worship_n of_o god_n signify_v nothing_o you_o see_v in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o sake_n viz._n the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o that_o all_o institute_v religion_n that_o do_v not_o promote_v and_o further_o these_o or_o be_v destitute_a of_o they_o be_v abominable_a to_o god_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n prefer_v a_o moral_a duty_n before_o any_o gift_n we_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n and_o will_v have_v it_o to_o take_v place_n mat._n 5._o 23_o 24._o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n unto_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n but_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o this_o and_o what_o haâ—h_v be_v say_v before_o that_o god_n prefer_v goodness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o man_n before_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o second_o table_n before_o obedience_n to_o those_o of_o the_o first_o but_o this_o do_v but_o seem_v so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v already_o say_v be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n before_o any_o institute_v worship_n such_o as_o sacrifice_n be_v and_o before_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v mere_o positive_a though_o they_o do_v immediate_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o first_o nor_o of_o any_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v this_o our_o saviour_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n intimate_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o bear_v a_o revengeful_a mind_n towards_o our_o brethren_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o any_o gift_n or_o sacrifice_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v to_o he_o or_o indeed_o of_o any_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v three_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o restore_v and_o reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o moral_a duty_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n begin_v his_o first_o sermon_n by_o promise_a blessedness_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o meekness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o tell_v we_o as_o i_o show_v before_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o release_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n but_o to_o oblige_v they_o thereto_o more_o effectual_o and_o that_o as_o these_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o main_a duty_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o be_v they_o much_o more_o to_o be_v so_o of_o the_o christian_n this_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o these_o duty_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o effectual_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o that_o know_a and_o excellent_a text_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12â—_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldy_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o herein_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v jam._n 1._o 27._o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o chap._n 3._o 17._o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v that_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n have_v these_o property_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v these_o effect_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o of_o good_a fruit_n and_o the_o plant_n of_o these_o disposition_n in_o we_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 20_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n wherein_o the_o gentile_n live_v tell_v christian_n that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o instruct_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n that_o you_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n or_o as_o the_o word_n perhaps_o may_v better_o be_v render_v in_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n for_o it_o immediate_o follow_v wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o make_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n gal._n 6._o 15._o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o chapter_n before_o express_v thus_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v or_o be_v inspire_v by_o charity_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o the_o compare_v of_o which_o text_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o christianity_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o this_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o this_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o produce_v these_o virtue_n in_o we_o and_o indeed_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o justification_n in_o his_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o assistance_n therein_o promise_v be_v to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v and_o enable_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o moraâ—_n 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 speak_v to_o namely_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v it_o and_o build_v upon_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o namely_o that_o no_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n be_v ever_o design_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a duty_n but_o be_v intend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o and_o this_o also_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o reveal_v religion_n call_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o natural_a duty_n thus_o the_o jewish_a religion_n do_v the_o first_o law_n which_o god_n give_v they_o and_o which_o hâ—_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n by_o write_v they_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n with_o his_o own_o finger_n be_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o among_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v to_o reprove_v not_o so_o much_o their_o defect_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o institute_v worship_n as_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o immorality_n and_o to_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o reform_v and_o amend_v these_o fault_n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o it_o be_v almost_o whole_o make_v up_o of_o moral_a
put_v to_o death_n because_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v this_o hardword_n and_o believe_v this_o impossible_a thing_n and_o yet_o if_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v clear_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n as_o plain_a as_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o positive_a matter_n in_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o kill_v man_n for_o not_o understand_v and_o believe_v these_o thing_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o religion_n to_o do_v it_o because_o the_o law_n of_o mercy_n and_o humanity_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v violate_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o god_n have_v plain_o say_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n yea_o rather_o than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n if_o it_o be_v what_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v the_o offering_z of_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o blooâ—_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a for_o propitiation_n of_o sin_n be_v once_o make_v by_o christ_n offering_n himself_o once_o for_o all_o upon_o the_o cross_n there_o need_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n nay_o i_o will_v go_v further_o yet_o i_o have_v rather_o never_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n nor_o ever_o receive_v it_o than_o take_v away_o any_o man_n life_n about_o it_o because_o the_o sacrament_n be_v but_o a_o positive_a rite_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n before_o any_o rite_n or_o institution_n whatsoever_o beside_o that_o all_o act_n of_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n which_o be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n of_o the_o great_a love_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o thereby_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o 2._o what_o have_v be_v say_v give_v we_o a_o right_a notion_n and_o character_n of_o that_o church_n and_o religion_n which_o prefer_v the_o positive_a rite_n and_o institution_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o to_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n fidelity_n and_o justice_n and_o which_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o pretend_a article_n of_o religion_n or_o rite_n of_o worship_n which_o if_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v yet_o mere_o positive_a will_v break_v the_o great_a of_o god_n commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o principle_n and_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v never_o so_o effectual_o undermine_v and_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n never_o so_o intolerable_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o ever_o yet_o have_v the_o face_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o the_o allow_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o this_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n for_o some_o imaginary_a doctrine_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v of_o mere_a positive_a institution_n and_o of_o the_o same_o rank_n among_o christian_n that_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o which_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o a_o instance_n than_o in_o the_o occasion_n of_o thâ—s_n day_n be_v solemnity_n upon_o which_o day_n about_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o there_o be_v design_v a_o mighty_a sacrifice_n indeed_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a burnt-offering_a that_o ever_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o those_o of_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o not_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n but_o of_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o noble_n more_o in_o value_n than_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n than_o all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n and_o the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n here_o be_v a_o prodigious_a sacrifice_n indeed_o but_o where_o be_v mercy_n the_o thing_n god_n chief_o desire_v and_o which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o