decree_n of_o almighty_a god_n 2._o consider_v this_o belief_n clear_o take_v away_o a_o man_n conscience_n for_o why_o shall_v man_n strive_v to_o hinder_v sin_n or_o make_v conscience_n of_o what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o be_v persuade_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v lie_v upon_o they_o and_o why_o shall_v a_o man_n weep_v and_o mourn_v for_o that_o evil_n for_o which_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n he_o do_v commit_v it_o as_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v when_o a_o man_n sin_n be_v his_o destiny_n and_o not_o any_o thing_n in_o himself_o the_o cause_n thereof_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o sin_n be_v not_o at_o all_o we_o but_o of_o destiny_n or_o upon_o a_o inevitable_a decree_n than_o all_o our_o tear_n and_o repentance_n be_v spend_v in_o vain_a and_o when_o once_o this_o principle_n be_v thorough_o entertain_v religion_n can_v long_o continue_v therefore_o how_o cautious_a shall_v we_o be_v of_o harbour_v such_o principle_n much_o better_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o the_o only_a cause_n and_o instrument_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v always_o afraid_a lest_o god_n just_a punishment_n shall_v unavoidable_o overtake_v our_o evil_a action_n and_o in_o this_o moderate_a sense_n fear_n make_v a_o man_n apprehensive_a of_o a_o deity_n always_o unwilling_a to_o offend_v he_o and_o ever_o careful_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n which_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n will_v lead_v a_o man_n to_o destroy_v 3._o it_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v fatal_a can_v be_v just_o punish_v because_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o man_n be_v just_o reward_v with_o punishment_n must_v be_v conclude_v to_o have_v be_v within_o their_o power_n to_o have_v avoid_v they_o but_o fatal_a action_n be_v not_o so_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n be_v temporal_o or_o eternal_o punish_v for_o those_o action_n which_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o commit_v for_o for_o a_o temporary_a offence_n which_o a_o man_n can_v no_o way_n avoid_v no_o eternal_a punishment_n can_v just_o be_v inflict_v the_o imbecility_n of_o his_o power_n just_o reprieve_v he_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n and_o as_o no_o eternal_a so_o no_o temporary_a judgement_n can_v belong_v unto_o they_o for_o if_o magistrate_n think_v man_n offence_n unavoidable_a they_o will_v think_v it_o bootless_a to_o punish_v they_o but_o we_o see_v judge_n punish_v man_n for_o offence_n because_o they_o know_v man_n have_v a_o power_n to_o refrain_v from_o break_v the_o law_n have_v daily_a experience_n that_o fear_v of_o punishment_n have_v keep_v man_n inoffensive_a but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o the_o offender_n shall_v think_v the_o offence_n for_o which_o he_o stand_v convict_v to_o have_v be_v his_o destiny_n whether_o it_o be_v murder_n rebellion_n or_o act_n of_o treason_n and_o other_o villainy_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o they_o be_v commit_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o decree_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v bear_v than_o he_o will_v and_o may_v very_o well_o plead_v innocency_n and_o complain_v he_o be_v unjust_o punish_v for_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o refuse_v so_o that_o you_o see_v such_o a_o principle_n as_o this_o will_v be_v the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o government_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v man_n yea_o to_o destroy_v to_o eternity_n both_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o the_o break_n of_o that_o law_n which_o he_o never_o have_v power_n to_o keep_v nay_o more_o to_o punish_v he_o for_o that_o evil_n which_o he_o can_v not_o avoid_v because_o his_o peremptory_a decree_n from_o all_o eternity_n have_v reprobate_v he_o unto_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o tribunal_n will_v not_o be_v just_a where_o the_o sentence_n of_o everlasting_a fire_n shall_v be_v pronounce_v against_o a_o man_n for_o that_o very_a action_n in_o which_o he_o be_v mere_o passive_a have_v no_o power_n to_o avoid_v it_o this_o be_v to_o make_v god_n unjust_a in_o his_o proceed_n with_o mankind_n for_o the_o recompense_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n can_v be_v give_v to_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o be_v so_o not_o free_o but_o of_o necessity_n for_o where_o necessity_n be_v there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o retribution_n and_o therefore_o how_o vain_a and_o simple_a be_v we_o in_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n when_o we_o place_n man_n nativity_n under_o fatal_a constellation_n or_o their_o action_n under_o a_o peremptory_a decree_n when_o as_o god_n have_v give_v man_n liberty_n to_o live_v free_o under_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n it_o be_v injustice_n in_o god_n to_o punish_v such_o that_o he_o have_v first_o make_v such_o therefore_o a_o point_n of_o ignorance_n &_o madness_n for_o any_o that_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n where_o god_n will_v render_v to_o all_o according_a to_o their_o work_n for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o destiny_n lie_v upon_o their_o action_n for_o how_o can_v true_a faith_n and_o piety_n stand_v to_o this_o monstrous_a assertion_n but_o 4._o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o all_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o man_n will_v be_v but_o a_o destiny_n all_o our_o imagination_n will_v be_v destiny_n and_o all_o the_o several_a change_n and_o event_n that_o fall_v out_o in_o a_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n will_v be_v but_o by_o chance_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o fatal_a necessity_n if_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o this_o opinion_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v do_v just_o nothing_o for_o if_o it_o be_v god_n decree_n to_o purpose_n sin_n within_o and_o a_o extrinsical_a necessity_n rule_v we_o without_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v preach_v and_o hear_v if_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o exhortation_n all_o such_o mean_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o will_v never_o convert_v a_o sinner_n or_o to_o what_o end_n be_v duty_n press_v and_o man_n call_v upon_o to_o repent_v to_o get_v grace_n to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a yea_o why_o be_v there_o promise_v make_v in_o christ_n jesus_n through_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n if_o that_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o peremptory_a decree_n of_o almighty_a god_n rule_v all_o and_o that_o to_o this_o or_o that_o end_n man_n be_v bear_v and_o if_o law_n do_v nothing_o wherefore_o be_v they_o make_v wherefore_o be_v ordinance_n prescribe_v if_o they_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o help_v we_o heaven-ward_n and_o why_o be_v it_o that_o minister_n accommodate_v themselves_o by_o meet_a word_n fit_a to_o work_v on_o man_n understanding_n and_o affection_n and_o with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n labour_n to_o captivate_v their_o will_n to_o bring_v they_o under_o obedience_n if_o by_o a_o peremptory_a decree_n which_o be_v unalterable_a they_o be_v design_v to_o another_o end_n wherefore_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o eternal_a judgement_n make_v use_v of_o if_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o persuasion_n and_o that_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o change_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a such_o a_o tenant_n be_v none_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n for_o st._n austin_n pronounce_v they_o accurse_v that_o say_v any_o man_n be_v predestinate_v to_o sin_n and_o we_o do_v pronounce_v such_o accurse_a if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v and_o many_o there_o be_v among_o we_o that_o say_v all_o event_n be_v from_o necessity_n so_o that_o by_o this_o time_n you_o can_v but_o see_v how_o irrational_a and_o unchristian_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o lay_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o action_n upon_o god_n peremptory_a decree_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o that_o error_n and_o come_v now_o to_o the_o other_o opinion_n which_o will_v have_v all_o action_n regulate_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o star_n and_o here_o second_o we_o utter_o deny_v that_o any_o action_n be_v bring_v about_o or_o necessitate_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o star_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o fatal_a constellation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v infinite_a of_o heavenly_a body_n conformable_a to_o the_o inferior_a creature_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a planet_n which_o have_v special_a influence_n upon_o and_o domination_n over_o some_o particular_a climate_n over_o which_o they_o be_v place_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v of_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o pleyade_n and_o of_o mazzoroth_n in_o his_o season_n job_n 38.31_o and_o the_o whole_a heaven_n shall_v hear_v the_o earth_n hosea_n 2.21_o so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v a_o correspondence_n hold_v between_o the_o star_n above_o and_o the_o creature_n below_o the_o firmament_n though_o some_o
