reputation_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o roman_a valour_n but_o these_o which_o i_o have_v show_v you_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o it_o they_o be_v all_o lawful_a resistance_n of_o sin_n he_o will_v resist_v unto_o blood_n but_o it_o still_o be_v in_o strive_v against_o sin_n heb._n 1._o 2._o 4._o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o lawful_a resistance_n this_o in_o the_o description_n i_o call_v a_o govern_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n 2_o tim._n 2_o 5._o if_o a_o man_n strive_v for_o mastery_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o all_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n no_o christian_a fortitude_n can_v be_v show_v either_o in_o the_o encounter_v of_o a_o danger_n for_o not_o do_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o for_o the_o encounter_v of_o a_o danger_n rather_o than_o do_v what_o god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o to_o the_o first_o a_o man_n be_v not_o god_n martyr_n but_o the_o devil_n as_o to_o the_o second_o he_o can_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o god_n but_o for_o his_o own_o humour_n god_n have_v leave_v he_o a_o liberty_n he_o need_v not_o suffer_v unless_o he_o will_n but_o now_o there_o may_v be_v several_a action_n as_o to_o which_o a_o good_a man_n do_v not_o see_v his_o liberty_n but_o lie_v under_o apprehension_n that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a the_o question_n be_v what_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o do_v as_o to_o they_o and_o whether_o a_o christian_a can_v show_v any_o christian_a fortitude_n in_o encounter_v danger_n rather_o then_o do_v they_o to_o which_o i_o short_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a man_n as_o to_o such_o action_n to_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n he_o can_v as_o to_o a_o true_a information_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n interpret_n the_o scripture_n which_o may_v right_o inform_v he_o keep_v his_o ear_n open_a to_o all_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n to_o all_o instruction_n 2._o if_o by_o no_o mean_n he_o can_v receive_v satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o action_n the_o do_v of_o they_o will_v be_v sin_n to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o encounter_v any_o danger_n rather_o than_o do_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o christian_a fortitude_n the_o proximate_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n must_v be_v our_o own_o conscience_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v our_o own_o practical_a judgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o best_a information_n we_o have_v or_o can_v get_v concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n the_o persuasion_n command_n dictate_v or_o practice_n of_o other_o be_v no_o rule_n to_o we_o we_o must_v resist_v what_o our_o own_o conscience_n tell_v we_o be_v sin_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v be_v lawful_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o resistance_n only_o as_o god_n word_n do_v allow_v we_o a_o private_a person_n in_o the_o resistance_n of_o sin_n must_v not_o resist_v the_o power_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n 13._o 2._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o do_v what_o such_o power_n command_v another_o thing_n by_o arm_n to_o resist_v god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o sword_n into_o any_o private_a hand_n and_o such_o a_o person_n draw_v it_o shall_v perish_v with_o it_o we_o must_v strive_v against_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v strive_v lawful_o not_o by_o ill_a language_n or_o boisterous_a action_n but_o by_o meek_a and_o patient_a suffer_v 3._o last_o the_o end_n of_o christian_a fortitude_n must_v be_v 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o christian_a valour_n to_o be_v valiant_a for_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n and_o concern_v of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n where_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v concern_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v open_v to_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o christian_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n which_o i_o be_o call_v to_o you_o for_o let_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n offer_v something_o to_o you_o which_o may_v promove_v this_o excellent_a habit_n in_o your_o soul_n a_o natural_a courage_n can_v be_v give_v where_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a fortitude_n may_v be_v promove_v by_o rational_a argument_n education_n and_o a_o due_a digestion_n of_o moral_a principle_n but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o good_a natural_a foundation_n of_o courage_n for_o the_o moralist_n in_o the_o managery_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o build_v upon_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o to_o this_o christian_a fortitude_n person_n of_o the_o weak_a sex_n of_o the_o low_a mean_a weak_a spirit_n by_o nature_n have_v be_v make_v valiant_a as_o to_o the_o spiritual_a fight_n from_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o in_o order_n to_o this_o excellent_a habit_n and_o so_o necessary_a for_o these_o time_n 1._o the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v commend_v unto_o you_o in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v a_o sound_z knowledge_n of_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n both_o concern_v sin_n and_o concern_v duty_n knowledge_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o say_v it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v boldness_n to_o a_o man_n both_o in_o speak_v and_o in_o act_v a_o poor_a ignorant_a person_n may_v be_v valiant_a but_o he_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v so_o he_o be_v sometime_o make_v valiant_a in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n by_o some_o special_a instinct_n and_o impression_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o as_o that_o woman_n which_o tell_v her_o judge_n she_o can_v not_o dispute_v but_o she_o can_v die_v for_o christ_n a_o just_a knowledge_n of_o what_o i_o may_v or_o may_v not_o do_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v most_o necessary_a to_o a_o true_a christian_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n he_o fight_v more_o like_o a_o madman_n than_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v not_o first_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n 2._o a_o know_a man_n may_v be_v cowardly_a if_o he_o be_v not_o root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n hearty_o and_o firm_o believe_v what_o he_o have_v the_o notion_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a shield_n that_o keep_v off_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a now_o this_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v prayer_n beg_v of_o god_n his_o spiritual_a armour_n and_o to_o make_v you_o valiant_a in_o the_o spiritual_a fight_n math._n 26._o 41._o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n 3._o set_a as_o loose_v to_o the_o world_n and_o all_o your_o concern_v and_o relation_n in_o it_o as_o you_o can_v it_o be_v observe_v of_o great_a city_n that_o they_o seldom_o hold_v out_o long_o against_o a_o enemy_n their_o riches_n their_o wife_n and_o child_n make_v they_o coward_n that_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o have_v not_o learned_a to_o deny_v himself_o in_o all_o his_o worldly_a contentment_n can_v never_o be_v valiant_a 4._o last_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o the_o finisher_n of_o your_o say_v who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o on_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n consider_v he_o who_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n in_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_v and_o saint_n in_o your_o mind_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n heb._n 12._o 3._o the_o valour_n and_o courage_n of_o a_o general_n oft_o time_n put_v metal_n and_o courage_n into_o his_o soldier_n &_o retrieve_v a_o day_n of_o battle_n when_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n lose_v the_o eye_v of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v of_o mighty_a use_n to_o we_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o go_v on_o to_o the_o spiritual_a fight_n without_o fear_n or_o dread_n let_v i_o press_v this_o upon_o you_o by_o a_o few_o argument_n 1._o the_o first_o shall_v be_v from_o the_o tun_n general_a decay_n of_o this_o gracious_a habit_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christian_n god_n of_o wold_n complain_v by_o his_o prophet_n jer._n 9_o 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o they_o who_o bend_v their_o tongue_n like_o bow_n for_o lie_n but_o there_o wâ—â—_n none_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o earth_n how_o few_o be_v there_o this_o day_n that_o be_v valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v
