eleven_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o a_o paraphrase_n and_o note_n upon_o the_o first_o second_o third_z four_o five_o seven_o and_o eight_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n with_o a_o discourse_n of_o church-vnity_n and_o direction_n how_o in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n to_o keep_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o william_n clagett_n d._n d._n late_a preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o grays-inn_n imprimatur_fw-la april_n 25._o 1693._o geo._n royse_n r._n r._n in_o christo_n patriac_n dom._n dom._n johanni_n archiep._n cantuar._n a_o sacris_fw-la dome_v the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan's-church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1699._o the_o content_n sermon_n i._n romans_z 1.17_o for_o herein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n sermon_n ii_o &_o iii_o heb._n 11.6_o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o sermon_n iu._n matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n sermon_n v._o &_o vi._n rom._n 8.28_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n sermon_n vii_o preach_v at_o court_n eccles_n 3.15_o for_o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v already_o have_v be_v and_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a sermon_n viii_o a_o assize_n sermon_n matth._n 5.38_o 39_o 40_o 41._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v sue_v thou_o at_o the_o law_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o coat_n let_v he_o have_v thy_o cloak_n also_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v compel_v thou_o to_o go_v a_o mile_n go_v with_o he_o twain_o sermon_n ix_o a_o assize_n sermon_n matth._n 5.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o come_v of_o evil_a sermon_n x._o matth._n 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n sermon_n xi_o john_n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n will_v 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 a_o paraphrase_n and_o note_n upon_o the_o first_o second_o third_z four_o five_o seven_o and_o eight_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n a_o discourse_n of_o church-unity_n with_o direction_n how_o in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n to_o keep_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o preface_n if_o it_o may_v recommend_v a_o book_n to_o declare_v the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n it_o contain_v the_o reader_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v another_o volume_n of_o dr._n clagett_n work_n never_o extant_a before_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n he_o preach_v at_o court_n and_o at_o assize-time_n and_o upon_o such_o like_a public_a occasion_n which_o therefore_o cost_v he_o some_o pain_n more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o the_o preparation_n as_o likewise_o do_v other_o sermon_n in_o this_o collection_n particular_o that_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n his_o sudden_a thought_n upon_o a_o subject_a be_v so_o marvellous_a good_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o flow_v from_o a_o fountain_n of_o reason_n and_o discover_v a_o great_a readiness_n of_o judgement_n in_o he_o but_o they_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a discourse_n which_o he_o take_v any_o time_n and_o a_o particular_a care_n to_o compose_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o write_v the_o paraphrase_n publish_v in_o this_o volume_n be_v this_o it_o be_v intend_v as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o whole_a bible_n shall_v be_v set_v forth_o by_o divine_n of_o our_o church_n for_o such_o a_o work_n be_v too_o big_a for_o one_o or_o two_o be_v to_o be_v divide_v among_o a_o sufficient_a select_a number_n every_o one_o of_o they_o take_v his_o part_n to_o expound_v and_o dr._n clagett_n make_v choice_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n this_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o noble_a design_n which_o i_o hope_n be_v not_o quite_o lay_v aside_o for_o see_v in_o our_o age_n god_n have_v raise_v up_o such_o excellent_a man_n in_o this_o church_n as_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v scarce_o any_o where_o else_o so_o very_o eminent_a and_o so_o celebrate_v for_o their_o admirable_a composure_n their_o write_n and_o sermon_n it_o be_v great_a pity_n methinks_v that_o a_o church_n of_o england-exposition_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v want_v all_o the_o while_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o will_v be_v altogether_o as_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n our_o worthy_n have_v do_v and_o be_v there_o ever_o able_a man_n and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n since_o the_o time_n of_o that_o inspiration_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v in_o the_o late_a reign_n those_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v examine_v which_o the_o romanist_n quote_v for_o their_o cause_n and_o the_o show_v clear_o that_o popery_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n do_v very_o good_a service_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o be_v a_o general_a exposition_n of_o all_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o scripture_n put_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o same_o man_n this_o will_v rescue_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v text_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n whatsoever_o i_o need_v not_o show_v at_o large_a how_o vast_a will_v be_v the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o