man_n arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o so_o evil_a be_v the_o day_n wherein_o these_o ephesian_n live_v in_o respect_n of_o sin_n therefore_o the_o church_n can_v not_o be_v secure_a from_o the_o other_o evil_n of_o suffer_v but_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o secret_a temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n in_o every_o time_n and_o place_n though_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v most_o violent_a where_o that_o enemy_n have_v such_o a_o interest_n to_o lose_v and_o in_o so_o great_a danger_n as_o at_z ephesus_z to_o pass_v by_o many_o other_o trouble_v which_o almost_o constant_o attend_v a_o sincere_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o the_o disciple_n be_v always_o liable_a to_o persecution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o blind_a heathen_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o more_o obdurate_a jew_n on_o the_o other_o here_o as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a st._n paul_n and_o his_o companion_n meet_v with_o those_o great_a trouble_n which_o he_o complain_v of_o 2_o cor._n 1.8_o which_o press_v they_o out_o of_o measure_n above_o strength_n insomuch_o that_o they_o despair_v even_o of_o life_n and_o have_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v in_o danger_n at_o ephesus_n of_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o theatre_n act._n 19.29_o 30._o to_o be_v devour_v there_o as_o we_o may_v suppose_v by_o wild_a beast_n keep_v for_o the_o execution_n of_o malefactor_n and_o to_o which_o christian_n afterward_o be_v sometime_o expose_v therefore_o he_o say_v that_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o man_n or_o so_o far_o as_o be_v in_o man_n power_n he_o fight_v with_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n 1_o cor._n 15.32_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o the_o church_n must_v be_v always_o in_o a_o suffer_a state_n and_o receive_v daily_o affront_v from_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o such_o enemy_n among_o who_o they_o live_v though_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o direct_o mention_v it_o in_o this_o epistle_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v lest_o it_o may_v have_v exasperateed_o their_o enemy_n the_o more_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o give_v only_o such_o general_a hint_n to_o it_o as_o this_o in_o the_o text._n now_o because_o they_o endure_v these_o and_o some_o follow_a persecution_n with_o a_o true_a christian_a courage_n and_o patience_n our_o saviour_n mention_n this_o to_o their_o honour_n rev._n 2.3_o thou_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o taint_v thus_o it_o appear_v these_o ephesian_n live_v in_o a_o evil_a time_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o suffer_v and_o it_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o these_o especial_o that_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v the_o best_a merchandise_n of_o the_o present_a season_n by_o behave_v themselves_o with_o that_o wisdom_n and_o circumspection_n which_o such_o evil_a time_n do_v especial_o require_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o will_v best_o agree_v with_o what_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o same_o exhortation_n to_o the_o colossian_n chap._n 4.5_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v without_o redeem_v the_o time_n that_o be_v use_v that_o prudence_n in_o your_o conversation_n towards_o unbeliever_n that_o you_o may_v preserve_v yourselves_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o suffer_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o gain_v upon_o they_o if_o possible_a in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n now_o this_o exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n by_o which_o it_o be_v enforce_v do_v near_o concern_v all_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n but_o especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o time_n as_o indeed_o they_o usual_o feel_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o and_o who_o have_v a_o more_o considerable_a and_o difficult_a part_n to_o act_v with_o relation_n to_o it_o than_o other_o therefore_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o shall_v chief_o confine_v myself_o to_o they_o and_o because_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v first_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o present_a day_n and_o then_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o redeem_v the_o time_n with_o respect_n to_o it_o first_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o day_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o suffering_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o here_o i_o have_v a_o very_a melancholy_a scene_n before_o i_o and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v rather_o secret_o lament_v than_o describe_v to_o you_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v know_v and_o consider_v this_o dreadful_a evil_n in_o order_n to_o its_o cure_n if_o it_o be_v not_o past_a remedy_n we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n and_o nation_n wherein_o too_o many_o be_v monstrous_o corrupt_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o manner_n some_o be_v