the_o hard_a way_n to_o heaven_n explain_v and_o apply_v in_o a_o sermon_n intend_v to_o be_v preach_v at_o peters-cornhill_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o disorderly_a concourse_n preach_v at_o st._n katherine_n creed-church_n london_n the_o 27_o of_o july_n 1662._o being_n the_o three_o day_n after_o his_o release_n by_o z._n crofton_n minister_n at_o buttolphs-algate_n take_a as_o preach_v in_o character_n compare_v with_o his_o own_o note_n providential_o lose_v and_o bring_v to_o our_o hand_n now_o publish_v to_o check_v and_o correct_v the_o misrepresentation_n thereof_o by_o the_o son_n of_o slander_n and_o subject_n of_o weakness_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1662._o to_o the_o reader_n good_a reader_n the_o untrue_a and_o direct_a contrary_a report_n of_o this_o sermon_n and_o its_o author_n extort_v the_o publication_n thereof_o mr._n crofton_n will_v not_o do_v it_o he_o content_v himself_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o integrity_n and_o account_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n yea_o of_o good_a man_n his_o good_a name_n be_v the_o church_n advantage_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v preserve_v and_o defend_v against_o the_o calumny_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o censure_n of_o the_o weak_a who_o wound_v not_o he_o without_o more_o deep_o wound_v their_o own_o soul_n i_o have_v write_v this_o sermon_n from_o his_o mouth_n in_o shorthand_n and_o by_o his_o note_n lose_v by_o his_o son_n and_o by_o providence_n direct_v to_o my_o hand_n have_v supply_v what_o time_n and_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o audience_n cause_v he_o to_o pretermit_v i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o hazard_v the_o discontent_n of_o my_o friend_n and_o pastor_n and_o to_o present_v thou_o with_o the_o same_o that_o by_o unprejudiced_a read_n thou_o may_v be_v undeceive_v edify_v and_o enable_v to_o contradict_v the_o clamour_n of_o the_o son_n of_o slander_n and_o check_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o over-credulous_a subject_n of_o weakness_n though_o not_o of_o sanctity_n recantation_n be_v most_o strange_o expect_v from_o he_o who_o never_o yet_o be_v charge_v or_o by_o argumentation_n be_v convince_v of_o a_o error_n on_o who_o no_o term_n or_o condition_n for_o obtainment_n of_o liberty_n be_v once_o impose_v or_o so_o much_o as_o propose_v by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o nonconformity_n be_v full_o free_o and_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o honourable_a person_n before_o who_o he_o be_v convene_v acceptable_o declare_v and_o the_o occasion_n yea_o formality_n of_o which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n and_o profession_n of_o principle_n he_o ever_o state_v in_o his_o late_a contest_v for_o reformation_n i_o wonder_v to_o find_v some_o serious_a christian_n scandalize_v at_o mr._n crofton_n attendance_n on_o god_n solemn_a public_a worship_n celebrate_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n and_o to_o hear_v man_n censure_v he_o for_o the_o same_o as_o if_o defective_a and_o a_o apostate_n from_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v with_o so_o much_o viâ—our_n i_o must_v tell_v the_o reader_n such_o as_o sate_v under_o his_o ministry_n can_v but_o know_v and_o witness_n he_o ever_o adjudge_v against_o separation_n in_o his_o most_o earnest_a persuade_v or_o endeavour_n for_o reformation_n he_o always_o dissuade_v non-communion_n of_o member_n as_o nonconformity_n of_o minister_n and_o do_v constant_o and_o convince_o affirm_v that_o ministerial_a disorder_n and_o corrupt_v appendent_o in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o personal_a absence_n or_o non-attendents_a on_o the_o same_o he_o ever_o conclude_v guilt_n on_o the_o church_n collective_a by_o these_o disorder_n and_o corruption_n which_o do_v not_o stain_v individual_n look_v to_o their_o own_o personal_a act_n in_o their_o necessary_a attendance_n on_o god_n ordinance_n very_o we_o must_v say_v mr._n crofton_n in_o prison_n do_v only_o practise_v what_o he_o preach_v whilst_o at_o liberty_n such_o be_v mr._n croftons_n care_n and_o condition_n in_o his_o late_a contest_v for_o reformation_n not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o advocate_n for_o separation_n or_o a_o approver_n of_o non-communion_n much_o less_o a_o martyr_n for_o they_o that_o in_o his_o late_a writing_n he_o profess_v his_o judgement_n and_o resolution_n against_o they_o in_o his_o analepsis_n or_o st._n peter_n bond_n abide_v thou_o have_v he_o thus_o profess_v i_o protest_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v the_o establishment_n in_o the_o church_n though_o never_o so_o corrupt_a whilst_o consistent_a with_o salvation_n though_o it_o may_v occasion_v to_o i_o suffering_n and_o the_o suspense_n of_o my_o ministry_n by_o god_n grace_n it_o shall_v not_o effect_v in_o i_o or_o such_o on_o who_o i_o have_v influence_n schism_n from_o the_o church_n in_o his_o analepsis_n anaelephthe_n or_o the_o fasten_n of_o st._n peter_n bond_n he_o avow_v this_o reformation_n can_v justify_v the_o separation_n for_o that_o the_o corruption_n establish_v be_v never_o make_v such_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o make_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n the_o sober_a zealous_a nonconformist_n who_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o these_o corruption_n and_o for_o this_o reformation_n be_v grieve_v by_o and_o great_o contend_v against_o the_o separation_n as_o that_o which_o be_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n yea_o like_a jesus_n christ_n their_o master_n they_o keep_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n who_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v in_o much_o need_n of_o reformation_n yea_o and_o they_o teach_v man_n so_o to_o do_v and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o mr._n firmius_n liturgical_a considerator_n consider_v in_o which_o he_o apologise_v for_o minister_n not_o read_v not_o for_o member_n not_o learning_n the_o common_a prayer_n book_n he_o tell_v we_o express_o his_o judgement_n and_o resolution_n in_o these_o express_a word_n i_o be_o so_o much_o affect_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n that_o i_o have_v of_o late_o preach_v what_o god_n assist_v i_o resolve_v to_o practice_v viz._n many_o and_o great_a corruption_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v to_o be_v grieve_v for_o patient_o and_o groan_v under_o before_o schism_n be_v consent_v unto_o and_o separation_n consult_v provide_v nevertheless_o i_o be_v passive_a not_o active_a i_o can_v keep_v communion_n under_o that_o form_n of_o worship_n whereby_o i_o can_v administer_v and_o hearty_o say_v amen_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o petitian_n which_o be_v put_v up_o in_o a_o order_n so_o confuse_v preposterous_a and_o indigested_a that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v so_o much_o below_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o mouth_n i_o must_v be_v the_o seriousness_n of_o the_o office_n whereby_o i_o minister_v the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o be_o to_o perform_v and_o the_o sacred_a nature_n of_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o be_v present_v that_o i_o dare_v not_o stand_v between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n in_o the_o same_o let_v these_o passage_n and_o the_o like_a in_o his_o late_a writing_n be_v observe_v as_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n and_o let_v malice_n itself_o read_v in_o his_o practice_n the_o least_o contradiction_n to_o his_o cause_n or_o principle_n or_o defection_n from_o the_o same_o or_o not_o read_v with_o half_a a_o eye_n a_o exact_a conformity_n to_o himself_o and_o clear_a obedience_n to_o his_o judgement_n in_o a_o nonconforming_a communion_n good_a reader_n be_v please_v to_o observe_v that_o mr._n crofton_n attendance_n on_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o tower_n and_o in_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n order_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o result_n of_o his_o restraint_n and_o effect_n of_o temptation_n or_o any_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o his_o release_n that_o his_o judgement_n be_v ever_o for_o it_o he_o never_o do_v conceive_v that_o order_n though_o to_o be_v correct_v a_o moral_a sufficient_a bar_n to_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o the_o very_a first_o day_n he_o come_v in_o prisoner_n he_o do_v desire_n of_o the_o lieutenant_n the_o liberty_n of_o go_v to_o church_n and_o not_o obtain_v it_o he_o do_v demand_v it_o the_o next_o day_n from_o his_o gaoler_n he_o do_v many_o time_n petition_v for_o the_o same_o and_o solicit_v the_o obtainment_n thereof_o many_o month_n before_o he_o do_v obtain_v it_o nay_o i_o must_v further_o acquaint_v thou_o it_o be_v now_o near_o upon_o a_o complete_a year_n since_o mr._n crofton_n it_o be_v rumour_v that_o he_o go_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o tower_n and_o he_o hear_v common_a prayer_n do_v write_v a_o full_a apology_n and_o defence_n of_o his_o practice_n which_o be_v then_o but_o in_o the_o view_n in_o that_o case_n this_o apology_n pass_v through_o my_o hand_n to_o many_o good_a people_n and_o minister_n who_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o convince_v the_o same_o
