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
conclude_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n and_o v._o 30._o it_o be_v one_o god_n which_o shall_v justify_v the_o circumcision_n by_o faith_n and_o uncircumcision_n through_o faith_n see_v also_o gal_n 3._o 17._o and_o rom._n 10._o 6._o and_o true_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o language_n and_o speak_v seem_v agreeable_a enough_o to_o that_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o modern_a jew_n nay_o i_o think_v to_o one_o who_o never_o so_o little_a consider_v it_o be_v plain_a for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 10._o 3_o 6._o and_o rom._n 3._o 21_o 22._o be_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_o that_o way_n or_o method_n of_o justification_n all_o the_o cause_n of_o justification_n together_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v after_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o saint_n paul_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o as_o frequent_o elsewhere_o gal._n 5._o 5._o rom._n 3._o 21_o 22._o 30._o compare_v with_o rom._n 9_o 31._o be_v put_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o appear_v from_o the_o opposition_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 2._o to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n own_o righteousness_n to_o interpret_v that_o of_o inherent_a or_o impute_a righteousness_n be_v not_o probable_a though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o possible_a sense_n which_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v yet_o more_o plain_a from_o v._o 10._o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v to_o righteousness_n i._n e._n to_o justification_n from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o way_n of_o justification_n by_o god_n appointment_n and_o command_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a doctrine_n again_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o faith_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o st._n paul_n own_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n phil._n 3._o 9_o and_o therefore_o must_v have_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o sense_n but_o these_o righteousness_n be_v all_o manifest_o no_v other_o thing_n than_o justification_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n of_o the_o law_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n himself_o before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n and_o what_o if_o we_o shall_v reduce_v the_o other_o two_o sense_n of_o justify_v faith_n to_o this_o last_o and_o say_v that_o faith_n where_o it_o signify_v primary_o the_o condition_n or_o qualify_a cause_n in_o we_o of_o justification_n as_o have_v be_v explain_v may_v be_v take_v synecdochical_o a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a one_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n concern_v justification_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o earnest_o contest_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o whole_a of_o that_o doctrine_n a_o thing_n ordinary_a enough_o in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v it_o beside_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o if_o this_o sense_n be_v but_o equal_o probable_a it_o will_v be_v the_o best_a take_v because_o it_o comprehend_v the_o other_o two_o now_o to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a difference_n between_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n concern_v justification_n we_o be_v to_o consult_v both_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o jewish_a author_n themselves_o and_o as_o i_o think_v we_o may_v therein_o observe_v these_o five_o first_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o need_v no_o justification_n at_o all_o no_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o that_o particular_a of_o remission_n of_o sin_n some_o of_o these_o they_o think_v have_v never_o sin_v in_o all_o their_o life_n the_o other_o again_o by_o their_o own_o study_n and_o exercise_n become_v without_o all_o fault_n and_o their_o exact_a righteousness_n make_v recompense_n for_o their_o past_a transgression_n these_o they_o call_v perfect_o righteous_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o they_o have_v two_o sort_n more_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n viz._n perfect_o wicked_a and_o a_o middle_n between_o both_o when_o as_o mahomet_n disciple_n fancy_n god_n will_v make_v use_n of_o 1._o poc._n ad_fw-la por_fw-mi mos_fw-la not_o cap._n 6._o tal._n rosch_n hasch_fw-mi c._n 1._o scale_n to_o weigh_v good_a and_o bad_a work_v one_o against_o the_o other_o and_o if_o the_o scale_n happen_v to_o be_v even_o mercy_n will_v weigh_v it_o down_o on_o the_o favourable_a side_n of_o this_o sort_n among_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v the_o pharisee_fw-mi who_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o publican_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o recite_v only_o his_o religious_a action_n but_o say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o any_o thing_n ever_o ill_o do_v and_o it_o be_v say_v luke_n 18._o that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v that_o parable_n against_o certain_a which_o trust_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o parable_n luke_n 11._o and_o matth._n 8._o 13._o be_v some_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v a_o opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n perhaps_o st._n paul_n may_v once_o reckon_v himself_o among_o these_o perfect_o righteous_a when_o he_o know_v no_o better_o for_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n i._n e._n in_o vogue_n and_o reputation_n among_o the_o lawyer_n