be_v take_v for_o grant_v where_o ever_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n suffer_v persecution_n for_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a case_n among_o christian_n be_v when_o they_o be_v persecute_v because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o deny_v and_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v general_o the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o torture_n and_o death_n because_o they_o will_v not_o renounce_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o give_v demonstration_n thereof_o by_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen-god_n second_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v persecute_v only_o for_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o join_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o urge_v to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v it_o but_o only_o to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o forbear_v the_o maintenance_n and_o defence_n of_o it_o upon_o fit_a occasion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v adversary_n of_o it_o for_o to_o conceal_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o decline_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o when_o just_a occasion_n be_v offer_v be_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n interpret_v to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o denial_n of_o it_o and_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o confess_v of_o he_o before_o man_n mat._n 10._o 32_o 33._o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o by_o st._n mark_n be_v express_v by_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n that_o be_v afraid_a and_o ashamed_a to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n mark_v 8._o 38._o whosoever_o therefore_o 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 finful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o the_o moderate_a emperor_n when_o the_o persecution_n of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o hot_a as_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o a_o denial_n of_o christ_n provide_v they_o will_v be_v content_v to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v their_o religion_n in_o that_o case_n they_o do_v not_o hunt_v they_o out_o nor_o prosecute_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n if_o they_o make_v no_o discovery_n of_o themselves_o but_o yet_o they_o who_o suffer_v because_o they_o will_v not_o conceal_v their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n three_o man_n do_v likewise_o true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o not_o betray_v it_o by_o any_o indirect_a and_o unworthy_a mean_n such_o as_o among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v the_o deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o the_o heathen_a to_o be_v burn_v and_o destroy_v by_o they_o for_o to_o give_v up_o that_o holy_a book_n which_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o give_v up_o christianity_n itself_o and_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o it_o and_o such_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v in_o any_o kind_n for_o not_o contribute_v to_o break_v down_o the_o fence_n of_o religion_n in_o any_o nation_n where_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v give_v it_o a_o legal_a establishment_n and_o security_n or_o in_o a_o word_n for_o refuse_v to_o countenance_n and_o further_o any_o design_n which_o visible_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n for_o to_o destroy_v religion_n and_o to_o take_v away_o that_o which_o hinder_v the_o destruction_n of_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n much_o the_o same_o thing_n four_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o defence_n of_o any_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o though_o they_o be_v not_o require_v to_o renounce_v the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v true_a of_o any_o other_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o be_v a_o subversion_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n because_o it_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o overthrow_v of_o christianity_n be_v a_o wound_n give_v to_o it_o in_o a_o vital_a and_o essential_a part._n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o in_o any_o age_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v persecute_v by_o heretic_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o any_o article_n of_o christianity_n and_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o after_o the_o heathen_a persecution_n be_v cease_v persecution_n be_v first_o begin_v among_o christian_n by_o heretic_n and_o have_v since_o be_v take_v up_o and_o carry_v much_o beyond_o that_o bad_a pattern_n by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o beside_o a_o stand_a inquisition_n in_o all_o country_n which_o be_v entire_o of_o that_o religion_n a_o court_n the_o like_a whereto_o for_o the_o clancular_a and_o secret_a manner_n of_o proceed_v for_o the_o unjust_a and_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o it_o for_o the_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o man_n person_n and_o the_o cruelty_n of_o its_o torment_n to_o extort_v confession_n from_o they_o the_o sun_n never_o see_v erect_v under_o any_o government_n in_o the_o world_n by_o man_n of_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o i_o say_v which_o beside_o this_o court_n have_v by_o frequent_a croisadoe_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n and_o by_o many_o bloody_a massacre_n in_o france_n and_o ireland_n and_o several_a other_o place_n destroy_v far_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o all_o the_o ten_o heathen_a persecution_n and_o have_v of_o late_o revive_v and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n continue_v the_o same_o or_o great_a cruelty_n and_o a_o fierce_a persecution_n of_o protestant_n if_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v consider_v than_o be_v ever_o yet_o practise_v upon_o they_o and_o yet_o whilst_o this_o be_v do_v almost_o before_o our_o eye_n in_o one_o of_o our_o next_o neighbour_n nation_n they_o have_v the_o face_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o cannibal_n law_n and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o confidence_n to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o enemy_n of_o all_o compulsion_n and_o force_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n five_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o assert_v and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o for_o oppose_v and_o not_o comply_v with_o those_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n which_o superstition_n and_o ignorance_n have_v in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o time_n bring_v into_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o this_o account_n many_o good_a people_n suffer_v in_o many_o past_a age_n for_o resist_v the_o grow_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o at_o first_o creep_v in_o by_o degree_n but_o at_o last_o break_v in_o like_o a_o mighty_a flood_n which_o carry_v down_o all_o before_o it_o and_o threaten_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o all_o that_o oppose_v they_o upon_o this_o account_n also_o infinite_a number_n suffer_v among_o the_o waldenses_n and_o albigenses_n in_o bohemia_n and_o in_o england_n and_o in_o most_o other_o country_n in_o this_o western_a part_n of_o christendom_n and_o they_o who_o suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n suffer_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n six_o and_o last_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o not_o disclaim_v and_o renounce_v any_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o yea_o though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a point_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o many_o thousand_o who_o ever_o since_o the_o iv._o council_n of_o lateran_n which_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1215_o when_o transubstantiation_n be_v first_o define_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v persecute_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n for_o not_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o iâ—_n my_o body_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o capable_a of_o a_o reasonable_a sense_n in_o the_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a sense_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o this_o disow_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v
upbraid_v the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n which_o do_v so_o abound_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n so_o that_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o read_v the_o gospel_n profectò_fw-la aut_fw-la hoc_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la evangelium_fw-la aut_fw-la nos_fw-la non_fw-la sumus_fw-la evangelici_fw-la either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o read_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v or_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v man_n to_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o divine_a nature_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v degenerate_v into_o beast_n and_o devil_n wallow_v in_o abominable_a and_o filthy_a lust_n indulge_v ourselves_o in_o those_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o strife_n and_o discord_n of_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n of_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o demean_v themselves_o at_o another_o rate_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o hang_v over_o we_o or_o if_o they_o can_v do_v that_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n a_o sermon_n on_o 1_o peter_n iu_o 19_o wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o instruct_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o towards_o the_o heathen_a or_o gentile_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o more_o particular_o to_o arm_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o those_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o he_o foretell_v will_v short_o overtake_v they_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v happen_v they_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v and_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a and_o unexpected_a thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o 12_o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n belove_v think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v to_o try_v you_o that_o be_v do_v not_o