considerable_a and_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o breach_n or_o neglect_v of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o observe_v the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o overlook_v the_o other_o no_o nor_o with_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n one_o only_o except_v st._n james_n put_v this_o case_n and_o determine_v that_o he_o that_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n at_o odds_o and_o dash_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n against_o one_o another_o lest_z as_o st._n james_n say_v we_o break_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o i_o fear_v this_o be_v too_o common_a a_o fault_n even_o among_o those_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o 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so_o intent_n upon_o mortify_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o mortify_v virtue_n and_o good_a nature_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n thing_n high_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o and_o amiable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v not_o only_o a_o mighty_a scandal_n to_o religion_n but_o of_o pernicious_a consequence_n many_o other_o way_n a_o fierce_a and_o ill_o govern_v a_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v necessary_o as_o they_o think_v to_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n have_v make_v many_o man_n do_v many_o unreasonable_a immoral_a and_o impious_a thing_n of_o which_o history_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o zealot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v too_o many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n among_o ourselves_o for_o man_n that_o be_v not_o sober_a and_o considerate_a in_o their_o religion_n but_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o blind_a prejudice_n and_o furious_a zeal_n do_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o strong_o fancy_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n hence_o some_o have_v proceed_v to_o that_o height_n of_o absurdity_n in_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n and_o church_n as_o to_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o commendable_a and_o meritorious_a to_o equivocate_v upon_o oath_n and_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v piety_n in_o some_o case_n to_o lie_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o kill_v man_n for_o god_n sake_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v approve_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o evidence_n to_o ourselves_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n we_o ought_v impartial_o to_o regard_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o with_o god_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o sincerity_n in_o scripture_n be_v often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n because_o it_o be_v integrate_v and_o make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 6._o the_o last_o evidence_n i_o shall_v mention_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v if_o it_o hold_v out_o against_o persecution_n and_o endure_v the_o fiery_a trial_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o bear_v the_o cross_n to_o be_v willing_a then_o to_o expose_v all_o our_o worldly_a interest_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o trial_n which_o god_n do_v not_o always_o call_v his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o but_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o mind_n this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o great_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n into_o good_a ground_n and_o be_v well_o root_v in_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v not_o shake_v by_o these_o fierce_a assault_n for_o many_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o have_v not_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o persecution_n or_o tribulation_n arise_v because_o of_o
this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n than_o we_o do_v and_o must_v call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n 4._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v far_o that_o the_o high_a commendation_n that_o be_v give_v in_o scripture_n to_o any_o one_o faith_n be_v give_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o abraham_n faith_n be_v famous_a and_o make_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o generation_n because_o he_o reason_v himself_o into_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o he_o do_v not_o blind_o break_v through_o these_o objection_n and_o wink_v hard_a at_o they_o but_o he_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o give_v himself_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o the_o centurian's_n faith_n be_v commend_v by_o our_o saviour_n math._n 8._o 11._o because_o when_o his_o servant_n be_v sick_a he_o do_v not_o desire_v he_o to_o come_v to_o his_o house_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n only_o and_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v for_o he_o reason_v thus_o i_o be_o a_o man_n under_o authority_n have_v soldier_n under_o i_o and_o i_o say_v to_o this_o man_n go_v and_o he_o go_v and_o to_o another_o come_v and_o he_o come_v and_o to_o my_o servant_n do_v this_o and_o he_o do_v it_o now_o if_o he_o that_o be_v himself_o under_o authority_n can_v thus_o command_v those_o that_o be_v under_o he_o much_o more_o can_v he_o that_o have_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o commission_n do_v what_o he_o please_v by_o his_o word_n and_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reprehend_v he_o for_o reason_v himself_o into_o this_o belief_n that_o he_o admire_v his_o faith_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o v_o 10._o when_o jesus_n hear_v this_o he_o marvel_v and_o say_v to_o they_o that_o follow_v he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o have_v not_o find_v so_o great_a faith_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n inlike_a manner_n our_o saviour_n commend_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n faith_n because_o she_o enforce_v it_o so_o reasonable_o matthew_n 15._o 22._o she_o sue_v to_o he_o to_o help_v her_o daughter_n but_o he_o answer_v she_o not_o a_o word_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o mind_v she_o yet_o still_o the_o press_v he_o say_v lord_n help_v i_o and_o when_o he_o repulse_v she_o with_o this_o severe_a answer_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n and_o cast_v it_o to_o dog_n she_o make_v this_o quick_a and_o modest_a reply_n truth_n lord_n yet_o the_o dog_n eat_v of_o the_o crumb_n which_o fall_v from_o their_o master_n table_n she_o acknowledge_v she_o own_o unworthiness_n but_o yet_o believe_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o reject_v those_o who_o humble_o seek_v to_o he_o upon_o which_o he_o give_v she_o this_o testimony_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n the_o apostle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v because_o they_o inquire_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o belief_n before_o they_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o even_o by_o teacher_n that_o certain_o be_v infallible_a 5._o none_o be_v reprove_v in_o scripture_n for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o where_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o