be_v destructive_a in_o their_o course_n and_o fight_v against_o their_o enemy_n thus_o the_o star_n in_o their_o course_n be_v say_v to_o fight_v against_o sisera_n judg._n 5.20_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a vessel_n that_o empty_v itself_o into_o the_o low_a vessel_n and_o that_o every_o herb_n discover_v itself_o to_o be_v useful_a for_o this_o or_o that_o part_n of_o man_n body_n by_o the_o similitude_n which_o it_o carry_v unto_o that_o part_n for_o which_o it_o be_v medicinal_a and_o that_o every_o one_o have_v govern_v from_o its_o proper_a star_n that_o every_o thing_n live_v have_v a_o starry_a influence_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n beast_n or_o stone_n but_o have_v influence_n from_o the_o star_n now_o grant_v all_o this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v still_o find_v a_o infallible_a assertion_n that_o though_o all_o the_o star_n at_o once_o be_v malignant_a they_o can_v not_o force_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n their_o malevolous_a aspect_n can_v compel_v any_o man_n to_o commit_v iniquity_n indeed_o by_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n our_o nature_n be_v corrupt_v and_o so_o the_o creature_n become_v subject_a unto_o vanity_n yet_o as_o we_o recover_v ourselves_o from_o destruction_n in_o the_o second_o adam_n they_o lose_v that_o power_n of_o vanity_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n no_o extrinsical_a mean_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o fatal_a constellation_n but_o to_o say_v we_o be_v bear_v during_o the_o predominancy_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o planet_n and_o our_o guidance_n in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v from_o god_n alone_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n for_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n which_o be_v the_o great_a luminary_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v do_v no_o more_o by_o their_o power_n towards_o our_o good_a or_o evil_a estate_n than_o a_o lame_a man_n can_v help_v himself_o to_o walk_v that_o have_v no_o leg_n nay_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o wish_v and_o long_a for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o god_n choose_v therefore_o how_o much_o of_o vanity_n be_v there_o in_o those_o mind_n who_o impute_v that_o power_n to_o celestial_a creature_n which_o god_n never_o intend_v they_o shall_v possess_v for_o take_v they_o at_o the_o best_a and_o they_o be_v but_o such_o instrument_n as_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o he_o that_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o all_o deep_a place_n we_o must_v not_o when_o we_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a lay_v the_o charge_n upon_o god_n or_o the_o star_n or_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v the_o instrument_n that_o act_v those_o star_n 1._o we_o must_v not_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o god_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v he_o be_v tempt_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n st._n james_n 13.13_o no_o let_v no_o man_n say_v he_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o err_v or_o that_o it_o be_v through_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o fall_v away_o for_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n say_v the_o son_n of_o syrach_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la 15.11_o 12._o for_o the_o lord_n hate_v all_o abomination_n so_o contrary_a be_v sin_n unto_o his_o holiness_n that_o his_o eye_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o they_o that_o true_o love_v god_n will_v do_v his_o will_n and_o obey_v his_o commandment_n for_o they_o know_v that_o god_n justice_n have_v no_o need_n to_o advance_v its_o glory_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o life_n nor_o 2._o can_v any_o man_n just_o impute_v his_o sin_n to_o the_o holy_a angel_n for_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o they_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o always_o to_o be_v do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a o_o praise_v the_o lord_n you_o angel_n of_o he_o you_o that_o excel_v in_o strength_n you_o that_o fulfil_v his_o command_n and_o hearken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o word_n psal_n 103.20_o 21._o therefore_o certain_o they_o that_o fulfil_v god_n command_v and_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n will_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o cause_v other_o to_o commit_v that_o which_o they_o hate_v especial_o in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v make_v minister_a spirit_n but_o then_o some_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o and_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o evil_a angel_n it_o be_v true_a the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o their_o lust_n first_o rule_v in_o their_o member_n before_o satan_n get_v domination_n over_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v take_v captive_n at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o they_o first_o give_v up_o themselves_o willing_o to_o be_v captivate_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o lie_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o egyptian_a bondage_n nor_o care_v they_o for_o other_o freedom_n then_o what_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n will_v allow_v of_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n you_o will_v do_v the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n you_o will_v obey_v you_o have_v a_o lust_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v and_o your_o will_n be_v bend_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o your_o lust_n dictate_v and_o yet_o man_n will_v fain_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o their_o evil_n as_o if_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o to_o come_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o can_v refuse_v to_o this_o end_n say_v st._n austin_n evil_a man_n lay_v not_o the_o blame_n of_o their_o vicious_a action_n upon_o their_o evil_a nature_n but_o upon_o the_o star_n or_o on_o god_n peremptory_a decree_n whereas_o what_o be_v sin_n be_v voluntary_a and_o what_o be_v not_o voluntary_a be_v not_o sin_n saint_n paul_n say_v you_o have_v yield_v your_o member_n servant_n unto_o sin_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o star_n but_o upon_o our_o own_o perverse_a will_n for_o though_o the_o star_n do_v draw_v vicious_a passion_n as_o in_o melancholy_a heart_n in_o some_o anger_n and_o in_o other_o wanton_a love_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o by_o nature_n we_o ready_o yield_v to_o those_o influence_n yet_o there_o be_v power_n in_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a and_o do_v break_v in_o every_o regenerate_a man_n the_o power_n of_o the_o star_n but_o if_o we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o sin_n we_o must_v needs_o yield_v unto_o those_o evil_a passion_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n even_o by_o his_o very_a reason_n will_v domineer_v over_o the_o malignant_a influence_n of_o any_o star_n and_o though_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o the_o evil_a influence_n of_o the_o star_n may_v incline_v we_o to_o any_o kind_n of_o vice_n as_o lie_v steal_v to_o commit_v adultery_n etc._n etc._n yet_o as_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o strive_v against_o they_o labour_v to_o get_v power_n from_o above_o to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o that_o end_n be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o by_o holy_a baptism_n for_o this_o cause_n come_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o we_o may_v no_o long_o live_v after_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o know_v not_o god_n but_o that_o we_o forsake_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n follow_v godliness_n with_o the_o great_a eagerness_n and_o sharp_a conflict_n that_o a_o renew_a heart_n can_v use_v against_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a flesh_n that_o our_o whole_a man_n may_v be_v wind_v up_o to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n of_o piety_n that_o in_o righteousness_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o our_o several_a station_n follow_v god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o have_v give_v himself_o for_o we_o a_o offering_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 5.1_o 2._o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o end_n as_o assert_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n the_o next_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o be_v handle_v be_v the_o action_n viz._n to_o bear_v witness_n for_o so_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n finis_fw-la a_o second_o nativity_n sermon_n sermon_n vi._n st._n john_n 18.37_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o