no_o mercy_n not_o even_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n who_o these_o nice_a and_o tender_a casuist_n after_o a_o solemn_a debate_n of_o the_o case_n have_v resolve_v to_o involve_v in_o the_o same_o common_a destruction_n with_o the_o rest_n rather_o no_o mercy_n than_o that_o this_o sacrificewhich_n their_o mad_a zeal_n have_v prompt_v they_o to_o shall_v be_v omit_v to_o conclude_v they_o that_o can_v do_v such_o inhuman_a thing_n and_o think_v they_o to_o be_v religion_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o but_o have_v need_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o natural_a duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v violate_v upon_o pretence_n no_o nor_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o positive_a institution_n because_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v institute_v and_o therefore_o to_o violate_v any_o natural_a duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o be_v institute_v be_v for_o religion_n to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o itself_o let_v those_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o go_v and_o learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n sermon_n iii_o christianity_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n matthew_n v._o 17._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v there_o be_v no_o say_v in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v so_o frequent_o object_v to_o the_o christian_n as_o this_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o if_o his_o word_n and_o action_n be_v plain_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o for_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a say_v they_o that_o he_o take_v away_o so_o many_o ceremony_n purification_n distinction_n of_o meat_n sacrifice_n judicial_a law_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n yet_o he_o say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o do_v throw_v down_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o so_o do_v contradict_v his_o own_o say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n to_o clear_v our_o saviour_n word_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v full_o understand_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n in_o the_o text._n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o his_o religion_n do_v earnest_o recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n and_o strict_o enjoin_v the_o perfect_a practice_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n declare_v to_o they_o that_o he_o come_v to_o bring_v in_o and_o establish_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o jewish_a religion_n indeed_o aim_v at_o but_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o that_o dispensation_n be_v not_o able_a to_o effect_v and_o accomplish_v and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o design_n to_o contradict_v the_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n or_o to_o destroy_v their_o divine_a authority_n by_o carry_v on_o a_o design_n contrary_n to_o they_o i_o say_v to_o prevent_v any_o imagination_n of_o this_o kind_n he_o do_v here_o in_o the_o text_n express_o declare_v the_o contrary_a think_v not_o etc._n etc._n intimate_v that_o some_o either_o do_v or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o free_v they_o from_o this_o jealousy_n he_o declare_v plain_o that_o he_o have_v no_o such_o thought_n and_o intention_n it_o be_v far_o from_o he_o i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o abrogate_v or_o dissolve_v the_o law_n to_o encourage_v man_n to_o the_o breach_n and_o violation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o word_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o 19_o ver_fw-la whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 3._o 31._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o law_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o same_o question_n with_o that_o of_o the_o same_o apostle_n gal._n 3._o 21._o be_v the_o law_n
excellent_a be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n phil._n 1._o 10_o 11._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n mind_v these_o thing_n ch._n 4._o 8._o and_o then_o consider_v what_o abundant_a provision_n the_o gospel_n have_v make_v for_o our_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n we_o be_v altogether_o without_o excuse_n if_o we_o perish_v since_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o so_o mighty_a a_o salvation_n for_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n will_v not_o forgive_v they_o but_o because_o we_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o be_v save_v the_o fault_n be_v all_o our_o own_o and_o we_o owe_v it_o whole_o to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o if_o when_o life_n and_o death_n heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v so_o plain_o set_v before_o we_o eternal_a misery_n and_o perdition_n fall_v to_o our_o lot_n and_o portion_n it_o be_v not_o because_o we_o be_v not_o warn_v of_o our_o danger_n or_o because_o happiness_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n but_o because_o we_o have_v make_v death_n and_o destruction_n our_o obstinate_a and_o final_a choice_n but_o beloved_n i_o hope_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n which_o accompany_v salvation_n though_o i_o thus_o speak_v only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v on_o our_o part_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v to_o we_o for_o his_o mercy_n be_v sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n sermon_n v._n of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumciston_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n there_o be_v two_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n namely_o that_o to_o the_o roman_n and_o this_o to_o the_o galatian_n which_o be_v principal_o and_o particular_o design_v to_o confute_v a_o false_a persuasion_n which_o have_v prevail_v among_o many_o christian_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o man_n to_o embrace_v and_o confess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o they_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o at_o least_o submit_v to_o that_o great_a precept_n of_o circumcision_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o among_o all_o the_o affirmative_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n be_v only_o threaten_v with_o excision_n or_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o people_n and_o of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o this_o error_n and_o the_o great_a disturbance_n which_o it_o make_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v a_o particular_a account_n act_v 15._o where_o a_o general_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v and_o a_o letter_n write_v in_o their_o name_n to_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o rectify_v their_o apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n ver_fw-la 24._o of_o that_o chap._n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o certain_a which_o go_v out_o from_o we_o have_v trouble_v you_o with_o word_n subvert_v your_o soul_n say_v you_o must_v be_v circumcise_a and_o keep_v the_o law_n to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o such_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n likewise_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n as_o likewise_o that_o to_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o former_a of_o which_o after_o he_o have_v at_o large_a confute_v this_o error_n which_o he_o call_v the_o preach_n of_o another_o gospel_n than_o what_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v and_o the_o christian_n first_o receive_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 5_o the_o chapt._n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o assert_v the_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n behold_v i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o not_o that_o hereby_o he_o condemn_v circumcision_n as_o a_o thing_n evil_n in_o itself_o for_o god_n never_o institute_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o but_o he_o oppose_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n when_o the_o gospel_n have_v so_o plain_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n and_o use_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o affirm_v still_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v real_o to_o renounce_v christianity_n for_o if_o judaisme_n be_v still_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n christianity_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o if_o christianity_n be_v now_o the_o way_n than_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v cease_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o false_a apostle_n to_o say_v as_o it_o seem_v they_o do_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o oblige_v universal_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n but_o principal_o to_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n because_o circumcision_n be_v the_o sign_n and_o badge_n of_o that_o covenant_n whoever_o take_v that_o upon_o he_o do_v thereby_o own_o his_o obligation_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n ver_fw-la 3â—_n 4._o for_o i_o testify_v again_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n christ_n be_v become_v of_o no_o effect_n to_o you_o whosoever_o of_o you_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n you_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n that_o be_v whoever_o of_o you_o expect_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n you_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n that_o be_v do_v in_o effect_n renounce_v the_o gospel_n for_o we_o through_o the_o spirit_n wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n ver_fw-la 5_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o circumcision_n which_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n do_v expect_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n ver_fw-la 6._o that_o be_v now_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o christ_n jesus_n it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o a_o man_n justification_n or_o salvation_n whether_o he_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o circumcise_a whether_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o gentile_a all_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v as_o necessary_a to_o these_o purpose_n be_v that_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o now_o as_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v various_o express_v as_o by_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o which_o compâ—ehends_v both_o by_o our_o justification_n sometime_o by_o adoption_n and_o our_o being_n make_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o redemption_n and_o which_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o all_o by_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n i_o say_v as_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o scripture_n express_v to_o we_o by_o these_o several_a term_n which_o do_v in_o effect_n all_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n so_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o condition_n the_o gospel_n require_v on_o our_o part_n be_v likewise_o as_o various_o express_v sometime_o and_o that_o very_o frequent_o by_o the_o word_n faith_n as_o be_v the_o great_a source_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o religious_a act_n and_o performance_n but_o then_o this_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v a_o bare_a assent_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o such_o a_o effectual_a belief_n as_o express_v itself_o in_o suitable_a act_n of_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o faith_n whick_z work_v by_o love_n a_o faith_n that_o be_v inspire_v and_o act_v or_o rather_o consummate_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n for_o so_o the_o word_n do_v often_o signify_v and_o then_o this_o phrase_n will_v be_v just_a of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o
