15_o 17_o 18._o but_o the_o sin_n here_o aim_v at_o lie_v in_o the_o secret_a wish_n will_n purpose_n lust_n and_o desire_v after_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n and_o forbid_a mixture_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v true_a that_o ahab_n and_o zedekiah_n mention_v jer._n xxix_o 21._o be_v the_o person_n who_o attempt_v the_o chastity_n of_o susanna_n be_v charge_v with_o downright_a adultery_n because_o they_o intend_v it_o though_o they_o can_v not_o compass_v it_o as_o we_o see_v jer._n xxix_o 23_o and_o he_o that_o purpose_v to_o solicit_v a_o woman_n to_o that_o which_o god_n count_v abomination_n or_o wish_n to_o enjoy_v the_o dangerous_a love_n of_o the_o person_n which_o have_v no_o matrimonial_a relation_n to_o he_o or_o who_o desire_v languish_v because_o he_o can_v gratify_v his_o base_a lust_n which_o his_o wicked_a mind_n desire_v or_o who_o feed_v himself_o with_o impure_a imagination_n with_o obscene_a picture_n and_o image_n of_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o his_o heart_n be_v set_v all_o these_o be_v secret_a adulterer_n and_o fornicator_n and_o must_v expect_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o anger_n the_o indignation_n the_o fire_n the_o brimstone_n and_o the_o portion_n of_o misery_n design_v for_o adulterer_n and_o fornicator_n who_o be_v outward_o so_o 3._o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a just_a sentence_n and_o that_o he_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n and_o lewdness_n who_o will_n or_o wish_n or_o desire_v it_o whatever_o notion_n they_o be_v represent_v under_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o the_o will_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n in_o the_o action_n so_o that_o if_o the_o will_n consent_v the_o man_n consent_v and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v the_o unlawful_a act_n which_o be_v only_o impede_v or_o hinder_v from_o be_v execute_v by_o certain_a circumstance_n which_o fall_v out_o cross_a i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n will_v be_v sin_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o will._n it_o be_v this_o give_v the_o act_n the_o tincture_n of_o hell_n before_o the_o outward_a act_n the_o malice_n and_o the_o turpitude_n of_o the_o sin_n be_v already_o complete_v though_o the_o act_n be_v hinder_v by_o accidental_a cause_n from_o be_v consummate_v and_o this_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n the_o very_a heathen_n see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n several_a excellent_a say_n may_v be_v allege_v here_o out_o of_o aristophanes_n seneca_n juvenal_n ovid_n and_o other_o be_v it_o necessary_a and_o though_o humane_a law_n lay_v no_o penalty_n upon_o the_o will_n because_o they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o nothing_o fall_v under_o the_o cognisance_n of_o the_o public_a magistrate_n but_o overt_a action_n yet_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n who_o see_v the_o heart_n the_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o and_o he_o that_o will_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o commit_v adultery_n fornication_n lewdness_n whatever_o name_n he_o may_v give_v his_o desire_n and_o lust_n be_v the_o person_n who_o have_v commit_v all_o these_o because_o all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v towards_o it_o he_o have_v do_v i._n e._n his_o will_n consent_n and_o desire_n do_v concur_v to_o the_o sin_n though_o a_o opportunity_n of_o finish_v the_o sin_n outward_o be_v want_v and_o god_n count_v such_o a_o person_n a_o adulterer_n and_o fornicator_n and_o lewd_a man_n though_o his_o neighbour_n at_o the_o same_o time_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o his_o secret_a sin_n may_v count_v he_o honest_a and_o sober_a and_o innocent_a the_o roman_n punish_v a_o vestal_a virgin_n who_o have_v vow_v perpetual_a chastity_n with_o death_n because_o she_o do_v once_o merry_o in_o company_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o pretty_a thing_n to_o marry_v because_o by_o say_v so_o she_o discover_v her_o desire_n and_o will_v to_o break_v her_o vow_n i_o do_v not_o justify_v that_o piece_n of_o rigour_n but_o only_o mention_v it_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n discover_v to_o heathen_n and_o pagan_n that_o the_o desire_n and_o will_v to_o commit_v a_o sin_n be_v a_o complete_a sin_n so_o far_o as_o the_o inward_a man_n can_v make_v it_o and_o consequent_o deserve_v the_o same_o punishment_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o iii_o d._n particular_a viz._n whether_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o a_o very_a great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o internal_a consent_n and_o the_o outward_a act_n as_o to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o sin_v as_o to_o the_o substance_n may_v be_v the_o same_o yet_o circumstance_n may_v make_v the_o sin_n more_o heinous_a than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v without_o those_o circumstance_n he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o john_n three_o 15_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n be_v that_o beside_o that_o hatred_n do_v actual_o deprive_v he_o of_o life_n be_v a_o great_a sinner_n and_o the_o sin_n become_v more_o black_a and_o dreadful_a so_o it_o be_v in_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n and_o incest_n and_o carnal_a self-pollution_n and_o other_o lewdness_n he_o that_o wish_n or_o will_v it_o or_o purpose_v it_o or_o feed_v himself_o with_o filthy_a image_n of_o any_o of_o these_o sin_n commit_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o complexion_n that_o he_o do_v who_o to_o the_o inward_a formation_n of_o it_o add_v the_o outward_a act_n but_o still_o the_o outward_a act_n aggravate_v it_o and_o give_v it_o a_o deep_a dye_n because_o of_o the_o scandal_n it_o give_v and_o the_o great_a hurt_n it_o do_v in_o that_o another_o person_n be_v make_v a_o partner_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o drag_v with_o he_o into_o hell_n and_o the_o sinner_n go_v as_o far_o in_o it_o as_o he_o can_v so_o that_o though_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o internal_a consent_n and_o the_o outward_a act_n yet_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o participate_v of_o the_o same_o punishment_n which_o be_v threaten_v to_o adulterer_n fornicator_n etc._n etc._n though_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o blackness_n of_o the_o crime_n the_o punishment_n in_o the_o other_o world_n will_v be_v proportionable_a inference_n 1._o here_o we_o see_v how_o necessary_a solomon_n rule_n be_v prov._n four_o 23_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n the_o heart_n be_v guard_v the_o whole_a man_n be_v safe_a if_o that_o be_v leave_v defenceless_a the_o whole_a man_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o heart_n or_o mind_n sin_n first_o take_v root_n and_o then_o if_o not_o check_v it_o present_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o death_n keep_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o you_o keep_v it_o out_o of_o the_o body_n for_o from_o within_o from_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n covetousness_n etc._n etc._n say_v our_o saviour_n marc._n seven_o 21_o when_o sin_n first_o offer_v itself_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o be_v reject_v as_o soon_o as_o it_o do_v make_v its_o first_o appearance_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v preserve_v we_o can_v hinder_v the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n from_o approach_v or_o assault_v our_o mind_n and_o a_o impure_a thought_n may_v jog_v the_o mind_n but_o if_o the_o mind_n do_v immediate_o oppose_v the_o enemy_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o come_v before_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o house_n its_o force_n be_v break_v and_o disorder_v and_o they_o can_v never_o make_v head_n or_o insinuate_v into_o the_o affection_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o charge_v we_o to_o cleanse_v the_o inside_n of_o the_o dish_n and_o platter_n that_o the_o outside_n may_v be_v clean_o also_o and_o indeed_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o god_n that_o do_v not_o watch_v over_o their_o heart_n and_o resist_v the_o first_o assault_n of_o sin_n and_o though_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o restrain_v the_o outward_a act_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o odiousness_n and_o danger_n may_v be_v call_v part_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a fear_n till_o the_o heart_n come_v to_o detest_v the_o first_o suggestion_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o unlawful_a lust_n this_o be_v particular_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o he_o that_o mean_v to_o get_v the_o mastery_n of_o a_o lascivious_a temptation_n must_v be_v concern_v and_o tremble_v upon_o
