greater
               than
               really
               it
               is
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               other
               part
               of
               our
               happiness
               ,
               and
               indeed
               the
               main
               ,
               we
               call
               positive
               ,
               and
               consists
               in
               the
               enjoyment
               of
               all
               good
               ;
               and
               is
               what
               St.
               John
               intends
               by
               
                 their
                 works
                 following
                 them
              
               ;
               i.
               e.
               they
               shall
               then
               receive
               all
               those
               glorious
               rewards
               that
               God
               has
               promis'd
               to
               good
               and
               righteous
               men
               for
               all
               their
               service
               and
               obedience
               .
               We
               should
               in
               vain
               go
               about
               to
               recount
               them
               ,
               they
               are
               so
               many
               and
               so
               great
               .
            
             
               
                 In
                 two
                 things
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 chiefly
                 place
                 it
                 ;
                 in
                 the
              
               vision
               ,
               
                 and
                 in
                 the
              
               fruition
               
                 of
                 God.
              
               This
               is
               life
               Eternal
               ,
               
               
                 saith
                 this
                 very
                 St.
              
               John
               
                 in
                 his
                 Gospel
              
               ,
               to
               know
               thee
               the
               only
               true
               God
               ,
               and
               Jesus
               Christ
               ;
               
                 and
                 again
                 in
                 his
                 1
                 Ep.
                 Ch.
                 3.
                 v.
              
               2.
               
               It
               doth
               not
               yet
               appear
               what
               we
               shall
               be
               ;
               but
               we
               know
               that
               when
               he
               doth
               appear
               we
               shall
               be
               like
               him
               ,
               for
               we
               shall
               see
               him
               as
               he
               is
               .
               
                 The
                 other
                 is
                 call'd
              
               the
               being
               with
               Christ
               ,
               
               
                 and
                 the
                 being
              
               
               united
               
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 St.
              
               John
               17.
               21.
               
               That
               they
               all
               may
               be
               one
               ,
               as
               thou
               Father
               art
               in
               me
               ,
               and
               I
               in
               thee
               ,
               that
               they
               also
               may
               be
               one
               in
               us
               .
               
                 But
                 this
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 exclude
                 the
                 other
                 instances
                 of
                 our
                 happiness
                 ,
                 indeed
                 it
                 comprehends
                 all
                 the
                 rest
                 .
              
            
             
               For
               what
               are
               all
               the
               pleasures
               and
               contentments
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               but
               as
               so
               many
               rays
               of
               that
               Sun
               and
               emanations
               of
               that
               fountain
               ?
            
             
               They
               are
               all
               contain'd
               with
               much
               more
               perfection
               in
               God
               ,
               than
               they
               were
               created
               in
               their
               own
               natures
               :
               Whereupon
               it
               follows
               that
               they
               which
               are
               admitted
               into
               his
               presence
               ,
               have
               all
               the
               goodness
               and
               perfections
               of
               all
               the
               creatures
               in
               the
               world
               united
               in
               God.
               
            
             
               So
               that
               whatever
               can
               delight
               either
               body
               or
               mind
               ,
               there
               it
               is
               ;
               nor
               will
               there
               be
               any
               room
               to
               wish
               for
               or
               imagine
               more
               than
               what
               we
               have
               ;
               there
               being
               in
               him
               (
               as
               an
               ingenious
               man
               expresseth
               it
               )
               such
               a
               various
               Identity
               ,
               that
               the
               fruition
               of
               him
               at
               once
               satisfies
               and
               creates
               desires
               ,
               that
               without
               satiety
               ,
               this
               without
               disquiet
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               To
               which
               if
               we
               add
               the
               
                 eternal
                 duration
              
               of
               this
               state
               ,
               we
               attribute
               unto
               it
               a
               kind
               of
               complication
               of
               Infinities
               ,
               a
               potential
               Infinity
               in
               the
               subject
               ,
               actual
               in
               the
               object
               ,
               and
               eternal
               in
               the
               continuance
               of
               it
               :
            
             
               Which
               single
               consideration
               is
               sufficient
               to
               advance
               it
               to
               an
               infinite
               preference
               above
               all
               earthly
               
               things
               imaginable
               ;
               because
               these
               things
               being
               founded
               in
               matter
               ,
               and
               that
               being
               in
               continual
               flux
               and
               motion
               ,
               here
               can
               be
               nothing
               permanent
               and
               lasting
               .
               Nor
               indeed
               would
               that
               be
               any
               addition
               to
               our
               present
               felicity
               .
               'T
               is
               variety
               that
               makes
               these
               things
               appear
               excellent
               ;
               their
               mutability
               ,
               is
               both
               the
               life
               and
               death
               of
               all
               present
               delights
               .
            