and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n here_o the_o danger_n object_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o st._n peter_n be_v not_o to_o take_v â—â—om_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n â—ut_v after_o he_o have_v caution_v against_o the_o like_a weakness_n and_o error_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o that_o be_v see_v you_o be_v so_o plain_o tell_v and_o warn_v of_o this_o danger_n 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 that_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n believe_v it_o seem_v that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n they_o have_v in_o religion_n the_o less_o they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o damnable_a error_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o observation_n viz._n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o may_v and_o often_o be_v separate_v this_o likewise_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text_n that_o man_n may_v and_o often_o do_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o suppose_v that_o many_o know_v their_o master_n will_n who_o do_v not_o do_v it_o and_o he_o compare_v those_o that_o hear_v his_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o some_o who_o be_v hearer_n of_o the_o word_n only_o but_o not_o doer_n of_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n fall_v short_a of_o happiness_n and_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n because_o the_o attain_n to_o that_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v no_o difficult_a task_n a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v according_a as_o we_o have_v live_v here_o in_o this_o world_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v to_o be_v pray_v to_o for_o what_o we_o want_v and_o to_o be_v praise_v for_o what_o we_o enjoy_v thus_o far_o nature_n instruct_v man_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o morality_n as_o justice_n and_o temperance_n and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o for_o reveal_v religion_n as_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o save_v we_o by_o reveal_v our_o duty_n more_o clear_o and_o full_o to_o we_o by_o give_v we_o a_o more_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n in_o his_o own_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o by_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n these_o be_v thing_n which_o man_n may_v easy_o understand_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o be_v difficulty_n bring_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o remarkable_o separate_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o for_o distinction_n sake_n i_o may_v call_v they_o by_o these_o three_o name_n the_o speculative_a the_o formal_a and_o the_o hypocritical_a christian_a the_o first_o of_o these_o make_v religion_n only_o a_o science_n the_o second_o take_v it_o up_o for_o a_o fashion_n the_o three_o make_v some_o worldly_a advantage_n of_o it_o and_o serve_v some_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n by_o it_o all_o these_o be_v upon_o several_a account_n concern_v to_o understand_v something_o of_o religion_n but_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o who_o i_o call_v the_o speculative_a christian_a be_v he_o who_o make_v religion_n only_o a_o science_n and_o study_v it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o learning_n and_o part_n of_o that_o general_a knowledge_n in_o which_o he_o affect_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v a_o master_n he_o have_v no_o design_n to_o practise_v it_o but_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o good_a ornament_n of_o conversation_n and_o will_v serve_v for_o discourse_n and_o entertainment_n among_o those_o who_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o practise_v it_o he_o pass_v over_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o apply_v himself_o chief_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o abstruse_a and_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o subtle_a dispute_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n predestination_n freewill_n and_o the_o like_a of_o this_o temper_n seem_v many_o of_o the_o schoolman_n of_o old_a to_o have_v be_v who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a study_n and_o business_n to_o puzzle_v religion_n and_o to_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o intricate_a by_o start_v infinite_a question_n and_o difficulty_n about_o the_o plain_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o same_o rank_n usual_o be_v the_o head_n and_o leader_n of_o party_n and_o faction_n in_o religion_n who_o by_o needless_a controversy_n and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o common_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n in_o religion_n hinder_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o mind_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o a_o good_a life_n second_o there_o be_v the_o formal_n châ—istian_n who_o take_v up_o religion_n for_o a_o fashion_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o nation_n where_o christianity_n be_v profess_v and_o countenance_v and_o therefore_o think_v it_o convenient_a for_o he_o to_o know_v something_o of_o it_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v i_o fear_v a_o great_a many_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n sometime_o as_o other_o do_v to_o know_v the_o history_n of_o it_o and_o go_v to_o church_n and_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n come_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o understand_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o bend_v themselves_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o form_n and_o fashion_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o they_o think_v they_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n profess_v their_o belief_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o though_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n these_o be_v they_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luke_n 6._o 46._o who_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n but_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v three_o hypocritical_a christian_n who_o make_v a_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v some_o worldly_a design_n by_o it_o these_o be_v concern_v to_o understand_v religion_n more_o than_o ordinary_a that_o they_o may_v counterfeit_v it_o handsome_o and_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n when_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o put_v on_o the_o garb_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v of_o those_o person_n who_o he_o foretell_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o last_o day_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 2._o he_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a heady_a highminded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o now_o these_o man_n do_v not_o love_v religion_n but_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v have_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o will_v just_o serve_v their_o purpose_n and_o design_n and_o indeed_o he_o that_o have_v any_o other_o design_n in_o religion_n than_o to_o please_v god_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n needs_o no_o more_o than_o so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o it_o as_o will_v serve_v he_o to_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o upon_o occasion_n i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o observation_n viz._n that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o but_o