not_o in_o the_o usual_a style_n it_o be_v write_v but_o with_o this_o circumscription_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n i._n e._n your_o ancestor_n who_o live_v when_o religion_n be_v low_a and_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n creep_v into_o their_o worship_n and_o devotion_n have_v teach_v you_o that_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o adultery_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n you_o be_v to_o dread_v and_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o with_o this_o partial_a sense_n they_o have_v hand_v down_o to_o you_o this_o command_n of_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whosoever_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v already_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v inquire_v i._o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n speak_v here_o of_o adultery_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o justice_n of_o this_o verdict_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o censure_n that_o whosoever_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n have_v already_o commit_v with_o her_o adultery_n in_o his_o heart_n iii_o whether_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o some_o difference_n betwixt_o adultery_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o outward_a act_n as_o to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n do_v speak_v here_o of_o adultery_n adultery_n proper_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o marriage_n bed_n when_o either_o one_o or_o both_o of_o the_o marry_a party_n commit_v folly_n in_o israel_n either_o with_o a_o person_n marry_v to_o another_o or_o with_o one_o that_o be_v not_o marry_v but_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a which_o we_o render_v adultery_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n and_o signification_n and_o import_v not_o only_a adultery_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n but_o fornication_n too_o which_o be_v either_o a_o single_a person_n be_v join_v to_o a_o common_a harlot_n or_o violate_v the_o chastity_n of_o a_o person_n of_o civil_a education_n and_o indeed_o any_o carnal_a conjunction_n or_o mixture_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n out_o of_o the_o compass_n and_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n so_o in_o all_o probability_n christ_n aim_v far_o and_o mean_n more_o by_o this_o word_n than_o a_o bare_a violation_n of_o the_o marriage_n bed_n not_o only_o because_o he_o intend_v in_o this_o sermon_n to_o give_v we_o a_o perfect_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o because_o the_o jew_n in_o that_o age_n restrain_v not_o only_o the_o law_n against_o adultery_n but_o even_o that_o against_o fornication_n and_o other_o mixture_n and_o carnal_a conjunction_n not_o matrimonial_a whether_o incestuous_a or_o otherwise_o to_o the_o outward_a act_n only_o as_o if_o in_o matter_n of_o uncleanness_n that_o only_o be_v chief_o forbid_v and_o deserve_v god_n anger_n and_o indignation_n and_o the_o consequent_a of_o it_o damnation_n and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n make_v mention_n of_o adultery_n only_o be_v not_o because_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n look_v upon_o single_a fornication_n as_o a_o trifle_a sin_n or_o peccadillo_n no_o the_o pharisees_n though_o bad_a enough_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o to_o allow_v of_o or_o connive_v at_o fornication_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v make_v express_a proviso_n against_o it_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o whore_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v god_n deut._n xxiii_o 17_o thou_o shall_v not_o prostitute_v thy_o daughter_n to_o cause_v she_o to_o be_v a_o whore_n levit._fw-la nineteeen_o 20_o and_o when_o particular_o the_o daughter_n of_o a_o priest_n have_v commit_v whoredom_n she_o be_v to_o be_v burn_v with_o fire_n levit._n xxi_o 9_o moreover_o whoever_o have_v deflower_v a_o virgin_n no_o slave_n no_o foreigner_n but_o one_o of_o the_o stock_n of_o abraham_n whether_o servant_n or_o other_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o marry_v she_o exod._n xxii_o 16_o a_o law_n so_o reasonable_a that_o even_o the_o heathen_n the_o athenian_n transcribe_v it_o into_o their_o pandect_n or_o statute_n book_n and_o when_o the_o father_n of_o the_o maiden_n thus_o vitiate_v will_v not_o consent_v to_o she_o be_v marry_v to_o the_o person_n who_o have_v abuse_v she_o the_o person_n who_o have_v humble_v she_o be_v to_o give_v the_o maiden_n who_o he_o have_v deflower_v a_o dowry_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v actual_o marry_v to_o she_o and_o when_o in_o one_o day_n three_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o fell_a i._n e._n be_v slay_v by_o a_o angel_n the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v for_o fornication_n 1_o cor._n x._o 8_o nay_o if_o a_o virgin_n have_v suffer_v herself_o to_o be_v deflower_v before_o marriage_n and_o the_o crime_n be_v find_v out_o after_o she_o be_v marry_v she_o be_v to_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n deut._n xxii_o 21_o so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n do_v make_v mention_n only_o of_o adultery_n in_o the_o text_n be_v not_o because_o the_o jew_n than_o look_v upon_o fornication_n as_o a_o trivial_a and_o inconsiderable_a fault_n but_o he_o find_v fault_n with_o their_o sinister_a interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n even_o because_o they_o confine_v the_o prohibition_n of_o adultery_n fornication_n incest_n and_o other_o practical_a lewdness_n and_o carnal_a pollution_n to_o the_o outward_a act_n only_o and_o look_v upon_o adulterous_a and_o lewd_a desire_n lust_n passion_n affection_n etc._n etc._n as_o thing_n of_o no_o moment_n and_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v expiate_v by_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o cheap_a devotion_n such_o as_o lustration_n purification_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o come_v in_o christ_n censure_n that_o the_o very_a desire_n in_o the_o heart_n after_o this_o forbid_a fruit_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o outward_a act_n itself_o the_o two_o d._n part_n i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o whosoever_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v already_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o understand_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o censure_n we_o be_v to_o note_v 1._o that_o the_o bare_a look_v on_o a_o woman_n be_v not_o sinful_a for_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v a_o christian_a may_v look_v safe_o on_o a_o woman_n who_o heart_n be_v blind_v or_o harden_v against_o lasciviousness_n the_o bare_a look_n can_v well_o be_v avoid_v it_o be_v one_o end_n for_o which_o our_o sight_n be_v give_v that_o we_o may_v look_v one_o upon_o another_o but_o it_o be_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o