or_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a phil._n 3._o and_o i_o remember_v somewhere_o in_o the_o talmud_n to_o have_v read_v of_o some_o master_n of_o such_o perfect_a sanctity_n as_o never_o to_o have_v commit_v one_o sin_n and_o to_o have_v be_v such_o from_o and_o in_o their_o mother_n womb_n as_o jeremiah_n be_v say_v to_o be_v which_o there_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o his_o be_v so_o early_o by_o god_n design_v and_o separate_v to_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o employment_n now_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o st._n paul_n deny_v affirm_v that_o all_o man_n except_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o true_a messiah_n have_v be_v and_o still_o continue_v in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o sinner_n and_o that_o all_o man_n therefore_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o continual_a repentance_n and_o remission_n that_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v all_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o be_v guilty_a before_o he_o that_o even_o the_o best_a of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v not_o exact_a observer_n of_o their_o own_o law_n especial_o in_o the_o inward_a and_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o this_o st._n paul_n prove_v out_o of_o their_o own_o sacred_a author_n which_o he_o quote_v rom._n 3._o second_o b_o the_o jew_n hold_v general_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o merit_n or_o consideration_n of_o any_o other_o no_o not_o of_o the_o messiah_n himself_o for_o who_o sake_n justification_n or_o remission_n of_o sin_n particular_o shall_v be_v grant_v by_o god_n but_o that_o repentance_n good_a work_n fast_n prayer_n sacrifice_n oblation_n temporal_a punishment_n or_o final_o corporeal_a death_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o expiation_n of_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o or_o if_o any_o thought_n that_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n to_o be_v forgive_v for_o the_o messias_n sake_n as_o some_o few_o of_o the_o ancient_n think_v c_o yet_o these_o be_v but_o few_o and_o restrain_v the_o privilege_n to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o religion_n and_o last_o however_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o they_o deny_v to_o be_v their_o messiah_n and_o reject_v with_o a_o obstinate_a scorn_n to_o this_o st._n paul_n oppose_v three_o thing_n and_o maintain_v first_o that_o god_n ever_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v justify_v and_o forgive_v sinner_n upon_o consideration_n of_o and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o not_o without_o it_o second_o that_o this_o great_a favour_n and_o indulgence_n of_o heaven_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o three_o that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v this_o true_a messiah_n and_o that_o all_o this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o reasonable_a so_o be_v it_o agreeable_a to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o now_o with_o such_o undeniable_a proof_n and_o clear_a evidence_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o any_o long_a to_o be_v dispute_v three_o the_o jew_n advance_v yet_o further_o and_o affirm_v that_o
without_o reflection_n may_v conceit_n that_o the_o honour_n they_o do_v to_o god_n by_o confess_v all_o and_o more_o than_o all_o the_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o may_v procure_v a_o connivance_n for_o some_o sin_n though_o they_o never_o forsake_v they_o it_o be_v enough_o or_o very_o well_o to_o load_v themselves_o with_o the_o heavy_a accusation_n though_o they_o do_v not_o or_o perhaps_o think_v they_o can_v grow_v better_a much_o like_o a_o great_a debtor_n who_o will_v ready_o own_o great_a sum_n than_o he_o real_o owe_v if_o for_o that_o his_o creditor_n will_v permit_v he_o to_o run_v further_o into_o his_o debt_n and_o not_o be_v angry_a but_o the_o most_o frequent_a cause_n of_o this_o miscarriage_n be_v superstition_n i._n e._n a_o groundless_a timidity_n by_o reason_n of_o mistake_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o bad_a consequence_n when_o our_o judgement_n be_v deceive_v and_o our_o affection_n abuse_v we_o may_v swallow_v that_o which_o be_v true_o wicked_a and_o great_o mischievous_a and_o be_v fright_v at_o that_o which_o be_v real_o so_o far_o from_o be_v evil_a that_o it_o may_v be_v good_a and_o commendable_a let_v our_o confession_n therefore_o of_o sin_n be_v true_o inform_v and_o well_o advise_v which_o be_v the_o first_o direction_n two_o the_o second_o be_v to_o confess_v our_o sin_n most_o impartial_o as_o we_o must_v not_o on_o the_o one_o side_n make_v or_o magnify_v our_o sin_n through_o self-revenge_n flattery_n of_o almighty_a god_n superstition_n or_o timidity_n so_o we_o must_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n take_v great_a care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o excuse_v connive_v at_o or_o extenuate_v any_o such_o be_v our_o most_o profitable_a and_o delightful_a sin_n those_o which_o by_o corrupt_a nature_n or_o evil_a custom_n and_o practice_n be_v deep_a in_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o most_o difficult_a and_o painful_a to_o forsake_v we_o must_v be_v in_o all_o sincerity_n most_o willing_a to_o see_v acknowledge_v and_o amend_v what_o be_v true_o faulty_a in_o ourselves_o and_o what_o be_v most_o so_o the_o design_n of_o a_o true_a heart_a christian_a be_v to_o be_v better_o and_o his_o hearty_a desire_n be_v to_o reform_v universal_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o he_o must_v know_v what_o be_v real_o amiss_o and_o out_o of_o order_n like_o the_o wound_a or_o sick_a man_n