father_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o start_v from_o or_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o see_v he_o schism_n i_o grant_v may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v sinful_a and_o sad_a but_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o subvert_v to_o salvation_n unfitting_a contention_n may_v arise_v between_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n 15.39_o acts._n 15.39_o unto_o a_o undue_a heat_n concern_v society_n with_o a_o defective_a brother_n insomuch_o that_o they_o may_v part_v asunder_o the_o one_o pass_v to_o cyprus_n the_o other_o to_o gilicia_n anâ—_n yet_o both_o may_v meet_v in_o heaven_n but_o barnabas_n and_o peter_n contrariety_n to_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o slavish_a compliance_n with_o the_o circumcision_n be_v to_o be_v contradict_v by_o a_o zealous_a paul_n as_o destructive_a to_o salvation_n 14._o gal._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o i_o withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n for_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v because_o he_o walk_v not_o upright_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n hooper_n &_o ridley_n may_v with_o two_o much_o heat_n expostulate_v the_o retain_v popish_a rite_n &_o ceremony_n appendant_a to_o religion_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n &_o yet_o agree_v in_o the_o strait_n and_o fiery_a pssage_n to_o heaven_n but_o saunders_n can_v in_o charity_n hope_v in_o heaven_n to_o meet_v pendleton_n turn_v back_o upon_o the_o truth_n or_o grinwald_n who_o will_v not_o pledge_v he_o in_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n foâ—_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o desire_v to_o have_v charity_n towards_o all_o man_n but_o charity_n must_v operate_v in_o due_a &_o proper_a act_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n the_o charity_n which_o commend_v countenance_v &_o conclude_v certainty_n of_o life_n unto_o the_o many_o night-wanderer_n out_o of_o heaven_n way_n in_o the_o bypath_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o humour_n unto_o the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o cast_v off_o god_n ordinance_n and_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o foolish_a pity_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n order_n for_o man_n salvation_n such_o as_o make_v many_o and_o contrary_a way_n to_o heaven_n may_v make_v a_o noise_n and_o profession_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v in_o the_o end_n find_v themselves_o mistake_v and_o other_o by_o they_o misguide_v unto_o the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n unto_o which_o there_o be_v but_o a_o gate_n a_o way_n one_o single_a gate_n and_o straight_a way_n not_o to_o be_v decline_v it_o be_v indeed_o true_a the_o heavenly_a city_n be_v say_v to_o have_v twelve_o gate_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v this_o city_n be_v the_o end_n not_o gate_n of_o the_o christian_n journey_n the_o city_n of_o life_n to_o which_o the_o narrow_a way_n do_v lead_v and_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o these_o gate_n be_v metaphorical_o mention_v to_o amplify_v the_o glory_n thereof_o man_n dignity_n be_v ample_a and_o abundant_a free_a and_o full_a but_o man_n duty_n be_v auxious_a and_o afflict_a strait_a and_o narrow_a all_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o city_n with_o 12._o open_a gate_n must_v enter_v at_o the_o one_o straight_a gate_n and_o travel_v in_o the_o one_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v thereunto_o such_o as_o walk_v at_o large_a in_o sight_n of_o heaven_n will_v find_v themselves_o lock_v out_o of_o this_o glorious_a palace_n when_o their_o past_a profession_n of_o christ_n will_v make_v they_o think_v it_o hard_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o subject_a or_o thing_n speak_v of_o viz._n the_o mean_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o gate_n the_o way_n to_o life_n i_o must_v now_o pass_v unto_o the_o predicate_a or_o thing_n speak_v of_o this_o gate_n and_o way_n predicate_a the_o predicate_a and_o that_o be_v it_o be_v straight_o and_o narrow_a this_o predicate_v do_v declare_v the_o property_n of_o the_o passage_n unto_o glory_n it_o be_v straight_o &_o narrow_a or_o as_o some_o straight_o &_o low_a close_a &_o little_a as_o other_o or_o serious_a &_o sorrowful_a say_v other_o it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o make_v knwon_a the_o difficulty_n &_o danger_n which_o do_v attend_v traveler_n in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n &_o happiness_n as_o a_o strait_a gate_n can_v be_v enter_v with_o ease_n nor_o without_o stoop_v and_o many_o time_n strip_v a_o man_n self_n of_o all_o thing_n superfluous_a and_o many_o time_n many_o thing_n necessary_a nor_o can_v man_n walk_v in_o a_o narrow_a way_n with_o any_o great_a pleasure_n or_o freedom_n no_o not_o without_o strive_v and_o press_v many_o time_n to_o the_o pinch_a of_o their_o body_n and_o perplex_v their_o mind_n how_o to_o pass_v forward_o and_o make_v their_o way_n through_o unto_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o desire_a end_n and_o a_o arrival_n at_o their_o intend_a place_n of_o life_n and_o rest_n such_o be_v man_n estate_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o obtainment_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o entrance_n into_o and_o walk_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n heaven_n be_v not_o have_v with_o so_o much_o ease_n as_o most_o man_n imagine_v and_o the_o light_a negligent_a carriage_n of_o too_o many_o christian_n give_v man_n cause_n to_o think_v religion_n be_v not_o a_o business_n of_o such_o facility_n to_o follow_v and_o maintain_v as_o many_o dream_n and_o suppose_v a_o christian_n conversation_n be_v not_o so_o smooth_a and_o current_a as_o many_o do_v conceive_v oh_o no_o the_o gate_n of_o righteousness_n be_v more_o straight_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v moâ—e_n narrow_a such_o who_o will_v enter_v it_o must_v strip_v themselves_o of_o all_o superfluity_n of_o sin_n and_o worldly_a substance_n they_o must_v east_n off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o a_o l_o that_o sin_n which_o compass_v then_o about_o 12.1_o heb._n 12.1_o and_o cast_v abroad_o their_o worldly_a comfort_n be_v read_v to_o distribute_v 19_o 1_o tim._n 6.17_o 18_o 19_o willing_a to_o communicate_v sell_v that_o which_o they_o have_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o poor_a sometime_o the_o passage_n may_v be_v so_o straight_o that_o they_o must_v strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o very_a necessary_n land_n live_n friend_n house_n brethren_n sister_n wife_n child_n and_o life_n itself_o without_o which_o they_o can_v praise_v god_n nor_o pâ—ess_n in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n lie_v dead_a in_o the_o way_n by_o press_v for_o motion_n and_o progress_n in_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n be_v many_o time_n the_o event_n of_o the_o saint_n labour_n and_o their_o actual_a formal_a entrance_n into_o the_o city_n of_o life_n nor_o do_v the_o straitness_n of_o this_o gate_n or_o narrowness_n of_o this_o way_n call_v for_o and_o more_o necessitate_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v thus_o strip_v then_o that_o when_o thus_o it_o do_v also_o stâ—op_v bow_v down_o bend_v unto_o the_o very_a dust_n and_o creep_v on_o its_o very_a belly_n the_o will_n must_v be_v subdue_v unto_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n will_v in_o do_v in_o suffer_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v be_v the_o child_n only_a cry_n and_o in_o heaven_n way_n we_o must_v become_v child_n 55.7_o isai_n 55.7_o little_a child_n man_n reason_n must_v be_v resign_v up_o to_o divine_a revelation_n the_o wicked_a man_n must_v forsake_v his_o own_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o way_n naaman_n proud_a heart_n must_v stoop_v to_o the_o prophet_n counsel_n and_o wash_v in_o jordan_n or_o he_o must_v not_o lose_v his_o leprosy_n god_n word_n must_v cast_v down_o every_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n which_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 10.5_o 2_o cor._n 10.5_o and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n whosoever_o will_v walk_v with_o god_n must_v walk_v humble_o with_o god_n christian_n in_o heaven_n way_n must_v like_o christ_n stoop_v at_o god_n will_v under_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n bow_v down_o under_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o oppressor_n and_o let_v the_o wicked_a pass_n over_o they_o they_o must_v sometime_o give_v their_o back_n to_o the_o smiter_n and_o their_o cheek_n to_o they_o who_o pluck_v off_o the_o hair_n 50.6_o isai_n 50.6_o they_o must_v not_o hide_v their_o face_n from_o shame_n and_o spit_v they_o must_v in_o many_o perplexity_n pass_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n heaven_n way_n be_v not_o high_a enough_o for_o sinful_a man_n to_o stand_v upright_o in_o they_o must_v proceed_v with_o pain_n and_o grief_n affliction_n and_o anxiety_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n this_o gate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v straight_o and_o this_o way_n narrow_a in_o many_o respect_n or_o for_o many_o