act_n of_o special_a powerful_a grace_n but_o yet_o in_o a_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n 2._o second_o betwixt_o a_o real_a draw_v after_o he_o and_o a_o gradual_a draw_v i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o all_o divine_a draw_n signify_v a_o sweet_a and_o powerful_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o be_v allure_v change_v and_o melt_v into_o that_o duty_n which_o the_o soul_n owe_v to_o god_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n now_o as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o draw_v of_o a_o thing_n or_o person_n to_o we_o we_o may_v put_v forth_o more_o or_o less_o power_n as_o we_o please_v so_o in_o the_o divine_a drawing_n though_o divine_a draw_v be_v a_o mercy_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o shall_v and_o will_v follow_v the_o soul_n all_o the_o day_n of_o its_o life_n god_n will_v never_o depart_v from_o the_o soul_n to_o which_o he_o be_v thus_o unite_a to_o do_v it_o good_a and_o he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n into_o its_o heart_n that_o it_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o yet_o he_o put_v forth_o more_o or_o less_o of_o his_o power_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o according_a also_o to_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o he_o let_v i_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n lie_v down_o three_o conclusion_n 1._o first_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o soul_n by_o the_o father_n draw_v to_o christ_n but_o that_o soul_n be_v also_o and_o shall_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n draw_v after_o he_o upon_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v to_o christ_n there_o follow_v a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v so_o draw_v christ_n after_o that_o time_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o christ_n hence_o his_o spirit_n be_v put_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o a_o multitude_n of_o phrase_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o holy_a writ_n it_o be_v call_v a_o ingra_n into_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v ingra_v into_o such_o a_o stock_n but_o it_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o stock_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o he_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o can_v but_o grow_v and_o spring_v up_o in_o it_o some_o communion_n with_o christ_n always_o follow_v this_o union_n so_o that_o unless_o the_o union_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v whole_o break_v and_o dissolve_v its_o communion_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v whole_o interrupt_v interrupt_v it_o may_v be_v but_o i_o say_v not_o whole_o interrupt_v second_o 2._o the_o least_o influence_n of_o special_a grace_n keep_v the_o soul_n move_v for_o and_o towards_o god_n and_o in_o a_o willingness_n to_o sorve_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o preserve_v it_o from_o a_o total_a fall_v away_o papist_n say_v that_o we_o may_v fall_v away_o both_o total_o and_o final_o lutheran_n say_v we_o may_v fall_v away_o total_o but_o not_o final_o but_o we_o say_v the_o justify_v soul_n can_v neither_o fall_v away_o total_o nor_o yet_o final_o if_o he_o can_v fall_v away_o total_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v dissolve_v or_o the_o union_n remain_v the_o communion_n consequent_a to_o that_o union_n may_v be_v whole_o interrupt_v neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v 3._o but_o three_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n and_o work_v in_o they_o put_v forth_o its_o power_n sometime_o more_o sometime_o less_o as_o a_o free_a agent_n and_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o be_v the_o draw_v so_o be_v the_o run_v hence_o the_o soul_n move_v sometime_o with_o more_o sometime_o with_o lesser_a strength_n sometime_o with_o more_o promptness_n and_o readiness_n sometime_o with_o less_o as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v please_v more_o or_o less_o to_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n now_o from_o this_o discourse_n it_o appear_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o find_v that_o god_n have_v renew_v and_o change_v it_o so_o far_o that_o to_o will_v be_v present_a with_o it_o and_o it_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o do_v though_o it_o want_v such_o a_o strength_n such_o a_o freedom_n to_o and_o cheerfulness_n in_o duty_n as_o other_o rejoice_v in_o and_o itself_o have_v sometime_o find_v yet_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v never_o true_o draw_v to_o christ_n because_o as_o it_o apprehend_v it_o be_v not_o draw_v after_o he_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o which_o that_o it_o have_v be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o run_v as_o at_o other_o time_n all_o this_o may_v be_v yet_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v true_o draw_v to_o he_o and_o also_o draw_v after_o he_o though_o not_o so_o powerful_o as_o it_o may_v be_v it_o have_v feel_v itself_o at_o other_o time_n or_o see_v other_o draw_v 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o notion_n may_v inform_v we_o that_o a_o run_v after_o christ_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n the_o life_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v in_o scripture_n ordinary_o express_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o walk_n with_o god_n a_o phrase_n that_o some_o in_o this_o age_n will_v scoff_n at_o but_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_a by_o which_o in_o scripture_n a_o course_n of_o holiness_n be_v express_v gen._n 5._o 24._o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o be_v not_o but_o now_o if_o walk_v be_v take_v in_o opposition_n to_o run_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o walk_v with_o god_n the_o duty_n of_o a_o believer_n even_o this_o run_n after_o christ_n which_o i_o have_v be_v describe_v to_o you_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o express_v under_o this_o notion_n so_o the_o spouse_n here_o express_v it_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o so_o david_n i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n so_o st._n paul_n so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v we_o be_v not_o only_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o serve_v god_n but_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o our_o might_n all_o our_o strength_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o readiness_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n this_o be_v that_o which_o elsewhere_o be_v call_v a_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o correspond_v with_o the_o israelite_n motion_n and_o pace_n to_o jerusalem_n mention_v psal_n 84._o a_o go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n it_o be_v a_o long_a journey_n that_o we_o have_v to_o go_v from_o the_o minimum_fw-la quodsic_n the_o least_o degree_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o maximum_fw-la quodsic_n the_o fullness_n of_o stature_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_n run_v sinner_n run_v in_o their_o