who_o belong_v for_o his_o cure_n and_o health_n he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o conceal_v or_o forget_v any_o of_o his_o ailment_n from_o himself_o or_o his_o physician_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o he_o beseech_v his_o physician_n be_v care_n as_o well_o as_o use_v his_o own_o observation_n to_o discover_v all_o least_o through_o ignorance_n or_o neglect_n something_o may_v prove_v fatal_a to_o he_o and_o what_o a_o foolish_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o or_o slubber_v over_o some_o sweet_a some_o darling_n sin_v we_o be_v loath_a to_o leave_v when_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o knee_n before_o god_n he_o need_v not_o our_o confession_n for_o his_o information_n he_o see_v the_o most_o secret_a and_o dark_a corner_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v full_a well_o whether_o we_o hide_v any_o thing_n there_o or_o no._n he_o observe_v whether_o we_o deal_v true_o or_o hypocritical_o with_o he_o and_o if_o he_o find_v the_o last_o will_v reject_v we_o and_o our_o confession_n too_o follow_v we_o that_o great_a example_n david_n cleanse_v i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n psalm_n 19_o 33._o pray_v that_o holy_a man_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a he_o that_o thus_o pray_v for_o the_o discovery_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n without_o reserve_n no_o doubt_n in_o his_o confession_n spare_v none_o three_o a_o three_o rule_n of_o our_o confession_n be_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v serious_o and_o affectionate_o the_o confession_n here_o mean_v be_v not_o utter_v a_o few_o word_n with_o our_o mouth_n though_o never_o so_o good_a but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o speak_v a_o syllable_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v slight_a and_o careless_a as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o and_o we_o indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v do_v at_o all_o no_o it_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v express_o assent_v to_o by_o our_o judgement_n own_v by_o our_o conscience_n and_o thence_o pass_v further_o into_o our_o affection_n we_o be_v to_o be_v real_o trouble_v ashamed_a disorder_a and_o tremble_v at_o the_o mention_n and_o remembrance_n of_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o various_a degree_n and_o aggravation_n we_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o in_o our_o devotion_n when_o our_o own_o conscience_n only_o can_v accuse_v we_o as_o if_o man_n of_o gravity_n and_o authority_n shall_v open_o and_o public_o charge_v we_o nay_o set_v aside_o the_o difference_n which_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n here_o may_v make_v as_o if_o god_n himself_o instead_o of_o our_o conscience_n be_v judge_v of_o we_o and_o do_v we_o think_v at_o that_o terrible_a day_n when_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v appear_v with_o all_o the_o ensign_n of_o justice_n and_o majesty_n with_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o his_o hand_n we_o shall_v be_v look_v another_o way_n shall_v we_o then_o stand_v unconcern_v and_o confess_v our_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o neither_o god_n nor_o ourselves_o need_v take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o no_o then_o with_o sink_v heart_n and_o tremble_a knee_n we_o shall_v see_v believe_v and_o confess_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a sinner_n indeed_o and_o yet_o all_o in_o vain_a because_o it_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o punishment_n just_o ready_a to_o be_v execute_v not_o from_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o dread_n of_o the_o judge_n not_o from_o the_o love_n of_o he_o or_o hatred_n of_o our_o crime_n but_o now_o in_o this_o day_n of_o grace_n our_o passionate_a confession_n and_o cry_v from_o a_o true_o penitent_a that_o be_v change_v heart_n to_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n that_o indeed_o we_o have_v presumptuous_o and_o ungrateful_o offend_v against_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o miserable_a offender_n shall_v through_o heaven_n goodness_n find_v a_o gracious_a audience_n and_o acceptance_n of_o such_o temper_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n shall_v be_v our_o confession_n in_o the_o three_o place_n 4_o our_o confession_n ought_v to_o be_v suitable_a and_o proportionable_a i_o mean_v our_o confession_n be_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o our_o sin_n thus_o we_o ought_v between_o god_n and_o our_o own_o self_n most_o frequent_o and_o passionate_o to_o confess_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o real_o the_o great_a and_o which_o we_o most_o frequent_o and_o deliberate_o commit_v to_o be_v always_o with_o great_a vehemency_n fill_v our_o prayer_n with_o small_a fault_n though_o none_o be_v to_o be_v slight_v and_o indulge_v for_o small_a sin_n know_v weaken_v conscience_n and_o make_v way_n for_o great_a but_o more_o rare_o or_o faint_o to_o mention_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v true_o more_o provoke_a be_v to_o offend_v against_o this_o rule_n thus_o to_o confess_v impertinent_a and_o wander_a thought_n in_o religious_a duty_n vain_a use_n of_o god_n name_n though_o these_o thing_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v or_o neglect_v but_o never_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o pride_n covetousness_n injustice_n fraud_n hypocrisy_n malice_n or_o the_o like_a or_o so_o cold_o as_o if_o we_o scarce_o think_v they_o any_o sin_n i_o say_v this_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n with_o great_a indiscretion_n if_o not_o hypocrisy_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n