discern_v the_o truth_n that_o you_o may_v embrace_v it_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o you_o shall_v easy_o believe_v lie_n the_o caution_n in_o scripture_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o man_n who_o cast_v off_o distinction_n take_v heed_n what_o you_o hear_v beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o like_a be_v insignificant_a direction_n to_o man_n of_o no_o distinction_n the_o neglect_n of_o distinction_n will_v make_v peter_n a_o sinful_a conformist_n as_o well_o as_o those_o point_a at_o in_o heb._n 10_o 25._o be_v sinful_a non-communicants_a there_o be_v no_o estate_n in_o which_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o on_o both_o hand_n bound_v with_o sin_n be_v we_o prosperous_a it_o be_v a_o narrow_a point_n to_o receive_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n to_o use_v they_o humble_o and_o with_o sobriety_n not_o unto_o pride_n and_o tyranny_n security_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o the_o cast_n off_o god_n or_o contempt_n of_o our_o brethren_n with_o discretion_n to_o esteem_v enjoy_v and_o use_v they_o as_o god_n good_a blessing_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o abuse_v they_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o sensual_a lust_n and_o the_o entangle_v of_o our_o soul_n in_o sin_n how_o hard_o do_v we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o affliction_n and_o distress_n to_o shun_v sinful_a senseless_a apathy_n stoical_a stupidity_n and_o impatient_a anxiety_n pierce_v grief_n or_o fear_n heart-perplexing_a god-provoking_a care_n and_o complaint_n not_o to_o lay_v aside_o nor_o let_v our_o natural_a passion_n break_v out_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o sobriety_n reason_n or_o religion_n to_o fear_v without_o fret_a discern_v danger_n without_o diffidence_n to_o be_v angry_a without_o envy_n to_o grieve_v without_o grudge_v to_o mourn_v without_o murmur_v to_o be_v strike_v and_o smite_v of_o god_n afflict_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o lie_v in_o silence_n without_o repine_v or_o charge_v god_n foolish_o or_o charge_v piety_n to_o be_v perplex_v folly_n but_o to_o lay_v our_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n under_o our_o oppressed_a innocency_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v it_o to_o be_v revile_v of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o revile_v again_o to_o be_v oppress_v and_o persecute_v yet_o free_a from_o revenge_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o who_o despiteful_o use_v we_o be_v a_o lesson_n not_o easy_o learn_v true_o friend_n my_o experience_n have_v find_v it_o a_o strait_a gate_n a_o narrow_a way_n to_o retain_v quick_a and_o lively_a sense_n under_o the_o restraint_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o fear_n and_o grieve_v and_o yet_o not_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o man_n or_o forget_v god_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v apathy_n in_o affliction_n be_v manifest_a prophanesse_n 42.25_o isa_n 42.25_o and_o impatiency_n be_v no_o less_o than_o impious_a god_n aggravate_v israel_n prophanesse_n by_o their_o stupidity_n and_o shameful_a apathy_n 5.3_o jer._n 5.3_o when_o he_o set_v they_o on_o fire_n round_o about_o they_o know_v it_o nâ—t_o it_o burn_v they_o and_o they_o lay_v it_o not_o to_o heart_n 14._o isa_n 22.12_o 13_o 14._o he_o observe_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o insensibility_n under_o his_o hand_n he_o complain_v of_o they_o as_o impudent_o impious_a because_o when_o they_o be_v strike_v they_o do_v not_o grieve_v he_o charge_v it_o as_o a_o inniquity_n indelible_a to_o be_v merry_a and_o jovial_a in_o feast_n and_o full_a expression_n of_o joy_n when_o his_o providence_n and_o their_o perplex_v state_n do_v call_v for_o weep_v and_o mourn_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o rebuke_v excess_n of_o passion_n as_o no_o less_o profane_a 13._o isa_n 15.12_o 13._o who_o be_v thou_o that_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o oppressor_n and_o forgete_v the_o lord_n thy_o maker_n not_o to_o fear_n be_v inhuman_a to_o fear_v without_o faith_n be_v unchristian_a not_o to_o care_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o care_v unto_o vexation_n diffidence_n concern_v future_a event_n be_v contrary_a to_o true_a religion_n not_o to_o mourn_v in_o misery_n be_v incongruous_a to_o man_n subject_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o mourn_v as_o without_o hope_n be_v incongruous_a to_o christians_n in_o who_o reason_n be_v rectify_v and_o direct_v to_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a change_n the_o nature_n of_o patience_n do_v charge_n sin_n on_o both_o extreme_n it_o presuppose_v it_o preserve_v passion_n existent_a whilst_o it_o abound_v restrain_v regulate_v the_o same_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o passion_n of_o job_n i_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o patience_n and_o meekness_n of_o malefactor_n who_o suffer_v the_o utmost_a sorrow_n under_o the_o great_a most_o manifest_a gild_n without_o the_o least_o of_o grief_n or_o fear_v commotion_n of_o mind_n or_o perplex_v apprehension_n yea_o under_o the_o great_a ostentation_n of_o joy_n &_o peace_n be_v cannonize_v by_o their_o friend_n for_o martyr_n on_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n which_o to_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o its_o martyr_n they_o call_v christian_a courage_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o they_o who_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n believe_v in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o see_v be_v in_o heavinese_n under_o all_o kind_n of_o grief_n through_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o they_o who_o trust_v in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o have_v deliver_v and_o will_v deliver_v be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o passion_n press_v out_o of_o measure_n and_o above_o their_o strength_n a_o due_a deportment_n in_o every_o condition_n as_o man_n and_o christian_n be_v a_o narrow_a strait_n a_o estate_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n the_o same_o bound_n and_o strait_a limit_n attend_v our_o relation_n and_o the_o duty_n thereof_o how_o hard_o for_o subject_n as_o sincere_a david_n to_o retain_v loyalty_n and_o affection_n towards_o oppress_v persecute_v prince_n how_o hard_o for_o servant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o master_n not_o only_o the_o meek_a and_o gentle_a but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a to_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o patient_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o this_o straitness_n attend_v our_o whole_a conversation_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o common_a as_o christian_n to_o continue_v communion_n with_o christ_n church_n under_o many_o and_o great_a corruption_n and_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o and_o conform_v unto_o sinful_a imposition_n not_o to_o leave_v god_n ordinance_n when_o make_v grievious_a to_o the_o soul_n by_o humane_a appendant_o and_o disorder_n not_o to_o cease_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o profaneness_n and_o violent_a disorder_n of_o the_o son_n of_o elie_n make_v they_o loathe_v the_o same_o to_o hear_v they_o who_o say_v but_o do_v not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v in_o moses_n chair_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharise_n be_v bind_v to_o hear_v they_o who_o ordinary_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v to_o retain_v church_n unity_n under_o its_o impurity_n and_o attend_v gospel-ministry_n in_o profane_a subject_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o reformation_n without_o run_v into_o or_o strike_v hand_n with_o separation_n be_v hic_fw-la labour_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la to_o religious_a heart_n who_o walk_v upright_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o strait_a gate_n a_o narrow_a way_n a_o narrow_a crisis_n and_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v decline_v without_o danger_n sin_n lie_v on_o both_o hand_n by_o defect_n or_o excess_n to_o destroy_v we_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v apparent_o strait_a and_o narrow_a because_o thus_o bound_v and_o terminate_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n do_v declare_v it_o so_o to_o be_v in_o this_o sermon_n our_o saviour_n do_v direct_v exact_a obedience_n into_o a_o narrow_a crisis_n and_o place_n perfection_n in_o a_o strait_a punctilio_fw-la the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o sermon_n be_v to_o show_v the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o way_n of_o life_n the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v break_v down_o to_o the_o facilitate_v of_o their_o passage_n to_o heaven_n his_o most_o please_a preface_n propound_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n mourning_n meekness_n purity_n and_o persecution_n and_o the_o like_o perplex_v property_n as_o condition_n of_o the_o beatitude_n he_o do_v declare_v his_o direction_n unto_o duty_n begin_v with_o a_o determination_n of_o dread_n he_o that_o break_v the_o least_o of_o these_o commandment_n shall_v be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o terminate_v duty_n by_o a_o clear_a exposition_n of_o the_o law_n he_o place_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n in_o a_o little_a narrow_a
be_v better_o than_o one_o if_o one_o fall_v the_o other_o will_v lift_v up_o go_v therefore_o in_o company_n towards_o heaven_n it_o be_v god_n direction_n that_o we_o shall_v assemble_v ourselves_o and_o go_v in_o troop_n to_o his_o sanctuary_n and_o call_v upon_o one_o another_o to_o go_v up_o to_o zion_n christian_a soul_n stand_v charge_v with_o one_o another_o it_o be_v a_o say_n beseem_v a_o curse_a cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n gospel_n counsel_n be_v that_o christian_n consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n that_o they_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_o lest_o any_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o any_o be_v overtake_v with_o a_o fault_n he_o be_v restore_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v few_o who_o walk_v in_o heaven_n way_n and_o find_v out_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_o indeed_o that_o we_o stand_v or_o go_v alone_o in_o the_o perplex_v path_n of_o life_n say_v therefore_o as_o david_n i_o be_o a_o companion_n for_o they_o who_o fear_n god_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o your_o company_n be_v sure_a you_o look_v to_o two_o thing_n keep_v in_o god_n true_a church_n and_o under_o god_n true_a minister_n these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a conduct_n unto_o glory_n the_o very_a ship_n and_o pilot_n which_o convey_v we_o unto_o life_n by_o and_o unto_o these_o be_v dispense_v the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n union_n with_o and_o subjection_n unto_o these_o be_v our_o security_n in_o all_o strait_n and_o propriety_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n