the_o israelite_n be_v general_o blame_v for_o their_o infidelity_n but_o than_o it_o be_v after_o such_o mighty_a wonder_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o their_o conviction_n the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v not_o condemn_v simple_o for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o for_o not_o believe_v when_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n offer_v to_o they_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o no_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n thomas_n indeed_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o unbelief_n because_o he_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o himself_o see_v last_o to_o show_v this_o yet_o more_o plain_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n of_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a prejudice_n to_o religion_n than_o to_o decline_v this_o trial_n to_o say_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o religion_n be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a indeed_o it_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o any_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o because_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o cogent_a reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o we_o say_v god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o or_o else_o we_o say_v nothing_o if_o we_o turn_v off_o reason_n here_o we_o level_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o wild_a and_o most_o absurd_a enthusiams_n and_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n much_o to_o give_v reason_n ill_a name_n to_o call_v it_o blind_a and_o carnal_a reason_n our_o best_a reason_n be_v but_o very_o short_a and_o imperfect_a but_o since_o it_o be_v no_o better_o we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o before_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o both_o the_o extreme_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o our_o church_n be_v general_o great_a declamer_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o find_v their_o account_n in_o it_o it_o be_v well_o for_o our_o part_n we_o apprehend_v no_o manner_n of_o inconvenience_n in_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n nor_o need_v we_o to_o desire_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o any_o man_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n than_o to_o hear_v he_o declare_v against_o reason_n and_o thereby_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v against_o he_o man_n may_v vilify_v reason_n as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v and_o though_o be_v revile_v she_o revile_v not_o again_o yet_o in_o a_o more_o still_a and_o gentle_a way_n she_o common_o have_v her_o full_a revenge_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o rail_v at_o she_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o people_n can_v with_o patience_n endure_v to_o hear_v their_o teacher_n and_o guide_n talk_v against_o reason_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o pay_v they_o the_o great_a submission_n and_o veneration_n for_o it_o one_o will_v think_v this_o but_o a_o odd_a way_n to_o gain_v authority_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o some_o skilful_a and_o design_v man_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a way_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o ignorant_a as_o nurse_n use_v to_o endear_v themselves_o to_o child_n by_o perpetual_a noise_n and_o nonsense_n iii_o i_o observe_v that_o god_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v plain_a and_o evident_a contradiction_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n abraham_n can_v not_o reasonable_o have_v believe_v this_o second_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v from_o god_n if_o he_o have_v not_o find_v some_o way_n to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o first_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n against_o god_n himself_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o they_o oblige_v god_n mighty_o by_o believe_v plain_a contradiction_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o he_o that_o make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v take_v it_o kind_o from_o any_o man_n to_o debase_v his_o workmanship_n by_o make_v himself_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o as_o no_o service_n or_o obedience_n so_o no_o faith_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o may_v be_v confidence_n or_o presumption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v plain_a contradiction_n may_v believe_v any_o thing_n how_o absurd_a soever_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n believe_v nothing_o upon_o good_a ground_n because_o to_o he_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o 4._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o man_n obedience_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o command_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o firm_o as_o abraham_n believe_v god_n in_o this_o case_n what_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o as_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a as_o he_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v as_o
great_a and_o conspicuous_a be_v we_o very_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v one_o day_n be_v verify_v and_o make_v good_a what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n how_o will_v the_o lively_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o set_v we_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a temptation_n that_o this_o world_n can_v assault_v we_o withal_o and_o make_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o eternity_n and_o to_o that_o solemn_a and_o dreadful_a account_n which_o we_o must_v one_o day_n make_v to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o want_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o steady_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v our_o devotion_n so_o dead_a and_o heartless_a and_o our_o resolution_n of_o do_v better_a so_o weak_a and_o inconsistent_a this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v we_o so_o easy_a a_o prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o look_v so_o much_o big_a than_o they_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o more_o tempt_a and_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o in_o all_o dispute_v betwixt_o our_o conscience_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o hold_v the_o balance_n so_o unequal_o and_o to_o put_v our_o foot_n upon_o the_o light_a scale_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o weigh_v down_o the_o other_o in_o a_o word_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o constant_a uniform_a and_o perfect_a because_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 5._o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinary_a stroke_n of_o god_n providence_n upon_o ourselves_o or_o near_a relation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o most_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o compare_v with_o abraham_n case_n it_o require_v a_o prodigious_a strength_n of_o faith_n to_o perform_v so_o miraculous_a a_o act_n of_o obedience_n 6._o and_o last_o we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o disobey_v the_o easy_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n former_a