we_o can_v be_v very_o favourable_a to_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o profitable_a and_o therefore_o painful_a to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v it_o when_o we_o be_v clamorous_a against_o the_o sin_n we_o get_v little_a by_o or_o which_o cost_v we_o little_a of_o expense_n or_o pain_n to_o forsake_v but_o otherwise_o silent_a or_o soft_a it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o we_o that_o hearty_a zeal_n against_o sin_n which_o we_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v possess_v withal_o 5_o and_o last_o our_o confession_n will_v be_v the_o more_o commendable_a if_o it_o be_v voluntary_a and_o from_o pious_a motion_n in_o our_o heart_n allow_v by_o our_o judgement_n when_o we_o free_o open_v and_o disclose_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o earnest_o desire_v witness_n and_o judge_n god_n and_o our_o conscience_n to_o inform_v and_o remember_v we_o of_o our_o fault_n as_o may_v be_v more_o especial_o do_v at_o those_o time_n which_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
end_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o to_o a_o tumultuous_a boonness_n of_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o fortuitous_a tide_n or_o rush_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n so_o it_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ancient_a epicurean_o that_o their_o exclusion_n of_o their_o deity_n from_o humane_a affair_n be_v recommend_v by_o they_o as_o a_o comfortable_a dogm_n free_v man_n from_o all_o fear_n and_o solicitude_n to_o please_v or_o displease_v they_o 6_o sometime_o in_o some_o man_n infidelity_n have_v proceed_v from_o a_o sourness_n of_o mind_n great_a displeasure_n conceive_v and_o ferment_v into_o a_o impatience_n against_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n perhaps_o their_o impetuous_a desire_n have_v be_v cross_v their_o darling_n design_n break_v and_o their_o jolly_a hope_n frustrate_v or_o their_o sweet_a enjoyment_n sudden_o sweep_v away_o from_o they_o whence_o first_o they_o have_v entertain_v very_o hard_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o break_v out_o into_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a expression_n against_o they_o then_o in_o revenge_n proceed_v to_o wish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o last_o have_v think_v it_o more_o easy_a and_o safe_a to_o deny_v they_o 7_o in_o other_o again_o a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o despise_v what_o be_v common_a a_o humour_n of_o contradict_v of_o what_o be_v ordinary_o believe_v dispose_v to_o infidelity_n because_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v believe_v those_o great_a truth_n so_o often_o mention_v therefore_o they_o will_v not_o they_o will_v seem_v more_o search_v or_o fortunate_a or_o bold_a in_o their_o discovery_n and_o opinion_n than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o know_v or_o at_o least_o dare_v to_o say_v that_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o that_o which_o if_o some_o few_o of_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o penetrate_a have_v think_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o publish_v it_o now_o these_o man_n be_v under_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a prejudice_n from_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o they_o usual_o despise_v be_v from_o antiquity_n custom_n and_o example_n if_o we_o consider_v both_o these_o abstract_o it_o be_v far_o safe_a to_o follow_v common_a receive_v opinion_n of_o many_o country_n and_o age_n especial_o if_o believe_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o new_a invention_n of_o one_o or_o some_o few_o though_o both_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o if_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v consider_v the_o old_a be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a than_o the_o new_a and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o experience_n of_o those_o who_o impartial_o examine_v thing_n that_o general_o the_o common_a and_o well_o near_o universal_o receive_v opinion_n of_o all_o place_n and_o age_n especial_o if_o think_v of_o great_a consequence_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v at_o last_o find_v in_o the_o main_a part_n of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a employment_n of_o man_n of_o great_a wit_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sagacity_n and_o capacity_n to_o conceive_v and_o deliver_v they_o more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o and_o to_o pare_v off_o and_o separate_v some_o absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n which_o may_v in_o some_o tract_n of_o time_n by_o pass_v through_o many_o unskilful_a hand_n have_v be_v fasten_v to_o they_o but_o of_o this_o more_o will_v be_v say_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o remedy_n of_o infidelity_n 8._o to_o add_v no_o more_o at_o present_a envy_n against_o the_o professor_n but_o of_o ingenuity_n philosophy_n and_o sobriety_n much_o more_o of_o religion_n and_o piety_n especial_o if_o attend_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o dignity_n reputation_n and_o revenue_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n i_o doubt_v in_o many_o ill-tempered_a and_o ill-living_a man_n of_o this_o infidelity_n some_o of_o these_o at_o first_o out_o of_o this_o ill-humour_n and_o quality_n feign_v to_o themselves_o and_o then_o industrious_o bring_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v frivolous_a or_o false_a for_o which_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o their_o reward_n of_o esteem_n honour_n and_o revenue_n and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o