god_n have_v promise_v nothing_o to_o individual_a person_n but_o all_o â—hings_n to_o and_o for_o his_o church_n and_o so_o to_o the_o son_n of_o zion_n as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n non-continuance_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v in_o gospel_n language_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a be_v increase_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v most_o certain_o destructive_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o christ_n church_n be_v the_o severe_a doom_n on_o this_o side_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o great_a and_o sad_a sin_n that_o can_v be_v on_o this_o side_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v equal_o in_o danger_n who_o throw_v themselves_o and_o who_o be_v throw_v overboard_o by_o other_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o know_v how_o to_o differ_v the_o estate_n more_o than_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o of_o a_o self-excommunicate_a and_o a_o excommunicate_a by_o the_o church_n god_n ordinary_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o grace_n be_v confine_v to_o his_o church_n catholic_n visible_a for_o of_o the_o invisible_a these_o thing_n can_v be_v predicate_v and_o therefore_o ex_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la nulla_fw-la salus_fw-la all_o man_n of_o all_o opinion_n concern_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o church_n constitute_v of_o old_a or_o gather_v of_o late_o oppose_v they_o elf_n and_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o world_n call_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n into_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o ever_o they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v and_o cast_v into_o the_o world_n and_o so_o unto_o satan_n the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n whosoever_o they_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v backslide_v and_o be_v defile_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n may_v be_v careless_a and_o negligent_a yea_o profane_a proud_a and_o persecute_v the_o sheep_n may_v be_v not_o only_o not_o look_v after_o but_o drive_v and_o violent_o scatter_v on_o god_n mountain_n their_o water_n may_v be_v pudle_v and_o their_o pasture_n tread_v down_o god_n worship_n may_v be_v defile_v by_o corrupt_a appendant_o and_o so_o his_o ordinance_n may_v be_v disorderly_o administer_v and_o his_o word_n may_v be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_v by_o man_n tradition_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n may_v be_v turn_v against_o those_o who_o follow_v christ_n and_o these_o evil_n be_v not_o only_o provoke_v unto_o god_n jealousy_n but_o also_o a_o sad_a omen_n of_o his_o departure_n and_o the_o church_n approach_v devastation_n and_o dissolution_n but_o yet_o whilst_o they_o continue_v real_o a_o church_n and_o relative_o his_o church_n and_o retain_v his_o substantial_a essential_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n and_o he_o continue_v his_o own_o ministry_n and_o presence_n though_o his_o provoke_v reprove_v presence_n depart_v expostulate_v presence_n those_o that_o fear_v his_o name_n and_o mourn_v for_o the_o abomination_n they_o can_v mend_v must_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o despise_v or_o neglect_v his_o ordinance_n or_o decline_v his_o public_a solemn_a worship_n when_o the_o son_n of_o ely_n by_o their_o profaneness_n and_o the_o violent_a disorder_n of_o their_o ministration_n cause_v the_o people_n to_o loathe_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o find_v not_o that_o any_o do_v leave_v off_o or_o forbear_v to_o bring_v they_o and_o when_o the_o image_n of_o jealousy_n be_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o bring_v god_n to_o the_o threshold_n ready_a to_o depart_v i_o find_v not_o that_o the_o people_n flee_v from_o it_o christian_n we_o must_v follow_v not_o go_v before_o god_n when_o he_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n than_o we_o may_v seek_v light_a elsewhere_o but_o if_o his_o ordinance_n abide_v he_o though_o by_o dim_a and_o dark_a light_n they_o be_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o we_o must_v hear_v they_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o understand_v by_o that_o caution_n beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n hear_v they_o not_o for_o they_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n i_o can_v but_o commend_v to_o your_o ferious_a consideration_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o man_n who_o do_v fear_n god_n and_o god_n answer_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o case_n of_o disorder_n in_o and_o defection_n from_o the_o true_a church_n it_o be_v in_o cant._n 1.7_o 8._o tell_v i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v thy_o flock_n where_o thou_o make_v they_o to_o rest_v at_o noon_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o turn_v aside_o by_o the_o flock_n of_o thy_o companion_n if_o thou_o know_v nâ—t_o o_o thou_o fair_a among_o woman_n go_v thy_o way_n forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v thy_o kid_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n the_o man_n who_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o to_o find_v and_o determine_v the_o assembly_n in_o which_o god_n gracious_a presence_n may_v be_v enjoy_v they_o be_v afraid_a of_o fall_v into_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n companion_n who_o be_v separate_v assembly_n gather_v self-constituted_n assembly_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n with_o his_o own_o ordinance_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n but_o by_o a_o self-consecrated_n ministry_n in_o self_n determine_v place_n and_o so_o defective_a in_o the_o essential_a form_n and_o for_o their_o profession_n and_o pretence_n of_o relation_n to_o christ_n call_v his_o companion_n in_o this_o straight_o they_o serious_o inquire_v and_o pray_v god_n for_o direction_n what_o to_o do_v and_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v and_o he_o direct_v they_o by_o two_o mark_n as_o standing_z and_o infallible_a sign_n by_o which_o to_o steer_v their_o course_n the_o footstep_n of_o his_o flock_n the_o solemn_a celebration_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n the_o regular_a existency_n of_o his_o minister_n by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o appointment_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o note_v unto_o you_o some_o observation_n of_o a_o author_n who_o name_n have_v more_o acceptance_n and_o authority_n with_o many_o among_o you_o then_o what_o i_o can_v say_v he_o refer_v this_o scripture_n historical_o to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o fear_v god_n under_o jerobohams_n schism_n and_o rebellion_n and_o when_o judah_n be_v defile_v with_o solomon_n high-place_n and_o idolatry_n and_o infer_v a_o church_n be_v black_a its_o deformity_n stand_v in_o the_o fall_n cotton_n cotton_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o prince_n in_o their_o folly_n decline_v to_o idolatry_n in_o their_o schism_n and_o rent_n from_o their_o mother_n in_o their_o profaneness_n apostasy_n and_o rebellion_n in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n he_o observe_v there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a comely_a church_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o deformity_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n may_v make_v the_o church_n black_a but_o can_v take_v away_o her_o comeliness_n run_v we_o not_o therefore_o from_o the_o church_n because_o of_o her_o blackness_n but_o run_v to_o she_o and_o embrace_v she_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o defection_n this_o teach_v the_o child_n
of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n for_o corruption_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o who_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o church_n as_o some_o of_o the_o separation_n be_v and_o do_v depart_v from_o we_o what_o and_o if_o some_o cast_n off_o england_n shall_v we_o reject_v she_o because_o some_o of_o the_o son_n of_o her_o mother_n do_v so_o here_o be_v show_v two_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o footstep_n of_o his_o flock_n assembly_n of_o god_n people_n to_o his_o true_a ordinance_n and_o his_o own_o minister_n thus_o far_o and_o in_o these_o word_n do_v this_o reverend_a author_n though_o afterward_o a_o great_a countenancer_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o here_o condemn_v this_o i_o say_v christian_n it_o may_v sound_v harsh_a in_o your_o ear_n but_o you_o must_v let_v it_o sink_v into_o your_o heart_n the_o church_n defile_v and_o disorder_v must_v not_o be_v despise_v or_o decline_v the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n uncomfortable_o unprofitable_o administer_v yea_o with_o some_o superfluous_a appendant_o must_v not_o be_v disow_v or_o determine_a evil_n but_o embrace_v and_o attend_v as_o his_o worship_n the_o crisis_n of_o piety_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o maintain_v our_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o his_o own_o ordinance_n dispense_v in_o a_o mode_n grievous_a yea_o loathsome_a to_o our_o soul_n continue_v our_o communion_n when_o we_o mourn_v for_o what_o we_o can_v mend_v observe_v it_o christ_n ministry_n be_v most_o vehement_o convince_o enraging_o invective_n against_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n profane_a and_o superstitious_a life_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o her_o priest_n and_o teacher_n yet_o he_o continue_v communion_n with_o she_o and_o appear_v a_o advocate_n for_o she_o against_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n self-gathered_n constitute_v church_n we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n so_o long_o as_o god_n ordinance_n be_v salvable_o dispense_v take_v heed_n to_o your_o own_o personal_a action_n in_o