sinful_a course_n lust_n get_v strength_n and_o discover_v their_o activity_n daily_o man_n make_v haste_n to_o be_v complete_a in_o sin_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n man_n make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o god_n make_v no_o haste_n to_o be_v rich_a in_o grace_n david_n say_v my_o soul_n follow_v hard_a after_o thou_o psal_n 63._o 8_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n phil._n 3._o 14._o ah_o where_o be_v those_o soul_n of_o who_o we_o can_v say_v they_o run_v after_o christ_n how_o few_o be_v those_o soul_n that_o follow_v hard_a after_o god_n that_o go_v as_o fast_o as_o they_o can_v though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o can_v go_v as_o fast_o as_o they_o will_v 1._o how_o many_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v move_v after_o god_n but_o move_v mere_o as_o machine_n and_o engine_n they_o be_v rather_o move_v from_o some_o foreign_a principle_n without_o they_o than_o move_v from_o any_o intrinsic_a principle_n all_o hypocrite_n all_o formal_a professor_n do_v so_o they_o follow_v christ_n for_o the_o loaf_n or_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o own_o credit_n and_o reputation_n some_o be_v draw_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o duty_n from_o the_o reflection_n of_o their_o natural_a conscience_n this_o be_v now_o no_o run_n after_o god_n they_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v but_o it_o be_v from_o no_o internal_a principle_n 2._o how_o manáº_n be_v there_o that_o instead_o of_o run_v halt_n we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o move_v at_o all_o we_o hope_v their_o heart_n be_v right_a we_o hope_v they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o jonathan_n but_o they_o be_v lame_a of_o their_o foot_n with_o one_o foot_n they_o seem_v to_o go_v right_a with_o another_o they_o fail_v they_o be_v like_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a who_o pretend_v that_o he_o will_v serve_v
keep_v my_o commandment_n no_o soul_n can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o a_o love_n to_o christ_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n 9_o the_o soul_n last_o that_o have_v a_o love_n for_o christ_n will_v suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o sake_n it_o will_v rather_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n than_o the_o loss_n of_o christ_n favour_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a question_n and_o note_n as_o these_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o judge_v of_o its_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o by_o that_o it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o determine_v concern_v its_o uprightness_n 3._o in_o the_o last_o place_n do_v every_o soul_n that_o be_v upright_a love_n christ_n and_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o the_o soul_n uprightness_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o soul_n love_v how_o do_v we_o then_o all_o stand_v concern_v to_o love_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o it_o 1._o the_o soul_n must_v be_v dispossess_v of_o other_o love_v inconsistent_a and_o incompetent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n such_o be_v the_o love_n of_o all_o lust_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n such_o be_v the_o excessive_a and_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n say_v john_n 1._o joh._n 2._o 25._o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v say_v if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 2._o do_v what_o in_o thou_o lie_v to_o persuade_v thyself_o of_o the_o suitableness_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o staâ—e_v and_o needs_o of_o thy_o soul_n we_o love_v nothing_o but_o what_o appear_v good_a that_o be_v some_o way_n suitable_a to_o and_o convenient_a for_o we_o all_o we_o can_v do_v as_o to_o this_o be_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o alone_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o soul_n to_o hear_v they_o open_v and_o apply_v to_o our_o conscience_n by_o able_a and_o faithful_a minister_n to_o meditate_v upon_o what_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v christ_n must_v appear_v to_o our_o soul_n a_o amiable_a object_n before_o we_o can_v love_v he_o 3._o last_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n both_o effectual_o to_o discover_v christ_n loveliness_n to_o you_o and_o also_o to_o draw_v out_o your_o heart_n to_o love_v he_o if_o we_o must_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_v our_o brethren_n who_o we_o have_v see_v we_o must_v much_o more_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_n jesus_n christ_n who_o we_o have_v not_o see_v those_o that_o think_v man_n have_v a_o power_n in_o his_o own_o will_n to_o love_n god_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o power_n in_o and_o of_o ourselves_o as_o we_o often_o find_v upon_o experience_n to_o love_v a_o creature_n who_o yet_o it_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n to_o love_v o_o pray_v pray_v without_o cease_v that_o you_o may_v love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n remember_v that_o the_o upright_a love_n he_o there_o be_v no_o upright_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n but_o love_v he_o 2._o thus_o thou_o shall_v show_v thyself_o to_o be_v upright_o nothing_o more_o discover_v a_o upright_a heart_n than_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o christ_n now_o of_o how_o great_a moment_n it_o be_v for_o a_o christian_n to_o discern_v his_o uprightness_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o a_o bare_a name_n of_o some_o scripture_n contain_v promise_n make_v to_o uprightness_n leave_v they_o to_o you_o at_o your_o leisure_n to_o meditate_v upon_o they_o psal_n 7._o 10._o the_o lord_n save_v the_o upright_a in_o heart_n god_n righteousness_n belong_v to_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n psal_n 36._o 10._o the_o end_n of_o the_o upright_a man_n be_v peace_n psal_n 37._o v._n 37._o gladness_n belong_v to_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n psal_n 97._o v._n 11._o the_o generation_n of_o the_o upright_o shall_v be_v bless_v psal_n 112._o v._n 2._o light_n shall_v arise_v upon_o they_o in_o obscurity_n v_o 4._o they_o shall_v dwell_v in_o god_n presence_n psal_n 140._o 13._o they_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o land_n prov._n 2._o 21._o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v strength_n unto_o they_o prov._n 10._o 29._o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o upright_o shall_v guide_v he_o prov._n 11._o 3._o his_o righteousness_n shall_v deliver_v he_o v_o 6._o the_o upright_a in_o the_o way_n be_v the_o lord_n delight_n v_o 20._o righteousness_n keep_v he_o that_o be_v upright_o in_o the_o way_n but_o wickedness_n overthrow_v the_o sinner_n prov._n 13_o 6._o sermon_n xxxi_o cant._n 1._o 5._o i_o be_o black_a but_o comely_a o_o you_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n as_o the_o curtain_n of_o solomon_n v_o 6._o look_v not_o upon_o i_o because_o i_o be_o black_a because_o the_o sun_n have_v look_v upon_o i_o my_o mother_n child_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o they_o make_v i_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o vineyard_n but_o my_o own_o vineyard_n i_o have_v not_o keep_v it_o be_v the_o spouse_n in_o this_o excellent_a song_n of_o love_n that_o yet_o speak_v twice_o we_o have_v hear_v she_o speak_v to_o her_o belove_a once_o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n beg_v some_o distinguish_a token_n of_o his_o special_a love_n her_o heart_n suggest_v to_o she_o that_o her_o belove_a be_v far_o more_o ready_a to_o embrace_v she_o than_o she_o be_v to_o run_v after_o he_o she_o speak_v a_o second_o time_n draw_v i_o and_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o beg_v the_o sweet_a and_o powerful_a influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n here_o now_o she_o interrupt_v her_o application_n to_o her_o belove_a with_o a_o apostrophe_n to_o her_o companion_n who_o she_o here_o call_v the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o