look_n that_o be_v forbid_v it_o be_v true_a through_o the_o eye_n the_o poison_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o old_a say_n oculi_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o amore_fw-la deuce_n the_o eye_n be_v the_o guide_n in_o love_n but_o still_o this_o depend_v upon_o a_o man_n choice_n whether_o he_o will_v make_v his_o eye_n window_n to_o let_v in_o wholesome_a or_o infectious_a air._n st._n peter_n speak_v of_o eye_n full_a of_o adultery_n 2_o pet._n two_o 14_o but_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o eye_n that_o be_v first_o corrupt_v by_o the_o will._n where_o a_o christian_a do_v oculum_fw-la metu_fw-la temperare_fw-la temper_n and_o moderate_v and_o curb_v and_o restrain_v his_o eye_n with_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o watchfulness_n he_o may_v look_v upon_o the_o great_a beauty_n without_o danger_n say_v tertul._n and_o therefore_o 2._o it_o be_v add_v whosoever_o look_v after_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o the_o look_v cause_n secret_a lewd_a purpose_n desire_n and_o lust_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n the_o adultery_n or_o fornication_n be_v actual_o commit_v in_o the_o heart_n though_o the_o outward_a act_n be_v and_o may_v be_v impede_v or_o hinder_v by_o circumstance_n and_o occasional_a cause_n which_o fall_v out_o cross_a i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o what_o be_v say_v here_o of_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o chaste_a desire_n of_o person_n lawful_o marry_v one_o after_o another_o for_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a but_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_v heb._n xiii_o 4_o and_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n let_v every_o man_n have_v his_o own_o wife_n and_o every_o woman_n her_o own_o husband_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n seven_o 2_o and_o drink_v water_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o cistern_n and_o run_v water_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o well_o let_v thy_o fountain_n be_v always_o bless_v and_o rejoice_v with_o the_o wife_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o let_v she_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o the_o love_a hind_n and_o as_o the_o pleasant_a roe_n and_o be_v thou_o always_o ravish_v with_o her_o love_n prov._n v._n
sin_n black_a and_o to_o be_v abhor_v by_o all_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o another_o life_n for_o a_o oath_n relate_v to_o god_n whatever_o the_o thing_n be_v that_o be_v name_v in_o it_o the_o change_n of_o the_o name_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n how_o can_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o something_o of_o great_a worth_n than_o these_o excrement_n as_o it_o be_v in_o common_a swear_v so_o it_o be_v with_o other_o sin_n because_o such_o a_o man_n do_v not_o invent_v downright_a lie_n concern_v his_o neighbour_n and_o so_o spread_v they_o abroad_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o do_v not_o hate_v he_o the_o change_n of_o the_o outward_a act_n do_v not_o make_v a_o change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o therefore_o if_o with_o delight_n you_o speak_v evil_a of_o your_o brethren_n though_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o design_o report_v it_o to_o render_v they_o ridiculous_a or_o contemptible_a or_o do_v they_o no_o good_a when_o their_o necessity_n require_v it_o or_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o power_n of_o your_o hand_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o baseness_n and_o unkindness_n still_o whatever_o alteration_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o vent_v it_o so_o you_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o intemperance_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v more_o than_o nature_n require_v or_o become_v a_o modest_a person_n though_o you_o be_v not_o drink_v and_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o luxury_n by_o a_o constant_a indulge_v your_o fancy_n appetite_n and_o love_n to_o the_o world_n to_o the_o tickle_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o flesh_n though_o with_o dives_n you_o be_v not_o every_o day_n clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fare_v delicious_o every_o day_n and_o guilty_a of_o revenge_n by_o word_n and_o thought_n though_o you_o do_v not_o break_v down_o your_o neighbour_n hedge_n nor_o assault_v he_o when_o you_o meet_v he_o with_o a_o sword_n and_o guilty_a of_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n by_o continuance_n in_o know_a sin_n though_o with_o some_o of_o the_o corinthian_n you_o do_v not_o come_v disguise_v and_o disorder_v to_o this_o feast_n and_o guilty_a of_o covetousness_n by_o be_v greedy_a and_o anxious_a after_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n though_o you_o be_v not_o quite_o so_o sordid_a as_o some_o old_a usurer_n and_o of_o fornication_n by_o your_o lustful_a desire_n and_o concupiscence_n though_o you_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o outward_a act_n where_o a_o sin_n have_v several_a branch_n shoot_v out_o of_o its_o trunk_n there_o a_o man_n repent_v not_o till_o all_o those_o dangerous_a bough_n be_v lop_v of_o nay_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o very_a root_n of_o the_o evil_a tree_n and_o to_o the_o sinful_a inclination_n ii_o we_o see_v here_o how_o want_v of_o consideration_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o man_n see_v not_o or_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v want_n of_o think_v that_o make_v the_o man_n against_o who_o my_o text_n be_v level_v fancy_n there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o their_o swear_v by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o by_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o a_o little_a serious_a ponder_v of_o the_o thing_n will_v have_v make_v they_o know_v that_o all_o the_o while_o they_o swear_v by_o and_o consequent_o abuse_v that_o god_n in_o their_o common_a discourse_n to_o who_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v peculiar_a relation_n there_o be_v abundance_n of_o sin_n swallow_v without_o chew_v which_o be_v they_o lay_v open_a in_o their_o native_a colour_n will_v appear_v big_a enough_o to_o choke_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v find_v morsel_n which_o have_v death_n and_o eternal_a misery_n in_o they_o more_o dangerous_a than_o the_o wild_a herb_n in_o the_o pot_n in_o the_o time_n of_o elisha_n go_v to_o stage-plays_a as_o they_o be_v order_v and_o manage_v in_o this_o corrupt_a age_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o harmless_a recreation_n at_o the_o worst_a but_o a_o tolerable_a infirmity_n but_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n that_o by_o our_o presence_n we_o encourage_v a_o unlawful_a call_n that_o by_o go_v we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o very_o dangerous_a temptation_n which_o in_o stead_n of_o run_v into_o we_o shall_v flee_v and_o shun_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o laugh_v at_o that_o profaneness_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o weep_v that_o hereby_o we_o harden_v other_o in_o their_o impiety_n and_o give_v scandal_n to_o weak_a christian_n that_o these_o theatrical_a show_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o very_a design_n of_o christianity_n which_o command_v we_o not_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o world_n and_o require_v that_o filthiness_n and_o foolish_a talk_n and_o jest_v shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o we_o eph._n v._n 3_o 4._o and_o bid_v we_o to_o be_v grave_a and_o modest_a and_o serious_a and_o shun_v the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil_a that_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o vow_n in_o baptism_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o mortify_v lightness_n of_o