and_o profit_n than_o future_a glory_n than_o thou_o proclaime_v thy_o exceed_a great_a folly_n and_o madness_n if_o then_o thou_o love_v thyself_o thy_o soul_n thy_o salvation_n be_v patient_a in_o endure_v all_o that_o god_n lay_v upon_o thou_o five_o be_v patient_a under_o such_o suffering_n because_o hereby_o thou_o promote_a other_o the_o good_a of_o other_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o and_o certain_o this_o shall_v much_o prevail_v with_o we_o these_o suffering_n of_o i_o these_o patient_a endure_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n may_v provoke_v and_o encourage_v many_o other_o this_o do_v great_o induce_v paul_n and_o animate_v he_o in_o all_o his_o reproach_n and_o difficulty_n he_o meet_v with_o for_o the_o gospel_n because_o that_o hereby_o the_o church_n be_v more_o propagate_v with_o what_o joy_n phil._n 1._o 13._o do_v he_o speak_v of_o this_o that_o his_o bond_n be_v make_v manifest_a every_o where_o and_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n wax_v more_o confident_a and_o bold_a than_o before_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v the_o impatience_n worldly_a fear_n and_o apostasy_n of_o some_o have_v do_v a_o world_n of_o hurt_n to_o other_o not_o only_o fall_v themselves_o but_o make_v other_o also_o to_o tumble_v down_o with_o they_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o consider_v of_o if_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 14._o speak_v so_o dreadful_o about_o a_o strong_a christian_a abuse_v his_o liberty_n that_o thereby_o he_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n and_o on_o his_o part_n destroy_v he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v how_o much_o more_o will_v this_o hold_v true_a on_o he_o who_o shall_v perfidious_o forsake_v christ_n rather_o than_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o although_o some_o of_o these_o have_v recover_v again_o and_o manifest_v as_o much_o faithfulness_n as_o they_o have_v former_o falsehood_n yet_o those_o that_o do_v whole_o fall_v off_o their_o fall_n be_v great_a make_v the_o adversary_n to_o rejoice_v and_o animate_v other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a therefore_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o thou_o endure_v with_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o all_o opposion_n in_o nothing_o be_v dismay_v this_o will_v embolden_v other_o thou_o may_v prevent_v the_o backslide_n of_o other_o insomuch_o that_o to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o love_n not_o only_o to_o christ_n but_o to_o the_o church_n when_o with_o paul_n we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v sacrify_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n soul_n now_o this_o duty_n of_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o suffer_v reproach_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o trial_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n not_o only_o because_o christ_n require_v it_o and_o with_o reference_n to_o he_o but_o also_o out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o salvation_n of_o other_o when_o we_o suffer_v we_o do_v not_o only_o suffer_v as_o private_a christian_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o every_o member_n this_o than_o shall_v great_o encourage_v we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n for_o christ_n sake_n it_o be_v not_o i_o alone_o it_o be_v not_o my_o salvation_n only_o but_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o other_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o this_o business_n hence_o some_o have_v think_v more_o imply_v in_o that_o expression_n then_o ordinary_o be_v conceive_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o the_o world_n they_o say_v the_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n but_o because_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o sacrifice_n and_o devote_a thing_n in_o the_o offering_n whereof_o common_a judgement_n be_v remove_v piacula_fw-la therefore_o they_o infer_v that_o the_o apostle_n suffering_n do_v conduce_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n other_o come_v to_o obtain_v mercy_n by_o follow_v they_o for_o a_o example_n i_o shall_v not_o plead_v for_o this_o interpretation_n only_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o general_n that_o many_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o so_o save_v by_o behold_v the_o courage_n and_o patience_n of_o godly_a confessor_n and_o martyr_n it_o be_v then_o a_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v when_o christ_n require_v and_o if_o we_o read_v of_o heathen_n the_o curtij_n and_o decii_n who_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o present_a death_n to_o remove_v some_o public_a calamity_n what_o shame_n will_v this_o be_v to_o christian_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o a_o regular_a way_n show_v such_o zeal_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o notable_a passage_n 1_o john_n 3._o 16._o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n what_o christ_n do_v for_o we_o we_o be_v to_o do_v for_o the_o church_n so_o that_o from_o this_o text_n it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v case_n and_o instance_n wherein_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o lose_v not_o only_a wealth_n and_o estate_n but_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o other_o hence_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n of_o martyrium_fw-la charitatis_fw-la and_o martyrium_fw-la fidei_fw-la a_o jesuit_n raynardus_n de_fw-fr martyrio_fw-la do_v industrious_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o call_n from_o god_n do_v venture_v his_o life_n by_o visit_v some_o infect_v with_o the_o plague_n do_v this_o out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o people_n soul_n such_o a_o man_n be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o martyr_n and_o that_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n as_o one_o who_o die_v for_o witness_v the_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o examine_v this_o point_n only_o in_o the_o general_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o other_o have_v a_o call_v thereunto_o he_o he_o be_v a_o martyr_n and_o may_v encourage_v himself_o with_o all_o those_o promise_n that_o those_o who_o die_v for_o the_o faith_n have_v do_v yea_o such_o a_o suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n may_v be_v call_v martyrium_fw-la fidei_fw-la as_o well_o as_o charitatis_fw-la or_o misericordiae_fw-la faith_n have_v imperate_a act_n as_o well_o as_o elicit_v hence_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 11._o attribute_v divers_a worthy_a action_n and_o achievement_n unto_o faith_n by_o this_o you_o see_v in_o any_o suffering_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v edify_v wherein_o we_o demonstrate_v our_o love_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o we_o may_v great_o encourage_v ourselves_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o he_o who_o shall_v suffer_v to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v more_o to_o be_v honour_v than_o he_o who_o suffer_v because_o he_o will_v not_o offer_v to_o a_o idol_n because_o here_o be_v more_o love_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v this_o then_o in_o all_o suffering_n whether_o verbal_a or_o real_a mighty_o support_v thou_o that_o not_o my_o own_o salvation_n only_o but_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v come_v to_o hear_v or_o know_v this_o will_v also_o be_v further_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n by_o suffering_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n great_a than_o by_o preach_v serm._n lv._o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n carry_v on_o and_o further_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 6._o or_o whether_o we_o be_v comfort_v it_o be_v for_o your_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n the_o first_o part_n or_o member_n of_o that_o distribution_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v have_v be_v dispatch_v for_o as_o to_o the_o last_o particular_a observe_v in_o the_o illustration_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v viz._n the_o object_n matter_n of_o their_o patient_a endure_v which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o same_o suffering_n which_o we_o also_o suffer_v if_o any_o new_a matter_n shall_v present_v itself_o it_o will_v be_v more_o fit_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o distribution_n use_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o condition_n suppose_v if_o we_o be_v comfort_v here_o be_v light_a as_o well_o as_o darkness_n summer_n as_o well_o as_o winter_n the_o godly_a be_v not_o always_o afflict_v but_o they_o have_v also_o their_o season_n of_o comfort_n it_o be_v not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n here_o suppose_v but_o what_o god_n do_v ordinary_o bring_v about_o for_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o so_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n thou_o be_v to_o remember_v the_o time_n of_o thy_o consolation_n also_o whereas_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o their_o distress_n be_v apt_a with_o david_n to_o cry_v out_o have_v the_o lord_n cast_v
of_o this_o therefore_o first_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n general_a which_o do_v afford_v matter_n of_o rejoice_v either_o particular_a as_o to_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o one_o particular_a business_n especial_o when_o calummate_v by_o adversary_n or_o second_o general_n which_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o whole_a conversation_n these_o two_o be_v great_o to_o be_v distinguish_v for_o we_o see_v david_n in_o many_o place_n pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reward_v he_o according_a to_o his_o innocency_n and_o deal_v with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o do_v many_o time_n appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v his_o integrity_n now_o this_o be_v from_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n to_o a_o particular_a fact_n saul_n and_o other_o do_v malicious_o accuse_v he_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n thing_n that_o he_o never_o do_v of_o this_o paul_n speak_v also_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 2._o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o he_o do_v not_o matter_n those_o crime_n that_o the_o false_a apostle_n burden_v he_o with_o because_o his_o conscience_n do_v clear_v he_o as_o to_o any_o gross_a neglect_n in_o his_o ministerial_a course_n now_o you_o must_v know_v that_o many_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a man_n may_v have_v in_o some_o case_n this_o particular_a testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o receive_v comfort_n from_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n how_o many_o person_n in_o the_o world_n be_v slander_v by_o some_o malicious_a adversary_n as_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n which_o be_v altogether_o false_a now_o happy_o thou_o be_v pure_a and_o free_a from_o they_o thy_o conscience_n justify_v thou_o and_o thou_o have_v comfort_n from_o this_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o god_n require_v therefore_o there_o be_v a_o second_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v general_n and_o that_o speak_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n witness_v that_o thy_o whole_a conversation_n be_v unblameable_a and_o that_o thy_o heart_n in_o the_o universal_a inclination_n thereof_o be_v whole_o for_o god_n and_o against_o sin_n it_o be_v this_o general_a testimony_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a comfort_n a_o man_n may_v be_v free_a and_o innocent_a as_o to_o some_o particular_a sin_n and_o yet_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n second_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n even_o in_o general_n witness_v unto_o sincerity_n thou_o thy_o state_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n for_o either_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v or_o expect_v that_o it_o shall_v testify_v unto_o thou_o a_o heart_n and_o life_n free_a from_o all_o sin_n fail_v in_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o else_o to_o witness_v sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n for_o the_o main_a though_o fail_v in_o many_o thing_n if_o then_o a_o christian_a shall_v resolve_v to_o take_v no_o joy_n unless_o his_o conscience_n can_v witness_v perfection_n and_o a_o immunity_n from_o any_o fail_n such_o a_o one_o must_v resolve_v to_o have_v no_o comfort_n all_o his_o life_n time_n but_o if_o it_o witness_v the_o main_a bent_n and_o frame_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o be_v for_o god_n though_o carry_v aside_o often_o through_o the_o violence_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o temptation_n from_o this_o thou_o may_v rejoice_v this_o be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o why_o be_v the_o discouragement_n and_o disconsolateness_n of_o god_n own_o child_n so_o great_a but_o because_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o of_o several_a fail_n and_o they_o desire_v some_o testimony_n of_o a_o perfection_n satisfy_v yourselves_o therefore_o and_o regulate_v your_o thought_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o thus_o we_o must_v expound_v that_o place_n 1_o john_n 3._o 20_o 21._o which_o at_o first_o appearance_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o terrible_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n this_o text_n if_o not_o right_o understand_v be_v enough_o like_o belshazzar_n write_v in_o the_o wall_n to_o strike_v we_o with_o tremble_v for_o be_v there_o any_o man_n live_v who_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v he_o for_o sin_n do_v not_o this_o very_a apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 1._o 8._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o no_o truth_n be_v in_o we_o if_o then_o we_o have_v sin_n how_o can_v our_o heart_n but_o condemn_v we_o and_o then_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o see_v more_o evil_a and_o error_n in_o we_o than_o we_o can_v understand_v must_v condemn_v we_o much_o more_o what_o be_v this_o then_o but_o to_o fill_v every_o godly_a man_n with_o despair_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n himself_o may_v not_o speak_v a_o contradiction_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o mention_a distinction_n viz._n that_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o just_o for_o the_o main_a that_o our_o foundation_n be_v rot_v that_o we_o love_v sin_n more_o than_o god_n than_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v whole_o cast_v down_o but_o if_o our_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v we_o for_o the_o main_a only_o for_o those_o imperfection_n and_o frailty_n which_o we_o can_v perfect_o be_v purge_v from_o in_o this_o life_n than_o we_o may_v have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n three_o our_o conscience_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o habitual_o able_a to_o testify_v or_o as_o actual_o and_o immediate_o prepare_v this_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o testify_v every_o regenerate_a man_n have_v his_o conscience_n sanctify_v be_v thereby_o habitual_o able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a testimony_n but_o many_o thing_n may_v intervene_v that_o hinder_v it_o in_o its_o act_n even_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a light_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o cloud_n and_o mist_n may_v hinder_v the_o actual_a communication_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v often_o with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n their_o conscience_n be_v sanctify_v but_o many_o doubt_n arise_v many_o scruple_n and_o fear_n do_v interpose_v so_o that_o they_o have_v not_o that_o actual_a witness_n in_o their_o conscience_n which_o they_o may_v have_v so_o that_o as_o in_o sanctification_n there_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o may_v be_v stop_v so_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o consolation_n there_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o though_o the_o stream_n may_v be_v trouble_v and_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o wary_a so_o to_o walk_v as_o not_o to_o put_v stop_n and_o check_n in_o the_o way_n of_o conscience_n especial_o to_o labour_v for_o a_o sound_a judgement_n and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o more_o doubtful_a and_o scrupulous_a we_o be_v the_o less_o firm_a and_o clear_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n as_o appear_v rom._n 14._o 22_o 23._o four_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n as_o alone_o and_o christ_n separate_a or_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o alone_o all_o our_o acceptance_n and_o cause_n of_o comfort_n be_v contain_v whereas_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v attend_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n alone_o though_o to_o his_o best_a action_n he_o will_v have_v more_o cause_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v from_o that_o then_o rejoice_v therefore_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v good_a and_o true_o peaceable_a that_o do_v not_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o say_v not_o with_o john_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o thy_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o behold_v the_o holy_a duty_n thou_o have_v live_v in_o heb._n 9_o 14._o how_o much_o rather_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n let_v conscience_n then_o always_o eye_n christ_n look_v to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o grace_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o evangelical_a conscience_n lie_v not_o in_o this_o to_o testify_v thou_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o sinner_n or_o thou_o have_v not_o such_o fail_n but_o though_o thou_o have_v be_v such_o yet_o repent_v and_o believe_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n thy_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o condemn_v thou_o for_o they_o because_o pardon_v now_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o civil_a and_o pharisaical_a man_n which_o comfort_v from_o work_n do_v do_v not_o at_o all_o relate_v to_o christ_n and_o by_o this_o thou_o may_v find_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o see_v that_o by_o christ_n blood_n alone_o it_o come_v to_o be_v true_o purify_v use_v 1_o of_o instruction_n how_o few_o they_o be_v that_o have_v this_o