passage_n and_o be_v waâ—ted_v over_o by_o a_o gentle_a wind_n and_o can_v tell_v no_o story_n of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v full_o and_o faithful_o endeavour_v to_o open_a to_o you_o the_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o phrase_n or_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o the_o new_a creation_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a i_o propound_v namely_o that_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n with_o those_o phrase_n in_o the_o parallel_a text_n to_o this_o of_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v plain_a not_o only_o from_o this_o text_n which_o affirm_v that_o in_o thâ—_n christian_n religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v we_o but_o the_o new_a creature_n but_o likewise_o from_o many_o other_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o whether_o by_o justification_n be_v mean_v our_o first_o justification_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o state_n or_o our_o final_a justification_n by_o our_o solemn_a acquital_n and_o absolution_n at_o the_o great_a day_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n that_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o first_o justification_n that_o be_v of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a from_o all_o those_o text_n where_o this_o change_n be_v express_v by_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n by_o our_o regeneration_n and_o renovation_n by_o our_o purification_n and_o sanctification_n or_o by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n for_o under_o every_o one_o of_o these_o notion_n this_o change_n be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n act_v 2._o 38._o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 3._o 19_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n a_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o repentance_n be_v make_v a_o condition_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o 1_o john_n 1._o 9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renovation_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v become_v a_o true_a christian_a which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a tit._n 3._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o where_o the_o apostle_n declare_v at_o large_a what_o change_n be_v require_v to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v also_o sometime_o foolish_a disobedient_a deceive_v serve_v divers_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_n hateful_a and_o hate_v one_o another_o but_o after_o that_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v that_o be_v not_o for_o any_o precedent_a righteousness_n of_o we_o for_o we_o be_v great_a sinner_n but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o shed_v on_o we_o abundant_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n that_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v heir_n according_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o the_o change_n of_o our_o former_a temper_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n that_o be_v to_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o restitution_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o likewise_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o purification_n and_o sanctification_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o where_o the_o apostle_n enumerate_v several_a sin_n and_o vice_n which_o will_v certain_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o favour_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o which_o we_o must_v be_v cleanse_v before_o we_o can_v be_v justify_v or_o save_v know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17_o 18._o where_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o make_v our_o purification_n a_o condition_n of_o our_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o reckon_v into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o child_n touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o and_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n almighty_n and_o that_o by_o not_o touch_v the_o unclean_a thing_n be_v here_o certain_o mean_v our_o sanctification_n and_o purification_n from_o sin_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o immediate_o follow_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v have_v this_o encouragement_n that_o upon_o this_o condition_n we_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n let_v we_o purify_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o this_o great_a blessing_n and_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o our_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n for_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o and_o last_o this_o be_v also_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o final_a justification_n and_o absolution_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o great_a day_n mat._n 5._o 8._o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n joh._n 3._o 3_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 heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 1_o john_n 3._o 3._o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o what_o we_o must_v do_v if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o this_o condition_n here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n of_o our_o be_v new_a creature_n be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n with_o those_o expression_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o two_o parallel_a text_n to_o this_o where_o faith_n which_o be_v perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n gal._n 5._o 6._o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o be_v consummate_v or_o make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n and_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o design_n and_o mean_v of_o these_o three_o text_n be_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o these_o three_o expression_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o of_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n do_v certain_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o the_o new_a creature_n signify_v â—he_n change_v of_o our_o state_n from_o a_o state_n of_o disobedience_n and_o sin_n to_o a_o state_n of_o obedience_n and_o
cruelty_n of_o devil_n the_o severe_a lash_n and_o sting_n the_o rage_a anguish_n and_o horrible_a despair_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n without_o intermission_n without_o pity_n and_o without_o hope_n of_o ever_o see_v a_o end_n of_o that_o misery_n which_o yet_o be_v unsupportable_a for_o one_o moment_n can_v i_o represent_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o according_a to_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o what_o effect_n must_v they_o have_v upon_o we_o and_o with_o what_o patience_n can_v any_o man_n bear_v to_o think_v of_o plunge_v himself_o into_o this_o misery_n and_o by_o his_o own_o wilful_a fault_n and_o folly_n to_o endanger_v his_o come_n into_o this_o place_n and_o state_n of_o torment_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v likewise_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v of_o this_o misery_n no_o hope_n of_o impunity_n if_o man_n go_v on_o and_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o be_v peremptory_a that_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v perish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a press_a consideration_n and_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a issue_n either_o we_o must_v leave_v our_o sin_n or_o die_v in_o they_o either_o we_o must_v repent_v of_o they_o or_o be_v judge_v for_o they_o either_o we_o must_v forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o break_v off_o that_o wicked_a course_n which_o we_o have_v live_v in_o or_o we_o must_v quit_v all_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n nay_o we_o can_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v so_o press_v a_o argument_n to_o repentance_n as_o no_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n resist_v that_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o be_v miserable_a now_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o the_o athenian_n he_o straight_o charge_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n man_n may_v cheat_v themselves_o or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o other_o about_o several_a mean_n and_o device_n of_o reconcile_a a_o wicked_a life_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o by_o mingle_v some_o pang_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o some_o hot_a fit_n of_o devotion_n with_o a_o sinful_a life_n which_o be_v only_o the_o interruption_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n without_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v provide_v no_o other_o way_n to_o save_v man_n but_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n four_o this_o argument_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o most_o desperate_a and_o profligate_v sinner_n and_o still_o retain_v its_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o almost_o all_o other_o consideration_n fail_v and_o have_v lose_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o many_o man_n be_v go_v so_o far_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n that_o neither_o shame_n of_o their_o vice_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n nor_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v of_o any_o force_n with_o they_o to_o reclaim_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o better_a mind_n but_o there_o be_v one_o handle_v yet_o leave_v whereby_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v their_o fear_n this_o be_v a_o passion_n that_o lie_v deep_a in_o our_o nature_n be_v found_v in_o self-preservation_n and_o stick_v so_o close_o to_o we_o that_o we_o can_v quit_v ourselves_o of_o it_o nor_o shake_v it_o off_o 〈…〉_z may_v put_v off_o ingenuity_n and_o 〈…〉_z all_o obligation_n of_o gratitude_n man_n may_v harden_v their_o forehead_n and_o conquer_v all_o sense_n of_o shame_n but_o they_o can_v never_o perfect_o stiâ—le_a and_o subdue_v their_o fear_n they_o can_v hardly_o so_o extinguish_v the_o fear_n of_o hell_n but_o that_o some_o spark_n of_o that_o fire_n will_v ever_o and_o anon_o be_v fly_v about_o in_o their_o conscience_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v make_v sober_a and_o bring_v to_o themselves_o by_o affliction_n and_o by_o the_o present_a apprehension_n of_o death_n have_v a_o near_a sight_n of_o another_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_o for_o the_o heathen_a to_o conquer_v these_o apprehension_n how_o much_o hard_a must_v it_o be_v to_o christian_n who_o have_v so_o much_o great_a assurance_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n five_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o urge_v this_o argument_n upon_o man_n with_o that_o force_n and_o advantage_n which_o christianity_n do_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a give_v man_n no_o steady_a assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o most_o know_a person_n among_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v about_o a_o future_a state_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o speak_v but_o doubtful_o concern_v another_o life_n and_o beside_o the_o natural_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v these_o thing_n they_o have_v only_o some_o fair_a probability_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o poet_n who_o talk_v they_o know_v not_o what_o about_o the_o elysian_a field_n and_o the_o infernal_a region_n and_o the_o three_o judge_n of_o hell_n so_o that_o the_o wise_a among_o they_o have_v hardly_o assurance_n enough_o in_o themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o press_v it_o upon_o other_o with_o any_o