sink_v so_o far_o below_o the_o common_a reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o certainty_n of_o his_o existence_n than_o their_o own_o other_o will_v own_v no_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v natural_a because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v those_o mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o so_o they_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o some_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n of_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o attain_v perfection_n and_o happiness_n by_o that_o mean_n other_o contend_v for_o a_o chimerical_a faith_n that_o have_v neither_o ground_n nor_o effect_n as_o sufficient_a for_o salvation_n how_o bad_a soever_o man_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o make_v our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o a_o patron_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n a_o pretence_n for_o the_o vile_a practice_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o popery_n that_o hydra_n of_o error_n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o baffle_v and_o yet_o they_o live_v though_o one_o will_v think_v if_o the_o man_n of_o that_o religion_n will_v serious_o consult_v either_o faith_n or_o reason_n and_o that_o law_n of_o kindness_n which_o be_v natural_o write_v in_o our_o heart_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o gross_a idolatry_n of_o the_o many_o contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o that_o cruelty_n practise_v in_o their_o church_n towards_o all_o man_n that_o dare_v be_v wise_a than_o themselves_o to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v the_o dream_n and_o fancy_n of_o many_o enthusiast_n among_o we_o who_o conceive_v such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n towards_o he_o as_o be_v unworthy_a of_o his_o be_v and_o so_o far_o below_o those_o excellent_a discovery_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o their_o own_o reason_n as_o imperfect_a as_o it_o be_v will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n correct_v these_o mistake_n if_o they_o will_v but_o attend_v to_o it_o now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o error_n in_o man_n mind_n but_o a_o corruption_n also_o in_o their_o conversation_n which_o indeed_o be_v very_o great_a and_o common_a among_o we_o what_o horrid_a oath_n and_o blasphemy_n what_o scoff_v at_o religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a professer_n of_o it_o be_v hear_v in_o many_o place_n how_o be_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n his_o ordinance_n and_o providence_n despise_v how_o be_v his_o holy_a word_n and_o minister_n ridicule_v and_o make_v subject_n for_o the_o profane_a wit_n and_o raillery_n of_o those_o senseless_a man_n who_o thus_o abuse_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o do_v not_o profaneness_n in_o some_o measure_n enter_v into_o our_o very_a church_n too_o for_o even_o there_o we_o often_o observe_v a_o behaviour_n in_o man_n very_o unsuitable_a to_o those_o place_n and_o the_o holy_a duty_n perform_v in_o they_o what_o irreverence_n be_v use_v in_o prayer_n what_o indifferency_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o what_o drowsiness_n be_v indulge_v by_o some_o and_o what_o levities_n practise_v by_o other_o while_o they_o be_v present_a at_o these_o ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o sacred_a right_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o violate_v by_o sinful_a man_n it_o be_v the_o less_o wonder_n they_o shall_v also_o invade_v those_o of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o that_o we_o so_o often_o hear_v of_o contention_n murder_n adultery_n theft_n oppression_n false-witness_n malicious_a slander_n revile_n etc._n etc._n and_o
that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o intemperance_n among_o we_o to_o these_o i_o must_v add_v the_o many_o rent_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n whereby_o man_n do_v a_o great_a indignity_n to_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o and_o frustrate_v as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o one_o gracious_a end_n of_o his_o die_v for_o we_o the_o unite_n all_o into_o one_o body_n the_o many_o petition_n also_o he_o make_v to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o excellent_a precept_n he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v as_o well_o as_o from_o other_o cause_n beforementioned_a that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v so_o little_o frequent_v his_o worship_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a so_o strange_o neglect_v and_o particular_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o holy_a feast_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o a_o commemoration_n of_o his_o die_a love_n to_o we_o to_o engage_v we_o more_o strict_o in_o that_o service_n which_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o to_o convey_v spiritual_a grace_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o how_o be_v this_o neglect_a by_o most_o man_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o their_o baptismal_a engagement_n which_o be_v here_o repeat_v of_o the_o most_o gracious_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n here_o represent_v