wonder_v and_o be_v not_o astonish_v at_o it_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o you_o and_o then_o he_o instruct_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o under_o those_o trial_n and_o suffering_n when_o they_o shall_v happen_v not_o only_o with_o patience_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o exercise_v under_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n upon_o what_o account_n and_o cause_n soever_o but_o with_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n consider_v the_o glorious_a example_n and_o reward_n of_o they_o v_o 13._o but_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v you_o may_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o at_o the_o 14._o ver_fw-la he_o tell_v they_o that_o beside_o the_o encouragement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o example_n and_o so_o glorious_a a_o reward_n they_o shall_v be_v support_v and_o assist_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n with_o they_o v._n 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a copy_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o power_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n re_v upon_o you_o that_o be_v the_o glorious_a power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v present_a with_o you_o to_o comfort_v and_o bear_v up_o your_o spirit_n under_o these_o suffering_n but_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o theiâ—_n suffering_n be_v for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n v._n 15._o but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evildoer_n that_o be_v as_o a_o offender_n in_o any_o kind_n against_o human_a law_n make_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n or_o as_o a_o busy-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n that_o be_v as_o a_o pragmatical_a person_n that_o meddle_v out_o of_o his_o own_o sphere_n to_o the_o disquiet_a and_o disturbance_n of_o human_a society_n for_o to_o suffer_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o account_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o trouble_v but_o not_o of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n but_o if_o they_o suffer_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o shame_n and_o reproach_n to_o they_o but_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o call_v they_o to_o suffer_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n and_o upon_o so_o glorious_a a_o account_n v._o 16._o yet_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a if_o that_o be_v his_o only_a crime_n let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v gâ—d_v on_o this_o behalf_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o at_o this_o time_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o end_n that_o the_o first_o calamity_n and_o suffering_n shall_v fall_v upon_o christian_n the_o peculiar_a people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o trial_n and_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o god_n be_v now_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o iâ—_n first_o begin_v at_o we_o that_o be_v at_o we_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n and_o have_v now_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n that_o be_v how_o much_o more_o severe_o will_v god_n deal_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v that_o be_v if_o good_a man_n be_v save_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o must_v through_o so_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o ungodly_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n where_o shall_v they_o appear_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o inference_n or_o conclusion_n in_o the_o last_o ver_fw-la of_o this_o chapter_n wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o these_o word_n upon_o the_o apostle_n forego_v discourse_n i_o shall_v explain_v the_o several_a expression_n in_o the_o text_n and_o then_o handle_v the_o main_a point_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o expression_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v these_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n what_o by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n â—s_a unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o what_o by_o well-doing_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o suffer_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n such_o as_o god_n will_v approve_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o probable_a because_o this_o be_v mention_v afterward_o in_o the_o follow_a expression_n of_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n that_o be_v in_o suffer_v upon_o a_o good_a account_n and_o therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o
of_o it_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v far_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o promise_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o direction_n or_o assistance_n or_o security_n from_o mistake_n to_o any_o church_n but_o the_o same_o be_v make_v in_o as_o full_a and_o express_a term_n to_o every_o good_a man_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o same_o to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o word_n john_n 14._o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n apply_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o every_o good_a christian_a heb._n 13._o 5._o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o for_o where_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o and_o i_o will_v make_v my_o abode_n with_o he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o promise_v make_v to_o every_o good_a man_n john_n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n have_v god_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o same_o metaphor_n concern_v every_o man_n that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n mat._n 7._o 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o be_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n so_o that_o if_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n signify_v infallibility_n it_o belong_v to_o every_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o practise_v what_o he_o know_v as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o church_n when_o man_n be_v enable_v by_o god_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o those_o doctrine_n but_o without_o this_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o offer_v no_o evidence_n â—it_a to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o assist_v and_o i_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o the_o pope_n among_o all_o his_o privilege_n do_v pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n second_o from_o hence_o likewise_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o error_n and_o infidelity_n in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o infidel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o man_n interest_n and_o lust_n make_v they_o partial_a and_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o recommend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o that_o as_o st._n paul_n argue_v if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o if_o man_n do_v but_o stand_v indifferent_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o passion_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o man_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n fair_o propose_v to_o he_o will_v continue_v a_o infidel_n if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o suitable_a thereto_o be_v from_o god_n three_o and_o last_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n do_v we_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n let_v we_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will._n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o their_o vicious_a practice_n the_o best_a way_n certain_o to_o preserve_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o take_v great_a care_n of_o a_o good_a life_n god_n goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n judgement_n to_o be_v betray_v into_o a_o damnable_a error_n without_o some_o vice_n and_o fault_n of_o his_o will._n the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o imprint_v upon_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o nor_o need_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o accompany_v they_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n may_v easy_o discern_v they_o from_o error_n and_o imposture_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o see_v any_o oppose_v the_o clear_a truth_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o to_o embrace_v gross_a error_n and_o delusion_n we_o may_v almost_o certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o worldly_a interest_n or_o lust_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n be_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o st._n peter_n exhortation_n the_o 2_o d_o of_o pet._n 3._o 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v among_o all_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o man_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o common_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o of_o a_o more_o universal_a bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o this_o of_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o this_o vice_n i_o shall_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o even_o of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n truth_n and_o religion_n of_o which_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o common_a cause_n so_o that_o if_o i_o can_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o great_a distemper_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v in_o so_o do_v remove_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o which_o word_n be_v these_o threâ—_n thing_n observable_a first_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v he_o double_v it_o to_o show_v the_o great_a need_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o vice_n which_o our_o