reason_n no_o other_o but_o that_o their_o eye_n be_v evil_a and_o they_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o enjoy_v they_o they_o do_v not_o well_o abide_v it_o to_o see_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o that_o which_o either_o they_o will_v have_v themselves_o whither_o deserve_o or_o not_o or_o at_o lest_o no_o body_n else_o other_o again_o speak_v mean_o or_o disgraceful_o of_o their_o doctrine_n opinion_n and_o profession_n because_o they_o spoil_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o licentiousness_n and_o liberty_n which_o they_o profess_v practice_n and_o delight_n in_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o give_v they_o the_o bad_a and_o contemptible_a name_n of_o pedantry_n uncertainty_n or_o falsehood_n here_o we_o may_v take_v in_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o be_v but_o servant_n and_o attendant_n to_o the_o former_a those_o viz._n who_o get_v their_o livelihood_n and_o sometime_o more_o by_o the_o excess_n contention_n quarrel_n perjury_n and_o other_o wickedness_n of_o the_o age._n these_o two_o as_o far_o as_o their_o wit_n and_o interest_n will_v go_v help_v on_o and_o promote_v the_o disbelief_n of_o all_o sober_a virtuous_a and_o religious_a principle_n these_o and_o other_o which_o may_v be_v still_o add_v be_v the_o inward_a cause_n and_o inherent_a in_o ourselves_o of_o unbelief_n and_o disbelief_n and_o which_o be_v most_o in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v there_o be_v also_o some_o other_o external_a and_o occasional_a such_o as_o the_o example_n of_o witty_a and_o acceptable_a company_n hypocrisy_n in_o religion_n both_o reveal_v and_o natural_a so_o take_v and_o seem_v at_o least_o especial_o in_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o when_o man_n profess_v they_o believe_v their_o grand_a truth_n but_o do_v not_o live_v in_o any_o sort_n as_o if_o they_o do_v which_o accusation_n be_v partly_o false_a for_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n though_o they_o do_v not_o indeed_o live_v near_o up_o to_o their_o faith_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v much_o worse_o without_o it_o partly_o it_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o another_o cause_n viz._n heedlessness_n and_o want_n of_o application_n of_o their_o belief_n to_o their_o practice_n but_o perhaps_o few_o thing_n have_v be_v more_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o some_o man_n than_o the_o overzealous_a and_o blind_a credulity_n of_o other_o some_o man_n believe_v too_o much_o and_o otherwise_o than_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o fierce_o impose_v it_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o other_o believe_v too_o little_a and_o sometime_o they_o who_o have_v most_o complain_v of_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n unbelief_n and_o disbelief_n which_o be_v different_a thing_n have_v contribute_v much_o to_o it_o themselves_o the_o introduce_v of_o many_o opinion_n of_o neither_o light_n or_o use_v or_o very_o little_a either_o way_n uncertain_a or_o trivial_a nay_o sometime_o not_o only_o just_o suspicious_a but_o manifest_o false_a and_o then_o the_o impose_v they_o under_o what_o penalty_n man_n have_v in_o their_o own_o power_n the_o least_o of_o which_o be_v common_o the_o censure_n and_o reproach_n of_o enemy_n or_o indifferent_n in_o religion_n heretic_n atheist_n infidel_n i_o say_v these_o have_v beget_v and_o extreme_o nourish_v scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n especial_o in_o this_o know_n and_o inquisitive_a age_n bold_a when_o they_o dare_v lurk_v and_o do_v more_o mischief_n ofttimes_o when_o they_o dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o because_o they_o can_v be_v examine_v and_o receive_v their_o answer_n this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o those_o well-meaning_a man_n who_o will_v have_v every_o thing_n believe_v and_o impose_v too_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o make_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o religion_n not_o mind_v what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o it_o be_v the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o who_o do_v it_o for_o their_o own_o secular_a interest_n and_o care_v not_o how_o much_o mankind_n be_v abuse_v so_o that_o their_o domination_n be_v advance_v and_o secure_v at_o least_o they_o connive_v at_o it_o and_o let_v it_o pass_v this_o cause_n have_v its_o effect_n principal_o among_o the_o ingenious_a and_o witty_a the_o great_a and_o haughty_a but_o not_o wise_a and_o just_a who_o want_v either_o leisure_n or_o patience_n or_o capacity_n or_o probity_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v thing_n they_o easy_o throw_v away_o the_o wheat_n with_o the_o chaff_n what_o be_v true_a and_o solid_a
with_o what_o be_v false_a and_o light_n it_o be_v also_o probity_n of_o mind_n they_o want_v who_o be_v licentious_o give_v and_o no_o great_a friend_n to_o any_o religion_n or_o truth_n either_o which_o may_v lay_v any_o restraint_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n glad_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o they_o that_o man_n look_v upon_o all_o profess_v religion_n and_o conscience_n to_o be_v ignorant_a superstitious_a or_o cunning_a so_o that_o their_o example_n or_o reason_n be_v of_o no_o authority_n with_o they_o neither_o do_v this_o humour_n stop_v among_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v soon_o convey_v into_o the_o vulgar_a too_o who_o soon_o learn_v to_o contemn_v religion_n and_o the_o priest_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o liberty_n wherefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v advise_v and_o sincere_o