and_o where_o thief_n do_v not_o break_v through_o and_o steal_v he_o know_v that_o where_o we_o place_v our_o happiness_n style_v our_o treasure_n in_o these_o word_n there_o shall_v we_o also_o place_v our_o heart_n for_o say_v he_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o upon_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o in_o what_o degree_n man_n set_v their_o heart_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o judge_v their_o chief_a good_a whether_o it_o be_v the_o wealth_n and_o honour_n the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o bliss_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o future_a 2._o and_o then_o second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o several_a consequence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o draw_v such_o conclusion_n from_o they_o as_o deserve_v especial_a consideration_n 1._o and_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a general_n 1._o the_o first_o application_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o that_o 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and_o good_a death_n and_o evil_a and_o after_o that_o at_o the_o 9_o v._n i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v this_o day_n against_o you_o that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v choose_v obedience_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v but_o the_o great_a application_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v address_v to_o that_o desire_n in_o man_n which_o move_v he_o both_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v the_o promise_n say_v st_n john_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 2.25_o and_o so_o st_n paul_n rom._n 2.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n tribulation_n and_o wrath_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a thus_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o know_v our_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o spring_n of_o motion_n in_o we_o in_o all_o his_o application_n to_o we_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o that_o desire_n of_o be_v happy_a which_o he_o himself_o have_v plant_v in_o we_o as_o know_v this_o to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v a_o ready_a compliance_n from_o we_o on_o the_o same_o account_n the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o mankind_n paint_v his_o bait_n cover_v his_o snare_n gild_v his_o temptation_n with_o a_o appearance_n of_o what_o be_v good_a he_o know_v it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v to_o press_v we_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o what_o be_v evil_a what_o be_v destructive_a to_o ourselves_o shall_v it_o appear_v in_o its_o own_o likeness_n and_o therefore_o he_o put_v a_o disguise_n upon_o it_o he_o bold_o tell_v the_o woman_n in_o paradise_n that_o if_o they_o will_v eat_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v their_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v they_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n for_o if_o as_o god_n then_o sure_o wise_a and_o bless_a and_o happy_a and_o thus_o the_o temptation_n find_v success_n which_o first_o bring_v sin_n into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n as_o the_o wage_n due_a unto_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o much_o different_a method_n whereby_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o christ_n for_o he_o take_v he_o as_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o into_o a_o exceed_a high_a mountain_n and_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n
be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v terrify_v either_o by_o his_o bond_n or_o death_n itself_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o their_o sake_n to_o who_o his_o life_n may_v be_v more_o useful_a he_o shall_v rather_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n he_o further_o acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o design_n to_o visit_v they_o again_o in_o order_n to_o their_o support_n and_o settlement_n if_o god_n shall_v rescue_v he_o from_o his_o bond_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n give_v this_o admonition_n only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o whether_o i_o come_v and_o see_v you_o or_o else_o be_v absent_a i_o may_v hear_v of_o your_o affair_n that_o you_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o thing_n terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n that_o you_o stand_v fact_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n you_o have_v a_o account_n what_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n for_o any_o church_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christianity_n still_o to_o abide_v and_o continue_v in_o it_o firmness_n of_o mind_n in_o every_o man_n private_a belief_n of_o it_o close_a union_n among_o themselves_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n in_o joint_a endeavour_n for_o its_o defence_n and_o propagation_n and_o courage_n against_o such_o opposition_n as_o other_o may_v possible_o make_v against_o it_o 1._o firmness_n of_o mind_n in_o every_o man_n private_a belief_n of_o it_o which_o be_v suggest_v in_o these_o word_n stand_v fast_o that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o union_n among_o themselves_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n 3._o zeal_n and_o diligence_n in_o joint_a endeavour_n for_o its_o defence_n and_o propagation_n stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n 4._o 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seasonable_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o meeting_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o address_v myself_o to_o what_o the_o occasion_n now_o require_v which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o truth_n and_o excellence_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o our_o own_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o rome_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o compare_v they_o and_o we_o together_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o all_o for_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o firm_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o every_o thing_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n do_v contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n according_a as_o st._n john_n assure_v we_o joh._n 20.31_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n which_o we_o can_v not_o have_v if_o every_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v not_o write_v be_v not_o contain_v in_o this_o very_a gospel_n of_o st._n john_n nay_o further_o yet_o we_o believe_v and_o receive_v all_o creed_n that_o be_v ever_o receive_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n these_o creed_n be_v take_v into_o our_o liturgy_n they_o be_v repeat_v in_o our_o church_n we_o signify_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o by_o stand_v up_o when_o they_o be_v repeat_v and_o be_v we_o still_o to_o be_v judge_v heretic_n and_o deficient_a in_o the_o catholic_n faith_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o roman_a church_n deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n they_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o tradition_n a_o thing_n uncertain_a they_o rely_v upon_o council_n which_o may_v err_v nay_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v gross_o err_v they_o vary_v as_o well_o from_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o many_o case_n as_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o and_o last_o of_o all_o they_o pretend_v a_o power_n of_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o make_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v so_o let_v reason_n judge_v whether_o they_o or_o we_o be_v likely_a to_o err_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n 2._o for_o matter_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o second_o place_n their_o public_a prayer_n be_v make_v and_o use_v in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a unto_o the_o people_n we_o in_o a_o tongue_n which_o we_o all_o understand_v and_o here_o let_v st._n paul_n decide_v the_o controversy_n that_o be_v between_o we_o i_o cor._n 14_o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understand_v also_o i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v sing_v with_o understand_v also_o else_o when_o thou_o shall_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n how_o shall_v he_o that_o occupi_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_n amen_o at_o thy_o give_a thanks_o see_v he_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v for_o thou_o very_o give_v thanks_o well_o but_o the_o other_o be_v not_o edify_v from_o whence_o it_o appear_v what_o edification_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o their_o prayer_n that_o be_v to_o say_v none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n further_o add_v i_o thank_v god_n i_o speak_v with_o tongue_n more_o than_o you_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o to_o proceed_v as_o we_o make_v our_o prayer_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n so_o in_o they_o we_o invoke_v the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o only_o we_o use_v no_o other_o mediator_n no_o other_o patron_n but_o only_a christ_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v so_o to_o be_v for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o but_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v their_o address_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n as_o well_o for_o patronage_n and_o protection_n as_o for_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o some_o of_o those_o the_o virgin_n mary_n do_v they_o invoke_v in_o as_o magnificent_a and_o high_a a_o stile_n as_o they_o invoke_v god_n himself_o we_o pay_v no_o worship_n to_o any_o image_n see_v that_o god_n have_v express_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o or_o in_o the_o water_n under_o the_o earth_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o worship_v they_o but_o they_o bow_v down_o and_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n and_o other_o and_o though_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o honour_n they_o give_v unto_o the_o image_n pass_v through_o it_o to_o the_o person_n who_o it_o represent_v yet_o still_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o worship_v the_o image_n that_o this_o at_o least_o be_v a_o transient_a object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o then_o again_o we_o give_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n in_o both_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o so_o it_o be_v give_v all_o along_o for_o many_o age_n but_o other_o in_o perfect_a contradiction_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n deny_v the_o cup_n unto_o the_o laity_n we_o believe_v that_o after_o consecration_n the_o bread_n and_o wine_n set_v apart_o and_o consecrate_a for_o the_o sacrament_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o natural_a substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n himself_o believe_v when_o he_o style_v that_o bread_n of_o
