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power_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o that_o make_v ill_a example_n go_v so_o far_o and_o prevail_v so_o much_o be_v it_o the_o property_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o inferior_a sort_n only_o to_o be_v irreligious_a immoral_a and_o dissolute_a we_o shall_v soon_o see_v that_o party_n decrease_v and_o general_o desert_n both_o in_o inward_a principle_n and_o outward_a practice_n one_o excellent_a example_n of_o a_o great_a man_n will_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d outweigh_v a_o great_a number_n of_o small_a one_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n far_o from_o wise_a first_o esteem_v the_o man_n and_o then_o the_o manner_n at_o least_o the_o dignity_n and_o height_n of_o a_o vicious_a man_n make_v that_o vice_n seem_v little_a and_o tolerable_a if_o not_o honourable_a which_o be_v it_o only_o see_v in_o those_o of_o low_a place_n will_v be_v think_v contemptible_a and_o punishable_a alea_n turpis_fw-la turpe_fw-la &_o adulterium_fw-la mediocribus_fw-la haec_fw-la tamen_fw-la illi_fw-la omnia_fw-la cùm_fw-la faciant_fw-la hilares_fw-la nitidique_fw-la vocantur_fw-la we_o admire_v man_n for_o their_o power_n pomp_n and_o wealth_n and_o then_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o they_o leave_v not_o out_o their_o very_a vice_n too_o like_a as_o the_o pagan_n of_o old_a not_o only_o deify_v their_o hero_n but_o build_v temple_n and_o erect_a altar_n to_o some_o of_o their_o flagitious_a action_n and_o abominable_a crime_n as_o tully_n somewhere_o complain_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o poor_a and_o mean_a man_n action_n according_a to_o the_o wise-man_n little_a history_n eccl._n 9_o 14._o though_o never_o so_o wise_a and_o beneficial_a too_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v not_o heed_v or_o soon_o forget_v indeed_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o vulgar_a opinion_n only_o that_o power_n and_o greatness_n ability_n to_o effect_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v
receive_v more_o light_a and_o divine_a truth_n more_o clearness_n from_o another_o method_n than_o what_o most_o man_n make_v use_n of_o to_o conclude_v this_o short_a preface_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o now_o miracle_n be_v cease_v this_o way_n of_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n accompany_v with_o a_o judicious_a affection_n and_o follow_v with_o a_o sober_a and_o well_o govern_v life_n seem_v the_o principal_a mean_n leave_v in_o our_o power_n to_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o beauty_n force_n and_o just_a authority_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o purity_n and_o honour_n which_o now_o as_o it_o be_v say_v be_v cram_v with_o conceit_a droll_n indifferent_n and_o downright_a infidel_n and_o in_o no_o part_n of_o christendom_n more_o than_o where_o it_o appear_v with_o its_o great_a external_n splendour_n and_o domination_n this_o very_a bad_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n i_o beseech_v god_n to_o amend_v in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o to_o introduce_v sincere_a and_o judicious_a religion_n neither_o theatrical_a nor_o fanatical_a g._n b._n the_o text_n of_o the_o several_a sermon_n sermon_n i._n 1_o cor._n 15._o 33._o evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n sermon_n ii_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 4._o wherein_o they_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o you_o run_v not_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n speak_v evil_a of_o you_o sermon_n iii_o psalm_n 35._o 5._o i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n sermon_n iu._n psalm_n 14._o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n they_o be_v corrupt_v they_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n sermon_n v._n rom._n 5._o 1._o therefore_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sermon_n vi._n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o to_o wit_n that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o sermon_n i._n 1_o cor._n xv._o 33._o evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n i_o design_n from_o these_o word_n to_o begin_v for_o little_o more_o can_v be_v do_v in_o so_o short_a a_o exercise_n a_o discourse_n concern_v evil_a example_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o too_o effectual_a obstruction_n of_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n so_o powerful_a for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o to_o defeat_v and_o defy_v all_o the_o force_n not_o only_o of_o some_o dull_a and_o noisy_a sermon_n but_o also_o of_o the_o most_o wise_a rational_a and_o eloquent_a discourse_n either_o speak_v or_o write_v it_o be_v true_a every_o one_o particular_a experience_n give_v in_o but_o too_o much_o evidence_n that_o our_o nature_n have_v be_v by_o some_o way_n miserable_o corrupt_v from_o the_o womb_n that_o we_o never_o see_v the_o light_a clear_a and_o innocent_a that_o our_o vicious_a inclination_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o we_o but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a they_o have_v 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expect_v be_v that_o if_o you_o live_v virtuous_o and_o pious_o some_o few_o will_v commend_v you_o but_o rare_o any_o imitate_v you_o the_o number_n of_o good_a example_n be_v very_o small_a and_o when_o we_o have_v in_o our_o view_n those_o of_o both_o kind_n we_o be_v all_o more_o apt_a to_o run_v to_o the_o worst_a side_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o most_o unhappy_a inclination_n and_o pen_v of_o our_o nature_n quoniam_fw-la dociles_fw-la imitandis_fw-la turpibus_fw-la &_o pravis_fw-la omnes_fw-la sumus_fw-la to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o observation_n that_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a man_n be_v general_o of_o a_o more_o modest_a prudent_a and_o reserve_a temper_n and_o behaviour_n but_o contrariwise_o vicious_a man_n general_o be_v more_o confident_a active_a and_o bold_a which_o seem_v to_o inconsiderate_a spectator_n infinite_o the_o great_a number_n witty_a generous_a and_o pleasant_a yea_o and_o reasonable_a too_o because_o reason_n shall_v precede_v confidence_n and_o consequent_o their_o example_n make_v great_a impression_n but_o i_o somewhat_o prevent_v myself_o the_o word_n be_v a_o proverbial_a verse_n in_o menander_n the_o poet._n whether_o s._n paul_n have_v read_v it_o himself_o or_o hear_v it_o often_o quote_v as_o a_o very_a useful_a proverbial_a speech_n be_v not_o material_a something_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o true_a render_n of_o the_o word_n before_o we_o lie_v out_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o discourse_n but_o very_o brief_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o translation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d communication_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d good_a manner_n the_o first_o be_v translate_v by_o some_o colloquy_n narration_n discourse_n by_o our_o own_o here_o communication_n by_o other_o conversation_n use_v of_o company_n or_o the_o like_a i_o shall_v think_v this_o last_o best_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v more_o general_a and_o include_v the_o former_a 2._o because_o lexicographer_n expound_v it_o of_o both_o phavor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v for_o discourse_v or_o converse_v with_o another_o and_o in_o suidas_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o converse_v together_o as_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d good_a manner_n a_o learned_a expositor_n of_o our_o own_o will_v rather_o have_v it_o turn_v good_a nature_n or_o good_a disposition_n i_o e._n such_o who_o be_v very_o pliable_a and_o easy_a to_o agree_v with_o other_o in_o their_o discourse_n and_o action_n which_o be_v usual_o out_o of_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n and_o softness_n of_o nature_n together_o and_o sometime_o from_o a_o imprudent_a civility_n in_o which_o may_v be_v excess_n and_o loathness_n to_o give_v offence_n and_o willingness_n to_o please_v every_o body_n but_o i_o shall_v rather_o retain_v our_o own_o translation_n of_o good_a manner_n because_o although_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v sometime_o have_v such_o a_o peculiar_a signification_n as_o good_a disposition_n yet_o the_o other_o signification_n be_v far_o more_o frequent_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o context_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v read_v the_o text_n thus_o evil_a conversation_n i._n e._n of_o some_o corrupt_v good_a manner_n i._n e._n of_o other_o from_o hence_o we_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_v a_o while_n concern_v the_o general_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n and_o how_o mighty_a a_o hindrance_n it_o be_v of_o the_o conversion_n and_o reformation_n of_o sinner_n and_o that_o under_o these_o head_n i._o give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o example_n against_o precept_n ii_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o evil_a example_n against_o good_a one_o iii_o show_n how_o these_o evil_a example_n do_v operate_v iv_o give_v a_o caution_n or_o two_o to_o be_v