than_o stand_v against_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o arise_v from_o man_n and_o devil_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o christian_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o defend_v truth_n as_o other_o be_v to_o oppose_v it_o christ_n jesus_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v lead_v we_o the_o way_n for_o when_o all_o conspire_v against_o he_o because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n yet_o be_v he_o with_o his_o life_n ready_a to_o justify_v the_o truth_n say_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n consider_v these_o two_o general_a part_n 1._o a_o engagement_n 2._o a_o design_n 1._o a_o engagement_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o a_o design_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o since_o the_o end_n and_o the_o object_n denominate_v every_o action_n here_o be_v 1._o the_o action_n christ_n incarnation_n 2._o the_o end_n to_o bear_v witness_n 3._o the_o object_n the_o truth_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o if_o you_o will_v take_v they_o in_o this_o order_n 1._o the_o end_n and_o that_o point_a at_o and_o point_v out_o 1._o point_a at_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o to_o this_o end_n 2._o point_v out_o by_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o action_n to_o bear_v witness_n 3._o the_o object_n the_o truth_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n but_o since_o the_o end_n be_v first_o in_o intention_n though_o last_o in_o execution_n i_o shall_v begin_v at_o the_o end_n yet_o the_o right_a end_n and_o that_o point_a at_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o to_o this_o end_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n the_o life_n of_o most_o man_n be_v misspend_v only_o for_o want_n of_o a_o certain_a end_n to_o run_v at_o because_o they_o shoot_v their_o arrow_n and_o know_v not_o at_o what_o mark_v they_o level_v and_o direct_v their_o proceed_n by_o they_o know_v not_o what_o rule_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o reach_v not_o to_o perfection_n and_o end_v not_o in_o comfort_n some_o level_n at_o the_o right_a end_n but_o level_v amiss_o to_o level_v without_o a_o end_n be_v folly_n to_o a_o false_a end_n be_v loss_n true_a christian_n only_o find_v the_o right_a way_n for_o a_o wise_a christian_n amid_o the_o many_o change_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n still_o press_v on_o to_o one_o steady_a end_n by_o holy_a endeavour_n for_o the_o more_o he_o be_v unshaken_a in_o his_o resolution_n the_o near_o he_o come_v to_o the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o life_n christ_n jesus_n who_o stand_v firm_a unto_o the_o end_n and_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o truth_n witness_v the_o same_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a life_n as_o himself_o affirm_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v both_o needless_a and_o unprofitable_a for_o i_o to_o undertake_v the_o calculation_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n or_o to_o make_v a_o discovery_n unto_o you_o of_o those_o sign_n which_o do_v accompany_v it_o in_o a_o most_o miraculous_a manner_n or_o to_o tell_v you_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n thereof_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o though_o they_o be_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n yet_o you_o must_v know_v that_o those_o celestial_a constellation_n do_v not_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o produce_v of_o that_o glorious_a birth_n but_o only_o in_o a_o admirable_a and_o unusual_a manner_n be_v make_v to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o my_o text_n say_v to_o be_v bear_v that_o he_o also_o may_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o no_o less_o impious_a than_o foolish_a proverb_n take_v up_o by_o man_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o event_n of_o any_o action_n or_o thing_n to_o lay_v the_o cause_n thereof_o upon_o the_o star_n and_o planerary_a influence_n and_o thereby_o man_n think_v when_o guilty_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o say_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n bring_v it_o upon_o i_o or_o they_o be_v compel_v to_o it_o say_v irreligious_o i_o be_v bear_v to_o this_o or_o the_o star_n design_v i_o to_o it_o as_o if_o some_o extrinsical_a necessity_n do_v draw_v man_n to_o sin_n as_o if_o the_o star_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n iniquity_n yet_o of_o the_o two_o those_o be_v better_o though_o just_o to_o be_v condemn_v also_o that_o will_v excuse_v themselves_o by_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o influence_n of_o malignant_a planet_n or_o their_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n than_o those_o that_o infer_v the_o cause_n from_o a_o necessity_n in_o the_o peremptory_a decree_n of_o almighty_a god_n as_o if_o holiness_n itself_o shall_v take_v pleasure_n in_o make_v man_n criminal_a such_o a_o principle_n imbibe_v be_v enough_o to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o that_o opinion_n of_o the_o stoic_n at_o least_o if_o not_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o good_a and_o a_o evil_a god_n yet_o that_o the_o one_o almighty_a essence_n act_v as_o if_o he_o be_v divide_v by_o say_v though_o god_n will_v have_v man_n otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v yet_o he_o have_v decree_v a_o certain_a end_n of_o misery_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n without_o any_o respect_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o their_o person_n and_o so_o make_v the_o evil_a action_n of_o man_n determine_v by_o god_n decree_n and_o what_o will_v this_o come_v short_a of_o they_o that_o attribute_v the_o good_a action_n of_o man_n to_o a_o good_a god_n and_o their_o evil_a action_n to_o a_o evil_a god_n yet_o those_o stoic_n that_o make_v two_o god_n and_o these_o planetist_n that_o lay_v the_o fault_n of_o their_o action_n upon_o the_o star_n be_v much_o better_a than_o those_o that_o say_v all_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o all_o their_o end_n be_v undeterminable_a by_o any_o action_n of_o man_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n it_o will_v be_v better_a to_o raise_v the_o evil_a accident_n from_o a_o evil_n then_o from_o a_o good_a god_n but_o that_o we_o be_v under_o a_o fatal_a decree_n of_o necessity_n as_o to_o event_n or_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v to_o commit_v this_o or_o the_o other_o evil_n we_o utter_o deny_v and_o that_o 1._o first_o by_o consider_v the_o evil_a consequence_n that_o will_v follow_v upon_o assert_v a_o peremptory_a decree_n for_o if_o god_n peremptory_a decree_n have_v design_v sin_n to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n than_o man_n sin_v not_o in_o deed_n but_o in_o opinion_n only_o necessity_n have_v no_o law_n and_o where_o necessity_n bear_v sway_v there_o the_o will_n have_v no_o power_n and_o so_o man_n become_v equal_a with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n with_o the_o lion_n who_o unbridled_a appetite_n can_v be_v restrain_v by_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o can_v upon_o admonition_n do_v otherwise_o they_o can_v use_v principle_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o mad_a man_n and_o child_n be_v under_o no_o law_n because_o not_o capable_a of_o rational_a action_n for_o no_o man_n be_v command_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n necessity_n require_v as_o for_o example_n no_o man_n be_v bid_v to_o eat_v drink_v and_o sleep_v because_o these_o action_n and_o affection_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n the_o will_n may_v govern_v but_o not_o suppress_v they_o indeed_o charity_n be_v of_o necessity_n whether_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o free_a principle_n within_o or_o without_o and_o we_o be_v careless_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o if_o necessity_n have_v no_o law_n for_o if_o action_n in_o themselves_o have_v no_o law_n than_o they_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o where_o no_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n &_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v rule_v by_o destiny_n than_o they_o be_v of_o necessity_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n our_o action_n be_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a in_o themselves_o but_o only_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n as_o esteem_v by_o we_o and_o in_o our_o opinion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v man_n and_o so_o become_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n to_o what_o end_n be_v exhortation_n and_o mean_v use_v to_o hinder_v man_n from_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v but_o fancy_n a_o christian_n call_v and_o christ_n die_a be_v mere_a fable_n if_o sin_n be_v not_o sin_n if_o sin_n be_v nothing_o it_o matter_n not_o let_v man_n live_v how_o they_o listen_v and_o whither_o tend_v this_o principle_n but_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o all_o religion_n when_o a_o man_n lay_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o his_o action_n upon_o the_o peremptory_a