dispensation_n this_o be_v a_o grievous_a commandment_n which_o god_n give_v to_o abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n indeed_o and_o which_o of_o we_o can_v have_v be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o but_o if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v we_o to_o the_o more_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o his_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n we_o must_v after_o the_o example_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n not_o think_v much_o to_o deny_v or_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o no_o not_o life_n itself_o but_o even_o this_o which_o be_v the_o hard_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v easy_a than_o what_o god_n put_v upon_o abraham_n for_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v near_o the_o violence_n to_o nature_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o a_o good_a cause_n as_o it_o will_v do_v to_o put_v a_o child_n to_o death_n with_o our_o own_o hand_n beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a comfort_n and_o support_v and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n that_o be_v express_o promise_v to_o our_o obedience_n and_o self_n denial_n in_o such_o a_o case_n encouragement_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o very_a difficult_a duty_n easy_a and_o whilst_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n that_o may_v attend_v it_o i_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o of_o humane_a resolution_n but_o with_o all_o a_o most_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o who_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o to_o show_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o abraham_n case_n and_o we_o god_n command_v he_o to_o do_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o easy_a commandment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v effectual_o oblige_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o he_o require_v abraham_n to_o do_v for_o he_o he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n his_o only_a son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o all_o and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n for_o we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v shall_v be_v execute_v but_o one_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o that_o immense_a love_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n as_o a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n so_o the_o most_o express_a and_o lively_a type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v abraham_n offering_n up_o his_o son_n and_o as_o st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o from_o a_o ancient_a and_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o mountain_n in_o moriah_n where_o abraham_n be_v command_v to_o sacrifice_n isaac_n be_v mount_n calvary_n where_o our_o lord_n also_o be_v crucify_a and_o offer_v up_o that_o by_o this_o one_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o once_o offer_v he_o may_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o now_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o honour_n thanksgiving_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n mdclxxxvii_o before_o the_o princess_n ann._n heb._n xi_o 24_o 25._o by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n the_o text_n set_v before_o we_o a_o great_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o i_o will_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o passage_n do_v refer_v when_o moses_n be_v bear_v his_o parent_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o cruel_a law_n which_o pharaoh_n have_v make_v that_o all_o the_o male_a child_n of_o the_o hebrew_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n after_o they_o have_v hide_v he_o three_o month_n do_v at_o last_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n upon_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o commit_v he_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o they_o despair_v to_o conceal_v any_o long_o by_o their_o own_o care_n pharaoh_n daughter_n come_v by_o the_o river_n side_n espy_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o and_o guess_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hebrew_n child_n call_v for_o a_o hebrew_n nurse_n to_o take_v care_n of_o he_o who_o as_o the_o prviodence_n of_o god_n have_v order_v it_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o child_n be_v own_o mother_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o pharaoh_n daughter_n take_v care_n of_o his_o education_n in_o all_o princely_a quality_n and_o adopt_v he_o for_o her_o son_n and_o pharaoh_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o be_v without_o son_n design_v he_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n moses_n refuse_v this_o great_a offer_n but_o why_o do_v he_o refuse_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v present_v to_o he_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v about_o in_o so_o strange_a a_o manner_n and_o when_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v probable_o have_v have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v ease_v the_o israelite_n of_o their_o cruel_a bondage_n and_o perhaps_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o reduce_v that_o great_a kingdom_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a god_n
malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o renounce_v his_o happiness_n but_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o great_a advantage_n and_o do_v wise_o consider_v his_o own_o best_a and_o and_o most_o last_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o first_o ii_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n attend_v and_o consequent_a upon_o they_o that_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o they_o be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o they_o be_v short_a and_o but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o as_o to_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consquence_n of_o they_o that_o they_o end_n in_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a a_o wicked_a man_n may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n but_o even_o in_o laughter_n his_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mirth_n be_v heaviness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a and_o sincere_a pleasure_n in_o any_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o outward_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n for_o where_o ever_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v there_o must_v be_v guilt_n and_o wherever_o guilt_n be_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v restless_a and_o unquiet_a for_o there_o be_v two_o very_a troublesome_a and_o torment_a passion_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o guilt_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v discover_v and_o fear_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v punish_v and_o these_o do_v continual_o haunt_v the_o sinner_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o inward_a horror_n and_o confusion_n in_o his_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o if_o sin_n be_v attend_v with_o no_o other_o trouble_n but_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o commit_v it_o if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o mind_n 