work_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o now_o and_o in_o age_n to_o come_v dr._n clagett_n who_o exceed_o approve_v the_o design_n be_v very_o forward_o to_o prepare_v his_o part_n in_o the_o work_n he_o publish_v his_o paraphrase_n upon_o the_o six_o chapter_n first_o by_o itself_o because_o he_o see_v that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o papist_n to_o make_v proselyte_n boast_v much_o of_o some_o passage_n in_o that_o chapter_n as_o undeniable_o prove_v transubstantiation_n but_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o go_v through_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n and_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o exposition_n if_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o continue_v his_o life_n here_o be_v also_o add_v a_o small_a tract_n concern_v church-vnity_n show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o division_n a_o discourse_n that_o be_v very_o seasonable_a then_o when_o it_o be_v write_v and_o be_v so_o still_o these_o several_a discourse_n of_o the_o excellent_a author_n i_o have_v send_v into_o the_o world_n not_o doubt_v but_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o that_o use_v and_o benefit_n to_o all_o that_o read_v they_o which_o be_v my_o end_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o they_o n._n c._n the_o first_o sermon_n rom_n i._o 17._o for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n these_o word_n be_v a_o reason_n give_v of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n what_o that_o righteousness_n be_v which_o he_o will_v accept_v from_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n signify_v that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v and_o which_o he_o will_v accept_v from_o man_n and_o what_o this_o righteousness_n be_v be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n plain_o represent_v to_o we_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o must_v be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o
demonstrate_v the_o be_v of_o their_o maker_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a which_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v it_o be_v to_o deface_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v write_v within_o we_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o possible_a to_o blot_v out_o those_o testimony_n of_o his_o be_v which_o be_v leave_v without_o we_o most_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v ourselves_o in_o a_o world_n contrive_v into_o admirable_a beauty_n and_o order_n and_o furnish_v with_o that_o marvellous_a variety_n of_o thing_n excellent_a and_o ufeful_a that_o the_o whole_a scheme_n and_o fabric_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o dull_a observer_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o council_n i._n e._n of_o a_o understanding_n be_v nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o this_o world_n can_v not_o make_v itself_o nothing_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o a_o cause_v it_o must_v have_v if_o of_o any_o great_a effect_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o require_v the_o cause_n or_o at_o least_o to_o affirm_v that_o it_o have_v one_o whatever_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o can_v not_o make_v itself_o for_o that_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n by_o inevitable_a consequence_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o something_o there_o be_v which_o be_v so_o perfect_a it_o need_v no_o cause_n to_o produce_v it_o i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a everlasting_a be_v which_o be_v god_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o to_o pursue_v this_o argument_n in_o a_o more_o obvious_a but_o equal_o convince_a manner_n we_o ordinary_o distinguish_v between_o the_o work_v of_o art_n and_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o work_n of_o art_n we_o mean_v those_o effect_n that_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o skill_n of_o man_n by_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n those_o effect_n which_o be_v constant_o preserve_v and_o perform_v to_o our_o hand_n now_o that_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a skill_n as_o we_o confess_v the_o work_n of_o art_n be_v of_o human_a skill_n be_v demonstrable_a beyond_o all_o reasonable_a contradiction_n if_o i_o see_v a_o statue_n curious_o carve_v a_o picture_n elegant_o describe_v or_o a_o monument_n with_o a_o ingenious_a inscription_n engrave_v upon_o it_o i_o must_v so_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o the_o statuary_n the_o painter_n and_o the_o grave_a have_v be_v there_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v either_o affirm_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v by_o chance_n or_o be_v eternal_o what_o they_o be_v i_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v send_v to_o bedlam_n but_o this_o i_o will_v offer_v at_o any_o time_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o mean_a the_o most_o minute_n the_o most_o contemptible_a work_n of_o nature_n have_v real_o more_o beauty_n and_o uniformity_n more_o variety_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o else_o more_o wonder_n in_o they_o than_o the_o most_o exquisite_a and_o rich_a invention_n the_o most_o magnificent_a and_o ingenious_a contrivance_n of_o human_a art_n bring_v i_o the_o vile_a and_o poor_a insect_n that_o fly_v above_o the_o ground_n or_o crawl_v upon_o it_o bring_v i_o the_o simple_a flower_n the_o most_o common_a plant_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o in_o the_o field_n i_o will_v show_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o