             
               A
               few
               repetitions
               make
               us
               abhor
               our
               food
               ;
               in
               less
               than
               a
               night
               and
               a
               day
               we
               grow
               weary
               of
               our
               Beds
               ;
               and
               't
               is
               so
               in
               all
               the
               other
               instances
               of
               our
               Nature
               ,
               and
               't
               is
               more
               so
               in
               those
               of
               our
               corruption
               .
            
             
               But
               't
               is
               otherwise
               in
               the
               attainment
               of
               the
               ultimate
               end
               ,
               where
               all
               our
               appetites
               are
               arrested
               and
               detain'd
               .
            
             
               Indeed
               we
               no
               sooner
               experience
               these
               things
               in
               the
               fruition
               ,
               but
               we
               straightway
               nauseate
               them
               ;
               finding
               them
               so
               pitifully
               allay'd
               with
               mixtures
               of
               evil
               ,
               and
               prove
               so
               miserably
               short
               of
               what
               we
               desire
               and
               expect
               from
               them
               .
               But
               't
               is
               otherwise
               there
               ,
               the
               excellency
               of
               those
               Celestial
               Objects
               will
               disappoint
               our
               expectation
               by
               their
               transcendency
               ,
               as
               much
               as
               in
               all
               other
               fruitions
               their
               emptiness
               is
               wont
               to
               do
               .
            
             
               So
               that
               Eternity
               ,
               though
               but
               a
               circumstance
               which
               does
               only
               superinduce
               a
               kind
               of
               extremity
               or
               perfection
               to
               what
               it
               is
               conjoyn'd
               with
               ;
               and
               
               may
               as
               well
               be
               drawn
               in
               to
               enhanse
               our
               misery
               ,
               (
               for
               what
               more
               than
               this
               makes
               the
               condition
               of
               the
               damn'd
               so
               horribly
               dreadful
               ,
               whereby
               they
               are
               excluded
               from
               all
               hope
               ,
               the
               very
               seed
               and
               lowest
               degree
               of
               felicity
               ?
               )
               Yet
               is
               it
               so
               necessary
               to
               what
               we
               are
               speaking
               of
               ,
               as
               that
               without
               it
               those
               joys
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               though
               otherwise
               absolute
               and
               infinite
               ,
               would
               suffer
               a
               contradiction
               ,
               and
               become
               imperfect
               :
               And
               that
               not
               only
               for
               the
               future
               ,
               but
               the
               present
               ,
               by
               introducing
               such
               passions
               as
               must
               needs
               debase
               and
               allay
               the
               highest
               delights
               .
            
             
               So
               that
               by
               being
               thus
               secur'd
               in
               the
               possession
               of
               our
               happiness
               ,
               we
               receive
               thereby
               an
               unspeakable
               addition
               to
               it
               .
            
             
               II.
               Proceed
               we
               next
               to
               shew
               you
               the
               Security
               and
               Evidence
               ,
               upon
               which
               this
               happiness
               is
               promis'd
               and
               asserted
               ,
               and
               whether
               it
               bear
               any
               proportion
               to
               our
               duty
               and
               the
               Rewards
               of
               it
               ,
               for
               so
               we
               are
               allow'd
               to
               call
               them
               ;
               though
               not
               upon
               the
               account
               of
               merit
               ,
               yet
               by
               reason
               of
               their
               necessary
               connexion
               with
               ,
               dependance
               upon
               ,
               and
               that
               kind
               (
               such
               a
               one
               as
               't
               is
               )
               of
               proportion
               they
               bear
               to
               each
               other
               .
            
             
               There
               is
               a
               two-fold
               evidence
               God
               Almighty
               has
               given
               us
               ,
               for
               the
               strengthning
               of
               our
               hope
               ,
               and
               confirming
               of
               our
               faith
               ,
               in
               the
               belief
               and
               
               expectation
               of
               the
               other
               World.
               The
               first
               moral
               ,
               grounded
               upon
               the
               testimony
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ;
               the
               other
               I
               call
               natural
               ,
               and
               is
               grounded
               in
               the
               things
               themselves
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               The
               first
               evidence
               of
               our
               future
               bliss
               ,
               is
               the
               testimony
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               express
               in
               the
               Text
               ,
               
