high_a power_n the_o prince_n and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n exercise_v all_o external_a violence_n to_o destroy_v and_o kill_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o no_o reproach_n be_v think_v too_o foul_a to_o blacken_v no_o torture_n too_o cruel_a to_o destroy_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o three_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v but_o little_a time_n to_o breathe_v in_o the_o interval_n of_o persecution_n while_o they_o continue_v under_o heathen_a emperor_n 2._o no_o soon_o do_v the_o supreme_a power_n own_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n no_o soon_o do_v peace_n down_o upon_o the_o church_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a but_o that_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n break_v and_o divide_v among_o themselves_o then_o be_v the_o church_n as_o much_o trouble_v by_o the_o error_n and_o heresy_n by_o the_o schism_n and_o faction_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o former_a age_n by_o the_o open_a violence_n of_o persecution_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o have_v be_v error_n there_o have_v be_v faction_n among_o the_o christian_n before_o that_o time_n but_o now_o they_o grow_v to_o great_a height_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o which_o error_n the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n be_v call_v 3._o next_o after_o the_o mutual_a strife_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o fall_v into_o the_o sleep_n of_o ignorance_n dark_a and_o stupid_a and_o profound_a ignorance_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o age_n and_o continue_v for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o then_o it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o superstition_n enter_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v still_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n then_o be_v image_n set_v up_o in_o church_n and_o great_a veneration_n give_v to_o they_o then_o come_v in_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n than_o the_o adoration_n of_o angel_n also_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o transubstantiation_n then_o infinite_a forgery_n of_o epistle_n forgery_n of_o large_a and_o great_a volume_n fiction_n of_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n fiction_n of_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o they_o to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v no_o soon_o disclaim_v and_o baffle_v by_o the_o reformation_n that_o still_o continue_v but_o they_o of_o that_o church_n present_o fall_v to_o practice_v the_o very_a same_o cruelty_n the_o same_o bloody_a art_n upon_o the_o reform_a that_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n have_v former_o practise_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n such_o be_v the_o method_n that_o have_v be_v use_v to_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n violence_n from_o without_o division_n within_o the_o trouble_n of_o danger_n the_o temptation_n of_o ease_n all_o the_o cruelty_n and_o art_n of_o satan_n to_o bring_v confusion_n and_o ruin_n upon_o it_o and_o yet_o behold_v it_o still_o continue_v and_o will_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n either_o in_o one_o place_n or_o another_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n 2._o see_v that_o christ_n our_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o society_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christianity_n and_o live_v together_o in_o communion_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o christ_n institution_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o admonition_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o study_v unity_n among_o themselves_o to_o make_v no_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o keep_v together_o with_o piety_n and_o good_a conscience_n he_o that_o promise_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n promise_v the_o unity_n and_o christian_a communion_n of_o its_o member_n among_o themselves_o without_o this_o there_o be_v no_o church_n and_o he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n direct_o tend_v to_o break_v this_o unity_n and_o communion_n do_v what_o be_v in_o he_o to_o frustrate_v the_o very_a promise_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o destroy_v that_o church_n which_o he_o have_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o be_o much_o more_o than_o well_o satisfy_v in_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o rather_o in_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o and_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o by_o their_o infinite_a variation_n from_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o can_v but_o tremble_v to_o think_v of_o the_o many_o grievous_a division_n among_o they_o that_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n these_o if_o not_o timely_o cure_v and_o remove_v will_v certain_o bring_v confusion_n among_o we_o and_o then_o will_v that_o old_a enemy_n enter_v in_o the_o smoke_n and_o darkness_n of_o that_o confusion_n i_o wonder_v to_o see_v how_o little_a regard_n how_o little_a value_n many_o man_n have_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n among_o we_o i_o wonder_v to_o see_v what_o little_a exception_n what_o groundless_a cavil_n be_v make_v pretence_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o these_o man_n be_v infinite_o want_v either_o in_o knowledge_n or_o sincerity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o most_o important_a value_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o weak_a and_o trifle_a all_o their_o argument_n against_o we_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n to_o find_v a_o church_n against_o which_o nothing_o shall_v be_v object_v if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v all_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o very_o great_a