or_o the_o interest_n and_o happiness_n of_o their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n which_o will_v be_v very_o much_o promote_v by_o a_o serious_a and_o frequent_a attendance_n on_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n hence_o also_o be_v that_o almost_o general_a indifferency_n in_o religion_n i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a substantial_o of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v too_o much_o zeal_n in_o all_o party_n for_o those_o lesser_a thing_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o protestant_n they_o be_v very_o fond_a of_o the_o occasion_n and_o mark_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o their_o brethren_n as_o if_o needless_a division_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o old_a condemn_v by_o our_o great_a apostle_n as_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n have_v now_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o be_v become_v mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n the_o intemperate_a heat_n man_n have_v for_o these_o thing_n together_o with_o those_o of_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a affection_n have_v almost_o exhaust_v that_o true_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o that_o sincere_a affection_n to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v the_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o christ_n disciple_n it_o be_v because_o iniquity_n do_v so_o abound_v that_o the_o love_n of_o many_o be_v grow_v cold_a though_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v more_o fervent_a as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o thus_o have_v i_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o most_o common_a sin_n among_o we_o wherein_o we_o may_v seem_v a_o parallel_n even_o to_o ephesus_n itself_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v if_o the_o heathen_n there_o be_v violent_a idolater_n and_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n such_o be_v our_o papist_n too_o if_o sometime_o they_o practise_v barbarous_a cruelty_n upon_o any_o they_o meet_v with_o and_o be_v ordinary_o very_o dissolute_a and_o licentious_a in_o their_o life_n we_o be_v not_o without_o instance_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n and_o do_v too_o much_o abound_v with_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o our_o atheist_n be_v such_o a_o monster_n as_o perhaps_o be_v not_o know_v among_o they_o if_o error_n and_o heresy_n do_v infest_v the_o church_n then_o we_o have_v some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o they_o revive_v in_o our_o day_n and_o have_v add_v many_o other_o to_o they_o if_o there_o be_v some_o perverse_a man_n in_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n that_o separate_v themselves_o and_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o these_o be_v far_o outdo_v by_o the_o many_o schism_n and_o division_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n if_o the_o believe_a ephesian_n be_v accuse_v some_o time_n after_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o have_v lest_o their_o first_o love_n rev._n 2.4_o how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o be_v condemn_v for_o almost_o the_o entire_a loss_n of_o we_o and_o fall_v into_o a_o lukewarmness_n like_o that_o charge_v upon_o laodicea_n and_o for_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o severe_o threaten_v she_o we_o may_v therefore_o say_v of_o our_o own_o day_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o abound_v among_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o those_o he_o live_v in_o that_o they_o be_v evil._n and_o the_o more_o because_o those_o in_o our_o day_n that_o commit_v the_o same_o sin_n with_o the_o heathen_n at_o ephesus_n have_v be_v better_o instruct_v than_o they_o and_o prosess_v a_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n and_o all_o wilful_a sin_n among_o we_o be_v commit_v against_o as_o many_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o as_o be_v ever_o show_v to_o any_o nation_n 2._o our_o day_n be_v evil_a too_o in_o respect_n of_o suffer_v but_o here_o i_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o such_o bloody_a persecution_n as_o the_o ephesian_n be_v daily_o in_o danger_n of_o we_o live_v not_o under_o law_n that_o make_v our_o religion_n a_o capital_a crime_n or_o magistrate_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o for_o it_o to_o the_o most_o cruel_a death_n yea_o though_o the_o protestant_n in_o several_a neighbour_a nation_n have_v be_v thus_o barbarous_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o imminent_a danger_n of_o the_o same_o suffering_n it_o please_v god_n of_o his_o insinite_a goodness_n to_o prevent_v they_o by_o a_o unexpected_a and_o wonderful_a deliverance_n and_o now_o at_o last_o to_o confirm_v this_o more_o and_o free_v we_o from_o many_o sensible_a effect_n of_o a_o long_a and_o dreadful_a war_n by_o the_o peace_n which_o be_v so_o happy_o conclude_v but_o notwithstanding_o these_o undeserved_a effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o to_o prove_v one_o of_o the_o great_a persecution_n at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n that_o can_v befall_v good_a man_n but_o especial_o faithful_a minister_n st._n