religious_a man_n wise_a and_o honest_a who_o hearty_o desire_v the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n will_v so_o do_v that_o we_o be_v first_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v now_o careful_a and_o just_a to_o appear_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o when_o we_o can_v fair_o maintain_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v such_o though_o it_o appear_v never_o so_o much_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o many_o very_a false_a and_o forge_a thing_n have_v let_v it_o rest_v and_o go_v as_o it_o be_v till_o time_n may_v further_o discover_v and_o as_o for_o the_o vulgar_a it_o be_v sure_o their_o safe_a way_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n though_o they_o may_v be_v even_o exhort_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n too_o if_o they_o can_v for_o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o know_v who_o be_v such_o than_o to_o judge_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n universal_a conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o thing_n to_o know_v who_o be_v the_o best_a guide_n than_o to_o guide_v themselves_o this_o plain_a deal_n without_o fraud_n or_o force_n will_v sure_o much_o advance_v the_o just_a esteem_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o minister_n and_o consequent_o its_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n we_o have_v but_o too_o much_o proof_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n from_o experience_n we_o have_v see_v some_o man_n and_o that_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n who_o have_v teach_v we_o such_o a_o god_n and_o that_o out_o of_o his_o own_o book_n which_o other_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n and_o reprobate_a all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v of_o their_o opinion_n many_o also_o be_v those_o who_o have_v make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o most_o excellent_a collection_n of_o write_n which_o be_v ever_o extant_a to_o speak_v such_o thing_n which_o have_v cause_v other_o not_o brook_v their_o interpretation_n nor_o be_v sufficient_a to_o find_v out_o better_a themselves_o to_o have_v mean_a and_o injurious_a thought_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o if_o any_o pious_a man_n with_o the_o sincere_a intention_n and_o endeavour_n to_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v their_o due_a honour_n by_o salve_v difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o check_v reason_n do_v advance_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o settle_a opinion_n and_o system_n he_o be_v present_o irreligious_a and_o a_o severe_a atheist_n too_o severe_a censure_n whatever_o their_o mistake_n may_v be_v but_o they_o be_v much_o more_o numerous_a still_o who_o have_v make_v up_o such_o a_o hotchpotch_n in_o religion_n by_o their_o addition_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o pretend_a or_o enthusiastical_a revelation_n forge_v or_o false_a miracle_n tradition_n ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o infallibility_n as_o first_o to_o turn_v man_n stomach_n against_o it_o and_o at_o last_o to_o cause_v a_o great_a many_o quite_o to_o discharge_v themselves_o of_o it_o altogether_o but_o of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o general_n head_n 2_o to_o propose_v some_o remedy_n proper_a to_o prevent_v or_o repress_v the_o influence_n of_o these_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n whereof_o some_o be_v more_o general_a some_o more_o particular_o relate_v to_o some_o cause_n and_o circumstance_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v one_a to_o advise_v and_o assist_v man_n to_o improve_v and_o advance_v their_o knowledge_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o for_o it_o seem_v just_a to_o deal_v so_o upright_o and_o plain_o with_o the_o world_n as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mere_a authority_n instead_o of_o understanding_n and_o reason_n where_o man_n be_v true_o capable_a and_o honest_a though_o where_o they_o be_v ignorant_a but_o yet_o conceit_v self-willed_a or_o dishonest_a in_o thing_n of_o importance_n and_o consequence_n authority_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o interpose_v for_o their_o own_o and_o the_o public_a good_a which_o otherwise_o will_v great_o suffer_v let_v therefore_o man_n know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o examine_v these_o great_a verity_n with_o the_o great_a severity_n assure_o the_o more_o they_o know_v the_o more_o reason_n they_o will_v see_v to_o believe_v they_o serious_o and_o resolute_o to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n john_n 5._o 39_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o all_o his_o character_n there_o do_v agree_v so_o say_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n nature_n itself_o and_o reason_n too_o for_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o all_o these_o great_a truth_n but_o then_o search_v they_o thorough_o examine_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n see_v clear_o reason_n careful_o and_o just_o weigh_v all_o thing_n with_o indifferency_n and_o impartiality_n which_o will_v be_v present_o a_o direction_n by_o itself_o otherwise_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v erroneous_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o conclude_v from_o they_o so_o may_v man_n here_o through_o want_n of_o patience_n and_o attention_n and_o apprehension_n err_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o conclusion_n concern_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o morality_n and_o all_o religion_n we_o hearty_o desire_v that_o man_n faith_n and_o belief_n