the_o beauty_n the_o proportion_n the_o part_n the_o growth_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o the_o most_o contemptible_a work_n of_o nature_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v all_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o rich_a humane_a fancy_n that_o the_o near_o we_o look_v into_o the_o work_n of_o art_n the_o more_o unpolished_a and_o rude_a they_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o he_o that_o will_v please_v himself_o with_o gaze_v on_o a_o picture_n must_v view_v it_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o if_o he_o come_v too_o near_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o the_o paint_n make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o ugly_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o the_o contrivance_n of_o human_a art_n but_o as_o all_o philosopher_n know_v the_o more_o minutely_o we_o search_v into_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o contemptible_a to_o see_v to_o and_o which_o vulgar_a eye_n pass_v by_o without_o observe_v if_o they_o be_v the_o snow_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n the_o wing_n of_o the_o small_a fly_n or_o the_o mean_a animal_n that_o creep_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o more_o advantageous_o and_o minutely_o they_o be_v see_v the_o more_o uniformity_n smoothness_n beauty_n of_o colour_n and_o figure_n and_o variety_n of_o part_n discover_v themselves_o in_o they_o which_o plain_o show_v how_o much_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n transcend_v those_o of_o art_n now_o shall_v i_o who_o confess_v here_o be_v more_o of_o council_n wisdom_n and_o power_n see_v in_o these_o most_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n than_o in_o the_o best_a effect_n of_o human_a skill_n shall_v i_o be_v ashamed_a not_o to_o confess_v the_o art_n of_o man_n in_o these_o and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o those_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o great_a artist_n what_o shall_v i_o then_o say_v of_o the_o earth_n that_o bear_v i_o and_o nourish_v i_o of_o the_o air_n that_o be_v extend_v for_o i_o to_o breath_n in_o of_o the_o cloud_n that_o drop_v their_o fatness_n upon_o i_o of_o the_o heaven_n that_o cherish_v i_o of_o the_o sun_n that_o divide_v the_o day_n and_o night_n and_o give_v light_a and_o heat_n to_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o ornament_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o what_o of_o myself_o who_o be_o endue_v with_o a_o body_n of_o wonderful_a contrivance_n and_o with_o those_o great_a privilege_n of_o reason_n will_n and_o understanding_n be_v all_o these_o thing_n too_o without_o a_o artist_n that_o make_v they_o thus_o no_o madness_n be_v comparable_a to_o the_o but_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o must_v either_o want_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o soul_n he_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v what_o he_o see_v they_o effect_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n or_o he_o must_v affirm_v that_o such_o effect_n there_o may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n proportionable_a to_o they_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o something_o make_v itself_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v i.e._n he_o must_v affirm_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o hold_v contradiction_n to_o be_v true_a well_o then_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v know_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o those_o argument_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n i_o can_v see_v wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o demonstration_n though_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v not_o please_v to_o call_v they_o so_o and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v a_o obstinate_a atheist_n against_o they_o will_v also_o if_o it_o be_v for_o for_o his_o interest_n deny_v that_o three_o and_o three_o be_v six_o or_o contradict_v the_o plain_a proposition_n in_o mathematics_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o will_v rather_o choose_v if_o there_o be_v any_o choice_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o believe_v all_o the_o tale_n of_o the_o roman_a legend_n as_o my_o lord_n bacon_n observe_v and_o i_o add_v though_o transubstantiation_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o scale_n than_o believe_v that_o this_o great_a body_n be_v without_o a_o mind_n that_o inform_v it_o and_o thus_o at_o last_o i_o have_v say_v something_o more_o than_o i_o intend_v upon_o the_o first_o doctrine_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v true_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_a to_o be_v prove_v for_o we_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o revelation_n to_o a_o gainsayer_n since_o to_o attempt_v that_o way_n be_v to_o beg_v what_o we_o shall_v prove_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o revelation_n this_o be_v this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n conceive_v to_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o the_o next_o be_v in_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o be_v very_o evident_o consequent_a from_o the_o demonstration_n of_o this_o 2._o it_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o providence_n i._n e._n that_o god_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o world_n which_o