who_o be_v in_o heart_n and_o life_n obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o observation_n as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o vicious_a and_o dissolute_a man_n wonder_v that_o all_o other_o be_v not_o like_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o but_o that_o they_o have_v their_o reason_n for_o it_o whatever_o they_o be_v and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o by_o which_o they_o use_v to_o justify_v and_o excuse_v themselves_o and_o all_o other_o who_o be_v draw_v to_o compliance_n with_o naughty_a manner_n and_o corrupt_v by_o evil_a example_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n at_o this_o time_n to_o see_v what_o some_o of_o they_o be_v and_o to_o give_v the_o strong_a of_o they_o its_o full_a answer_n we_o may_v conceive_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v these_o they_o say_v then_o that_o as_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v and_o now_o go_v to_o be_v conscientious_a pious_a and_o virtuous_a be_v 1._o to_o be_v singular_a and_o to_o call_v all_o man_n eye_n and_o talk_v and_o censure_n towards_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v solitary_a melancholy_n and_o cheerless_a when_o other_o be_v divert_v court_v and_o crowd_v with_o good_a company_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a 4._o to_o be_v revile_v and_o persecute_v 5._o it_o be_v to_o undertake_v a_o impossible_a or_o at_o least_o a_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o consequent_o painful_a thing_n we_o have_v not_o time_n to_o speak_v any_o thing_n considerable_a to_o all_o these_o excuse_n for_o the_o present_a we_o will_v take_v only_o the_o three_o last_o and_o of_o they_o put_v the_o two_o first_o together_o more_o brief_o but_o the_o last_o of_o all_o which_o seem_v the_o best_a they_o have_v and_o be_v by_o experience_n find_v most_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o the_o resolution_n of_o undertake_v a_o virtuous_a life_n and_o bid_v a_o final_a farewell_n to_o vicious_a manner_n and_o company_n be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v hear_v and_o answer_v more_o particular_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o evil_a manner_n and_o life_n of_o the_o bad_a to_o join_v ourselves_o to_o and_o practice_v with_o the_o good_a the_o first_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o much_o contempt_n hatred_n and_o ill_a treatment_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o neither_o favour_n nor_o justice_n such_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n here_o in_o the_o text_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v evil_a viz._n of_o the_o christian_n no_o doubt_v their_o tongue_n and_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o action_n go_v together_o they_o revile_v despise_v hate_a and_o ill_o use_v the_o christian_n because_o they_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o their_o abominable_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n still_o in_o general_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n in_o degree_n and_o some_o circumstance_n between_o the_o bad_a and_o the_o good_a even_o of_o the_o same_o external_a profession_n of_o religion_n of_o which_o some_o of_o the_o cause_n in_o few_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o foolish_a and_o false_a opinion_n of_o libertine_n especial_o if_o great_a who_o take_v licentiousness_n to_o be_v the_o privilege_n and_o property_n of_o their_o rank_n that_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a man_n be_v timorous_a and_o mean_v spirit_v because_o they_o dare_v not_o venture_v upon_o some_o action_n and_o course_n which_o they_o fear_v not_o when_o it_o true_o proceed_v from_o their_o judgement_n choice_n and_o a_o great_a mind_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v proud_a and_o self-conceited_a think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o every_o body_n else_o and_o on_o purpose_n contradict_v common_a practice_n whereas_o it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o good_a understanding_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n it_o be_v piety_n to_o god_n charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o world_n prudent_a care_n of_o their_o own_o great_a interest_n final_o they_o think_v that_o the_o opposite_a manner_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n reproach_v they_o first_o these_o by_o their_o course_n of_o life_n which_o they_o take_v in_o effect_n call_v they_o fool_n or_o perverse_a weak_a or_o wilful_a which_o indeed_o be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a signification_n of_o their_o principle_n which_o they_o can_v help_v nor_o be_v they_o willing_a if_o they_o can_v because_o they_o hope_v it_o may_v at_o last_o prevail_v upon_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o do_v better_o at_o least_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o appear_v in_o and_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o not_o any_o way_n to_o contribute_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o few_o good_a or_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o many_o bad_a but_o let_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o unjust_a usage_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a be_v what_o they_o will_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n either_o for_o the_o compliance_n of_o the_o good_a or_o for_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o bad_a that_o they_o do_v not_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o better_a reason_n for_o virtue_n and_o live_v well_o than_o the_o please_a of_o man_n not_o one_o in_o 1000_o of_o which_o have_v any_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o what_o they_o be_v use_v do_v but_o only_a humour_n passion_n appetite_n and_o example_n of_o the_o most_o and_o worst_a it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o discreet_o and_o conscientious_o will_v not_o go_v with_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a may_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o ill_o use_v by_o the_o blind_a inconsiderate_a or_o cowardly_a but_o can_v never_o deserve_v it_o it_o be_v they_o who_o be_v the_o foolish_a and_o ofttimes_o perverse_a and_o wilful_a in_o their_o pernicious_a folly_n and_o therefore_o their_o quality_n to_o be_v despise_v and_o their_o person_n pity_v let_v man_n give_v i_o better_a reason_n than_o i_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o i_o will_v follow_v and_o thank_v they_o too_o but_o this_o contempt_n of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o their_o confidence_n number_n and_o humour_n or_o blind_a passion_n and_o inclination_n be_v to_o be_v contemn_v and_o will_v never_o move_v a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a spirit_n or_o understanding_n who_o know_v what_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n he_o ought_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o argument_n for_o imitation_n of_o the_o many_o great_a or_o small_a in_o evil_a manner_n to_o avoid_v be_v neglect_v contemn_a despise_a frown_v upon_o or_o hate_v reach_v only_o the_o more_o mean_a and_o vulgar_a mind_n whatever_o they_o appear_v from_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v secure_v by_o particular_o show_v and_o mind_v they_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o injustice_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v which_o be_v worst_a to_o be_v real_o a_o ill_a man_n and_o to_o be_v ill-spoken_a of_o or_o ill-used_a by_o ill_a man_n through_o pride_n and_o ill-nature_n or_o even_o by_o the_o better_a through_o mistake_n for_o we_o will_v take_v but_o that_o one_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o true_a interest_n and_o a_o prudent_a care_n of_o ourselves_o who_o will_v not_o take_v it_o for_o a_o reproach_n to_o be_v count_v like_o a_o silly_a sheep_n to_o drown_v for_o company_n or_o prefer_v be_v wicked_a and_o miserable_a with_o a_o multitude_n before_o be_v innocent_a and_o happy_a alone_a lest_o they_o shall_v scoff_n or_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o cowardice_n or_o break_v company_n suppose_v nineteen_o of_o twenty_o shall_v in_o a_o frolic_a draw_v their_o blood_n or_o drink_v poison_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o health_n or_o endanger_v life_n do_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o under_o the_o least_o temptation_n to_o imitate_v such_o folly_n and_o madness_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o a_o dastard_n or_o a_o ill_a companion_n these_o similitude_n be_v not_o impertinent_a or_o improper_a let_v man_n believe_v as_o they_o please_v for_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n continue_v in_o be_v and_o will_v be_v as_o sure_o the_o death_n and_o destruction_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o often_o of_o our_o body_n and_o estate_n altogether_o as_o some_o wound_n and_o potion_n be_v mortiferous_a to_o our_o body_n only_o add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o men._n the_o good_a man_n who_o reckon_v himself_o bear_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o enjoy_v it_o himself_o reason_n