verse_n contain_v a_o modest_a apology_n which_o the_o make_v for_o herself_o in_o which_o be_v considerable_a 1._o the_o person_n to_o who_o she_o make_v it_o here_o style_v the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n 2._o the_o apology_n itself_o i_o be_o black_a say_v she_o as_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n as_o the_o curtain_n of_o solomon_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o latter_a be_v considerable_a 1._o the_o thing_n which_o she_o apologize_v for_o that_o be_v her_o blackness_n which_o she_o confess_v i_o be_o black_a say_v she_o and_o illustrate_v as_o the_o teint_n of_o kedar_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o argument_n of_o her_o apology_n or_o head_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v draw_v they_o be_v four_o or_o five_o 1._o the_o mixture_n of_o comeliness_n with_o her_o blackness_n i_o be_o black_a but_o comely_a 2._o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n upon_o she_o the_o sun_n say_v she_o have_v look_v upon_o i_o 3._o the_o opposition_n she_o have_v meet_v with_o on_o earth_n my_o mother_n child_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o 4._o her_o worldly_a diversion_n and_o employment_n they_o make_v i_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o vineyard_n 5._o her_o own_o neglect_n but_o my_o own_o i_o have_v not_o keep_v final_o she_o plead_v with_o they_o that_o they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o she_o because_o she_o be_v black_a but_o what_o need_v this_o apology_n who_o fault_v the_o spouse_n blackness_n who_o question_v her_o comeliness_n this_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n but_o easy_o understand_v patet_fw-la quod_fw-la dett_v axer_n ant_n ei_fw-la nigredinem_fw-la improper_a ant_n it_o be_v apparent_a say_v bernard_n that_o they_o do_v detract_v from_o she_o charge_v she_o with_o blackness_n neither_o do_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n nor_o any_o true_o believe_v soul_n ever_o want_v those_o that_o reproach_v they_o the_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n hear_v some_o tell_v he_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o he_o in_o god_n we_o must_v therefore_o suppose_v our_o spouse_n to_o have_v hear_v some_o say_n to_o she_o to_o this_o purpose_n can_v thou_o think_v that_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o fair_a of_o ten_o thousand_o shall_v kiss_v the_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n thou_o that_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o ethiopian_a and_o by_o thy_o renew_n actual_a sin_n have_v make_v thyself_o much_o more_o black_a and_o ugly_a sure_o when_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n humble_v himself_o to_o make_v love_n to_o his_o subject_n he_o will_v choose_v one_o much_o fair_a than_o thou_o be_v do_v aaron_n and_o miriam_n wonder_v at_o &_o reproach_n moses_n because_o he_o have_v marry_v a_o ethiopian_a num._n 12._o 1._o and_o shall_v not_o christ_n be_v the_o wonderment_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n if_o he_o shall_v love_v one_o so_o black_a as_o thou_o be_v
for_o i_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n after_o the_o inward_a man_n 2._o let_v he_o second_o examine_v himself_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o comeliness_n in_o he_o in_o and_o under_o his_o blackness_n of_o affliction_n and_o worldly_a opposition_n a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v black_a through_o affliction_n but_o his_o blackness_n be_v like_o the_o blackness_n of_o a_o coal_n which_o be_v a_o dead_a colour_n and_o have_v no_o beauty_n in_o it_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v also_o black_a from_o the_o same_o cause_n but_o his_o be_v like_o the_o blackness_n of_o a_o polish_a marble_n which_o have_v a_o great_a beauty_n and_o comeliness_n in_o it_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o his_o affliction_n appear_v more_o precious_a then_o that_o of_o gold_n that_o perish_v his_o love_n to_o god_n then_o appear_v by_o his_o pant_n after_o he_o and_o firm_a adherence_n of_o soul_n unto_o he_o his_o meekness_n his_o patience_n all_o shine_n forth_o under_o his_o affliction_n the_o demeanour_n of_o people_n under_o affliction_n will_v much_o discover_v who_o they_o be_v 3._o three_o the_o comeliness_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o comeliness_n without_o blackness_n but_o a_o comeliness_n norwithstand_v blackness_n that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o native_a but_o a_o adventitious_a and_o superinduce_v comeliness_n nor_o adventitious_a from_o any_o good_a disposition_n or_o any_o act_n or_o endeavour_n of_o our_o own_o single_o but_o a_o gracious_a imputation_n and_o infusion_n the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n the_o infusion_n of_o gracious_a habit_n a_o comeliness_n arise_v from_o christ_n comeliness_n put_v upon_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o though_o the_o poor_a creature_n have_v be_v guilty_a before_o god_n and_o iniquity_n yet_o do_v sometime_o prevail_v against_o it_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v reckon_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v renew_v &_o sanctify_v through_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bent_n of_o it_o be_v set_v right_o for_o god_n notwithstanding_o his_o blackness_n the_o lord_n do_v judge_v he_o comely_a and_o beautiful_a overlook_v his_o blackness_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n 4._o last_o every_o child_n of_o god_n will_v own_v and_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o his_o blackness_n i_o be_o black_a say_v the_o spouse_n the_o hypocrite_n boast_v of_o his_o whiteness_n come_v say_v jehu_n to_o jonadab_n and_o see_v my_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n god_n i_o thank_v thou_o sai_z the_o pharisee_fw-mi i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n i_o give_v tithe_n of_o all_o that_o i_o possess_v luk._n 18._o 11_o 12._o he_o ow_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o whiteness_n &_o aversate_v all_o blackness_n yet_o v._n 14._o he_o go_v away_o to_o his_o house_n not_o justify_v hypocrite_n be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o own_o in_o themselves_o any_o blackness_n the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v as_o hardly_o persuade_v to_o own_o any_o beauty_n or_o comeliness_n in_o themselves_o i_o give_v you_o before_o the_o instance_n of_o david_n and_o of_o paul_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o hypocrite_n trust_v to_o a_o spider_n web_n a_o righteousness_n from_o himself_o spin_v out_o of_o his_o own_o bowel_n and_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o justify_v his_o integrity_n and_o to_o make_v it_o as_o whole_a as_o he_o can_v again_o all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v set_v the_o best_a face_n of_o his_o action_n that_o he_o can_v the_o child_n of_o god_n seek_v for_o no_o such_o thing_n in_o himself_o but_o despair_v in_o himself_o he_o fly_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o free_o confess_v and_o ow_v his_o own_o nakedness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v clothe_v with_o that_o righteousness_n again_o the_o child_n of_o god_n seek_v not_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n nor_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o glory_n but_o seek_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n alone_o 3._o three_o this_o notion_n afford_v a_o great_a relief_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n against_o their_o own_o dejection_n and_o despondency_n 2._o satan_n temptation_n and_o 3._o the_o world_n upbraid_n 1._o against_o his_o own_o despondencye_n and_o dejection_n a_o child_n of_o god_n live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o that_o precept_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o examine_v your_o solve_n prous_a yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o uâ—_n be_v often_o look_v into_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o can_v seldom_o please_v himself_o with_o the_o prospect_n he_o