and_o the_o most_o torment_a disease_n be_v to_o the_o body_n then_o he_o can_v compare_v the_o ease_n of_o go_v by_o one_o constant_a rule_n of_o piety_n and_o honesty_n in_o all_o his_o way_n with_o the_o labour_n of_o serve_v divers_a and_o contrary_a lust_n and_o with_o the_o distraction_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o be_v still_o put_v upon_o new_a expedient_n to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n then_o he_o can_v compare_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o that_o grief_n of_o be_v tell_v by_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v do_v ill_o which_o alone_o be_v more_o painful_a than_o all_o the_o hardship_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o need_v not_o gather_v how_o well_o it_o be_v with_o he_o at_o present_a by_o reflect_v upon_o his_o former_a restless_a state_n for_o those_o very_a height_n of_o christianity_n which_o at_o first_o trouble_v he_o most_o of_o all_o he_o now_o find_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n that_o command_n of_o forgive_a and_o love_a enemy_n which_o once_o make_v he_o almost_o despair_v of_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a now_o that_o he_o have_v subdue_v his_o passion_n to_o it_o give_v he_o a_o world_n of_o ease_n and_o make_v he_o feel_v a_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n which_o another_o man_n malice_n can_v disturb_v thus_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o thought_n and_o the_o alter_n of_o his_o natural_a temper_n from_o what_o it_o be_v make_v those_o good_a work_n to_o be_v perform_v with_o freedom_n and_o pleasure_n which_o be_v once_o tedious_a and_o unnatural_a and_o yet_o he_o be_v at_o first_o strange_o discourage_v at_o that_o obligation_n which_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n lay_v upon_o our_o inclination_n and_o thought_n nay_o that_o once_o frightful_a condition_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n now_o that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n upon_o it_o have_v fix_v his_o tranquillity_n and_o leave_v he_o free_a to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o reasonable_a pleasure_n of_o prosperity_n without_o vain_a fear_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v hereafter_o which_o be_v a_o peace_n that_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o so_o that_o the_o hard_a duty_n will_v give_v we_o the_o most_o perfect_a rest_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o terrible_a as_o they_o seem_v at_o a_o distance_n for_o if_o they_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o when_o we_o make_v a_o through_o trial_n of_o they_o but_o then_o we_o find_v that_o they_o be_v a_o rejoice_v to_o the_o heart_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v what_o be_v dry_a reason_n upon_o these_o thing_n to_o a_o lively_a experience_n of_o they_o and_o how_o can_v the_o resentment_n of_o a_o good_a man_n soul_n be_v understand_v without_o feel_v they_o in_o ourselves_o they_o be_v comfort_n too_o great_a for_o common_a expression_n nay_o the_o very_a best_a of_o holy_a man_n and_o those_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o inspiration_n have_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o describe_v they_o oh_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n say_v the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n i_o have_v long_v for_o thy_o salvation_n o_o lord_n and_o thy_o law_n be_v my_o delight_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o which_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o my_o soul_n have_v keep_v thy_o testimony_n and_o i_o love_v they_o exceed_o thus_o also_o st._n paul_n represent_v himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n under_o all_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o patience_n to_o be_v as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n what_o be_v these_o expression_n but_o the_o overflow_a of_o a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a joy_n which_o word_n can_v reach_v and_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o just_a conception_n till_o we_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v till_o we_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o learn_v of_o he_o and_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o ourselves_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v rest_n to_o our_o soul_n little_a thanks_o therefore_o do_v they_o deserve_v from_o jesus_n or_o from_o his_o disciple_n who_o pretend_v to_o show_v a_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n than_o that_o of_o repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n what_o need_v of_o invention_n and_o wit_n to_o avoid_v those_o commandment_n in_o the_o keep_n of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a reward_n that_o labour_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o much_o rest_n unless_o by_o rest_n we_o mean_v laziness_n why_o shall_v we_o at_o once_o cheat_v ourselves_o of_o that_o true_a rest_n which_o christ_n promise_v under_o his_o yoke_n and_o of_o that_o rest_v too_o which_o remain_v for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o a_o better_a life_n and_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o the_o late_a but_o by_o the_o former_a we_o may_v possible_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n be_v come_v that_o will_v undeceive_v we_o all_o as_o our_o lord_n have_v forewarn_v we_o and_o that_o in_o such_o plain_a and_o pregnant_a word_n that_o if_o we_o well_o mark_v they_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o false_a hope_n they_o be_v those_o word_n wherewith_o he_o conclude_v his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o with_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v also_o many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n