behaviour_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o frothy_a and_o unsavoury_a discourse_n and_o allow_v no_o delight_n in_o sinful_a sight_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v serious_o consider_v in_o stead_n of_o allure_a these_o play_n will_v fright_v instead_o of_o entice_a they_o will_v discourage_v we_o from_o ever_o behold_v such_o show_n where_o god_n be_v so_o often_o affront_v and_o religion_n deride_v and_o virtue_n ridicule_v and_o gravity_n laugh_v at_o and_o modesty_n look_v upon_o to_o be_v a_o beggarly_a qualification_n and_o vice_n represent_v in_o amiable_a colour_n neglect_v of_o daily_a self-examination_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o inconsiderable_a fault_n but_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o by_o this_o neglect_n our_o sin_n and_o defect_n remain_v unknown_a to_o we_o our_o virtue_n thrive_v not_o our_o grace_n grow_v not_o and_o blindness_n seize_v upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v omit_v and_o the_o soul_n sink_v into_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o content_v herself_o with_o show_n and_o shadow_n of_o devotion_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v consider_v the_o neglect_n will_v appear_v more_o heinous_a i_o instance_n only_o in_o these_o particular_n but_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o notion_n to_o other_o particular_a sin_n and_o neglect_v you_o find_v yourselves_o prone_a to_o and_o in_o do_v so_o you_o will_v see_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o shune_v many_o thing_n which_o now_o you_o pass_v by_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o of_o restrain_v yourselves_o in_o that_o in_o which_o now_o you_o allow_v yourselves_o very_o great_a liberty_n in_o a_o word_n most_o sin_n appear_v little_a till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o view_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o concomitant_a and_o consequent_a danger_n which_o attend_v they_o not_o that_o i_o will_v have_v any_o one_o think_v himself_o into_o despair_n or_o make_v every_o molehill_n a_o mountain_n but_o i_o will_v entreat_v you_o so_o to_o consider_v your_o suspicious_a word_n and_o action_n and_o desire_n that_o you_o may_v get_v just_a apprehension_n of_o your_o fault_n and_o become_v more_o conformable_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n iii_o we_o see_v here_o since_o heaven_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n with_o what_o reverence_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n where_o god_n be_v seat_v as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o chair_n of_o state_n the_o phrase_n christ_n make_v use_v of_o be_v borrow_a from_o es._n lxvi_o 1_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n the_o earth_n be_v my_o footstool_n which_o import_v no_o confinement_n of_o god_n to_o a_o certain_a place_n but_o be_v only_o a_o metaphorical_a expression_n take_v from_o great_a and_o mighty_a prince_n and_o potentate_n who_o appear_v in_o majesty_n when_o sit_v on_o their_o throne_n with_o a_o footstool_n under_o they_o so_o that_o all_o these_o say_n express_v only_a god_n infinite_a greatness_n and_o excellency_n above_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o heaven_n god_n give_v the_o most_o visible_a and_o most_o conspicuous_a sign_n and_o mark_n of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n and_o love_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o throne_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o lesser_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n here_o on_o earth_n it_o be_v call_v his_o footstool_n because_o there_o be_v less_o art_n bestow_v on_o that_o than_o on_o the_o throne_n with_o what_o
god_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n how_o can_v you_o profess_v sorrow_n for_o this_o sin_n when_o you_o fall_v wilful_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o do_v you_o call_v a_o mock-repentance_n godly_a sorrow_n or_o do_v you_o take_v that_o to_o be_v repentance_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o actual_a reformation_n ecclesiastical_a history_n tell_v we_o of_o two_o bishop_n that_o fall_v out_o and_o proceed_v even_o to_o revile_v language_n and_o so_o part_v towards_o night_n one_o of_o they_o send_v the_o other_o word_n brother_n the_o sun_n be_v go_v down_o with_o that_o the_o angry_a man_n remember_v st._n paul_n saying_n let_v not_o the_o sun_n go_v down_o upon_o your_o wrath_n and_o make_v haste_n and_o find_v out_o his_o offend_a brother_n and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o the_o pythagorean_n though_o heathen_n do_v the_o like_a for_o if_o they_o have_v quarrel_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o day_n time_n they_o will_v not_o go_v angry_a to_o bed_n but_o shake_v hand_n before_o sunset_n do_v heathen_n do_v so_o and_o shall_v christian_n be_v stranger_n to_o this_o practice_n flatter_v not_o yourselves_o with_o this_o that_o you_o kill_v no_o body_n in_o your_o anger_n so_o do_v the_o pharisee_n but_o must_v you_o therefore_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n because_o you_o do_v not_o run_v stark_o mad_a do_v you_o own_v yourselves_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o will_v not_o you_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o text_n have_v he_o peremptory_o forbid_v you_o all_o bitterness_n and_o wrath_n and_o speak_v evil_a one_o of_o another_o and_o will_v not_o you_o obey_v he_o do_v he_o assure_v you_o that_o it_o render_v you_o obnoxious_a to_o hell-fire_n and_o do_v not_o you_o think_v what_o if_o i_o shall_v fall_v into_o that_o fire_n in_o my_o anger_n be_v you_o sure_a you_o shall_v not_o have_v god_n tell_v you_o that_o he_o will_v not_o strike_v you_o dead_a in_o a_o fit_a do_v not_o you_o express_v all_o that_o be_v terrible_a by_o hell-fire_n and_o be_v not_o the_o possibility_n of_o fall_v into_o it_o a_o sufficient_a defence_n against_o this_o inordinate_a passion_n do_v you_o hope_v for_o christ_n reward_n and_o will_v you_o deprive_v yourselves_o of_o they_o by_o your_o wilful_a disobedience_n do_v you_o go_v about_o mortify_v that_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n like_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n how_o can_v you_o fail_v of_o success_n do_v you_o pray_v fervent_o against_o it_o watch_n against_o it_o chide_v yourselves_o frequent_o for_o it_o shun_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o check_v it_o when_o you_o find_v it_o rise_v set_v before_o you_o the_o danger_n and_o believe_v it_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o meekness_n of_o your_o great_a master_n and_o the_o wonderful_a patience_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n in_o their_o private_a injury_n how_o can_v your_o undertake_n miscarry_v do_v anger_n according_a to_o solomon_n verdict_n rest_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o fool_n and_o do_v you_o take_v yourselves_o to_o be_v wise_a man_n for_o it_o o_o be_v better_o advise_v and_o if_o the_o mercy_n the_o patience_n the_o clemency_n the_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o you_o can_v melt_v down_o your_o angry_a your_o wrathful_a constitution_n stand_v in_o awe_n however_o of_o your_o ruin_n of_o your_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o remember_v who_o it_o be_v that_o say_v and_o protest_v and_o will_v act_n according_a to_o his_o protestation_n whosoever_o shall_v be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xxiii_o st._n matt._n ch._n v_o ver._n 23_o 24._o therefore_o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n do_v not_o expire_v with_o that_o sect_n though_o the_o world_n a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v christian_n yet_o abundance_n of_o we_o not_o only_a papist_n but_o protestant_n too_o be_v mere_a pharisees_n still_o i_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o piece_n of_o religion_n viz._n bribe_v god_n as_o it_o be_v with_o devotion_n