augustin_n hom._n 10._o speak_v of_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n bring_v in_o this_o question_n by_o way_n of_o objection_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n protect_v by_o law_n and_o defend_v by_o prince_n how_o then_o do_v they_o who_o live_v godly_a suffer_v persecution_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v qui_fw-la inter_fw-la malos_fw-la vivunt_fw-la persecutionem_fw-la patiuntur_fw-la quia_fw-la omnes_fw-la mali_fw-la persequuntur_fw-la bonos_fw-es non_fw-la ferro_fw-la &_o lapidibus_fw-la sed_fw-la vita_fw-la &_o moribus_fw-la they_o who_o live_v among_o evil_a man_n do_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o all_o evil_a man_n persecute_v the_o good_a not_o with_o sword_n and_o stone_n but_o by_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o then_o he_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o lot_n in_o sodom_n who_o none_o persecute_v or_o molest_v there_o but_o only_o by_o their_o wicked_a life_n with_o which_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o rack_v or_o torture_v his_o righteous_a soul_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o indeed_o this_o persecution_n have_v be_v always_o very_o grievous_a to_o good_a men._n it_o draw_v river_n of_o water_n from_o the_o psalmist_n eye_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o jeremy_n weep_v in_o secret_a place_n yea_o for_o this_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o judgement_n it_o will_v bring_v upon_o judah_n he_o passionate_o wish_n that_o his_o head_n be_v water_n and_o his_o eye_n a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n that_o he_o may_v weep_v day_n and_o night_n for_o they_o jer._n 9.1_o and_o none_o will_v wonder_v at_o this_o that_o consider_v how_o injurious_a sin_n be_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o almighty_n god_n how_o contrary_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o every_o good_a man_n and_o in_o what_o danger_n it_o put_v they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o if_o these_o sinner_n be_v under_o our_o own_o charge_n our_o affliction_n be_v the_o great_a on_o their_o account_n if_o st._n john_n have_v no_o great_a joy_n than_o to_o hear_v that_o his_o child_n walk_v in_o truth_n nothing_o can_v afflict_v he_o more_o than_o their_o defection_n from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o crown_n yea_o the_o very_a life_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o church_n under_o his_o care_n stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n and_o humiliation_n yea_o something_o like_o death_n itself_o to_o he_o if_o they_o desert_v it_o nay_o if_o in_o some_o case_n as_o
a_o humane_a judgement_n spiritual_a thing_n be_v certain_o further_a remote_a from_o our_o understanding_n than_o those_o that_o be_v natural_a and_o yet_o these_o man_n of_o reason_n will_v allow_v no_o mystery_n in_o they_o while_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v very_o many_o in_o the_o other_o to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v their_o rational_a way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n whereby_o they_o will_v make_v those_o divine_a oracle_n appear_v as_o void_a of_o good_a sense_n and_o reason_n as_o themselves_o but_o neither_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o effort_n of_o their_o exalt_a reason_n want_v any_o confutation_n from_o i_o since_o they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o baffle_v of_o late_a as_o well_o as_o former_o by_o several_a worthy_a author_n but_o it_o become_v all_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o every_o good_a christian_n that_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v the_o everblessed_n trinity_n together_o with_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n both_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o great_a redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o original_a as_o well_o as_o actual_a sin_n and_o what_o need_v the_o world_n have_v of_o that_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n offer_v by_o our_o glorious_a highpriest_n in_o his_o own_o body_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o god_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n for_o their_o justification_n it_o become_v we_o i_o say_v upon_o all_o fit_a occasion_n to_o declare_v our_o abhorrence_n of_o such_o antichristian_a principle_n as_o those_o of_o the_o socinian_o be_v which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o be_v doubtless_o instil_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o our_o great_a adversary_n in_o order_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o but_o we_o know_v it_o be_v defend_v by_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o who_o will_v one_o day_n call_v this_o enemy_n and_o all_o his_o adherent_n to_o a_o account_n for_o these_o thing_n and_o here_o i_o can_v forbear_v mention_v another_o detestable_a notion_n of_o these_o man_n or_o their_o friend_n late_o publish_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n propose_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n namely_o this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o these_o discoveres_fw-la do_v it_o perceive_v that_o he_o who_o make_v this_o confession_n act_v 8_o 37._o