truth_n introduction_n introduction_n a_o imprudent_a discourse_n attend_v with_o ambitious_a thought_n be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o adam_n misery_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o new_a covenant_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o serpent_n ruin_n who_o mischievous_a head_n be_v early_o break_v by_o the_o promise_a seed_n the_o true_a messiah_n who_o the_o patriarch_n foresee_v and_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o patriarch_n foresee_v he_o genesis_n 49.10_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v he_o under_o diverse_a representation_n esay_n 2.7_o esay_n 7.14_o jer._n 23.5_o dan._n 9.25_o 26._o zachary_n 6.12_o haggai_n 2.7_o by_o the_o emanuel_n jeremy_n the_o branch_n daniel_n the_o messiah_n zachary_n by_o he_o that_o rise_v on_o high_a haggai_n the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a that_o sinner_n shall_v be_v save_v that_o a_o despicable_a man_n shall_v save_v a_o world_n be_v think_v so_o incredible_a that_o the_o prophet_n esay_n cry_v out_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n which_o be_v in_o time_n fulfil_v but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 4.4_o though_o the_o news_n be_v true_a and_o proclaim_v from_o heaven_n by_o a_o angel_n and_o that_o of_o great_a joy_n for_o that_o on_o this_o day_n be_v bear_v a_o saviour_n christ_n the_o lord_n what_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v concern_v his_o come_n be_v by_o himself_o fulfil_v in_o time_n what_o they_o point_v at_o he_o point_v out_o and_o by_o a_o miracle_n show_v it_o to_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v where_o be_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o we_o have_v see_v his_o star_n in_o the_o east_n and_o we_o be_v come_v to_o worship_v he_o st._n matthew_n 2.2_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o they_o receive_v he_o not_o but_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n as_o they_o do_v that_o slay_v the_o prophet_n who_o declare_v the_o come_n of_o the_o just_a one_o for_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v force_v to_o be_v go_v and_o fly_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n into_o a_o foreign_a country_n to_o avoid_v the_o fury_n of_o that_o mighty_a nimrod_n who_o pretend_a worship_n be_v only_o the_o dark_a vizour_n of_o a_o inhuman_a murder_n disguise_v his_o wicked_a purpose_n under_o the_o beautiful_a mask_n of_o a_o desire_a amity_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o we_o that_o call_v themselves_o christ_n when_o there_o be_v those_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n that_o will_v and_o do_v disow_v christ_n nativity_n and_o this_o old_a simeon_n by_o inspiration_n calculate_v at_o his_o nativity_n say_v this_o child_n be_v set_v for_o a_o sign_n which_o shall_v be_v speak_v against_o st._n luke_n 2.34_o and_o wicked_a people_n make_v it_o good_a as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v foretell_v by_o prophet_n nor_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n at_o a_o appoint_a day_n and_o that_o for_o we_o man_n and_o for_o our_o salvation_n christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o many_o will_v not_o believe_v say_v god_n hab._n 1.5_o which_o be_v fulfil_v act_v 13.41_o behold_v you_o despiser_n and_o wonder_v and_o perish_v for_o i_o work_v a_o work_n in_o your_o day_n a_o work_n which_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v etc._n etc._n for_o so_o will_v they_o have_v hinder_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n from_o work_v that_o which_o he_o have_v wrought_v and_o what_o god_n have_v set_v down_o shall_v be_v do_v which_o wâ—…_n according_o fulfil_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v bear_v but_o to_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d he_o himself_o say_v so_o much_o of_o himself_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o which_o word_n you_o may_v remember_v i_o have_v former_o observe_v these_o three_o part_n 1._o a_o action_n 1._o the_o end_n 3._o the_o object_n 1._o the_o action_n christ_n incarnation_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o end_n and_o that_o point_a at_o and_o point_v out_o 1._o point_a at_o to_o this_o end_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n 2._o point_v out_o to_o bear_v witness_n 3._o the_o object_n be_v the_o truth_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o since_o the_o end_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o intention_n though_o last_o in_o execution_n i_o do_v begin_v with_o the_o end_n point_v at_o and_o that_o be_v to_o this_o end_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n but_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o this_o day_n christ_n nativity_n i_o be_v bear_v i_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o here_o at_o the_o first_o step_n of_o our_o discourse_n we_o be_v plunge_v into_o a_o unfathomed_a depth_n of_o mystery_n for_o this_o he_o that_o be_v here_o bear_v be_v the_o same_o he_o that_o call_v himself_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o exodus_fw-la 3.14_o that_o socinian_n that_o say_v he_o be_v not_o very_a god_n be_v a_o blasphemer_n i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n who_o essence_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o to_o be_v bear_v note_n his_o humanity_n and_o how_o this_o work_n be_v that_o he_o that_o be_v i_o be_o shall_v be_v bear_v and_o close_o with_o the_o deity_n tongue_n can_v express_v and_o heart_n can_v conceive_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o nothing_o be_v but_o what_o be_v in_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o not_o that_o neither_o but_o with_o much_o imperfection_n for_o the_o first_o of_o we_o that_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o knowledge_n leave_v we_o nothing_o but_o a_o penury_n of_o what_o we_o be_v and_o if_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v how_o god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n remain_v incommunicable_a or_o how_o he_o be_v incommunicable_a do_v vouchsafe_v to_o partake_v of_o humane_a nature_n yet_o thus_o be_v christ_n both_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o same_o person_n as_o man_n he_o have_v a_o mother_n that_o bear_v he_o and_o as_o god_n a_o father_n that_o beget_v he_o but_o who_o can_v without_o admiration_n speak_v of_o such_o a_o son_n or_o tell_v of_o such_o a_o generation_n that_o be_v like_a both_o &_o yet_o like_o neither_o like_o neither_o for_o consider_v he_o as_o man_n and_o so_o he_o have_v no_o similitude_n of_o a_o ineffable_a essence_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o god_n and_o so_o he_o bear_v no_o proportion_n with_o the_o virgin_n womb_n and_o yet_o like_o both_o as_o god_n like_o his_o father_n as_o man_n like_o his_o mother_n god_n and_o yet_o the_o son_n of_o a_o woman_n man_n and_o still_o the_o image_n of_o his_o father_n and_o that_o from_o eternity_n be_v without_o beginning_n of_o day_n or_o end_n of_o time_n god_n son_n and_o motherless_a a_o virgin_n babe_n and_o fatherless_a without_o a_o father_n as_o bear_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o without_o a_o mother_n as_o beget_v of_o god_n thus_o be_v he_o god_n and_o motherless_a as_o beget_v and_o not_o bear_v a_o man_n and_o fatherless_a because_o bear_v and_o not_o beget_v we_o must_v believe_v both_o beyond_o enquiry_n because_o more_o be_v possible_a with_o god_n then_o be_v conceivable_a with_o man_n and_o divine_a mystery_n shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v undoubted_a truth_n though_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v they_o for_o what_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o believe_v we_o must_v believe_v beyond_o understanding_n and_o of_o all_o the_o divine_a mystery_n this_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n incarnation_n especial_o who_o very_a mystery_n heighten_v faith_n to_o no_o less_o than_o a_o miracle_n and_o where_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v wonder_n must_v needs_o be_v create_v and_o both_o these_o two_o meet_a in_o this_o one_o act_n of_o faith_n exercise_v about_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n for_o believe_v we_o wonder_v and_o marvel_v we_o believe_v and_o make_v our_o bless_a saviour_n incarnation_n the_o object_n of_o both_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o marvel_v at_o and_o yet_o wonder_v at_o our_o faith_n still_o double_v the_o miracle_n by_o marvel_v that_o we_o can_v at_o once_o both_o wonder_n and_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o wonder_n and_o yet_o this_o wonder_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o how_o can_v we_o do_v less_o than_o marvel_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o on_o the_o father_n side_n he_o shall_v be_v god_n and_o no_o man_n