be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v adorn_v with_o a_o excellent_a character_n in_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v those_o and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n which_o privilege_n although_o it_o be_v not_o peculiar_a unto_o s._n peter_n but_o common_a to_o the_o other_o apostle_n with_o he_o yet_o be_v first_o declare_v of_o he_o add_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o character_n and_o yet_o detract_v nothing_o at_o all_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n apostle_n upon_o who_o as_o upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n s._n paul_n assure_v we_o the_o church_n be_v build_v ephe._n 2.20_o it_o be_v build_v on_o they_o together_o with_o he_o who_o our_o saviour_n mention_n in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v most_o firm_o build_v upon_o they_o for_o so_o it_o appear_v from_o these_o word_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o word_n we_o must_v 1_o consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d translate_v hell_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o profane_a author_n to_o signify_v the_o grave_n to_o denote_v the_o place_n and_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a so_o it_o be_v use_v in_o these_o word_n psal_n 16.10_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n and_o then_o further_o 2_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o grave_n or_o place_n and_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v sometime_o compare_v unto_o a_o house_n if_o i_o wait_v the_o grave_n be_v my_o house_n job_n 17.13_o and_o to_o a_o house_n with_o gate_n or_o door_n shut_v up_o and_o lock_v with_o bar_n and_o lock_n and_o hence_o that_o say_n of_o hezekiah_n isa_n 38.10_o i_o say_v in_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o my_o day_n i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_n hence_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o bar_n of_o the_o pit_n job_n 17.16_o and_o of_o the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n revel_v 1.18_o and_o of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n revel_v 9.1_o 3_o be_v then_o that_o the_o grave_n be_v that_o the_o place_n and_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n with_o gate_n and_o door_n shut_v up_o and_o fasten_v with_o bar_n and_o lock_n from_o hence_o likewise_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o death_n or_o destruction_n be_v describe_v by_o enter_v into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_n for_o so_o you_o find_v in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v already_o cite_v isaiah_n 38.10.11_o i_o say_v in_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o my_o day_n when_o god_n tell_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v die_v i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_n be_o deprive_v of_o the_o residue_n of_o my_o year_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n i_o shall_v behold_v man_n no_o more_o with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n where_o enter_v into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_n plain_o signify_v death_n itself_o or_o enter_v into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o all_o the_o other_o expression_n show_v 4._o this_o be_v so_o if_o the_o church_n be_v take_v for_o god_n people_n not_o consider_v as_o a_o society_n be_v together_o in_o communion_n but_o as_o single_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n then_o these_o word_n that_o be_v before_o we_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n imply_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n shall_v overcome_v death_n and_o the_o grave_n by_o a_o resurrection_n to_o immortality_n but_o then_o if_o the_o church_n in_o this_o place_n be_v take_v as_o it_o usual_o be_v and_o as_o i_o judge_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o general_a society_n of_o believer_n consider_v as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n live_v together_o in_o communion_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o christ_n institution_n then_o be_v the_o word_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n a_o promise_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o live_v in_o the_o use_n of_o its_o institution_n in_o visible_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n till_o the_o second_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n then_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n the_o meaning_n will_v be_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o enter_v into_o those_o gate_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v have_v thus_o interpret_v the_o word_n before_o we_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o church_n this_o be_v which_o be_v design_v in_o these_o word_n 2._o and_o then_o second_o how_o far_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v to_o that_o church_n in_o these_o word_n secure_v it_o from_o error_n and_o defection_n 1._o it_o be_v needful_a to_o understand_v what_o the_o church_n be_v which_o be_v design_v in_o these_o word_n where_o it_o be_v promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o patron_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v assume_v this_o promise_n unto_o themselves_o with_o as_o much_o confidence_n and_o presumption_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v never_o fail_v but_o always_o continue_v firm_a and_o stable_a nay_o absolute_o infallible_a in_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n whereas_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v as_o well_o a_o great_a arrogance_n as_o a_o most_o wide_a and_o foul_a mistake_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v not_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n plant_v in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o place_n but_o only_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n the_o whole_a society_n of_o those_o person_n who_o profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o speak_v indefinite_o of_o his_o church_n upon_o the_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o speak_v indefinite_o of_o his_o church_n can_v possible_o understand_v any_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n but_o the_o catholic_n universal_a church_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n seat_v in_o any_o particular_a country_n may_v utter_o fail_v and_o be_v extinguish_v how_o many_o great_a and_o excellent_a church_n have_v fail_v and_o perish_v long_o ago_o how_o many_o other_o have_v so_o decay_v that_o they_o seem_v near_o unto_o destruction_n where_o be_v those_o many_o famous_a church_n which_o once_o flourish_v in_o the_o coast_n of_o africks_n where_o be_v those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n large_o mention_v by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n where_o be_v those_o many_o other_o church_n which_o former_o flourish_v in_o the_o east_n how_o many_o of_o they_o be_v extinguish_v utter_o ruin_a and_o destroy_v with_o the_o very_a city_n where_o they_o be_v plant_v how_o many_o other_o be_v decay_v almost_o to_o a_o total_a dissolution_n be_v it_o then_o conclude_v that_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a only_o and_o not_o to_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n seat_v in_o any_o particular_a place_n not_o unto_o any_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v so_o i_o can_v dismiss_v this_o point_n without_o a_o inference_n and_o a_o caution_n 1._o the_o inference_n be_v that_o see_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o not_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n the_o consequence_n which_o the_o romanist_n draw_v from_o these_o word_n namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v indefectible_a and_o infallible_a be_v most_o inconsequent_a and_o unreasonable_a this_o promise_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o which_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v but_o a_o part_n and_o a_o part_n infect_v with_o strange_a corruption_n this_o promise_n belong_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v never_o more_o than_o only_a a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o be_v now_o what_o it_o have_v long_o be_v a_o most_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a member_n and_o as_o that_o church_n have_v strange_o sink_v into_o heathenish_a and_o barbarous_a superstition_n so_o may_v it_o utter_o fail_v and_o vanish_v and_o disclaim_v the_o