                 Yea
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Spirit
              
               .
               But
               then
               we
               must
               have
               a
               care
               of
               what
               kind
               of
               Testimony
               of
               the
               Spirit
               we
               understand
               it
               :
               for
               ,
               understand
               it
               as
               't
               is
               vulgarly
               taken
               ,
               for
               some
               act
               or
               operation
               wrought
               in
               and
               upon
               us
               ,
               besides
               the
               Enthusiasm
               of
               it
               ,
               fain
               would
               I
               be
               satisfy'd
               ,
               what
               validity
               can
               there
               be
               in
               such
               a
               testimony
               ,
               as
               it self
               needs
               something
               else
               to
               confirm
               it
               ?
               for
               so
               this
               testimony
               of
               the
               Spirit
               is
               to
               be
               tryed
               by
               its
               concordance
               and
               agreement
               to
               the
               word
               of
               God
               :
               nor
               do
               I
               know
               any
               other
               way
               to
               distinguish
               it
               from
               a
               motion
               or
               suggestion
               of
               the
               Devil
               's
               besides
               .
               And
               though
               to
               err
               thus
               in
               this
               single
               instance
               may
               not
               be
               very
               pernicious
               ,
               for
               I
               am
               not
               mighty
               solicitous
               ,
               how
               it
               was
               wrought
               ,
               so
               there
               be
               a
               firm
               perswasion
               in
               us
               of
               this
               truth
               ;
               yet
               in
               other
               cases
               I
               know
               how
               dangerous
               it
               is
               ,
               nor
               is
               it
               safe
               in
               this
               ,
               for
               it
               leaves
               a
               passage
               open
               and
               unguarded
               to
               down-right
               Atheism
               .
            
             
               By
               the
               testimony
               of
               the
               Spirit
               therefore
               I
               understand
               the
               word
               of
               God
               ,
               or
               the
               Scriptures
               as
               made
               known
               and
               prov'd
               to
               us
               to
               be
               deriv'd
               from
               this
               Divine
               Spirit
               ,
               which
               we
               may
               call
               the
               outward
               
               testimony
               thereof
               :
               for
               though
               St.
               John
               knew
               this
               by
               the
               other
               way
               ,
               as
               most
               certainly
               all
               others
               did
               who
               received
               any
               Revelation
               ;
               yet
               never
               was
               any
               other
               than
               the
               person
               himself
               assur'd
               that
               way
               .
            
             
               Nor
               do
               I
               make
               degrees
               of
               more
               or
               less
               certainty
               in
               the
               way
               or
               manner
               of
               the
               Spirit
               's
               revealing
               a
               thing
               ;
               for
               the
               Apostles
               were
               as
               well
               assur'd
               of
               the
               infallibility
               of
               their
               doctrine
               before
               they
               wrought
               any
               miracles
               ,
               as
               we
               are
               by
               them
               :
               but
               we
               were
               not
               nor
               could
               be
               so
               .
            
             
               But
               this
               notwithstanding
               ,
               in
               respect
               of
               us
               we
               must
               admit
               of
               such
               degrees
               ;
               for
               no
               body
               I
               hope
               will
               be
               so
               blasphemous
               to
               equal
               such
               private
               dictates
               they
               have
               in
               their
               own
               breast
               to
               the
               divine
               authority
               of
               the
               Holy
               Scriptures
               .
            
             
               So
               then
               I
               make
               this
               to
               be
               the
               moral
               evidence
               of
               future
               happiness
               :
               God
               hath
               said
               it
               in
               his
               word
               .
               And
               this
               I
               call
               a
               moral
               certainty
               ,
               not
               in
               opposition
               to
               divine
               and
               infallible
               ;
               as
               they
               are
               sometimes
               contradistinguish'd
               ;
               but
               only
               to
               natural
               :
               for
               we
               can
               desire
               no
               greater
               evidence
               ,
               we
               cannot
               have
               a
               higher
               confirmation
               of
               any
               truth
               ,
               than
               the
               veracity
               of
               Heaven
               to
               attest
               it
               .
            
             
               I
               do
               not
               know
               any
               proposition
               that
               carries
               greater
               self-evidence
               than
               this
               ,
               That
               God
               ought
               to
               be
               believ'd
               in
               what
               he
               says
               ;
               and
               therefore
               though
               we
               may
               question
               the
               truth
               of
               the
               Revelation
               ,
               
               't
               is
               impossible
               to
               do
               so
               of
               any
               thing
               we
               acknowledge
               to
               be
               so
               revealed
               .
            