sensible_a he_o can_v extend_v his_o fear_n so_o far_o as_o another_o world_n so_o long_o as_o he_o find_v himself_o well_o and_o at_o ease_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n if_o we_o will_v affect_v such_o a_o man_n we_o must_v offer_v to_o his_o consideration_n something_o that_o be_v fit_a to_o work_v upon_o he_o threaten_v he_o with_o break_v open_a his_o house_n and_o riâ—â—ing_v his_o coffer_n and_o carry_v away_o his_o full_a bag_n with_o question_v his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n or_o start_v a_o precedent_a mortgage_n or_o something_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v dreadful_a and_o terrible_a to_o he_o now_o you_o speak_v intelligible_o to_o he_o and_o he_o understand_v what_o you_o mean_v tell_v he_o of_o a_o good_a bargain_n or_o a_o advantageous_a purchase_n offer_v he_o decent_o a_o good_a bribe_n or_o give_v he_o notice_n of_o a_o young_a heir_n that_o may_v be_v circumvent_v and_o draw_v in_o than_o you_o say_v something_o to_o he_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o regard_n and_o attention_n the_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v by_o such_o offer_v and_o promise_v as_o these_o but_o discourse_n to_o he_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o mâ—â—_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o glory_n and_o happiness_n that_o shall_v neither_o have_v bound_n nor_o end_n and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o upon_o a_o instrument_n for_o he_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o he_o will_v not_o do_v they_o as_o the_o prophet_n express_v it_o ezek._n 33._o 32._o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o fine_a talk_n or_o a_o melodious_a â—ound_n that_o vanish_v into_o air_n but_o leave_v no_o impression_n behind_o it_o perhaps_o even_o these_o dull_a and_o stupid_a kind_n of_o man_n be_v affect_v a_o little_a for_o the_o present_a with_o the_o liveliness_n of_o the_o romance_n and_o the_o poetical_a vein_n of_o the_o preacher_n but_o these_o thing_n pass_v away_o like_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v but_o have_v no_o last_a effect_n upon_o they_o so_o effectual_o do_v covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n obstruct_v all_o those_o passage_n through_o which_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n shall_v enter_v into_o our_o mind_n second_o as_o covetousness_n hinder_v man_n from_o religion_n and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o a_o due_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o it_o many_o time_n tempt_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o the_o parent_n of_o most_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n he_o that_o will_v engage_v deep_a in_o the_o world_n must_v use_v much_o more_o guard_n and_o caution_n than_o most_o man_n do_v to_o do_v it_o without_o sin_n how_o many_o temptation_n be_v the_o covetous_a man_n expose_v to_o in_o the_o get_n and_o in_o the_o secure_n and_o in_o the_o spend_n and_o enjoy_v of_o a_o great_a estate_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o reckon_v they_o up_o and_o much_o more_o difficult_a to_o escape_v or_o resi_v they_o and_o yet_o each_o of_o these_o temptation_n bring_v he_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o great_a many_o sin_n for_o i._o in_o the_o get_n of_o a_o estate_n he_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o those_o vice_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o this_o design_n nothing_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o more_o and_o great_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n than_o covetousness_n and_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich._n it_o be_v solomon_n observation_n prov._n 28._o 20._o he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o he_o speak_v as_o if_o there_o be_v all_o the_o probability_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v in_o so_o much_o haste_n will_v almost_o unavoidable_o fall_v into_o a_o great_a many_o oversight_n and_o fault_n and_o the_o heathen_a poet_n make_v the_o very_a same_o observation_n in_o more_o word_n ind_n ferè_fw-la scelerum_fw-la causae_fw-la nec_fw-la plura_fw-la venena_fw-la miscuit_fw-la aut_fw-la ferro_fw-la grassatur_fw-la saepiùs_fw-la ullum_fw-la humanae_fw-la mentis_fw-la vitium_fw-la quam_fw-la saeva_fw-la cupido_fw-la immodici_fw-la censûs_fw-la nam_fw-la dive_v qui_fw-la fieri_fw-la vult_fw-la et_fw-la cito_fw-la vult_fw-la fieri_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la reverentia_fw-la legum_n quis_fw-la metus_fw-la aut_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la unquam_fw-la properantis_fw-la avari_fw-la this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o sin_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o vice_n of_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o more_o murder_n and_o poison_v than_o a_o furious_a desire_n of_o immoderate_a wealth_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a will_v make_v haste_n to_o be_v so_o and_o what_o reverence_n of_o law_n what_o fear_n or_o shame_n be_v ever_o see_v in_o any_o man_n that_o be_v in_o in_o haste_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n this_o peremptory_a resolution_n of_o be_v rich_a 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n if_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n once_o reign_v in_o we_o if_o we_o have_v once_o fix_v our_o end_n and_o set_v up_o this_o resolution_n with_o ourselves_o that_o we_o will_v be_v rich_a we_o shall_v then_o make_v every_o thing_n stoop_v and_o submit_v to_o this_o design_n a_o covetous_a man_n will_v make_v his_o principle_n and_o his_o conscience_n to_o bend_v to_o his_o resolution_n of_o be_v rich_a and_o to_o bow_v to_o that_o interest_n the_o eager_a desire_n of_o riches_n make_v man_n to_o pursue_v they_o in_o indirect_a and_o uncharitable_a way_n by_o falsehood_n and_o perjury_n by_o undermine_v and_o overreach_v by_o dissemble_v and_o flattery_n by_o corrupt_v and_o embase_v of_o commodity_n by_o false_a weight_n and_o measure_n by_o take_v fee_n with_o both_o hand_n by_o make_v use_n of_o their_o power_n and_o wit_n to_o oppress_v and_o defraud_v their_o brother_n by_o impose_v upon_o his_o ignorance_n and_o simplicity_n or_o by_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o his_o poverty_n and_o necessity_n covetousness_n many_o time_n make_v man_n cruel_a and_o unjust_a nay_o it_o make_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n for_o as_o one_o say_v well_o the_o covetous_a man_n oppress_v his_o neighbour_n not_o for_o any_o good_a to_o himself_o for_o he_o do_v not_o enjoy_v what_o he_o tear_n and_o rent_n from_o other_o so_o that_o he_o be_v of_o that_o most_o hateful_a kind_n of_o beast_n of_o prey_n that_o kill_v other_o creature_n not_o to_o eat_v they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o lie_v dead_a by_o they_o lion_n and_o wolf_n kill_v out_o of_o hunger_n but_o the_o covetous_a man_n like_o a_o serpent_n or_o scorpion_n sting_n and_o bite_v other_o to_o death_n not_o for_o his_o need_n but_o for_o his_o pleasure_n and_o recreation_n covetousness_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a sin_n because_o it_o fix_v a_o man_n in_o a_o resolution_n of_o get_v a_o estate_n by_o any_o mean_n if_o falseness_n and_o deceit_n violence_n and_o oppression_n will_v further_o this_o end_n the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o end_n tempt_v man_n to_o use_v any_o sort_n of_o mean_n whereby_o the_o end_n may_v be_v compass_v and_o though_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o averseness_n from_o they_o at_o 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lord_n in_o that_o day_n consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o let_v this_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o your_o mind_n take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v a_o sermon_n on_o matth_n vi_o 33._o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n our_o saviour_n do_v in_o a_o long_a discourse_n caution_n his_o disciple_n against_o a_o inordinate_a care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o he_o conclude_v with_o a_o strict_a charge_n to_o make_v religion_n their_o first_o and_o great_a concernment_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o take_v care_n to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v explain_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n second_o what_o by_o seek_v of_o these_o three_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o necessary_a and_o plain_a direction_n which_o if_o we_o observe_v we_o can_v miscarry_v in_o this_o matter_n four_o i_o shall_v set_v before_o you_o some_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n among_o which_o i_o shall_v particular_o consider_v the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n here_o use_v in_o the_o text_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o 1._o i_o shall_v explain_v to_o you_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n first_o what_o 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do_v vain_o imagine_v but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v among_o you_o not_o within_o you_o as_o our_o translation_n have_v improper_o render_v it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o tell_v they_o be_v already_o come_v unto_o you_o the_o messiah_n be_v among_o you_o and_o you_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o he_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n this_o phrase_n be_v use_v mat._n 21._o 43._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v use_v mat._n 11._o 11._o where_n speak_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n our_o saviour_n say_v that_o among_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n there_o have_v not_o rise_v a_o great_a than_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o great_a person_n than_o he_o under_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v great_a than_o he_o now_o though_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o whole_o exclude_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n very_o usual_a likewise_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n and_o discourseâ—_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v that_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o glory_n which_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o in_o another_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v before_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o take_v you_o no_o thought_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v or_o wherewithal_o shall_v we_o be_v clothe_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o this_o inordinate_a and_o solicitous_a care_n about_o worldly_a thing_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o this_o life_n as_o about_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o this_o sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o very_o frequent_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v particular_a instance_n of_o it_o second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o righteousness_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n righteousness_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n signify_v the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n