see_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n much_o of_o unbelief_n much_o of_o vanity_n much_o of_o hypocrisy_n always_o some_o lust_n or_o other_o a_o body_n of_o death_n remain_v in_o he_o iniquity_n prevail_v against_o he_o he_o sin_v 7_o time_n every_o day_n and_o he_o see_v it_o every_o night_n and_o oft_o time_n as_o much_o out_o of_o heart_n much_o deject_v cry_v out_o unclean_a unclean_a i_o be_o black_a woeful_o black_a no_o better_a than_o a_o paint_a hypocrite_n i_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n to_o the_o world_n and_o deceive_v some_o of_o my_o brethten_a but_o alas_o they_o do_v not_o see_v that_o luft_n and_o vanity_n that_o pride_n and_o passion_n that_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n which_o i_o can_v with_o half_a a_o eye_n discorn_o in_o my_o own_o soul_n sure_o i_o deceive_v myself_o i_o have_v no_o portion_n in_o god_n no_o relation_n to_o christ_n i_o can_v be_v his_o spouse_n christian_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_v thou_o be_v black_a but_o be_v thou_o not_o also_o comely_a when_o a_o child_n of_o god_n have_v find_v out_o the_o best_a of_o himself_o all_o his_o comfort_n will_v be_v find_v to_o lie_v in_o that_o one_o text_n rom._n 8._o v._n 1._o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v neither_o look_v into_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o see_v his_o inward_a thought_n and_o the_o motion_n there_o nor_o consider_v his_o tongue_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o that_o nor_o compare_v the_o best_a of_o his_o action_n with_o the_o divine_a rule_n but_o he_o fee_v himself_o by_o all_o condemn_a and_o find_v nothing_o to_o relieve_v he_o in_o be_v dark_a thought_n but_o in_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n and_o that_o there_o no_o be_v condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v enough_o provide_v that_o he_o have_v this_o evidence_n of_o his_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n 2._o it_o afford_v the_o same_o relief_n against_o the_o most_o desperate_a temptation_n of_o our_o grand_a adversary_n the_o devil_n satan_n we_o say_v first_o tempt_v to_o sin_n and_o then_o he_o make_v advantage_n of_o our_o harken_v to_o his_o temptation_n to_o tempt_v we_o to_o further_a sin_n and_o those_o of_o a_o more_o heinous_a and_o horrid_a nature_n to_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n to_o destroy_v ourselves_o etc._n etc._n he_o first_o attempt_v to_o make_v the_o soul_n black_a by_o move_v it_o to_o sinful_a act_n than_o his_o next_o work_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o soul_n that_o god_n will_v never_o pardon_v such_o a_o sinner_n christ_n can_v never_o love_v such_o a_o ethiopian_a hence_o those_o strong_a &_o violent_a impression_n upon_o soul_n under_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n god_n be_v a_o holy_a god_n of_o pure_a eye_n then_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n he_o can_v never_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o such_o a_o pollute_a vile_a wretch_n as_o i_o be_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o thousand_o of_o wilful_a omission_n of_o duty_n and_o commission_n contrary_a to_o my_o duty_n possible_o some_o particular_a sin_n or_o sin_n lie_v as_o a_o heavy_a load_n upon_o the_o poor_a creature_n conscience_n the_o spouse_n here_o have_v furnish_v such_o a_o soul_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o tempter_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v black_a but_o yet_o comely_a let_v then_o such_o a_o soul_n thus_o answer_v these_o suggestion_n of_o the_o tempter_n o_o thou_o prince_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v true_a i_o have_v be_v a_o grievous_a sinner_n and_o as_o such_o christ_n can_v love_v i_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o i_o be_o black_a i_o be_o unlovely_a but_o i_o be_o not_o whole_o black_a christ_n can_v love_v my_o sin_n but_o he_o can_v pardon_v my_o sin_n and_o love_v my_o soul_n the_o lord_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o pardon_v my_o sin_n upon_o my_o repentance_n and_o my_o acceptation_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o receive_v he_o as_o my_o saviour_n he_o have_v say_v to_o i_o while_o i_o
miserable_a blind_a and_o naked_a on_o the_o other_o side_n paul_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v the_o least_o of_o the_o apostle_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n yet_o so_o false_a be_v our_o heart_n that_o there_o may_v be_v hypocrisy_n even_o in_o our_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o blackness_n whether_o to_o god_n or_o to_o man_n we_o must_v therefore_o take_v heed_n both_o to_o our_o design_n and_o end_n in_o these_o confession_n and_o also_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o manner_n of_o they_o the_o hypocrite_n never_o confess_v his_o blackness_n but_o in_o hope_n that_o for_o his_o confession_n he_o shall_v be_v repute_v white_a and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v all_o that_o he_o seek_v after_o hence_o 2._o he_o do_v it_o without_o any_o serious_a sense_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o confess_v or_o heart_n contrition_n for_o it_o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a recitation_n and_o enumeration_n of_o they_o be_v not_o that_o confession_n which_o god_n require_v or_o accept_v 2._o second_o this_o call_v to_o we_o all_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n 1._o a_o confession_n unto_o god_n 2._o uâ—to_n the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n 3._o unto_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o all_o time_n and_o under_o all_o circumstance_n and_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o regard_v as_o to_o that_o but_o know_v the_o matter_n of_o confession_n keep_v a_o watch_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o error_n and_o the_o plague_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n that_o we_o do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o god_n have_v direct_v and_o prescribe_v confession_n must_v not_o be_v the_o mere_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n but_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o of_o the_o text_n where_o the_o spouse_n be_v not_o speak_v to_o god_n but_o to_o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o spouse_n faith_n i_o be_o black_a in_o what_o case_n this_o confession_n to_o man_n be_v our_o duty_n i_o have_v large_o show_v you_o as_o also_o what_o advantage_n may_v arise_v from_o it_o both_o with_o reference_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n i_o shall_v only_o offer_v you_o some_o few_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o advantageous_a performance_n of_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o prudence_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o that_o friend_n to_o who_o thou_o do_v thus_o unbosom_v thyself_o 1._o conceal_v not_o thyself_o from_o that_o able_a and_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n who_o thou_o have_v entrust_v with_o the_o charge_n of_o thy_o soul_n i_o be_o very_o far_o from_o plead_v for_o that_o auricular_a confession_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o the_o papist_n make_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o among_o other_o supernumerary_a sacrament_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o those_o 2_o which_o alone_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n they_o have_v one_o which_o they_o call_v the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o require_v in_o lent_n especial_o but_o at_o other_o time_n also_o a_o circumstantiated_a confession_n of_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n particular_a sin_n which_o be_v so_o confess_v to_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v their_o confessor_n he_o appoint_v they_o a_o penance_n to_o be_v do_v for_o they_o and_o so_o absolve_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o as_o they_o pretend_v as_o we_o know_v of_o no_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v give_v for_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v