may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o plain_a serious_a and_o deliberate_a conviction_n more_o than_o of_o custom_n where_o it_o may_v be_v and_o true_o then_o as_o well_o as_o when_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v another_o cause_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n great_a be_v its_o power_n and_o forcible_a its_o operation_n and_o life_n itself_o be_v at_o its_o devotion_n and_o service_n such_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o particular_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n mention_v of_o saint_n thomas_n and_o saint_n peter_n when_o one_o cry_n out_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n and_o the_o other_o lord_z whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n let_v that_o then_o be_v the_o first_o remedy_n against_o infidelity_n viz._n the_o utmost_a improvement_n and_o best_a exercise_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n 2_o possess_v we_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o zealous_a honesty_n and_o probity_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o strong_a habitual_a propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o just_a this_o will_v have_v three_o effect_n very_o proper_a to_o beget_v or_o confirm_v a_o right_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o in_o it_o the_o first_o a_o fervent_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o second_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n of_o it_o wherever_o we_o discover_v it_o be_v it_o for_o we_o or_o be_v it_o against_o we_o three_o a_o desire_n to_o act_v suitable_a and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o i_o say_v a_o sincere_a and_o resolute_a probity_n have_v these_o effect_n for_o sure_o never_o any_o honest_a man_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v material_a more_o fit_a and_o just_a of_o better_a effect_n for_o a_o good_a man_n who_o will_v make_v good_a use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o be_v know_v rather_o than_o ignorant_a or_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n rather_o than_o a_o lie_n in_o order_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o all_o his_o inward_a motion_n and_o outward_a action_n without_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o search_v or_o find_v the_o truth_n without_o the_o second_o when_o we_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v either_o not_o believe_v or_o deny_v it_o if_o possible_a or_o if_o by_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n we_o can_v do_v that_o yet_o we_o shall_v turn_v our_o mind_n away_o from_o it_o final_o without_o the_o three_o we_o shall_v little_o esteem_v or_o
and_o decency_n towards_o he_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n throw_v themselves_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o humble_o implore_v his_o pardon_n and_o grace_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o record_v a_o more_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o than_o david_n as_o great_a a_o prince_n as_o saint_n he_o want_v not_o sure_o that_o courage_n which_o be_v so_o magnify_v and_o adore_v by_o the_o world_n who_o when_o scarce_o get_v out_o of_o his_o childhood_n kill_v the_o lion_n and_o the_o bear_n and_o when_o a_o stripling_n arm_v only_o with_o a_o sling_n venture_v upon_o the_o prodigious_a bulk_n of_o a_o giant_n a_o man_n of_o war_n from_o his_o youth_n and_o lay_v he_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n and_o return_v to_o the_o camp_n lug_a his_o head_n the_o trophy_n of_o his_o victory_n who_o from_o a_o simple_a swain_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o alliance_n and_o then_o possession_n of_o a_o throne_n for_o his_o prowess_n and_o wisdom_n and_o yet_o lo_o this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o cry_v out_o psalm_n 51._o 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it_o ought_v also_o more_o especial_o to_o be_v well_o understand_v prudent_o direct_v and_o show_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o natural_a reason_n and_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o express_o command_v and_o constant_o practise_v by_o good_a man_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_o we_o shall_v choose_v out_o three_o thing_n for_o the_o head_n of_o our_o discourse_n concern_v it_o first_o the_o nature_n and_o part_n of_o it_o second_o the_o rule_n for_o it_o three_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 1._o and_o very_o brief_o in_o a_o more_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a confession_n of_o sin_n especial_o and_o it_o be_v best_a to_o take_v into_o its_o signification_n more_o than_o one_o single_a act_n three_o part_n three_o part_n part_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o in_o this_o order_n 1._o self-accusation_n the_o penitent_a have_v first_o inquire_v into_o his_o past_a temper_n and_o behaviour_n consult_v his_o conscience_n concern_v his_o duty_n and_o observe_v his_o aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o he_o proceed_v as_o a_o person_n different_a from_o himself_o to_o accuse_v and_o bring_v a_o endictment_n against_o himself_o and_o here_o he_o act_n like_o a_o plaintiff_n 2._o but_o second_o follow_v a_o ingenuous_a and_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n he_o judge_v to_o have_v be_v bad_a in_o he_o or_o ill_o do_v by_o he_o neither_o by_o superstition_n or_o timidity_n vain_o fright_v nor_o by_o boldness_n or_o partiality_n favour_v himself_o here_o he_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o guilty_a defendant_n and_o a_o upright_a witness_n against_o himself_o 3._o three_o he_o pronounce_v himself_o guilty_a and_o deserve_a of_o the_o punishment_n which_o god_n