great_a confidence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o have_v any_o great_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n as_o for_o the_o jewish_a religion_n though_o that_o suppose_a and_o take_v for_o grant_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n yet_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o what_o be_v deduce_v from_o it_o be_v by_o remote_a and_o obscure_a consequence_n temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n it_o have_v many_o and_o clear_a and_o their_o eye_n be_v so_o dazzle_v with_o these_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o do_v but_o little_o consider_v a_o future_a state_n till_o they_o fall_v into_o great_a temporal_a calamity_n under_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a empire_n whereby_o they_o be_v almost_o necessary_o awaken_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n to_o relieve_v they_o under_o their_o present_a evil_n and_o suffering_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o that_o time_n they_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o great_a faction_n about_o this_o matter_n the_o one_o affirm_v and_o the_o other_o as_o confident_o deny_v any_o life_n after_o this_o but_o the_o gospel_n have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n â—o_o light_a and_o we_o be_v assure_v from_o heaven_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o another_o state_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n for_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o all_o mankind_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o consequent_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o that_o do_v firm_o believe_v a_o future_a state_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o the_o gospel_n have_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n be_v by_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o this_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n that_o a_o sinful_a course_n expose_v man_n to_o since_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n continual_o hang_v over_o sinner_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n will_v certain_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o misery_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o move_v by_o this_o argument_n be_v lose_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o urge_v this_o argument_n upon_o man_n and_o from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a life_n and_o be_v there_o ever_o age_n wherein_o this_o be_v more_o needful_a when_o iniquity_n do_v not_o only_o abound_v but_o even_o rage_n among_o we_o when_o infidelity_n and_o profaneness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o lewdness_n and_o vice_n appear_v so_o bold_o and_o open_o and_o man_n commit_v the_o great_a abomination_n without_o blush_v at_o they_o
so_o with_o other_o nation_n neither_o have_v the_o heathen_a such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v very_o short_a and_o defective_a very_o weak_a and_o infectual_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o raise_v man_n to_o that_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n of_o which_o humane_a nature_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a and_o therefore_o there_o want_v a_o more_o perfect_a institution_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n even_o of_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o real_o to_o effect_v and_o accomplish_v that_o which_o the_o jewish_a religion_n attempt_v and_o aim_v at_o and_o be_v but_o as_o i_o may_v say_v rude_o begin_v under_o that_o imperfect_a institution_n and_o this_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n reveal_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n have_v full_o effect_v as_o will_v evident_o appear_v by_o a_o particular_a survey_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o main_a defect_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v to_o be_v all_o perfect_o make_v up_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o be_v mere_o external_a concern_v the_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o only_o figurative_a of_o that_o inward_a purity_n and_o real_a righteousness_n which_o render_v man_n true_o good_a and_o like_a to_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o jewish_a institution_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o law_n of_o a_o carnal_a commandment_n heb._n 7._o 16_o and_o ch._n 9_o 10_o be_v say_v to_o consist_v only_o that_o be_v chief_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v on_o they_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n that_o be_v till_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o give_v such_o law_n as_o shall_v real_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o these_o law_n and_o ordinance_n be_v call_v poor_a pitiful_a element_n and_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n fit_v rather_o for_o child_n in_o understanding_n and_o goodness_n than_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o any_o maturity_n and_o perfection_n in_o goodness_n all_o their_o rite_n of_o purification_n do_v only_o sanctify_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o do_v not_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v ch._n 9_o 13_o 14._o they_o can_v not_o make_v those_o that_o perform_v and_o observe_v they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n v_o 9_o that_o be_v these_o law_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o make_v they_o real_o better_a to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o moral_a defect_n and_o impurity_n their_o sin_n and_o vice_n but_o the_o christian_a institution_n do_v perfect_o supply_v this_o defect_n by_o take_v we_o off_o from_o those_o carnal_a and_o external_n observance_n and_o principal_o require_v that_o we_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n by_o give_v we_o such_o law_n as_o whole_o tend_v to_o advance_v real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o as_o main_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o that_o holy_a and_o perfect_a be_v who_o we_o worship_v and_o beside_o a_o external_a humble_a and_o reverend_a demeanour_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o natural_a religion_n do_v likewise_o direct_a christianity_n have_v only_o institute_v two_o solemn_a external_n rite_n viz._n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o solemn_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n i_o say_v only_o these_o two_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o external_a observance_n christian_n may_v not_o be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o real_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v extreme_o abate_v and_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o amuse_v they_o with_o external_n rite_n which_o they_o have_v multiply_v to_o that_o excessive_a degree_n as_o to_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n real_o heavy_a than_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o more_o external_a and_o carnal_a commandment_n than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v divert_v and_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o main_a design_n of_o christianity_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v so_o employ_v and_o take_v up_o with_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o think_v of_o be_v good_a man_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o they_o have_v spoil_v the_o christian_a religion_n of_o one_o of_o its_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n i_o mean_v the_o simplicity_n of_o its_o worship_n which_o they_o have_v now_o encumber_a with_o so_o many_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a rite_n and_o observance_n as_o do_v not_o only_o render_v it_o more_o burdensome_a but_o less_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n inward_o and_o substantial_o good_a than_o even_o judaisme_n itself_o this_o be_v so_o true_a and_o so_o visible_a that_o the_o wise_a and_o better_a sort_n of_o they_o have_v complain_v of_o it_o for_o several_a age_n and_o still_o do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o dare_v for_o fear_v of_o the_o inquisition_n or_o some_o other_o censure_n second_o another_o defect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o repentance_n by_o declare_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o any_o certain_a way_n and_o method_n for_o the_o expiation_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n this_o the_o rite_n of_o all_o religion_n aim_v at_o and_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v very_o ineffectual_a to_o that_o end_n the_o heathen_a sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n belong_v to_o they_o do_v all_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o many_o way_n of_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n and_o of_o make_v atonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o make_v a_o external_a and_o legal_a expiation_n and_o to_o be_v type_n and_o shadow_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a sacrifice_n which_o shall_v real_o expiate_v sin_n but_o even_o this_o be_v very_o dark_o and_o imperfect_o discover_v to_o they_o beside_o that_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v only_o extend_v to_o the_o least_o sort_n of_o sin_n those_o of_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n not_o to_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n except_o in_o some_o very_a few_o and_o rare_a case_n particular_o mention_v in_o the_o law_n so_o that_o though_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o religious_a rite_n both_o of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n aim_v at_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n yet_o be_v they_o real_o ineffectual_a to_o that_o end_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n mankind_n though_o they_o conceive_v good_a hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o anger_n yet_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o that_o purpose_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o this_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v never_o sufficient_o declare_v and_o assure_v to_o mankind_n but_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n so_o st._n paul_n express_o assert_n act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o gospel_n have_v provide_v a_o expiation_n for_o all_o sin_n in_o general_a and_o that_o by_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o inestimable_a value_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o one_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v indemnify_v for_o what_o be_v past_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v gal._n 3._o 13._o that_o