             
               So
               that
               the
               stress
               of
               this
               point
               lyes
               upon
               that
               great
               and
               necessary
               praecognition
               in
               our
               Religion
               ▪
               namely
               ,
               the
               Divine
               authority
               of
               the
               Holy
               Scriptures
               .
               Upon
               which
               postulate
               if
               we
               proceed
               ,
               there
               is
               as
               great
               certainty
               of
               the
               truth
               of
               this
               proposition
               ,
               That
               good
               men
               shall
               enjoy
               eternal
               happiness
               after
               this
               life
               ;
               as
               if
               we
               should
               again
               hear
               that
               Daughter
               of
               voice
               ,
               and
               God
               himself
               should
               sensibly
               attest
               it
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               But
               there
               is
               another
               ground
               or
               evidence
               of
               our
               future
               happiness
               which
               I
               call
               natural
               ,
               because
               it
               depends
               upon
               that
               Intrinsick
               Relation
               and
               consent
               there
               is
               between
               goodness
               and
               it
               ;
               the
               difference
               between
               them
               being
               only
               in
               degree
               ,
               like
               the
               dawning
               of
               the
               Morning
               to
               the
               lustre
               of
               the
               Noon
               .
               For
               what
               is
               it
               to
               be
               happy
               but
               to
               be
               united
               to
               God
               ?
               and
               what
               does
               unite
               us
               to
               God
               but
               Love
               ?
               and
               what
               is
               the
               love
               of
               God
               but
               Religion
               ?
               And
               if
               you
               remove
               but
               all
               inward
               imperfections
               ,
               and
               all
               outward
               impediments
               ,
               there
               remains
               no
               difference
               at
               all
               .
               So
               that
               Virtue
               and
               Piety
               do
               not
               only
               dispose
               and
               prepare
               us
               for
               Heaven
               and
               Salvation
               ,
               but
               we
               thereby
               receive
               and
               experience
               the
               very
               beginnings
               and
               anticipations
               of
               it
               .
            
             
             
               And
               though
               in
               respect
               of
               the
               mutability
               of
               our
               will
               and
               affections
               toward
               God
               and
               goodness
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               we
               cannot
               be
               infallibly
               assur'd
               of
               it
               as
               to
               our
               own
               particulars
               ;
               because
               every
               alteration
               in
               the
               one
               produceth
               a
               like
               answerable
               effect
               as
               to
               the
               other
               :
               Yet
               in
               the
               general
               we
               may
               ,
               even
               from
               hence
               ,
               be
               very
               well
               assur'd
               hereof
               ;
               because
               there
               is
               nothing
               more
               requir'd
               to
               the
               compleating
               of
               our
               essential
               happiness
               ,
               than
               an
               advance
               and
               progression
               in
               the
               same
               vertuous
               tract
               .
            
             
               And
               however
               it
               looks
               in
               a
               Divine
               ,
               if
               we
               will
               speak
               rationally
               to
               the
               thing
               ,
               we
               must
               allow
               the
               love
               and
               hatred
               of
               God
               to
               be
               the
               true
               natural
               causes
               of
               our
               salvation
               and
               damnation
               ,
               even
               of
               their
               very
               eternity
               ;
               it
               being
               naturally
               impossible
               to
               be
               other
               than
               happy
               while
               we
               love
               God
               ,
               and
               contrariwise
               if
               we
               hate
               him
               ;
               and
               this
               is
               the
               only
               instant
               cause
               of
               its
               continuation
               through
               all
               the
               durations
               of
               Eternity
               .
               And
               to
               remove
               your
               astonishment
               ,
               see
               ,
               how
               in
               this
               lower
               world
               ,
               many
               stupendous
               and
               admirable
               works
               are
               daily
               produc'd
               which
               were
               mean
               and
               unnoted
               while
               they
               lay
               hid
               and
               contain'd
               in
               the
               seminal
               beginnings
               ;
               after
               the
               same
               wonderful
               manner
               by
               divers
               minute
               gradations
               does
               this
               divine
               Creature
               grow
               up
               from
               its
               first
               formation
               in
               our
               trembling
               and
               unstable
               desires
               ,
               to
               
               the
               stature
               and
               perfection
               of
               Everlasting
               Glory
               .
            