2._o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o be_v but_o short_a upon_o this_o consideration_n moses_n set_v no_o great_a price_n and_o value_n upon_o they_o but_o prefer_v affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o good_a company_n and_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n before_o the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v perfect_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n in_o they_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abatement_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a a_o continuance_n the_o pleasure_n of_o most_o sin_n expire_v with_o the_o act_n of_o they_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v the_o delight_n vanish_v i_o can_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v several_a worldly_a advantage_n to_o be_v purchase_v by_o sin_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o riches_n and_o honour_n the_o common_a purchase_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o of_o that_o long_a train_n of_o inferior_a vice_n which_o attend_v upon_o they_o and_o minister_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o these_o enjoyment_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n of_o a_o uncertain_a continuance_n and_o much_o more_o uncertain_a for_o be_v purchase_v by_o indirect_a and_o ill_a mean_n but_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o our_o life_n yet_o how_o short_a a_o duration_n be_v that_o compare_v with_o eternity_n make_v the_o utmu_v allowance_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v yet_o we_o can_v but_o enjoy_v they_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n it_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v stand_v before_o that_o high_a tribunal_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o in_o the_o least_o to_o have_v be_v prince_n and_o great_a man_n and_o judge_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o poor_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o this_o world_n will_v then_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o bige_a of_o we_o all_o for_o all_o mankind_n shall_v then_o stand_v upon_o a_o level_n and_o those_o civil_a distinction_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a of_o base_a and_o honourable_a which_o seem_v now_o so_o considerable_a and_o make_v such_o a_o glare_a difference_n among_o man_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v all_o then_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o moral_a difference_n shall_v only_o take_v place_n all_o the_o distinction_n which_o will_v then_o be_v make_v will_v be_v betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v real_o much_o great_a than_o ever_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o high_a and_o mean_a person_n in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v we_o value_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v only_o considerable_a and_o that_o only_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o vain_a man_n during_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n but_o bear_v no_o price_n at_o all_o in_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o or_o if_o they_o do_v we_o can_v carry_v they_o along_o with_o we_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o indeed_o will_v follow_v we_o with_o a_o vengeance_n the_o injustice_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a art_n we_o have_v use_v for_o the_o get_n or_o keep_v of_o they_o especial_o if_o at_o once_o we_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n 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have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sensible_a pain_n and_o trouble_v in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v many_o time_n especial_o after_o great_a sin_n and_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o they_o accompany_v with_o much_o regret_n and_o horror_n with_o deep_a and_o pierce_a sorrow_n with_o dismal_a and_o despair_a thought_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o with_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a consequence_n of_o sin_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a no_o man_n that_o consider_v and_o calculate_v thing_n wise_o will_v purchase_v the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n at_o the_o price_n of_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o sorrow_n as_o a_o true_a and_o deep_a repentance_n will_v cost_v he_o especial_o since_o a_o true_a repentance_n do_v in_o many_o case_n oblige_v man_n to_o the_o restitution_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v gain_v by_o sin_n if_o it_o have_v be_v get_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o another_o and_o this_o consideration_n quite_o 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word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o any_o man_n live_v so_o as_o no_o man_n that_o hearty_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v live_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v he_o do_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n than_o word_n there_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o man_n action_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o do_v best_a declare_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o man._n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v short_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o action_n to_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o eternal_o happy_a but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n or_o interest_n have_v desert_v the_o faith_n or_o live_v wicked_a life_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n i_o say_v be_v man_n firm_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o i'faith_o even_o in_o temporal_a matter_n be_v a_o mighty_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o will_v make_v man_n to_o attempt_v and_o undergo_v strange_a and_o difficult_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o operative_a and_o powerful_a because_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o it_o present_v to_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v tempt_v or_o terrify_v we_o withal_o will_v we_o but_o by_o faith_n make_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v we_o as_o very_o persuade_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o view_n how_o shall_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n and_o with_o what_o ease_n shall_v we_o resist_v and_o repel_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v seduce_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n or_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n which_o man_n fancy_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o most_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o another_o reason_n of_o this_o wrong_a choice_n be_v want_n of_o consideration_n for_o this_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n