in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n that_o he_o aim_v at_o and_o the_o earthly_a advance_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o three_o kind_n of_o hearer_n they_o do_v not_o apostatise_v but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceiveablenesse_n of_o riches_n these_o thing_n like_o weed_n do_v grow_v up_o with_o the_o good_a corn_n it_o be_v simon_n magus_n his_o heinous_a transgression_n to_o desire_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o money_n and_o have_v not_o this_o be_v as_o wicked_o practise_v sometime_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o at_o least_o the_o pretence_n of_o they_o for_o earthly_a gain_n to_o be_v religious_a for_o gain_v to_o make_v a_o profession_n for_o earthly_a advantage_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n for_o money_n and_o if_o you_o say_v these_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a end_n indeed_o this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o judas_n to_o sell_v christ_n for_o money_n a_o esau_n to_o sell_v our_o birthright_n for_o pottage_n therefore_o you_o must_v know_v that_o if_o we_o can_v as_o the_o peripatetic_n enjoin_v do_v virtuous_a action_n for_o virtue_n sake_n yet_o this_o be_v too_o low_a a_o end_n for_o a_o sincere_a christian_a when_o man_n do_v righteous_a action_n for_o the_o public_a good_a when_o man_n perform_v religious_a duty_n mere_o to_o please_v and_o content_v their_o conscience_n these_o that_o be_v good_a as_o proxime_fw-la and_o secondary_a end_n be_v make_v the_o ultimate_a do_v deprive_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o true_a proper_a sincere_a christianity_n this_o be_v to_o take_v john_n baptist_n for_o christ_n or_o as_o some_o do_v to_o take_v christ_n only_o for_o some_o great_a prophet_n this_o be_v to_o judge_v sincerity_n and_o godliness_n a_o less_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v to_o take_v a_o counterfeit_n for_o a_o precious_a pearl_n and_o therefore_o the_o motive_n of_o duty_n in_o popery_n be_v wonderful_o short_a of_o true_a spiritual_a one_o even_o as_o their_o faith_n of_o true_a divine_a motive_n as_o they_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n so_o their_o religious_a duty_n into_o their_o own_o power_n and_o merit_n whereas_o to_o be_v holy_a so_o as_o to_o rest_v in_o our_o holiness_n and_o to_o make_v that_o our_o utmost_a end_n be_v to_o unthrone_v christ_n and_o to_o put_v our_o grace_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n grace_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o by_o sincerity_n to_o overlook_v all_o earthly_a object_n but_o even_o all_o duty_n and_o inherent_a grace_n join_v with_o christ_n only_o as_o the_o belove_a of_o our_o soul_n this_o sincerity_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n so_o narrow_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v if_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o duty_n be_v enough_o many_o thousand_o will_v go_v to_o heaven_n more_o than_o do_v but_o sincerity_n be_v that_o which_o make_v every_o holy_a duty_n so_o difficult_a serm._n xcii_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o godly_a sincerity_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o in_o godly_a sincerity_n godly_a sincerity_n you_o hear_v do_v raise_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n above_o all_o low_a and_o inferior_a end_n fix_v it_o upon_o god_n only_o now_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v much_o of_o this_o upon_o other_o occasion_n i_o shall_v sincerity_n brief_o dispatch_v this_o subject_n at_o this_o time_n lay_v down_o several_a proposition_n which_o will_v partly_o be_v descriptive_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sincerity_n and_o partly_o manifestative_a of_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o first_o this_o sincerity_n do_v comprehend_v a_o universality_n in_o it_o hypocrisy_n deal_v in_o piece_n and_o parcel_n it_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o it_o omit_v many_o universal_a thing_n whereas_o sincerity_n comprehend_v all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o defective_a in_o necessary_n though_o it_o have_v not_o perfection_n of_o degree_n yet_o it_o have_v of_o part_n therefore_o sincerity_n be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d completeness_n of_o all_o part_n and_o limb_n when_o a_o man_n have_v every_o part_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lot_n or_o condition_n or_o portion_n to_o have_v 1_o thess_n 5._o 23._o hence_o jam._n 1._o 4._o it_o be_v call_v entire_a that_o you_o may_v be_v entire_a want_v nothing_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n that_o christ_n find_v with_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3._o 2._o that_o he_o have_v not_o find_v her_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fill_v up_o there_o be_v many_o empty_a hollow_a place_n and_o vacuity_n as_o it_o be_v want_v this_o grace_n and_o that_o duty_n which_o will_v have_v make_v her_o complete_a now_o there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o universality_n wherein_o this_o sincerity_n do_v discover_v itself_o there_o be_v a_o universality_n of_o the_o object_n matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v it_o make_v a_o man_n careful_a to_o perform_v the_o great_a duty_n and_o the_o less_o duty_n it_o account_v nothing_o little_a wherein_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o be_v a_o great_a god_n it_o abstain_v from_o great_a sin_n and_o little_a sin_n it_o account_v no_o sin_n little_a which_o can_v be_v purge_v away_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n again_o it_o do_v faithful_o respect_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v terminate_v upon_o god_n himself_o or_o such_o as_o relate_v to_o man_n paul_n express_v this_o sincerity_n when_o he_o call_v it_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n act._n 24._o 16._o he_o know_v true_a religion_n can_v be_v without_o righteousness_n nor_o godly_a righteousness_n without_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n furthermoee_o there_o be_v duty_n of_o suffer_v for_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o of_o do_v for_o he_o sometime_o it_o be_v far_o more_o unpleasing_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n then_o to_o be_v do_v for_o he_o but_o the_o sincere_a heart_n be_v prepare_v for_o both_o he_o do_v not_o capitulate_v with_o christ_n about_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v put_v upon_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o follow_v christ_n he_o accept_v of_o those_o duty_n where_o self-denial_n and_o self-mortification_n be_v requisite_a as_o those_o which_o may_v be_v more_o grateful_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o a_o man_n oh_o how_o much_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o preach_v these_o thing_n and_o to_o hear_v these_o thing_n then_o to_o practice_v they_o as_o there_o be_v a_o universality_n of_o the_o object_n so_o also_o of_o the_o subject_a where_o this_o be_v every_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v sanctify_v there_o be_v not_o illumination_n without_o sanctification_n gift_n without_o grace_n but_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v right_o constitute_v hence_o we_o tell_v you_o sincerity_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o grace_n but_o it_o be_v the_o modification_n of_o grace_n every_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v sincere_a 1_o tim._n 1._o 5._o there_o be_v a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a so_o that_o sincerity_n be_v a_o property_n and_o a_o affection_n of_o every_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o repentance_n unless_o sincere_a it_o be_v not_o faith_n except_o sincere_a again_o there_o be_v a_o universality_n of_o time_n and_o place_n a_o sincere_a man_n be_v godly_a in_o time_n of_o prosperity_n as_o well_o as_o of_o adversity_n in_o time_n of_o health_n as_o well_o as_o of_o sickness_n on_o the_o week_n day_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sabbath_n and_o so_o for_o place_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o at_o corinth_n at_o some_o time_n in_o some_o place_n and_o with_o some_o company_n to_o pretend_v only_o for_o god_n this_o discover_v hypocrisy_n in_o the_o bottom_n second_o sincerity_n be_v herein_o remarkable_a that_o it_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o sin_n root_n of_o sin_n it_o do_v not_o only_o take_v away_o the_o external_a act_n and_o so_o make_v a_o smooth_a skin_n but_o it_o give_v good_a vital_n and_o inward_n especial_o it_o set_v against_o that_o rot_a core_n that_o be_v in_o every_o man_n viz._n a_o deceitful_a and_o false_a heart_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v know_v what_o the_o psalmist_n conclude_v of_o every_o man_n psal_n 116._o 11._o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o rom._n 3._o 4._o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n that_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n otherwise_o david_n and_o paul_n be_v not_o liar_n in_o deliver_v of_o this_o truth_n neither_o be_v regenerate_v man_n liar_n so_o far_o
whereas_o this_o inconstancy_n may_v be_v discover_v either_o in_o our_o civil_a and_o moral_a conversation_n or_o in_o our_o religious_a and_o holy_a concernment_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o inconstancy_n in_o civil_a assertion_n respect_n which_o may_v be_v manifest_v in_o these_o particular_n first_o when_o we_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o ourselves_o in_o our_o assertion_n and_o affirmation_n this_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o ourselves_o when_o we_o will_v say_v and_o unsay_v thing_n affirm_v one_o thing_n at_o one_o time_n and_o the_o contrary_a at_o another_o and_o in_o this_o case_n inconstancy_n be_v the_o same_o with_o lie_v thus_o it_o argue_v a_o light_n vain_a heart_n to_o talk_v one_o thing_n one_o time_n and_o another_o thing_n another_o time_n hence_o the_o rule_n be_v oportet_fw-la mendacem_fw-la esse_fw-la memorem_fw-la a_o liar_n must_v have_v a_o good_a memory_n and_o as_o other_o say_v a_o liar_n must_v have_v a_o good_a pair_n of_o leg_n that_o he_o may_v run_v away_o for_o he_o will_v quick_o be_v discern_v if_o he_o stay_v long_o in_o one_o place_n now_o we_o may_v not_o wonder_v if_o paul_n will_v not_o be_v think_v guilty_a of_o a_o lie_n for_o the_o way_n of_o lie_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o colos_n 3._o 9_o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v you_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n observe_v the_o apostle_n argument_n you_o that_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n you_o that_o have_v the_o image_n of_o god_n repair_v in_o you_o how_o can_v you_o lie_v to_o one_o another_o hence_o you_o have_v david_n pray_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n herein_o psal_n 119._o 29._o remove_v from_o i_o the_o way_n of_o lie_v and_o vers_n 163._o i_o hate_v and_o abhor_v lie_v but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v mark_v the_o opposition_n no_o man_n can_v love_v god_n and_o his_o word_n but_o he_o must_v abhor_v lie_v but_o how_o little_a do_v people_n general_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o herein_o they_o think_v not_o their_o graceless_a and_o unregenerate_v heart_n may_v be_v discover_v by_o such_o inconstant_a lie_a word_n as_o well_o at_o by_o gross_a enormity_n oh_o therefore_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n not_o to_o be_v a_o person_n of_o gravity_n consistency_n and_o harmony_n in_o thy_o word_n can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n then_o to_o say_v of_o a_o man_n he_o will_v say_v and_o unsay_v there_o be_v no_o heed_n to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o word_n we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v all_o thing_n they_o say_v if_o this_o be_v only_o thy_o dishonour_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o matter_n but_o it_o come_v from_o a_o corrupt_a heart_n within_o now_o the_o people_n of_o god_n above_o all_o person_n be_v to_o look_v to_o their_o word_n in_o this_o respect_n because_o with_o paul_n they_o have_v their_o enemy_n to_o observe_v they_o and_o we_o see_v how_o profane_a person_n be_v apt_a to_o charge_v they_o with_o this_o that_o though_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v yet_o they_o will_v lie_v this_o indeed_o they_o do_v because_o of_o their_o enmity_n and_o malice_n to_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n but_o be_v thou_o sure_a to_o give_v no_o occasion_n herein_o for_o they_o to_o blaspheme_v we_o see_v this_o holy_a apostle_n in_o a_o solemn_a sacred_a manner_n sometime_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o lie_v not_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 31_o gal._n 1._o 20._o second_o this_o inconstancy_n and_o mutability_n in_o civil_a respect_n be_v discover_v promise_n in_o our_o promise_n yea_o when_o it_o become_v a_o crimson_a sin_n than_o it_o be_v manifest_v in_o our_o promissory_a oath_n light_o and_o perfidious_o break_v of_o they_o now_o as_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o lie_a and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o every_o man_n be_v make_v a_o property_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n so_o also_o it_o be_v a_o character_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n to_o keep_v his_o promise_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o his_o own_o damage_n psal_n 15._o 4._o he_o that_o swear_v to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o change_v not_o though_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n prove_v afterward_o prejudicial_a to_o he_o yet_o he_o prefer_v truth_n above_o all_o earthly_a respect_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v true_a divine_n have_v a_o rule_n in_o malis_fw-la promissis_fw-la rescinde_fw-la fidem_fw-la a_o sinful_a promise_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v for_o that_o will_v be_v to_o add_v iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n and_o to_o double_v thy_o sin_n but_o in_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v inconvenient_a to_o thou_o thou_o be_v not_o to_o use_v lightness_n and_o easy_o break_v thy_o word_n thus_o than_o it_o be_v a_o character_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n to_o look_v to_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o observe_v they_o it_o be_v unjustice_n to_o break_v they_o because_o by_o a_o promise_n thou_o become_v a_o debtor_n to_o another_o and_o do_v you_o see_v paul_n so_o careful_a lest_o he_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o and_o be_v thou_o careless_a about_o thy_o word_n oh_o you_o must_v know_v that_o true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n but_o of_o the_o second_o likewise_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v godliness_n enough_o to_o pray_v to_o perform_v holy_a duty_n to_o be_v often_o in_o religious_a ordinance_n no_o but_o thou_o be_v to_o abound_v in_o all_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n towards_o man_n to_o avoid_v all_o lie_a all_o falsehood_n in_o promise_n and_o so_o to_o have_v