and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o heal_v all_o thy_o infirmity_n which_o save_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n who_o crow_v thou_o with_o mercy_n and_o love_a kindness_n who_o satisfi_v thy_o mouth_n with_o good_a thing_n so_o that_o thy_o youth_n be_v renew_v like_o the_o eagle_n for_o he_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o after_o our_o sin_n nor_o reward_v we_o according_a to_o our_o iniquity_n testis_fw-la fidelis_fw-la or_o a_o faithful_a witness_n sermon_n vii_o st._n john_n 18.37_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n introduction_n introduction_n the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n be_v like_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o well-drawn_a picture_n that_o still_o which_o way_n soever_o you_o go_v look_v towards_o you_o for_o which_o way_n so_o ever_o you_o consider_v the_o word_n they_o still_o have_v reference_n to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n if_o you_o look_v upon_o his_o conception_n which_o come_v be_v foretell_v by_o a_o angel_n as_o witness_v thereof_o s._n luke_n 1.31_o yet_o there_o it_o be_v but_o the_o preparation_n to_o that_o come_n which_o be_v in_o my_o text_n viz._n his_o nativity_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v without_o a_o witness_n neither_o in_o that_o st._n stephen_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o who_o be_v to_o testify_v of_o he_o be_v join_v next_o unto_o the_o birthday_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o call_v by_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n st._n stephen_n day_n but_o that_o protomartyr_n who_o here_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o that_o witness_n in_o my_o text_n do_v witness_v what_o the_o great_a witness_n do_v both_o do_v and_o suffer_v but_o that_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v establish_v by_o more_o than_o a_o single_a testimony_n our_o mother_n the_o church_n do_v celebrate_v st._n johns_n day_n in_o commemoration_n of_o that_o belove_a disciple_n who_o faithful_a affection_n beget_v in_o he_o a_o eagle_n eye_n wherewith_o to_o behold_v those_o glorious_a mystery_n which_o none_o else_o of_o all_o the_o disciple_n be_v able_a to_o reveal_v and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v without_o occasion_n of_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n also_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o here_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n so_o love_v that_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o and_o as_o his_o disciple_n testify_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n live_v and_o die_v so_o the_o innocent_a babe_n slay_v for_o his_o sake_n by_o cruel_a herod_n do_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n not_o by_o speak_v but_o by_o die_v but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n both_o by_o speak_v &_o die_v do_v bear_v witness_n for_o we_o while_o himself_o be_v a_o infant_n antedate_v his_o cruel_a passion_n by_o a_o bloody_a circumcision_n institute_v as_o a_o pledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o his_o covenant_n which_o be_v wonderful_o effect_v by_o his_o own_o person_n when_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n hence_o the_o epiphany_n be_v famous_a for_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o first_o make_v discovery_n of_o this_o bless_a babe_n by_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o unusual_a light_n and_o here_o now_o be_v that_o star_n of_o jacob_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o rise_n in_o his_o birth_n and_o by_o this_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n first_o find_v out_o that_o afterward_o by_o his_o people_n be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o enemy_n to_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o caesar_n and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a formality_n of_o justice_n be_v bring_v before_o a_o precedent_n and_o arraign_v for_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n he_o still_o assert_v his_o innocence_n though_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n look_v upon_o the_o word_n once_o more_o and_o they_o present_v you_o with_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o constancy_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n testimony_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v desert_v by_o his_o most_o intimate_a friend_n and_o servant_n and_o at_o that_o time_n especial_o wherein_o as_o man_n he_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o they_o be_v now_o have_v in_o examination_n before_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o pilate_n wherein_o you_o have_v fulfil_v that_o say_n of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v receive_v by_o they_o that_o he_o be_v forsake_v by_o all_o despise_v of_o most_o and_o pity_v by_o few_o and_o yet_o herein_o also_o he_o come_v to_o do_v his_o father_n will_n by_o a_o willing_a death_n witness_v to_o that_o truth_n which_o some_o have_v forswear_a and_o other_o deny_v say_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o which_o word_n you_o may_v remember_v i_o have_v observe_v these_o part_n 1._o a_o action_n 2._o a_o end_n 3._o the_o object_n 1._o the_o action_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o end_n 1._o point_a at_o 2._o point_v out_o 1._o point_a at_o to_o this_o end_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n 2._o point_v out_o to_o bear_v witness_n 3._o the_o object_n the_o truth_n and_o whereas_o the_o end_n in_o every_o action_n be_v first_o in_o intention_n though_o last_o in_o execution_n i_o do_v begin_v with_o the_o end_n the_o right_a end_n and_o that_o point_a at_o to_o this_o end_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n namely_o 2._o the_o action_n which_o be_v christ_n incarnation_n and_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n and_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n the_o end_n of_o the_o action_n wherefore_o he_o come_v and_o why_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o that_o be_v 3._o the_o object_n the_o truth_n to_o bear_v witness_n and_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o this_o three_o part_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a 1._o the_o end_n 2._o the_o object_n the_o one_o in_o reference_n unto_o christ_n the_o other_o unto_o christian_n 1._o in_o reference_n unto_o christ_n as_o the_o primary_n intention_n of_o they_o and_o so_o the_o word_n concern_v our_o saviour_n as_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n in_o his_o own_o person_n 2._o in_o the_o extent_n of_o they_o so_o they_o concern_v we_o for_o we_o also_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o in_o we_o there_o must_v concur_v to_o demonstrate_v our_o fidelity_n 1._o the_o end_n 2._o the_o action_n 3._o the_o object_n for_o we_o be_v in_o our_o particular_a station_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o other_o for_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v still_o have_v some_o faithful_a servant_n to_o witness_v for_o he_o though_o they_o continual_o meet_v with_o opposition_n for_o though_o under_o the_o law_n witness_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o at_o divers_a time_n and_o in_o sundry_a manner_n etc._n etc._n yet_o not_o only_o the_o vain_a error_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o also_o the_o careless_a perverseness_n of_o the_o jew_n lead_v multitude_n of_o people_n into_o a_o disbelief_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o the_o prophet_n esay_n say_v who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n esay_n 53.1_o yea_o the_o people_n change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o lie_n and_o cause_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v evil_a speak_v of_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n if_o possible_a to_o banish_v truth_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o malicious_a opposition_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v not_o leave_v without_o record_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n but_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o st._n john_n 5.7_o the_o father_n promise_v the_o holy_a ghost_n prepare_v and_o the_o son_n assume_v or_o take_v what_o be_v