justification_n itself_o god_n impute_v christ_n righteousness_n to_o we_o in_o such_o manner_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o our_o justification_n but_o justification_n itself_o or_o the_o use_n of_o we_o in_o such_o favourable_a and_o kind_a manner_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o imputation_n nor_o 6_o and_o last_o be_v justification_n a_o bare_a remission_n of_o sin_n they_o who_o say_v so_o speak_v too_o little_a for_o the_o use_v a_o man_n as_o a_o righteous_a and_o just_a man_n be_v not_o negative_a only_o or_o do_v he_o no_o harm_n but_o positive_a also_o do_v he_o good_a and_o therefore_o it_o contain_v not_o only_a security_n and_o exemption_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o suffer_v but_o the_o bestow_n the_o good_a thing_n of_o enjoyment_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a the_o assistance_n for_o virtue_n here_o and_o heaven_n hereafter_o or_o grace_n and_o glory_n as_o be_v usual_o say_v i_o will_v only_o here_o observe_v that_o although_o such_o as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o justification_n of_o sinner_n yet_o it_o must_v here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v restrain_v to_o those_o instance_n of_o favour_n which_o follow_v faith_n take_v for_o a_o quality_n in_o we_o such_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v say_v justify_v by_o say_v faith_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o justification_n viz._n a_o condition_n qualify_a or_o capacitate_v cause_n justification_n or_o be_v use_v kind_o by_o god_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o our_o faith_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n justification_n in_o sum_n this_o it_o be_v to_o use_v or_o treat_v a_o person_n as_o use_v to_o be_v do_v to_o a_o just_a and_o good_a man_n which_o be_v to_o do_v he_o no_o harm_n but_o to_o bear_v he_o good_a will_n some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o do_v he_o good_a show_v he_o favour_n and_o kindness_n for_o the_o second_o term_n faith_n i_o mean_v justify_v or_o save_v faith_n by_o which_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v as_o much_o contest_v and_o perhaps_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o less_o certainty_n resolve_v than_o the_o former_a of_o justification_n i_o for_o my_o part_n have_v observe_v these_o three_o signification_n of_o it_o the_o last_o of_o which_o i_o intend_v principal_o to_o enlarge_v my_o present_a discourse_n upon_o first_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v piety_n or_o religion_n in_o general_n or_o rather_o religiousness_n i._n e._n such_o a_o habitual_a temper_n of_o mind_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v dispose_v to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o just_a however_o make_v know_v to_o he_o from_o god_n it_o be_v this_o temper_n of_o soul_n by_o which_o god_n estimate_n a_o good_a man_n and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v qualify_v for_o god_n approbation_n acceptance_n and_o beneficence_n particular_o in_o those_o great_a instance_n of_o pardon_n grace_n and_o glory_n which_o if_o vigorous_a and_o prevalent_a and_o constant_a enough_o to_o denominate_v we_o good_a man_n will_v certain_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o actual_a obedience_n of_o inward_a will_n and_o outward_a action_n when_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o hinder_v as_o it_o may_v be_v by_o pure_a and_o invincible_a ignorance_n by_o disease_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o body_n or_o any_o external_a impediment_n i_o say_v again_o because_o i_o think_v it_o want_n and_o deserve_v observation_n that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n and_o constancy_n of_o this_o habitual_a inclination_n of_o soul_n that_o god_n estimate_n we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o he_o outward_a action_n especial_o and_o inward_a too_o be_v contingent_a may_v cease_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o hundred_o hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n when_o the_o habitual_a inclination_n of_o the_o will_n be_v a_o constant_a thing_n and_o remain_v fix_v in_o the_o soul_n which_o god_n certain_o know_v though_o other_o and_o even_o our_o own_o self_n sometime_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o jew_n from_o who_o probable_o the_o mahometan_n have_v it_o may_v save_v themselves_o and_o god_n the_o labour_n of_o cast_v up_o and_o weigh_v their_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n to_o know_v which_o number_n weigh_v most_o and_o how_o the_o case_n will_v stand_v with_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v sign_n of_o the_o degree_n and_o constancy_n of_o habitual_a temper_n sometime_o fallible_a enough_o but_o let_v this_o stand_v for_o a_o little_a digression_n to_o return_v i_o can_v yet_o tell_v what_o better_a notion_n to_o fix_v upon_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n quote_v by_o saint_n paul_n rom._n 1._o 17._o and_o gal._n 3._o 11._o from_o hab._n 2._o 4._o to_o prove_v justification_n not_o to_o be_v by_o the_o law_n but_o by_o faith_n and_o that_o too_o synecdochical_o put_v viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o justification_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gospel-doctrine_n concern_v it_o as_o we_o shall_v present_o more_o large_o discourse_n the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n i._n e._n a_o good_a and_o just_a man_n by_o his_o piety_n and_o religiousness_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a when_o the_o proud_a and_o wicked_a man_n forsake_v god_n shall_v be_v forsake_v by_o he_o an_o habitual_o religious_a man_n which_o will_v certain_o produce_v actual_a obedience_n to_o god_n whensoever_o he_o sufficient_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o law_n ever_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v approve_v accept_v and_o favour_v by_o god_n which_o as_o he_o do_v once_o by_o moses_n so_o have_v he_o in_o these_o last_o day_n more_o evident_o and_o perfect_o by_o his_o son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o just_a man_n shall_v live_v or_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o actual_a observance_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n which_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n prove_v by_o these_o word_n let_v we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o importance_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n in_o heb._n 10._o 38._o and_o hab._n 2._o 4._o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n but_o if_o he_o draw_v back_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v render_v there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o but_o suppose_v to_o be_v put_v in_o by_o our_o own_o interpreter_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a election_n and_o perseverance_n my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o we_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o heb._n in_o habb_n and_o this_o quotation_n by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n but_o only_o observe_v that_o to_o live_v be_v to_o fare_v well_o from_o god_n to_o be_v approve_v by_o he_o and_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n so_o as_o to_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o deliverance_n from_o their_o suffer_a condition_n here_o or_o after_o this_o life_n the_o reward_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n or_o both_o or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o live_v as_o it_o be_v common_o of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o i._n e._n god_n disfavour_n be_v oppose_v to_o it_o beside_o in_o the_o gal._n to_o live_v not_o only_a vivere_fw-la but_o valere_fw-la be_v plain_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o justification_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o then_o for_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v manifest_o the_o believe_v of_o god_n promise_n so_o effectual_o as_o to_o produce_v a_o entire_a submissive_a and_o obsequious_a temper_n of_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o a_o actual_a obedience_n and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o a_o man_n withdraw_a viz_o from_o that_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n through_o fear_n or_o diffidence_n or_o any_o other_o evil_a affection_n and_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o that_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n believe_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o a_o good_a man_n live_v i'faith_o by_o which_o a_o good_a man_n live_v can_v be_v either_o according_a to_o common_a reason_n or_o the_o tenor_n of_o revelation_n a_o bare_a assent_n to_o god_n veracity_n goodness_n and_o power_n or_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o the_o effect_n thereof_o a_o dutiful_a and_o obediential_a heart_n to_o god_n it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v viz._n by_o his_o piety_n and_o
usual_o signify_v among_o we_o between_o god_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n or_o the_o most_o excellent_a angel_n be_v to_o give_v a_o very_a false_a idea_n of_o the_o case_n for_o to_o merit_v from_o any_o one_o be_v first_o to_o profit_n or_o advantage_v he_o some_o way_n and_o than_o it_o be_v to_o impart_v somewhat_o of_o his_o own_o and_o last_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o benefit_n be_v bind_v to_o requite_v it_o by_o some_o law_n without_o and_o superior_a to_o himself_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n for_o can_v a_o man_n profit_v his_o maker_n a_o master_n indeed_o may_v be_v benefit_v by_o the_o labour_n and_o service_n of_o his_o servant_n next_o the_o strength_n industry_n and_o fidelity_n of_o the_o servant_n be_v his_o own_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o master_n he_o never_o have_v any_o of_o this_o from_o he_o but_o what_o have_v we_o which_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o god_n our_o very_a be_v faculty_n liberty_n all_o kind_n of_o ability_n and_o capacity_n be_v they_o not_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o our_o great_a and_o good_a creator_n final_o what_o law_n be_v there_o superior_a to_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o will_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o any_o action_n who_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o say_v to_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o not_o so_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o irresistible_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o tyranny_n in_o heaven_n as_o his_o all_o comprehend_v wisdom_n his_o immutable_a righteousness_n and_o essential_a goodness_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o just_a and_o right_a eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a but_o it_o be_v therefore_o so_o because_o god_n be_v so_o it_o be_v eternal_o a_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v as_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o fit_a that_o which_o we_o call_v right_a fit_a just_a be_v a_o due_a relation_n or_o habitude_n of_o all_o will_n action_n power_n to_o its_o object_n which_o object_n be_v bonum_fw-la good_a and_o that_o the_o great_a too_o in_o respect_n of_o intention_n extension_n and_o duration_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o respect_n this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a due_a