truth_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n but_o how_o apt_a be_v our_o heart_n to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o kind_n some_o think_v their_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n because_o their_o word_n be_v as_o good_a as_o oath_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v not_o forward_o in_o religious_a duty_n they_o have_v no_o family-worship_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o walk_v singular_o to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o other_o again_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o their_o religious_a duty_n their_o forwardness_n and_o zeal_n therein_o though_o they_o regard_v not_o word_n and_o promise_n though_o they_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o righteousness_n yet_o their_o condition_n will_v be_v good_a enough_o oh_o but_o remember_v this_o passage_n of_o paul_n for_o ever_o be_v not_o hasty_a to_o promise_v labour_v not_o to_o forget_v what_o thou_o have_v promise_v which_o will_v be_v if_o thou_o have_v a_o conscientious_a regard_n unto_o thyself_o herein_o for_o when_o thou_o do_v not_o think_v it_o matter_n of_o conscience_n when_o thou_o think_v godliness_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v herein_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o thou_o be_v so_o often_o find_v faulty_a herein_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o press_v these_o duty_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n between_o man_n and_o man_n three_o this_o mutability_n in_o civil_a affair_n be_v see_v in_o our_o affection_n our_o love_n affection_n and_o respect_n to_o man_n it_o be_v a_o man_n duty_n to_o be_v a_o faithful_a friend_n to_o such_o who_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o respect_n and_o therefore_o of_o a_o friend_n sudden_o to_o become_v a_o enemy_n for_o one_o while_n to_o love_n and_o another_o while_n to_o hate_n this_o be_v to_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o man_n may_v be_v unfaithful_a two_o way_n 1._o when_o all_o the_o love_n and_o respect_n they_o profess_v be_v in_o hypocrisy_n their_o tongue_n and_o their_o heart_n do_v no_o way_n agree_v joab_n ave_fw-la and_o judas_n his_o salve_n when_o they_o intend_v destruction_n be_v famous_a even_o to_o a_o proverb_n david_n often_o complain_v of_o such_o deceitful_a man_n but_o then_o there_o be_v unfaithful_a man_n who_o once_o do_v love_n and_o be_v real_a for_o the_o time_n in_o their_o respect_n but_o then_o 2._o upon_o carnal_a sinful_a ground_n alter_v their_o affection_n again_o such_o perfidious_a and_o inconstant_a deal_n be_v abominable_a to_o god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o david_n complaint_n that_o make_v he_o so_o solemn_o cry_v unto_o god_n for_o help_v even_o because_v the_o faithful_a fail_n from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n psal_n 12._o 1._o it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n of_o no_o godliness_n may_v be_v a_o faithful_a friend_n there_o be_v great_a instance_n of_o such_o friend_n among_o heathen_n and_o the_o wise_a writer_n among_o they_o have_v serious_a discourse_n about_o friendship_n but_o godliness_n only_o do_v right_o order_n and_o regulate_v this_o faithful_a friendship_n that_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o be_v abhor_v by_o all_o
against_o christ_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o godâ—_n alone_o that_o can_v open_v this_o door_n 3._o sometime_o minister_n be_v call_v to_o a_o people_n of_o small_a hope_n 4._o a_o minister_n hope_v of_o do_v good_a shall_v be_v guide_v by_o the_o word_n reason_n why_o a_o minister_n hope_v of_o do_v good_a shall_v be_v matter_n of_o of_o joy_n to_o he_o 1._o the_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v accomplish_v a_o constant_a ministry_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o end_v 1._o to_o inform_v against_o error_n 2._o to_o reform_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o man_n life_n 3._o to_o comfort_v the_o godly_a 4._o to_o edify_v and_o strengthen_v they_o how_o believer_n may_v and_o be_v to_o grow_v 1._o in_o knowledge_n 2._o in_o the_o experimental_a power_n of_o their_o knowledge_n 3._o in_o faith_n 4._o in_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n especial_o minister_n to_o lay_v out_o themselves_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1._o for_o all_o christian_n 1._o there_o be_v none_o but_o have_v talent_n to_o be_v improve_v 2._o all_o lawful_a action_n may_v be_v improve_v for_o god_n glory_n 3._o christian_n shall_v often_o meditate_v upon_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o their_o action_n 2._o especial_o it_o belong_v to_o minister_n what_o be_v require_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o god_n glory_n 1_o a_o convert_a soul_n 2_o a_o public_a spirit_n 3._o heavenlyn_n indedness_n 4._o fervency_n and_o zeal_n the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o ordinary_a pastor_n differ_v in_o that_o the_o one_o have_v a_o universal_a the_o other_o a_o particular_a charge_n 1._o the_o apostle_n have_v commission_n to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n 2._o yet_o the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v virtual_o contain_v all_o other_o 3._o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o their_o office_n something_o ordinary_a and_o something_o extraordinary_a 5._o though_o a_o pastor_n be_v ordinary_o to_o reside_v among_o his_o flock_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n where_o the_o ministry_n have_v wrought_v spiritual_o the_o minister_n be_v esteem_v high_o lightness_n and_o inconstancy_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o reproach_n to_o all_o much_o more_o to_o minister_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o inconstancy_n in_o civil_a respect_n as_o 1._o when_o we_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o ourselves_o in_o our_o assertion_n 2._o in_o our_o promise_n 3._o in_o our_o affection_n of_o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n 1._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o man_n 3._o hereby_o a_o man_n make_v himself_o unfit_a for_o god_n service_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o our_o tongue_n 5._o god_n threaten_v lie_v but_o encourage_v sincerity_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o inconstancy_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o in_o 1._o faith_n 2._o in_o our_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n motive_n against_o this_o inconstancy_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n at_o all_o time_n against_o sin_n 2._o sin_n after_o conviction_n be_v the_o great_a 3._o this_o inconstancy_n be_v a_o mock_n of_o god_n and_o a_o dally_v in_o soul-matter_n 4._o it_o may_v just_o cause_n god_n for_o ever_o to_o forsake_v thou_o 3._o this_o inconstancy_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o promise_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o phrase_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v take_v for_o 1._o the_o humane_a nature_n 2._o external_n privilege_n 3._o corrupt_a principle_n walk_v by_o carnal_a principal_n make_v man_n unstable_a and_o inconstant_a principle_n of_o flesh_n 1._o covetousness_n 2._o ambition_n 3._o please_a of_o man_n 4._o time-serving_a 5._o self-pleasing_a of_o principle_n 1_o herein_o man_n differ_v from_o bruit_n beast_n because_o they_o act_n from_o inward_a principle_n beast_n by_o instinct_n 2._o principle_n be_v either_o speculative_a or_o practical_a 3._o all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a man_n be_v sinful_a and_o carnal_a 3._o principle_n be_v oft_o hide_v 5._o there_o be_v principle_n of_o flesh_n even_o in_o our_o holy_a duty_n 6._o the_o principle_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a be_v contrary_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n there_o be_v two_o general_a principle_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n viz._n the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o the_o principle_n of_o his_o act_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n particular_a principle_n 1._o always_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n 2._o to_o make_v sure_a of_o his_o ultimate_a end_n and_o the_o necessary_a mean_n to_o it_o 3._o daily_o to_o expect_v death_n and_o judgement_n 4._o to_o judge_v sin_n the_o great_a evil_n and_o godliness_n the_o great_a good_a lie_v be_v not_o consistent_a with_o godliness_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o material_a and_o a_o formal_a lie_n 2._o there_o be_v assertory_n and_o promissory_a lie_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o pernicious_a sport_v and_o officious_a lie_n 4._o lie_v be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o tongue_n 5._o they_o that_o will_v not_o lie_v must_v study_v the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n he_o that_o will_v govern_v his_o tongue_n must_v first_o cleanse_v his_o heart_n the_o cause_n of_o lie_n 1._o natural_a inclination_n 2._o want_v of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n 3._o our_o captivity_n to_o satan_n 4._o covetousness_n 5._o fear_n god_n be_v true_a god_n be_v true_a 1._o there_o be_v a_o metaphysical_a and_o a_o moral_a truth_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o increated_a and_o create_v truth_n 3._o in_o that_o god_n be_v true_a he_o differ_v from_o man_n and_o devil_n 4._o it_o be_v because_o of_o god_n truth_n that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o 5._o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o godliness_n wicked_a man_n usual_o cast_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o minister_n upon_o the_o ministry_n 1._o a_o people_n may_v have_v a_o holy_a zeal_n aga_v a_o loose_a scandalous_a minister_n 2._o a_o people_n be_v oft_o prone_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o the_o minister_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n 1._o when_o they_o dislike_v that_o which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n 2._o when_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o reprove_a sin_n 3._o when_o they_o cast_v the_o sault_n of_o the_o person_n upon_o their_o office_n and_o doctrine_n 4._o when_o they_o refuse_v the_o ministry_n upon_o false_a rumour_n and_o surmise_n it_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n for_o a_o minister_n to_o be_v mutable_a and_o contradictory_n in_o his_o doctrine_n 1._o all_o change_n be_v not_o bad_a 2._o but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o reproach_n to_o change_v from_o the_o truth_n 3._o even_o such_o a_o change_n suppose_v imperfection_n 4._o no_o man_n but_o may_v know_v more_o than_o he_o do_v 5._o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o fundamental_a 1._o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o constancy_n and_o pertinancy_n 2._o then_o be_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o change_v when_o we_o change_v from_o truth_n the_o cause_n of_o inconstancy_n 1._o ignorance_n 2._o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o vainglory_n 4._o example_n we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o essential_o and_o circumstantial_o in_o religion_n christ_n only_o be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o preach_n when_o be_v christ_n preach_v 1._o when_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 2._o when_o preach_v as_o god-man_n 3._o when_o preach_v in_o his_o person_n and_o his_o office_n 5._o when_o he_o be_v set_v up_o as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1._o he_o be_v true_o god_n 2._o he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o other_o be_v call_v his_o son_n as_o 1._o by_o creation_n 2._o by_o regeneration_n 3._o because_o of_o their_o dignity_n 3._o he_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o beget_v from_o eternity_n of_o the_o father_n 4._o he_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n 5._o in_o these_o mystery_n we_o must_v adhere_v whole_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n 6._o he_o be_v antichrist_n that_o deny_v the_o son_n to_o be_v god_n 7._o the_o spirit_n of_o giddiness_n have_v just_o fall_v upon_o these_o that_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n to_o his_o people_n what_o be_v employ_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n 1._o that_o all_o mankind_n be_v lose_v 2._o what_o kind_n of_o saviour_n be_v christ_n even_o a_o spiritual_a one_o 3._o he_o be_v a_o effectual_a saviour_n who_o be_v christ_n a_o saviour_n to_o 1._o some_o of_o mankind_n 2._o the_o repent_v believe_a sinner_n 3._o they_o be_v save_v from_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o world_n 4._o christ_n people_n 5._o the_o save_v be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o
free_v from_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v many_o of_o they_o be_v rather_o beast_n than_o a_o church_n last_o for_o godliness_n or_o religion_n there_o be_v also_o sad_a disorder_n about_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n that_o say_v let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v these_o be_v atheist_n and_o certain_o have_v this_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o some_o few_o only_a among_o they_o if_o it_o have_v be_v their_o catholic_n and_o universal_a doctrine_n maintain_v by_o all_o they_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n they_o have_v degenerate_v into_o mere_a atheism_n but_o it_o be_v some_o only_a that_o be_v thus_o infect_v again_o another_o offence_n in_o religion_n be_v their_o great_a church-division_n some_o exalt_v paul_n some_o apollo_n insomuch_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o edify_v and_o build_v up_o one_o another_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o as_o many_o sect_n almost_o as_o they_o have_v teacher_n and_o then_o last_o there_o be_v horrible_a confusion_n and_o ungodliness_n in_o respect_n of_o church-order_n all_o godly_a discipline_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v promiscuous_a come_v who_o will_v come_v though_o in_o their_o unworthiness_n they_o may_v receive_v it_o and_o although_o god_n judgement_n be_v upon_o they_o either_o the_o plague_n or_o some_o general_a disease_n and_o that_o because_o no_o better_a order_n be_v about_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v or_o condemn_v themselves_o thus_o this_o church_n be_v like_o a_o very_a chaos_n and_o yet_o a_o church_n still_o serm._n xvii_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o much_o defile_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n this_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v dignify_v as_o you_o hear_v with_o this_o glorious_a title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o those_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a depravation_n that_o be_v among_o they_o and_o that_o of_o all_o sort_n this_o truth_n we_o enter_v upon_o and_o before_o we_o give_v you_o some_o demonstration_n to_o evidence_n it_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o observable_a particular_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o only_o this_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o whereas_o a_o church_n may_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o either_o from_o its_o constitution_n or_o from_o its_o conversation_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o late_a way_n and_o so_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o soundness_n and_o purity_n of_o church_n do_v admit_v of_o degree_n that_o god_n as_o one_o star_n do_v excel_v another_o in_o glory_n yet_o both_o star_n so_o one_o church_n may_v great_o transcend_v another_o in_o orthodoxy_n and_o purity_n and_o yet_o both_o be_v church_n in_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n there_o be_v some_o reprove_v more_o than_o other_o we_o can_v expect_v that_o all_o church_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o measure_n in_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n no_o mor_o than_o particular_a christian_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v such_o a_o church_n be_v no_o church_n because_o not_o so_o pure_a as_o another_o church_n no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o man_n be_v not_o a_o godly_a man_n because_o he_o have_v not_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o illumination_n and_o sanctification_n as_o another_o and_o to_o say_v in_o the_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n to_o find_v out_o the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o to_o associate_v himself_o with_o it_o must_v needs_o fill_v a_o christian_a with_o infinite_a perplexity_n of_o conscience_n as_o also_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o insupportable_a outward_a inconvenience_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o do_v with_o a_o church_n as_o a_o godly_a tender_a heart_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v with_o himself_o