or_o some_o external_a service_n in_o hope_n he_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o enjoy_v those_o lust_n and_o sinful_a desire_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o quit_v and_o part_n with_o this_o be_v pure_a pharisaism_n to_o think_v or_o to_o hope_n that_o a_o sacrifice_n will_v atone_v for_o the_o pride_n we_o cherish_v that_o a_o fast_o will_v expiate_v the_o ill_a nature_n we_o indulge_v that_o give_v alm_n will_v satisfy_v for_o the_o malice_n we_o harbour_v that_o such_o a_o number_n of_o prayer_n will_v cover_v the_o secret_a grudge_n we_o entertain_v or_o that_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n will_v oblige_v god_n to_o connive_v at_o our_o unwillingness_n to_o pardon_v injury_n this_o be_v to_o make_v our_o duty_n a_o shelter_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o some_o soft_a and_o easy_a deity_n who_o so_o he_o be_v honour_v in_o one_o thing_n be_v content_v to_o be_v dishonour_v in_o another_o and_o so_o he_o have_v but_o a_o pepper-corn_n or_o some_o small_a rent_n of_o respect_n pay_v he_o gives_z man_n leave_v to_o prosecute_v their_o evil_a inclination_n as_o they_o please_v this_o vulgar_a error_n christ_n confute_v in_o the_o text_n and_o whereas_o the_o pharisee_n think_v that_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n inflict_v no_o external_a punishment_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n particular_o rancour_n hatred_n malice_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o forgive_v or_o to_o be_v reconcile_v may_v be_v expiate_v by_o gift_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o consequent_o require_v no_o reformation_n since_o god_n will_v pass_v they_o by_o if_o a_o gift_n though_o never_o so_o small_a be_v bring_v and_o by_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o offerer_n lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n christ_n to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o that_o conceit_n assure_v they_o and_o we_o that_o god_n be_v please_v more_o with_o mercy_n than_o with_o sacrifice_n with_o pardon_v injury_n more_o than_o with_o gift_n and_o with_o real_a charity_n more_o than_o with_o the_o costly_a oblation_n therefore_o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o word_n will_v appear_v in_o this_o follow_a proposition_n if_o we_o have_v give_v just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o our_o fellow_n christian_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o devotion_n though_o never_o so_o costly_a whether_o public_a or_o private_a till_o we_o be_v reconcile_v or_o have_v reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o our_o offend_a neighbour_n i_o say_v if_o we_o have_v give_v just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n for_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o great_a master_n here_o when_o he_o say_v if_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o other_o man_n pick_v quarrel_n with_o we_o or_o bear_v a_o spleen_n or_o hatred_n to_o we_o without_o a_o just_a cause_n for_o so_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o best_a man_n have_v be_v use_v in_o all_o age_n but_o if_o our_o brother_n or_o fellow_n christian_n have_v aught_o against_o we_o that_o he_o can_v just_o charge_v we_o with_o as_o a_o offence_n give_v to_o he_o in_o that_o case_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v of_o it_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o very_a altar_n of_o god_n house_n our_o devotion_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o have_v it_o accept_v must_v be_v forbear_v or_o it_o be_v offer_v in_o vain_a till_o a_o reconciliation_n be_v seek_v or_o make_v i_o apply_v what_o be_v say_v here_o of_o bring_v our_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n to_o any_o devotion_n whether_o it_o be_v prayer_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n or_o consecrate_v part_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o good_n to_o god_n service_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o christ_n in_o say_v so_o allude_v to_o the_o practice_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n offer_v their_o gift_n their_o sheep_n their_o turtle_n their_o pigeon_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o altar_n the_o holy_a place_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n yet_o since_o by_o bring_v a_o thing_n or_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n be_v some_o time_n mean_v divine_a worship_n in_o general_n as_o malach._n two_o 13_o psal._n xxvi_o 6_o the_o
suppose_v go_v into_o another_o country_n and_o take_v no_o far_o care_n of_o she_o but_o leave_v she_o to_o shift_v for_o herself_o in_o that_o case_n say_v st._n paul_n a_o brother_n or_o a_o sister_n be_v not_o under_o bondage_n i._n e._n as_o very_o many_o interpreter_n explain_v it_o she_o be_v not_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o continue_v unmarried_a or_o she_o may_v marry_v again_o upon_o this_o say_n of_o st._n paul_n it_o be_v that_o the_o helvetian_a divine_n ground_v their_o verdict_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o marquis_n galeacie_n caraccioli_n who_o they_o advise_v to_o marry_v again_o when_o his_o wife_n have_v desert_v he_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o will_v not_o return_v to_o he_o after_o frequent_a entreaty_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o its_o possible_a this_o conclusion_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v give_v occasion_n to_o constantine_n to_o enact_v a_o law_n that_o if_o a_o woman_n after_o her_o husband_n be_v go_v from_o she_o do_v not_o hear_v of_o he_o in_o four_o year_n she_o may_v marry_v again_o to_o which_o purpose_n we_o have_v a_o law_n of_o our_o own_o 1_o jac._n i._n that_o if_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v go_v beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o one_o do_v not_o hear_v from_o the_o other_o in_o seven_o year_n it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o party_n that_o hear_v nothing_o of_o the_o other_o to_o proceed_v to_o another_o marriage_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o urge_v this_o case_n of_o desertion_n be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o woman_n desert_v by_o her_o husband_n or_o for_o a_o man_n desert_v by_o his_o wife_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n though_o there_o be_v no_o adultery_n in_o the_o case_n to_o marry_v again_o much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o person_n who_o part_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o adultery_n and_o be_v lawful_o divorce_v at_o least_o for_o the_o innocent_a party_n to_o marry_v again_o because_o desertion_n be_v a_o less_o crime_n than_o adultery_n though_o hermes_n a_o ancient_a writer_n say_v that_o desertion_n be_v equal_a to_o adultery_n yet_o whatever_o likeness_n there_o may_v be_v there_o appear_v great_a guilt_n in_o adultery_n than_o in_o the_o other_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n be_v more_o direct_o break_v in_o this_o than_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v true_a the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o if_o person_n be_v divorce_v after_o adultery_n the_o respective_a party_n be_v oblige_v to_o enter_v into_o bond_n before_o they_o be_v actual_o divorce_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o shall_v marry_v again_o while_o the_o other_o life_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o our_o church_n fear_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o divorce_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o collusion_n that_o may_v be_v betwixt_o the_o two_o party_n who_o may_v be_v alike_o weary_a one_o of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o a_o gap_n may_v be_v open_v to_o great_a licentiousness_n so_o that_o i_o suppose_v our_o church_n will_v not_o be_v against_o the_o innocent_a party_n marry_v again_o if_o such_o evil_n may_v be_v easy_o prevent_v 