thing_n be_v without_o we_o they_o neither_o constitute_v our_o be_v nor_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o happiness_n but_o our_o soul_n be_v ourselves_o and_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o be_v our_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o with_o equal_a care_n and_o concernment_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v rescue_v from_o eternal_a misery_n and_o everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n and_o can_v we_o be_v at_o too_o much_o cost_n and_o pain_n upon_o such_o a_o design_n to_o escape_v so_o dismal_a a_o condition_n so_o dreadful_a a_o ruin_n as_o that_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n can_v any_o man_n be_v concern_v enough_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o great_a a_o good_a to_o himself_o or_o can_v he_o purchase_v it_o too_o dear_a whatever_o he_o give_v or_o part_v with_o for_o it_o a_o good_a so_o desirable_a and_o so_o durable_a as_o our_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o when_o we_o purchase_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o time_n and_o care_n and_o trouble_v we_o pay_v dear_a for_o trifle_n and_o fancy_n but_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o jewel_n of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o price_n that_o a_o wise_a merchant_n will_v have_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v it_o of_o such_o value_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o next_o to_o it_o be_v righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o means_n whereby_o this_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o we_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o earnestness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o a_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n and_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o end_n and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v valuable_a next_o to_o the_o end_n and_o almost_o equal_o with_o it_o and_o such_o be_v righteousness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o it_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o qualify_v we_o and_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a ingredient_n into_o it_o and_o that_o which_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n constitute_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n to_o god_n which_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n bring_v we_o to_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n we_o have_v now_o of_o it_o be_v the_o very_a formal_a cause_n and_o essence_n of_o our_o blessedness_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o that_o be_v we_o do_v not_o now_o distinct_o understand_v wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n consist_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o this_o we_o know_v in_o general_a that_o it_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o hope_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o press_v you_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v by_o tell_v you_o what_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v universal_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o this_o bless_a state_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o than_o goodness_n any_o thing_n more_o desirable_a than_o a_o happiness_n which_o haâ—h_v no_o bound_n nor_o no_o end_n do_v not_o mind_v they_o nor_o look_v after_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o certain_o these_o aâ—e_a worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n second_o another_o consideration_n that_o shall_v very_o much_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o diligence_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o obtain_v they_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v no_o encouragement_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o whet_v our_o industry_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n when_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n use_v to_o quicken_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o eternal_a life_n mat._n 7._o 14._o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o luke_n 13._o 24._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a seek_v here_o in_o opposition_n to_o strive_v be_v a_o faint_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n which_o will_v not_o carry_v we_o through_o this_o narrow_a and_o difficult_a passage_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o miscarry_v who_o make_v some_o attempt_n towards_o heaven_n but_o they_o do_v not_o strive_v they_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o any_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o get_v thither_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v eternal_a happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o hard_a to_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o attain_v his_o righteousness_n as_o desirable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v very_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n to_o raise_v himself_o to_o that_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n so_o to_o subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n to_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v he_o for_o happiness_n and_o to_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o difficulty_n be_v chief_o in_o ourselves_o but_o great_o increase_v by_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o without_o chief_o i_o say_v in_o ourselves_o from_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o our_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o the_o strong_a power_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o custom_n which_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v inveterate_a do_v tyrannize_v over_o we_o and_o make_v we_o perfect_a slave_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_n at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o that_o our_o nature_n must_v be_v quite_o change_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o we_o must_v be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v new_o mould_v and_o fashion_v we_o must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v create_v and_o bear_v again_o before_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v positive_a and_o peremptory_a joh._n 3._o 3._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o difficulty_n indeed_o be_v great_a at_o first_o but_o it_o be_v considerable_a afterward_o till_o a_o through_o change_n be_v make_v and_o new_a inclination_n plant_v in_o we_o and_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v super-induced_n and_o that_o which_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n be_v outward_a temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n which_o to_o withstand_v and_o resist_v require_v great_a courage_n and_o resolution_n great_a watchfulness_n and_o guard_n over_o ourselves_o but_o yet_o for_o our_o comfort_n these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o insuperable_a to_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n and_o to_o so_o good_a a_o purposeâ—_n 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 i_o be_o sure_a be_v matter_n of_o great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o though_o the_o difficulty_n â—f_n work_v out_o our_o salvation_n be_v great_a yet_o if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n set_v about_o it_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o second_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v we_o with_o his_o gracious_a favour_n and_o to_o further_o we_o with_o his_o continual_a aid_n that_o
poetical_a number_n and_o skill_n in_o it_o than_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v we_o can_v easy_o understand_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o iâ—_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a namely_o to_o magnify_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o precept_n as_o that_o wherein_o true_a religion_n do_v main_o consist_v and_o indeed_o if_o we_o attentive_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o every_o part_n of_o this_o psalm_n do_v with_o great_a variety_n of_o expression_n and_o yet_o very_o little_a difference_n of_o the_o sense_n descant_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n viz._n the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n aâ—d_a tâ—â—_n worâ—â—_n of_o tâ—â—_n teâ—t_v seem_v to_o be_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a psalm_n as_o any_o one_o sentence_n in_o it_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a these_o word_n be_v various_o render_v and_o understand_v by_o interpreter_n who_o yet_o in_o this_o variety_n do_v very_o much_o conspire_v and_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o sensâ—â—_n the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n render_v the_o word_n thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n about_o which_o i_o have_v employ_v my_o care_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v very_o large_a the_o syriac_a version_n thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o region_n and_o country_n that_o be_v i_o have_v find_v the_o compass_n of_o this_o habitable_a world_n to_o be_v â—iniâ—e_n and_o limit_v but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n other_o explain_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o be_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o man_n value_v and_o esteem_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rateâ—_n of_o all_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o greatness_n which_o do_v all_o perish_v and_o pass_v away_o but_o thy_o law_n be_v eternal_a and_o still_o abide_v the_o same_o or_o as_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o express_v it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o thy_o law_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n natural_a and_o reveal_v or_o in_o a_o word_n religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n of_o godâ—_n be_v of_o great_a perfection_n than_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o high_o value_v in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o be_v infinite_a and_o of_o a_o vast_a influence_n and_o extent_n it_o reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o our_o whole_a duration_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o law_n first_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o very_a good_a account_n of_o itself_o because_o it_o settle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o firm_a