be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o however_o he_o come_v by_o they_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o the_o other_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o wise_a man._n he_o have_v embrace_v his_o religion_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o exhortation_n and_o caution_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a establish_v in_o the_o truth_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v â—n_o nothing_o terrifle_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o that_o if_o occasion_n be_v we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o or_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o this_o profession_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o which_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 17._o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n and_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n hold_v fast_o say_v he_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o st._n judas_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n
we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o communion_n whereof_o a_o man_n may_v be_v safe_a but_o till_o that_o be_v make_v out_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v safe_a much_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v of_o their_o communion_n but_o if_o particular_a point_n must_v be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o enquiry_n after_o the_o true_a church_n then_o they_o must_v allow_v their_o intend_a convert_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n likewise_o of_o particular_a point_n and_o if_o he_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o too_o before_o he_o come_v into_o their_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v of_o what_o use_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o it_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n they_o be_v as_o they_o very_o believe_v establish_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o be_v fair_o offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n and_o then_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v positive_o first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o it_o be_v of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n second_o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v account_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v you_o particular_a instance_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o particular_a i_o mention_v namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o art_n which_o they_o use_v i_o mean_v particular_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o i_o have_v show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o as_o first_o in_o allow_v man_n to_o be_v very_o competent_a and_o sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n i._n e._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o these_o they_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o damnable_a error_n and_o mistake_v and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v they_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n otherwise_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o offer_v they_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o they_o if_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o force_n of_o they_o but_o now_o after_o this_o to_o deny_v they_o all_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a pretence_n second_o another_o art_n they_o use_v in_o order_n to_o their_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v earnest_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v only_o the_o argument_n and_o book_n on_o their_o side_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v a_o judge_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o clear_a decision_n of_o a_o cause_n to_o hear_v only_o the_o council_n on_o one_o side_n three_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n the_o one_o catholic_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o creed_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v that_o they_o be_v to_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a for_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o this_o method_n they_o wise_o take_v to_o avoid_v particular_a dispute_n about_o the_o innovation_n and_o error_n which_o we_o charge_v they_o withal_o but_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o this_o can_v be_v the_o first_o enquiry_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n that_o make_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n beside_o their_o way_n of_o prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n be_v by_o the_o mark_n and_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o which_o the_o chief_a be_v the_o conformity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o avoidable_a draw_v on_o a_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n whether_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n before_o their_o great_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o issue_n which_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o can_v never_o be_v without_o enter_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o particular_a dispute_n which_o they_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o avoid_v so_o that_o they_o be_v never_o the_o near_o by_o this_o method_n they_o can_v neither_o shorten_v their_o work_n by_o it_o nor_o keep_v off_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a error_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v a_o very_a sore_a place_n and_o they_o can_v endure_v we_o shall_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o discover_v some_o other_o art_n and_o method_n which_o they_o use_v in_o seduce_a people_n to_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o they_o as_o i_o can_v four_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n i._n e._n the_o visible_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n unite_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n we_o grant_v the_o consequence_n that_o if_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n because_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v ordinary_o no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v but_o how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o so_o civil_a as_o to_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o they_o do_v not_o well_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o and_o indeed_o some_o thing_n be_v obstinate_a and_o
be_v discover_v 3._o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o ancient_a pope_n a_o large_a volume_n of_o forgery_n compile_v by_o isidore_n mercator_n to_o countenance_v the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v great_a use_n for_o several_a age_n and_o pertinacious_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o till_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n have_v at_o last_o be_v force_v for_o very_a shame_n to_o disclaim_v they_o and_o to_o confess_v the_o imposture_n of_o they_o a_o like_a instance_n whereto_o be_v not_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v show_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o slight_a of_o man_n such_o as_o gamester_n use_v at_o dice_n for_o to_o allege_v false_a and_o forge_a author_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o play_v with_o false_a dice_n when_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n 11._o our_o religion_n have_v this_o mighty_a advantage_n that_o it_o do_v not_o decline_v trial_n and_o examination_n which_o to_o any_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n must_v needs_o appear_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a cause_n but_o if_o any_o church_n be_v shy_a of_o have_v her_o religion_n examine_v and_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n