give_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n except_v only_o in_o case_n of_o wrong_n do_v unto_o man_n capable_a of_o reparation_n nor_o of_o any_o power_n in_o any_o to_o forgive_v sin_n but_o only_o in_o god_n only_o the_o minister_n may_v declare_v what_o god_n have_v do_v or_o will_v do_v in_o cafe_z of_o our_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n so_o we_o know_v of_o no_o incumbent_a duty_n upon_o any_o christian_n to_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o priest_n and_o only_o judge_v such_o particular_a confession_n necessary_a in_o some_o particular_a case_n for_o the_o disburthen_v and_o ease_v of_o christian_n conscience_n press_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o some_o particular_a sin_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o able_a and_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v doubtless_o the_o most_o proper_a person_n to_o make_v confession_n to_o both_o because_o as_o by_o his_o office_n he_o be_v both_o a_o interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v of_o god_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n so_o he_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o like_o saul_n tall_a than_o his_o brethren_n by_o the_o head_n and_o shoulder_n in_o knowledge_n &_o gift_n of_o great_a knowledge_n &_o judgement_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o so_o more_o able_a to_o minister_v a_o word_n in_o season_n it_o be_v sad_a that_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o all_o they_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o the_o same_o wisdom_n which_o teach_v every_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o commit_v the_o business_n of_o his_o bodily_a health_n to_o the_o able_a &_o most_o faithful_a physician_n he_o can_v choose_v and_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o estate_n to_o the_o most_o able_a &_o faithful_a lawyer_n he_o can_v will_v also_o direct_v a_o christian_n to_o commit_v the_o far_o more_o weighty_a concern_v of_o his_o soul_n to_o the_o most_o able_a and_o faithful_a minister_n that_o he_o can_v nor_o ought_v any_o christian_a to_o be_v more_o abridge_v in_o his_o liberty_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o latter_a of_o far_o more_o concernment_n then_o with_o referenceto_o the_o former_a of_o far_o more_o minute_n concernment_n to_o he_o but_o i_o say_v a_o good_a christian_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o person_n he_o be_v undoubted_o the_o fit_a person_n to_o confess_v our_o sin_n unto_o when_o they_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o we_o can_v recover_v our_o peace_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o both_o the_o end_n of_o such_o confession_n whether_o prayer_n for_o we_o or_o counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o that_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o ability_n of_o such_o a_o person_n which_o can_v but_o be_v presume_v great_a in_o order_n to_o the_o reveal_v the_o mind_n and_o will_v of_o god_n to_o we_o and_o so_o give_v we_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o office_n he_o be_v one_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o and_o gift_v with_o reference_n unto_o we_o but_o set_v aside_o the_o case_n of_o a_o disturb_a conscience_n not_o able_a otherwise_o to_o gain_v peace_n or_o some_o particular_a case_n upon_o which_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o perplex_v question_n may_v arise_v too_o hard_o for_o a_o private_a christian_a to_o answer_n without_o some_o help_n i_o see_v no_o need_n of_o any_o particular_a confession_n unto_o minister_n more_o than_o other_o 2._o as_o to_o more_o private_a christian_n i_o have_v also_o show_v you_o several_a case_n wherein_o some_o particular_a confession_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v high_o expedient_a if_o not_o necessary_a it_o must_v be_v the_o care_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a so_o to_o manage_v this_o duty_n that_o he_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o in_o it_o without_o dash_v upon_o such_o rock_n as_o every_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_n ought_v to_o avoid_v to_o that_o end_n 1._o christian_n ought_v to_o use_v so_o much_o wisdom_n as_o may_v protect_v their_o profession_n from_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n &_o which_o may_v prejudice_v the_o repuâ—e_n either_o of_o themselves_o or_o other_o walk_v in_o the_o holy_a way_n prop._n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n and_o though_o we_o must_v not_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n that_o any_o such_o good_a may_v come_v of_o iâ—_n yet_o whatsoever_o prudence_n we_o can_v use_v to_o prevent_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v doubtless_o our_o duty_n this_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o needless_a publication_n of_o the_o sinful_a fail_n of_o professor_n he_o that_o have_v sin_v open_o aught_o to_o be_v rebuke_v open_o and_o open_o to_o confess_v his_o sin_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n offend_v by_o his_o fall_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o where_o the_o sin_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o have_v be_v commit_v secret_o there_o be_v
divine_a will_v say_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o though_o not_o original_o yet_o with_o respect_n to_o circumstance_n a_o thing_n unlawful_a so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o just_a matter_n of_o a_o superior_n precept_n that_o be_v the_o question_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o will_v never_o eat_v flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v rather_o than_o make_v his_o brother_n to_o offend_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o i_o observe_v st._n paul_n do_v not_o say_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o meat_n but_o no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v flesh_n be_v but_o one_o species_n of_o meat_n he_o may_v eat_v other_o thing_n and_o support_v his_o life_n and_o as_o to_o that_o species_n of_o meat_n it_o must_v doubtless_o be_v restrain_v by_o the_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v of_o meat_n that_o have_v be_v set_v before_o idol_n this_o he_o determine_v unlawful_a 1_o cor._n 20._o doubtless_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o starve_v himself_o rather_o then_o offend_v his_o brother_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o a_o thing_n if_o not_o unlawful_a yet_o as_o to_o which_o he_o be_v at_o a_o full_a liberty_n he_o can_v forbear_v it_o without_o any_o remarkable_a prejudice_n to_o himself_o beside_o the_o scandal_n in_o the_o case_n be_v but_o a_o contingency_n he_o be_v not_o sure_a his_o brother_n will_v be_v make_v to_o offend_v by_o his_o example_n or_o action_n the_o case_n be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n but_o i_o shall_v spend_v no_o more_o word_n about_o it_o that_o be_v not_o the_o scandal_n which_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o text_n but_o either_o such_o scandal_n as_o arise_v from_o action_n plain_o sinful_a or_o at_o least_o action_n that_o have_v no_o such_o circumstance_n whether_o we_o interpret_v cover_v as_o a_o harlot_n be_v cover_v or_o as_o a_o mourner_n be_v cover_v both_o such_o scandal_n be_v the_o just_a fear_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n 1._o sin_n be_v the_o object_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n fear_v upon_o many_o account_n as_o it_o defile_v the_o soul_n and_o take_v away_o its_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n as_o it_o render_v the_o soul_n guilty_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n as_o it_o spoil_v the_o soul_n peace_n &_o cause_v sour_a reflection_n of_o conscience_n as_o it_o hazard_v the_o soul_n salvation_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o evil_a all_o that_o evil_a that_o can_v befall_v a_o man_n especial_o consider_v that_o every_o good_a christian_n know_v this_o and_o in_o one_o degree_n or_o other_o have_v feel_v it_o so_o as_o it_o need_v no_o more_o than_o its_o