believe_v all_o other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n before_o and_o that_o this_o right_o understand_v do_v include_v and_o suppose_v all_o the_o rest_n what_o a_o strange_a degree_n of_o pride_n and_o confidence_n be_v this_o that_o make_v man_n dare_v to_o vent_v new_a notion_n in_o religion_n as_o if_o all_o the_o learned_a wise_a and_o holy_a man_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n till_o this_o age_n never_o right_o understand_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o then_o how_o will_v this_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n or_o sincerity_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n yea_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o if_o by_o they_o he_o have_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v truth_n of_o this_o moment_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v right_o understand_v for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o but_o the_o design_n of_o these_o man_n be_v to_o disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o a_o system_fw-la of_o natural_a philosophy_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v change_v in_o every_o age_n as_o new_a truth_n be_v discover_v or_o pretend_v so_o in_o that_o science_n it_o behoove_v we_o therefore_o with_o all_o the_o zeal_n of_o good_a christian_n and_o faithful_a minister_n to_o represent_v as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n the_o wickedness_n and_o danger_n of_o such_o innovation_n and_o prevent_v as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o the_o growth_n of_o they_o among_o our_o people_n and_o we_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o also_o against_o all_o other_o false_a notion_n in_o religion_n common_a in_o these_o day_n which_o i_o have_v not_o time_n now_o to_o mention_v i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o add_v something_o in_o the_o general_n concern_v those_o lesser_a difference_n in_o opinion_n among_o protestant_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n these_o i_o think_v might_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v reconcile_v if_o they_o be_v once_o but_o right_o understand_v and_o fair_o argue_v by_o the_o party_n concern_v in_o they_o especial_o if_o that_o mutual_a condescension_n can_v be_v use_v on_o all_o hand_n which_o the_o rule_n and_o interest_n of_o our_o religion_n do_v require_v and_o it_o must_v be_v always_o remember_v that_o when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o person_n erroneous_a in_o judgement_n if_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o convince_a they_o all_o our_o argument_n must_v be_v use_v with_o great_a kindness_n and_o compassion_n towards_o they_o that_o if_o possible_a we_o may_v gain_v upon_o their_o affection_n and_o then_o their_o judgement_n will_v much_o soon_o surrender_v to_o we_o for_o to_o accuse_v a_o man_n of_o error_n in_o this_o kind_n seem_v most_o direct_o to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o wisdom_n which_o man_n have_v usual_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o in_o themselves_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o therefore_o it_o have_v need_n be_v do_v in_o the_o soft_a and_o most_o oblige_a manner_n beside_o this_o way_n oâ—_n deâ—ling_v with_o man_n show_v we_o have_v a_o respect_n for_o they_o and_z gives_z thâ—m_n also_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o good_a will_n towards_o they_o on_o which_o account_v they_o will_v be_v more_o apt_a to_o consider_v our_o argument_n and_o yield_v to_o they_o 2._o we_o must_v reprove_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n life_n such_o as_o i_o before_o mention_v and_o all_o other_o that_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v vers_fw-la 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o this_o be_v require_v of_o all_o man_n as_o a_o necessary_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n leu._n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o â—ise_v rebuke_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o but_o minister_n must_v especial_o do_v this_o with_o all_o authority_n tit._n 2.15_o and_o with_o all_o long-suffering_a 2_o tim._n 4.2_o yet_o these_o precept_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o man_n for_o we_o be_v caution_v not_o to_o reprove_v a_o scorner_n prov_n 9.8_o that_o be_v one_o so_o harden_v in_o sin_n that_o he_o will_v despise_v the_o mean_n we_o use_v to_o reform_v he_o and_o return_v evil_a upon_o we_o for_o our_o charity_n to_o he_o such_o our_o bless_a saviour_n call_v dog_n and_o swine_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o this_o rule_n concern_v they_o mat._n 7.6_o give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a unto_o the_o dog_n neither_o cast_v you_o your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v few_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o account_v such_o till_o we_o have_v make_v some_o trial_n of_o they_o and_o admonish_v they_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n command_n both_o private_o and_o before_o witness_n and_o if_o this_o course_n prove_v ineffectual_a they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o must_v not_o always_o reprove_v man_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v sin_v