             
               And
               yet
               there
               remains
               less
               doubt
               if
               we
               take
               in
               the
               Consideration
               of
               the
               Divine
               nature
               .
               How
               else
               will
               you
               vindicate
               the
               Justice
               of
               God
               in
               all
               the
               odd
               and
               confused
               occurrences
               of
               this
               World
               ?
               Where
               's
               your
               infinite
               goodness
               and
               bounty
               ,
               that
               suffers
               its
               servants
               always
               to
               be
               neglected
               ?
               what
               will
               become
               of
               an
               almighty
               and
               omniscient
               Justice
               if
               sinners
               are
               never
               call'd
               to
               an
               accompt
               ?
               Or
               one
               ,
               or
               t'other
               cannot
               be
               .
            
             
               III.
               'T
               is
               true
               indeed
               the
               compleating
               of
               this
               bliss
               (
               which
               brings
               us
               to
               our
               next
               head
               )
               is
               neither
               promis'd
               ,
               nor
               to
               be
               had
               in
               this
               life
               .
               'T
               is
               at
               Death
               these
               rewards
               become
               due
               and
               payable
               .
            
             
               
                 —
                 Dicique
                 beatus
              
               
                 Ante
                 obitum
                 nemo
                 ,
                 supremáque
                 funera
                 possit
                 .
              
            
             
               It
               has
               been
               the
               constant
               method
               of
               Divine
               providence
               ,
               to
               cause
               the
               most
               excellent
               things
               to
               follow
               and
               arise
               from
               the
               most
               uncouth
               and
               unlikely
               .
               Thus
               in
               the
               Creation
               order
               springs
               from
               confusion
               ,
               and
               the
               Light
               is
               made
               to
               attend
               the
               darkness
               .
            
             
               Contrary
               to
               the
               methods
               observ'd
               by
               Nature
               ,
               where
               the
               causes
               are
               ever
               more
               worthy
               
               than
               their
               effects
               from
               their
               first
               beginning
               downward
               .
            
             
               Now
               as
               he
               is
               pleas'd
               to
               transcend
               and
               deviate
               from
               the
               tracts
               and
               capacities
               of
               natural
               Agents
               ,
               thereby
               to
               assert
               his
               Prerogative
               ,
               and
               render
               his
               omnipotency
               more
               conspicuous
               to
               the
               world
               :
               So
               is
               he
               no
               less
               delighted
               to
               use
               the
               same
               recesses
               in
               displaying
               his
               Grace
               ;
               evermore
               ushering
               in
               his
               mercies
               with
               the
               Black
               Rod
               ,
               thereby
               inhansing
               and
               endearing
               our
               subsequent
               refreshments
               .
            
             
               And
               though
               the
               goodness
               of
               those
               celestial
               inhabitants
               ,
               and
               the
               happiness
               of
               their
               condition
               ,
               need
               neither
               foyl
               nor
               artifice
               to
               render
               that
               or
               their
               acknowledgements
               of
               the
               Divine
               favour
               greater
               :
               Yet
               however
               if
               we
               consider
               these
               things
               as
               a
               reward
               and
               incouragement
               of
               our
               obedience
               ,
               the
               proceeding
               thus
               is
               but
               regular
               and
               necessary
               ;
               that
               we
               should
               do
               our
               work
               before
               we
               receive
               our
               wages
               ,
               and
               finish
               our
               undertaking
               ,
               before
               we
               demand
               satisfaction
               .
            
             
               Earnest
               and
               Security
               Heaven
               has
               vouchsaf'd
               us
               ,
               but
               to
               deposite
               the
               whole
               in
               hand
               ,
               this
               were
               ,
               not
               to
               encourage
               but
               bribe
               our
               Obedience
               .
               This
               were
               to
               destroy
               Morality
               ,
               and
               turn
               Vertue
               into
               Nature
               .
            
             
             
               Nor
               yet
               is
               the
               Divine
               goodness
               less
               communicable
               in
               this
               life
               ,
               but
               we
               are
               not
               so
               capable
               of
               receiving
               it
               .
            
             
               For
               look
               as
               in
               Nature
               neither
               the
               single
               excellency
               of
               the
               Object
               or
               the
               Agent
               alone
               is
               sufficient
               to
               produce
               any
               notable
               effect
               ,
               but
               both
               are
               requir'd
               :
               So
               likewise
               in
               Religion
               ,
               all
               the
               effects
               of
               the
               divine
               grace
               and
               bounty
               (
               though
               that
               be
               free
               and
               infinite
               )
               are
               limited
               and
               determin'd
               by
               our
               capacities
               and
               reception
               .
            