3._o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v about_o the_o party_n guilty_a of_o adultery_n and_o who_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o divorce_n whether_o they_o may_v marry_v again_o and_o here_o if_o the_o same_o law_n be_v in_o use_n among_o we_o which_o moses_n give_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o adulterer_n or_o the_o adulteress_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n or_o stone_v and_o be_v that_o law_n due_o execute_v by_o the_o magistrate_n there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o such_o question_n as_o these_o however_o the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o adultery_n as_o we_o prove_v before_o we_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a even_o for_o the_o guilty_a after_o a_o lawful_a divorce_n to_o marry_v again_o the_o notion_n of_o divorce_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o we_o do_v not_o find_v our_o saviour_n reverse_n import_v so_o much_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n which_o may_v make_v it_o lawful_a but_o then_o 1_o st_z as_o the_o divorce_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o approbation_n or_o consent_v of_o our_o superior_n and_o governor_n whether_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a so_o if_o a_o divorce_n be_v obtain_v and_o make_v the_o guilty_a ought_v not_o to_o marry_v again_o till_o he_o show_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o the_o same_o governor_n which_o may_v make_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v very_o partial_a in_o their_o own_o cause_n 2_o lie_n before_o leave_v or_o permission_n be_v give_v he_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v by_o those_o to_o who_o that_o part_n belong_v to_o a_o deep_a humiliation_n for_o his_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o that_o humiliation_n and_o change_v of_o life_n and_o exemplary_a conversation_n ought_v first_o to_o appear_v and_o by_o long_a practice_n become_v habitual_a before_o permission_n be_v give_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v scandalize_v may_v receive_v some_o satisfaction_n 3_o lie_n the_o guilty_a party_n if_o he_o will_v act_v conscientious_o before_o he_o ever_o think_v of_o marry_v again_o ought_v 1._o earnest_o to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v a_o divorce_n by_o reconcile_n himself_o to_o the_o innocent_a by_o ask_v pardon_n of_o the_o party_n wrong_v and_o by_o sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a promise_n of_o a_o future_a steady_a and_o invincible_a chastity_n 2._o if_o the_o innocent_a party_n for_o weighty_a reason_n sue_v out_o a_o divorce_n and_o obtain_v it_o the_o guilty_a aught_o by_o mortification_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o humble_a penitent_a life_n labour_n after_o the_o gift_n of_o continence_n and_o spare_v no_o cost_n no_o hardship_n to_o attain_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o punish_v himself_o for_o his_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v but_o 3._o if_o after_o all_o convenient_a way_n and_o method_n and_o trial_n use_v he_o can_v arrive_v to_o it_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a case_n that_o may_v make_v his_o marry_v again_o lawful_a according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v better_a to_o marry_v than_o to_o burn_v 1_o cor._n seven_o 9_o vii_o how_o he_o that_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n cause_v she_o to_o commit_v adultery_n 1._o we_o must_v note_v that_o christ_n here_o speak_v of_o a_o man_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n though_o she_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n for_o slight_a and_o frivolous_a cause_n as_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o woman_n thus_o put_v away_o shall_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o marry_v another_o man_n the_o husband_n that_o put_v she_o away_o without_o sufficient_a cause_n unjust_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o her_o commit_a adultery_n for_o as_o she_o can_v not_o by_o right_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v put_v away_o for_o such_o cause_n so_o these_o cause_n for_o which_o she_o be_v put_v away_o do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o contract_n or_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n and_o consequent_o by_o right_a she_o be_v still_o the_o man_n wife_n who_o put_v she_o away_o and_o therefore_o if_o through_o strong_a and_o surprise_v temptation_n she_o shall_v consent_v to_o marry_v another_o man_n he_o that_o dismiss_v she_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o cause_n of_o that_o evil._n 2._o if_o a_o person_n thus_o unjust_o put_v away_o shall_v not_o marry_v afterward_o but_o be_v tempt_v to_o prostitute_v herself_o all_o the_o evil_a she_o do_v and_o the_o adultery_n she_o upon_o this_o dismission_n prove_v guilty_a of_o will_n a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o person_n that_o in_o a_o humour_n put_v she_o away_o it_o be_v here_o as_o with_o a_o person_n who_o shall_v set_v or_o place_v another_o upon_o the_o brow_n of_o a_o hill_n in_o a_o dark_a night_n though_o he_o do_v not_o push_v or_o thrust_v he_o down_o yet_o if_o he_o tumble_v and_o break_v his_o neck_n the_o party_n that_o place_v he_o there_o may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o ruin_n because_o he_o expose_v he_o to_o apparent_a danger_n as_o much_o as_o david_n be_v guilty_a of_o murder_a vriah_n by_o order_v the_o general_n of_o his_o army_n to_o set_v he_o in_o the_o front_n of_o the_o battle_n where_o without_o a_o miracle_n he_o can_v not_o escape_v be_v kill_v even_o so_o here_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n follower_n or_o to_o christian_n if_o a_o christian_a put_v away_o his_o wife_n for_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a cause_n than_o adultery_n he_o expose_v she_o to_o great_a temptation_n and_o if_o through_o the_o devil_n temptation_n she_o fall_v into_o fornication_n and_o adultery_n himself_o
we_o see_v have_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o break_v all_o those_o engagement_n beside_o in_o these_o unequal_a yoaking_n there_o can_v be_v that_o sweet_a that_o mutual_a encouragement_n to_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o other_o act_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v betwixt_o such_o relation_n and_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o admonish_v one_o another_o to_o serve_v god_n faithful_o in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o passion_n or_o pass_v censure_n one_o upon_o another_o yet_o the_o thought_n that_o one_o of_o they_o worship_v god_n in_o a_o forbid_a way_n will_v still_o be_v a_o impediment_n to_o this_o faithful_a and_o conscientious_a exhort_v one_o another_o due_o and_o therefore_o though_o i_o can_v say_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o marry_v a_o person_n of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o inconvenience_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o who_o due_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v they_o before_o he_o enter_v upon_o that_o state_n will_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o arm_v himself_o against_o all_o such_o dangerous_a mixture_n and_o conjunction_n iii_o there_o be_v nothing_o cause_v these_o desire_n of_o divorcement_n more_o than_o unhappy_a and_o unfortunate_a match_n and_o as_o such_o match_n be_v too_o often_o the_o effect_n either_o of_o rashness_n and_o precipitation_n or_o want_v of_o inquire_v into_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o make_v this_o near_a relation_n or_o of_o covetousness_n and_o greediness_n after_o fortune_n and_o riches_n and_o money_n or_o of_o nelect_v the_o advice_n of_o parent_n and_o faithful_a friend_n or_o of_o a_o precede_a vain_a and_o vicious_a life_n which_o be_v punish_v very_o often_o with_o such_o uncomfortable_a conjunction_n so_o where_o