the_o meaning_n thereof_o yet_o now_o that_o he_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o thing_n itself_o the_o mistake_n or_o leave_v out_o but_o of_o one_o circumstance_n may_v make_v the_o whole_a action_n sinful_a there_o be_v no_o excuse_n to_o be_v draw_v for_o the_o same_o either_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o person_n now_o or_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o former_a life_n that_o can_v make_v good_a or_o fill_v up_o what_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a in_o his_o action_n nor_o be_v david_n excusable_a in_o feign_v himself_o mad_a before_o the_o people_n 1_o sam._n 21.13_o though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n no_o much_o more_o be_v commendable_a the_o say_n of_o old_a eleazar_n when_o at_o the_o command_n of_o antiochus_n all_o be_v to_o die_v that_o will_v not_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n and_o when_o he_o have_v eat_v it_o or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o eat_v it_o for_o he_o spit_v it_o out_o again_o and_o repent_v come_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n to_o the_o torment_n choose_v to_o die_v glorious_o rather_o than_o live_v stain_v with_o such_o a_o abomination_n therefore_o say_v he_o excellent_o when_o persuade_v by_o friend_n to_o bring_v flesh_n of_o his_o own_o and_o make_v as_o if_o he_o obey_v the_o king_n in_o eat_v the_o flesh_n take_v from_o the_o sacrifice_n it_o become_v not_o one_o of_o my_o year_n to_o dissemble_v for_o then_o any_o young_a person_n may_v think_v that_o i_o be_v fourscore_o year_n old_a and_o ten_o be_v now_o go_v to_o a_o strange_a religion_n and_o so_o they_o through_o my_o hypocrisy_n and_o desire_v to_o live_v a_o little_a time_n and_o a_o moment_n long_o shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o i_o and_o so_o i_o get_v a_o stain_n and_o make_v my_o old_a age_n abominable_a and_o though_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a be_v deliver_v from_o man_n yet_o shall_v i_o not_o escape_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o almighty_a neither_o alive_a nor_o dead_a 2_o maccab._n 6.19_o 20_o 21._o when_o it_o once_o come_v to_o this_o strait_a that_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v the_o truth_n or_o fall_v under_o the_o sword_n of_o persecution_n we_o be_v rather_o to_o die_v in_o or_o for_o the_o faith_n then_o forsake_v it_o and_o as_o we_o may_v not_o for_o the_o save_n of_o our_o life_n do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a much_o less_o must_v we_o free_v our_o good_n from_o danger_n by_o similation_n or_o make_v a_o lie_n we_o must_v not_o similate_v good_a into_o evil_n nor_o truth_n into_o falsehood_n by_o wicked_a word_n or_o work_n nor_o seem_v to_o do_v good_a when_o we_o intend_v nothing_o less_o because_o of_o the_o lie_n which_o will_v lie_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o for_o so_o do_v and_o withal_o because_o there_o be_v a_o lie_n in_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o in_o say_v and_o neither_o be_v allowable_a in_o any_o man_n under_o what_o pretence_n soever_o though_o the_o do_v thereof_o be_v to_o save_v his_o life_n for_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o rom._n 3.8_o 4._o denial_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o either_o by_o subscribe_v against_o it_o or_o by_o do_v that_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a unto_o it_o for_o there_o be_v a_o double_a denial_n of_o truth_n 1._o in_o faith_n 2._o in_o practice_n 1._o in_o faith_n for_o the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n 2._o in_o practice_n for_o fear_v of_o pain_n 1._o in_o faith_n some_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o tim._n 1.19_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v give_v in_o 2_o tim._n 3.4_o why_o they_o so_o do_v it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o for_o love_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n cast_v away_o truth_n of_o faith_n so_o 2._o other_o for_o fear_n of_o pain_n have_v do_v it_o in_o fact_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o and_o in_o word_n profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o titus_n 1.16_o be_v reprobate_a to_o every_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n but_o beside_o this_o deny_v of_o truth_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n there_o be_v also_o a_o denial_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o this_o admit_v of_o divers_a degree_n 1._o apostasy_n when_o man_n fall_v from_o truth_n into_o sinful_a error_n 2_o when_o they_o revile_v the_o truth_n by_o evil_a speech_n thus_o wicked_a man_n detect_v themselves_o to_o be_v enemy_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o with_o their_o tongue_n and_o hand_n they_o violent_o oppose_v 3._o the_o sin_n also_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v in_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sinful_a apostate_n and_o revile_v judgement_n and_o that_o appear_v 1._o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n 1._o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n when_o man_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n first_o forsake_v of_o it_o then_o deny_v and_o at_o last_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o continue_v in_o that_o blasphemy_n this_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o be_v when_o man_n do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v utter_o contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o the_o same_o this_o be_v to_o sin_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o every_o action_n that_o dishonour_v god_n and_o hearten_v other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a be_v to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o look_v to_o himself_o and_o make_v a_o curious_a examination_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o word_n and_o work_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o those_o error_n and_o crime_n which_o the_o work_n and_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n eminent_o convince_v of_o for_o we_o be_v oblige_v though_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o life_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v we_o bear_v regenerate_a make_v christian_n come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o christian_a church_n that_o we_o both_o in_o our_o word_n in_o our_o work_n in_o our_o life_n by_o our_o death_n if_o call_v thereunto_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o act_n bear_v witness_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n testis_fw-la fidelis_fw-la or_o the_o faithful_a witness_n sermon_n viii_o st._n john_n 18.37_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n the_o life_n of_o most_o man_n be_v misspend_v it_o be_v only_o they_o who_o have_v a_o certain_a end_n of_o their_o action_n that_o shall_v attain_v to_o the_o right_a end_n for_o which_o those_o action_n be_v design_v namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n some_o there_o be_v that_o shoot_v at_o they_o know_v not_o what_o mark_n they_o direct_v themselves_o to_o a_o universal_a scope_n not_o mind_v or_o regard_v the_o particular_a tendency_n of_o their_o do_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o arise_v not_o to_o perfection_n they_o continue_v in_o that_o evil_n which_o end_v in_o discomfort_n some_o level_n at_o the_o right_a end_n but_o level_v amiss_o want_v prudence_n and_o discretion_n right_o to_o manage_v their_o action_n so_o as_o may_v best_o direct_v to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n it_o be_v only_o true_a christian_a wisdom_n that_o show_v the_o right_a end_n and_o certain_o find_v out_o the_o way_n thereunto_o and_o a_o wise_a christian_a amid_o the_o many_o change_n of_o this_o life_n continual_o press_v to_o one_o end_n with_o reverence_n and_o respect_n still_o set_v his_o resolution_n in_o all_o his_o way_n if_o possible_a to_o get_v near_o to_o the_o great_a centre_n who_o when_o he_o be_v summon_v unto_o death_n and_o betray_v thereunto_o by_o his_o seem_a friend_n yet_o steadfast_o assert_v the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n say_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o which_o word_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v these_o particular_n 1._o a_o action_n 2._o an_fw-mi end_n 3._o the_o object_n 1._o the_o action_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o end_n and_o that_o point_v at_o &_o point_v out_o 1._o point_a at_o to_o this_o end_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n 2._o point_v out_o to_o