not_o cut_v off_o by_o god_n hand_n but_o pardon_v upon_o his_o deep_a repentance_n but_o this_o pardon_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o but_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o so_o indeed_o be_v these_o promise_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n proclaim_v pardon_n where_o the_o law_n express_o death_n as_o when_o they_o promise_v remission_n and_o pardon_n to_o idolater_n themselves_o if_o they_o will_v repent_v for_o such_o be_v the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n that_o whensoever_o it_o threaten_v death_n it_o do_v not_o dispense_v with_o the_o guilty_a person_n no_o not_o upon_o repentance_n itself_o not_o upon_o amendment_n and_o reformation_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o law_n work_v wrath_n rom._n 4.15_o when_o he_o style_v it_o the_o ministration_n of_o condemnation_n 2._o cor._n 3.9_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o have_v oppose_v it_o to_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o letter_n unto_o the_o spirit_n he_o further_o add_v that_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o that_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n vers_fw-la 6._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n heb._n 2.15_o for_o as_o the_o law_n threaten_v death_n to_o very_o numerous_a kind_n of_o sin_n so_o it_o admit_v no_o expiation_n no_o sacrifice_n no_o repentance_n unto_o life_n where_o it_o express_o threaten_a death_n and_o here_o be_v the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n now_o the_o gospel_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n although_o it_o threaten_v eternal_a death_n to_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n yet_o it_o allow_v and_o accept_v repentance_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o remission_n in_o all_o degree_n and_o kind_n of_o sin_n wherein_o the_o law_n do_v not_o allow_v it_o as_o to_o the_o punishment_n it_o threaten_v and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o s._n paul_n suggest_v act._n 13.38_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n that_o be_v through_o christ_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o those_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v numerous_a sin_n from_o which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o absolve_v the_o offend_a person_n the_o law_n do_v never_o absolve_v or_o justify_v where_o a_o man_n have_v witting_o commit_v a_o sin_n to_o which_o that_o law_n threaten_v excision_n but_o leave_v he_o without_o any_o promise_n of_o pardon_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n whereas_o the_o gospel_n in_o express_a word_n admit_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o forgiveness_n in_o all_o those_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_n no_o sin_n so_o heinous_a in_o its_o nature_n none_o so_o aggravate_v by_o repetition_n none_o so_o heighten_v by_o long_a continuance_n whereunto_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o express_o promise_v pardon_n upon_o the_o sinner_n return_v to_o god_n here_o be_v that_o grace_n that_o pardon_v the_o sensual_a and_o impure_a upon_o their_o amendment_n and_o reformation_n here_o be_v that_o grace_n that_o pardon_v the_o violent_a and_o injurious_a upon_o repentance_n and_o restitution_n here_o be_v that_o mercy_n that_o forgive_v the_o impious_a and_o profane_a if_o peradventure_o they_o shall_v reform_v and_o return_v to_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n a_o grace_n so_o great_a and_o undeserved_a that_o it_o be_v seldom_o mention_v in_o scripture_n without_o expression_n of_o admiration_n a_o grace_n so_o signal_n and_o so_o eminent_a that_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v describe_v it_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n he_o find_v it_o needful_a to_o spend_v the_o six_o in_o caution_n against_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o not_o that_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o in_o this_o or_o the_o former_a instance_n be_v real_o such_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o that_o it_o give_v any_o reasonable_a ground_n for_o man_n to_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o sin_n but_o that_o they_o be_v bribe_v by_o their_o own_o lust_n take_v encouragement_n to_o do_v this_o where_o none_o be_v give_v that_o be_v to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n use_v the_o liberty_n give_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n 2._o and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o part_n the_o caution_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v allow_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n now_o as_o this_o consist_v in_o two_o instance_n liberty_n from_o the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o from_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o penal_a sanction_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n so_o be_v there_o something_o of_o abuse_n of_o both_o these_o part_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n 1._o for_o first_o as_o to_o the_o former_a instance_n some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o liberty_n from_o the_o rite_n and_o injunction_n of_o the_o law_n early_o than_o many_o other_o be_v use_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o ensnare_v the_o conscience_n of_o other_o man_n scorn_v and_o censure_v they_o as_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a and_o by_o their_o censure_n and_o example_n engage_v they_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o some_o law_n relate_v to_o certain_a day_n and_o meat_n before_o they_o understand_v their_o liberty_n or_o have_v due_a time_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o this_o abuse_n of_o christain_n liberty_n be_v censure_v in_o s._n paul_n writing_n both_o to_o the_o roman_n and_o corinthian_n 2._o other_o observe_v that_o s._n paul_n deny_v the_o necessity_n nay_o in_o some_o case_n forbid_v the_o use_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v of_o the_o rite_n before_o mention_v in_o order_n unto_o justification_n take_v liberty_n as_o s._n james_n suggest_v jam._n 3_o to_o absolve_v themselves_o from_o the_o work_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o justice_n mercy_n and_o humility_n from_o love_n and_o patience_n and_o veracity_n from_o the_o engagement_n and_o obligation_n not_o only_o of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o even_o of_o natural_a religion_n itself_o a_o error_n which_o to_o this_o very_a day_n so_o infect_v the_o divinity_n of_o many_o person_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v their_o follower_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o but_o to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o instance_n the_o relaxation_n of_o that_o rigour_n which_o be_v in_o the_o penal_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o less_o abuse_v than_o liberty_n from_o its_o numerous_a rite_n for_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o some_o person_n observe_v that_o the_o gospel_n promise_v pardon_v where_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v deny_v it_o and_o judge_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v high_o magnify_v by_o that_o pardon_n take_v leave_v to_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o sin_n under_o pretence_n of_o magnify_v god_n grace_n which_o be_v the_o error_n st._n paul_n censure_n rom._n 6.12_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v then_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v god_n offer_v no_o pardon_n but_o to_o the_o penitent_a the_o design_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o offer_v pardon_n to_o the_o penitent_a be_v to_o invite_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o to_o use_v that_o grace_n as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o impenitence_n be_v to_o use_v it_o just_a against_o itself_o contrary_a to_o its_o own_o design_n as_o well_o as_o against_o a_o man_n own_o advantage_n how_o much_o of_o this_o unthankful_a folly_n may_v yet_o remain_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o determine_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v something_o like_a unto_o it_o in_o very_o general_a use_n among_o we_o which_o be_v the_o delay_n of_o reformation_n ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n to_o every_o man_n that_o forsake_v his_o sin_n although_o he_o have_v long_o continue_v in_o they_o a_o great_a abuse_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n god_n promise_v pardon_n to_o prevent_v despair_n these_o abuse_n that_o promise_n to_o presumption_n god_n admit_v repentance_n after_o sin_n to_o encourage_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n these_o abuse_n his_o grace_n in_o that_o instance_n to_o encourge_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o contemn_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v the_o mercy_n they_o shall_v adore_v and_o so_o s._n paul_n himself_o suggest_v rom._n 4.4_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n add_v
god_n for_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o life_n 1_o john_n 5.12_o the_o twelve_o sermon_n philip._n 1.10_o that_o you_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a although_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n never_o enjoin_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n but_o what_o consider_v all_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n likewise_o be_v useful_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o though_o indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n such_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n law_n yet_o be_v there_o other_o instance_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v immutable_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o proper_a for_o all_o age_n so_o be_v these_o two_o general_a duty_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o so_o be_v the_o particular_a branch_n of_o they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o with_o very_o little_a exception_n be_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o impartial_o try_v and_o weigh_v can_v but_o be_v approve_v as_o good_a even_o by_o they_o that_o do_v not_o practice_v they_o but_o a_o general_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n not_o apply_v to_o particular_a instance_n of_o life_n and_o action_n be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o approbation_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o design_n for_o although_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v in_o the_o greek_a sometime_o signify_v something_o less_o than_o a_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v only_o as_o