this_o give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o she_o have_v some_o distrust_n of_o they_o for_o truth_n do_v not_o seek_v corner_n nor_o shun_v the_o light_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v viz._n they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o render_v a_o religion_n suspect_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o to_o see_v those_o who_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v such_o proud_a boast_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o so_o fearful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o and_o that_o their_o people_n shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o hear_v and_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o 12._o we_o persuade_v man_n to_o our_o reliligion_n by_o human_n and_o christian_a way_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v by_o urge_v man_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o with_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a argument_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o alone_o be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o terror_n and_o torture_n of_o death_n may_v make_v man_n hypocrite_n and_o awe_v they_o to_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o this_o be_v no_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o convince_a the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o these_o violent_a and_o cruel_a way_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o great_o countenance_v and_o encourage_v by_o pope_n themselves_o witness_v the_o many_o croisades_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n the_o stand_a cruelty_n of_o their_o inquisition_n their_o occasional_a massacre_n and_o persecution_n of_o which_o we_o have_v fresh_a instance_n in_o every_o age._n but_o these_o method_n of_o conversion_n be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o they_o either_o distur_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o else_o that_o they_o think_v truth_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n when_o dragoon_n be_v their_o ratio_fw-la ultima_fw-la the_o last_o reason_n which_o their_o cause_n rely_v upon_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a it_o can_v afford_v again_o we_o hold_v no_o doctrine_n in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v now_o declare_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v of_o that_o religion_n unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o sense_n and_o believe_v against_o the_o clear_a verdict_n of_o they_o in_o a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n but_o after_o this_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n if_o any_o man_n forbid_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v i_o forbid_v he_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a and_o sure_a evidence_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o if_o i_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n than_o the_o mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v convey_v be_v uncertain_a and_o we_o may_v say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o another_o case_n then_o be_v our_o preach_a vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o be_v vain_a last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o particular_n as_o to_o several_a thing_n use_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v on_o the_o much_o safe_a side_n if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o than_o they_o be_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o lawful_a to_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n otherwise_o we_o must_v condemn_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o allow_v this_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o have_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n celebrate_v in_o a_o language_n which_o all_o that_o join_v in_o it_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o people_n in_o both_o kind_n otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v not_o have_v do_v it_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a not_o to_o worship_n image_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o the_o bless_a virgin_n otherwise_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v not_o have_v forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v pray_v to_o god_n only_o and_o offer_v up_o all_o his_o prayer_n to_o he_o only_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o rely_v herein_o upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v our_o high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n heb._n 7_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o i._n e._n by_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n since_o 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to_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o we_o than_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v for_o his_o best_a friend_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o want_n let_v we_o consider_v he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a if_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o lot_n to_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o exercise_v with_o suffering_n and_o reproach_n let_v we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o our_o sake_n in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o condition_n or_o decline_v it_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o content_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o destitute_a how_o meek_a and_o patient_a in_o the_o most_o afflict_a and_o suffer_a condition_n how_o 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of_o choice_n but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n he_o do_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n we_o do_v it_o for_o our_o own_o his_o own_o goodness_n move_v he_o to_o deny_v himself_o for_o we_o but_o gratitude_n oblige_v we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o he_o have_v whole_o merit_v all_o this_o and_o infinite_o more_o from_o we_o so_o that_o such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o be_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n will_v yet_o far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v they_o therein_o 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you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n and_o have_v overcome_v because_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o grace_n and_o strength_n be_v afford_v to_o the_o first_o christian_n in_o a_o most_o extraordinary_a manner_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o support_v under_o suffering_n so_o that_o they_o be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o may_v according_a to_o god_n glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n as_o st._n paul_n pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n ch._n 1._o 11._o and_o these_o consolation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o peculiar_o appropriate_v to_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n but_o be_v still_o afford_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n in_o such_o degree_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o and_o whenever_o god_n exercise_v good_a man_n with_o trial_n more_o than_o humane_a and_o such_o suffering_n as_o be_v beyond_o 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