ignorance_n but_o if_o they_o do_v understand_v these_o thing_n and_o yet_o persist_v in_o separation_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o equal_a insincerity_n the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n in_o these_o distraction_n and_o division_n that_o so_o much_o trouble_v the_o christian_a world_n be_v to_o put_v up_o constant_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o also_o to_o use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v short_a sight_v in_o christianity_n and_o very_o mean_a and_o narrow_a spirit_v that_o mind_n or_o study_v peace_n no_o further_o than_o concern_v a_o particular_a congregation_n nay_o the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a nation_n christ_n have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o require_v a_o unity_n and_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o of_o all_o particular_a church_n also_o these_o make_v up_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v christ_n body_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v say_v he_o one_o body_n one_o universal_a church_n the_o unity_n and_o the_o peace_n whereof_o he_o recommend_v unto_o our_o study_n now_o therefore_o study_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o this_o church_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o lie_v in_o you_o adorn_v it_o by_o your_o faith_n and_o piety_n labour_v its_o purity_n and_o its_o peace_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n our_o lord_n give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o the_o six_o sermon_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v a_o while_n before_o his_o death_n promise_v his_o apostle_n another_o comforter_n who_o shall_v for_o ever_o abide_v with_o they_o john_n 14.16_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n renew_v this_o promise_n again_o unto_o they_o a_o little_a before_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n act._n 14._o and_o command_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o there_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n and_o long_o it_o be_v not_o before_o this_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v
dark_a plot_n he_o can_v defeat_v the_o great_a craft_n he_o can_v disarm_v the_o great_a power_n and_o scatter_v they_o all_o into_o confusion_n and_o we_o be_v not_o without_o very_o good_a hope_n that_o he_o will_v concern_v himself_o for_o we_o and_o employ_v his_o providence_n for_o our_o help_n we_o have_v a_o cause_n that_o god_n have_v favour_v wonderful_o favour_v in_o former_a time_n how_o many_o plot_n against_o this_o cause_n do_v he_o discover_v confound_v and_o punish_v during_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n how_o do_v he_o do_v the_o like_a again_o when_o her_o successor_n begin_v his_o reign_n how_o have_v he_o still_o preserve_v and_o bless_v it_o in_o many_o confusion_n many_o division_n among_o ourselves_o since_o that_o time_n how_o have_v he_o now_o at_o the_o present_a time_n wonderful_o discover_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n bring_v hide_v and_o secret_a evil_n to_o light_n make_v those_o discovery_n do_v those_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v do_v for_o ourselves_o god_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o we_o or_o to_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o want_v to_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o awaken_v all_o our_o power_n to_o diligence_n in_o our_o own_o defence_n and_o then_o commit_v our_o cause_n to_o god_n make_v our_o daily_a prayer_n to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v defend_v his_o own_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v protect_v his_o own_o inheritance_n and_o water_v the_o vine_n that_o himself_o have_v plant_v yea_o let_v we_o make_v our_o appeal_n to_o he_o whether_o we_o or_o cur_n enemy_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o then_o o_o god_n who_o be_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n take_v the_o matter_n into_o thy_o own_o hand_n do_v thou_o judge_v between_o they_o and_o we_o pardon_v our_o sin_n forgive_v those_o evil_n which_o may_v provoke_v thy_o indignation_n against_o we_o but_o for_o our_o cause_n for_o that_o faith_n that_o we_o do_v profess_v against_o our_o enemy_n that_o we_o free_o leave_v to_o thou_o we_o do_v appeal_v unto_o thy_o judgement_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o adorn_v it_o in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a way_n of_o procure_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o let_v we_o seek_v and_o improve_v all_o occasion_n to_o gain_v it_o credit_n and_o reputation_n and_o see_v that_o it_o have_v please_v the_o king_n to_o recommend_v the_o rebuild_n of_o st_n paul_n unto_o our_o charity_n at_o this_o time_n and_o himself_o to_o set_v we_o a_o great_a example_n let_v we_o not_o be_v want_v to_o this_o work_n according_a unto_o our_o proportion_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o work_n of_o christian_a piety_n to_o build_v up_o place_n for_o god_n worship_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o christian_n free_v from_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a but_o they_o do_v zealous_o apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o work_n and_o raise_v magnificent_a and_o noble_a structure_n for_o the_o public_a place_n of_o god_n worship_n this_o church_n which_o be_v now_o to_o be_v rebuilt_a may_v be_v style_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o the_o nation_n it_o have_v former_o be_v its_o great_a glory_n in_o its_o kind_n and_o we_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v so_o again_o what_o pity_n be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o work_n shall_v fail_v or_o flag_n at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o be_v to_o give_v especial_a evidence_n of_o a_o public_a spirit_n of_o free_a and_o noble_a and_o generous_a mind_n the_o time_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a