because_o he_o find_v many_o fail_n and_o great_a imperfection_n therefore_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o judge_v that_o he_o have_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o thus_o because_o there_o be_v several_a disorder_n and_o distemper_n in_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v deserve_o daily_a matter_n of_o groan_n and_o sorrow_n to_o thou_o therefore_o thou_o begin_v to_o sentence_v such_o a_o church_n as_o no_o long_a god_n church_n again_o see_v that_o there_o be_v gradual_a difference_n of_o soundness_n and_o purity_n in_o church_n this_o shall_v also_o make_v every_o church_n take_v heed_n of_o appropriate_v the_o glorious_a name_n of_o a_o church_n or_o saint_n or_o christian_n to_o themselves_o only_o as_o if_o none_o be_v saint_n or_o christian_n but_o what_o be_v member_n of_o their_o society_n this_o be_v and_o have_v be_v a_o most_o uncharitable_a proud_a disposition_n of_o some_o church_n the_o popish_a church_n say_v there_o be_v no_o sanctity_n or_o holiness_n but_o with_o they_o inter_fw-la catholicos_fw-la say_v bellarmine_n multi_fw-la quidem_fw-la sunt_fw-la mali_fw-la sed_fw-la inter_fw-la haereticos_fw-la ne_fw-la uniu_fw-la quidem_fw-la est_fw-la bone_fw-la what_o a_o censorious_a condemnation_n be_v this_o not_o one_o good_a protestant_a who_o they_o call_v heretic_n not_o in_o all_o our_o church_n thus_o they_o only_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o sanctity_n to_o themselves_o so_o the_o donatist_n do_v of_o old_a they_o enclose_v the_o church_n only_o among_o themselves_o they_o call_v none_o christian_n but_o themselves_o to_o become_v a_o donatist_n be_v to_o become_v a_o christian_a with_o they_o so_o that_o we_o see_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o church_n not_o to_o admire_v their_o own_o way_n and_o constitution_n think_v that_o none_o be_v church_n but_o themselves_o there_o may_v be_v pharisaical_a church_n that_o may_v condemn_v other_o church_n as_o publican_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v so_o in_o person_n whereas_o it_o be_v good_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v describe_v christian_n by_o such_o name_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o relate_v or_o distinguish_v by_o any_o government_n or_o external_a constitution_n to_o be_v a_o believer_n to_o be_v a_o saint_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n these_o title_n denote_v either_o some_o inward_a qualification_n or_o external_a profession_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o insinuate_v what_o kind_n of_o order_n or_o way_n they_o be_v in_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o christ_n order_n and_o way_n his_o government_n and_o discipline_n be_v a_o indifferent_a or_o arbitrary_a thing_n only_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o monopolise_v godliness_n among_o ourselves_o mere_o because_o of_o a_o church-constitution_n although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o form_n or_o spiritual_a order_n in_o our_o church_n but_o of_o christ_n appointment_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n and_o latitude_n in_o the_o soundness_n and_o purity_n of_o church_n second_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o church_n be_v god_n true_a church_n though_o great_o corrupt_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o two_o extreme_n the_o first_o of_o those_o who_o therefore_o will_v have_v no_o reformation_n though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o disorder_n but_o say_v it_o be_v wisdom_n and_o prudence_n to_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v as_o they_o have_v be_v for_o it_o may_v be_v god_n church_n though_o there_o be_v divers_a abuse_n take_v heed_n of_o such_o carnal_a indulgence_n as_o this_o because_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o make_v no_o more_o stir_n let_v error_n and_o profaneness_n alone_o let_v disorder_n continue_v and_o this_o many_o time_n be_v palliate_v with_o fair_a specious_a pretence_n that_o such_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v will_v breed_v great_a discontent_n and_o division_n in_o stead_n of_o have_v a_o pure_a church_n it_o may_v be_v make_v no_o church_n at_o all_o especial_o this_o be_v the_o more_o difficulty_n obtain_v if_o it_o be_v a_o reformation_n in_o worship_n and_o manner_n for_o we_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o sit_v down_o under_o a_o orthodox_n church_n than_o a_o pure_a church_n we_o can_v more_o easy_o endure_v to_o have_v sound_a doctrine_n establish_v then_o pure_a and_o holy_a order_n because_o this_o do_v so_o direct_o contradict_v our_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n hence_o malachy_n propehsy_v of_o christ_n repurgation_n of_o his_o church_n as_o a_o very_a dreadful_a time_n even_o like_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n mal._n 3._o 2_o 4._o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o sit_v as_o a_o refiner_n and_o as_o a_o purger_n to_o take_v away_o droâ—_n but_o who_o shall_v abide_v the_o day_n of_o his_o come_n christ_n come_v being_n thus_o like_o the_o refiner_n fire_n and_o the_o fuller_n soap_n be_v as_o terrible_a as_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o they_o who_o may_v abide_v
a_o little_a yet_o inflame_v and_o increase_v the_o disease_n more_o so_o that_o these_o worldly_a joy_n be_v not_o universal_a nor_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a yea_o being_n the_o seed_n of_o eternal_a grief_n and_o torment_n therefore_o they_o may_v be_v well_o exclude_v from_o the_o name_n of_o joy_n and_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_o assert_v that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o consolation_n only_o to_o believer_n let_v we_o explicate_v this_o truth_n and_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o vouchsafe_v grace_n but_o comfort_n also_o and_o delight_v to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n he_o do_v not_o only_o give_v bread_n that_o strengthen_v but_o wine_n that_o make_v the_o heart_n glad_a grace_n that_o carry_v we_o out_o to_o honour_n god_n to_o love_v he_o and_o live_v to_o he_o but_o comfort_n that_o be_v for_o our_o encouragement_n that_o be_v to_o sweeten_v and_o facilitate_v the_o heart_n in_o do_v so_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o much_o grace_n and_o holiness_n yet_o if_o he_o want_v this_o conlation_n as_o you_o see_v it_o be_v with_o job_n with_o jeremiah_n with_o david_n when_o psal_n 51._o he_o pray_v so_o earnest_o for_o the_o restore_n of_o it_o again_o to_o he_o all_o his_o desirable_a thing_n perish_v christ_n himself_o under_o those_o agony_n he_o conflict_v with_o have_v a_o angel_n to_o comfort_v he_o so_o that_o you_o see_v they_o be_v two_o distinct_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o give_v grace_n and_o to_o give_v comfort_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o twofold_a work_n both_o to_o sanctify_v and_o also_o to_o comfort_v yet_o though_o distinct_a god_n do_v many_o time_n join_v they_o together_o yea_o there_o be_v some_o unusual_a impediment_n if_o joy_n do_v not_o always_o follow_v grace_n and_o that_o like_a castor_n and_o pollux_n they_o do_v not_o always_o appear_v together_o therefore_o godliness_n be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o gladness_n in_o that_o expression_n ps_n l._n 45._o 7._o apply_v to_o christ_n heb._n 1._o 9_o thou_o have_v anoint_v he_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n as_o christ_n be_v so_o also_o be_v his_o member_n thus_o anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n god_n then_o do_v not_o only_o sanctify_v and_o make_v his_o people_n holy_a but_o he_o also_o do_v fill_v their_o heart_n with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n thus_o act_v 9_o 31._o they_o in_o the_o church_n walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n only_o when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n give_v his_o people_n comfort_n as_o well_o as_o grace_v you_o must_v know_v the_o comfort_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n sometime_o they_o be_v concomitant_a so_o that_o even_o in_o the_o very_a exercise_n of_o grace_n they_o find_v unspeakable_a joy_n and_o sweetness_n the_o very_a heathen_n have_v some_o glimmer_n of_o this_o when_o they_o say_v virtus_n be_v sibi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la praemium_fw-la virtue_n itself_o be_v a_o reward_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n because_o of_o the_o great_a tranquillity_n and_o contentation_n of_o mind_n that_o it_o bring_v to_o the_o soul_n even_o as_o wicked_a action_n have_v a_o immediate_a horror_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n accompany_v they_o and_o then_o 2._o there_o be_v consequent_a joy_n which_o follow_v after_o the_o work_n be_v do_v as_o paul_n find_v at_o the_o 12_o verse_n this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o a_o man_n of_o a_o ill_a conscience_n who_o have_v sting_n from_o that_o though_o all_o the_o world_n applaud_v he_o yet_o he_o can_v have_v any_o true_a solid_a joy_n quid_fw-la proderit_fw-la tibi_fw-la non_fw-la habere_fw-la conscium_fw-la habenti_fw-la conscientiam_fw-la the_o martyr_n they_o find_v concomitant_a joy_n in_o their_o most_o dreadful_a suffering_n act._n 5._o 41._o the_o apostle_n go_v away_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n name_n they_o mind_v not_o their_o stripe_n nor_o their_o reproach_n and_o disgrace_n but_o they_o go_v away_o rejoice_v not_o from_o hear_v the_o word_n from_o prayer_n from_o such_o holy_a ordinance_n but_o even_o from_o scourge_n and_o stripe_n but_o in_o many_o other_o duty_n and_o service_n for_o god_n though_o for_o the_o present_a we_o may_v feel_v no_o joy_n yet_o there_o be_v subsequent_a joy_n that_o may_v arise_v long_o after_o for_o as_o sin_n may_v not_o sting_v for_o a_o while_n as_o we_o see_v in_o joseph_n brethren_n the_o guilt_n of_o their_o conscience_n awaken_v they_o many_o year_n after_o so_o the_o comfort_n of_o holy_a duty_n though_o for_o the_o present_a thou_o may_v not_o apprehend_v they_o yet_o sometime_o or_o other_o god_n will_v revive_v they_o second_o although_o god_n give_v not_o only_a grace_n but_o comfort_n to_o his_o people_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o for_o comfort_n sake_n but_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n and_o that_o while_o he_o deny_v we_o the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n to_o suck_v on_o yet_o we_o be_v as_o fervent_o and_o zealous_o to_o obey_v he_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v many_o time_n the_o sad_a complaint_n of_o god_n child_n that_o they_o want_v comfort_n and_o thereupon_o be_v deject_v and_o discourage_v they_o care_v not_o for_o pray_v for_o hear_v they_o have_v no_o heart_n for_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o because_o they_o find_v their_o heart_n like_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n full_a of_o howl_a beast_n oh_o when_o they_o have_v comfort_n than_o they_o can_v run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n than_o they_o have_v fire_n in_o their_o bosom_n but_o when_o this_o be_v go_v they_o become_v like_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o lump_n of_o earth_n but_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o strength_n nehem._n 8._o 10._o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v too_o low_a and_o mercenary_a to_o serve_v he_o only_o for_o comfort_n this_o be_v amor_fw-la concupiscentiae_fw-la not_o amicitiae_fw-la towards_o god_n the_o grace_n of_o love_n carry_v we_o to_o god_n so_o that_o we_o choose_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n that_o though_o he_o shall_v not_o give_v we_o heaven_n and_o everlasting_a glory_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o because_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o most_o excellent_a good_a how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o his_o work_n though_o we_o find_v not_o those_o experimental_a suavity_n upon_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o present_a therefore_o thou_o be_v to_o deny_v thyself_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o joy_n when_o god_n dispense_v it_o to_o thou_o walk_v thankful_o humble_o and_o fruitful_o under_o it_o and_o when_o in_o darkness_n in_o desolateness_n of_o soul_n yet_o let_v not_o thy_o soul_n abate_v in_o love_n and_o service_n to_o god_n the_o stoic_a be_v so_o severe_a that_o he_o think_v he_o can_v not_o be_v virtuous_a who_o do_v any_o virtuous_a action_n for_o the_o delight_n and_o sweetness_n that_o follow_v it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v virtus_fw-la propter_fw-la voluptatem_fw-la but_o voluptas_fw-la propter_fw-la virtutem_fw-la how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o christianity_n teach_v we_o to_o prefer_v god_n will_n and_o his_o honour_n above_o all_o consolation_n if_o job_n say_v though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o then_o do_v thou_o though_o when_o thou_o ask_v for_o bread_n he_o give_v thou_o a_o stone_n when_o thou_o ask_v for_o fish_n he_o give_v thou_o a_o serpent_n yet_o still_o say_v i_o will_v own_v he_o as_o a_o father_n honour_v he_o as_o a_o father_n christ_n when_o he_o be_v in_o those_o agony_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o accomplish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n three_o as_o god_n give_v comfort_n to_o believer_n so_o he_o do_v it_o proportionable_o and_o suitable_o to_o their_o trial_n necessity_n and_o want_n great_a trial_n need_v great_a comfort_n great_a temptation_n need_v great_a consolation_n thus_o the_o apostle_n at_o the_o next_o verse_n as_o our_o suffering_n abound_v so_o our_o consolation_n also_o abound_v through_o christ_n one_o drop_n of_o honey_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o sweeten_v the_o salt_n water_n of_o the_o sea_n neither_o can_v small_a consolation_n equal_v great_a affliction_n hence_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v most_o remarkable_a that_o he_o reserve_v his_o comfort_n for_o such_o time_n and_o season_n when_o the_o soul_n do_v most_o want_n they_o now_o if_o ever_o the_o lord_n must_v comfort_v else_o they_o shall_v be_v overwhelm_v as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o first_o conversion_n to_o god_n when_o our_o sin_n lie_v with_o all_o their_o weight_n upon_o our_o back_n when_o we_o see_v nothing_o but_o terror_n which_o way_n soever_o