end_n and_o object_n i_o say_v of_o all_o will_n action_n and_o power_n whatsoever_o but_o this_o relation_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v therefore_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a only_o because_o god_n be_v so_o it_o can_v never_o have_v exi_v without_o a_o subject_a and_o that_o subject_a the_o divine_a will_n exist_v necessary_o the_o very_a be_v or_o existence_n therefore_o of_o any_o such_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n beside_o this_o relation_n which_o we_o call_v right_o and_o just_a be_v something_o wherefore_o it_o as_o all_o other_o something_n must_v have_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o active_a power_n or_o his_o nature_n for_o its_o cause_n but_o though_o right_a and_o just_o depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o its_o eternal_a existence_n yet_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o ever_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o without_o they_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v it_o a_o pure_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o attribute_v it_o to_o god_n a_o all-perfect_a be_v for_o a_o instance_n or_o application_n we_o say_v that_o the_o object_n of_o god_n will_n be_v always_o the_o universal_a good_a the_o good_a of_o all_o being_n the_o great_a good_a either_o fit_a or_o possible_a and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o he_o will_v benè_fw-la bonis_fw-la malè_fw-la malis_fw-la he_o justify_v the_o righteous_a and_o condemn_v the_o wicked_a he_o order_n and_o distribute_v respective_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a the_o quantity_n quality_n time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o no_o cause_n without_o the_o divine_a will_n itself_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o divine_a will_n thus_o to_o act_v there_o be_v no_o power_n or_o will_n to_o determine_v or_o constrain_v it_o god_n nature_n be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v he_o to_o will_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v just_a and_o right_a for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o reasonable_a being_n and_o yet_o most_o free_o because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o free_a than_o what_o be_v natural_a liberty_n in_o god_n be_v not_o a_o indifferency_n for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o imperfection_n but_o that_o infinite_a force_n and_o delight_n with_o which_o he_o act_v i_o have_v no_o better_a word_n to_o express_v my_o meaning_n by_o liberty_n and_o necessity_n therefore_o in_o god_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a but_o inseparable_a it_o be_v right_a and_o just_a for_o god_n to_o reward_v the_o good_a who_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o observe_v his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o instance_n of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o just_a but_o we_o must_v not_o say_v god_n be_v bind_v to_o it_o or_o that_o those_o who_o be_v good_a merit_n it_o from_o he_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o most_o receive_a sense_n and_o common_a usage_n because_o that_o import_v as_o if_o he_o must_v do_v it_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o and_o there_o be_v some_o law_n or_o person_n without_o or_o superior_a to_o himself_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o say_v that_o god_n most_o certain_o will_v do_v so_o because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n to_o do_v it_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n behold_v the_o upright_a it_o be_v true_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o not_o useless_a or_o very_o impertinent_a digression_n that_o worthy_a quality_n and_o action_n i._n e._n such_o as_o do_v effect_n or_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a that_o be_v useful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n do_v just_o entitle_v any_o person_n to_o a_o reward_n such_o as_o honour_n power_n wealth_n or_o pleasurable_a life_n because_o those_o same_o quality_n and_o action_n be_v thereby_o maintain_v increase_v and_o propagate_v and_o consequent_o the_o best_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o world_n further_v and_o advance_v every_o one_o in_o his_o place_n and_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o but_o especial_o all_o sort_n of_o governor_n and_o such_o quality_n have_v and_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n obtain_v the_o name_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o in_o its_o most_o common_a and_o receive_a sense_n for_o they_o be_v the_o property_n of_o those_o who_o possess_v they_o they_o never_o receive_v they_o from_o other_o man_n they_o be_v beneficial_a and_o useful_a to_o man_n and_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a law_n and_o power_n to_o oblige_v and_o compel_v man_n to_o reward_v they_o none_o of_o which_o can_v be_v say_v in_o respect_n to_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o congruous_a and_o reasonable_a thing_n as_o be_v above_o mention_v god_n always_o do_v and_o always_o will_v necessary_o from_o his_o own_o nature_n will_n and_o act_n in_o such_o manner_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o mean_v by_o merit_v than_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o merit_v from_o god_n too_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n heb._n 6._o 9_o and_o benceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n and_o not_o to_o i_o only_o but_o unto_o all_o they_o also_o that_o love_n his_o appear_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 8._o i_o e._n it_o be_v a_o congruous_a and_o fit_a thing_n of_o best_a effect_n certain_o in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o use_v by_o he_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o the_o long_a in_o this_o digression_n because_o i_o believe_v the_o whole_a controversy_n about_o merit_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n with_o his_o christian_n and_o between_o the_o pontifician_n and_o the_o protestant_n may_v by_o the_o little_a that_o have_v be_v here_o say_v be_v easy_o clear_v and_o decide_v at_o last_o we_o conclude_v then_o with_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o gospel-doctrine_n against_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o the_o legal_a doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v viz._n that_o we_o sinner_n be_v justify_v by_o god_n and_o more_o particular_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n pardon_v and_o save_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v not_o by_o any_o
be_v to_o be_v honour_v but_o then_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v to_o direct_v and_o determine_v that_o power_n deserve_v it_o much_o more_o it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n without_o power_n be_v moveless_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n but_o then_o power_n without_o they_o may_v be_v most_o mischievous_a goodness_n without_o power_n if_o it_o can_v do_v no_o good_a yet_o it_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n but_o power_n without_o goodness_n may_v be_v use_v to_o make_v miserable_a if_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o cunning_a pride_n malice_n and_o ill-nature_n but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o person_n honourable_a and_o amiable_a where_o greatness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v in_o conjunction_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n with_o infinity_o the_o example_n of_o such_o work_n marvellous_a effect_n in_o their_o sphere_n and_o carry_v all_o before_o they_o they_o have_v great_a force_n to_o change_v the_o very_a inward_a spring_n and_o principle_n of_o man_n action_n their_o opinion_n and_o inclination_n at_o least_o they_o outward_o bound_v they_o to_o their_o good_a behaviour_n and_o oh_o that_o heaven_n as_o it_o have_v begin_v among_o we_o will_v go_v on_o to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o happiness_n and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o righteous_a man_n grieve_v and_o tire_v with_o wicked_a generation_n by_o so_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a a_o sight_n and_o here_o we_o can_v miss_v to_o make_v the_o observation_n how_o much_o great_a obligation_n the_o great_a be_v under_o to_o look_v at_o their_o conduct_n and_o example_n than_o other_o and_o how_o much_o large_a their_o account_n will_v be_v for_o the_o evil_n they_o have_v and_o the_o good_a they_o may_v have_v do_v and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v by_o those_o for_o themselves_o who_o because_o they_o be_v great_a already_o will_v be_v great_a than_o god_n himself_o who_o make_v they_o so_o and_o take_v that_o liberty_n which_o he_o never_o use_v 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v their_o confidence_n promptness_n and_o fierceness_n good_a man_n more_o general_o unless_o they_o be_v very_o happy_a in_o the_o gift_n of_o eloquence_n quick_a apprehension_n and_o courage_n all_o together_o converse_v with_o caution_n and_o consequent_o be_v more_o spare_v in_o their_o speech_n and_o action_n more_o modest_a in_o their_o affirmation_n more_o tender_a of_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o conduct_n more_o careful_a of_o their_o own_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n more_o solicitous_a concern_v the_o influence_n of_o their_o example_n now_o the_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o some_o wit_n and_o freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o carriage_n and_o some_o passion_n always_o with_o more_o vigour_n and_o life_n which_o thing_n be_v more_o discernible_a and_o acceptable_a to_o most_o company_n than_o good_a sense_n and_o reason_n and_o often_o make_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n as_o almost_o to_o force_v themselves_o upon_o those_o who_o assure_o know_v much_o better_a there_o be_v also_o in_o such_o confidence_n a_o