time_n the_o work_n a_o extraordinary_a work_n let_v we_o open_v our_o hand_n to_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a bounty_n towards_o it_o and_o as_o for_o we_o in_o this_o place_n we_o have_v singular_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v see_v it_o please_v almighty_a god_n to_o preserve_v our_o church_n and_o habitation_n from_o those_o flame_n that_o devour_v our_o neighbour_n now_o therefore_o let_v we_o at_o this_o time_n honour_v the_o religion_n we_o do_v profess_v by_o this_o particular_a work_n of_o piety_n as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n make_v our_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v defend_v his_o own_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v protect_v his_o own_o inheritance_n and_o preserve_v the_o religion_n himself_o plant_v and_o thou_o o_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o four_o sermon_n matth._n 6.23_o if_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n the_o great_a security_n of_o man_n life_n as_o well_o from_o the_o cheat_v of_o his_o own_o as_o from_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n depend_v upon_o true_a and_o stable_a principle_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o these_o principle_n be_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o what_o be_v happiness_n what_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o life_n and_o what_o be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o it_o and_o a_o choice_n suitable_a thereunto_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o our_o lord_n suggest_v 19_o 20_o 21_o verse_n lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n where_o moth_n and_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v hut_n lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n do_v not_o break_v through_o and_o steal_v for_o say_v he_o when_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o which_o you_o choose_v to_o be_v your_o happiness_n that_o will_v you_o place_v your_o heart_n upon_o and_o pursue_v in_o all_o your_o deliberate_a action_n have_v thus_o exhort_v we_o to_o take_v care_n to_o choose_v that_o for_o our_o chief_a good_a which_o be_v indeed_o real_o so_o to_o conduct_v our_o life_n by_o true_a principle_n he_o speak_v a_o parable_n wherein_o he_o show_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o so_o do_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o do_v otherwise_o the_o former_a of_o these_o in_o those_o word_n vers_fw-la 22._o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n if_o therefore_o thy_o eye_n be_v single_a thy_o whole_a body_n be_v full_a of_o light_n the_o application_n of_o which_o word_n be_v this_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o guide_n of_o life_n wherefore_o if_o the_o judgement_n be_v true_a and_o good_a the_o life_n have_v a_o true_a guide_n to_o rule_v it_o and_o then_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o false_a judgement_n be_v declare_v in_o the_o word_n that_o immediate_o follow_v but_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a thy_o whole_a body_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n and_o so_o he_o come_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n if_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n that_o be_v if_o thy_o judgement_n be_v corrupt_a if_o thy_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v erroneous_a how_o great_a and_o dangerous_a be_v those_o mistake_n which_o thou_o be_v then_o expose_v unto_o now_o that_o which_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v offer_n unto_o our_o consideration_n be_v the_o mighty_a danger_n that_o they_o be_v in_o to_o lose_v their_o soul_n who_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v by_o false_a principle_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o such_o principle_n 1._o leave_v they_o dangerous_o expose_v to_o sin_n 2._o and_o not_o only_o so_o expose_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o they_o also_o encourage_v to_o it_o i_o say_v 1._o they_o leave_v they_o dangerous_o expose_v to_o evil_a which_o will_v be_v very_o clear_a and_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o first_o of_o all_o that_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o state_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v under_o many_o temptation_n thereunto_o 2._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v apt_a of_o itself_o to_o close_v and_o comply_v with_o those_o temptation_n 3._o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o save_v only_o true_a and_o right_a principle_n assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o prevent_v and_o hinder_v comply_v with_o they_o 4._o from_o whence_o it_o most_o inevitable_o follow_v that_o where_o those_o principle_n be_v not_o find_v we_o be_v most_o dangerous_o expose_v to_o evil_a 1._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o which_o be_v that_o our_o present_a condition_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v under_o many_o temptation_n unto_o evil_n the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o deceit_n and_o snare_n wherever_o we_o tread_v we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o fall_v into_o they_o there_o be_v no_o business_n no_o employment_n no_o condition_n or_o state_n of_o life_n but_o lie_v expose_v unto_o temptation_n sometime_o we_o be_v court_v by_o sensual_a charm_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o favour_n or_o wealth_n or_o honour_n to_o part_v with_o our_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n sometime_o we_o be_v in_o great_a