own_o former_a experience_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o can_v have_v no_o fruit_n no_o pleasure_n in_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o have_v former_o so_o tremble_v and_o of_o which_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o ashamed_a he_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n hate_v evil_a psal_n 97._o 10._o david_n hate_v the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o turn_v aside_o psal_n 101._o 3._o now_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o hatred_n when_o it_o come_v near_o we_o and_o we_o see_v a_o probability_n of_o be_v surprise_v with_o it_o we_o natural_o fear_v 2._o as_o to_o scandal_n if_o it_o be_v give_v by_o any_o sinful_a action_n of_o we_o it_o be_v doubtless_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v fear_v equal_o with_o any_o other_o sin_n it_o be_v but_o the_o aggravation_n of_o a_o sinful_a act_n the_o case_n be_v also_o the_o same_o if_o it_o be_v cause_v through_o a_o ill_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o a_o case_n where_o we_o have_v a_o perfect_a liberty_n though_o the_o act_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o sinful_a yet_o the_o circumstance_n make_v it_o so_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n we_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o general_a rule_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v most_o 1._o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 2._o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o 3._o which_o will_v give_v least_o offence_n to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n those_o golden_a rule_n give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 31_o 32_o 33._o there_o be_v three_o great_a reason_n why_o every_o good_a christian_a will_n as_o much_o fear_n scandal_n as_o any_o other_o more_o plain_a downright_o sin_v 1._o the_o concern_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o end_n we_o must_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o our_o action_n whether_o natural_a moral_a or_o religious_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v as_o much_o prejudice_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o another_o as_o by_o my_o own_o sin_n so_o that_o in_o all_o scandal_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v wound_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o my_o own_o sin_n who_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o have_v use_v the_o liberty_n which_o his_o word_n leave_v i_o 2._o by_o the_o other_o sin_v occasion_v by_o my_o sin_n david_n eye_n run_v down_o with_o river_n of_o water_n because_o other_o do_v not_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o concern_v of_o his_o brother_n soul_n which_o be_v destroy_v by_o his_o sin_n for_o thy_o meat_n say_v the_o apostle_n destroy_v not_o thy_o brother_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v god_n make_v it_o a_o mark_n of_o hatred_n of_o our_o brother_n not_o to_o reprove_v he_o nor_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o how_o much_o great_a hatred_n must_v it_o speak_v in_o we_o to_o give_v he_o exemplum_fw-la malae_fw-la rei_fw-la aedificantes_fw-la in_o gehennam_fw-la as_o tertullian_n somewhere_o describe_v scandal_n to_o set_v he_o a_o example_n contribute_v to_o his_o destruction_n love_n will_v not_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o path_n of_o the_o blind_a how_o can_v any_o man_n say_v he_o love_v his_o brother_n that_o do_v not_o not_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o his_o brother_n to_o make_v his_o body_n to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o to_o make_v his_o soul_n to_o fall_v 3._o the_o concern_v of_o the_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v in_o it_o too_o he_o that_o be_v of_o any_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n will_v find_v no_o peace_n in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o reflect_v any_o dishonour_n upon_o god_n or_o tend_v to_o destroy_v his_o brother_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v 1_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o scandal_n be_v no_o ill_a sign_n in_o any_o soul_n in_o who_o they_o be_v find_v it_o be_v a_o noble_a â—nd_n divine_a temper_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o sin_v against_o god_n the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ordinary_o describe_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n no_o man_n can_v fear_v god_n but_o the_o man_n that_o fear_v sin_n whether_o he_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n with_o a_o more_o servile_a fear_n or_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n which_o be_v a_o more_o filial_a and_o ingenuous_a fear_n one_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n or_o prime_a evidence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o that_o man_n who_o fear_v not_o sin_n fear_v not_o god_n it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v a_o excess_n of_o this_o fear_n through_o our_o infirmity_n ignorance_n and_o mistake_v a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o timorated_a conscience_n and_o be_v sometime_o afraid_a where_o no_o fear_n be_v and_o this_o often_o happen_v in_o person_n under_o the_o power_n and_o prevail_v of_o melancholy_n which_o darken_v a_o man_n reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o natural_a disease_n than_o the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a motion_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n a_o man_n also_o free_a from_o that_o distemper_n through_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n may_v be_v afraid_a of_o action_n as_o sinful_a which_o indeed_o be_v not_o so_o but_o this_o be_v a_o error_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n it_o be_v much_o better_a in_o this_o case_n to_o fear_v too_o much_o than_o too_o little_a to_o forbear_v many_o lawful_a action_n for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o they_o when_o the_o weak_a conscience_n be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v then_o to_o run_v on_o adventurous_o when_o the_o conscience_n doubt_v let_v other_o despise_v and_o mock_v at_o person_n as_o those_o that_o will_v be_v too_o precise_a and_o pure_a that_o dare_v not_o do_v some_o action_n as_o to_o which_o other_o make_v no_o difficulty_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v think_v they_o their_o duty_n my_o soul_n shall_v i_o hope_v always_o reverence_v those_o in_o who_o i_o discern_v a_o uniform_a fear_n of_o sin_n if_o man_n indeed_o strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v camel_n pretend_v a_o conscience_n in_o some_o thing_n but_o regard_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o in_o other_o thing_n this_o be_v hypocrisy_n this_o be_v but_o a_o
pretend_a fear_n but_o if_o you_o see_v christian_n in_o all_o their_o other_o way_n strict_a and_o conscientious_a take_v heed_n to_o their_o way_n though_o i_o may_v think_v that_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o fear_v too_o much_o and_o scruple_n what_o i_o do_v not_o scruple_n nor_o see_v any_o sin_n in_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v always_o reverence_v such_o person_n i_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o who_o have_v make_v i_o more_o infallible_a than_o they_o be_v it_o be_v a_o noble_a temper_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o scandal_n not_o only_o of_o do_v act_n that_o be_v open_o sinful_a but_o of_o do_v such_o action_n which_o we_o think_v we_o can_v do_v without_o grieve_v offend_a and_o make_v to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v if_o christ_n have_v such_o a_o value_n for_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o they_o to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o to_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n certain_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o cheap_a in_o my_o sight_n as_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o i_o will_v not_o forbear_v the_o least_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v as_o well_o forbear_v as_o