or_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o when_o we_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o hope_v for_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o temper_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o in_o order_n to_o it_o for_o next_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o main_a end_n of_o reproof_n be_v the_o gain_n of_o our_o brother_n which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o a_o discreet_a use_n of_o this_o mean_n the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n most_o promote_v and_o our_o own_o conscience_n best_o discharge_v by_o it_o 3._o we_o must_v show_v kindness_n to_o all_o evil_a man_n as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n for_o it_o what_o enmity_n soever_o they_o may_v bear_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n precept_n mat._n 5.44_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o which_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o this_o he_o enjoin_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o
the_o evil_n of_o our_o day_n with_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o a_o visitation_n at_o rothwell_n in_o northamptonshire_n octob._n 12._o 1697._o by_o john_n howard_n m._n a._n rector_n of_o marston_n trussel_n in_o the_o same_o county_n london_n print_v for_o john_n laurence_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1698._o a_o visitation-sermon_n ephes._n v._n 16._o redeem_v the_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a as_o all_o the_o church_n under_o st._n paul_n care_n be_v great_a instance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o ministry_n so_o none_o more_o than_o that_o of_o ephesus_n he_o have_v be_v resident_n with_o they_o about_o three_o year_n together_o and_o by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o his_o zealous_a and_o painful_a endeavour_n convert_v many_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n at_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o he_o leave_v timothy_n to_o be_v their_o bishop_n a_o man_n excellent_o qualify_v for_o that_o office_n and_o fit_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v so_o happy_o advance_v and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o the_o better_a he_o send_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o he_o not_o long_o after_o wherein_o he_o give_v he_o full_a instruction_n about_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o holy_a function_n yet_o some_o year_n after_o this_o when_o he_o be_v prisoner_n at_o rome_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n fear_v lose_v his_o suffering_n may_v discourage_v the_o christian_n at_o ephesus_n and_o consider_v also_o what_o temptation_n they_o have_v at_o home_n to_o shake_v their_o faith_n that_o no_o mean_n may_v be_v want_v for_o their_o further_a confirmation_n and_o perseverance_n in_o it_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o for_o those_o end_n wherein_o he_o first_o praise_n god_n for_o those_o admirable_a privilege_n they_o enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n redemption_n and_o for_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o faith_n pray_v that_o they_o may_v increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n then_o he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a estate_n before_o conversion_n and_o of_o the_o rich_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o it_o to_o this_o he_o add_v a_o account_n of_o the_o particular_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o himself_o in_o call_v he_o to_o the_o ministry_n in_o make_v extraordinary_a revelation_n to_o he_o and_o send_v he_o to_o preach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n whereby_o not_o only_a man_n but_o the_o holy_a angel_n too_o will_v be_v further_o instruct_v in_o the_o mysterious_a effect_n of_o man_n redemption_n wherefore_o he_o exhort_v they_o not_o to_o faint_v at_o his_o tribulation_n for_o they_o and_o pray_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o spiritual_a strength_n their_o faith_n love_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o that_o they_o may_v he_o fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o have_v spend_v near_o half_a the_o epistle_n upon_o these_o subject_n which_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o confirm_v and_o encourage_v they_o he_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o it_o exhort_v they_o to_o those_o necessary_a duty_n which_o the_o privilege_n beforemention_v do_v call_v for_o beseech_v they_o first_o in_o the_o general_a to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o their_o vocation_n and_o then_o particular_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o among_o other_o excellent_a rule_n he_o give_v they_o many_o particular_a caution_n both_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o chapter_n against_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o age_n and_o place_n they_o live_v in_o argue_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o to_o their_o soul_n notwithstanding_o what_o some_o deceiver_n may_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a from_o that_o great_a and_o admirable_a change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o from_o the_o proper_a