certain_a heedlessness_n and_o negligence_n which_o carry_v the_o air_n and_o appearance_n and_o be_v some_o ingredient_n of_o generosity_n and_o courage_n which_o first_o much_o commend_v the_o person_n and_o then_o their_o discourse_n and_o action_n especial_o to_o those_o who_o be_v their_o equal_n or_o inferior_n and_o be_v no_o wise_a than_o themselves_o though_o in_o other_o circumstance_n where_o it_o may_v seem_v excessive_a or_o unseasonable_a to_o understand_v man_n it_o be_v usual_o as_o offensive_a final_o the_o confidence_n of_o bad_a example_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o spectator_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o assurance_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n in_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v at_o least_o of_o no_o great_a harm_n or_o folly_n but_o where_o the_o former_a inclination_n to_o imitation_n be_v back_v by_o appear_a reason_n its_o force_n be_v irresistible_a on_o the_o contrary_a calmness_n and_o reservedness_n seem_v lifeless_a dubious_a cowardly_a and_o even_o when_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n yet_o they_o be_v grateful_a but_o to_o very_a few_o of_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o the_o example_n of_o such_o reach_n the_o generality_n with_o no_o force_n or_o with_o very_o little_a impression_n whence_o good_a man_n may_v be_v advise_v that_o there_o be_v place_n and_o reason_n sometime_o for_o freedom_n and_o a_o handsome_a confidence_n in_o conversation_n though_o many_o very_a wise_a may_v want_v that_o faculty_n manage_v with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o measure_n seasonableness_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o with_o a_o design_n to_o convey_v as_o opportunity_n may_v serve_v some_o good_a sentiment_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o useful_a dexterity_n in_o conversation_n to_o communicate_v wise_a and_o virtuous_a thing_n with_o advantage_n and_o to_o convey_v it_o acceptable_o and_o particular_o with_o a_o seem_a heedlessness_n of_o what_o one_o be_v do_v when_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o main_a design_n to_o do_v it_o well_o like_v as_o the_o discreet_a physician_n may_v seem_v to_o his_o ungovernable_a patient_n to_o be_v do_v nothing_o of_o consequence_n when_o he_o design_v the_o administration_n of_o some_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o his_o disease_n 4._o the_o last_o cause_n we_o shall_v name_n be_v the_o most_o general_a corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v principal_o in_o prevail_a inclination_n to_o other_o object_n above_o those_o to_o religion_n virtue_n and_o wisdom_n the_o depravation_n and_o vitiosity_n of_o our_o active_a power_n be_v this_o that_o those_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o shall_v be_v moderate_a governable_a and_o subservient_fw-fr be_v the_o most_o violent_a ungovernable_a and_o command_a though_o this_o cause_n be_v very_o general_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o remote_a but_o near_o and_o immediate_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o suppose_v good_a and_o bad_a example_n equal_a in_o number_n set_v before_o we_o and_o recommend_v alike_o advantageous_o we_o shall_v except_o here_o and_o there_o one_o secure_v by_o a_o rare_a felicity_n of_o temper_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o much_o deliberation_n enter_v ourselves_o into_o the_o worst_a company_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o if_o oration_n can_v be_v make_v with_o equal_a seem_a reason_n and_o eloquence_n for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o we_o be_v the_o moderator_n perfect_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n without_o the_o restraint_n of_o shame_n we_o shall_v soon_o hearty_o determine_v against_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n at_o the_o bottom_n why_o one_o single_a example_n of_o one_o great_a man_n have_v more_o influence_n than_o twenty_o of_o the_o prudent_a and_o virtuous_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o good_a it_o be_v because_o our_o very_a opinion_n as_o well_o as_o our_o practice_n 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will_v never_o learn_v to_o be_v clean_o though_o in_o the_o midst_n â—f_n a_o verdant_a meadow_n cover_v with_o innocent_a sheep_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o puddle_n where_o we_o may_v wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n or_o like_o some_o natural_o clownish_a and_o slovenly_a people_n who_o will_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o decent_a carriage_n and_o manner_n though_o always_o in_o the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v gentile_a and_o well-bred_a oh_o the_o deplorable_a pravity_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n desperate_a and_o utter_o incurable_a without_o a_o merciful_a touch_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o the_o special_a powerful_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n prevent_v follow_a assist_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n without_o which_o the_o company_n of_o heaven_n itself_o will_v never_o mend_v they_o they_o will_v still_o retain_v the_o propension_n and_o inclination_n nay_o the_o action_n too_o if_o they_o can_v of_o devil_n and_o brute_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n these_o
be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a cause_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o evil_a example_n against_o good_a one_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o question_n iii_o how_o do_v these_o evil_a example_n operate_v this_o be_v convenient_a to_o be_v know_v that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o better_o prevent_v or_o obviate_v their_o mischievous_a influence_n the_o several_a way_n may_v be_v observe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o by_o their_o number_n variety_n and_o constancy_n they_o take_v up_o all_o our_o attention_n and_o observation_n they_o whole_o possess_v our_o thought_n evil_a example_n be_v ofttimes_o like_o the_o ill-designing_a companion_n and_o counselor_n of_o some_o great_a man_n not_o over-wise_a who_o will_v not_o permit_v any_o other_o company_n but_o themselves_o to_o approach_v he_o nor_o suffer_v he_o to_o hear_v or_o know_v much_o more_o than_o he_o have_v from_o they_o sometime_o we_o may_v be_v so_o unhappy_a in_o our_o almost_o constant_a conversation_n as_o to_o have_v little_a occasion_n to_o observe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a or_o not_o so_o much_o or_o so_o often_o as_o to_o make_v any_o impression_n there_o be_v some_o person_n so_o bring_v up_o surround_v always_o with_o such_o company_n that_o folly_n and_o vice_n be_v their_o perpetual_a entertainment_n scarce_o ever_o hear_v a_o wise_a word_n or_o see_v a_o wise_a action_n swear_v and_o curse_v and_o brawl_v and_o rail_v and_o drink_v and_o gluttony_n and_o trifle_v and_o dress_v and_o game_n and_o wantonness_n and_o at_o the_o best_a worldly_a drudgery_n or_o diversion_n be_v set_v before_o their_o eye_n and_o upon_o their_o ear_n perpetual_o they_o rare_o hear_v but_o the_o very_a name_n of_o conscience_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n of_o sobriety_n and_o piety_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n they_o scarce_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o man_n or_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o seem_v very_o likely_a that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o constant_a public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o conscientiousness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n but_o what_o be_v more_o immediate_o necessary_a for_o civil_a society_n for_o man_n deal_v and_o traffic_n one_o with_o another_o will_v be_v so_o far_o neglect_v and_o thrust_v into_o corner_n so_o little_a anywhere_o appear_v that_o thousand_o more_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v now_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o hardly_o ever_o see_v so_o as_o to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o a_o pious_a well_o govern_v family_n or_o person_n and_o when_o they_o do_v they_o seem_v to_o they_o like_o foreigner_n from_o some_o strange_a country_n with_o a_o unknown_a language_n a_o uncouth_a garb_n and_o odd_a manner_n nay_o perhaps_o some_o will_v seldom_o hear_v of_o a_o god_n or_o jesus_n christ_n but_o in_o oath_n and_o imprecation_n the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n in_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v so_o great_a before_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n come_v among_o they_o that_o they_o wonder_v at_o the_o christian_n for_o abstain_v from_o the_o most_o abominable_a way_n in_o which_o they_o secure_o walk_v of_o lasciviousness_n lust_n excess_n of_o wine_n revel_n banquet_n abominable_a idolatry_n nay_o they_o do_v not_o only_o think_v their_o manner_n very_o strange_a but_o they_o revile_v they_o for_o they_o their_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o their_o wonder_n but_o of_o their_o reproach_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 4._o they_o have_v never_o see_v nor_o be_v use_v to_o such_o thing_n before_o and_o it_o be_v beyond_o doubt_n that_o there_o be_v but_o too_o much_o of_o this_o among_o those_o who_o have_v indeed_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o time_n they_o be_v first_o enter_v by_o the_o sacred_a rite_n they_o have_v hear_v little_a see_v less_o and_o practise_v least_o of_o their_o religion_n the_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o acquaintance_n among_o who_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o live_v more_o like_a heathen_n than_o christian_n and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o heathen_n neither_o and_o what_o can_v be_v ordinary_o expect_v from_o those_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a who_o have_v scarce_o see_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v