do_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o religious_a people_n may_v fear_v scandal_n too_o much_o they_o may_v in_o some_o particular_n be_v afraid_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_a brethren_n they_o may_v lay_v too_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o a_o scandal_n of_o grief_n but_o these_o be_v very_o pardonable_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o man_n neither_o fear_v god_n nor_o man_n and_o run_v on_o in_o course_n of_o action_n without_o regard_v the_o offence_n of_o god_n or_o of_o man_n every_o good_a man_n will_v in_o your_o city_n be_v wary_a of_o leave_v ladder_n in_o street_n or_o heap_n of_o muck_n or_o any_o pit_n uncover_v from_o whence_o person_n in_o the_o dark_a may_v receive_v any_o mischief_n and_o this_o be_v but_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o god_n which_o command_v the_o jew_n to_o lay_v no_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o blind_a have_v we_o charity_n for_o our_o neighbour_n body_n and_o have_v we_o none_o for_o their_o soul_n be_v we_o tender_v of_o make_v they_o wound_n or_o break_v a_o bodily_a limb_n and_o have_v we_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o make_v they_o wound_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o hazard_v their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o man_n have_v any_o dram_n of_o true_a brotherly_a love_n they_o will_v at_o least_o forbear_v action_n as_o to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o perfect_a liberty_n with_o which_o they_o know_v any_o number_n of_o fâ—ber_a person_n will_v be_v offend_v this_o i_o speak_v as_o to_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o have_v a_o perfect_a liberty_n for_o what_o thing_n i_o apprehend_v that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v as_o my_o duty_n towards_o god_n or_o to_o forbear_v upon_o that_o account_n i_o can_v neither_o do_v the_o one_o nor_o forbear_v the_o other_o to_o avoid_v offend_v other_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o charity_n as_o we_o say_v ought_v to_o begin_v at_o home_n every_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v oblige_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o attend_v and_o look_v after_o the_o peace_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n obj._n but_o you_o will_v say_v to_o i_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v in_o case_n where_o we_o be_v under_o the_o command_n of_o superior_n to_o do_v thing_n which_o yet_o we_o see_v we_o can_v do_v but_o we_o shall_v give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o christian_n not_o so_o well_o satisfy_v as_o we_o be_v sol._n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o i_o apprehend_v this_o a_o very_a hard_a case_n the_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v i_o to_o obey_v my_o superior_n it_o also_o command_v i_o to_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o lay_v no_o stumble_a block_n before_o my_o brother_n and_o this_o law_n concern_v superior_n as_o well_o as_o inferior_n as_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v any_o such_o action_n which_o probable_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o my_o brother_n to_o sin_n so_o no_o superior_n ought_v to_o command_v i_o to_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n superior_n therefore_o unquestionable_o sin_n in_o make_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o command_n but_o admit_v they_o will_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n still_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v i_o i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o command_n of_o a_o superior_a in_o this_o case_n can_v take_v hold_n of_o my_o conscience_n my_o reason_n be_v because_o his_o command_n in_o this_o case_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o have_v command_v he_o as_o well_o as_o i_o to_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o lay_v no_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o brother_n if_o he_o sin_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o command_n i_o can_v sin_v in_o withhold_v my_o active_a obedience_n that_o be_v certain_a but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o duty_n nor_o only_o command_v but_o command_v under_o penalty_n that_o i_o though_o original_o at_o liberty_n must_v do_v the_o thing_n or_o ruin_v myself_o and_o family_n this_o much_o narrow_v the_o case_n here_o now_o the_o question_n lie_v whether_o in_o a_o matter_n as_o to_o which_o i_o have_v original_o a_o perfect_a liberty_n and_o so_o judge_v but_o through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o superior_n command_v must_v either_o do_v or_o forbear_v this_o or_o that_o action_n or_o ruin_n myself_o and_o family_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o i_o do_v do_v it_o or_o do_v forbear_v it_o i_o see_v i_o shall_v not_o only_o grieve_v my_o brother_n but_o cause_v he_o to_o sin_n probable_o what_o be_v my_o duty_n whether_o ought_v the_o contingency_n of_o my_o brother_n stumble_v and_o sin_v by_o my_o example_n to_o rule_v i_o and_o cause_n i_o rather_o to_o choose_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v here_o a_o little_a hesitate_n my_o reason_n be_v because_o my_o brother_n fall_n be_v not_o necessitate_v by_o my_o action_n he_o ought_v to_o live_v by_o rule_n not_o by_o example_n to_o follow_v i_o no_o further_o than_o i_o follow_v christ_n to_o allow_v i_o to_o live_v by_o my_o own_o faith_n while_o yet_o he_o live_v and_o walk_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n that_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o i_o which_o to_o he_o be_v not_o lawful_a because_o he_o doubt_v and_o can_v see_v with_o my_o eye_n oh_o how_o happy_a will_v the_o world_n be_v if_o superior_n will_v only_o press_v thing_n which_o they_o apprehend_v necessary_a by_o a_o divine_a precept_n i_o mean_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o in_o civil_a thing_n superior_n be_v more_o absolute_a judge_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n they_o mistake_v and_o apprehend_v thing_n such_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o they_o will_v be_v very_o tender_a for_o that_o can_v be_v but_o in_o very_a few_o case_n and_o if_o private_a person_n will_v learn_v not_o to_o judge_v other_o but_o in_o thing_n where_o they_o see_v they_o act_v apert_o and_o plain_o against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o arrogate_v infallibility_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o will_v learn_v not_o to_o be_v too_o positive_a upon_o their_o own_o apprehension_n nor_o make_v other_o practise_v their_o rule_n but_o to_o live_v by_o their_o own_o faith_n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o digression_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o fear_v sin_n and_o to_o fear_v scandal_n 2._o i_o shall_v shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o make_v sin_n and_o scandal_n the_o object_n of_o their_o fear_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o enlarge_v much_o upon_o the_o first_o it_o be_v the_o confess_a duty_n of_o every_o one_o that_o ow_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o any_o relation_n to_o jesus_n christ_n he_o that_o fear_v not_o what_o be_v plain_o sinful_a fear_v god_n in_o no_o sense_n he_o neither_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o greatness_n nor_o yet_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n i_o shall_v only_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o who_o fear_v sin_n fear_v the_o occasion_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v rather_o press_v the_o exhortation_n with_o reference_n to_o scandal_n call_v upon_o you_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o action_n 1._o which_o may_v draw_v out_o the_o lust_n and_o corruption_n of_o other_o man_n heart_n to_o entertain_v any_o hard_a thought_n or_o use_v any_o hard_a speech_n concern_v profession_n and_o religion_n now_o these_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 1._o all_o action_n that_o be_v open_o sinful_a this_o be_v that_o which_o stick_v to_o david_n when_o he_o have_v