basis_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o roll_a in_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n whereas_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n want_v a_o stable_a foundation_n â—t_a centre_n no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o substitute_n no_o principle_n no_o tenable_a and_o constituent_a scheme_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o its_o whole_a business_n be_v to_o unravel_v all_o thing_n to_o unsettle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o shake_v all_o the_o common_a notion_n and_o receive_v principle_n of_o mankind_n it_o bend_v its_o whole_a force_n to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v but_o lay_v no_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o thing_n upon_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o that_o which_o it_o pull_v down_o it_o run_v upon_o that_o great_a absurdity_n which_o aristotle_n who_o be_v always_o think_v a_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n do_v every_o where_o decry_v as_o a_o principle_n unworthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n namely_o a_o progress_n of_o cause_n in_o inâ—initum_fw-la and_o without_o end_n that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o and_o a_o three_o thing_n of_o that_o and_o so_o on_o without_o end_n which_o amount_v to_o just_a nothing_o and_o final_o resolve_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o effect_n into_o no_o first_o cause_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unskilful_a and_o bungle_a and_o less_o worthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n but_o this_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v at_o present_a to_o insist_v upon_o have_v treat_v large_o on_o the_o same_o subject_n upon_o another_o author_n occasion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v wisdom_n so_o say_v the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n indeed_o it_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n caput_fw-la sapientiae_fw-la the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o wisdom_n here_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o upon_o this_o foundation_n it_o be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o perfection_n and_o i_o shall_v in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n without_o this_o nor_o beyond_o it_o first_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o regard_v to_o his_o law_n this_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v build_v this_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v suppose_v and_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o man_n this_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o have_v a_o main_a influence_n upon_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o be_v the_o public_a good_a this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n about_o it_o so_o religion_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n by_o which_o all_o our_o action_n be_v to_o be_v conduct_v and_o govern_v and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o and_o lay_v religion_n for_o its_o foundation_n be_v preposterous_a and_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n and_o be_v just_a as_o if_o in_o the_o form_n of_o humane_a society_n every_o one_o in_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o law_n shall_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o his_o own_o private_a and_o particular_a advantage_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a good_a which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o society_n and_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o government_n and_o law_n and_o in_o the_o last_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n the_o only_a way_n to_o procure_v the_o settle_a welfare_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o last_a interest_n of_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o public_a good_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a policy_n to_o go_v about_o to_o found_v humane_a society_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n and_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o true_a happiness_n which_o do_v not_o bâ—gin_v with_o religion_n and_o lay_v its_o foundation_n there_o which_o do_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o not_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o principle_n will_v certain_o end_v in_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n in_o misery_n and_o ruin_n because_o it_o build_v a_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o stress_n of_o weather_n and_o assault_v by_o violent_a storm_n will_v undoubted_o fall_v and_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o will_v be_v great_a and_o this_o error_n every_o man_n commit_v who_o pursue_v happiness_n by_o follow_v his_o own_o inclination_n and_o gratify_v his_o irregular_a desire_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o restraint_n which_o his_o law_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o not_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o good_a for_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v
matter_n have_v be_v right_o state_v than_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o take_v along_o with_o we_o in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o be_v preposterous_a and_o will_v prove_v folly_n in_o the_o issue_n second_o as_o religion_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n so_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v instruct_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 15._o 33._o be_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n say_v david_n psal_n 111._o 10._o have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n and_o he_o understand_v himself_o best_a who_o live_v most_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o may_v show_v by_o instance_v in_o particular_a virtue_n the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v much_o wise_a and_o every_o way_n more_o for_o our_o interest_n than_o the_o contrary_a vice_n but_o this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o argument_n to_o engage_v in_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a brief_o to_o show_v that_o the_o chief_a character_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n do_v all_o meet_v in_o religion_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o the_o first_o point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o understand_v our_o true_a interest_n and_o to_o be_v right_a in_o our_o main_a end_n and_o in_o this_o religion_n will_v best_o instruct_v and_o direct_v we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v right_a in_o our_o main_a end_n and_o true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o we_o can_v miscarry_v but_o if_o a_o man_n mistake_v in_o this_o he_o err_v fatal_o and_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v vanity_n and_o folly_n another_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v steady_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o our_o main_a end_n to_o oblige_v we_o hereto_o religion_n give_v we_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n the_o glorious_a happiness_n and_o the_o dismal_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n the_o next_o point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o make_v all_o thing_n stoop_v and_o become_v subservient_fw-fr to_o our_o main_n end_n and_o wherever_o religion_n bear_v sway_v it_o will_v make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n as_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n make_v every_o thing_n to_o submit_v and_o give_v way_n to_o their_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a and_o sensual_a design_n another_o part_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o future_a and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o last_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o common_a folly_n among_o man_n to_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o the_o present_a as_o to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o future_a to_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o man_n design_n and_o labour_n for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o their_o short_a continuance_n here_o in_o this_o world_n without_o take_v into_o serious_a consideration_n their_o main_a duration_n and_o their_o eternal_a abide_v in_o another_o world_n but_o religion_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o life_n after_o death_n and_o overlook_v time_n and_o make_v eternity_n always_o present_a to_o we_o and_o mind_n we_o of_o make_v timely_a provision_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o it_o take_v into_o consideration_n our_o whole_a duration_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o wisdom_n to_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o be_v present_a it_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a property_n of_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v the_o main_a chance_n and_o to_o run_v no_o hazard_n in_o that_o and_o this_o religion_n direct_v we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v fatal_a another_o mark_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o opportunity_n those_o especial_o which_o when_o they_o be_v once_o past_a will_v never_o return_v again_o there_o be_v some_o season_n wherein_o great_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v which_o if_o they_o be_v let_v slip_n be_v never_o to_o be_v retrieve_v a_o wise_a man_n will_v lay_v hold_n of_o these_o and_o improve_v they_o and_o religion_n inculcate_n this_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n upon_o we_o that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o of_o make_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o this_o very_a day_n and_o hour_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v the_o last_o and_o only_a opportunity_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n let_v we_o set_v about_o this_o necessary_a work_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n to_o morrow_n it_o may_v be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v it_o and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v cut_v we_o off_o whilst_o we_o be_v wilful_o delay_v it_o and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o save_v our_o immortal_a soul_n may_v vanish_v and_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n the_o next_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o to_o take_v timely_a care_n to_o prevent_v they_o the_o prudent_a man_n say_v solomon_n forsee_v the_o evil_a and_o hide_v himself_o