fruit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n their_o duty_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o reprove_v such_o thing_n and_o the_o shame_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o that_o they_o must_v by_o all_o mean_n avoid_v those_o sin_n and_o have_v now_o in_o many_o instance_n direct_v and_o warn_v they_o he_o seem_v to_o sum_n up_o all_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o and_o in_o that_o of_o my_o text_n see_v then_o that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d see_v therefore_o how_o circumspect_o diligent_o or_o exact_o you_o walk_v which_o word_n do_v imply_v see_v by_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n you_o be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o light_n from_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n infidelity_n and_o misery_n to_o that_o of_o a_o divine_a knowledge_n holiness_n and_o salvation_n since_o you_o enjoy_v the_o glorious_a privilege_n christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o you_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o comfort_n in_o your_o soul_n and_o security_n of_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n since_o you_o live_v among_o many_o adversary_n and_o great_a temptation_n to_o sin_n against_o god_n whereby_o you_o will_v forfeit_v his_o blessing_n and_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o walk_v with_o all_o that_o exactness_n and_o caution_n which_o these_o thing_n require_v in_o you_o as_o it_o become_v wise_a man_n to_o do_v which_o precept_n be_v yet_o more_o bries_o comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n redeem_v the_o time_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n add_v this_o one_o reason_n instead_o of_o many_o because_o the_o day_n be_v evil._n in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o show_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o how_o far_o they_o concern_v the_o ephesian_n and_o then_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o own_o case_n the_o precept_n here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v i_o think_v be_v more_o fit_o render_v buy_v the_o season_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o buy_v or_o purchase_v as_o well_o as_o to_o redeem_v and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o season_n or_o opportunity_n in_o which_o sense_n time_n be_v also_o sometime_o use_v this_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n take_v from_o merchant_n who_o will_v deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v great_a care_n and_o pain_n especial_o in_o a_o difficult_a time_n to_o purchase_v good_n to_o their_o best_a advantage_n so_o the_o ephesian_n be_v here_o exhort_v to_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a caution_n and_o exactness_n that_o as_o wise_a merchant_n they_o may_v purchase_v that_o treasure_n the_o valuable_a season_n which_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v it_o their_o own_o by_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o pious_a improvement_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o day_n be_v evil._n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o time_n evil_a namely_o sin_n and_o suffer_v and_o for_o both_o these_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a time_n when_o st._n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n especial_o at_o ephesus_n there_o the_o gentile_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o zealous_a for_o their_o vain_a superstition_n chief_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o diana_n there_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o heathen_n too_o general_o live_v in_o do_v very_o much_o abound_v and_o against_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v particular_o warn_v the_o ephesian_n in_o this_o epistle_n here_o in_o some_o of_o their_o feast_n they_o murder_v all_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o street_n and_o at_o last_o put_v timothy_n to_o death_n as_o photius_n tell_v we_o because_o he_o forbid_v they_o yea_o here_o as_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a seat_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n be_v very_o many_o of_o his_o most_o profess_a disciple_n magician_n or_o sorcerer_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o great_a number_n of_o they_o st._n paul_n have_v convert_v the_o price_n of_o who_o book_n be_v fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n act_v 19.19_o beside_o here_o be_v already_o many_o false_a teacher_n as_o the_o follower_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o nicolaitan_n and_o about_o this_o time_n or_o soon_o after_o the_o ebionite_n and_o cerinthian_o who_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o their_o pestilent_a heresy_n yea_o from_o among_o themselves_o arise_v some_o seducer_n too_o as_o hymeneus_n alexander_n philetus_n and_o other_o mention_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n which_o thing_n be_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n prediction_n act_v 20.29_o 30._o where_o speak_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n he_o say_v i_o know_v this_o that_o after_o my_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n also_o of_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v