             
               So
               that
               while
               our
               Appetites
               ,
               those
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               as
               they
               are
               call'd
               in
               Scripture
               ,
               that
               are
               to
               be
               the
               receptacles
               of
               all
               this
               Glory
               ,
               are
               ,
               either
               replenish'd
               with
               the
               vain
               and
               sinful
               objects
               of
               this
               Life
               ,
               or
               ,
               are
               straitned
               and
               contracted
               by
               the
               weakness
               and
               imperfection
               of
               this
               dull
               and
               lumpish
               matter
               ,
               they
               must
               be
               rid
               of
               the
               one
               and
               devested
               of
               the
               other
               ,
               and
               then
               ,
               we
               should
               be
               instantly
               happy
               .
            
             
               You
               have
               seen
               the
               happiness
               of
               the
               Christian
               man
               ;
               there
               are
               indeed
               encouragements
               of
               another
               nature
               ,
               namely
               ,
               earthly
               blessings
               and
               temporal
               rewards
               ,
               our
               whole
               present
               interest
               ,
               unless
               it
               happen
               to
               interfere
               at
               any
               time
               with
               the
               other
               .
               Religion
               has
               descended
               to
               the
               securing
               of
               these
               too
               ,
               and
               that
               not
               only
               by
               moral
               designation
               ,
               but
               by
               a
               proper
               and
               natural
               efficiency
               ;
               so
               that
               we
               cannot
               better
               prosecute
               our
               present
               interest
               ,
               
               than
               by
               the
               methods
               of
               Religion
               .
               And
               by
               this
               gracious
               and
               happy
               complication
               of
               the
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               and
               the
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               together
               ,
               they
               are
               made
               to
               become
               helpful
               and
               assisting
               to
               each
               other
               ,
               serving
               reciprocally
               as
               a
               means
               or
               motive
               either
               to
               other
               .
            
             
               But
               this
               encouragement
               is
               neither
               proper
               nor
               adequate
               to
               Christianity
               ;
               since
               it
               may
               be
               as
               well
               pursu'd
               by
               natural
               ,
               as
               by
               divine
               rules
               ,
               better
               perhaps
               by
               diabolical
               arts
               than
               either
               ,
               nothing
               experimentally
               so
               inriching
               men
               ,
               as
               sordidness
               ,
               oppression
               ,
               and
               other
               violences
               and
               frauds
               .
               The
               Devil
               in
               all
               likelihood
               ,
               giving
               the
               fairest
               prospect
               ,
               and
               most
               likely
               possession
               of
               the
               Kingdoms
               and
               glory
               of
               this
               world
               .
            
             
               But
               they
               are
               things
               ,
               I
               have
               shewn
               you
               ,
               of
               a
               nature
               infinitely
               more
               sublime
               ,
               that
               Christianity
               propounds
               to
               its
               observers
               ;
               The
               rewards
               of
               our
               Religion
               ;
               exceeding
               as
               well
               the
               capacities
               of
               our
               Nature
               ,
               as
               all
               those
               other
               things
               .
               To
               the
               attainment
               whereof
               ,
               as
               all
               vicious
               practices
               are
               extremely
               contrary
               ;
               so
               have
               all
               the
               others
               Philosophick
               transactions
               been
               miserably
               vain
               .
            
             
               Some
               weak
               and
               glimmering
               light
               the
               Heathen
               had
               of
               these
               things
               ;
               which
               it
               is
               not
               certain
               whether
               they
               collected
               from
               some
               fragments
               of
               tradition
               ,
               or
               extracted
               from
               the
               principles
               of
               
               natural
               reason
               ;
               but
               which
               way
               ever
               it
               came
               ,
               it
               was
               so
               weak
               and
               imperfect
               ,
               as
               serv'd
               to
               shadow
               ,
               not
               help
               to
               discover
               ,
               but
               eclipse
               the
               transcendent
               excellency
               of
               that
               State
               ;
               till
               ,
               as
               the
               Great
               Apostle
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               saith
               ,
               
               
                 Life
                 and
                 Immortality
                 were
                 brought
                 to
                 light
                 by
                 the
                 Gospel
                 .
              