therefore_o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o unto_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v not_o for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o but_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v another_o way_n shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n thereof_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o the_o old_a path_n and_o the_o good_a way_n that_o be_v my_o part_n and_o now_o it_o be_v you_o and_o i_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n which_o god_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n praise_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o five_o sermon_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n rom_n viii_o 28._o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n this_o say_n be_v at_o first_o deliver_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o christian_n under_o persecution_n to_o who_o st._n paul_n administer_v much_o consolation_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o persuade_v all_o other_o for_o in_o so_o uncertain_a a_o world_n as_o this_o what_o shall_v we_o desire_v more_o than_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a which_o as_o the_o text_n say_v shall_v happen_v to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n now_o to_o fasten_v those_o good_a thought_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o this_o text_n do_v very_o ready_o suggest_v i_o will_v distinct_o consider_v these_o several_a particular_n contain_v in_o they_o for_o 1._o the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n be_v observable_a viz._n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a and_o 2._o the_o manner_n by_o which_o good_a come_v from_o they_o which_o be_v express_v by_o their_o work_n together_o for_o good_a 3._o what_o that_o good_a be_v for_o which_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o 4._o who_o they_o be_v for_o who_o good_a all_o thing_n work_v viz._n they_o that_o love_v god_n and_o 5._o the_o certain_a assurance_n we_o have_v of_o all_o this_o and_o that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o first_o word_n we_o know_v we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n which_o thing_n can_v be_v speak_v of_o so_o distinct_o but_o that_o they_o will_v sometime_o run_v into_o one_o another_o but_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o particular_a
regard_n to_o each_o consideration_n under_o these_o several_a head_n and_o 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a now_o by_o all_o thing_n we_o may_v understand_v 1._o all_o that_o happen_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n which_o interpretation_n will_v be_v sufficient_o justify_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o two_o former_a verse_n likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v for_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o any_o affliction_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o to_o be_v deliver_v or_o to_o continue_v as_o we_o be_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o wisdom_n and_o whatever_o our_o particular_a desire_n be_v to_o wish_v in_o the_o general_n what_o god_n see_v be_v best_a for_o we_o which_o we_o can_v utter_v in_o particular_a because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a what_o that_o be_v but_o god_n know_v it_o and_o withal_o he_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o see_v that_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o be_v whole_o dispose_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o choice_n and_o then_o he_o add_v and_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v in_o particular_a what_o god_n will_v choose_v for_o we_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o whatever_o our_o lot_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o life_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o best_a so_o that_o by_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o understand_v all_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o thus_o they_o take_v in_o the_o prosperous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o adverse_a part_n of_o our_o life_n now_o because_o there_o be_v dangerous_a temptation_n in_o prosperity_n which_o do_v often_o prove_v hurtful_a to_o man_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o small_a privilege_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o his_o piety_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n do_v not_o only_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o harm_n which_o may_v come_v of_o a_o plentiful_a enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a blessing_n but_o also_o make_v they_o true_o serviceable_a to_o he_o and_o to_o work_v for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o god_n will_v continue_v he_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o long_o as_o he_o see_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o but_o then_o 2._o although_o this_o meaning_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v exclude_v yet_o the_o principal_a sense_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o even_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v natural_o afraid_a of_o and_o will_v willing_o escape_v that_o be_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o support_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v under_o the_o trouble_v they_o endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o this_o meaning_n be_v chief_o intend_v so_o it_o represent_v a_o truth_n which_o will_v be_v most_o desire_v for_o 1._o relief_n be_v needful_a only_o against_o cause_n of_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n