where_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thess_n 5.21_o yet_o here_o it_o signify_v much_o more_o here_o as_o also_o in_o other_o place_n it_o import_v such_o a_o clear_a and_o settle_a judgement_n of_o what_o be_v good_a as_o be_v accompany_v with_o resolution_n to_o practice_v what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v so_o this_o appear_v from_o what_o the_o apostle_n join_v in_o the_o same_o period_n with_o it_o sincerity_n and_o a_o blameless_a life_n and_o these_o retain_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o so_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o word_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o you_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o appear_v from_o the_o style_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n speak_v for_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n be_v part_n of_o a_o prayer_n wherein_o after_o his_o usual_a custom_n of_o salute_v the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v ver_fw-la 1._o and_o pray_v grace_n and_o peace_n for_o they_o from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n ver_fw-la 2._o after_o his_o thanks_o render_v to_o god_n for_o their_o fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n of_o the_o eighteen_o chapter_n he_o further_o pray_v that_o their_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a be_v then_o the_o apostle_n pray_v this_o for_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o singular_a concernment_n to_o they_o and_o be_v a_o cold_a assent_n of_o mind_n a_o ineffectual_a approbation_n of_o what_o be_v excellent_a be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o concern_v at_o all_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o so_o hearty_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o what_o be_v far_o more_o than_o this_o such_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a survey_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o their_o nature_n issue_n and_o effect_n both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o world_n end_v in_o a_o certain_a determination_n never_o to_o deviate_v from_o what_o be_v good_a so_o then_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o suppose_v that_o the_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v thing_n excellent_a and_o good_a for_o we_o worthy_a thy_o to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o especial_o upon_o the_o powerful_a motive_n whereupon_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v they_o the_o proper_a subject_n which_o these_o word_n offer_v unto_o our_o consideration_n be_v the_o approbation_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o stable_a judgement_n in_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o subject_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a that_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o singular_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o judgement_n in_o those_o duty_n 2._o how_o it_o may_v be_v gain_v 3._o and_o last_o how_o it_o must_v be_v exercise_v by_o they_o that_o have_v attain_v unto_o it_o 1._o and_o for_o the_o first_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o judgement_n which_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v be_v of_o such_o singular_a use_n to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v 1._o both_o a_o effectual_a cure_n of_o all_o the_o disease_n of_o our_o mind_n consider_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o and_o 2._o also_o a_o constant_a guide_n and_o monitor_n in_o every_o instance_n of_o our_o life_n first_o a_o guide_n to_o discover_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o second_o a_o monitor_n to_o press_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o steady_a perseverance_n in_o that_o practice_n whatsoeever_n may_v tempt_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o if_o we_o survey_v the_o several_a malady_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o disease_n of_o humane_a understanding_n there_o be_v first_o ignorance_n second_o doubt_v and_o three_o vanity_n ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v true_a and_o useful_a or_o scepticism_n and_o doubt_n in_o what_o be_v so_o or_o vanity_n in_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o thing_n impertinent_a and_o useless_a to_o we_o though_o we_o may_v have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o they_o first_o the_o first_o disease_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v ignorance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v true_o good_a for_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v so_o be_v the_o proper_a perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o it_o be_v make_v to_o know_v this_o and_o every_o thing_n be_v perfect_a in_o its_o end_n so_o the_o ignorance_n of_o what_o it_o be_v make_v to_o know_v be_v its_o great_a malady_n and_o imperfection_n ignorance_n be_v that_o disease_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o utter_a blindness_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n that_o imperfection_n in_o the_o understanding_n which_o darkness_n will_v be_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n it_o be_v that_o which_o death_n be_v unto_o life_n its_o proper_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n it_o hide_v the_o face_n of_o truth_n from_o we_o it_o eclipse_n all_o the_o lustre_n of_o goodness_n it_o put_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o error_n which_o vitiate_v and_o pervert_v our_o choice_n and_o do_v not_o only_o lead_v to_o danger_n but_o also_o reconcile_v we_o to_o it_o now_o just_a contrary_n to_o these_o effect_n be_v those_o of_o clear_a and_o stable_a judgement_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n expression_n be_v of_o the_o approbation_n of_o thing_n excellent_a truth_n be_v to_o the_o mind_n as_o light_v to_o the_o sun_n its_o proper_a lustre_n and_o perfection_n beside_o it_o powerful_o recommend_v and_o set_v off_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a it_o show_v it_o in_o its_o native_a colour_n and_o give_v it_o the_o advantage_n due_a unto_o it_o so_o that_o to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n philip._n 4.8_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v that_o deserve_v our_o love_n it_o be_v so_o represent_v in_o the_o mind_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v due_o inform_v by_o truth_n that_o it_o commend_v itself_o to_o choice_n and_o gain_v the_o possession_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o we_o natural_o desire_v and_o love_n what_o our_o mind_n recommend_v unto_o we_o as_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o for_o we_o likewise_o so_o the_o hearty_a love_n of_o what_o be_v good_a be_v the_o gain_v the_o very_a thing_n we_o love_v for_o there_o be_v this_o remarkable_a difference_n between_o the_o love_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a and_o that_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v love_v these_o other_o thing_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o he_o that_o love_v good_a or_o evil_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n by_o so_o do_v the_o consequence_n of_o which_o discourse_n be_v this_o that_o the_o approbation_n of_o thing_n excellent_a a_o clear_a and_o stable_a
judgement_n in_o they_o be_v not_o only_o the_o cure_n of_o ignorance_n the_o first_o disease_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o what_o be_v more_o than_o i_o say_v at_o first_o a_o powerful_a and_o a_o sovereign_a medicine_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o our_o will_n to_o all_o our_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o passion_n second_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o malady_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o which_o it_o be_v a_o like_a deliverance_n and_o that_o be_v scepticism_n and_o suspense_n in_o thing_n both_o evident_a and_o useful_a to_o we_o for_o general_a assurance_n and_o general_a doubt_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n and_o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v equal_a distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n although_o of_o very_o different_a kind_n the_o one_o proceed_v from_o vain_a confidence_n the_o other_o from_o the_o weak_a suspicion_n of_o a_o shatter_a and_o break_a understanding_n there_o be_v some_o man_n that_o can_v make_v themselves_o believe_v any_o thing_n even_o that_o their_o sense_n be_v deceive_v though_o due_o apply_v to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o yet_o pretend_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o from_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o miracle_n the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o sense_n so_o do_v they_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n other_o have_v rather_o deceive_v themselves_o by_o the_o sophistry_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n in_o nice_a and_o uncertain_a speculation_n than_o content_a or_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v useless_a but_o then_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o this_o be_v a_o levity_n of_o understanding_n to_o pretend_v certainty_n in_o thing_n uncertain_a so_o be_v it_o a_o more_o unhappy_a weakness_n and_o a_o great_a craziness_n of_o understanding_n to_o doubt_v and_o suspend_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v both_o evident_a and_o useful_a likewise_o a_o man_n may_v doubt_v in_o thing_n impertinent_a to_o life_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o danger_n or_o fear_v either_o because_o he_o neither_o real_o be_v nor_o judge_n himself_o concern_v in_o they_o but_o if_o he_o be_v doubtful_a in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o his_o great_a concernment_n lie_v if_o he_o question_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n if_o he_o call_v divine_a revelation_n in_o question_n if_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o very_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o scruple_n what_o christ_n have_v bring_v to_o light_n eternal_a life_n and_o immortality_n if_o he_o