one_o way_n or_o other_o every_o abel_n will_v have_v a_o cain_n every_o isaac_n a_o ishmael_n what_o though_o you_o do_v not_o suffer_v from_o the_o pagan_n or_o heretic_n without_o yet_o how_o great_o do_v you_o suffer_v from_o the_o profane_a and_o ungodly_a within_o every_o profane_a man_n though_o he_o shroud_v himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o he_o be_v of_o a_o antichristian_a spirit_n if_o not_o doctrinal_o yet_o practical_o and_o in_o deed_n bernard_n speak_v of_o the_o bitter_a time_n by_o paganish_a persecution_n and_o then_o of_o more_o bitter_a by_o heretical_a make_v the_o three_o and_o most_o bitter_a of_o all_o to_o be_v in_o the_o evil_a and_o ungodly_a manner_n of_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o church_n heu_fw-la domine_fw-la say_v he_o qui_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la primi_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o persecutione_n primi_fw-la there_o be_v then_o a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n though_o not_o to_o blood_n and_o if_o every_o godly_a man_n do_v not_o thus_o suffer_v let_v he_o fear_v whether_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n pleaser_n whether_o he_o fear_v not_o man_n more_o than_o god_n whether_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o applaud_v as_o a_o wise_a man_n as_o a_o moderate_a man_n because_o he_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o zealous_a godly_a man_n against_o sin_n in_o his_o place_n the_o very_a heathen_a can_v say_v how_o be_v he_o a_o good_a man_n who_o be_v not_o trouble_v some_o to_o and_o hate_v by_o a_o evil_a man_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n woe_n be_v to_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o luk._n 6._o 26._o some_o observe_v the_o connexion_n the_o apostle_n use_v 1_o pet._n 4._o 11_o 12._o for_o have_v in_o the_o 11_o verse_n exhort_v to_o a_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o those_o office_n we_o be_v betrust_v with_o present_o exhort_v to_o patience_n about_o affliction_n because_o one_o will_v necessary_o cause_v the_o other_o so_o mat._n 10._o when_o christ_n give_v his_o apostle_n commission_n to_o preach_v he_o do_v withal_o admonish_v blood_n they_o of_o the_o hatred_n they_o shall_v meet_v with_o light_n will_v be_v offensive_a to_o sore_a eye_n and_o salt_n will_v make_v wound_n to_o smart_v three_o to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v very_o tedious_a and_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v because_o of_o those_o reproach_n and_o many_o time_n danger_n which_o accompany_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o many_o they_o like_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n well_o but_o they_o like_v not_o the_o crown_n of_o thornes_n if_o christ_n way_n be_v a_o broad_a way_n they_o may_v have_v christ_n and_o their_o honour_n christ_n and_o their_o lust_n christ_n and_o their_o advantage_n then_o they_o will_v be_v as_o forward_o to_o run_v out_o and_o meet_v christ_n as_o they_o do_v from_o jerusalem_n cry_v hosanna_n to_o he_o therefore_o howsoever_o man_n have_v thousand_o of_o pretence_n to_o keep_v off_o from_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o faithful_a own_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v many_o wide_a gate_n of_o distinction_n to_o go_v out_o at_o when_o danger_n be_v at_o hand_n yet_o it_o be_v fear_n of_o suffer_v that_o keep_v most_o off_o their_o duty_n they_o like_o christ_n well_o till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v say_v as_o she_o do_v to_o moses_n thou_o be_v a_o bloody_a husband_n to_o i_o so_o christ_n will_v have_v thy_o good_a name_n thy_o estate_n thy_o life_n this_o make_v thou_o prove_v a_o apostate_n and_o turn_v hypocrite_n oh_o the_o gulf_n of_o misery_n yea_o sometime_o of_o despair_n that_o this_o fear_n of_o suffering_n have_v put_v man_n upon_o therefore_o affliction_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v so_o often_o call_v temptation_n because_o they_o will_v discover_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v â—ound_v for_o god_n or_o not_o whether_o they_o love_v christ_n more_o than_o the_o creature_n oh_o then_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o leave_v thou_o not_o to_o this_o snare_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o suffer_v for_o do_v what_o be_v good_a this_o will_v prove_v bitter_a at_o the_o latter_a end_n do_v you_o not_o see_v among_o officer_n how_o fearful_a to_o punish_v the_o drunkard_n the_o sabbath-breaker_n they_o shall_v loose_v their_o good_a word_n they_o will_v do_v they_o despite_n and_o malice_n afterward_o be_v not_o thou_o all_o this_o while_n afraid_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n he_o that_o suffer_v for_o do_v that_o which_o be_v righteous_a for_o punish_v offender_n he_o suffer_v for_o christ_n as_o be_v to_o be_v show_v remember_v then_o it_o be_v better_a suffering_n for_o christ_n which_o be_v our_o crown_n and_o glory_n then_o suffer_v in_o hell_n for_o ever_o because_o thou_o will_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n serm._n xlvi_o the_o same_o doctrine_n prosecute_v show_v the_o object_n for_o which_o christian_n be_v to_o suffer_v if_o they_o will_v suffer_v for_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 5._o for_o as_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o etc._n etc._n the_o doctrine_n that_o have_v in_o part_n be_v treat_v on_o be_v that_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a own_n of_o christ_n be_v accompany_v with_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n some_o particular_n have_v be_v give_v in_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o proceed_v to_o add_v more_o and_o the_o first_o in_o order_n shall_v be_v that_o although_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o own_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o to_o suffer_v for_o he_o yet_o the_o scripture_n represent_v suffering_n it_o as_o a_o most_o bless_a and_o glorious_a thing_n howsoever_o the_o world_n judge_v it_o reproachful_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o enlarge_v myself_o about_o the_o encouragement_n to_o suffer_v when_o christ_n call_v for_o it_o it_o be_v enough_o at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o general_n to_o inform_v that_o god_n will_v not_o honour_v every_o one_o with_o persecution_n for_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o great_a expression_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n hence_o some_o confessor_n have_v desire_v to_o be_v martyr_n but_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n preserve_v they_o they_o have_v be_v great_o humble_v and_o deject_v under_o this_o as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o some_o special_a sin_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o that_o god_n will_v not_o in_o that_o manner_n dignify_v they_o these_o be_v not_o word_n and_o mere_a oratory_n the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o proclaim_v this_o for_o a_o title_n of_o favour_n to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o christ_n act._n 5._o 41._o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o his_o name_n that_o they_o may_v have_v shame_n and_o reproach_n for_o christ_n this_o they_o rejoice_v in_o as_o a_o great_a matter_n of_o honour_n who_o be_v they_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v so_o exhalt_v they_o so_o phil._n 1._o 29._o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v but_o to_o suffer_v by_o this_o you_o see_v that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o god_n do_v give_v to_o believe_v he_o do_v not_o also_o give_v to_o suffer_v for_o he_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n then_o and_o where_o this_o be_v bestow_v they_o ought_v to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o be_v exceed_o glad_a yea_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 14._o they_o be_v happy_a and_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 16._o thy_o be_v to_o goorifie_v god_n in_o that_o behalf_n if_o we_o can_v believe_v these_o scripture_n truth_n so_o much_o sinful_a fear_n and_o pusillanimity_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o as_o too_o often_o it_o may_v be_v we_o will_v not_o run_v from_o a_o duty_n accompany_v with_o suffering_n as_o moses_n do_v from_o the_o rod_n turn_v into_o a_o serpent_n neither_o shall_v we_o with_o simon_n the_o cyrenean_n be_v compel_v to_o bear_v the_o cross_n that_o be_v observable_a 1_o pet._n 2._o 19_o if_o a_o man_n suffer_v for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o translate_v it_o this_o be_v thankworthy_a but_o happy_o that_o be_v not_o so_o proper_a for_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o martyrdom_n that_o have_v be_v in_o his_o own_o body_n yet_o god_n be_v not_o to_o thank_v he_o he_o have_v not_o suffer_v more_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v neither_o do_v i_o know_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n therefore_o it_o be_v better_o translate_v this_o be_v a_o favour_n this_o be_v grace_n if_o god_n bring_v we_o to_o suffer_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o he_o if_o then_o thou_o be_v to_o suffer_v either_o verbal_o by_o mock_n and_o slander_n or_o real_o by_o misery_n and_o persecution_n set_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o thorn_n set_v the_o honey_n to_o the_o gall_n set_v the_o honour_n with_o god_n to_o
particular_a in_o the_o description_n of_o paul_n trouble_n in_o asia_n have_v be_v explain_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n enlarge_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o grace_n even_o in_o a_o paul_n do_v not_o whole_o remove_v the_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n grace_n do_v regulate_v and_o direct_v nature_n but_o not_o extinguish_v it_o stoicism_n and_o christianity_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n not_o to_o fear_v not_o to_o grieve_v about_o due_a object_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n be_v a_o sin_n not_o a_o virtue_n but_o though_o grace_n do_v not_o extirpate_v this_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n yet_o it_o subdue_v and_o conquer_v the_o sinful_a fear_n of_o death_n our_o natural_a fear_n do_v quick_o become_v immoderate_a and_o so_o offensive_a unto_o god_n therefore_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o mortify_v this_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v over-fear_v that_o this_o fear_n may_v not_o prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n our_o work_n therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v to_o direct_v a_o christian_a in_o the_o discern_a between_o a_o natural_a fear_n and_o a_o sinful_a fear_n that_o he_o may_v know_v what_o be_v of_o less_o mere_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v of_o corrupt_a nature_n only_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o 1._o that_o a_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n may_v be_v in_o some_o more_o and_o in_o some_o less_o from_o the_o very_a constitution_n and_o temperament_n of_o their_o body_n some_o be_v very_o fearful_a by_o their_o very_a natural_a complexion_n and_o to_o such_o death_n be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o to_o other_o who_o be_v of_o a_o more_o bold_a and_o stout_a constitution_n even_o as_o some_o be_v more_o prone_a to_o anger_v than_o other_o so_o some_o be_v more_o prone_a to_o fear_v than_o other_o and_o this_o be_v a_o natural_a passion_n they_o can_v conquer_v it_o no_o more_o than_o grace_n can_v change_v the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n only_o to_o the_o godly_a such_o a_o natural_a fear_n be_v sanctify_v they_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o they_o depend_v much_o upon_o god_n and_o therefore_o some_o who_o have_v be_v assault_v exceed_o with_o fear_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n suspect_v their_o own_o self_n that_o they_o shall_v prove_v perfidious_a to_o christ_n and_o apostate_n have_v find_v unexpected_a courage_n and_o boldness_n because_o they_o have_v go_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o trust_v in_o god_n only_o these_o lamb_n have_v prove_v lion_n hence_o the_o scripture_n antidote_n and_o comfortable_a promise_n against_o this_o fear_n isa_n 53._o 4._o say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o fearful_a heart_n be_v strong_a fear_v not_o yea_o we_o have_v a_o precious_a promise_n to_o the_o godly_a that_o under_o christ_n government_n and_o protection_n over_o they_o jer._n 23._o 4._o they_o shall_v fear_v no_o more_o nor_o be_v dismay_v if_o then_o the_o godly_a find_v himself_o of_o a_o fearful_a disposition_n that_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a 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death_n such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o death_n do_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o accompany_v with_o much_o distract_n fear_n and_o temble_a that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o those_o mercy_n god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o this_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n design_n be_v by_o these_o unprofitable_a and_o needless_a fear_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o that_o service_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v for_o god_n for_o as_o timber_n too_o moist_a and_o not_o well_o dry_v will_v deceive_v the_o builder_n and_o not_o support_v the_o house_n as_o it_o be_v expect_v so_o neither_o can_v a_o christian_n amaze_v with_o such_o divide_v fear_n do_v god_n that_o service_n in_o his_o place_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v these_o be_v like_a worm_n in_o the_o wood_n that_o at_o last_o eat_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o it_o such_o therefore_o that_o be_v buffet_v with_o these_o temptation_n they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o take_v but_o to_o fly_v unto_o god_n he_o be_v the_o jehovah_n who_o can_v give_v power_n and_o strength_n to_o they_o as_o be_v do_v to_o daniel_n in_o his_o great_a amazement_n and_o unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o directive_n rule_n from_o whence_o he_o may_v wise_o observe_v many_o remedy_n against_o such_o preposterous_a fear_n let_v he_o also_o possess_v his_o soul_n with_o this_o as_o a_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o the_o lord_n bind_v he_o in_o this_o chain_n as_o it_o be_v to_o prevent_v other_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v bold_o venture_v upon_o and_o that_o these_o fear_n continual_o annoy_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v off_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o other_o they_o be_v like_o bark_a cur_n that_o keep_v off_o thief_n when_o they_o hear_v such_o a_o noise_n within_o these_o thing_n premise_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v when_o and_o wherein_o the_o fear_n of_o snare_n death_n do_v manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v sinful_a and_o first_o when_o it_o become_v a_o snare_n to_o a_o man_n so_o that_o by_o it_o he_o either_o commit_v some_o sin_n or_o omit_v some_o duty_n when_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n have_v this_o influence_n upon_o thou_o then_o know_v it_o exceed_v its_o limit_n thou_o fear_v man_n more_o than_o god_n thou_o fear_v death_n more_o than_o hell_n and_o damnation_n prov._n 29._o 25._o the_o fear_n of_o a_o man_n bring_v a_o snare_n when_o it_o bring_v a_o snare_n upon_o thou_o conscience_n say_v do_v not_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v do_v not_o this_o but_o fear_v of_o death_n say_v do_v this_o than_o this_o become_v very_o sad_a in_o the_o issue_n as_o you_o see_v it_o be_v in_o peter_n fear_v make_v he_o deny_v his_o master_n so_o in_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n though_o so_o great_a example_n of_o holiness_n yet_o fear_v of_o death_n put_v they_o upon_o lie_v and_o dissimulation_n now_o to_o sin_n for_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v a_o most_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a fear_n to_o fear_v the_o less_o and_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o great_a thou_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v damn_v yet_o thou_o fear_v to_o die_v how_o full_o do_v our_o saviour_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o folly_n of_o this_o fear_n luk._n 12._o 4_o 5._o i_o say_v to_o you_o my_o friend_n though_o the_o disciple_n have_v this_o comfortable_a title_n and_o encourage_v relation_n upon_o they_o what_o can_v be_v great_a than_o to_o be_v christ_n friend_n will_v christ_n forsake_v his_o friend_n in_o adversity_n shall_v any_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v to_o christ_n as_o absolom_n to_o hushai_n be_v this_o thy_o kindness_n to_o thy_o friend_n yet_o how_o ready_a be_v they_o to_o fear_v man_n and_o death_n immoderate_o therefore_o he_o exhort_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n who_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v forewarn_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v they_o need_v premonition_n about_o it_o the_o object_n whereof_o be_v god_n who_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n which_o he_o redouble_v yea_o i_o say_v to_o you_o fear_v he_o so_o that_o by_o this_o place_n we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o and_o unreasonable_a fear_n to_o venture_v the_o damnation_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o fear_n of_o death_n yet_o how_o often_o have_v this_o be_v do_v but_o sometime_o it_o have_v prove_v so_o dismal_a as_o in_o spira_n and_o other_o that_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n wrath_n fall_v upon_o their_o conscience_n have_v so_o great_o overwhelm_v they_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n have_v be_v quite_o put_v out_o by_o a_o great_a fear_n they_o have_v desire_v death_n yea_o they_o have_v hasten_v to_o it_o by_o offer_v violence_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o fear_n