such_o as_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o here_o it_o be_v give_v the_o best_a man_n common_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n for_o their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n but_o we_o think_v that_o the_o prosperous_a part_n will_v take_v care_n of_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o other_o only_o that_o call_v for_o assistance_n and_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o all_o will_v grant_v that_o this_o divine_a truth_n give_v security_n where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o security_n and_o administer_v ease_v and_o help_v in_o every_o case_n that_o require_v it_o and_o then_o 2._o because_o we_o lie_v open_a to_o innumerable_a accident_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o misfortune_n to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v particular_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n make_v our_o comfort_n and_o security_n equal_a to_o our_o danger_n for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o can_v dismay_v we_o where_o without_o exception_n to_o any_o one_o provision_n be_v make_v against_a all_o where_o the_o remedy_n will_v not_o fail_v not_o only_o if_o any_o one_o but_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a and_o 3._o because_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o alike_o grievous_a to_o every_o man_n because_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o tenderness_n in_o every_o part_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o one_o thing_n affect_v this_o man_n with_o more_o grief_n and_o smart_n and_o another_o be_v more_o sensible_o wound_v by_o other_o adversity_n therefore_o the_o consolation_n afford_v by_o this_o truth_n be_v still_o more_o desirable_a inasmuch_o as_o it_o bring_v remedy_n in_o this_o case_n also_o for_o where_o all_o evil_n be_v say_v the_o worst_a be_v not_o except_v and_o last_o because_o the_o affirmation_n be_v general_a it_o be_v a_o equal_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a and_o against_o the_o bitterness_n of_o sorrow_n when_o it_o happen_v it_o suffer_v not_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n to_o be_v kill_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o future_a and_o it_o supply_v we_o with_o hope_n and_o patience_n when_o evil_a be_v present_a so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n it_o be_v a_o very_a rich_a promise_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text_n since_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v need_v comfort_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o it_o to_o satisfy_v he_o for_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a 2._o we_o be_v likewise_o to_o consider_v the_o manner_n whereby_o these_o evil_n of_o life_n produce_v good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o expression_n of_o work_v together_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n for_o here_o be_v these_o two_o particular_n to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a tendency_n in_o these_o evil_n themselves_o to_o procure_v we_o some_o good_a 2._o that_o nevertheless_o there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o other_o cause_n to_o effect_v it_o 1._o that_o they_o themselves_o do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v say_v to_o work_v for_o good_a not_o only_o that_o good_a be_v wrought_v out_o from_o they_o but_o that_o they_o work_v it_o for_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o improper_a and_o unfit_a mean_n for_o this_o end_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n afflict_v any_o good_a man_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o pain_n which_o he_o suffer_v no_o nor_o do_v he_o afflict_v he_o mere_o to_o show_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o he_o nay_o not_o always_o so_o much_o as_o to_o show_v how_o by_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o can_v make_v thing_n produce_v effect_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o he_o do_v in_o his_o wisdom_n see_v that_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v will_v natural_o lead_v towards_o a_o good_a end_n and_o we_o know_v it_o by_o undeniable_a experience_n that_o a_o uninterrupted_a prosperity_n in_o this_o life_n be_v that_o which_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n can_v bear_v as_o little_o as_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o for_o we_o than_o that_o mixture_n of_o one_o and_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o common_a portion_n of_o mankind_n now_o therefore_o because_o in_o choose_v our_o condition_n god_n have_v still_o a_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o be_v for_o our_o good_a every_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n under_o distress_n may_v not_o only_o conclude_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o be_v afflict_v but_o likewise_o in_o particular_a that_o that_o affliction_n which_o he_o be_v under_o be_v more_o for_o his_o good_a than_o another_o will_v have_v be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o his_o improvement_n and_o the_o procure_n of_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v most_o needful_a for_o he_o therefore_o also_o if_o more_o burden_n than_o one_o be_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o if_o one_o follow_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o that_o none_o of_o