be_v under_o suspense_n and_o fear_v what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n immortal_a if_o he_o question_v what_o he_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o happy_a or_o miserable_a or_o neither_o of_o both_o that_o be_v as_o the_o very_a brute_n that_o perish_v if_o he_o be_v hold_v in_o suspense_n and_o doubt_v of_o such_o important_a thing_n as_o these_o what_o reel_n and_o fluctuation_n of_o mind_n what_o anxiety_n and_o pang_n of_o heart_n what_o irresolution_n in_o life_n and_o practice_n must_v these_o uncertainty_n bring_v upon_o he_o this_o be_v part_n of_o that_o very_a bondage_n from_o which_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o free_v we_o who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o through_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n heb._n 2.15_o which_o very_o deliverance_n christ_n have_v wrought_v by_o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o certain_a proof_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o it_o for_o so_o have_v he_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o clear_a and_o certain_a and_o stable_a judgement_n both_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o reward_n and_o so_o deliver_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o suspense_n and_o doubt_n in_o their_o only_a true_a and_o great_a concernment_n three_o now_o for_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o apply_v itself_o to_o useless_a thing_n the_o last_o disease_n of_o the_o understanding_n this_o also_o be_v effectual_o cure_v by_o the_o approbation_n of_o thing_n excellent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o sound_a judgement_n in_o all_o our_o duty_n and_o reward_n for_o such_o a_o judgement_n can_v fall_v to_o divert_v our_o thought_n from_o needless_a thing_n from_o vain_a speculation_n from_o idle_a subtlety_n from_o trivial_a question_n from_o angry_a contention_n and_o dispute_v about_o impertinent_a and_o useless_a thing_n the_o itch_n whereof_o have_v be_v a_o epidemical_a disease_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n in_o most_o age_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_a in_o the_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o schoolman_n among_o the_o christian_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o mahometan_a imposture_n which_o be_v a_o trifle_n from_o beginning_n to_o end_v multitude_n of_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v upon_o impertinent_a and_o trivial_a subject_n multitude_n of_o library_n hive_n be_v fill_v with_o troublesome_a and_o unuseful_a rubbish_n with_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a understanding_n for_o all_o the_o vanity_n we_o find_v in_o book_n be_v first_o of_o all_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o the_o heathen_a that_o all_o the_o philosopher_n before_o socrates_n employ_v their_o study_n in_o the_o speculation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o very_o small_a concernment_n and_o do_v not_o only_o all_o that_o while_o neglect_v the_o culture_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n but_o leave_v the_o very_a thing_n they_o study_v in_o the_o same_o obscurity_n they_o find_v they_o in_o socrates_n indeed_o make_v a_o attempt_n to_o transfer_v knowledge_n from_o useless_a thing_n into_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o the_o attempt_n be_v great_a but_o the_o success_n be_v not_o such_o but_o that_o still_o many_o professor_n of_o wisdom_n misspend_v their_o study_n in_o useless_a trifle_n and_o obscurity_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o make_v no_o man_n better_o nor_o ignorance_n any_o man_n ever_o the_o worse_a the_o same_o disease_n have_v long_o reign_v among_o the_o jew_n those_o of_o their_o writing_n that_o be_v most_o trifle_a fable_n in_o history_n and_o tattle_v in_o dispute_n so_o be_v their_o very_a talmud_n itself_o be_v most_o of_o all_o value_v among_o they_o this_o first_o begin_v among_o the_o pharisee_n and_o be_v so_o infection_n in_o that_o nation_n and_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v remove_v when_o it_o have_v once_o seize_v the_o mind_n that_o several_a proselyte_n to_o christianity_n abuse_v themselves_o and_o trouble_v other_o with_o foolish_a question_n and_o genealogy_n and_o contention_n and_o strive_n about_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n reprehend_v as_o unprofitable_a and_o vain_a tit._n 3.9_o these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o he_o describe_v 1_o tim._n 6.4_o 5._o who_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n whereof_o come_v envy_n strife_n rail_n evil_a surmizing_n perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o they_o that_o make_v the_o great_a pretence_n of_o strive_v for_o truth_n lose_v piety_n nay_o truth_n itself_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o strive_v for_o it_o now_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o same_o dust_n have_v be_v raise_v by_o the_o schoolman_n among_o the_o christian_n that_o the_o same_o vanity_n and_o curiosity_n have_v have_v all_o the_o same_o effect_n but_o this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v aver_v that_o whatsoever_o wit_n the_o schoolman_n show_v in_o the_o subject_n whereupon_o they_o treat_v the_o choice_n of_o many_o of_o those_o subject_n demonstrate_v a_o strange_a want_n of_o judgement_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o discourse_n to_o clear_v the_o use_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o sound_a judgement_n in_o the_o thing_n the_o apostle_n style_v excellent_a in_o thing_n pertinent_a to_o life_n and_o happiness_n which_o very_a judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o effectual_a cure_n of_o all_o this_o vanity_n of_o understanding_n that_o divert_v the_o mind_n from_o its_o proper_a food_n from_o solid_a useful_a pertinent_a truth_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o to_o trivial_a dispute_n and_o speculation_n which_o after_o all_o a_o man_n pain_n and_o study_n leave_v his_o mind_n vain_a and_o empty_a his_o temper_n proud_a and_o supercilious_a and_o his_o life_n for_o any_o thing_n gain_v by_o they_o utter_o unreform_v and_o vicious_a so_o be_v not_o he_o that_o stedy_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a for_o the_o very_a excellency_n of_o these_o thing_n thorough_o digest_v and_o approve_v clear_v his_o thought_n and_o feed_v his_o mind_n and_o calm_v
and_o glorious_a solomon_n give_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o pronounce_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o upon_o long_a and_o great_a experience_n and_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o teach_v we_o the_o emptiness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v to_o we_o and_o this_o we_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o learn_v do_v we_o often_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o serious_o meditate_v upon_o our_o way_n and_o consider_v how_o little_a of_o satisfaction_n arise_v even_o from_o lawful_a pleasure_n and_o how_o much_o less_o from_o those_o of_o sin_n which_o though_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v embitter_v yet_o can_v but_o be_v much_o abate_v by_o the_o very_a sin_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v these_o thought_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v form_v and_o design_v our_o soul_n for_o pleasure_n quite_o of_o another_o nature_n for_o spiritual_a and_o immortal_a joy_n for_o certain_o he_o that_o have_v be_v so_o liberal_a as_o to_o provide_v a_o proportionable_a food_n for_o all_o the_o creature_n below_o they_o for_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n for_o all_o thing_n creep_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n swim_v in_o the_o sea_n have_v not_o be_v so_o narrow_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o not_o to_o provide_v such_o joy_n for_o they_o as_o may_v give_v they_o plentiful_a satisfaction_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o four_o particular_a which_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o way_n may_v suggest_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o reformation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v four_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n we_o enter_v upon_o when_o we_o cast_v off_o and_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o turn_v out_o foot_n to_o god_n testimony_n then_o be_v our_o sin_n remit_v to_o we_o wilful_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o frailty_n and_o sinful_a action_n against_o god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o omission_n and_o neglect_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_v be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o sin_n psal_n 32.1_o 2._o then_o we_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n than_o we_o become_v the_o special_a concernment_n of_o his_o providence_n then_o be_v we_o adopt_v into_o his_o family_n and_o to_o a_o title_n to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o for_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n rom._n 8.17_o then_o be_v we_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n then_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n then_o do_v we_o pass_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o death_n to_o life_n then_o be_v we_o make_v meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n then_o deliver_v by_o god_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o expression_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o the_o happy_a change_n which_o it_o make_v in_o he_o a_o change_n so_o happy_a in_o itself_o and_o of_o such_o concernment_n to_o he_o likewise_o that_o it_o create_v a_o joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o make_v the_o angel_n themselves_o rejoice_v for_o say_v our_o lord_n there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v luk._n 15.10_o and_o before_o that_o at_o the_o 7_o v._o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n no_o habitual_a change_n of_o life_n suppose_v we_o then_o that_o recollection_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o