or_o not_o do_v what_o he_o command_v for_o as_o he_o do_v endure_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n in_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v christian_n and_o though_o they_o meet_v with_o unreasonable_a deal_n from_o man_n yet_o they_o shall_v undergo_v all_o with_o patience_n for_o since_o christ_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o goodness_n we_o must_v so_o look_v to_o jesus_n in_o our_o life_n that_o we_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v we_o as_o well_o as_o he_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v we_o into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o a_o action_n 2._o an_fw-mi end_n 3._o a_o object_n 1._o the_o action_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o end_v point_v at_o and_o point_v out_o point_a at_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o to_o this_o end_n point_v out_o to_o bear_v witness_n 3._o the_o object_n the_o truth_n i_o have_v discourse_v over_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o text_n as_o they_o concern_v our_o saviour_n and_o come_v to_o the_o two_o last_o part_n as_o they_o general_o concern_v we_o and_o dispatch_v the_o act_n &_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n &_o shall_v now_o go_v on_o with_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o object_n the_o truth_n and_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v distinguish_v into_o past_a present_a and_o future_a truth_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n which_o have_v a_o intrinsical_v light_n in_o itself_o and_o as_o in_o the_o sun_n so_o there_o be_v a_o essence_n of_o light_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o this_o be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n uncommunicate_v but_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o extrinsical_a light_a communicate_v to_o other_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o being_n be_v no_o other_o than_o uncreated_a truth_n of_o thing_n and_o these_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o create_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o proposition_n follow_v the_o thing_n express_v which_o be_v no_o other_o in_o be_v but_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o double_a application_n to_o the_o thing_n express_v and_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o mind_n by_o word_n and_o in_o the_o understanding_n by_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n communicate_v itself_o to_o this_o region_n of_o the_o low_a air_n and_o this_o have_v multiplicity_n of_o act_n derive_v from_o the_o matter_n conceive_v and_o according_o we_o must_v distinguish_v truth_n into_o these_o four_o part_n there_o be_v a_o divine_a historical_a moral_a and_o civil_a truth_n though_o especial_o the_o divine_a truth_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v witness_v unto_o though_o the_o other_o in_o a_o subordinate_a manner_n be_v to_o have_v their_o attestation_n also_o yet_o divine_a truth_n most_o of_o all_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o principal_a or_o less_o principal_a 1._o principal_n and_o they_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n the_o law_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n 2._o the_o less_o principal_a be_v the_o necessary_a conclusion_n which_o upon_o inference_n be_v deduce_v from_o those_o ground_n therefore_o every_o parcel_n of_o truth_n whether_o it_o be_v scripture_n or_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v the_o subâ—ect_a matter_n of_o a_o christian_n testimony_n and_o these_o be_v they_o which_o we_o be_v to_o witness_v unto_o and_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o be_v to_o be_v witness_v unto_o both_o in_o word_n and_o work_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n former_o and_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o witness_v to_o it_o by_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o if_o god_n call_v we_o thereunto_o by_o die_v also_o i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o the_o second_o branch_n which_o contain_v these_o divine_a moral_a truth_n that_o be_v for_o the_o regulation_n of_o our_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n there_o god_n law_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o law_n who_o precept_n and_o promise_n we_o be_v to_o imitate_v it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o heathen_n to_o derive_v their_o law_n from_o their_o god_n give_v they_o name_v according_o but_o we_o that_o be_v christian_n have_v our_o law_n from_o the_o true_a god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o truth_n the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n but_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n saint_n john_n 1.17_o where_o you_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o salvation_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o give_v new_a law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o old_a law_n for_o we_o find_v not_o the_o form_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o law_n but_o only_o the_o precept_n thereof_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o occasional_o by_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o way_n of_o interpretation_n exhortation_n and_o also_o by_o application_n but_o not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o constitution_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n think_v not_o that_o i_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n saint_n matt._n 5.17.18_o it_o be_v not_o that_o i_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o rather_o to_o fulfil_v they_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o man_n action_n write_v first_o by_o moses_n and_o then_o by_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v man_n just_a or_o unjust_a but_o especial_o unto_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o more_o ample_a translation_n then_o to_o other_o people_n the_o law_n of_o work_n it_o be_v true_a be_v abolish_v by_o our_o saviour_n come_v but_o the_o law_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o holy_a live_n give_v by_o almighty_a god_n in_o the_o mount_n though_o these_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n perfect_v by_o bring_v in_o the_o substance_n for_o the_o shadow_n fly_v away_o when_o the_o substance_n appear_v yet_o i_o say_v this_o law_n be_v not_o disannul_v but_o perfect_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o be_v now_o become_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o christian_a piety_n whatever_o the_o antinomian_o say_v in_o opposition_n thereunto_o as_o that_o it_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o abolish_v by_o his_o death_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o contrary_a that_o still_o the_o whole_a command_a power_n remain_v because_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o work_n rev._n 2.23_o and_o we_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o this_o truth_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o hand_n and_o tongue_n our_o word_n and_o work_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o that_o two_o way_n both_o by_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o religious_a and_o also_o by_o defend_v of_o it_o against_o the_o erroneous_a 1._o by_o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o religious_a though_o they_o know_v it_o already_o yet_o that_o they_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o holy_a david_n make_v it_o his_o prayer_n to_o get_v direction_n from_o god_n how_o to_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n under_o divers_a denomination_n psalm_n 119._o sometime_o he_o pray_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n verse_n 18._o sometime_o in_o the_o statue_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 26._o sometime_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n v._o 7._o sometime_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 43_o sometime_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 17._o and_o sometime_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n v._o 91._o thereby_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o most_o confirm_a saint_n there_o be_v still_o so_o much_o of_o corruption_n that_o if_o leave_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o relapse_v and_o therefore_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o his_o ephesian_n who_o be_v great_a christian_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 5.6_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n for_o they_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o what_o saint_n peter_n long_o since_o foretell_v be_v in_o our_o day_n find_v too_o true_a as_o there_o be_v false_a teacher_n among_o they_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v among_o we_o