that_o of_o st._n james_n chap._n 2._o 22._o by_o work_n be_v faith_n make_v perfect_a sometime_o and_o that_o also_o very_o frequent_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v by_o word_n which_o import_n and_o signify_v the_o change_n of_o our_o state_n as_o by_o repentance_n conversion_n regeneration_n renovation_n sanctification_n the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o new_a man_n which_o expression_n be_v all_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o refer_v to_o particular_a text_n sometime_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v by_o the_o visible_a and_o sensible_a effect_n of_o this_o inward_a change_n in_o our_o outward_a liâ—e_z and_o action_n as_o namely_o by_o obedience_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o heb._n 5._o 9_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o where_o obedience_n be_v plain_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o performance_n whereof_o entitle_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n now_o that_o by_o these_o various_a expression_n one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v certain_o intend_v and_o mean_v viz._n the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o which_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o full_a and_o perfect_a justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n by_o compare_v the_o three_o different_a way_n whereby_o st._n paul_n do_v express_v the_o same_o proposition_n for_o sense_n and_o substance_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o here_o nor_o there_o that_o it_o signify_v nothing_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o but_o that_o we_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o the_o gospel_n require_v that_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v promise_v be_v find_v in_o we_o and_o there_o be_v three_o text_n wherein_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v plain_o intend_v in_o three_o very_a different_a expression_n gal._n 5._o 6._o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o be_v consummate_v or_o make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n gal._n 6._o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o these_o three_o text_n the_o apostle_n design_n to_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n viz._n the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a by_o god_n assistance_n handle_v the_o second_o of_o these_o text_n in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o here_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v to_o we_o by_o the_o change_n of_o our_o state_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v our_o regeneration_n or_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o new_a men._n circumcision_n be_v but_o a_o outward_a sign_n and_o mark_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o the_o flesh_n though_o it_o do_v indeed_o prefigure_v and_o typify_v the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o give_v of_o man_n new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n under_o the_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o now_o in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o presence_n or_o the_o want_n of_o this_o outward_a mark_n will_v avail_v nothing_o to_o our_o justification_n but_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n our_o become_a new_a creature_n be_v now_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n the_o false_a apostle_n indeed_o do_v lay_v great_a stress_n upon_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o avoid_v persecution_n ver_fw-la 12._o they_o constrain_v you_o to_o be_v circumcise_a only_o leave_v they_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n for_o at_o that_o time_n though_o the_o christian_n be_v persecute_v yet_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o roman_a edict_n have_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o glory_v in_o this_o external_a mark_n of_o circumcision_n because_o it_o exempt_v they_o from_o suffer_v but_o st._n paul_n glory_v in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o that_o upon_o his_o body_n ver_fw-la 14._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o v_o 17._o i_o bear_v in_o my_o body_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o tell_v they_o what_o necessity_n soever_o they_o may_v pretend_v of_o circumcision_n either_o for_o their_o justification_n or_o salvation_n the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o be_v to_o save_v themselves_o from_o temporal_a suffering_n and_o that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o nothing_o will_v be_v available_a to_o this_o purpose_n but_o the_o renovation_n and_o change_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o new_a creation_n to_o intimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n thorough_o entertain_v make_v in_o men._n have_v thus_o clear_v the_o occasion_n and_o meaâ—ing_n of_o these_o word_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o they_o namely_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n second_o that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v now_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n there_o be_v never_o any_o general_a obligation_n upon_o mankind_n to_o this_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n but_o yet_o upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n will_v have_v bring_v the_o gentile_n under_o this_o yoke_n pretend_v that_o christianity_n be_v but_o a_o superstructure_n upon_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o together_o with_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o there_o be_v some_o colour_n for_o this_o because_o our_o saviour_n himself_o submit_v to_o this_o rite_n and_o be_v circumcise_a which_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n of_o this_o epist_n ver_fw-la 4._o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n that_o be_v circumcise_a and_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v circumcise_a but_o not_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o under_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o for_o a_o quite_o different_a end_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n to_o that_o law_n which_o though_o afterward_o it_o be_v to_o expire_v yet_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v whilst_o it_o be_v in_o force_n by_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v under_o it_o he_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n and_o it_o become_v he_o who_o come_v to_o teach_v mankind_n obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n where_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o â—itter_a to_o free_v those_o who_o be_v under_o it_o from_o the_o servitude_n of_o it_o he_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n that_o
happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o which_o i_o have_v now_o do_v be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o so_o likewise_o be_v all_o those_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o i_o have_v heretofore_o by_o my_o doctrine_n and_o example_n recommend_v to_o you_o but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v these_o thing_n but_o you_o must_v likewise_o do_v they_o the_o end_n and_o the_o life_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n what_o we_o know_v it_o be_v necessary_a indeed_o that_o we_o shall_v know_v our_o duty_n but_o knowledge_n alone_o will_v never_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o happiness_n which_o religion_n design_n to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o if_o our_o knowledge_n have_v not_o its_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n nay_o so_o far_o will_v our_o knowledge_n be_v from_o make_v we_o happy_a if_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o it_o will_v prove_v one_o of_o the_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n woe_n be_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o from_o these_o word_n then_o i_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o first_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n which_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v know_v our_o duty_n before_o we_o can_v do_v it_o second_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o may_v be_v and_o too_o often_o be_v separate_v this_o likewise_o the_o text_n suppose_v that_o man_n may_v know_v their_o duty_n and_o yet_o not_o do_v it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v very_o frequent_a which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o caution_n three_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a â—re_n you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a at_o first_o view_n that_o nothing_o can_v obscure_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o in_o question_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o spend_v time_n in_o that_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o it_o just_o to_o reprove_v that_o preposterous_a course_n which_o be_v take_v and_o open_o avow_v and_o justify_v by_o some_o as_o the_o safe_a and_o best_a way_n to_o make_v man_n religious_a and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n namely_o by_o take_v away_o from_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o if_o the_o best_a way_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o from_o know_v it_o for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o maxim_n so_o currant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n or_o of_o that_o strange_a and_o injurious_a practice_n of_o they_o of_o lock_v up_o from_o the_o people_n that_o great_a storehouse_n and_o treasury_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o justification_n of_o this_o hard_a usage_n of_o their_o people_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o to_o make_v they_o proud_a and_o contentious_a refractory_a and_o disobedient_a and_o heretical_a and_o what_o not_o and_o particular_o that_o the_o free_a and_o familiar_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n permit_v to_o the_o people_n have_v minister_v occasion_n to_o the_o people_n of_o fall_v into_o great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n and_o of_o make_v great_a disturbance_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o pretence_n i_o desire_v