way_n bring_v all_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v into_o our_o thought_n and_o they_o be_v real_o apt_a to_o do_v it_o suppose_v they_o fix_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o cooperation_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o may_v it_o not_o reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o these_o thought_n thus_o fix_v upon_o we_o shall_v touch_v our_o conscience_n move_v our_o affection_n and_o kindle_v good_a resolution_n in_o we_o and_o provoke_v we_o to_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o future_a government_n of_o our_o life_n if_o we_o do_v full_o convince_v ourselves_o of_o the_o infinite_a hazard_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n whereof_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o all_o those_o hazard_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n whereunto_o we_o enter_v by_o true_a repentance_n i_o persuade_v myself_o we_o can_v no_o more_o content_v ourselves_o still_o to_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n than_o willing_o choose_v our_o own_o misery_n which_o god_n have_v make_v a_o impossible_a thing_n and_o that_o out_o of_o very_a faithfulness_n to_o we_o nor_o can_v we_o answer_v it_o to_o ourselves_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n do_v we_o represent_v they_o to_o ourselves_o in_o serious_a thought_n and_o meditation_n these_o thought_n assist_v by_o that_o grace_n which_o suggest_v they_o to_o we_o will_v move_v we_o to_o choose_v immortal_a happiness_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o attend_v the_o firm_a and_o stable_a hope_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o the_o very_o high_a pleasure_n which_o the_o wild_a and_o most_o extravagant_a mind_n can_v possible_o fancy_n to_o be_v in_o evil_a 2._o have_v thus_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o way_n may_v suggest_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o general_n before_o propound_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v unto_o the_o second_o where_o i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o the_o like_a thought_n may_v offer_v to_o we_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v it_o without_o delay_n as_o it_o appear_v they_o do_v in_o david_n who_o have_v serious_o think_v on_o his_o way_n delay_v not_o to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n where_o in_o my_o way_n to_o more_o particular_a consideration_n i_o can_v but_o note_v this_o in_o general_a that_o evil_a be_v a_o most_o indefensible_a thing_n no_o soon_o consider_v and_o understand_v but_o present_o reject_v and_o forsake_v i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n say_v the_o psalmist_n here_o and_o what_o then_o and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v have_v and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n no_o soon_o do_v he_o consider_v his_o way_n and_o make_v a_o discovery_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o he_o quick_o retire_v and_o flee_v from_o they_o as_o from_o the_o brow_n of_o a_o dangerous_a precipice_n where_o he_o dare_v not_o stand_v a_o moment_n long_o sin_n will_v not_o abide_v a_o serious_a thought_n it_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o impartial_a trial_n it_o be_v a_o imposture_n it_o be_v a_o cheat_n it_o be_v a_o lie_n and_o so_o be_v every_o temptation_n to_o it_o confute_v as_o soon_o as_o understand_v but_o the_o more_o particular_a meditation_n which_o recommend_v a_o speedy_a repentance_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n design_n in_o all_o his_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o so_o corruptible_a and_o frail_a a_o state_n and_o likewise_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o several_a difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v the_o delay_n of_o reformation_n 1._o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o pursue_v and_o follow_v our_o sin_n with_o speedy_a and_o destructive_a punishment_n but_o give_v we_o time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o recollect_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v not_o that_o the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o thing_n below_o that_o he_o be_v indifferent_a to_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o unconcern_v in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o as_o those_o scoffer_n imagine_v who_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n cavil_v the_o delay_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o mock_v that_o patience_n whereby_o they_o live_v say_v as_o st_n peter_n have_v observe_v 2_o ep._n cap._n 3._o v._n 4._o where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v
as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o as_o it_o follow_v v._o 9_o because_o god_n be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n yea_o even_o those_o very_a person_n themselves_o that_o injure_v his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v some_o shadow_n of_o a_o objection_n against_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o world_n to_o they_o that_o measure_v he_o by_o themselves_o and_o judge_v of_o he_o by_o their_o own_o model_n for_o that_o he_o shall_v ready_o pardon_v our_o frailty_n and_o long_o forbear_v our_o wilful_a sin_n that_o he_o shall_v continue_v those_o very_a mercy_n which_o man_n abuse_v and_o turn_v into_o weapon_n of_o unrighteousness_n feed_v the_o mouth_n that_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n support_v the_o arm_n that_o work_v iniquity_n preserve_v that_o very_a life_n and_o strength_n which_o be_v spend_v and_o waste_v to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o patient_o wait_v for_o a_o sinner_n return_v while_o the_o sinner_n abuse_v that_o very_a patience_n to_o a_o encouragement_n to_o impenitence_n be_v such_o a_o example_n of_o long-suffering_a as_o be_v no_o where_o find_v but_o in_o god_n only_o but_o i_o consider_v that_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o as_o our_o thought_n nor_o his_o way_n as_o our_o way_n that_o one_o day_n as_o st_n peter_n affirm_v be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o fix_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o firm_o still_o believe_v that_o his_o patience_n to_o sinner_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n design_n their_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o that_o his_o mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o will_v pardon_v the_o hearty_a penitent_n after_o the_o great_a provocation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o himself_o suggest_v isai_n 55.7_o 8_o 9_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o righteous_a win_v his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v and_o lest_o we_o shall_v disbelieve_v this_o as_o a_o thing_n improbable_a for_o god_n to_o do_v because_o unusual_a among_o man_n he_o present_o add_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n neither_o be_v your_o way_n my_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v my_o way_n high_a than_o your_o way_n and_o my_o thought_n than_o your_o thought_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o indifferency_n to_o good_a and_o evil_n nor_o want_v of_o concernment_n for_o mankind_n which_o cause_v god_n to_o delay_v punishment_n but_o mere_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a wait_v for_o the_o sinner_n return_v to_o he_o and_o may_v not_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o when_o deep_o fix_v upon_o the_o mind_n so_o powerful_o affect_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n as_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o speedy_a reformation_n may_v it_o not_o produce_v a_o great_a indignation_n against_o themselves_o to_o remember_v their_o many_o misbehaviour_n and_o also_o their_o long_a continuance_n in_o they_o under_o all_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o may_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o patience_n where_o there_o be_v any_o ingenuity_n leave_v provoke_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o gratitude_n and_o gratitude_n unto_o speedy_a repentance_n can_v any_o man_n think_v it_o safe_a or_o reasonable_a still_o to_o trespass_v against_o that_o patience_n which_o he_o have_v already_o long_o abuse_v and_o to_o provoke_v that_o very_a goodness_n which_o he_o have_v forfeit_v long_o ago_o do_v he_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o these_o thing_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v few_o so_o void_a of_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o concernment_n and_o of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n who_o serious_a thought_n of_o their_o own_o evil_n under_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o will_v not_o move_v to_o speedy_a reformation_n saint_n paul_n i_o be_o sure_a represent_v the_o contrary_a as_o a_o despite_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o a_o dangerous_a cruelty_n to_o ourselves_o in_o that_o severe_a expostulation_n rom._n 2.4_o 5._o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n but_o after_o thy_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n treasurest_n up_o unto_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o of_o his_o end_n and_o design_n in_o it_o shall_v persuade_v to_o speedy_a reformation_n that_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o add_v any_o more_o to_o this_o argument_n second_o proceed_v we_o therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o can_v easy_o escape_v our_o thought_n while_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o way_n and_o the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o state_n of_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a to_o we_o both_o from_o what_o we_o feel_v within_o ourselves_o daily_a decay_n of_o natural_a strength_n and_o from_o what_o we_o see_v in_o many_o other_o short_a life_n and_o sudden_a death_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n no_o not_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o god_n nor_o the_o make_n of_o one_o of_o the_o trunk_n of_o a_o tree_n