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_o in_o all_o our_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o man_n will_v fain_o believe_v that_o their_o care_n in_o one_o part_n shall_v supply_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o in_o good_a stead_n although_o they_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o concern_v for_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o be_v to_o come_v up_o thorough_o to_o that_o which_o religion_n require_v and_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o difficulty_n i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v as_o difficult_a but_o more_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o become_v mere_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n than_o even_o bad_a man_n have_v make_v it_o to_o become_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o natural_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v downright_a atheist_n or_o even_a unbeliever_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n easy_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_n without_o any_o relief_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v some_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o consistent_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o a_o diligent_a profession_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n take_v together_o viz._n the_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o other_o that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v many_o person_n take_v up_o this_o false_a way_n of_o comfort_v themselves_o but_o have_v also_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v divers_a error_n which_o help_v to_o support_v this_o to_o expect_v spiritual_a relief_n from_o thing_n blessed_v by_o man_n without_o any_o appointment_n from_o god_n and_o to_o place_n religion_n in_o thing_n which_o have_v neither_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o divine_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o valuable_a certain_o if_o it_o be_v either_o easy_a for_o mankind_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o can_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n on_o the_o other_o it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o hard_a thing_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n than_o experience_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v conscience_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o will_v be_v while_o the_o world_n endure_v and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v lust_n and_o passion_n vice_n and_o wickedness_n more_o or_o less_o among_o man_n so_o long_o also_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n that_o promise_v security_n without_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o more_o mistake_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n
shall_v commit_v such_o crime_n as_o these_o not_o only_o without_o regret_n and_o horror_n but_o with_o a_o cheerful_a conscience_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o action_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o my_o understanding_n in_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a matter_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v weak_a than_o a_o child_n or_o a_o idiot_n i_o will_v never_o engage_v myself_o with_o the_o contentious_a and_o factious_a i_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v myself_o with_o a_o party_n and_o will_v not_o serve_v a_o cause_n but_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n though_o it_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o follow_v truth_n wherever_o it_o lead_v i_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n than_o this_o that_o when_o man_n be_v lead_v aside_o by_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o their_o reputation_n be_v engage_v and_o they_o be_v make_v fast_o to_o a_o party_n their_o understanding_n be_v so_o disable_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n they_o confident_o put_v themselves_o upon_o defend_v thing_n most_o unjustifiable_a and_o believe_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o incredible_a and_o impossible_a let_v we_o therefore_o allow_v st._n peter_n direction_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n by_o he_o give_v viz._n that_o we_o may_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o where_o that_o assembly_n of_o sin_n be_v get_v together_o or_o indeed_o where_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v that_o very_a love_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a desire_n of_o know_v it_o to_o proceed_v luxury_n also_o and_o voluptuousness_n and_o a_o impure_a course_n of_o life_n be_v a_o very_a great_a impediment_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n sometime_o by_o introduce_v such_o disease_n as_o shatter_v the_o understanding_n and_o dull_a the_o apprehension_n they_o that_o always_o swim_v in_o sensual_a delight_n meet_v with_o rough_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n sometime_o that_o shake_v their_o body_n and_o at_o length_n reason_n like_o a_o drown_a pilot_n drop_v off_o and_o be_v drown_v in_o pleasure_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o epicure_n grow_v crazy_a before_o his_o time_n and_o when_o his_o airy_a fancy_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o his_o wit_n be_v grow_v flat_a and_o unweild_o he_o himself_o become_v contemptible_a to_o the_o young_a debauchee_n that_o reign_v in_o his_o stead_n temperance_n and_o regular_n live_v have_v a_o kind_a influence_n upon_o the_o intellectual_a ability_n of_o man_n to_o nourish_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o lengthen_v they_o and_o all_o the_o while_n to_o make_v they_o more_o fit_a for_o their_o proper_a employment_n but_o much_o more_o be_v they_o requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n