evil_a 2._o but_o among_o other_o who_o have_v have_v so_o far_o the_o happiness_n of_o better_a instruction_n and_o conversation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o ignorant_a or_o ill_o incline_v or_o insensible_a of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a evil_a example_n soon_o bring_v most_o of_o they_o over_o to_o imitation_n by_o take_v away_o the_o restraint_n of_o some_o shame_n and_o fear_n which_o they_o be_v before_o under_o few_o person_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o evil_a course_n be_v so_o hardy_a and_o impâ—isent_fw-fr as_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o some_o awe_n both_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o other_o man_n opinion_n concern_v they_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o as_o bad_a as_o our_o nature_n be_v there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o do_v not_o at_o first_o boggle_v at_o many_o vice_n they_o blush_v and_o hang_v back_o at_o they_o such_o as_o be_v drunkenness_n swear_v fornication_n lasciviousness_n profaneness_n disrespect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o wise_a sober_a and_o grave_a or_o in_o general_a of_o their_o superior_n but_o let_v but_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o bold_a and_o worst_a of_o they_o begin_v and_o how_o soon_o shall_v you_o see_v the_o rest_n to_o follow_v and_o when_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v to_o a_o multitude_n how_o fierce_a and_o insolent_a do_v they_o soon_o grow_v they_o be_v backward_o and_o cowardly_a ofttimes_o till_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o villainy_n by_o some_o experience_a practitioner_n or_o by_o some_o one_o of_o note_n who_o lead_v they_o the_o way_n but_o perhaps_o be_v once_o enter_v they_o go_v beyond_o their_o pattern_n and_o outdo_v those_o who_o teach_v they_o now_o when_o once_o natural_a modesty_n shame_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o reproof_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o well_o or_o ill_o inform_v and_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n than_o those_o as_o natural_a inclination_n to_o the_o vice_n of_o evil_a example_n have_v more_o their_o liberty_n take_v their_o swing_n anâ—â—â—â—_n their_o very_a motion_n gather_v strength_n and_o celerity_n we_o see_v in_o a_o rabble_n get_v together_o in_o a_o riotous_a and_o unlawful_a manner_n command_v by_o authority_n to_o depart_v every_o one_o afraid_a at_o first_o to_o disobey_v or_o affront_v it_o till_o one_o more_o impudent_a and_o fierce_a than_o the_o rest_n make_v a_o attempt_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o robber_n at_o first_o tremble_v more_o than_o they_o who_o they_o set_v upon_o and_o rifle_v and_o among_o the_o most_o desperate_a and_o bloody_a ruffian_n hire_v to_o murder_v some_o person_n of_o innocency_n eminency_n and_o merit_n every_o one_o be_v afraid_a to_o strike_v the_o first_o stroke_n but_o that_o be_v once_o give_v the_o rest_n soon_o fall_v on_o 3._o evil_a example_n work_v their_o effect_n not_o only_o by_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o shame_n of_o vice_n but_o by_o make_v man_n ashamed_a of_o virtue_n and_o this_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v numerous_a and_o great_a they_o make_v man_n ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o both_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a man_n well_o dispose_v and_o incline_v be_v oft_o fearful_a to_o give_v offence_n to_o appear_v singular_a to_o break_v company_n even_o when_o their_o conscience_n and_o discretion_n tell_v they_o they_o omit_v to_o do_v what_o they_o ought_v and_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o only_o foolish_a but_o plain_o unlawful_a although_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o practise_v be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o he_o that_o give_v a_o bad_a example_n or_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o follow_v as_o the_o other_o be_v to_o begin_v yet_o he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o good_a as_o he_o shall_v be_v nor_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v his_o habitual_a temper_n and_o more_o frequent_a carriage_n be_v he_o to_o be_v deem_v a_o good_a man._n for_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n he_o fear_v the_o displeasure_n of_o man_n more_o than_o that_o of_o god_n and_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n john_n 12._o 43._o like_o the_o chief_a ruler_n who_o believe_v on_o jesus_n but_o dare_v not_o to_o confess_v and_o own_v he_o we_o be_v general_o like_o the_o
well_o when_o he_o think_v himself_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o honour_n god_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o and_o other_o from_o the_o infection_n of_o bad_a example_n when_o their_o number_n confidence_n and_o security_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o wonder_v and_o despise_v and_o treat_v hardly_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o like_o themselves_o the_o more_o the_o misery_n and_o folly_n and_o impiety_n of_o the_o world_n increase_v he_o think_v himself_o the_o more_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v it_o by_o save_v himself_o at_o least_o if_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o it_o be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a and_o necessary_a then_o to_o be_v the_o best_a when_o the_o world_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o man_n be_v general_o run_v to_o their_o ruin_n such_o be_v the_o apostolical_a admonition_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v harmless_a and_o blameless_a the_o son_n 15._o ephes_n 2._o 15._o of_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n and_o to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n never_o more_o need_v of_o light_n than_o in_o a_o gross_a and_o general_a darkness_n nor_o of_o the_o mound_n and_o bank_n of_o resolute_a virtuous_a example_n than_o when_o the_o flood_n of_o vicious_a one_o threaten_v to_o drown_v all_o after_o all_o this_o we_o must_v not_o allow_v or_o grant_v too_o much_o to_o this_o plea_n and_o excuse_n for_o conformity_n to_o evil_a example_n and_o bad_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n though_o too_o few_o who_o commendation_n favour_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o by_o our_o retreat_n and_o separation_n from_o wicked_a practice_n though_o never_o so_o numerous_a and_o great_a and_o then_o ofttimes_o at_o least_o if_o our_o nonconformity_n be_v as_o discreet_a and_o prudent_a as_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o conscientious_a those_o very_a person_n who_o from_o the_o tooth_n outward_a reproach_n and_o slight_v we_o will_v silent_o in_o their_o own_o thought_n esteem_v and_o commend_v we_o or_o if_o at_o sometime_o when_o upon_o the_o rant_v and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n they_o may_v inward_o contemn_v and_o hate_v we_o too_o yet_o at_o other_o in_o their_o sober_a mood_n when_o they_o be_v most_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v of_o another_o opinion_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o text_n speak_v here_o only_o very_o general_o and_o that_o some_o even_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v strike_v and_o awaken_v by_o the_o light_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o innocent_a virtuous_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o inward_o move_v to_o esteem_v and_o admire_v they_o nay_o after_o some_o time_n some_o even_n of_o those_o who_o at_o first_o wonder_v at_o the_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n of_o their_o manner_n be_v so_o affect_v though_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o leave_v their_o own_o for_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o man_n may_v in_o some_o considerable_a degree_n approve_v esteem_v and_o love_n that_o in_o other_o which_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v themselves_o the_o one_o cost_v nothing_o the_o other_o much_o pain_n and_o solicitude_n and_o that_o therefore_o sincere_a piety_n and_o virtue_n have_v not_o so_o many_o and_o fierce_a enemy_n as_o from_o appearance_n may_v be_v think_v beside_o this_o excuse_n have_v no_o place_n when_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o our_o advantageous_a circumstance_n may_v be_v such_o as_o to_o command_v honour_n and_o imitation_n of_o we_o not_o to_o fear_v contempt_n or_o ill-usage_n for_o not_o imitate_v of_o other_o when_o it_o be_v think_v our_o part_n to_o give_v example_n not_o to_o follow_v but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v the_o last_o excuse_n of_o man_n for_o go_v along_o with_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o vicious_a namely_o the_o difficulty_n and_o painfulness_n of_o do_v otherwise_o that_o shall_v most_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n to_o follow_v a_o multitude_n be_v always_o jolly_a and_o pleasant_a but_o when_o our_o nature_n set_v we_o go_v too_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o necessary_a and_o the_o contrary_a impossible_a let_v we_o hear_v it_o at_o large_a 2._o they_o will_v then_o allege_v for_o themselves_o that_o virtue_n and_o sanctity_n to_o our_o nature_n such_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o long_a use_n and_o custom_n now_o make_v be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n difficult_a and_o laborious_a and_o consequent_o grievous_a and_o painful_a and_o next_o to_o impossible_a but_o vice_n be_v easy_a and_o thence_o delightful_a and_o pleasant_a and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o sure_a cause_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o inclination_n and_o action_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v first_o facility_n and_o then_o pleasure_n what_o be_v painful_a will_v either_o be_v never_o attempt_v or_o soon_o leave_v off_o to_o speak_v more_o distinct_o and_o proper_o we_o