reproach_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o great_a folly_n than_o a_o presumption_n of_o long_a life_n and_o of_o ease_n and_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o it_o observe_v how_o this_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o certain_a rich_a man_n who_o have_v have_v so_o plentiful_a and_o so_o large_a a_o harvest_n that_o he_o have_v not_o where_o to_o bestow_v his_o fruit_n thus_o deliberate_v with_o himself_o luke_n 12.17_o 18_o 19_o verse_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v because_o i_o have_v no_o room_n where_o to_o bestow_v my_o fruit_n and_o he_o say_v this_o will_v i_o do_v i_o will_v pull_v down_o my_o barn_n and_o build_v great_a and_o there_o will_v i_o bestow_v all_o my_o fruit_n and_o my_o good_n and_o i_o will_v say_v to_o my_o soul_n soul_n thou_o have_v much_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n take_v thy_o ease_n eat_v drink_v and_o he_o merry_a but_o what_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n he_o hear_v from_o god_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o the_o sharpness_n and_o bitterness_n of_o which_o rebuke_n join_v with_o the_o sudden_a confutation_n of_o this_o man_n promise_n make_v to_o himself_o represent_v the_o folly_n sin_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o like_a presumption_n in_o other_o man_n let_v we_o therefore_o while_o we_o consider_v our_o way_n the_o number_n and_o nature_n of_o our_o sin_n with_o all_o their_o several_a aggravation_n the_o ill_a effect_n that_o will_v attend_v they_o unless_o prevent_v by_o repentance_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o those_o effect_n let_v we_o i_o say_v together_o with_o these_o consider_v the_o frailty_n of_o our_o life_n and_o in_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o never_o defer_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o a_o time_n uncertain_a to_o a_o day_n we_o may_v never_o live_v to_o see_v and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o long_a life_n be_v a_o thing_n uncertain_a in_o itself_o but_o because_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o especial_o be_v general_o use_v as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o delay_v repentance_n may_v very_o just_o provoke_v god_n to_o blast_v it_o with_o sudden_a disappointment_n god_n do_v not_o only_o hate_v the_o delay_n of_o reformation_n ground_v on_o presumption_n of_o long_a life_n as_o a_o neglect_n of_o duty_n to_o he_o but_o reproach_n the_o very_a folly_n of_o it_o style_v he_o a_o fool_n who_o so_o presume_v which_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o of_o solomon_n eccles_n 9.10_o whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o thy_o might_n for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_a whither_o thou_o go_v three_o but_o now_o because_o many_o man_n may_v purpose_v future_a amendment_n although_o they_o neglect_v it_o at_o the_o present_a and_o will_v believe_v that_o these_o purpose_n shall_v take_v effect_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o show_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o event_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v a_o three_o particular_a which_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o way_n
in_o any_o condition_n or_o rank_n of_o man_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o now_o be_v god_n so_o plain_o threaten_v death_n eternal_a unto_o the_o impeitent_a and_o disobedient_a can_v there_o be_v any_o so_o great_a a_o error_n as_o for_o these_o man_n to_o presume_v of_o pardon_n and_o to_o expect_v eternal_a life_n while_o they_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v the_o gospel_n denounce_v death_n upon_o they_o they_o promise_v life_n unto_o themselves_o and_o be_v not_o then_o this_o promise_n of_o they_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v die_v they_o say_v no_o but_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o do_v they_o not_o contradict_v the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n say_v that_o they_o be_v under_o god_n displeasure_n but_o they_o presume_v they_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o where_o do_v you_o think_v lie_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o their_o presumption_n we_o must_v believe_v what_o the_o gospel_n say_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o they_o presume_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n himself_o believe_v when_o he_o put_v this_o truth_n upon_o record_n 2_o cor._n 5.10_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a for_o what_o do_v he_o add_v to_o these_o word_n know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n we_o labour_v to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a we_o labour_v to_o convince_v the_o obstinate_a we_o labour_v to_o awake_v the_o drowsy_a we_o strive_v to_o stir_v up_o every_o person_n to_o escape_v from_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v by_o timely_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n we_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o do_v not_o guess_v but_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o will_v overtake_v the_o impenitent_a when_o he_o shall_v return_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o use_v our_o utmost_a power_n to_o persuade_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n 5._o and_o now_o because_o that_o impenitent_a person_n even_o those_o that_o abide_v in_o wilful_a sin_n be_v wont_a to_o ground_v their_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o life_n eternal_a on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o he_o it_o will_v he_o sit_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o his_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o this_o error_n that_o it_o do_v utter_o overthrow_v it_o nor_o need_v we_o any_o further_a argument_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o be_v so_o than_o that_o the_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v always_o use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o mighty_a motive_n to_o obedience_n for_o certain_o that_o very_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v no_o motive_n unto_o obedience_n that_o give_v any_o just_a and_o true_a encouragement_n for_o a_o man_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v always_o represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o mighty_a motive_n to_o obedience_n unto_o all_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o design_v by_o christ_n himself_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.14_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n upon_o the_o tree_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n shall_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n 1_o pet._n 2.24_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o our_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v we_o from_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n that_o be_v from_o the_o lust_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o gal._n 1.4_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n or_o body_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v a_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.25_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o you_o may_v see_v that_o he_o be_v real_o understand_v to_o design_n this_o in_o his_o die_n for_o we_o and_o that_o his_o death_n tend_v effectual_o to_o this_o purpose_n with_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o aright_o hear_v what_o the_o apostle_n himself_o speak_v upon_o this_o point_n 2_o cor._n 5.14_o 15._o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o because_o we_o thus_o judge_v that_o if_o one_o die_v for_o all_o then_o be_v all_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o die_v for_o all_o that_o they_o which_o live_v shall_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o he_o which_o die_v for_o they_o and_z rise_v again_z from_o whence_o observe_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o primitive_a follower_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o they_o take_v their_o very_a great_a motive_n their_o strong_a argument_n to_o obedience_n from_o it_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o give_v they_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n to_o cherish_v and_o indulge_v their_o sin_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v what_o then_o have_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n my_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o satisfaction_n thereby_o make_v have_v gain_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n we_o repent_v of_o not_o of_o those_o whereof_o we_o do_v not_o repent_v it_o operate_v to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o kind_n of_o sin_n when_o we_o abandon_v and_o forsake_v they_o not_o while_o we_o cherish_v and_o indulge_v they_o and_o thus_o it_o become_v not_o a_o encouragement_n to_o live_v in_o they_o but_o to_o abandon_v and_o cast_v they_o off_o 3._o have_v thus_o show_v that_o for_o god_n to_o accept_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n to_o pardon_v they_o while_o they_o live_v in_o they_o be_v flat_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o decree_n declare_v and_o publish_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o may_v now_o very_o just_o conclude_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v at_o the_o first_o that_o a_o presumption_n of_o his_o pardon_n while_o a_o man_n continue_v in_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n for_o so_o of_o necessity_n must_v that_o be_v which_o be_v so_o manifest_a a_o mistake_n both_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o less_o moment_n than_o that_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n add_v hereunto_o that_o this_o be_v a_o error_n which_o make_v man_n stupid_a and_o secure_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o very_o great_a danger_n lull_v they_o asleep_a under_o god_n displeasure_n charm_n they_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o peace_n while_o it_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o they_o they_o speak_v peace_n unto_o