have_v threaten_v for_o the_o transgression_n of_o his_o just_a law_n and_o so_o he_o leave_v himself_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v execute_v the_o sentence_n and_o punish_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v or_o else_o be_v please_v upon_o his_o humble_a confession_n and_o other_o part_n of_o a_o complete_a repentance_n to_o show_v he_o mercy_n reprieve_n and_o forgive_v he_o thus_o the_o true_a penitent_n in_o this_o part_n of_o repentance_n term_v confession_n act_n as_o a_o prosecutor_n guilty_a defendant_n and_o witness_n and_o a_o inferior_a judge_n in_o such_o manner_n may_v be_v in_o short_a distinct_o conceive_v the_o nature_n and_o part_n of_o confession_n 2_o the_o rule_n follow_v some_o of_o which_o may_v be_v these_o 1._o let_v our_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o exact_a truth_n we_o be_v at_o no_o time_n and_o with_o no_o person_n to_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a lest_o of_o all_o when_o we_o address_v ourselves_o too_o god_n this_o fault_n can_v only_o be_v on_o one_o side_n viz._n by_o confess_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v sinful_a in_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o or_o to_o deserve_v a_o great_a punishment_n than_o they_o true_o do_v for_o if_o we_o false_o think_v any_o thing_n real_o sinful_a in_o we_o not_o to_o be_v so_o we_o do_v not_o confess_v that_o at_o all_o the_o number_n and_o evil_a desert_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v true_o great_a enough_o in_o themselves_o we_o need_v not_o to_o multiply_v or_o magnify_v they_o in_o our_o confession_n by_o imagination_n and_o passion_n as_o those_o for_o example_n have_v always_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o do_v who_o in_o their_o prayer_n acknowledge_v all_o their_o action_n before_o their_o conversion_n to_o be_v sin_n i._n e._n before_o grace_n be_v general_o the_o roll_a principle_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o their_o life_n be_v govern_v by_o their_o conscience_n for_o a_o bad_a man_n general_o speak_v may_v now_o and_o then_o drop_v a_o good_a action_n nay_o there_o be_v those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o humble_a which_o be_v excellent_a when_o it_o speak_v truth_n and_o not_o despisable_v even_o when_o it_o be_v mistake_v if_o sincere_a in_o their_o confession_n as_o to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o very_o best_a action_n of_o the_o best_a man_n after_o their_o conversion_n be_v sin_n too_o but_o pardon_v in_o christ_n which_o i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v defective_a indeed_o they_o may_v be_v and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a love_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a angel_n for_o no_o creature_n can_v honour_v and_o love_v he_o in_o that_o degree_n which_o he_o deserve_v defective_a i_o say_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v but_o not_o sin_n he_o who_o love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o might_n strength_n and_o understanding_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v do_v often_o by_o pious_a soul_n sure_o sin_n not_o nor_o need_v ask_v any_o pardon_n for_o it_o though_o he_o may_v just_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o great_a affection_n our_o heart_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o he_o be_v infinite_o below_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o more_o than_o jewish_a observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n in_o some_o man_n phrase_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n unblamable_a but_o such_o a_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o other_o festival_n as_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o one_o of_o their_o pious_a and_o grave_a canon_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o christian_a piety_n and_o prudence_n and_o the_o general_a wilful_a neglect_n of_o it_o more_o than_o savour_v of_o profaneness_n there_o be_v other_o strange_a thing_n too_o which_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o a_o seem_a or_o mistake_a humility_n have_v be_v utter_v especial_o in_o some_o man_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la confession_n without_o countenance_n from_o scripture_n right_o interpret_v and_o shock_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n numerous_n also_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o error_n among_o the_o romanist_n who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o design_n unreasonable_o ofttimes_o rack_n and_o vex_v man_n conscience_n but_o these_o thing_n need_v not_o to_o be_v too_o subtle_o search_v into_o it_o be_v too_o much_o that_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v too_o many_o and_o too_o great_a fault_n to_o confess_v to_o almighty_a god_n the_o most_o usual_a cause_n of_o this_o fault_n in_o confession_n be_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-revenge_n indignation_n and_o contempt_n against_o ourselves_o as_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o forget_v truth_n and_o justice_n to_o ourselves_o as_o they_o will_v ordinary_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o false_a judgement_n on_o the_o worst_a side_n against_o other_o who_o we_o be_v apt_a in_o such_o fit_v to_o accuse_v of_o much_o more_o than_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o of_o this_o cause_n though_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n i_o be_o almost_o tempt_v to_o wish_v we_o can_v see_v more_o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o cause_n very_o dangerous_a and_o that_o be_v a_o design_n to_o flatter_v almighty_a god_n it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o some_o