any_o impose_v or_o direct_v evil_n and_o disorder_n mourn_v over_o the_o imposition_n and_o administration_n which_o may_v extend_v a_o guilt_n on_o the_o church_n collective_o but_o disow_v not_o the_o church_n despise_v not_o the_o ministry_n decline_v not_o the_o worship_n whilst_o they_o exist_v the_o lord_n look_v to_o it_o that_o your_o zeal_n to_o purity_n break_v not_o unity_n and_o your_o loathe_n humane_a invention_n make_v you_o not_o leave_v god_n institution_n you_o be_v christ_n sheep_n as_o you_o will_v be_v lead_v be_v look_v after_o by_o the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o your_o soul_n see_v to_o it_o that_o you_o leap_v not_o out_o of_o his_o fold_n you_o may_v have_v your_o water_n pudle_v your_o pasture_n tread_v the_o proud_a of_o the_o flock_n to_o push_v you_o with_o horn_n and_o with_o hoof_n your_o pastor_n may_v rule_v you_o with_o pride_n and_o with_o cruelty_n lording_n it_o over_o god_n heritage_n and_o you_o they_o be_v careless_a of_o you_o may_v be_v disperse_v but_o i_o beseech_v you_o when_o the_o great_a shepherd_n shall_v come_v to_o judge_v between_o sheep_n and_o sheep_n between_o you_o and_o your_o shepherd_n let_v he_o find_v you_o on_o the_o mountain_n of_o israel_n 34._o ezek._n 34._o though_o scatter_v and_o afflict_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n under_o corruption_n may_v not_o be_v very_o comfortable_a but_o be_v assure_v it_o shall_v be_v safe_a reformation_n must_v be_v mournful_o endeavour_v but_o separation_n will_v never_o effect_v it_o it_o will_v for_o ever_o hinder_v supplant_v subvert_v it_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o my_o determination_n be_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o seek_v purity_n of_o ordinance_n in_o union_n with_o the_o church_n and_o by_o non_fw-fr conform_v communion_n to_o witness_v against_o and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v disorder_n and_o corruption_n go_v continual_o arm_v your_o course_n of_o piety_n be_v a_o constant_a help_v 8_o militation_n be_v then_o wary_a soldier_n be_v arm_v cap-a-pe_a take_v unto_o you_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n have_v your_o loin_n gird_v with_o verity_n principle_n of_o truth_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n your_o breast_n guard_v with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n 6.12_o ephes_n 6.12_o integrity_n of_o heart_n your_o head_n cover_v with_o the_o helmet_n of_o hope_n which_o will_v under_o the_o great_a billow_n and_o most_o roar_a wave_n hold_v your_o head_n above_o the_o water_n have_v your_o foot_n shod_a with_o patience_n the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n in_o every_o step_n you_o set_v you_o have_v sharp_a shell_n heart-peircing_a passion-provoking_a cross_n loss_n distress_n and_o affliction_n you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n that_o when_o you_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v inherit_v the_o promise_n you_o can_v without_o patience_n continue_v in_o well_o do_v unto_o the_o obtainment_n of_o the_o glory_n honour_n immortality_n 2.27_o rom._n 2.27_o and_o eternal_a life_n which_o you_o do_v seek_v take_v with_o you_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n declare_v will_n for_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o god_n glorious_a property_n and_o gracious_a promise_n those_o will_v quench_v the_o most_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n take_v unto_o you_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o cut_v down_o your_o way_n kill_v your_o lust_n the_o world_n allurement_n and_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n thus_o arm_v stand_v fast_o in_o your_o christian_a resolution_n but_o move_v forward_o advance_v in_o your_o christian_a conversation_n and_o you_o shall_v with_o ease_n encounter_n and_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n for_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v lead_v our_o enemy_n captive_a and_o look_v that_o we_o defend_v our_o own_o soul_n against_o the_o subtle_a malicious_a stroke_n of_o a_o subdue_v though_o our_o swear_a enemy_n guess_v your_o way_n by_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o lord_n help_v 9_o have_v condescend_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n grace_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o it_o be_v free_o make_v for_o we_o have_v no_o obligation_n on_o god_n justice_n or_o power_n to_o constrain_v or_o exact_v it_o grace_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n you_o shall_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n my_o spirit_n shall_v be_v in_o your_o heart_n grace_n be_v the_o form_n of_o it_o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n on_o your_o heart_n i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o you_o shall_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n my_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o you_o grace_n be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o our_o sanctification_n here_o and_o our_o salvation_n hereafter_o and_o the_o mean_n necessary_a unto_o both_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o obtainment_n and_o our_o pursuit_n of_o they_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o contract_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o compendium_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n be_v mediator_n the_o minister_n be_v dispenser_n ordinance_n be_v the_o dispensation_n faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n grace_n and_o glory_n with_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o everlasting_a covenant_n this_o covenant_n like_o a_o compass_n point_n at_o all_o part_n of_o heaven_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wide_a ocean_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o sight_n of_o any_o land_n to_o guide_v we_o we_o may_v steer_v by_o this_o compass_n to_o our_o desire_a haven_n when_o we_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o danger_n between_o the_o narrow_a creek_n and_o strait_a passage_n of_o sylla_n and_o charybdis_n this_o covenant_n be_v a_o light_n a_o lantern_n at_o land_n to_o guide_v we_o unto_o that_o nick_n and_o narrow_a point_n which_o will_v secure_v we_o christian_n the_o comfort_n of_o this_o covenat_n be_v not_o know_v till_o be_v shut_v up_o from_o man_n seclude_v from_o ordinance_n and_o under_o the_o want_n of_o all_o mean_n it_o may_v be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o bible_n you_o begin_v to_o reflect_v your_o relation_n to_o god_n god_n dispensation_n of_o grace_n to_o man_n and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o indenture_n and_o charter_n which_o do_v secure_a declare_v and_o direct_a both_o this_o covenant_n will_v dissolve_v our_o doubt_n direct_v our_o duty_n and_o dictate_v our_o comfort_n in_o all_o strait_n in_o all_o condition_n this_o and_o that_o i_o must_v do_v or_o not_o do_v this_o and_o that_o i_o must_v expect_v or_o not_o expect_v this_o be_v or_o that_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n will_v be_v easy_o infer_v by_o he_o who_o be_v interest_v in_o and_o understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n by_o this_o when_o i_o a_o poor_a gentile_n consider_v abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o i_o and_o jacob_n know_v i_o not_o can_v yet_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n by_o this_o when_o i_o be_o in_o the_o furnace_n i_o can_v cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o apprehend_v he_o answer_v i_o my_o people_n i_o can_v understand_v by_o this_o the_o word_n which_o speak_v unto_o we_o as_o child_n say_v my_o son_n despise_v not_o the_o chasten_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o hereby_o know_v correction_n paternal_a castigation_n to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o affection_n from_o god_n and_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o so_o when_o i_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n i_o can_v trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v myself_o upon_o my_o god_n faithful_a in_o covenant_n who_o will_v not_o fail_v i_o i_o hereby_o discern_v sin_n and_o detect_v error_n to_o be_v eschew_v discover_v truth_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v embrace_v and_o pursue_v in_o a_o word_n what_o the_o word_n do_v more_o ample_o and_o abundant_o declare_v when_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n to_o use_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v suggest_v and_o from_o thence_o i_o may_v infer_v it_o for_o my_o comfort_n and_o guidance_n when_o restrain_v the_o good_a therein_o promise_v i_o may_v bold_o challenge_v the_o evil_a thereunto_o repugnant_a i_o must_v rejct_v the_o truth_n and_o duty_n thereby_o dictate_v i_o must_v receive_v and_o do_v you_o look_v for_o experience_n and_o i_o tell_v you_o this_o in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o my_o heart_n in_o my_o late_a condition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v my_o great_a comfort_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v my_o council_n i_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o unintere_v in_o or_o estrange_v unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n go_v you_o and_o do_v likewise_o if_o you_o be_v confound_v in_o your_o passage_n to_o life_n it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o skill_n to_o use_v it_o go_v forward_o in_o heaven_n way_n be_v enter_v the_o strait_n help_v 10_o gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n stand_v not_o still_o motion_n will_v make_v it_o easy_a traveller_n be_v more_o tire_v at_o the_o beginning_n then_o end_v of_o their_o journey_n because_o not_o use_v to_o such_o violence_n custom_n in_o all_o thing_n become_v a_o second_o nature_n whatsoever_o you_o do_v go_v not_o back_o non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la in_o heaven_n way_n not_o to_o go_v forward_o be_v to_o go_v backward_o the_o enemy_n will_v come_v