acknowledge_v say_v they_o some_o remainder_n of_o a_o appetite_n to_o virtue_n and_o moral_a good_a but_o we_o find_v a_o hundred_o other_o incomparable_o more_o forcible_a and_o strong_a now_o to_o exalt_v virtue_n to_o a_o universal_a supremacy_n and_o to_o preserve_v it_o there_o constant_o to_o bring_v all_o other_o appetite_n and_o passion_n down_o to_o its_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n so_o as_o to_o receive_v all_o their_o motion_n their_o very_a be_v end_n and_o measure_n from_o its_o direction_n and_o command_n tell_v we_o whether_o and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v do_v for_o the_o man_n void_a of_o all_o honour_n and_o love_n to_o god_n nay_o a_o hater_n of_o that_o most_o perfect_a and_o holy_a nature_n to_o be_v his_o devout_a adorer_n and_o imitator_n for_o the_o little_a selfish_a soul_n contract_v to_o a_o point_n to_o become_v great_a and_o widen_v itself_o to_o his_o country_n mankind_n or_o even_o the_o universe_n for_o the_o malicious_a and_o sour_a ill-nature_n to_o be_v sweeten_v into_o charity_n for_o the_o proud_a and_o covetous_a to_o desire_v and_o value_n no_o more_o of_o honour_n power_n and_o wealth_n than_o what_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o manage_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n his_o sovereign_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o his_o fellow_n subject_n and_o for_o that_o very_a end_n for_o the_o voluptuous_a and_o luxurious_a to_o scorn_v any_o bodily_a pleasure_n or_o sensual_a delight_n any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o our_o own_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v necessary_a or_o useful_a in_o this_o frail_a life_n of_o flesh_n to_o remove_v the_o hindrance_n or_o to_o procure_v the_o help_n of_o virtue_n and_o beneficence_n of_o be_v and_o do_v good_a thus_o to_o turn_v all_o the_o motion_n inclination_n and_o aversion_n of_o our_o soul_n upside_o down_o to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n 10._o eph._n 4._o 22_o 24._o col._n 3._o 9_o 10._o which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n as_o the_o scripture_n phrase_v it_o and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v create_v after_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n this_o this_o be_v a_o undertake_v most_o difficult_a irksome_a tedious_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v ever_o perform_v of_o which_o the_o small_a number_n of_o those_o who_o but_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o never_o think_v of_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n and_o may_v we_o not_o well_o wonder_v at_o the_o first_o who_o will_v adventure_v to_o turn_v head_n and_o with_o sore_a labour_n perpetual_o tug_v against_o the_o stream_n of_o nature_n and_o almost_o universal_a example_n may_v we_o not_o well_o excuse_v those_o who_o swim_v down_o easy_o with_o so_o violent_a a_o tide_n or_o permit_v themselves_o to_o be_v carry_v by_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o last_o plea_n and_o i_o think_v the_o best_a they_o have_v make_v use_v of_o by_o vicious_a and_o dissolute_a man_n for_o their_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o will_v undertake_v to_o be_v better_o and_o defence_n of_o those_o who_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o we_o shall_v return_v i_o hope_v no_o insufficient_a answer_n and_o that_o in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o reformation_n and_o conversion_n from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n from_o sin_n to_o sanctity_n however_o it_o be_v effect_v be_v not_o impossible_a needs_o no_o other_o evidence_n than_o the_o eminent_a example_n of_o some_o and_o the_o good_a one_o of_o many_o we_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o comparative_o yet_o in_o various_a instance_n and_o degree_n more_o than_o bad_a man_n be_v willing_a to_o allow_v who_o industrious_o diminish_v they_o and_o will_v sometime_o pretend_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o
beat_v his_o breast_n and_o sigh_n out_o o_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n i_o tell_v you_o this_o man_n go_v down_o rather_o justify_v than_o the_o other_o as_o the_o pharisee_n self-conceit_n and_o arrogance_n make_v he_o pray_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v so_o his_o prayer_n make_v he_o more_o arrogant_a still_o it_o can_v not_o but_o increase_v his_o presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o himself_o to_o reckon_v up_o and_o that_o before_o god_n himself_o all_o his_o religious_a quality_n and_o action_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o one_o small_a fault_n and_o to_o have_v compare_v himself_o with_o one_o so_o despicable_a in_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o poor_a publican_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v he_o go_v away_o big_a and_o stately_a from_o his_o prayer_n than_o he_o come_v to_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o publican_n behaviour_n posture_n and_o prayer_n proceed_v no_o doubt_n from_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o guilt_n and_o consequent_a humility_n so_o do_v it_o likewise_o dismiss_v and_o send_v he_o away_o with_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o he_o see_v that_o before_o in_o himself_o which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o with_o shame_n and_o indignation_n against_o himself_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o doubtless_o he_o see_v it_o yet_o more_o and_o with_o deep_a impression_n upon_o his_o heart_n for_o have_v make_v his_o short_a but_o most_o passionate_a confession_n 4._o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n make_v we_o less_o censorious_a and_o contemptuous_a of_o other_o more_o backward_o to_o publish_v their_o fault_n or_o to_o insult_v over_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o censure_v talk_v of_o despise_v other_o when_o we_o be_v accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o just_o and_o humble_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o at_o least_o bad_a enough_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o reproach_v other_o when_o we_o permit_v our_o own_o conscience_n to_o reproach_n ourselves_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o condemn_v at_o least_o to_o treat_v other_o with_o wrath_n and_o contempt_n when_o if_o we_o be_v impartial_a we_o see_v too_o much_o cause_n to_o do_v the_o like_a by_o ourselves_o no_o man_n so_o ready_a to_o proclaim_v and_o aggravate_v other_o man_n fault_n as_o those_o who_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o their_o own_o he_o who_o know_v his_o own_o defect_n and_o miscarriage_n as_o he_o pity_v himself_o so_o be_v he_o apt_a to_o do_v to_o other_o most_o man_n esteem_v and_o despise_v other_o comparative_o or_o as_o thy_o judge_n they_o superior_a or_o inferior_a to_o themselves_o in_o worthy_a and_o deserve_a quality_n and_o performance_n we_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o other_o from_o ourselves_o now_o he_o that_o observe_v most_o infirmity_n and_o fault_n in_o himself_o will_v think_v himself_o less_o above_o or_o more_o under_o man_n than_o he_o who_o though_o ignorance_n or_o self-conceit_n see_v no_o blemish_n nor_o blame_v in_o himself_o the_o former_a often_o despise_v himself_o comparative_o with_o other_o the_o latter_a foolish_o despise_v every_o one_o beside_o himself_o in_o the_o example_n just_o now_o allege_v how_o haughty_o do_v the_o pharisee_n hold_v up_o his_o head_n and_o with_o what_o contempt_n do_v he_o throw_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o publican_n this_o publican_n say_v he_o but_o we_o hear_v no_o such_o language_n from_o the_o publican_n who_o in_o truth_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o have_v deride_v the_o ignorant_a and_o hypocritical_a pharisee_n 5_o and_o last_o this_o confession_n make_v we_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o dispose_v we_o to_o great_a gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o god_n the_o divine_a goodness_n may_v well_o be_v our_o wonder_n that_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n so_o provoke_v have_v not_o yet_o make_v we_o remarkable_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o displeasure_n nay_o that_o he_o have_v continue_v to_o we_o life_n health_n strength_n plenty_n power_n and_o the_o like_a favour_n which_o we_o ungrateful_a wretch_n have_v dishonour_v he_o with_o his_o lenity_n and_o long_a suffering_n can_v but_o be_v admire_v by_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v grow_v wanton_a and_o proud_a against_o he_o by_o his_o own_o benefit_n and_o his_o bounteous_a goodness_n which_o shall_v have_v high_o oblige_v we_o have_v make_v we_o careless_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o if_o we_o now_o want_v he_o no_o more_o and_o can_v stand_v upon_o our_o own_o leg_n but_o that_o which_o may_v just_o increase_v our_o wonder_n be_v that_o after_o all_o this_o upon_o our_o humble_a confession_n and_o actual_a change_n of_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o he_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v our_o great_a crime_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o all_o our_o transgression_n so_o great_a be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v we_o his_o pardon_n upon_o such_o a_o repentance_n than_o we_o be_v to_o ask_v it_o or_o by_o repentance_n to_o render_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o court_v our_o friendship_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n final_o there_o be_v something_o yet_o more_o which_o exceed_v wonder_n and_o that_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v so_o kind_o to_o accept_v our_o late_a repentance_n and_o obedience_n as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o no_o less_o than_o eternal_a life_n now_o the_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n give_v we_o a_o necessary_a occasion_n to_o observe_v and_o consider_v all_o