that_o be_v shelter_n and_o secure_v himself_o against_o it_o but_o the_o simple_a pass_n on_o and_o be_v punish_v that_o be_v the_o evil_a overtake_v they_o and_o their_o folly_n be_v punish_v in_o their_o fatal_a ruin_n now_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n even_o from_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n again_o another_o main_a point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o do_v as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o trust_v rather_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o prevention_n than_o to_o that_o of_o remedy_n religion_n first_o teach_v man_n innocency_n and_o not_o to_o offend_v but_o in_o case_n we_o do_v as_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o it_o then_o direct_v we_o to_o repentance_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n but_o this_o certain_o be_v folly_n to_o sin_n in_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o be_v first_o to_o make_v work_n for_o repentance_n and_o then_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o for_o we_o may_v certain_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v repent_v and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n to_o lay_v in_o before_o hand_n and_o to_o make_v work_n for_o trouble_n ne_fw-la tu_fw-la stultus_fw-la homuncio_fw-la es_fw-la qui_fw-la malis_fw-la veniam_fw-la precari_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la peccare_fw-la be_v a_o wise_a say_v of_o old_a cato_n thou_o be_v say_v he_o a_o silly_a man_n indeed_o who_o choose_v rather_o to_o ask_v forgiveness_n than_o not_o to_o offend_v if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o best_a remedy_n in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v not_o make_v himself_o sick_a to_o try_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o know_a comparison_n and_o a_o very_a fit_a one_o that_o repentance_n be_v tabula_fw-la post_fw-la naâ—fragium_fw-la a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n but_o i_o be_o great_o afraid_a that_o thousand_o of_o soul_n who_o have_v trust_v to_o it_o have_v perish_v before_o they_o can_v get_v to_o land_n with_o this_o plank_n in_o their_o arm_n the_o last_o character_n of_o wisdom_n i_o shall_v mention_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o consult_v the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n without_o which_o nothing_o else_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o this_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v natural_o procure_v great_a peace_n have_v they_o say_v david_n that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n say_v the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o terrify_a apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o whosoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o prevent_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o discontent_n and_o lay_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n which_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o know_v the_o value_n of_o
genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n and_o the_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v appoint_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n shall_v demean_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v to_o suffer_v and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o like_a expression_n chap._n 3._o of_o this_o epist_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o be_v if_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a second_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o faithful_a creator_n that_o be_v to_o deposit_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n and_o custody_n of_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o providence_n who_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o will_v faithful_o keep_v what_o we_o commit_v to_o he_o for_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o will_v not_o abandon_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n to_o support_v they_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o to_o reward_v they_o for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o great_a encouragement_n in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n cause_n and_o truth_n to_o commit_v our_o soul_n to_o his_o care_n and_o custody_n our_o soul_n that_o be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o for_o so_o the_o word_n soul_n be_v frequent_o use_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n psal_n 7._o 5._o let_v the_o enemy_n persecute_v my_o soul_n and_o take_v it_o that_o be_v my_o life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n yea_o let_v he_o tread_v doâ—n_o my_o life_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o psal_n 54._o 3._o oppressor_n seek_v after_o my_o soul_n and_o psal_n 59_o 3._o they_o lie_v in_o waâ—t_n for_o my_o soul_n that_o be_v my_o life_n and_o psal_n 16._o 10._o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n my_o soul_n that_o be_v myself_o thou_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o will_v raise_v i_o up_o to_o life_n again_o and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mar._n 8._o 35._o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o same_o shall_v save_v it_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v life_n in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n be_v render_v soul_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o be_v his_o life_n and_o so_o likewise_o joâ—_n 12._o 25._o he_o that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n signify_v soul_n he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v who_o neglect_v and_o expose_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a and_o luke_n 9_o 25._o that_o which_o the_o other_o evangelist_n render_v by_o the_o word_n soul_n or_o life_n he_o render_v himself_o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n advantage_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v himself_o and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n three_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n by_o well-doing_n be_v here_o mean_v a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o do_v our_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 7._o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n it_o signify_v sometime_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o charity_n but_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o chap._n 2._o 15._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n that_o be_v by_o a_o resolute_a constancy_n in_o a_o good_a course_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n and_o ver_fw-la 20._o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o sâ—ffer_v for_o it_o that_o be_v if_o when_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n and_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 6._o as_o long_o as_o you_o do_v well_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a with_o any_o amazement_n that_o be_v be_v resolute_a and_o constant_a in_o do_v your_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o threaten_n and_o terror_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a that_o be_v for_o your_o religion_n and_o constancy_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n as_o christian_n and_o not_o as_o criminal_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v wherefore_o be_v forewarn_v of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o direction_n and_o advice_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v this_o that_o since_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n commit_v yourselves_o in_o the_o constant_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o the_o faithful_a creator_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o particular_a point_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o first_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n second_o always_o provide_v that_o we_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n if_o we_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o god_n providence_n will_v not_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n three_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n afford_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n first_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n and_o good_a assurance_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o not_o 2._o how_o far_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o these_o suffering_n 3._o what_o â—â—ound_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o more_o particular_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o case_n of_o such_o suffering_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n and_o when_o not_o in_o these_o case_n first_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o not_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o declare_v against_o it_o and_o apostatise_v from_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n about_o suffer_v for_o religion_n do_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o among_o christian_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n