that_o be_v not_o probable_a it_o be_v then_o for_o that_o deliverance_n vouchsafe_v to_o paul_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v thankful_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v clear_a because_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o paul_n be_v their_o mercy_n also_o from_o whence_o observe_v that_o the_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mercy_n to_o be_v account_v the_o church_n mercy_n what_o advantage_n come_v to_o the_o shepherd_n it_o redound_v to_o the_o sheep_n the_o rain_n that_o fall_v upon_o the_o mountain_n descend_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o valley_n your_o life_n your_o comfort_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o they_o paul_n indeed_o say_v we_o live_v if_o you_o stand_v fast_o it_o be_v his_o comfort_n his_o life_n to_o see_v they_o preserve_v from_o apostasy_n by_o persecution_n 1_o thess_n 3._o 8._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o church_n may_v say_v of_o her_o guide_n we_o stand_v fast_o if_o you_o live_v as_o mercy_n to_o the_o public_a magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o people_n mercy_n so_o the_o mercy_n of_o church-officer_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v the_o church_n if_o the_o pilot_n be_v in_o danger_n it_o can_v never_o be_v well_o with_o the_o ship_n when_o elijah_n be_v take_v away_o the_o cry_n be_v the_o chariot_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o horseman_n thereof_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n be_v one_o prophet_n account_v to_o be_v we_o have_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o the_o holy_a care_n of_o the_o philippian_n about_o their_o pastor_n epaphroditus_n phil._n 2._o 26_o 27._o when_o he_o be_v sick_a unto_o death_n how_o heavy_o do_v they_o lie_v it_o to_o heart_n insomuch_o that_o epaphroditus_n be_v exceed_o grieve_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o be_v sick_a he_o know_v it_o will_v so_o great_o afflict_v they_o yea_o paul_n account_v it_o a_o mercy_n to_o he_o also_o that_o god_n do_v heal_v he_o for_o though_o paul_n do_v recover_v many_o out_o of_o their_o disease_n yet_o this_o gift_n be_v not_o when_o they_o please_v and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o extend_a to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o their_o intimate_a acquaintance_n but_o rather_o to_o such_o as_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o miracle_n may_v be_v more_o manifest_v use_v of_o instruction_n how_o happy_a and_o bless_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v when_o people_n be_v able_a to_o do_v their_o duty_n herein_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o favour_n and_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o their_o own_o mercy_n their_o health_n encouragement_n preservation_n as_o their_o own_o but_o how_o bitter_o do_v satan_n fill_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n who_o out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o their_o error_n look_v upon_o their_o godly_a guide_n as_o the_o great_a burden_n and_o will_v hearty_o rejoice_v in_o any_o evil_n that_o shall_v befall_v they_o this_o be_v clean_a contrary_n to_o those_o gracious_a love_a and_o endear_a affection_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o people_n to_o their_o spiritual_a shepherd_n serm._n lxxxiv_o of_o our_o glory_v and_o rejoice_v in_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n why_o and_o how_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o how_o not_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o youward_n this_o verse_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o raciocinative_a particular_a or_o note_n of_o inference_n for_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o reason_n of_o something_o which_o go_v before_o but_o interpreter_n do_v differ_v about_o the_o coherence_n thereof_o some_o make_v this_o to_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o that_o hope_n and_o trust_v he_o former_o speak_v of_o which_o he_o have_v in_o god_n though_o he_o do_v trust_v in_o god_n mercy_n yet_o not_o in_o they_o alone_o but_o in_o his_o own_o endeavour_n also_o hence_o aquinas_n from_o this_o say_v that_o hope_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o man_n merit_n but_o this_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o scripture_n other_o do_v make_v it_o part_n of_o his_o apologetical_a narration_n defend_v himself_o as_o against_o that_o crime_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o levity_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o he_o because_o of_o his_o promise_n to_o come_v to_o they_o which_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o they_o think_v these_o word_n look_v backward_o and_o not_o forward_o calvin_n and_o other_o which_o be_v most_o probable_a refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v viz._n their_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o his_o behalf_n this_o be_v give_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o tender_a about_o he_o because_o he_o have_v obtain_v grace_n to_o be_v faithful_a he_o have_v not_o seek_v himself_o or_o his_o own_o glory_n he_o have_v not_o walk_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o fraud_n but_o have_v be_v keep_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o all_o sincerity_n in_o his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o at_o corinth_n but_o every_o where_o else_o now_o it_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o pray_v for_o such_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o argument_n heb._n 13._o 18._o pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o connexion_n then_o be_v thus_o discover_v we_o come_v to_o the_o text_n absolute_o consider_v and_o therein_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n itself_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v affirm_v and_o predicate_v of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o forepart_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v begin_v with_o it_o the_o word_n be_v this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v render_v by_o most_o our_o glory_n or_o our_o boast_n the_o apostle_n do_v very_o often_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o seem_v to_o come_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o neck_n and_o so_o be_v a_o metaphor_n signify_v for_o the_o most_o part_n pride_n and_o loftiness_n take_v from_o horse_n who_o pride_n will_v be_v discover_v by_o their_o neck_n and_o therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o as_o homer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o ill_a sense_n hence_o hesychius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o with_o budaeus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o proud_a boaster_n and_o bragger_n but_o with_o paul_n it_o be_v use_v sometime_o in_o a_o good_a sense_n as_o here_o for_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o threefold_a sense_n gradual_a to_o one_o another_o 1._o to_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o a_o thing_n 2._o from_o thence_o to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o be_v glad_a in_o it_o 3._o from_o thence_o to_o declare_v and_o publish_v this_o with_o boast_v now_o though_o paul_n do_v not_o put_v confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o his_o good_a and_o sincere_a conscience_n yet_o from_o the_o perceive_v of_o that_o he_o do_v rejoice_v whereas_o then_o we_o see_v paul_n rejoice_v and_o glory_v from_o the_o testimony_n and_o evidence_n of_o that_o grace_n he_o have_v in_o he_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o a_o holy_a glory_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o perceive_v in_o we_o lawful_a be_v allow_v and_o lawful_a i_o say_v a_o holy_a glory_v for_o the_o heart_n may_v quick_o degenerate_v into_o a_o proud_a sinful_a boast_n therefore_o this_o truth_n must_v be_v wary_o bound_v so_o that_o the_o deject_a and_o tempt_v soul_n may_v be_v quicken_v to_o its_o duty_n of_o comfort_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o may_v feel_v and_o the_o proud_a pharisaical_a spirit_n may_v be_v debase_v the_o valley_n must_v be_v exalt_v and_o the_o mountain_n make_v low_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n say_v let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o the_o lord_n let_v not_o the_o wise_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 31_o and_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o wherewith_o to_o glory_v who_o can_v have_v yea_o the_o apostle_n say_v express_o rom._n 3._o 27._o that_o glory_v be_v exclude_v by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v will_v appear_v when_o we_o come_v to_o manifest_v how_o many_o way_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o glory_n or_o to_o rejoice_v no_o not_o in_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n only_o this_o text_n make_v it_o plain_a that_o in_o some_o sense_n our_o grace_n may_v be_v matter_n
other_o help_n no_o more_o than_o he_o will_v make_v you_o understand_v greek_a and_o hebrew_n know_v then_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o almost_o incurable_a condition_n when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v become_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o when_o we_o suck_v poison_v out_o of_o these_o sweet_a herb_n although_o indeed_o we_o can_v from_o the_o scripture_n get_v any_o hurt_n but_o our_o own_o corruption_n procure_v it_o to_o we_o because_o we_o bring_v the_o scripture_n to_o our_o end_n and_o affection_n not_o they_o to_o the_o scripture_n three_o to_o the_o have_v of_o a_o well-ordered_a conscience_n there_o be_v great_o require_v intention_n pure_a aim_n and_o intention_n for_o although_o a_o good_a intention_n can_v sanctifile_v a_o unlawful_a action_n yet_o corrupt_a intention_n will_v blast_v and_o defile_v the_o best_a action_n insomuch_o that_o if_o we_o have_v the_o gift_n and_o part_n of_o the_o able_a man_n yea_o of_o angel_n themselves_o yet_o sinful_a aim_n will_v be_v like_a locust_n and_o caterpillar_n to_o devour_v this_o hopeful_a fruit_n but_o oh_o the_o unsearchable_a hypocrisy_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n even_o in_o this_o very_a respect_n how_o ready_a be_v every_o pharisee_fw-mi every_o heretic_n and_o papist_n to_o appropriate_v this_o to_o themselves_o how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v they_o profess_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a advantage_n any_o temporal_a emolument_fw-fr that_o they_o look_v at_o or_o regard_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v much_o rejoice_v because_o of_o this_o but_o if_o the_o counterfeit_n will_v bring_v such_o peace_n what_o will_v the_o real_a and_o sincere_a intention_n of_o a_o man_n do_v and_o certain_o though_o a_o man_n be_v clothe_v with_o never_o so_o much_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v not_o only_o a_o great_a than_o austin_n or_o chrysostome_n but_o even_o than_o paul_n or_o peter_n for_o some_o have_v cry_v up_o the_o head_n of_o their_o party_n as_o have_v great_a gift_n than_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o yet_o without_o sincere_a intention_n they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o life_n soul_n and_o the_o all_o in_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o that_o will_v come_v in_o more_o seasonable_o afterward_o four_o to_o a_o right_n order_v conscience_n who_o witness_n may_v be_v receive_v and_o sanctification_n comfort_v take_v thereby_o that_o there_o be_v require_v the_o inward_a sanctification_n and_o effectual_a renovation_n thereof_o so_o that_o till_o this_o be_v every_o man_n conscience_n be_v like_o a_o man_n himself_o a_o mere_a liar_n there_o be_v no_o believe_v of_o it_o no_o trust_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v say_v jer._n 17._o that_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v deceitful_o wicked_a or_o crafty_a and_o supplant_n a_o man_n this_o comprehend_v conscience_n as_o well_o as_o any_o part_n else_o for_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o original_a sin_n be_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o in_o these_o two_o respect_n the_o natural_a conscience_n do_v always_o fail_v for_o either_o it_o do_v not_o witness_v that_o which_o be_v right_a or_o not_o to_o a_o right_a end_n insomuch_o that_o though_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o to_o gainsay_v or_o contradict_v his_o conscience_n yet_o nothing_o lie_v upon_o he_o more_o than_o to_o have_v his_o conscience_n right_o inform_v or_o regulate_v by_o god_n word_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n you_o see_v every_o civil_a man_n every_o formal_a man_n so_o applaud_v himself_o in_o his_o good_a condition_n it_o be_v because_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a conscience_n a_o scripture-conscience_n for_o that_o will_v make_v he_o abhor_v himself_o and_o fly_v out_o of_o the_o sodom_n he_o be_v in_o for_o in_o most_o thing_n the_o conscience_n do_v not_o witness_v the_o truth_n at_o all_o but_o it_o do_v flâ—tter_v and_o deceive_v thou_o how_o seldom_o do_v it_o tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v the_o drunkard_n the_o hypocrite_n the_o neglecter_n of_o private_a duty_n &_o c_o or_o if_o it_o do_v than_o it_o be_v to_o a_o false_a end_n either_o to_o drive_v to_o despair_v and_o to_o fly_v from_o christ_n who_o blood_n only_o can_v cleanse_v the_o conscience_n or_o else_o to_o quiet_v it_o again_o by_o some_o superstitious_a usage_n and_o non-instituted_n remedy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o few_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o the_o trouble_n of_o their_o conscience_n into_o a_o evangelical_n and_o gospel_n way_n know_v then_o here_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o thy_o misery_n thy_o conscience_n be_v unsanctified_a lull_v thou_o asleep_o whereby_o thou_o rejoic_a in_o thy_o condition_n when_o thou_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v serm._n lxxxvi_o further_a discovery_n of_o what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o well-regulated_n conscience_n with_o distinction_n concern_v it_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n there_o remain_v more_o particular_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o which_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o well-regulated_n conscience_n who_o testimony_n you_o hear_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o first_o there_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n necessary_a the_o witness_v and_o seal_v conscience_n power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o and_o with_o our_o conscience_n the_o illumination_n and_o sanctification_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v our_o conscience_n speak_v full_o and_o clear_o so_o as_o to_o have_v rejoice_v thereby_o unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v also_o bear_v witness_n with_o it_o hence_o we_o have_v they_o both_o put_v together_o rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o you_o hear_v that_o bernard_n understand_v this_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o text_n of_o a_o testimonium_fw-la percipientis_fw-la not_o perhibentis_fw-la but_o they_o be_v both_o include_v for_o our_o conscience_n can_v give_v any_o evidence_n and_o sure_a testimony_n of_o the_o grace_n inus_fw-la unless_o enable_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n seal_v and_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n the_o text_n be_v very_o famous_a and_o great_o agitate_a in_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n grotius_n and_o some_o other_o neglect_v the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o will_v have_v it_o no_o more_o than_o simple_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o word_n be_v not_o any_o where_o so_o use_v the_o instance_n of_o grotius_n be_v against_o he_o rom._n 2._o 15._o for_o conscience_n there_o be_v say_v to_o bear_v witness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o so_o do_v relate_v to_o his_o testimony_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n only_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o conscience_n this_o be_v do_v and_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o do_v by_o any_o external_a voice_n and_o sound_v make_v in_o the_o air_n as_o christ_n have_v when_o it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n neither_o may_v we_o apprehend_v any_o immediate_a testimony_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o some_o have_v plead_v for_o but_o in_o a_o mediate_a way_n partly_o by_o exciting_a and_o enable_v of_o our_o spirit_n to_o call_v god_n father_n against_o that_o slavishness_n and_o servility_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o bear_v we_o down_o and_o partly_o by_o work_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a and_o holy_a qualification_n by_o which_o we_o do_v certain_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n indeed_o the_o papist_n make_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o be_v no_o more_o as_o apply_v to_o particular_a subject_n though_o in_o itself_o they_o say_v it_o be_v infallible_a then_o a_o moral_a certainty_n by_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o sign_n but_o this_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o take_v away_o all_o that_o evangelical_n joy_n and_o holy_a boldness_n which_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v at_o the_o throve_n of_o grace_n this_o witness_v then_o of_o god_n spirit_n be_v two_o way_n effective_o 1._o effectiuè_fw-fr when_o it_o do_v enable_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o legal_a terror_n and_o torment_a fear_n and_o so_o in_o serenity_n of_o spirit_n to_o believe_v god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n for_o alas_o take_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n without_o this_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n how_o legal_a and_o timorated_a