these_o four_o or_o five_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o unless_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o this_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o this_o knowledge_n than_o this_o reason_n will_v reach_v a_o great_a way_n far_o than_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v willing_a it_o shall_v second_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o only_o accidental_a and_o proceed_v from_o man_n abuse_n of_o it_o for_o which_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o three_o that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o ignorance_n be_v equal_o pernicious_a and_o much_o more_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a than_o those_o which_o be_v accidental_o occasion_v by_o knowledge_n four_o that_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v good_a it_o be_v much_o strong_a for_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o learned_a than_o from_o the_o people_n five_o that_o this_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o as_o well_o know_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o yet_o they_o take_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n first_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o unless_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o this_o reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a or_o high_o useful_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o ill_a purpose_n if_o it_o ought_v than_o not_o only_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o all_o other_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o suppress_v for_o all_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n up_o and_o liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v to_o many_o ill_a purpose_n at_o this_o rate_n light_n and_o liberty_n and_o reason_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v take_v away_o because_o they_o be_v all_o great_o abuse_v by_o many_o man_n to_o some_o ill_a purpose_n or_o other_o so_o that_o unless_o these_o ill_a effect_n do_v natural_o and_o necessary_o spring_v from_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n the_o objection_n from_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n and_o if_o they_o do_v necessary_o flow_v from_o it_o than_o this_o reason_n will_v reach_v a_o great_a way_n further_o than_o those_o that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v willing_a it_o shall_v for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o pernicious_a as_o to_o make_v man_n proud_a and_o contentious_a and_o heretical_a and_o disobedient_a to_o authority_n than_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o this_o will_v fall_v upon_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o reveal_v so_o pernicious_a a_o doctrine_n and_o upon_o his_o apostle_n for_o publish_v this_o doctrine_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o perpetual_a schism_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n secondlyâ—_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o only_o accidental_a and_o proceed_v from_o man_n abuse_n of_o it_o for_o which_o the_o thing_n itself_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o thus_o much_o certain_o they_o will_v grant_v because_o it_o can_v with_o any_o face_n be_v deny_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o only_a man_n be_v to_o be_v caution_v not_o to_o prevert_v and_o abuse_v they_o and_o if_o any_o man_n abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o patronise_a of_o error_n or_o heresy_n or_o to_o any_o other_o bad_a purpose_n he_o do_v it_o at_o his_o peril_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n for_o it_o but_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n for_o fear_v he_o shall_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o they_o we_o must_v not_o hinder_v man_n from_o be_v christian_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o be_v heretic_n and_o put_v out_o man_n eye_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o dispute_v their_o way_n with_o their_o guide_n i_o remember_v that_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o take_v notice_n of_o this_o accidental_a inconvenience_n of_o knowledge_n that_o it_o puff_v up_o and_o that_o this_o pride_n occasion_v great_a contention_n and_o division_n among_o
they_o but_o the_o remedy_n which_o he_o prescribe_v against_o this_o mischief_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o withhold_v from_o man_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o to_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o quite_o contrary_a chap._n 14._o of_o that_o epistle_n he_o strict_o enjoin_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o perform_v as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n which_o he_o say_v can_v be_v if_o it_o be_v celebrate_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o the_o remedy_n he_o prescribe_v against_o the_o accidental_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o ignorance_n but_o charity_n to_o govern_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o help_v they_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 20._o of_o that_o chapt._n after_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n he_o immediate_o add_v brethren_n be_v not_o child_n in_o understanding_n howbeit_a in_o malice_n be_v you_o child_n but_o in_o understanding_n be_v you_o men._n he_o commend_v knowledge_n he_o encourage_v it_o he_o require_v it_o of_o all_o christian_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o check_v the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o every_o man_n to_o know_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v design_v to_o promote_v holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o if_o man_n make_v any_o other_o use_n of_o their_o knowledge_n it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n for_o it_o certain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o be_v so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o so_o good_a a_o purpose_n man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v debar_v of_o it_o three_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o ignorance_n be_v equal_o pernicious_a and_o much_o more_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a than_o those_o which_o be_v accidental_o occasion_v by_o knowledge_n for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v do_v it_o he_o that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v a_o bad_a christian_a but_o he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o can_v be_v none_o at_o all_o or_o if_o ignorance_n do_v beget_v and_o promote_v some_o kind_n of_o devotion_n in_o man_n it_o be_v such_o a_o devotion_n as_o be_v not_o proper_o religion_n but_o superstition_n the_o ignorant_a man_n may_v be_v zealous_o superstitious_a but_o without_o some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a that_o the_o soul_n be_v without_o knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o good_a say_v solomon_n prov._n 19_o 2._o because_o good_a practice_n depend_v upon_o our_o knowledge_n and_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o it_o when_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v train_v up_o only_o to_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o say_n over_o so_o many_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n this_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a because_o nothing_o be_v religious_a that_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o no_o service_n can_v be_v reasonable_a that_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o our_o understanding_n indeed_o if_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v only_o to_o give_v god_n to_o understand_v what_o we_o want_v it_o be_v all_o one_o what_o language_n we_o pray_v in_o and_o whether_o we_o understand_v what_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o or_o not_o but_o so_o long_o as_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o testify_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n and_o of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v in_o any_o tolerable_a propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v who_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o ask_v and_o the_o say_n over_o so_o many_o pater_fw-la noster_n by_o one_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o a_o prayer_n than_o the_o repeat_n over_o so_o many_o verse_n in_o virgil._n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a reason_v that_o man_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o they_o can_v in_o religion_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v grow_v troublesome_a with_o their_o knowledge_n then_o certain_o the_o best_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o maintain_v peace_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v be_v to_o let_v the_o people_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n will_v be_v to_o keep_v the_o priest_n as_o ignorant_a as_o the_o people_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v teach_v they_o nothing_o but_o then_o the_o mischief_n will_v be_v that_o out_o of_o a_o fondness_n to_o maintain_v peace_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o will_v be_v no_o church_n nor_o no_o christianity_n which_o will_v be_v the_o same_o wise_a contrivance_n as_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v destroy_v his_o subject_n to_o keep_v his_o kingdom_n quiet_a four_o let_v we_o likewise_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v good_a it_o be_v much_o strong_a for_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o learned_a than_o from_o the_o people_n because_o the_o danger_n of_o start_a error_n and_o heresy_n and_o countenance_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o manage_v they_o plausible_o and_o with_o advantage_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v from_o the_o learned_a than_o from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v show_v that_o the_o great_a broacher_n and_o abettor_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o wit_n and_o most_o of_o the_o famous_a heresy_n that_o be_v record_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n have_v their_o name_n from_o some_o learned_a man_n or_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v error_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n so_o long_o as_o the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o skill_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o danger_n of_o pervert_v it_o