1._o easie_n 2._o pleasant_n and_o 3._o fit_a to_o promote_v and_o serve_v those_o end_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v apt_a to_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o piety_n while_o the_o lust_n be_v suffer_v to_o dwell_v within_o and_o man_n natural_o love_v their_o ease_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fair_a resemblance_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v favourable_a to_o the_o lust_n to_o love_v and_o embrace_v it_o on_o that_o account_n man_n never_o quarrel_v with_o religion_n till_o it_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o lust_n they_o use_v it_o as_o herod_n do_v the_o baptist_n speak_v it_o fair_a and_o treat_v it_o kind_o and_o bear_v fair_a regard_n to_o it_o while_o it_o be_v content_a to_o oblige_v no_o further_o than_o to_o some_o plausible_a outward_a action_n it_o be_v never_o difficult_a till_o it_o require_v they_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v the_o lust_n within_o and_o those_o peculiar_a lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v predominant_a in_o themselves_o till_o it_o demand_v a_o eye_n or_o a_o hand_n something_o that_o be_v dear_a or_o ufeful_a to_o they_o here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o forsake_v it_o and_o cast_v it_o off_o when_o it_o grow_v press_v and_o importunate_a in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o appetite_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o it_o will_v indulge_v the_o lust_n within_o if_o it_o will_v permit_v pride_n and_o avarice_n and_o animosity_n to_o dwell_v there_o and_o content_v itself_o to_o paint_v and_o gild_v the_o outward_a man_n if_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o external_a show_n and_o action_n which_o be_v plausible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o thwart_v no_o secular_a end_n and_o interest_n no_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n they_o be_v ready_a enough_o to_o entertain_v it_o now_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o hypocrisy_n it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o those_o thing_n this_o as_o i_o former_o show_v at_o large_a be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v confine_v it_o to_o outward_a action_n and_o further_a yet_o to_o those_o that_o make_v the_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n add_v hereto_o a_o due_a care_n to_o omit_v the_o evil_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_o and_o gross_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v excuse_v either_o by_o misinterpret_v the_o law_n or_o by_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v their_o religion_n strange_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o through_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n we_o be_v all_o apt_a to_o study_v for_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n all_o mankind_n desire_v happiness_n but_o they_o desire_v it_o may_v cost_v they_o nothing_o to_o attain_v it_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o gnostic_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o deny_v christ_n to_o abjure_v christianity_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o spiritual_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v glad_a to_o accommodate_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n not_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o mankind_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o absolve_v from_o sin_n upon_o mere_a profession_n of_o repentance_n to_o promise_v forgiveness_n and_o life_n eternal_a to_o they_o that_o will_v undergo_v the_o penance_n although_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o sin_n a_o easy_a religion_n easy_o recommend_v itself_o to_o man_n acceptance_n and_o inclination_n such_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n such_o in_o truth_n be_v all_o hypocrisy_n and_o therefore_o scarce_o to_o be_v avoid_v without_o considerable_a care_n and_o diligence_n 2._o and_o second_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a hypocrisy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o easy_a but_o a_o pleasant_a religion_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o exercise_v it_o elf_n in_o censure_v the_o vice_n scorn_v the_o person_n and_o oppose_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n all_o which_o thing_n as_o they_o pass_v for_o religion_n with_o many_o man_n so_o be_v they_o so_o far_o from_o be_v troublesome_a that_o they_o be_v singular_a gratification_n to_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o animosity_n 1._o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o be_v hypocrisy_n much_o consist_v in_o censure_v the_o vice_n of_o other_o person_n they_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o every_o man_n life_n except_o their_o own_o they_o have_v a_o reproof_n for_o every_o man_n fault_n great_a or_o small_a while_o they_o be_v indulgent_a to_o themselves_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o every_o other_o man_n behaviour_n far_o more_o than_o in_o their_o own_o life_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o as_o i_o observe_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n that_o they_o lay_v heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v on_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o that_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o move_v they_o with_o one_o of_o their_o finger_n matth._n 23.4_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o sharp_a and_o quick_a they_o be_v in_o espy_v a_o mote_n in_o their_o brother_n eye_n not_o consider_v the_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o matth._n 7.3_o which_o as_o it_o pass_v for_o religion_n among_o the_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o use_v it_o so_o it_o be_v grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o natural_a passion_n of_o mankind_n it_o gratify_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n it_o gratify_v anger_n and_o animosity_n it_o feed_v self-love_n with_o great_a content_n as_o make_v the_o person_n very_o think_v that_o he_o himself_o have_v a_o detestation_n unto_o evil_n because_o he_o censure_v it_o in_o other_o person_n how_o eloquent_a and_o how_o free_a of_o speech_n be_v those_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o