upon_o you_o if_o you_o advance_v not_o against_o he_o remember_v lot_n wife_n take_v heed_n of_o backslide_v you_o will_v thereby_o hinder_v yourselves_o in_o heaven_n way_n and_o wound_v your_o conscience_n take_v heed_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n you_o will_v thereby_o ruin_v your_o salvation_n and_o hurt_n religion_n consider_v the_o just_a live_v that_o be_v persevere_v in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n by_o faith_n but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o be_v it_o your_o care_n not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n 3â—â—â—_n heb._n 10_o 3â—â—â—_n but_o of_o they_o who_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n inure_v yourselves_o unto_o hardship_n be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a and_o you_o can_v but_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o shall_v your_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a belove_a friend_n the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v bound_v with_o such_o dangerous_a precipice_n beset_v with_o such_o difficulty_n and_o opposion_n and_o your_o deprave_a nature_n be_v apt_a to_o wander_v averse_a and_o indispose_v to_o diligence_n and_o activity_n in_o holiness_n you_o can_v but_o find_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v who_o find_v it_o but_o i_o beseech_v you_o enter_v choose_v to_o enter_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n strive_v to_o enter_v it_o be_v straight_o observe_v practise_v these_o direction_n now_o give_v by_o god_n grace_n your_o entrance_n will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o ease_n and_o success_n consider_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o understanding_n finis_fw-la
of_o error_n though_o they_o continue_v to_o scandalize_v he_o and_o his_o practice_n and_o hinder_v the_o publication_n of_o the_o same_o these_o thing_n i_o note_v unto_o thou_o reader_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v mr._n crofton_n practice_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o new_a or_o rash_a but_o resolve_v and_o deliberate_a and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o defection_n from_o that_o it_o be_v a_o upright_o walk_v according_a to_o his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o gospel_n howsoever_o i_o can_v i_o will_v not_o now_o dilate_v in_o defence_n of_o his_o principle_n and_o practice_n nor_o break_v out_o to_o a_o large_a and_o sharp_a invective_n against_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o lie_a spirit_n of_o seem_a saint_n so_o notorious_o extravagant_a against_o a_o person_n so_o innocent_a and_o upright_o and_o therefore_o expose_v to_o the_o violence_n and_o rage_n of_o man_n on_o both_o extreme_n of_o reformation_n for_o hereby_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v incense_v he_o who_o displeasure_n will_v be_v great_a for_o do_v this_o which_o i_o can_v not_o in_o peace_n have_v leave_v undo_v let_v i_o assure_v thou_o mr._n crofton_n judgement_n be_v in_o ecclesiastic_n the_o very_a same_o it_o be_v before_o his_o confinement_n he_o then_o can_v not_o now_o can_v conform_v he_o then_o can_v now_o can_v communicate_v and_o give_v a_o amen_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n who_o order_n his_o judgement_n must_v and_o do_v condemn_v he_o be_v then_o be_v now_o zealous_a for_o reformation_n and_o against_o separation_n he_o then_o resolve_v and_o now_o resolve_v to_o seek_v church_n purity_n by_o union_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o house_n he_o endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v to_o bring_v his_o offering_n unto_o the_o lord_n when_o that_o his_o soul_n do_v loathe_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o profane_a hand_n and_o preposterous_a order_n in_o which_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n do_v present_v they_o i_o know_v it_o to_o be_v his_o burden_n to_o observe_v the_o bastard_n brood_n of_o noncommunicating_a separate_a sect_n take_v 〈◊〉_d vagrant_n and_o whip_v home_o to_o their_o repute_a parent_n to_o lie_v at_o the_o door_n and_o â—â—rk_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o reform_v non-conformiâ—â—_a who_o do_v ever_o disow_v they_o and_o drive_v they_o out_o as_o not_o they_o but_o destructive_a to_o their_o honest_a design_n i_o know_v mr._n crofton_n to_o be_v zealous_a lest_o the_o policy_n of_o some_o and_o weakness_n of_o other_o shall_v so_o far_o embrace_v those_o as_o to_o make_v spectator_n think_v they_o their_o natural_a child_n i_o know_v mr._n crofton_n be_v sensible_a many_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o he_o in_o negative_n against_o profaneness_n against_o superstition_n against_o corruption_n against_o disorder_n but_o be_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o positives_n for_o no_o order_n for_o no_o communion_n for_o no_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a mr._n crofton_n have_v sad_o resent_v that_o scandal_n under_o which_o nonconformity_n groan_v and_o be_v make_v odious_a viz._n it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n against_o every_o thing_n but_o for_o nothing_o mr._n crofton_n well_o know_v those_o who_o clamour_n against_o his_o communion_n make_v church_n entity_n not_o church_n purity_n their_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n he_o have_v observe_v their_o church_n gather_v commence_v and_o proceed_v under_o the_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n and_o unto_o the_o supplant_n and_o subversion_n thereof_o mr._n crofton_n be_v convince_v that_o christ_n true_a church_n though_o corrupt_a and_o christ_n own_o ordinance_n though_o disorderly_o administer_v be_v to_o be_v embrace_v adhear_v unto_o and_o attend_v when_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n companion_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v i_o be_o confident_a mr._n crofton_n be_v resolve_v to_o follow_v his_o lord_n when_o come_v from_o the_o flock_n to_o thethreshold_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v before_o he_o reader_n if_o this_o be_v a_o error_n help_v mr._n crofton_n to_o conviction_n and_o then_o thou_o may_v hear_v his_o recantation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n join_v with_o i_o in_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v give_v repentance_n to_o the_o man_n who_o have_v call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a and_o uncharitable_o represent_v a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o well_o consider_v open_o declare_v deliberate_o resolve_v principle_n to_o be_v a_o apostasy_n defection_n recantation_n backslide_n base_a comply_v and_o conformity_n the_o lord_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o such_o apostate_n who_o will_v by_o preach_v write_a and_o practice_v under_o the_o reproach_n and_o rage_n of_o all_o man_n show_v their_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n in_o that_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n of_o careful_a industrious_a nonconforming_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o christ_n ordinance_n between_o those_o rock_n which_o on_o each_o hand_n work_v its_o ruin_n this_o be_v the_o hearty_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o august_n 9_o 1662._o thou_o in_o and_o for_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n h._n m._n the_o hard_a way_n to_o heaven_n explain_v &_o apply_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 27_o of_o july_n 1662._o the_o text_n matthew_n 7.14_o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n i_o can_v but_o conceive_v many_o in_o this_o audience_n act_v more_o by_o curiosity_n then_o christianity_n come_v with_o a_o expectation_n that_o i_o will_v declare_v and_o discourse_v the_o thing_n of_o myself_o or_o god_n deal_n with_o i_o in_o my_o late_a condition_n but_o i_o must_v let_v you_o know_v i_o must_v herein_o disappoint_v you_o experiency_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v my_o own_o comfort_n what_o be_v to_o i_o in_o common_a with_o other_o christian_n i_o shall_v declare_v to_o your_o edification_n and_o that_o be_v in_o general_a the_o serious_a reflection_n of_o my_o thought_n under_o the_o strate_n of_o my_o late_a condition_n concern_v which_o i_o may_v say_v as_o that_o eminent_a martyr_n of_o our_o reform_a religion_n john_n philpot_n say_v in_o the_o like_a case_n in_o the_o lollard_n tower_n pass_v through_o six_o or_o seven_o door_n i_o come_v to_o my_o logdeing_n through_o many_o strait_n where_o i_o callâ—d_v to_o remembrance_n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n the_o strait_a passage_n which_o lead_v to_o glory_n aught_o to_o be_v always_o ponder_v but_o the_o thought_n thereof_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o profitable_a when_o we_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o they_o and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o suffer_v what_o we_o can_v escape_v without_o sin_n the_o heathen_a account_v it_o their_o honour_n to_o represent_v virtue_n to_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o narrow_a way_n and_o therefore_o itself_o the_o reward_n of_o all_o industry_n in_o and_o for_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v never_o propound_v to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o estate_n of_o ease_n christ_n be_v never_o preach_v without_o his_o cross_n nor_o be_v heaven_n glory_n ever_o declare_v without_o a_o determination_n of_o hardship_n in_o the_o attainment_n thereof_o straight_a iâ—_n the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n be_v the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o the_o truth_n thereof_o be_v daily_o prove_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o disciple_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n preach_v in_o the_o mountain_n in_o which_o many_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o special_a duty_n be_v by_o he_o state_v and_o direct_v whether_o this_o sermon_n be_v a_o set_v solemn_a and_o continue_a discourse_n of_o the_o preacher_n as_o by_o its_o circumstance_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v or_o the_o evangilist_n collection_n and_o composure_n of_o those_o many_o passage_n and_o particular_a discourse_n which_o pass_v from_o our_o saviour_n on_o several_a occasion_n at_o sundry_a time_n as_o calvin_n do_v conceive_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o stand_v to_o inquire_v or_o debate_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n our_o saviour_n persuade_v his_o hearer_n to_o a_o hard_a task_n enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n and_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n with_o and_o by_o a_o disparity_n of_o the_o different_a path_n in_o which_o man_n pass_v unto_o different_a end_n for_o wide_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o broad_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o there_o be_v who_o go_v in_o thereat_o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v who_o find_v it_o the_o one_o be_v easy_a and_o undo_a the_o other_o be_v hard_a and_o happy_a doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n our_o text_n be_v the_o second_o and_o counter_a part_n of_o our_o saviour_n reason_n viz._n that_o way_n