the_o marry_a state_n be_v embitter_v with_o many_o sad_a ingredient_n to_o prevent_v all_o such_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o divorcement_n these_o follow_a consideration_n and_o remedy_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a 1._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o your_o marry_a state_n be_v full_a of_o grievous_a trouble_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o it_o need_v not_o hinder_v you_o from_o attain_v everlasting_a salvation_n it_o be_v true_a people_n may_v make_v any_o state_n and_o condition_n a_o impediment_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o it_o nay_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o trouble_n in_o a_o marry_a state_n natural_o direct_v you_o to_o seek_v a_o better_a country_n and_o if_o you_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o enjoy_v god_n for_o ever_o notwithstanding_o the_o evil_n which_o befall_v you_o you_o have_v reason_n still_o to_o praise_n and_o adore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o since_o your_o marry_a state_n afford_v so_o little_a comfort_n to_o labour_v hard_a to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o everlasting_a consolation_n 2._o let_v another_o consideration_n be_v add_v to_o this_o that_o as_o miserable_a as_o your_o marry_a condition_n be_v this_o happen_v not_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v without_o a_o very_a special_a providence_n god_n either_o order_n it_o or_o wise_o permit_v it_o correct_v you_o for_o great_a purpose_n and_o chastise_n you_o to_o let_v you_o see_v your_o affection_n have_v be_v misplace_v and_o must_v be_v set_v upon_o object_n and_o being_n more_o sublime_a more_o adequate_a more_o commensurate_a to_o your_o immortal_a soul_n god_n and_o heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n unseen_a 3._o under_o such_o a_o providence_n the_o soul_n must_v learn_v to_o be_v humble_a to_o look_v upon_o her_o sin_n as_o meritorious_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o uncomfortable_a state_n and_o accuse_v her_o carnal_a worldly_a and_o sensual_a desire_n and_o design_n as_o the_o procurer_n of_o this_o misery_n and_o improve_v the_o dispensation_n into_o repentance_n and_o self-examination_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o spiritual_a devotion_n and_o aspiration_n and_o breathe_n after_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o noble_a nature_n 4._o in_o this_o case_n the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n must_v be_v adore_v to_o supply_v you_o with_o grace_n and_o assistance_n suitable_a that_o you_o may_v cheerful_o bear_v the_o injury_n indignity_n and_o cross_n that_o befall_v you_o in_o that_o state_n and_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o your_o prayer_n if_o strong_a and_o importunate_a will_v draw_v honey_n from_o the_o rock_n and_o oil_n from_o the_o flint_n and_o blessing_n of_o great_a value_n from_o he_o who_o have_v declare_v himself_o a_o god_n that_o hear_v prayer_n 5._o another_o consideration_n will_v be_v very_o profitable_a that_o god_n by_o such_o cross_n in_o a_o marry_a state_n teach_v you_o patience_n at_o home_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o practice_v it_o abroad_o thus_o the_o philosopher_n say_v of_o his_o angry_a and_o unquiet_a yokefellow_n that_o he_o find_v his_o silence_n under_o the_o effect_n of_o her_o rage_n and_o unquiet_a spirit_n when_o he_o be_v at_o home_n prove_v very_o salutary_a and_o beneficial_a to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o company_n abroad_o for_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o bridle_v his_o passion_n when_o he_o be_v provoke_v or_o affront_v in_o public_a and_o st._n chrysostome_n have_v this_o observation_n upon_o it_o it_o grieve_v i_o that_o heathen_n be_v wise_a than_o we_o who_o be_v to_o imitate_v angel_n nay_o god_n himself_o in_o meekness_n and_o patience_n indeed_o we_o can_v imitate_v a_o more_o excellent_a pattern_n he_o that_o be_v best_a able_a to_o revenge_n himself_o upon_o the_o insolent_a wretch_n that_o affront_v he_o suffer_v most_o be_v patient_a therefore_o unto_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n behold_v the_o husbandman_n wait_v for_o the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v long_a patience_n for_o it_o until_o he_o receive_v the_o early_a and_o latter_a rain_n be_v you_o also_o patient_a establish_v your_o heart_n for_o the_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n draw_v nigh_o jam._n v._n 7_o 8._o sermon_n xxviii_o st._n matth._n ch._n v._o ver._n 33._o again_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n we_o have_v levit._n nineteeen_o 12_o but_o the_o word_n themselves_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o paraphrase_n of_o the_o ancient_a exposition_n of_o the_o law_n among_o the_o jew_n upon_o that_o law_n in_o leviticus_n where_o it_o be_v you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o neither_o shall_v thou_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o thy_o god_n which_o word_n those_o ancient_a interpreter_n express_v its_o like_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n aim_v at_o in_o these_o word_n again_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n and_o most_o certain_o he_o that_o forswear_v himself_o swear_v false_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n his_o oath_n or_o perform_v not_o what_o he_o have_v swear_v and_o promise_v to_o god_n and_o man_n profane_v his_o name_n with_o a_o witness_n or_o possible_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n against_o swear_v be_v contract_v by_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o old_a time_n into_o this_o axiom_n or_o sentence_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o etc._n etc._n or_o these_o word_n be_v a_o comment_n make_v by_o the_o ancestor_n of_o the_o jew_n upon_o the_o three_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a or_o they_o relate_v to_o numb_a thirty_o 2_o however_o it_o be_v or_o whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o say_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o they_o speak_v conformable_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o these_o word_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o divine_a precept_n and_o obligatory_a for_o ever_o as_o much_o as_o a_o command_n in_o the_o decalogue_n and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v so_o by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o ancient_a of_o day_n have_v say_v over_o and_o over_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o discourse_v of_o this_o subject_a profitable_o i_o shall_v inquire_v i._n what_o a_o oath_n or_o take_v a_o oath_n or_o what_o swear_v be_v ii_o whether_o a_o oath_n or_o swear_v even_o in_o a_o modest_a serious_a judicial_a way_n be_v lawful_a iii_o why_o forswear_n ourselves_o or_o perjury_n or_o not_o perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o oath_n be_v forbid_v and_o wherein_o the_o virulency_n or_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n consist_v iu._n what_o the_o ceremony_n