person_n how_o do_v the_o word_n gush_v like_o water_n from_o a_o fountain_n what_o heat_n what_o warmth_n what_o zeal_n and_o passion_n may_v you_o discover_v in_o their_o language_n and_o whence_o do_v all_o this_o rhetoric_n flow_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o this_o eloquence_n but_o the_o pleasure_n they_o take_v in_o the_o reproof_n in_o the_o rebuke_n of_o their_o neighbour_n sin_n so_o pleasant_a be_v it_o and_o delightful_a to_o censure_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n very_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o sinful_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o lie_v not_o only_o in_o censure_v the_o fault_n but_o deride_v the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o much_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n how_o much_o our_o very_a lord_n himself_o be_v scorn_v and_o deride_v by_o the_o pharisee_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o observe_v be_v this_o that_o it_o pass_v for_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n among_o some_o person_n to_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o other_o man_n to_o scorn_v a_o priest_n to_o deride_v a_o bishop_n to_o mock_v and_o scorn_v a_o whole_a profession_n be_v judge_v by_o some_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o invent_v opprobrious_a name_n and_o fable_n to_o forge_v to_o receive_v and_o spread_v report_n false_a and_o scandalous_a and_o disgraceful_a concern_v their_o person_n and_o their_o life_n be_v now_o become_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n with_o many_o man_n they_o do_v not_o only_o not_o accuse_v themselves_o for_o this_o but_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o it_o they_o do_v noton_o not_o believe_v themselves_o the_o worse_a but_o better_a man_n for_o so_o do_v this_o be_v their_o religion_n this_o be_v their_o piety_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o prize_v and_o value_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v deny_v this_o they_o will_v have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v little_a to_o plead_v for_o their_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o if_o you_o shall_v strip_v they_o of_o their_o zeal_n in_o scorn_v those_o they_o ought_v to_o value_v if_o you_o shall_v quench_v all_o that_o heat_n that_o appear_v in_o anger_n and_o animosity_n against_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n if_o you_o shall_v require_v what_o god_n do_v what_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gosspel_n to_o show_v their_o religion_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o christian_a charity_n in_o patience_n gentleness_n and_o humility_n in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v rom._n 14.17_o you_o will_v find_v they_o far_o from_o be_v that_o which_o they_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v namely_o true_a and_o real_a christian_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v it_o be_v so_o pleasant_a be_v it_o be_v so_o grateful_a
such_o improvement_n of_o that_o light_n be_v no_o very_o easy_a or_o common_a thing_n and_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v now_o a_o high_a measure_n of_o natural_a duty_n require_v from_o we_o than_o be_v accept_v in_o former_a time_n that_o be_v the_o time_n before_o the_o gospel_n and_o 3._o yet_o again_o because_o there_o be_v now_o even_o other_o kind_n and_o sort_n of_o duty_n require_v from_o we_o than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v discover_v 1_o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o although_o it_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o improve_v may_v direct_v and_o guide_v we_o to_o many_o duty_n yet_o such_o improvement_n of_o that_o light_n be_v no_o such_o easy_a and_o common_a thing_n the_o strong_a affection_n that_o be_v in_o man_n to_o the_o gain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n allow_v they_o but_o very_o little_a time_n to_o spend_v in_o the_o study_n of_o their_o duty_n much_o less_o do_v they_o prompt_v they_o to_o that_o study_n they_o press_v the_o gain_n of_o what_o be_v easy_a what_o be_v please_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n they_o press_v the_o please_a of_o themselves_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o what_o they_o love_v and_o do_v so_o strange_o infatuate_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o render_v it_o infinite_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o excite_v those_o spark_n of_o natural_a light_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o mind_n insomuch_o that_o we_o find_v by_o sad_a experience_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v much_o apt_a to_o extinguish_v than_o to_o improve_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o you_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o flood_n you_o find_v that_o impurity_n and_o iniquity_n have_v strange_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v themselves_o through_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n god_n see_v say_v moses_n that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6.5_o every_o imagination_n evil_a and_o only_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o if_o you_o descend_v below_o the_o flood_n how_o do_v the_o very_a same_o impiety_n and_o these_o with_o a_o very_a great_a accession_n namely_o with_o that_o of_o idolatry_n itself_o present_o deluge_n the_o world_n again_o how_o universal_a be_v these_o impiety_n and_o that_o idolatry_n insomuch_o that_o the_o very_a seed_n of_o abraham_n have_v learn_v the_o manner_n learn_v the_o idolatry_n use_v in_o egypt_n before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o can_v not_o be_v so_o restrain_v from_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o relapse_v after_o the_o very_a law_n be_v give_v during_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n and_o though_o we_o find_v they_o cure_v indeed_o of_o