no_o express_v and_o direct_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o common_a sense_n because_o the_o admit_v of_o transubstantiation_n do_v undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v more_o immediate_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o yea_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o reason_n and_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a animosity_n and_o indignation_n at_o confident_a nonsense_n a_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o generous_a mind_n will_v as_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o declare_v or_o swear_v that_o twice_o two_o do_v not_o make_v four_o but_o five_o as_o to_o profess_v his_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n yet_o all_o truth_n be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o truth_n at_o all_o time_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o deny_v or_o renounce_v any_o truth_n nor_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n or_o error_n for_o it_o be_v mere_o because_o of_o the_o intrinsical_a evil_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v it_o worth_a his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n so_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o joh._n 18._o 37._o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o these_o plain_a instance_n to_o which_o most_o other_z case_n may_v be_v reduce_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o truth_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o or_o three_o case_n wherein_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o can_v true_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o first_o when_o man_n rash_o expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n and_o run_v upon_o suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n thus_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n voluntary_o expose_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v in_o question_n and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n offer_v themselves_o to_o martyrdom_n when_o none_o inquire_v after_o they_o this_o in_o the_o gracious_a interpretation_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o zeal_n be_v please_v to_o overlook_v the_o indiscreet_a forwardness_n and_o rashness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v justify_v so_o aâ—_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n and_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o excuse_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a zeal_n yet_o he_o can_v approve_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suffer_v cheerful_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n when_o he_o call_v we_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o resist_v unto_o blood_n and_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o strait_a that_o we_o must_v either_o die_v for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n or_o deny_v they_o to_o suffer_v i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n with_o courage_n and_o patience_n be_v one_o of_o the_o noble_a of_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n but_o to_o be_v perfect_a volunteer_n and_o to_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o suffering_n when_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o they_o look_v rather_o like_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n which_o though_o god_n may_v merciful_o excuse_v and_o pardon_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o action_n for_o the_o good_a mean_v of_o it_o yet_o he_o can_v never_o perfect_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o it_o but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v little_a need_n nowa-day_n to_o caution_n man_n against_o this_o rashness_n it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o second_o nor_o can_v man_n be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v not_o for_o their_o faith_n but_o their_o fancy_n and_o for_o the_o wilful_a and_o affect_a error_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n as_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o in_o heat_n and_o passion_n they_o call_v superstition_n and_o idoltary_a and_o for_o their_o own_o false_a opinion_n in_o religion_n which_o they_o mistake_v for_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o this_o case_n their_o mistake_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o turn_v their_o suffering_n into_o martyrdom_n and_o yet_o many_o man_n have_v certain_o suffer_v for_o their_o own_o mistake_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n when_o they_o kill_v his_o faithful_a servant_n so_o likewise_o may_v they_o be_v so_o far_o deceive_v as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o their_o own_o culpable_a error_n and_o mistake_v but_o this_o be_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_v not_o the_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o but_o that_o which_o come_v from_o beneath_o and_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v heat_n without_o light_n three_o and_o last_o nor_o can_v man_n true_o be_v say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o defence_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a truth_n yet_o he_o be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v to_o deny_v they_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v either_o to_o declare_v or_o defend_v they_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o peace_n at_o other_o time_n and_o be_v silent_a about_o they_o especial_o when_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o they_o will_v probable_o do_v no_o good_a to_o other_o and_o will_v certain_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v such_o truth_n will_v be_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_v of_o erasmus_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v he_o mean_v it_o of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a adeo_fw-la invisâ—_n sunt_fw-la mihi_fw-la discordiâ—_n ut_fw-la veritas_fw-la etiam_fw-la contentiosa_fw-la displiceat_fw-la i_o be_o say_v he_o so_o perfect_a a_o hater_n of_o discord_n that_o i_o be_o even_o displease_v with_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o contention_n as_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o deny_v truth_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o if_o he_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n he_o can_v justify_v it_o to_o his_o own_o prudence_n nor_o have_v comfort_n in_o such_o suffering_n because_o he_o bring_v they_o needless_o upon_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n but_o in_o suffer_v for_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o when_o man_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o how_o far_o man_n may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o provide_v we_o do_v what_o become_v we_o and_o be_v our_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o cause_n one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n first_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n or_o second_o in_o case_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o a_o temporary_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o by_o repentance_n and_o a_o great_a resolution_n and_o constancy_n under_o suffering_n i_o shall_v speak_v several_o to_o these_o 1._o either_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o
chap._n ver_fw-la 14._o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v here_o promise_a to_o strengthen_v and_o support_v all_o that_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o very_a conspicuous_a and_o glorious_a manner_n according_a to_o that_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n col._n 1._o 11._o that_o christian_n may_v be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n according_a to_o god_n glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n for_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o 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 the_o common_a rate_n of_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v he_o have_v engage_v himself_o to_o endue_v and_o assist_v they_o with_o more_o than_o humane_a courage_n and_o resolution_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n who_o have_v not_o then_o feel_v the_o utmost_a rage_n of_o persecution_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o no_o temptation_n or_o trial_n have_v yet_o befall_v you_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n that_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v frequent_o incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o what_o by_o humane_a strength_n with_o a_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v grapple_v withal_o but_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v call_v you_o to_o extraordinary_a suffering_n he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o that_o be_v as_o he_o have_v order_v and_o appoint_v so_o great_a a_o temptation_n or_o trial_n to_o befall_v you_o so_o he_o will_v take_v care_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o happy_a issue_n by_o enable_v you_o to_o bear_v it_o by_o afford_v you_o grace_n and_o strength_n equal_a to_o the_o violence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o temptation_n for_o as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o be_v conquer_a by_o it_o so_o he_o be_v say_v to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o or_o escape_v it_o who_o be_v enable_v to_o bear_v it_o and_o in_o so_o do_v get_v the_o better_a of_o it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o may_v rely_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v try_v above_o our_o strength_n either_o not_o above_o the_o strength_n which_o we_o have_v or_o not_o above_o the_o strength_n which_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v daunt_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o suffer_v whatsoever_o if_o we_o be_v secure_v that_o our_o comfort_n shall_v be_v increase_v in_o proportion_n to_o our_o trouble_n and_o our_o strength_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o sharpness_n and_o weight_n of_o our_o suffering_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o temporary_a fall_n the_o providence_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o grace_n and_o opportunity_n of_o recover_v themselves_o from_o their_o fall_n by_o repentance_n for_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v sometime_o for_o wise_a end_n and_o reason_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o leave_v good_a man_n to_o their_o own_o frailty_n and_o to_o faint_v and_o fall_v shameful_o under_o suffering_n so_o as_o to_o renounce_v and_o deny_v the_o truth_n sometime_o to_o punish_v their_o vain_a confidence_n in_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o peter_n who_o declare_v more_o resolution_n and_o bear_v it_o out_o with_o a_o great_a confidence_n than_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i_o and_o yet_o after_o this_o he_o fall_v more_o shameful_o than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v his_o master_n with_o horrid_a oath_n and_o imprecation_n and_o this_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v pray_v particular_o for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v from_o which_o instance_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n do_v not_o engage_v himself_o absolute_o to_o secure_v good_a man_n from_o fall_v in_o case_n of_o a_o great_a temptation_n and_o trial_n but_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a he_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v final_o though_o he_o may_v suffer_v they_o to_o miscarry_v grievous_o for_o a_o time_n to_o covince_n they_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o strength_n sometime_o god_n my_o suffer_v good_a man_n to_o fall_v in_o order_n to_o their_o more_o glorious_a recovery_n and_o the_o great_a demonstration_n and_o triumph_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o constancy_n afterward_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o happy_a instrument_n of_o our_o reformation_n here_o in_o england_n archbishop_n cranmer_n who_o after_o