except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o ps._n cxxvii_o 1_o 2._o how_o much_o more_o must_v this_o hold_v in_o spiritual_n and_o therefore_o christian_n since_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o do_v wait_v upon_o that_o god_n that_o give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n behold_v the_o rock_n from_o which_o thy_o water_n of_o life_n must_v flow_v thy_o faith_n be_v weak_a go_v to_o he_o and_o he_o will_v make_v it_o mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n thy_o hope_n be_v faint_a run_v to_o he_o and_o he_o will_v give_v it_o life_n and_o spirit_n thy_o love_n want_v fire_n address_v thyself_o to_o he_o and_o he_o will_v inflame_v it_o thy_o charity_n languish_v apply_v thyself_o to_o he_o and_o he_o will_v breathe_v vigour_n and_o activity_n into_o it_o thy_o resistance_n of_o temptation_n be_v feeble_a follow_v he_o with_o fervent_a tear_n and_o prayer_n and_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o bold_a as_o a_o lyon_n happy_a that_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o her_o weakness_n this_o sense_n will_v make_v she_o breathe_v and_o pant_v after_o the_o live_a god_n when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a say_v st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n twelve_o 10_o i_o e._n when_o i_o be_o most_o sensible_a of_o my_o weakness_n god_n follow_v and_o bless_v i_o with_o great_a strength_n god_n love_v to_o manifest_v his_o power_n in_o our_o weakness_n and_o the_o weak_a we_o be_v i_o mean_v so_o as_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o motive_n to_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o fit_a we_o be_v for_o god_n fortify_v grace_n for_o you_o see_v your_o call_a brethren_n god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n i_o 26_o 27_o 28._o hence_o arise_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o that_o joyful_a acknowledgement_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o all_o good_a man_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o every_o true_a believer_n find_v this_o by_o experience_n and_o joyful_o sing_v with_o the_o royal_a prophet_n as_o it_o be_v psal._n lxxxiv_o 11_o 12._o the_o lord_n god_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n the_o lord_n will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o no_o good_a thing_n will_v be_v withhold_v from_o those_o that_o walk_v upright_o bless_a be_v god_n who_o be_v both_o ready_a and_o willing_a and_o have_v promise_v over_o and_o over_o to_o give_v his_o enlighten_v strengthen_v sanctify_a comfort_a and_o assist_v grace_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a soul_n that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n for_o this_o cause_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v for_o the_o colossian_n col._n i._n 9_o 10_o 11._o we_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o all_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n strengthen_v with_o all_o may_v according_a to_o his_o glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o patience_n with_o joyfulness_n sermon_n xxx_o st._n matth._n ch._n v._o ver._n 37._o but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a christ_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n declare_v all_o swear_v except_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o very_a great_a necessity_n and_o weight_n and_o moment_n altogether_o unlawful_a and_o utter_o condemn_v not_o only_o swear_v by_o the_o supreme_a be_v in_o common_a discourse_n but_o particular_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n as_o a_o thing_n horrid_a and_o dreadful_a and_o not_o to_o be_v suffer_v among_o his_o disciple_n he_o proceed_v and_o let_v we_o see_v what_o decency_n modesty_n sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o our_o communication_n and_o speech_n such_o especial_o as_o relate_v to_o promise_n and_o bargain_n and_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o whereas_o man_n may_v object_v that_o they_o have_v use_v themselves_o to_o swear_v in_o their_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o leave_v it_o he_o pass_v by_o that_o objection_n as_o frivolous_a and_o childish_a and_o silly_a and_o not_o worth_a take_v notice_n of_o suppose_v that_o he_o who_o have_v learn_v a_o evil_a custom_n if_o he_o will_v use_v the_o proper_a mean_n may_v unlearn_v it_o again_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a will_n most_o hearty_o abandon_v it_o if_o he_o be_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o serious_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o another_o life_n and_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n take_v no_o notice_n i_o say_v of_o this_o common_a objection_n he_o peremptory_o declare_v what_o he_o expect_v of_o his_o follower_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o discourse_n speech_n answer_n and_o communication_n and_o colloquy_n with_o their_o fellow_n christian_n but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a where_o we_o have_v first_o a_o precept_n second_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o precept_n but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o the_o reason_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a we_o begin_v with_o the_o precept_n and_o that_o import_v three_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o speech_n and_o discourse_n constancy_n veracity_n and_o plainness_n 1._o constancy_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o say_v and_o unsay_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o find_v the_o expression_n use_v by_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n i_o 17_o when_o i_o therefore_o be_v thus_o mind_v do_v i_o use_v lightness_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o purpose_n do_v i_o purpose_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o with_o i_o there_o shall_v be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o i._n e._n yea_o and_o nay_o lightness_n fickleness_n inconstancy_n and_o unsteddiness_n in_o promise_n say_v one_o thing_n this_o hour_n and_o another_o the_o next_o 2._o veracity_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v and_o in_o this_o place_n also_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n use_v this_o phrase_n 2_o cor._n i_o 20_o for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o we_o i_o e._n they_o be_v firm_a immovable_a not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o falsehood_n mingle_v with_o they_o and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v soon_o sink_v and_o be_v dissolve_v than_o these_o promise_n shall_v fail_v 3._o plainness_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o oath_n and_o strong_a asseveration_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n direct_o aim_v at_o by_o our_o saviour_n here_o and_o have_v respect_n chief_o to_o our_o promise_n to_o man_n and_o import_v that_o we_o be_v to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o bare_a negative_n and_o affirmative_n and_o such_o affirmation_n and_o negation_n that_o people_n may_v depend_v upon_o they_o as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o have_v confirm_v they_o with_o a_o oath_n not_o but_o that_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v weighty_a and_o of_o great_a moment_n some_o asseveration_n may_v be_v add_v such_o as_o very_o amen_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o as_o we_o see_v christ_n himself_o do_v in_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v but_o in_o ordinary_a affair_n or_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o business_n call_v and_o employment_n bargain_n and_o negotiation_n in_o all_o discourse_n and_o speech_n and_o promise_v of_o this_o nature_n not_o only_o great_a veracity_n but_o bare_a affirmation_n and_o negation_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o become_v we_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o profess_v ourselves_o follower_n of_o the_o best_a of_o master_n so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v here_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o in_o our_o answer_n and_o discourse_n we_o must_v use_v no_o word_n whatsoever_o but_o only_a yea_o and_o nay_o according_a as_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v ask_v we_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n practice_n and_o the_o apostle_n example_n which_o be_v the_o best_a comment_n on_o the_o text._n no_o doubt_v we_o may_v discourse_n with_o our_o neighbour_n as_o long_o as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o say_v as_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o purpose_n but_o 1._o the_o general_a intent_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o to_o avoid_v great_a sin_n we_o be_v to_o shun_v the_o lesser_a to_o avoid_v swear_v in_o discourse_n we_o must_v