their_o idolatry_n after_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n yet_o do_v they_o still_o pollute_v themselves_o with_o strange_a immorality_n and_o superstition_n insomuch_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o reform_v the_o world_n he_o find_v it_o in_o such_o a_o deplorable_a state_n that_o st_n paul_n think_v fit_a to_o represent_v it_o in_o those_o word_n and_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n there_o be_v none_o righteous_a no_o not_o one_o there_o be_v none_o that_o understand_v none_o that_o seek_v after_o god_n they_o be_v all_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v together_o become_v unprofitable_a there_o be_v nome_fw-mi that_fw-mi do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o rom._n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o see_v here_o into_o what_o a_o wretched_a state_n the_o world_n be_v fall_v when_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v send_v into_o it_o see_v how_o little_a success_n or_o influence_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v upon_o it_o either_o to_o hinder_v or_o to_o reform_v the_o great_a impiety_n and_o profaneness_n and_o lest_o you_o shall_v think_v the_o very_a professor_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n the_o very_a philosopher_n among_o the_o greek_n to_o have_v be_v better_a than_o the_o people_n i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o general_o so_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o person_n be_v as_o profane_v and_o as_o idolatrous_a as_o the_o people_n and_o more_o atheistical_a than_o they_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n st_n paul_n declare_v rom._n 1.22_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n and_o hang_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n the_o very_o vile_a of_o the_o creature_n for_o which_o cause_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n which_o he_o large_o describe_v in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o that_o chapter_n so_o far_o be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n from_o restrain_v idiot_n and_o mean_a person_n that_o it_o do_v not_o restrain_v the_o very_a philosopher_n from_o great_a impiety_n and_o superstition_n no_o nor_o from_o gross_a and_o foul_a idolatry_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o great_a contradiction_n the_o greatly_a opposite_a to_o that_o light_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o at_o this_o very_a day_n any_o heathen_a nation_n in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o worship_n dumb_a idol_n save_v only_o those_o that_o follow_v mahomet_n and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o very_a sect_n be_v not_o idolater_n be_v because_o that_o mahomet_n that_o great_a prophet_n take_v the_o belief_n of_o one_o true_a god_n from_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o because_o his_o follower_n live_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o christian_a nation_n and_o have_v christian_n general_o dwell_v with_o they_o from_o all_o which_o instance_n it_o appear_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v so_o to_o secure_v so_o to_o improve_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o gross_o fail_v even_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o natural_a duty_n unless_o it_o be_v help_v by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o how_o necessary_a how_o indispensable_o needful_a it_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o the_o assist_v of_o that_o light_n in_o the_o knowledge_n even_o of_o natural_a duty_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o there_o be_v now_o great_a degree_n high_a perfection_n in_o natural_a duty_n require_v from_o we_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o be_v accept_v or_o require_v before_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o now_o therefore_o allow_v that_o natural_a light_n can_v in_o a_o measure_n teach_v and_o prompt_v we_o to_o practice_v those_o two_o general_a duty_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o also_o in_o the_o distinct_a branch_n the_o several_a instance_n of_o those_o duty_n yet_o will_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o say_v that_o it_o can_v either_o teach_v or_o move_v we_o to_o practice_v all_o these_o several_a office_n in_o those_o degree_n which_o god_n do_v now_o require_v from_o we_o for_o god_n require_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o natural_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o man_n as_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o help_n and_o motive_n which_o he_o afford_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o luk._n 12.48_o now_o natural_a light_n do_v not_o afford_v a_o equal_a measure_n of_o help_n and_o motive_n to_o natural_a duty_n with_o those_o that_o be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o god_n require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o these_o duty_n namely_o of_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o man_n and_o of_o all_o the_o branch_n all_o the_o instance_n of_o that_o love_n than_o natural_a light_n can_v work_v in_o we_o than_o be_v accept_v or_o require_v where_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o publish_v and_o reveal_v will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o very_a gospel_n afford_v no_o great_a help_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v suggest_v than_o this_o alone_a can_v offer_v to_o we_o be_v the_o clear_a relation_n of_o life_n immortal_a the_o express_a promise_n of_o that_o life_n and_o of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o nothing_o more_o nothing_o great_a nothing_o more_o powerful_a or_o efficacious_a to_o persuade_v the_o practice_n of_o natural_a duty_n than_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n only_o or_o do_v not_o god_n require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o obedience_n where_o