be_v much_o great_a the_o ancient_a father_n i_o be_o sure_a do_v frequent_o prescribe_v to_o the_o people_n the_o constant_a and_o careful_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o sure_a antidote_n against_o the_o poison_n of_o dangerous_a error_n and_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o seduction_n into_o error_n from_o the_o oracle_n of_o truth_n by_o what_o other_o or_o better_a mean_n can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v secure_v against_o this_o danger_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o cross_a and_o improper_a a_o mean_n to_o this_o end_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v much_o less_o effectual_a so_o that_o man_n must_v either_o be_v leave_v in_o their_o ignorance_n or_o they_o must_v be_v permit_v to_o learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o whatever_o force_n this_o reason_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o heresy_n have_v in_o it_o to_o deprive_v the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v much_o strong_a to_o wrest_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o learned_a because_o they_o be_v much_o more_o capable_a of_o pervert_v they_o to_o so_o bad_a a_o purpose_n five_o and_o last_o this_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o visible_a in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o yet_o they_o take_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n there_o be_v heresy_n then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o think_v by_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o they_o do_v not_o think_v the_o take_n of_o they_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n a_o proper_a remedy_n the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o epistle_n do_v earnest_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o commend_v they_o for_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o charge_v they_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o they_o and_o st._n peter_n take_v particular_a notice_n of_o some_o man_n wrest_v some_o difficult_a passage_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n as_o likewise_o in_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o where_n speak_v of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n he_o say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a
kingdom_n of_o god_n st._n paul_n likewise_o very_o full_o declare_v unto_o we_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o condition_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o but_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_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n but_o the_o great_a bait_n of_o all_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v sensual_a pleasure_n the_o very_a presence_n and_o opportunity_n of_o these_o be_v apt_a to_o kindle_v the_o desire_n and_o to_o inflame_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n especial_o where_o these_o temptation_n meet_v with_o suitable_a temper_n where_o every_o spark_n that_o fall_v catch_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n especial_o if_o they_o threaten_v or_o fall_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o degree_n of_o extremity_n be_v strong_a temptation_n to_o human_a nature_n poverty_n and_o want_n pain_n and_o suffer_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o any_o great_a evil_n especial_o of_o death_n these_o be_v great_a strait_n to_o humane_a nature_n and_o apt_a to_o tempt_v man_n to_o great_a sin_n to_o impatience_n and_o discontent_n to_o unjust_a and_o dishonest_a shift_n to_o the_o forsake_v of_o god_n and_o apostasy_n from_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n agur_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o dangerous_a temptation_n of_o poverty_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v against_o that_o as_o well_o as_o against_o riches_n give_v i_o not_o poverty_n lest_o be_v poor_a i_o steal_v and_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n in_o vain_a that_o be_v lest_o i_o be_v tempt_v to_o theft_n and_o perjury_n the_o devil_n who_o trade_n it_o be_v to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n know_v very_o well_o the_o force_n of_o these_o sort_n of_o temptation_n when_o he_o desire_v god_n first_o to_o touch_n job_n in_o his_o estate_n and_o to_o see_v what_o effect_n that_o will_v have_v job_n 1._o 11._o but_o put_v forth_o thy_o hand_n now_o and_o touch_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n and_o when_o he_o find_v himself_o deceive_v in_o this_o sure_o he_o think_v that_o be_v he_o but_o afflict_v with_o great_a bodily_a pain_n that_o will_v put_v he_o out_o of_o all_o patience_n and_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v this_o temptation_n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 5._o but_o put_v forth_o thy_o hand_n now_o and_o touch_v his_o bone_n and_o his_o flesh_n and_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a temptation_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v assault_v withal_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o forsake_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n by_o a_o most_o violent_a persecution_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n by_o imprisonment_n and_o torture_n and_o death_n and_o this_o be_v that_o kind_n of_o temptation_n which_o the_o apostle_n particular_o speak_v of_o before_o the_o text_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o temptation_n comprehend_v under_o this_o second_o head_n namely_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o circumstance_n as_o do_v great_o endanger_v their_o fall_n into_o sin_n by_o the_o allurement_n of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o it_o now_o the_o question_n be_v how_o far_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o these_o kind_n of_o temptation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o limit_v this_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o reject_v that_o man_n be_v tempt_v of_o god_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v order_n or_o at_o least_o permit_v man_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o these_o circumstance_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o which_o be_v such_o dangerous_a temptation_n to_o sin_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o believe_v his_o providence_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o far_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o intend_v to_o exempt_a god_n from_o a_o hand_n in_o these_o temptation_n now_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v the_o several_a end_n and_o reason_n which_o those_o who_o tempt_v other_o may_v have_v in_o tempt_v they_o and_o all_o temptation_n be_v for_o one_o of_o these_o three_o end_n or_o reason_n either_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o improvement_n of_o man_n virtue_n or_o by_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n for_o some_o former_a great_a sin_n and_o provocation_n or_o with_o a_o direct_a purpose_n and_o design_n to_o seduce_v man_n to_o sin_n these_o i_o think_v be_v the_o chief_a end_n and_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v of_o exercise_v man_n with_o dangerous_a temptation_n first_o for_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o man_n grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n which_o god_n always_o aim_v at_o in_o bring_v good_a man_n or_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o dangerous_a temptation_n and_o therefore_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o joy_n when_o good_a man_n be_v exercise_v with_o affliction_n not_o because_o affliction_n be_v desirable_a for_o themselves_o but_o because_o of_o the_o happy_a consequence_n of_o they_o ver._n 2_o 3._o of_o this_o chap._n my_o brethren_n count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n know_v this_o that_o the_o try_v of_o your_o faith_n work_v patience_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n rom._n 5._o 3_o 4_o 5._o we_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n know_v that_o tribulation_n work_v patience_n and_o patience_n experience_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d patience_n try_v a_o man_n and_o this_o trial_n work_v hope_n and_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a these_o be_v happy_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n when_o they_o improve_v the_o virtue_n of_o man_n and_o increase_v their_o grace_n and_o thereby_o make_v way_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o glory_n upon_o this_o account_n st._n james_n pronounce_v those_o bless_a who_o be_v thus_o tempt_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v man_n to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v when_o he_o permit_v it_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o make_v they_o better_a man_n and_o thereby_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o great_a reward_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o rom._n 8._o 17_o 18._o if_o so_o be_v we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o be_v glorify_v with_o he_o for_o i_o reckon_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o and_o ver_fw-la 28._o for_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o this_o happy_a end_n and_o issue_n of_o temptation_n to_o good_a man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n secure_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o proportion_v the_o temptation_n to_o their_o strength_n or_o if_o it_o exceed_v that_o by_o minister_a new_a strength_n and_o support_v to_o they_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o extraordinary_a aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n first_o by_o proportion_v the_o temptation_n to_o their_o strength_n order_v thing_n so_o by_o his_o secret_a and_o wise_a providence_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v assault_v by_o any_o temptation_n which_o be_v beyond_o their_o strength_n to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v and_o herein_o the_o security_n of_o good_a man_n do_v ordinary_o consist_v and_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o those_o who_o have_v the_o firm_a and_o most_o resolute_a virtue_n be_v in_o infinite_a danger_n if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v this_o care_n of_o we_o for_o a_o temptation_n may_v set_v upon_o the_o best_a man_n with_o so_o much_o violence_n or_o surprise_v they_o at_o such_o a_o advantage_n as_o no_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o grace_n