themselves_o the_o gospel_n speak_v quite_o contrary_a they_o judge_v themselves_o in_o god_n favour_n the_o gospel_n pronounce_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o they_o promise_v themselves_o remission_n of_o sin_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n the_o gospel_n threaten_v death_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v reconcile_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o fruition_n of_o their_o lust_n they_o enjoy_v themselves_o they_o enjoy_v their_o sin_n without_o any_o fear_n of_o danger_n from_o they_o for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o error_n that_o it_o infatuate_v the_o mind_n itself_o remove_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o conscience_n let_v we_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n loose_a leave_v no_o restraint_n leave_v no_o check_n at_o all_o upon_o they_o and_o so_o expose_v they_o to_o destruction_n till_o it_o be_v discover_v and_o remove_v 3._o i_o have_v say_v enough_o of_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o word_n before_o we_o namely_o 1._o that_o man_n may_v presume_v of_o god_n favour_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n 2_o that_o this_o presumption_n of_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n and_o shall_v now_o conclude_v with_o what_o be_v express_v he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o that_o be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o several_a duty_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n he_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o nor_o will_v god_n charge_v he_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o such_o lapse_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o flow_v from_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v the_o use_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o it_o be_v to_o awake_v and_o excite_v ourselves_o to_o all_o diligence_n to_o all_o sincerity_n in_o our_o duty_n and_o
weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o who_o glory_n be_v their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o then_o further_o many_o other_o study_n to_o find_v out_o easy_a way_n to_o life_n eternal_a and_o rather_o choose_v to_o lose_v their_o end_n in_o the_o use_n of_o false_a and_o deceitful_a mean_n than_o to_o attain_v it_o by_o those_o endeavour_n that_o seem_v more_o difficult_a although_o they_o be_v more_o certain_a likewise_o if_o they_o can_v think_v of_o any_o method_n whereby_o they_o may_v hope_v to_o gain_v a_o pardon_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o retain_v their_o sin_n if_o they_o can_v find_v out_o any_o art_n to_o reconcile_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o lust_n if_o any_o such_o method_n offer_v itself_o as_o promise_n everlasting_a happiness_n and_o yet_o permit_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n or_o admit_v a_o commutation_n for_o they_o a_o penance_n instead_o of_o reformation_n this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o they_o will_v choose_v this_o be_v a_o religion_n they_o will_v embrace_v so_o they_o choose_v their_o own_o delusion_n and_o study_v to_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o our_o lord_n have_v leave_v this_o caution_n with_o we_o as_o necessary_a for_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n matt._n 5.29_o 30._o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o for_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o thou_o that_o one_o of_o thy_o member_n shall_v perish_v and_o not_o that_o thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o hell_n and_o who_o will_v think_v but_o that_o such_o a_o caution_n shall_v firm_o settle_v this_o belief_n that_o every_o reign_v that_o be_v every_o habitual_a lust_n exclude_v a_o man_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o infinite_a number_n who_o do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o do_v both_o permit_v their_o lust_n to_o reign_v in_o they_o and_o hope_v to_o attain_v to_o life_n eternal_a they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o false_a and_o deceitful_a art_n and_o shift_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o so_o do_v not_o they_o that_o make_v the_o world_n their_o great_a end_n they_o choose_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a although_o more_o difficult_a in_o execution_n than_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o effectual_a 2._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o they_o who_o make_v this_o world_n their_o end_n have_v once_o conclude_v of_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v most_o proper_a most_o effectual_a for_o this_o purpose_n use_v no_o delay_n in_o execution_n they_o sleep_v not_o over_o their_o opportunity_n of_o serve_v their_o interest_n and_o advantage_n they_o do_v not_o defer_v that_o till_o the_o morrow_n which_o have_v be_v better_o do_v to_o day_n but_o careful_o improve_v every_o moment_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o they_o have_v design_v but_o lord_n what_o tedious_a delay_n be_v use_v by_o many_o profess_v christianity_n before_o they_o will_v serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o gain_v the_o end_n of_o that_o profession_n or_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o how_o many_o trifle_a art_n be_v use_v to_o put_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o secure_v their_o darling_n belove_v lust_n what_o mean_a excuse_n be_v pretend_v to_o defend_v and_o justify_v their_o delay_n how_o many_o resolution_n be_v make_v and_o break_v how_o many_o time_n be_v set_v and_o put_v off_o for_o this_o great_a work_n this_o necessary_a business_n of_o reformation_n how_o many_o conviction_n must_v they_o suffer_v how_o often_o must_v conscience_n be_v awaken_v what_o pang_n and_o regret_v must_v it_o endure_v what_o flame_n must_v god_n kindle_v upon_o it_o before_o they_o will_v serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o consider_v their_o end_n and_o the_o way_n unto_o it_o shake_v of_o their_o lust_n and_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n see_v how_o our_o lord_n represent_v this_o case_n luk._n 9_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n where_o when_o he_o command_v one_o to_o follow_v he_o his_o answer_n be_v lord_n suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o bury_v my_o father_n another_o receive_v the_o like_a command_n present_o return_v a_o like_a answer_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o let_v i_o first_o go_v and_o bid_v they_o farewell_n which_o be_v at_o home_n at_o my_o house_n so_o we_o even_o too_o too_o many_o of_o we_o be_v urge_v to_o mind_n our_o great_a end_n to_o secure_v our_o everlasting_a happiness_n resolve_v indeed_o upon_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n but_o delay_v to_o practice_v our_o resolution_n this_o man_n put_v off_o so_o oft_o so_o long_o with_o such_o opposition_n to_o their_o own_o reason_n such_o contradiction_n to_o their_o conscience_n till_o at_o last_o they_o utter_o lay_v aside_o the_o very_a design_n and_o purpose_n of_o it_o and_o never_o think_v any_o more_o of_o it_o unless_o perhaps_o the_o arrest_n of_o sickness_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o approach_v near_o to_o death_n revive_v their_o former_a resolution_n and_o then_o the_o minister_n be_v call_v for_o than_o the_o sacrament_n than_o absolution_n be_v desire_v with_o what_o success_n god_n only_o know_v i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o say_v however_o thus_o much_o i_o may_v pronounce_v that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o imprudent_a person_n do_v not_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n with_o so_o little_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n as_o these_o the_o concernment_n of_o life_n eternal_a 3._o as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n use_v no_o delay_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o judge_v most_o proper_a for_o their_o end_n so_o they_o be_v not_o heedless_a and_o incogitant_fw-la but_o strange_o diligent_a in_o the_o execution_n they_o do_v entire_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n which_o they_o have_v choose_v they_o mind_n they_o pursue_v this_o one_o thing_n only_o they_o do_v not_o halt_v between_o two_o opinion_n but_o sacrifice_v every_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o service_n of_o their_o main_a design_n they_o will_v deny_v their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n they_o will_v deny_v their_o reputation_n they_o will_v bridle_v their_o natural_a lust_n and_o passion_n they_o will_v do_v any_o violence_n to_o themselves_o to_o attain_v the_o end_n they_o have_v propound_v as_o the_o great_a design_n and_o end_n of_o life_n but_o how_o do_v they_o many_o of_o they_o behave_v themselves_o who_o profess_v the_o hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o life_n to_o be_v their_o chief_a and_o principal_a end_n do_v they_o submit_v all_o end_n to_o this_o do_v they_o consecrate_v all_o their_o labour_n to_o it_o do_v they_o entire_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n do_v they_o not_o halt_v between_o christ_n and_o belial_n be_v it_o no_o part_n of_o their_o design_n to_o serve_v any_o other_o end_n but_o one_o do_v not_o god_n and_o mammon_n divide_v their_o thought_n have_v not_o mammon_n a_o share_n with_o god_n be_v there_o no_o darling_n belove_v lust_n that_o cool_v their_o affection_n check_v their_o endeavour_n after_o heaven_n how_o shall_v we_o answer_v these_o question_n alas_o they_o be_v answer_v by_o our_o experience_n experience_n show_v how_o much_o the_o man_n that_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a mind_n and_o endeavour_v other_o end_n even_o more_o than_o that_o one_o needful_a thing_n that_o chief_a principal_a end_n of_o all_o of_o attain_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o these_o man_n while_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o serve_v this_o design_n only_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n sacrifice_v to_o their_o lust_n sacrifice_n 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