of_o heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v our_o condition_n fear_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o godly_a filial_a and_o holy_a fear_n that_o fear_n which_o be_v so_o often_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o with_o which_o we_o be_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n phil._n 2._o 12._o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o slavish_a and_o servile_a fear_n torment_v we_o with_o daily_a doubt_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o expel_v by_o this_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a enemy_n to_o a_o evangelical_n and_o gospel_n life_n which_o be_v in_o faith_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o these_o torment_a doubt_n about_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v and_o encourage_v these_o doubt_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o humility_n do_v thereby_o drive_v we_o from_o christ_n yea_o luther_n say_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n than_o this_o we_o have_v ground_n enough_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o though_o this_o ishmael_n must_v be_v cast_v out_o yet_o not_o isaac_n too_o there_o be_v a_o lawful_a fear_n whereby_o as_o child_n we_o reverence_v god_n be_v afraid_a of_o any_o frown_n from_o he_o and_o do_v thereby_o diligent_o attend_v to_o all_o those_o duty_n he_o have_v command_v and_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o beget_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o our_o upright_a heart_n and_o by_o this_o that_o rash_a presumption_n of_o epicure_n of_o impenitent_a and_o secure_a sin_n be_v whole_o exclude_v for_o they_o do_v in_o a_o presumptuous_a manner_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o all_o sin_n have_v no_o holy_a fear_n in_o the_o godly_a use_n of_o all_o those_o mean_v god_n have_v command_v four_o to_o enable_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n thus_o to_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v spirit_n of_o its_o sincerity_n there_o be_v above_o all_o require_v the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o the_o text_n abovementioned_a do_v attribute_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o we_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n and_o do_v seal_v and_o witness_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n therefore_o though_o a_o godly_a man_n soul_n be_v as_o full_o bespangle_v with_o grace_n as_o the_o firmament_n with_o star_n yet_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v not_o to_o discern_v of_o these_o we_o be_v in_o daily_a fluctuation_n of_o spirit_n as_o hagar_n have_v a_o fountain_n of_o water_n by_o she_o but_o she_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v with_o thirst_n till_o god_n open_v her_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n man_n can_v not_o behold_v that_o great_a company_n which_o be_v on_o his_o side_n till_o his_o eye_n be_v enable_v thereunto_o so_o neither_o do_v we_o know_v what_o be_v the_o gracious_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o without_o this_o seal_a witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o of_o this_o more_o large_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o 22_o verse_n in_o this_o chapter_n now_o when_o all_o these_o be_v concurrent_a together_o do_v the_o godly_a soul_n with_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o justify_v with_o god_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o sense_n or_o mix_v of_o both_o be_v dispute_v but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o late_a for_o as_o faith_n in_o the_o assent_v act_n be_v carry_v out_o to_o principle_n clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n and_o then_o secondary_o to_o conclusion_n by_o good_a and_o sure_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o so_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o fiducial_a act_n of_o it_o to_o the_o promise_n as_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o general_a and_o then_o to_o the_o same_o as_o particular_o apply_v so_o that_o faith_n and_o experience_n concur_v to_o make_v up_o this_o certain_a knowledge_n a_o glorious_a and_o rare_a privilege_n for_o because_o man_n do_v live_v so_o dissolute_o and_o careless_o because_o they_o do_v so_o little_a exercise_n themselves_o in_o holiness_n and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n therefore_o they_o think_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v impossible_a yea_o because_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o constant_a weakness_n they_o think_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n but_o sinful_a presumption_n to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n concern_v themselves_o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v you_o that_o it_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o press_v after_o serm._n lxxxviii_o of_o the_o impediment_n which_o keep_v we_o from_o assurance_n command_v for_o it_o and_o caution_n about_o it_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n etc._n etc._n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v pursue_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n already_o observe_v viz._n that_o a_o believer_n may_v certain_o know_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o do_v the_o duty_n god_n require_v but_o also_o that_o he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o sincere_a and_o single_a heart_n the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v manifest_v to_o he_o be_v to_o show_v our_o duty_n herein_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n command_n not_o to_o rest_v till_o we_o come_v to_o some_o assure_a knowledge_n herein_o therefore_o of_o all_o the_o question_n in_o divinity_n thou_o be_v to_o study_v to_o exercise_v thyself_o most_o in_o this_o whether_o do_v thou_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n no_o self-deluded_n wretch_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o thou_o have_v sincerity_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n how_o much_o more_o advantageous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o christian_n if_o they_o study_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n more_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o many_o can_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o dispute_n about_o either_o unnecessary_a thing_n or_o too_o sublime_a for_o their_o capacity_n or_o such_o question_n that_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o and_o as_o for_o this_o which_o be_v the_o main_a fundamental_a one_o as_o to_o their_o particular_n be_v whole_o negligent_a about_o it_o certain_o a_o good_a resolution_n herein_o be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o we_o may_v wonder_v that_o we_o do_v not_o lay_v all_o other_o study_v aside_o yea_o bid_v all_o other_o business_n stand_v alooff_o off_o till_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o sure_a ground_n have_v persuade_v we_o herein_o if_o your_o temporal_a estate_n be_v question_v if_o all_o your_o livelihood_n be_v call_v into_o question_n and_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o the_o estate_n you_o enjoy_v be_v your_o own_o by_o the_o right_n of_o the_o law_n or_o no_o especial_o if_o other_o do_v solicit_v and_o endeavour_v to_o take_v it_o from_o you_o will_v not_o this_o make_v you_o run_v and_o ride_v night_n and_o day_n till_o you_o have_v obtain_v such_o firm_a evidence_n that_o all_o your_o adversary_n can_v not_o invalidate_v how_o then_o come_v it_o about_o that_o we_o will_v thus_o desperate_o put_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o a_o venture_n if_o i_o be_v regenerate_v i_o be_o regenerate_v if_o but_o a_o temporary_a believer_n i_o be_o no_o more_o i_o will_v put_v it_o to_o the_o event_n let_v it_o fall_v out_o how_o it_o will_v oh_o the_o sad_a blindness_n and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o man_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o yet_o thou_o that_o live_v thus_o doubtful_o and_o will_v die_v thus_o doubtful_o how_o uncertain_a be_v thy_o life_n what_o a_o bubble_n and_o vapour_n be_v thou_o oh_o remember_v that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o a_o godly_a ability_n to_o answer_v thyself_o in_o this_o doubt_n and_o temptation_n will_v be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o world_n when_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v snatch_v from_o this_o world_n to_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n thereof_o no_o more_o when_o thou_o apprehend_v thyself_o summon_v by_o death_n to_o stand_v at_o god_n tribunal_n where_o grace_n and_o only_a grace_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o sure_a plea._n what_o agony_n what_o perplexity_n what_o confusion_n will_v be_v upon_o thy_o soul_n if_o thou_o cry_v out_o then_o oh_o i_o know_v not_o what_o i_o be_o what_o will_v become_v of_o i_o whether_o i_o be_o go_v live_v i_o must_v not_o die_v i_o dare_v not_o oh_o that_o i_o can_v hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n immediate_o witness_v unto_o i_o that_o my_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v safe_a and_o good_a be_v sure_a that_o of_o all_o the_o question_n in_o the_o world_n you_o will_v one_o day_n be_v put_v most_o to_o answer_v this_o not_o so_o much_o what_o knowledge_n
inflict_v on_o the_o offender_n second_o this_o simplicity_n of_o spirit_n in_o reference_n to_o man_n be_v accompany_v with_o ingenuity_n candour_n and_o truth_n his_o heart_n and_o his_o word_n his_o promise_n and_o his_o truth_n hand_n go_v along_o together_o and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n of_o a_o transparent_a breast_n that_o do_v abhor_v all_o lie_a cozen_a and_o a_o double_a tongue_n how_o careful_a be_v the_o apostle_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o something_o this_o text_n be_v relate_v to_o that_o to_o clear_v himself_o from_o inconstancy_n and_o falsehood_n as_o if_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o so_o that_o simplicity_n be_v accompany_v with_o verity_n in_o affection_n and_o veracity_n in_o promise_n there_o be_v a_o conformity_n between_o the_o mind_n and_o word_n the_o jesuite_n by_o his_o principle_n of_o equivocation_n call_v it_o prudens_fw-la defentio_fw-la be_v far_o from_o this_o simplicity_n the_o apostle_n here_o do_v rejoice_v in_o aristotle_n lib._n 4._o ethic._n cap._n 17._o make_v this_o verity_n to_o be_v a_o moral_a virtue_n though_o he_o say_v the_o greek_n have_v no_o name_n for_o it_o he_o place_v it_o in_o the_o middle_n between_o two_o extreme_n the_o one_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o a_o man_n do_v boast_v and_o brag_v of_o such_o thing_n in_o he_o which_o be_v not_o indeed_o thus_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o civil_a man_n yea_o aristotle_n himself_o for_o all_o his_o moral_a philosophy_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o arrogancy_n attribute_v that_o to_o themselves_o which_o be_v not_o in_o they_o simplicity_n give_v all_o to_o god_n nothing_o to_o his_o own_o power_n the_o other_o extreme_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o man_n do_v dissemble_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o they_o will_v not_o own_v they_o aristotle_n make_v socrates_n guilty_a of_o this_o now_o it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v much_o hypocrisy_n in_o dispraise_v ourselves_o and_o we_o may_v affect_v humility_n when_o thereby_o we_o exalt_v our_o pride_n so_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o have_v this_o simplicity_n be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v do_v for_o he_o and_o in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o pride_n but_o thankfulness_n to_o do_v so_o paul_n do_v not_o arrogant_o boast_v when_o he_o profess_v his_o simplicity_n it_o be_v not_o pride_n to_o own_o his_o sincerity_n and_o this_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v inform_v in_o for_o they_o be_v so_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a of_o themselves_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o say_v they_o feel_v what_o they_o do_v feel_v if_o christ_n shall_v ask_v they_o as_o peter_n love_v thou_o i_o they_o will_v stand_v amaze_v not_o know_v what_o to_o say_v when_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n all_o their_o trouble_n be_v because_o they_o love_v christ_n no_o more_o and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o holiness_n as_o they_o desire_v know_v then_o as_o aristotle_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o much_o more_o a_o christian_n by_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n may_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n contrary_a to_o that_o simplicity_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o we_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o thus_o hezekiah_n plead_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o paul_n here_o and_o also_o in_o many_o other_o place_n profess_v his_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n and_o abundant_a labour_v for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v charge_v with_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n herein_o by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o as_o a_o man_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v carry_v out_o to_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n so_o he_o do_v herein_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o observe_v and_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o provide_v always_o we_o avoid_v those_o particular_n which_o carthusian_n mention_v lib._n 2d._o do_v in_o a_o verse_n that_o do_v always_o pollute_v or_o puff_v up_o exit_fw-la se_fw-la pro_fw-la meritis_fw-la falsò_fw-la plus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la inflat_fw-la 1._o that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v we_o have_v these_o good_a thing_n by_o our_o own_o power_n and_o ability_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o we_o that_o god_n give_v we_o grace_n and_o pass_v other_o by_o 3._o that_o we_o do_v not_o false_o boast_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o indeed_o in_o we_o 4._o that_o we_o do_v not_o pharisaical_o prefer_v ourselves_o above_o other_o these_o four_o thing_n do_v overthrow_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o many_o popish_a principle_n from_o these_o thing_n thus_o declare_v there_o be_v first_o a_o use_n of_o instruction_n by_o way_n of_o corollary_n viz._n that_o godly_a simplicity_n be_v not_o natural_a simplicity_n or_o mere_a childishness_n 1_o god_n for_o many_o end_n cause_v some_o to_o be_v bear_v natural_a fool_n and_o idiot_n such_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n god_n may_v have_v his_o way_n unknown_a to_o we_o of_o reach_v home_o to_o their_o heart_n and_o infuse_v grace_n into_o they_o but_o this_o simplicity_n be_v that_o which_o do_v consist_v in_o subdue_a the_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v in_o man_n heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v prone_a to_o do_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o sinister_a respect_n and_o thereby_o lose_v our_o spiritual_a reward_n again_o much_o more_o do_v this_o christian_a simplicity_n differ_v from_o sinful_a and_o affect_a simplicity_n when_o man_n by_o their_o laziness_n and_o negligence_n attain_v not_o to_o any_o sound_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n how_o many_o simple_a old_a person_n be_v there_o that_o have_v live_v many_o year_n in_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o know_v no_o more_o than_o a_o child_n about_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n yea_o every_o wicked_a man_n be_v often_o by_o solomon_n call_v the_o simple_a one_o and_o therefore_o wisdom_n do_v earnest_o invite_v they_o to_o forsake_v this_o folly_n thou_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o censure_v the_o generation_n of_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n as_o so_o many_o weak_a simple_a person_n they_o be_v very_o contemptible_a in_o thy_o eye_n oh_o remember_v that_o all_o impiety_n be_v gross_a simplicity_n you_o be_v the_o devil_n fool_n for_o his_o babble_n you_o lose_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o hell_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o you_o will_v then_o rage_v and_o rave_v to_o see_v what_o fool_n you_o have_v be_v when_o you_o shall_v see_v these_o despise_v one_o receive_v into_o glory_n and_o you_o cast_v into_o eternal_a torment_n use_v 2._o of_o admonition_n to_o all_o such_o who_o seem_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n 2._o who_o be_v often_o in_o hear_v in_o pray_v often_o in_o the_o religious_a duty_n god_n require_v above_o all_o thing_n look_v to_o the_o singleness_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o these_o thing_n thou_o will_v else_o have_v no_o glory_n from_o god_n nor_o true_a comfort_n in_o thy_o own_o conscience_n as_o solomon_n say_v whatsoever_o thou_o do_v do_v with_o all_o thy_o might_n so_o whatsoever_o thou_o do_v do_v it_o in_o plainness_n of_o heart_n look_v up_o to_o god_n only_o and_o remember_v though_o man_n see_v not_o thy_o carnal_a motive_n nor_o the_o crooked_a wind_n of_o thy_o heart_n yet_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o god_n behold_v the_o very_a atom_n as_o it_o be_v within_o thou_o how_o great_a will_v thy_o confusion_n be_v if_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n god_n shall_v reject_v all_o thy_o glister_a holiness_n say_v you_o do_v it_o not_o to_o i_o in_o all_o these_o duty_n you_o serve_v not_o i_o even_o as_o god_n complain_v of_o those_o hypocritical_a jew_n zech._n 7._o 5._o when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o those_o month_n do_v you_o it_o to_o i_o even_o to_o i_o this_o want_n of_o singleness_n of_o heart_n respect_v god_n only_o be_v that_o which_o make_v all_o their_o religion_n abominable_a unto_o god_n serm._n xci_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o godly_a sincerity_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o and_o godly_a sincerity_n this_o be_v the_o second_o word_n wherein_o be_v positive_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o paul_n conversation_n in_o the_o world_n although_o both_o the_o word_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n yet_o simplicity_n do_v more_o respect_n the_o frame_n and_o inward_a constitution_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o sincerity_n do_v more_o denote_v the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o aim_n and_o end_n in_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o expression_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n 1._o of_o the_o grace_n itself_o viz._n sincerity_n 2._o the_o limitation_n or_o qualification_n of_o it_o