he_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o champion_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v so_o overcome_v with_o 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miscarriage_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v give_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v which_o he_o endure_v with_o great_a courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n to_o the_o last_o so_o that_o he_o make_v all_o the_o amends_o possible_a for_o so_o great_a a_o fault_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v more_o glorify_v in_o his_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n than_o if_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v when_o notwithstanding_o these_o promise_n of_o extraordinary_a comfort_n and_o support_v in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a suffering_n so_o great_a number_n be_v see_v to_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o their_o steadfastness_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o sad_a instance_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o have_v likewise_o be_v of_o late_a in_o our_o own_o time_n and_o n_o place_n near_o to_o we_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a melancholy_a consideration_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n and_o first_o of_o all_o let_v this_o be_v establish_v for_o a_o firm_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v much_o rather_o to_o suppose_v in_o all_o these_o case_n that_o there_o be_v some_o default_n on_o our_o part_n than_o any_o failure_n and_o unfaithfulness_n on_o god_n part._n thus_o st._n paul_n determine_v in_o a_o like_a case_n when_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v make_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n he_o lay_v the_o blame_v of_o it_o on_o their_o unbelief_n but_o acquit_v god_n of_o any_o unfaithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n rom._n 3._o 3_o 4._o for_o what_o if_o some_o do_v not_o believe_v shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n or_o fidelity_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n this_o i_o confess_v do_v not_o answer_v the_o difficulty_n but_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o incline_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o interpret_v what_o can_v fair_o be_v offer_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o with_o all_o the_o favour_n that_o may_v be_v on_o god_n side_n i_o say_v then_o second_o that_o when_o good_a man_n fall_v in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o recover_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o give_v great_a demonstration_n afterward_o of_o their_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v as_o in_o the_o case_n i_o mention_v because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v not_o absolute_a that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o fall_v but_o that_o the_o temptation_n shall_v have_v a_o hâ—ppy_a issue_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o final_o
time_n of_o the_o general_a suspension_n of_o trade_n and_o business_n from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o approach_a trouble_n by_o reason_n whereof_o both_o the_o number_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v great_o and_o daily_o increase_v among_o we_o and_o beside_o the_o poor_a of_o our_o own_o nation_n god_n have_v send_v we_o great_a number_n from_o abroad_o i_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v flee_v hither_o for_o shelter_n from_o that_o violent_a storm_n of_o persecution_n which_o have_v late_o fall_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o common_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o compassion_n we_o show_v to_o they_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n will_v either_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o like_a suffering_n or_o gracious_o support_v we_o under_o they_o what_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o god_n be_v now_o try_v we_o and_o have_v purposely_o put_v this_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o prevent_v or_o mitigate_a or_o shorten_v our_o own_o suffering_n according_a as_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o pity_n to_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v so_o deep_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n seven_o provide_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o above_o all_o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o our_o religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v universal_o good_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o large_a sense_n of_o well-doing_n and_o the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o suffering_n and_o to_o give_v we_o courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o engage_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o we_o and_o concernment_n for_o we_o if_o he_o shall_v â—ee_n it_o fit_a to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v but_o if_o we_o live_v in_o open_a contempt_n and_o 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profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v it_o though_o they_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o for_o all_o this_o out_o of_o mere_a generosity_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n they_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v threaten_v and_o terrify_v out_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o will_v endure_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n before_o they_o will_v renounce_v it_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n that_o they_o stand_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o hope_v perhaps_o thereby_o to_o make_v some_o amends_o for_o their_o bad_a practice_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v nothing_o give_v a_o man_n true_a courage_n and_o resolution_n like_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n concern_v our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o resolution_n and_o patience_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o to_o restrain_v his_o appetite_n and_o to_o subdue_v his_o irregular_a passion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v not_o easy_o bring_v himself_o to_o submit_v to_o great_a suffering_n upon_o that_o account_n there_o be_v considerable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o resolute_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a to_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v we_o shall_v do_v than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o it_o and_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o upon_o another_o occasion_n he_o that_o can_v prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o live_v like_o a_o saint_n will_v much_o more_o hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o die_v a_o martyr_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o faithful_a creator_n do_v afford_v to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a censcience_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a and_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n to_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n one_o that_o be_v not_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a in_o his_o affection_n and_o kindness_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v true_a to_o his_o own_o design_n and_o will_v not_o abandon_v and_o forsake_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o benefit_n as_o that_o of_o our_o being_n free_o confer_v upon_o we_o be_v but_o a_o earnest_n of_o god_n further_a kindness_n to_o we_o and_o future_a care_n of_o we_o if_o by_o our_o ill_a carriage_n towards_o he_o we_o do_v not_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a and_o incapable_a of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o have_v kindness_n for_o we_o if_o he_o have_v not_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v we_o as_o it_o be_v excellent_o say_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n cap._n 11._o 23._o 24._o thou_o have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o for_o thou_o love_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o abhor_v nothing_o which_o thou_o have_v make_v for_o never_o will_v thou_o have_v make_v any_o thing_n if_o thou_o have_v hate_v it_o and_o ver_fw-la 26._o thou_o spare_v all_o for_o they_o be_v thou_o o_o lord_n thou_o lover_n of_o soul_n to_o who_o then_o may_v be_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n commit_v ourselves_o as_o to_o he_o who_o free_o give_v we_o our_o be_v from_o who_o may_v we_o expect_v so_o tender_a a_o regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o case_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o from_o this_o great_a founder_n and_o benefactor_n for_o he_o that_o make_v we_o know_v our_o frame_n and_o whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o how_o much_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v he_o consider_v our_o strength_n or_o rather_o our_o weakness_n and_o what_o courage_n and_o resolution_n he_o have_v endue_v we_o withal_o and_o what_o comfort_n and_o support_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o the_o day_n of_o tribulation_n and_o as_o they_o who_o make_v armour_n be_v wont_a to_o try_v that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v good_a and_o well_o temper_v with_o a_o strong_a charge_n not_o to_o break_v and_o hurt_v it_o but_o to_o prove_v and_o praise_v it_o so_o god_n exercise_v those_o who_o he_o have_v fit_v and_o tâ—mpered_v for_o it_o with_o manifold_a temptation_n that_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 7._o be_v much_o more_o precious_a thâ—n_n of_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o firâ—_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n do_v as_o i_o may_v say_v oblige_v he_o in_o faithfulness_n to_o his_o own_o act_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o his_o bring_v we_o into_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o afterward_o so_o as_o never_o to_o abandon_v we_o nor_o quite_o to_o take_v away_o his_o lovingkindness_n and_o mercy_n from_o we_o till_o we_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o and_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o make_v we_o that_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n a_o person_n or_o people_n must_v have_v proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o degeneracy_n when_o god_n will_v consider_v they_o no_o long_o as_o his_o creature_n nor_o show_v any_o pity_n or_o favour_n to_o they_o thing_n must_v be_v come_v to_o extremity_n when_o god_n deal_v