breed_v in_o they_o enmity_n both_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o revealer_n thereof_o 3._o discredit_v rebuke_v the_o person_n that_o commit_v such_o deed_n as_o be_v offensive_a to_o almighty_a god_n and_o present_o they_o conclude_v their_o reputation_n be_v vanish_v for_o they_o think_v truth_n no_o soon_o behold_v then_o accuse_v their_o action_n and_o which_o they_o account_v worst_a of_o all_o it_o condemn_v they_o and_o their_o course_n for_o truth_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o light_n it_o will_v discover_v all_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o work_n and_o therefore_o do_v man_n hate_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o then_o a_o revealer_n of_o evil_n for_o though_o no_o man_n can_v hate_v the_o truth_n as_o plead_v for_o itself_o in_o the_o general_a yet_o man_n do_v envy_v it_o when_o particular_o it_o shine_v upon_o they_o and_o let_v they_o see_v themselves_o and_o because_o man_n will_v have_v a_o full_a swinge_n in_o their_o course_n therefore_o do_v they_o take_v offence_n at_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o manifest_a to_o their_o face_n but_o however_o it_o shall_v not_o discourage_v any_o whether_o minister_n or_o other_o from_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n if_o we_o do_v it_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n because_o the_o world_n frown_v upon_o we_o for_o so_o do_v know_v this_o for_o a_o truth_n that_o while_o we_o bear_v the_o ill_a will_n of_o man_n in_o witness_v for_o the_o truth_n yet_o we_o gain_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n what_o though_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v say_v favour_n thyself_o and_o comply_v with_o wicked_a man_n for_o thy_o safety_n and_o bid_v thou_o change_v thy_o voice_n as_o often_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n their_o principle_n and_o advise_v thou_o that_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n be_v true_a because_o the_o great_a one_o will_v have_v it_o so_o do_v not_o thou_o incline_v to_o any_o such_o persuasion_n for_o solomon_n say_v better_a be_v a_o dinner_n of_o herb_n where_o love_n be_v than_o a_o stall_v ox_n and_o hatred_n therewith_o prov._n 15.17_o which_o show_v that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n love_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o misery_n be_v more_o to_o be_v price_v than_o the_o great_a plenty_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n therewith_o but_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o if_o truth_n have_v place_n but_o not_o at_o all_o time_n but_o our_o saviour_n show_v it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o now_o be_v before_o pilate_n he_o carry_v the_o same_o face_n he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n innocency_n be_v as_o meek_o bold_a and_o faithful_o confident_a when_o plead_v at_o the_o bar_n as_o preach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n nor_o be_v it_o less_o ashamed_a of_o truth_n because_o plead_v before_o man_n who_o intention_n be_v to_o condemn_v not_o to_o applaud_v it_o for_o the_o same_o our_o nakedness_n and_o inability_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o their_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o frighten_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n in_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n but_o rather_o encourage_v our_o whole_a man_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o so_o acceptable_a a_o service_n for_o we_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o our_o understanding_n opinion_n practice_n and_o in_o our_o good_a work_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o tongue_n without_o the_o hand_n be_v not_o sufficient_a profession_n of_o good_a work_n be_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o walk_v contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o denial_n or_o cast_v a_o soul_n aspersion_n on_o the_o truth_n we_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n both_o in_o word_n and_o work_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a offence_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o either_o but_o most_o offence_n when_o find_v tardy_a in_o both_o yet_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v the_o far_o great_a sin_n to_o deny_v god_n in_o work_n then_o in_o word_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v if_o you_o consider_v these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o from_o the_o object_n the_o great_a it_o be_v that_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o great_a be_v the_o sin_n we_o commit_v now_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n himself_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o truth_n therefore_o to_o work_v wickedness_n against_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o criminal_a the_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n be_v those_o which_o especial_o concern_v he_o for_o which_o cause_n divine_v conclude_v he_o the_o great_a sinner_n that_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o first_o than_o he_o that_o offend_v against_o the_o second_o table_n only_o because_o that_o by_o the_o one_o he_o be_v but_o guilty_a of_o impiety_n against_o man_n but_o in_o the_o other_o of_o wickedness_n against_o god_n the_o one_o be_v of_o defect_n the_o other_o of_o excess_n so_o that_o the_o object_n which_o be_v offend_v in_o the_o first_o table_n be_v the_o great_a must_v needs_o make_v the_o sin_n to_o be_v the_o more_o grievous_a 2._o from_o the_o great_a evidence_n he_o that_o deny_v the_o truth_n with_o his_o lip_n as_o saint_n peter_n do_v he_o evident_o injure_v god_n and_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o by_o a_o wicked_a life_n deny_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o injure_v their_o nature_n himself_o but_o incourage_v other_o also_o to_o do_v the_o same_o by_o give_v they_o a_o example_n of_o wickedness_n the_o difference_n as_o to_o man_n be_v only_o this_o the_o one_o seem_v open_o to_o deny_v he_o in_o word_n the_o other_o with_o his_o work_n the_o one_o speak_v and_o the_o other_o do_v evil_a against_o he_o 3._o the_o sin_n be_v great_a in_o regard_n of_o punishment_n inflict_v for_o a_o far_o great_a punishment_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o swearer_n and_o blasphemer_n under_o the_o law_n then_o upon_o he_o that_o offend_a man_n only_o the_o denial_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a law_n be_v to_o suffer_v no_o other_o punishment_n then_o ston_a to_o death_n and_o the_o civil_a law_n among_o we_o do_v command_v that_o offender_n in_o this_o kind_n shall_v have_v their_o tongue_n cut_v out_o or_o bore_v through_o which_o it_o seem_v be_v think_v too_o gentle_a a_o punishment_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o if_o evil_a tongue_n deserve_v this_o heavy_a doom_n what_o think_v you_o be_v the_o just_a desert_n of_o wicked_a hand_n and_o evil_a work_n so_o that_o still_o it_o remain_v a_o truth_n that_o he_o that_o deny_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n by_o a_o wicked_a life_n be_v a_o far_o great_a sinner_n than_o he_o that_o do_v it_o only_o with_o his_o lip_n which_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o you_o consider_v but_o these_o four_o ground_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o several_a cause_n and_o degree_n 1._o consider_v the_o move_a cause_n 2._o the_o voluntarinesse_n 3._o the_o perfection_n 4._o the_o full_a signification_n of_o sin_n 1._o from_o the_o move_a cause_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o forcible_a it_o be_v the_o more_o grievous_a it_o will_v be_v to_o we_o after_o the_o commission_n thereof_o for_o the_o seem_a pleasure_n which_o move_v man_n to_o wicked_a life_n end_n in_o no_o other_o than_o real_a disquiet_n and_o let_v the_o move_a cause_n of_o open_a deny_v the_o truth_n be_v what_o it_o will_v yet_o this_o be_v certain_a the_o less_o forcible_a it_o be_v from_o any_o extrinsical_a cause_n the_o more_o guilt_n we_o contract_v by_o do_v of_o it_o as_o for_o example_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n may_v sometime_o make_v a_o man_n to_o deny_v the_o truth_n with_o his_o lip_n which_o in_o many_o respect_n will_v receive_v a_o more_o favourable_a construction_n then_o if_o with_o violence_n we_o shall_v turn_v from_o professor_n in_o show_n to_o real_a persecutor_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o from_o the_o voluntariness_n thereof_o where_o there_o be_v no_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v the_o sin_n be_v little_a but_o where_o there_o be_v full_a consent_n of_o the_o will_n there_o be_v very_o much_o of_o sin_n and_o sin_n be_v therefore_o sin_n because_o voluntary_a therefore_o he_o who_o deny_v the_o truth_n only_o with_o his_o lip_n for_o fear_n of_o death_n do_v sin_n less_o than_o he_o who_o with_o a_o wicked_a life_n sin_n with_o a_o full_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n by_o a_o free_a consent_n and_o unconstrained_a thereunto_o by_o either_o tyranny_n or_o self-interest_n 3._o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o man_n unite_v in_o full_a strength_n to_o resist_v and_o persecute_v the_o truth_n which_o very_o much_o differ_v from_o compulsion_n because_o in_o the_o one_o there_o be_v a_o full_a consent_n of_o perfect_a part_n and_o in_o the_o other_o there_o