therein_o that_o do_v denominate_v he_o and_o see_v they_o be_v either_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o flesh_n every_o one_o either_o walk_v in_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o spirit_n let_v a_o man_n faithful_o search_v into_o his_o own_o bosom_n and_o observe_v what_o have_v the_o predominant_a efficacy_n what_o he_o may_v call_v his_o principle_n he_o purpose_v and_o live_v by_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o in_o the_o four_o place_n these_o principle_n though_o efficacious_a yet_o be_v manytimes_o latent_fw-la hide_v and_o hidden_a it_o be_v a_o rule_n principia_fw-la sunt_fw-la maxima_fw-la virtute_fw-la minima_fw-la quantitate_fw-la therefore_o be_v thus_o secret_a and_o inward_a it_o be_v not_o easy_o find_v out_o what_o principle_n we_o walk_v by_o do_v those_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n know_v they_o do_v so_o do_v they_o believe_v so_o do_v they_o complain_v of_o such_o a_o rot_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n no_o they_o rather_o applaud_v themselves_o even_o the_o most_o carnal_a man_n that_o be_v do_v judge_v their_o principle_n good_a and_o right_n they_o have_v a_o good_a heart_n and_o good_a end_n no_o doubt_n when_o paul_n persecute_v the_o church_n oppose_v so_o zealous_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n though_o in_o all_o this_o he_o be_v act_v by_o fleshly_a principle_n yet_o he_o think_v they_o religion_n and_o service_n of_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o our_o duty_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o every_o corner_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o find_v out_o the_o bottom_n of_o thy_o soul_n for_o thou_o be_v never_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o thy_o condition_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n till_o thy_o principle_n be_v make_v manifest_a in_o thou_o how_o often_o may_v thou_o flatter_v thyself_o as_o do_v thing_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n when_o it_o be_v thy_o own_o corrupt_a self_n thy_o own_o glory_n thy_o own_o advantage_n five_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o only_o in_o our_o external_a deal_n duty_n with_o man_n or_o in_o gross_a bodily_a sin_n but_o in_o religious_a duty_n and_o our_o sacred_a performance_n oh_o consider_v this_o diligent_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v after_o the_o flesh_n hear_v after_o the_o flesh_n preach_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o fleshly_a motive_n put_v we_o upon_o spiritual_a duty_n the_o pharisee_n when_o they_o pray_v they_o do_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o those_o who_o adore_v angel_n and_o introduce_v voluntary_a worship_n these_o have_v a_o fleshly_a mind_n col._n 2._o 18._o man_n be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o flesh_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o gross_a sin_n and_o bodily_a iniquity_n but_o even_o when_o in_o spiritual_a duty_n they_o be_v lead_v by_o sinful_a motive_n thus_o jehu_n when_o he_o purpose_v the_o destruction_n of_o ahab_n and_o his_o family_n the_o overthrow_n of_o baal_n and_o his_o worship_n he_o do_v all_o this_o after_o the_o flesh_n when_o judas_n resolve_v to_o follow_v christ_n to_o be_v his_o disciple_n all_o this_o be_v a_o resolve_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n now_o this_o we_o shall_v hear_v with_o tremble_a and_o a_o holy_a fear_n my_o religion_n may_v be_v flesh_n my_o holy_a duty_n flesh_n my_o profession_n of_o godliness_n nothing_o but_o flesh_n for_o though_o the_o duty_n themselves_o be_v good_a and_o command_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o flow_v may_v be_v the_o flesh_n in_o thou_o do_v not_o take_v therefore_o all_o holy_a performance_n to_o come_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o sanctification_n in_o thou_o do_v hypocrite_n and_o temporary_a believer_n diligent_o consider_v this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o prevent_v their_o final_a destruction_n last_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o the_o spiritual_a be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o even_o as_o light_v and_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o one_o can_v never_o agree_v contrary_a with_o the_o other_o prov._n 29._o 27._o a_o unjust_a man_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o just_a and_o he_o that_o be_v upright_o in_o his_o way_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o wicked_a every_o godly_a man_n can_v but_o abominate_a the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o then_o the_o wicked_a abominate_v the_o way_n of_o the_o godly_a so_o that_o there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o agreement_n now_o both_o strive_v for_o their_o principle_n dispute_v for_o their_o principle_n the_o godly_a man_n urge_v he_o and_o will_v bring_v man_n off_o to_o they_o the_o wicked_a man_n be_v as_o resolute_a for_o his_o principle_n and_o be_v active_a to_o have_v they_o take_v place_n and_o from_o hence_o be_v that_o enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n now_o it_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n duty_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o his_o principle_n not_o for_o a_o moment_n to_o depart_v from_o they_o this_o be_v to_o betray_v god_n and_o his_o conscience_n but_o the_o wicked_a man_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o leave_v his_o to_o come_v out_o of_o they_o with_o all_o haste_n for_o they_o will_v be_v his_o damnation_n at_o last_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n by_o man_n which_o he_o think_v purpose_v and_o live_v so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o deviate_v from_o this_o his_o heart_n be_v smite_v his_o soul_n melt_v say_v this_o be_v not_o according_a to_o my_o principle_n i_o have_v not_o think_v say_v or_o do_v like_o myself_o now_o there_o be_v two_o general_a principle_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n whereby_o he_o be_v keep_v scripture_n from_o purpose_v or_o live_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n the_o one_o i_o may_v call_v principium_fw-la cognoscendi_fw-la the_o other_o principium_fw-la essendi_fw-la or_o rather_o efficiendi_fw-la for_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o regulate_v ourselves_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a sufficient_a and_o adequate_a rule_n to_o live_v by_o how_o contemptuous_o soever_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o enthusiast_n on_o the_o other_o do_v speak_v of_o it_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16._o direct_v timothy_n though_o so_o eminent_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o scripture_n not_o to_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o unto_o they_o which_o he_o have_v know_v from_o his_o youth_n give_v admirable_a commendation_n of_o they_o from_o the_o efficient_a cause_n they_o be_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n who_o will_v not_o regard_v what_o god_n himself_o say_v that_o will_v prove_v true_a and_o every_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o a_o lie_n and_o then_o the_o adjunct_n property_n holy_a they_o be_v holy_a scripture_n by_o these_o alone_o thou_o will_v be_v enable_v to_o have_v a_o holy_a nature_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n as_o those_o that_o keep_v in_o apothecary_n shop_n smell_v of_o the_o ointment_n thus_o those_o who_o exercise_n themselves_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o become_v holy_a they_o be_v conform_v thereunto_o such_o a_o man_n be_v like_o a_o tree_n by_o the_o waterside_n bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n again_o they_o be_v commend_v from_o their_o end_n which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o desirable_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v but_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o way_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o we_o mistake_v the_o path_n that_o lead_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n only_o give_v we_o wisdom_n herein_o furthermore_o they_o be_v commend_v from_o a_o fourfold_a effect_n for_o doctrine_n correction_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n with_o the_o consequent_a thereof_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n even_a timothy_n and_o such_o who_o be_v in_o holy_a office_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v for_o every_o good_a work_n by_o this_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n a_o godly_a man_n walk_v by_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n he_o believe_v according_a to_o they_o he_o worship_v according_a to_o they_o he_o live_v according_a to_o they_o oh_o the_o holiness_n and_o admirable_a loveliness_n that_o be_v in_o his_o life_n who_o thus_o walk_v according_a to_o scripture_n oh_o remember_v that_o you_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o reference_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n thy_o religion_n must_v be_v a_o scripture-religion_n thy_o faith_n a_o scripture-faith_n thy_o repentance_n a_o scripture-repentance_n thy_o godliness_n a_o scripture-godlinesse_n else_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n thou_o will_v have_v that_o sentence_n upon_o thou_o which_o be_v a_o hand-writing_n in_o the_o wall_n against_o that_o great_a king_n thou_o be_v number_v and_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o be_v find_v
happiness_n as_o sanctification_n 4._o seal_v do_v not_o follow_v sanctification_n of_o necessity_n but_o by_o god_n appointment_n how_o may_v this_o seal_n be_v stop_v 1._o on_o god_n part_n for_o reason_n know_v to_o himself_o 2._o on_o our_o part_n 1._o by_o fall_v into_o gross_a sin_n 2._o careless_n walk_v 3._o self-confidence_n 4._o this_o seal_v do_v not_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n 5._o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o god_n grace_n be_v a_o sure_a earnest_n of_o glory_n place_n of_o scripture_n where_o this_o earnest_n be_v speak_v of_o 1._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 5._o 2._o eph._n 1._o 14._o how_o grace_n and_o a_o earnest_n differ_v 1._o a_o earnest_n assure_v both_o buyer_n and_o seller_n 2._o a_o earnest_n be_v do_v in_o a_o communitative_a way_n of_o justice_n 3._o by_o a_o earnest_n a_o man_n intend_v to_o advantage_v himself_o 4._o a_o earnest_n be_v oft_o lose_v what_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o earnest_n of_o god_n spirit_n 1._o god_n will_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o salvation_n 2._o that_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n 3._o that_o heaven_n shall_v as_o certain_o be_v we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v already_o in_o it_o 1._o the_o comfort_n of_o perseverance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v improve_v by_o those_o that_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o 2._o there_o be_v divers_a opinion_n concern_v this_o nearness_n 3._o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n do_v not_o exclude_v mean_n 4._o this_o certainty_n be_v either_o 1._o dogmatic_a or_o 2._o personal_n reason_n why_o they_o who_o have_v this_o earnest_n can_v fall_v away_o 1._o 2._o 3._o it_o be_v lawful_a under_o the_o gospel_n to_o swear_v after_o a_o right_a manner_n upon_o necessary_a occasion_n what_o a_o oath_n be_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o religious_a call_n upon_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o call_n upon_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n 3._o it_o be_v in_o a_o doubtful_a matter_n 4._o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v for_o confirmation_n 1._o whether_o word_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o oath_n answ_n 2._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n answ_n how_o we_o may_v mention_v a_o creature_n in_o a_o oath_n and_o not_o swear_v by_o it_o answ_n 1._o answ_n 2._o 3._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o say_v i_o vow_v it_o be_v so_o answ_n whether_o in_o faith_n and_o by_o faith_n be_v oath_n answ_n it_o be_v lawful_a in_o some_o case_n to_o swear_v arg._n 1._o arg._n 2._o arg._n 3._o how_o we_o may_v swear_v lawful_o when_o we_o may_v swear_v a_o use_n of_o reproof_n against_o swear_v motive_n against_o swear_v 1._o there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n against_o it_o 2._o a_o godly_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v one_o fear_v a_o oath_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n 4._o it_o have_v very_o great_a judgement_n threaten_v against_o it_o 5._o it_o pollute_v a_o nation_n and_o bring_v god_n judgement_n upon_o it_o 6._o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o excuse_n and_o cavil_n for_o swear_v answer_v ministerial_a power_n ought_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o much_o holy_a prudence_n and_o commiseration_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o holy_a prudence_n 1._o hereby_o be_v exclude_v all_o worldly_a policy_n 2._o zeal_n be_v not_o exclude_v 3._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confound_v with_o man-pleasing_a wherein_o holy_a prudence_n do_v consist_v 1._o in_o discover_v our_o love_n to_o their_o person_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o proceed_n 2._o in_o observe_v the_o fit_a season_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n 3._o in_o our_o discern_v of_o sin_n 4._o in_o the_o order_n of_o mean_n 5._o in_o the_o mingle_n of_o due_a praise_n 6._o in_o look_v to_o the_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a that_o may_v come_v minister_n have_v no_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n 1._o what_o be_v not_o forbid_v in_o this_o doctrine_n 1._o not_o the_o lawful_a ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o dispense_n ordinance_n 2._o neither_o do_v it_o imply_v that_o minister_n have_v their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n 3._o neither_o do_v it_o encourage_v a_o boundless_a question_n of_o a_o minister_n doctrine_n 4_o here_o be_v not_o exclude_v the_o minister_n duty_n to_o reprove_v sin_n 2._o what_o be_v forbid_v in_o it_o 1._o all_o abuse_n of_o lawful_a power_n 2._o all_o civil_a and_o political_a government_n 3._o all_o magisterial_a power_n over_o conscience_n 4._o all_o wicked_a end_n the_o administration_n of_o comfort_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a joy_n carnal_a and_o spiritual_a 2._o minister_n be_v to_o help_v their_o joy_n who_o grace_n they_o have_v before_o help_v 3._o sharp_a mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v before_o comfort_n why_o minister_n be_v to_o comfort_v the_o people_n 1._o because_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o because_o a_o awaken_v heart_n be_v much_o indispose_v to_o it_o 3._o because_o hereby_o the_o heart_n be_v more_o quicken_v to_o godliness_n the_o christian_n say_v relate_v only_a unto_o god_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o humane_a and_o a_o divine_a faith_n two_o thing_n require_v to_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n 1._o the_o principle_n that_o work_v it_o in_o we_o god_n 2._o a_o divine_a testimony_n god_n word_n 3._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o none_o can_v have_v a_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n 1._o no_o church-governors_n 2._o no_o civil_a governor_n 4._o faith_n admit_v of_o degree_n