principle_n and_o practice_n of_o piety_n to_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n i_o have_v with_o amazement_n observe_v delude_v soul_n to_o have_v pass_v from_o some_o gross_a profaneness_n idolatrys_n and_o superstition_n and_o to_o wander_v in_o by_o path_n with_o the_o great_a security_n alacrity_n confidence_n joy_n profess_v to_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n shame_n of_o martyr_n and_o scandal_n of_o religion_n the_o full_a assurance_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o and_o approach_v unto_o eternal_a life_n that_o be_v imaginable_a and_o this_o not_o only_o under_o the_o great_a suffering_n but_o also_o the_o most_o gross_a error_n and_o grievous_a sin_n pride_n persidie_n perjury_n schism_n sedition_n treason_n and_o rebellion_n which_o be_v even_o perpetrate_v under_o the_o sun_n 5_o heb._n 6.4_o 5_o and_o what_o be_v more_o with_o a_o heaven_n dare_v boldness_n affirm_v their_o abomination_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n i_o can_v never_o conceive_v other_o cause_n thereof_o then_o this_o they_o have_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o heaven_n taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v giddy_o to_o run_v out_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o the_o gate_n care_n of_o entrance_n regard_v unto_o the_o foundation_n knowledge_n of_o first_o principal_n of_o religion_n but_o with_o a_o blind_a affection_n move_v forward_o in_o any_o estate_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o not_o come_v into_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o sight_n in_o a_o way_n which_o lead_v not_o into_o it_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o defend_v all_o their_o error_n and_o impiety_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o a_o deviation_n because_o heaven_n be_v in_o their_o eye_n life_n be_v within_o their_o view_n glory_n be_v in_o their_o intention_n as_o if_o balaam_n be_v sure_a to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a when_o and_o because_o he_o and_o all_o his_o conspiration_n and_o endeavour_n to_o curse_n israel_n see_v their_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o belove_a friend_n consider_v man_n estate_n be_v convert_v or_o unconvert_v as_o to_o god_n christ_n and_o true_a religion_n the_o unconvert_v must_v make_v sure_o they_o enter_v the_o gate_n the_o strait_a gate_n learn_v principle_n of_o faith_n lay_v in_o their_o soul_n the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o convert_v must_v with_o care_n and_o caution_n move_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n without_o deviation_n or_o divertion_n without_o go_v aside_o or_o go_v back_o if_o you_o have_v not_o right_o enter_v talk_v what_o you_o will_v i_o can_v but_o suspect_v your_o attainment_n in_o grace_n many_o of_o you_o talk_v of_o religion_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v zealous_a for_o it_o forward_o in_o it_o who_o confuse_a notion_n delude_a apprehension_n and_o deviate_a conversation_n do_v witness_v you_o have_v not_o enter_v the_o gate_n or_o at_o least_o and_o best_a be_v go_v aside_o from_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n look_v to_o god_n order_n 18.4_o job._n 18.4_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v live_v with_o god_n in_o honour_n whatever_o religion_n humour_n may_v act_v you_o to_o invite_v god_n order_n you_o must_v know_v the_o earth_n must_v not_o be_v remove_v for_o you_o if_o you_o will_v not_o exact_o mind_n god_n method_n you_o must_v and_o will_v miscarry_v in_o your_o design_n 23._o 2_o pet._n 1.2.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o intention_n for_o his_o life_n and_o glory_n for_o sad_a be_v their_o estate_n who_o profess_v to_o pursue_v and_o yet_o never_o enter_v the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o more_o sad_a be_v they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n turn_v aside_o from_o the_o holy_a comandement_n mean_n the_o number_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o three_o thing_n which_o lie_v in_o this_o metaphor_n be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o gate_n a_o way_n singular_a not_o plural_a one_o not_o more_o not_o many_o much_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o soul_n passage_n to_o life_n will_v be_v discharge_v by_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o path_n the_o danger_n incident_a to_o the_o one_o will_v be_v avoid_v by_o entrance_n into_o another_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o many_o special_a act_n of_o holiness_n the_o gate_n of_o righteousness_n be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o the_o mean_n whereby_o to_o get_v eternal_a life_n be_v one_o and_o but_o one_o in_o its_o general_a nature_n it_o be_v special_a it_o be_v singular_a you_o may_v observe_v they_o be_v predicate_v by_o unite_v one_o god_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n 5._o eph._n 4.4_o 5._o and_o indeed_o the_o speciality_n of_o it_o be_v fix_v in_o one_o person_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o way_n and_o well_o say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n christ_n be_v not_o divide_v 14.10_o john_n 14.10_o christ_n may_v be_v different_o dispense_v by_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n differentent_a ordinance_n for_o worship_n and_o direction_n unto_o duty_n different_o exhibit_v in_o his_o different_a nature_n god_n man_n office_n prophet_n 1.13_o 1_o cor._n 1.13_o priest_n and_o king_n or_o different_a act_n of_o mediatorship_n as_o his_o incarnation_n converse_v among_o man_n observation_n of_o the_o law_n death_n resurrection_n ascention_n and_o intercession_n or_o different_o administer_v that_o be_v make_v know_v and_o exhibit_v by_o different_a minister_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o kind_a apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o different_a individual_a person_n under_o any_o kind_n as_o paul_n apollo_n cephas_n and_o the_o like_a but_o in_o these_o all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o christ_n be_v not_o divide_v he_o be_v and_o must_v remain_v whole_a and_o entire_a the_o one_o only_a way_n to_o life_n these_o thing_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v dissantinâ—ae_fw-la they_o be_v not_o they_o can_v be_v opposita_fw-la for_o they_o then_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a destructive_a each_o to_o other_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v christ_n divide_v do_v ceâ—se_a to_o be_v they_o that_o embrace_v not_o christ_n under_o all_o his_o exhibit_v act_n and_o office_n under_o all_o his_o dispense_v ordinance_n doctrine_n and_o direction_n in_o all_o and_o every_o of_o his_o minister_n enter_v not_o the_o gate_n walk_v not_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n nor_o be_v these_o in_o any_o contrary_a way_n but_o the_o same_o one_o individual_a way_n exist_v in_o so_o many_o distinct_a and_o different_a step_n such_o who_o dream_n of_o many_o not_o only_o different_a but_o direct_o contrary_a way_n to_o heaven_n do_v and_o will_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o other_o for_o that_o gate_n and_o way_n which_o admit_v no_o tergiversation_n nor_o regress_n no_o diversion_n deviation_n or_o step_v aside_o on_o either_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n and_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o aâ—d_a every_o traveller_n can_v be_v but_o one_o to_o divide_v in_o the_o way_n be_v ordinary_o incident_a to_o saint_n but_o to_o divide_v the_o way_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n i_o have_v often_o admit_v and_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v understand_v that_o monstrous_a charity_n of_o our_o age_n that_o man_n shall_v turn_v back_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o yet_o shake_v hand_n with_o a_o friendly_a confidence_n of_o meet_v one_o another_o in_o heaven_n to_o constitute_v contrary_a church_n consecrate_v a_o contrary_a ministry_n and_o so_o create_v a_o contrary_a worship_n in_o the_o form_n and_o forma_fw-la that_fw-mi essentiam_fw-la though_o the_o matter_n be_v god_n and_o yet_o expect_v that_o man_n shall_v know_v they_o as_o saint_n and_o call_v they_o heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o conclude_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o man_n shall_v conclude_v the_o ten_o tribe_n with_o their_o new_a priest_n worship_v god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o their_o new_a plant_v church_n at_o dan_n and_o bethell_n be_v equal_o relate_v to_o interest_v in_o and_o accept_v by_o god_n as_o be_v judah_n and_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o flee_v from_o this_o new_a contrary_a course_n of_o religion_n though_o for_o matter_n god_n own_o institution_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o apostle_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o charity_n when_o he_o conclude_v of_o the_o separate_a sect_n in_o his_o time_n divide_v in_o doctrine_n and_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 2.19_o coll._n 2.19_o that_o they_o hold_v not_o the_o head_n by_o which_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o joseph_n brethren_n may_v too_o unnatural_o strive_v in_o the_o way_n to_o their_o