            
             
               And
               indeed
               without
               this
               all
               other
               proposals
               were
               unsuitable
               to
               its
               professors
               ,
               and
               disproportionate
               to
               the
               difficulty
               and
               severities
               of
               Religion
               .
               Cicero
               saith
               ,
               
                 "
                 None
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 deem'd
                 a
                 vertuous
                 or
                 a
                 just
                 man
                 ,
                 that
                 will
                 be
                 allur'd
                 or
                 affrighted
                 from
                 his
                 duty
                 ,
                 by
                 any
                 advantage
                 or
                 disadvantage
                 whatever
                 :
                 "
              
               But
               who
               ,
               trow
               ye
               ,
               would
               abide
               both
               these
               ,
               upon
               no
               other
               consideration
               ,
               than
               barely
               to
               have
               acted
               according
               to
               the
               sentiments
               of
               right
               Reason
               ,
               or
               in
               hope
               to
               acquire
               an
               insignificant
               fame
               of
               Vertue
               ,
               of
               which
               they
               could
               have
               no
               knowledge
               or
               remembrance
               after
               death
               ?
            
             
               And
               for
               this
               cause
               I
               judge
               the
               Stoicks
               more
               absurd
               in
               their
               morals
               ,
               than
               the
               Epicureans
               ,
               considering
               the
               principles
               that
               is
               upon
               which
               they
               built
               .
               For
               't
               is
               the
               premise
               and
               not
               the
               inference
               of
               theirs
               ,
               that
               's
               so
               urg'd
               by
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 Let
                 us
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
              
               ,
               1
               Cor.
               15.
               32.
               
               But
               now
               the
               Christian
               Religion
               propounds
               such
               overtures
               to
               our
               Obedience
               and
               Patience
               ,
               
               as
               may
               justly
               and
               reasonably
               encourage
               us
               thereunto
               .
            
             
               IV.
               For
               a
               Conclusion
               ,
               let
               us
               take
               in
               the
               Importance
               of
               that
               Phrase
               of
               
                 [
                 dying
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
              
               ]
               which
               relates
               primarily
               to
               Martyrdome
               ;
               but
               must
               also
               be
               extended
               to
               as
               many
               as
               live
               and
               dye
               in
               the
               faith
               of
               the
               Holy
               Jesus
               .
            
             
               The
               result
               of
               all
               is
               this
               :
               That
               we
               would
               so
               consider
               this
               happiness
               ,
               as
               every
               of
               our
               great
               interest
               ,
               that
               we
               forfeit
               not
               our
               propriety
               therein
               ,
               by
               a
               vicious
               and
               sinful
               life
               .
               There
               's
               nothing
               else
               can
               render
               it
               hazardous
               or
               doubtful
               ,
               but
               that
               ,
               which
               indeed
               in
               the
               very
               nature
               of
               the
               thing
               renders
               it
               impossible
               .
               Let
               us
               not
               repeat
               
               Esau's
               folly
               ,
               sell
               our
               birth-right
               for
               a
               trifle
               ;
               and
               for
               the
               sake
               of
               some
               pitiful
               lust
               proscribe
               our selves
               out
               of
               our
               celestial
               inheritance
               .
            
             
               Neither
               let
               us
               contemn
               our
               happiness
               for
               being
               feasible
               .
               Were
               wilful
               poverty
               and
               certain
               Martyrdome
               ,
               part
               of
               our
               duty
               ,
               and
               inseparable
               appendages
               of
               our
               Religion
               ,
               there
               is
               tentation
               enough
               in
               the
               proposals
               ,
               to
               make
               us
               conflict
               with
               the
               greatest
               difficulties
               ,
               and
               overcome
               them
               .
            
             
               When
               Christianity
               was
               thus
               attended
               ,
               and
               had
               nothing
               else
               to
               recommend
               it self
               to
               the
               world
               ,
               besides
               the
               reasonableness
               of
               its
               injunctions
               ,
               
               with
               what
               holy
               violence
               did
               those
               blessed
               Saints
               storm
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               with
               a
               strange
               eagerness
               pursue
               Martyrdome
               !
               But
               now
               as
               if
               the
               fervour
               of
               our
               Devotion
               were
               only
               kindled
               and
               maintain'd
               by
               Antiperistasis
               :
               Now
               I
               say
               the
               Impediments
               are
               remov'd
               ,
               and
               Religion
               is
               become
               a
               part
               of
               our
               Civil
               obedience
               ,
               and
               made
               necessary
               to
               our
               secular
               interests
               ,
               and
               guarded
               with
               a
               great
               many
               other
               temporal
               Phylacteries
               ,
               men
               are
               yet
               more
               hardly
               wrought
               upon
               to
               be
               Religious
               ,
               the
               consideration
               of
               a
               single
               lust
               shall
               be
               able
               to
               weigh
               down
               all
               .
            