this_o so_o certain_o the_o truth_n can_v but_o deep_o affect_v we_o with_o gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o the_o author_n of_o such_o unparalleled_a goodness_n and_o love_n express_v itself_o by_o all_o way_n possible_a our_o word_n service_n whole_a life_n of_o so_o great_a and_o much_o great_a spiritual_a benefit_n and_o profit_n be_v a_o true_a sincere_a serious_a affectionate_a and_o free_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o almighty_a god_n which_o be_v the_o five_o reason_n for_o the_o performance_n and_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o it_o and_o now_o if_o we_o put_v all_o these_o argument_n together_o the_o just_a honour_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n the_o edification_n and_o pleasure_n of_o other_o our_o own_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o great_a benefit_n one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o reasonable_a man_n guide_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o action_n by_o good_a understanding_n though_o we_o have_v no_o command_n from_o reveal_v religion_n not_o only_o to_o secure_v this_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n from_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n but_o especial_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o their_o frequent_a and_o serious_a practice_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a for_o no_o mortal_a so_o high_a who_o it_o do_v not_o exceed_o become_v and_o perhaps_o better_a than_o the_o mean_a for_o excellent_a and_o great_a quality_n sit_v best_a upon_o the_o great_a be_v most_o amiable_a in_o they_o and_o most_o just_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o true_a religion_n the_o right_a knowledge_n reasonable_a worship_n and_o resemblance_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o the_o universal_a parent_n be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o attainment_n of_o humane_a nature_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o in_o this_o life_n so_o holy_a and_o innocent_a take_v all_o our_o life_n together_o who_o have_v not_o great_a cause_n for_o and_o abundant_a need_n of_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n throne_n and_o shrine_n crown_n and_o glory_n sovereign_n and_o saint_n be_v with_o all_o just_a humility_n to_o lie_v at_o the_o footstool_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a father_n of_o his_o creature_n we_o may_v altogether_o send_v up_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n our_o common_a cry_n of_o confession_n of_o gild_n and_o petition_v for_o pardon_n without_o fear_n of_o offend_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o condition_n or_o sanctity_n of_o our_o profession_n none_o too_o great_a none_o too_o good_a to_o say_v with_o this_o great_a and_o good_a prince_n i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v forgive_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o pick_v out_o of_o it_o and_o put_v together_o a_o brief_a representation_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_a confessor_n in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o follow_v the_o sincere_a and_o deliberate_a penitent_n than_o be_v no_o negligent_a person_n of_o himself_o to_o let_v all_o thing_n go_v at_o random_n but_o be_v desirous_a to_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o trial_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n
answer_v that_o first_o i_o think_v we_o may_v without_o vanity_n challenge_v all_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o their_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o do_v its_o utmost_a let_v we_o see_v if_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_o ignorant_a and_o if_o we_o may_v have_v the_o leave_n or_o pardon_v of_o this_o royal_a audience_n to_o provoke_v they_o with_o a_o great_a but_o just_a reproach_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o both_o bold_a and_o blockish_a of_o which_o the_o second_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n will_v give_v some_o account_n 2_o and_o that_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v those_o intellectual_a object_n which_o be_v absolute_a such_o as_o be_v the_o property_n and_o action_n of_o god_n angel_n humane_a soul_n whence_o some_o have_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v mere_a word_n and_o talk_v or_o mistake_v for_o some_o corporeal_a nature_n such_o be_v those_o who_o first_o beginning_n at_o the_o substantiality_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n proceed_v to_o deny_v the_o providence_n the_o attribute_n and_o at_o last_o the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n impudent_o affirm_v nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o we_o but_o body_n and_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o it_o this_o miserable_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n confine_n the_o noble_a soul_n of_o man_n to_o the_o most_o ignoble_a and_o dead_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n deprive_v it_o of_o its_o great_a pleasure_n and_o perfection_n and_o debase_v it_o both_o in_o its_o knowledge_n and_o manner_n in_o its_o perceptive_a and_o active_a power_n the_o man_n who_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o it_o be_v those_o of_o much_o secular_a business_n and_o employment_n perpetual_o take_v up_o with_o observation_n and_o reason_n and_o plod_v about_o sensible_a object_n and_o affair_n of_o this_o bodily_a life_n and_o some_o there_o be_v run_v so_o far_o to_o the_o extreme_a of_o this_o side_n as_o to_o give_v little_a either_o encouragement_n or_o opportunity_n to_o any_o other_o knowledge_n or_o employment_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o mechanic_n trade_n and_o civil_a justice_n as_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v mere_a chimaera_n and_o unprofitable_a fruitless_a empty_a notion_n and_o nothing_o deserve_v our_o regard_n but_o only_o how_o to_o handle_v a_o tool_n well_o or_o to_o buy_v and_o sell_v or_o at_o the_o high_a to_o prevent_v or_o decide_v a_o controversy_n about_o a_o house_n field_n or_o fence_n and_o other_o little_a property_n which_o indeed_o be_v at_o present_a necessary_a and_o of_o great_a use_n for_o temporal_a plenty_n and_o peace_n but_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o good_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o hope_n acquisition_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o immortality_n in_o the_o heaven_n alas_o how_o little_a do_v such_o man_n understand_v or_o consider_v that_o if_o all_o the_o furniture_n of_o this_o momentany_a bodily_a life_n be_v not_o design_v by_o god_n and_o use_v by_o we_o for_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a thing_n it_o be_v scarce_o worth_a our_o come_n into_o be_v at_o all_o much_o less_o undergo_a the_o manifold_a uneasiness_n incommodity_n care_n and_o calamity_n of_o it_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o humour_n and_o genius_n in_o a_o nation_n to_o which_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a mankind_n be_v prone_a enough_o for_o some_o small_a time_n prevail_v seem_v to_o be_v profound_a ignorance_n and_o oblivion_n of_o intellectual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o increase_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n immorality_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o secular_a interest_n and_o restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o which_o one_o reason_n it_o seem_v high_o expedient_a or_o rather_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o set_v apart_o one_o order_n of_o man_n in_o considerable_a number_n with_o place_n and_o other_o proper_a and_o convenient_a circumstance_n to_o 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cause_n indeed_o of_o infidelity_n be_v licentiousness_n man_n will_v live_v as_o they_o listen_v and_o gratify_v and_o indulge_v their_o lust_n to_o the_o full_a without_o any_o fear_n restraint_n or_o allay_v and_o because_o their_o conscience_n be_v at_o first_o more_o or_o less_o troublesome_a they_o endeavour_v to_o bribe_v corrupt_a and_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o their_o party_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o honest_o too_o follow_v such_o course_n for_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_o believe_v say_v they_o and_o talk_v of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o difference_n of_o action_n except_o only_o from_o agreeableness_n and_o present_a pleasure_n of_o god_n his_o sanctity_n and_o justice_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n of_o reckon_n and_o recompense_n hereafter_o be_v but_o imagination_n and_o talk_n or_o false_a or_o at_o least_o dubious_a thing_n these_o man_n do_v the_o work_n thorough_o of_o debauch_v and_o eternal_o ruine_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hire_v their_o conscience_n to_o be_v silent_a or_o stand_v neuter_n but_o to_o give_v their_o lust_n all_o possible_a assistance_n and_o encouragement_n like_o some_o who_o have_v fight_v desperate_o in_o a_o bad_a cause_n not_o without_o conscience_n but_o with_o one_o as_o bad_a as_o their_o cause_n and_o here_o these_o person_n who_o will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o abuse_v by_o their_o lust_n ought_v timely_o to_o be_v aware_a in_o what_o great_a danger_n they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o but_o also_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v they_o with_o all_o religion_n that_o ever_o reason_n and_o nature_n have_v teach_v and_o consequent_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o they_o 4._o in_o man_n of_o a_o haughty_a spirit_n that_o very_a temper_n of_o they_o be_v a_o frequent_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n they_o will_v needs_o be_v uncontrollable_a by_o any_o and_o not_o endure_v any_o bound_n to_o their_o desire_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o what_o 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