reason_n which_o the_o learned_a do_v observe_v upon_o this_o text_n as_o because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o man_n reason_n distasteful_a to_o man_n lust_n and_o affection_n attend_v with_o distress_n great_a and_o many_o affliction_n every_o of_o these_o reason_n be_v true_a and_o good_a demonstration_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o man_n salvation_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o they_o but_o propose_v to_o your_o consideration_n one_o which_o be_v more_o proper_a and_o be_v most_o special_o intend_v in_o the_o text._n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n for_o it_o be_v terminate_v limit_v bound_v and_o restrain_v this_o gate_n and_o way_n be_v a_o enclosure_n on_o each_o side_n of_o which_o be_v bound_n which_o can_v be_v break_v without_o danger_n there_o be_v limitation_n which_o can_v be_v leave_v in_o safety_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o that_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n anguish_n affliction_n to_o which_o man_n be_v expose_v because_o they_o must_v walk_v move_v forward_o within_o such_o strait_a bound_n and_o narrow_a limit_n and_o may_v not_o can_v with_o any_o safety_n turn_v back_o or_o turn_v aside_o when_o once_o enter_v into_o this_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n man_n invention_n be_v indeed_o a_o large_a field_n and_o common_a road_n but_o god_n will_v be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n that_o once_o reveal_v man_n be_v by_o and_o to_o it_o restrain_v and_o may_v not_o turn_v aside_o from_o it_o unto_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a man_n passage_n towards_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o passage_n into_o a_o prison_n or_o rather_o a_o palace_n where_o the_o entertainment_n be_v by_o a_o low_a little_a wicket_n to_o which_o man_n must_v stoop_v and_o in_o which_o they_o can_v enter_v with_o any_o thing_n superfluous_a and_o the_o progress_n be_v over_o a_o narrow_a bridge_n open_a on_o both_o side_n on_o which_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o move_v with_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o tread_v with_o even_a step_n he_o will_v tumble_v into_o the_o ditch_n one_o wry_a step_n may_v prove_v his_o ruin_n holiness_n be_v like_o jonathan_n motion_n to_o kill_v the_o philistine_n upon_o a_o high_a rock_n by_o a_o narrow_a path_n on_o each_o side_n of_o which_o be_v a_o precipice_n and_o in_o which_o they_o can_v go_v but_o must_v creep_v on_o their_o hand_n and_o knee_n godliness_n be_v a_o most_o regular_a militation_n in_o which_o the_o soldier_n be_v keep_v close_o to_o order_n commission_n and_o instruction_n not_o to_o move_v one_o foot_n without_o or_o beyond_o the_o same_o marescallo_n the_o french_a general_n first_o knight_v a_o scotch_a soldier_n for_o a_o eminent_a service_n he_o have_v do_v and_o then_o behead_v he_o for_o do_v it_o without_o commission_n and_o the_o same_o god_n who_o bless_v the_o house_n of_o obed-edom_n for_o entertain_v the_o ark_n make_v a_o perez_n vzza_n for_o vzza_n presume_v irregularity_n to_o uphold_v it_o when_o shake_v in_o the_o cart_n and_o in_o danger_n to_o fall_v sincerity_n in_o sanctity_n be_v a_o most_o straight_o line_v in_o which_o no_o part_n be_v crooked_a a_o upright_a man_n go_v right_a forward_o in_o god_n way_n without_o bend_v on_o either_o hand_n christianity_n be_v a_o clear_a criticism_n true_a religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o narrow_a point_n these_o be_v on_o both_o hand_n beset_v with_o sin_n good_a be_v the_o council_n of_o wisdom_n turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n remove_v thy_o foot_n from_o evil_n pro._n 4.2_o what_o the_o heathen_a conclude_v of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v most_o true_a of_o christian_a grace_n in_o medio_fw-la consistit_fw-la virtus_fw-la true_a virtue_n be_v the_o narrow_a middle_a way_n the_o extreme_n of_o which_o in_o defect_n or_o excess_n be_v manifest_a and_o notorious_a vice_n it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o nature_n to_o shoot_v short_a or_o wide_a of_o the_o mark_n to_o be_v dash_v on_o sâ—lla_n or_o charybdis_n to_o loose_a salvation_n by_o prophanesse_n or_o superstition_n to_o subvert_v the_o faith_n by_o ignorance_n or_o error_n to_o root_v up_o the_o church_n by_o persecution_n or_o separation_n to_o destroy_v god_n worship_n by_o irreligion_n or_o innovation_n to_o walk_v even_o to_o sail_v steady_o between_o those_o extreme_n and_o work_n which_o be_v on_o each_o hand_n hic_fw-la labour_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la be_v a_o hard_a piece_n of_o work_n which_o will_v cause_v much_o care_n charge_n and_o pain_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v the_o scripture_n record_n do_v represent_v the_o saint_n integrity_n to_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o approve_v by_o a_o exact_a obedience_n in_o some_o narrow_a crisis_n special_a act_n and_o particular_a point_n in_o which_o they_o be_v most_o close_o pinch_a the_o whole_a law_n be_v too_o large_a a_o field_n for_o man_n obedience_n in_o innocency_n his_o willing_a subjection_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o his_o creator_n must_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o pinch_n of_o one_o forbid_a tree_n whilst_o all_o in_o their_o first_o creation_n be_v appoint_v and_o all_o other_o be_v leave_v common_a and_o free_a unto_o his_o use_n noah_n must_v be_v the_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n by_o prepare_v the_o ark_n a_o improbable_a instrument_n to_o save_v he_o when_o the_o flood_n shall_v over-whelm_a house_n and_o mountain_n abraham_n may_v follow_v god_n he_o know_v not_o whither_o but_o must_v be_v approve_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o hope_v above_o hope_n unto_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o his_o son_n isaac_n we_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n which_o be_v only_o remarkable_a in_o one_o point_n he_o charge_v not_o god_n foolish_o we_o have_v also_o hear_v of_o the_o passion_n of_o job_n he_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n but_o he_o curse_v not_o his_o god_n he_o challenge_v but_o he_o charge_v not_o the_o lord_n david_n faith_n be_v approve_v by_o his_o loyalty_n his_o enemy_n head_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n when_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o cut_v off_o the_o lap_n of_o his_o garment_n what_o shall_v i_o tell_v you_o of_o moses_n of_o jeremiah_n of_o daniel_n of_o the_o three_o child_n of_o the_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o faith_n be_v find_v sincere_a by_o a_o single_a point_n of_o obedience_n heb._n 11._o christianity_n be_v a_o most_o narrow_a crisis_n and_o must_v be_v well_o and_o wary_o di_o cerned_a i_o can_v but_o wonder_v to_o hear_v some_o man_n when_o convince_o pinch_v by_o a_o distinct_a discovery_n of_o their_o deviation_n from_o truth_n and_o piety_n cry_v out_o against_o distinction_n as_o antichristian_a and_o impious_a tell_v they_o they_o must_v discern_v between_o church_n minister_n baptism_n for_o these_o contradiction_n or_o contrary_a constitution_n can_v be_v christian_a and_o carry_v to_o heaven_n they_o will_v call_v off_o all_o possibility_n of_o conviction_n by_o cry_v out_o against_o logical_a distinction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v tell_v such_o in_o no_o case_n do_v that_o rule_n qui_fw-la bene_fw-la distinguit_fw-la bene_fw-la docet_fw-la distinction_n be_v man_n direction_n hold_v good_a so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v many_o time_n win_v or_o lose_v upon_o a_o nice_a and_o narrow_a point_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v a_o apple_n butcher_v or_o not_o butcher_v a_o only_a son_n such_o who_o pretend_v to_o move_v in_o heaven_n way_n without_o distinction_n march_v with_o confidence_n and_o security_n to_o destruction_n distinction_n be_v the_o ratio_fw-la formalis_fw-la of_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n no_o difficulty_n no_o danger_n in_o a_o way_n which_o need_v no_o distinction_n save_v grace_n be_v a_o discern_a spirit_n the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n distinction_n be_v the_o only_a demonstration_n of_o sincerity_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n heresy_n must_v come_v that_o they_o who_o be_v sound_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 10._o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o john_n 10._o my_o sheep_n know_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n the_o devil_n be_v often_o turn_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_a to_o engage_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n to_o careful_a considerate_a distinction_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v sometime_o tempt_v the_o distinguish_a power_n of_o â—ods_n people_n true_a piety_n must_v be_v approve_v by_o a_o nick_n or_o narrow_a point_n of_o obedience_n in_o every_o condition_n and_o relation_n avoid_v all_o deviation_n as_o well_o as_o defect_n and_o this_o can_v be_v observe_v if_o not_o discern_v there_o be_v a_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o to_o which_o we_o must_v not_o be_v beguile_v a_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v walk_v with_o right_a step_n the_o outlet_n of_o distinction_n be_v the_o inlet_n of_o delusion_n neglect_v to_o