because_o it_o require_v a_o serious_a consideration_n &_o diligent_a attention_n which_o the_o epicure_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o because_o she_o be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o mind_n can_v converse_v with_o she_o while_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o fume_n of_o sensuality_n because_o she_o be_v of_o a_o purify_n nature_n and_o not_o more_o a_o enemy_n to_o uncleanness_n than_o the_o voluptuary_n be_v averse_a from_o she_o good_a reason_n therefore_o have_v st._n james_n when_o he_o show_v how_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o meekness_n to_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o lie_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n in_o a_o word_n the_o bent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v such_o a_o sway_n over_o the_o understanding_n that_o daily_a experience_n show_v how_o the_o same_o thing_n appear_v different_o to_o man_n nay_o to_o the_o same_o man_n according_a to_o the_o temper_n they_o be_v in_o for_o instance_n if_o person_n that_o have_v live_v long_o friendly_a together_o chance_v to_o fall_v out_o immediate_o former_a action_n and_o speech_n be_v remember_v and_o comment_v upon_o and_o a_o ill_a construction_n put_v upon_o they_o though_o till_o that_o time_n they_o be_v take_v well_o enough_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v as_o able_a before_o as_o now_o only_o there_o be_v dislike_v now_o instead_o of_o the_o kindness_n that_o be_v before_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o a_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n to_o obstruct_v the_o entrance_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n into_o the_o mind_n since_o they_o must_v needs_o create_v a_o aversation_n to_o it_o discourse_n to_o a_o greedy_a worlding_n of_o immortality_n and_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o can_v hardly_o understand_v what_o you_o say_v it_o be_v as_o insipid_a talk_n to_o he_o as_o a_o lecture_n of_o philosophy_n to_o a_o child_n that_o understand_v nothing_o but_o play_n but_o fall_v upon_o some_o discourse_n that_o tend_v to_o get_v drop_v but_o the_o hint_n of_o a_o good_a bargain_n he_o greedy_o embrace_v every_o word_n and_o be_v as_o apprehensive_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o guilty_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o belove_a sin_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o sin_n do_v more_o or_o less_o bar_v up_o the_o understanding_n against_o divine_a truth_n man_n love_v darkeness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a now_o the_o conclusion_n from_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o one_o side_n one_o habitual_a worldly_a lust_n be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o true_a apprehensive_a of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o who_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n who_o labour_n to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v divine_a truth_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o sincere_a intention_n towards_o god_n remove_v all_o those_o impediment_n which_o obstruct_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o moreover_o give_v several_a advantage_n of_o its_o own_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n a_o scorner_n seek_v wisdom_n and_o find_v it_o not_o but_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n peculiar_a to_o good_a man_n but_o god_n have_v in_o justice_n threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n he_o do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a now_o if_o goodness_n do_v of_o itself_o lead_v to_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a blessing_n that_o go_v along_o with_o the_o sincere_a man_n to_o prosper_v his_o endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n what_o great_a advantage_n can_v we_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n than_o those_o which_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n entitle_v we_o too_o thus_o the_o very_a text_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o promise_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v we_o have_v our_o saviour_n word_n for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v make_v it_o good_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o other_o place_n that_o something_o more_o be_v here_o mean_v than_o that_o knowledge_n be_v natural_o promote_v by_o goodness_n in_o psal_n 25.9_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o immediate_o again_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n now_o certain_o here_o be_v something_o promise_v to_o the_o meek_a that_o be_v not_o common_a to_o other_o and_o the_o guidance_n and_o teach_v which_o be_v promise_v denote_v clear_o a_o blessing_n on_o their_o understanding_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o meekness_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o god_n will_v more_o plentiful_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o add_v to_o meekness_n purity_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o that_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o such_o person_n ver_fw-la 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n where_o god_n covenant_n explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o secret_n and_o by_o his_o way_n ver_fw-la 9_o that_o way_n of_o god_n in_o ver_fw-la 10._o be_v say_v to_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o former_a age_n so_o that_o the_o good_a man_n he_o that_o sincere_o love_v truth_n and_o intend_v obedience_n be_v here_o promise_v a_o signal_n blessing_n on_o his_o