             
               And
               if
               any
               would
               seem
               to
               have
               a
               greater
               zeal
               for
               it
               than
               ordinary
               ,
               as
               if
               they
               were
               in
               love
               with
               the
               troubles
               of
               Religion
               ,
               and
               not
               the
               thing
               ;
               they
               suffer
               their
               heat
               to
               spend
               it self
               in
               little
               piques
               and
               contentions
               ,
               and
               about
               things
               of
               none
               or
               ill
               moment
               ,
               in
               maintaining
               of
               parties
               ,
               and
               opposing
               their
               Superiours
               ,
               and
               not
               in
               Devotion
               ,
               Obedience
               ,
               Charity
               ,
               Humility
               ,
               and
               the
               like
               ,
               as
               they
               ought
               .
            
             
               In
               short
               ,
               Christians
               ,
               let
               the
               thoughts
               of
               this
               blessedness
               ,
               excite
               our
               affections
               Heaven-ward
               ,
               and
               quicken
               our
               endeavours
               :
               Let
               it
               animate
               us
               against
               all
               difficulties
               ,
               and
               buoy
               us
               up
               above
               all
               adversities
               ;
               Let
               it
               cheer
               us
               in
               our
               duty
               ,
               quiet
               us
               in
               affliction
               ,
               and
               comfort
               us
               in
               death
               .
               That
               so
               living
               unto
               Christ
               ,
               we
               may
               
               at
               last
               dye
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               end
               be
               for
               ever
               blessed
               .
            
             
               And
               now
               to
               accommodate
               all
               to
               our
               present
               case
               .
               It
               has
               pleas'd
               God
               to
               take
               away
               this
               extraordinary
               man
               ,
               for
               such
               ,
               considering
               all
               things
               ,
               we
               must
               needs
               allow
               him
               ;
               and
               because
               't
               was
               some
               we
               what
               early
               ,
               I
               think
               of
               Dr.
               
               Hammond's
               notion
               of
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               in
               the
               Text
               ,
               the
               sooner
               the
               better
               ,
               the
               better
               for
               him
               ,
               no
               doubt
               .
            
             
               I
               had
               once
               thought
               to
               have
               given
               you
               his
               Character
               ,
               but
               I
               am
               not
               asham'd
               to
               tell
               you
               ,
               I
               found
               me
               not
               able
               to
               do
               it
               worthy
               of
               him
               .
               And
               calling
               to
               mind
               a
               saying
               of
               one
               of
               the
               Roman
               Historians
               ,
               I
               soon
               desisted
               from
               any
               further
               attempt
               of
               it
               ;
               who
               when
               he
               was
               reckoning
               up
               some
               of
               the
               great
               men
               of
               that
               age
               ,
               Virgil
               and
               
                 Ovid
                 ,
                 Livie
              
               and
               Salust
               ,
               and
               going
               to
               commend
               them
               ,
               stops
               ,
               and
               concludes
               thus
               :
               
                 "
                 But
                 of
                 men
                 of
                 Eminency
                 ,
                 as
                 their
                 admiration
                 is
                 great
                 ,
                 so
                 is
                 their
                 censure
                 full
                 of
                 difficulty
                 .
                 "
              
            
             
               As
               to
               those
               Relations
               that
               are
               more
               nearly
               interessed
               in
               this
               solemnity
               ;
               I
               would
               beseech
               them
               to
               remember
               ,
               that
               all
               Indecency
               and
               excess
               of
               Grief
               ,
               for
               our
               deceased
               friends
               ,
               must
               needs
               reflect
               upon
               the
               memory
               of
               the
               dead
               ,
               or
               the
               discretion
               of
               the
               survivers
               .
               God
               enable
               them
               to
               bear
               it
               :
               And
               supply
               this
               loss
               to
               them
               by
               his
               Grace
               and
               Providence
               :
               Let
               me
               say
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               Church
               of
               England
               ,
               
               by
               increasing
               the
               number
               of
               such
               men
               ,
               of
               no
               worse
               Learning
               ,
               Integrity
               ,
               and
               Courage
               ;
               that
               are
               able
               ,
               and
               dare
               defend
               her
               against
               the
               encroachments
               of
               Popery
               and
               Fanaticisme
               .
            
             
               Now
               to
               God
               only
               wise
               be
               Glory
               through
               Jesus
               Christ
               for
               ever
               .
               Amen
               .
            
             
               FINIS
               .
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A42831-e95880
           
             1
             Ep.
             c.
             2.
             v.
             9.
             
          
           
             2
             Ep.
             ch
             .
             12.
             v.
             4.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             17.
             3.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             1.
             23.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             1.
             10.