obedience_n and_o self-denial_n he_o begin_v with_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o flood_n but_o insist_o chief_o upon_o the_o example_n of_o two_o eminent_a person_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o near_o to_o they_o and_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n the_o one_o the_o father_n of_o their_o nation_n the_o other_o their_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o both_o of_o they_o the_o great_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o self-denial_n that_o the_o history_n of_o all_o former_a age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v afford_v i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n by_o god_n assistance_n treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n the_o constancy_n of_o who_o faith_n and_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o who_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o difficult_a case_n be_v so_o remarkable_a above_o all_o the_o other_o example_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o leave_v his_o kindred_n and_o his_o country_n not_o know_v whither_o he_o shall_v go_v by_o which_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v whole_o at_o god_n disposal_n and_o ready_a to_o follow_v he_o but_o this_o be_v no_o trial_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o here_o in_o my_o text_n when_o god_n command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n but_o such_o be_v the_o immutable_a steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o perfect_a submission_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o make_v the_o least_o check_n at_o it_o but_o out_o of_o perfect_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n he_o go_v about_o it_o as_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o as_o if_o god_n have_v bid_v he_o do_v some_o small_a thing_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o word_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_n second_o the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_a it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v tempt_v that_o be_v god_n intend_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v gen._n 22._o 1._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n do_v tempt_v abraham_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v now_o thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n now_o there_o be_v two_o difficulty_n concern_v this_o matter_n it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n that_o god_n shall_v tempt_v any_o man_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o god_n who_o know_v what_o every_o man_n will_v do_v need_v not_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o any_o man_n faith_n or_o obedience_n first_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n which_o say_v god_n tempt_v no_o man_n and_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o he_o may_v try_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o great_a difficulty_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o illustrious_a thus_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o he_o permit_v job_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v second_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o reason_n that_o god_n who_o know_v what_o any_o man_n will_v do_v in_o any_o circumstance_n shall_v go_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o it_o but_o god_n do_v not_o try_v man_n for_o his_o own_o information_n but_o to_o give_v a_o illustrious_a proof_n and_o example_n to_o other_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o though_o after_o this_o trial_n of_o abraham_n god_n say_v to_o he_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o love_v i_o because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o as_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o god_n elsewhere_o speak_v to_o abraham_n concern_v sodom_n i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v altogether_o aecord_v to_o the_o cry_n which_o be_v come_v up_o unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n god_n accept_v of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o because_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o part_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v perform_v the_o rest_n if_o god_n have_v not_o countermand_v he_o and_o this_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o abraham_n will_v appear_v the_o more_o illustrious_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o second_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o resolution_n notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o hard_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o objection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o case_n enough_o to_o shake_v a_o very_a strong_a faith_n there_o be_v three_o great_a objection_n against_o this_o command_n and_o such_o as_o may_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n doubtful_a whether_o this_o command_n be_v from_o god_n the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v the_o grievous_a scandal_n that_o may_v seem_v almost_o unavoidable_o to_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o former_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n void_a first_o the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v which_o be_v for_o a_o father_n to_o kill_v his_o own_o child_n this_o must_v needs_o appear_v very_o barbarous_a and_o unnatural_a and_o look_v like_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o a_o idol_n than_o to_o the_o true_a god_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o kindness_n and_o affection_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o there_o be_v no_o affection_n more_o natutural_a and_o strong_a than_o this_o for_o there_o be_v many_o person_n that_o will_v redeem_v the_o life_n of_o their_o child_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o now_o that_o god_n have_v plant_v such_o a_o affection_n in_o nature_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n that_o increase_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o fact_n that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n first_o that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a it_o will_v grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o any_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o undutiful_a and_o disobedient_a so_o passionate_o be_v david_n affect_v with_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n absolom_n as_o to_o wish_v he_o have_v die_v for_o he_o though_o he_o die_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o though_o the_o save_n of_o his_o life_n have_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o government_n how_o deep_o then_o must_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o innocent_a son_n to_o death_n and_o such_o a_o son_n be_v isaac_n for_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n god_n himself_o give_v he_o this_o testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n who_o his_o father_n love_v and_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o this_o can_v not_o but_o appear_v strange_a to_o a_o good_a man_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v a_o innocent_a person_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o second_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v be_v command_v not_o only_o to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n but_o to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o spectator_n but_o to_o be_v the_o actor_n in_o this_o tragedy_n what_o father_n will_v not_o shrink_v and_o start_v back_o at_o such_o a_o command_n what_o good_a man_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o where_o nature_n be_v so_o hard_o press_v will_v not_o have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v look_v upon_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o rather_o as_o the_o suggestion_n and_o illusion_n of_o a_o evil_a spirit_n than_o a_o command_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o abraham_n faith_n be_v
to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a persuasion_n but_o the_o result_n of_o the_o wise_a reason_n and_o sober_a consideration_n so_o the_o text_n say_v that_o he_o count_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o he_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o himself_o and_o give_v himself_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a command_n he_o resolve_v to_o obey_v it_o as_o for_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v mention_v 1._o the_o horrid_a appearance_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o father_n shall_v slay_v his_o innocent_a son_n why_o shall_v abraham_n scruple_n the_o do_v this_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o life_n have_v power_n over_o it_o and_o may_v resume_v what_o he_o have_v give_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n when_o he_o will_v and_o make_v who_o he_o please_v instrument_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o command_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a case_n consider_v natural_a affection_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v execute_v but_o the_o question_n of_o god_n right_a over_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o command_v any_o man_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o his_o pleasure_n in_o such_o a_o case_n admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n and_o the_o god_n have_v plant_v strong_a affection_n in_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n yet_o he_o have_v write_v no_o law_n in_o any_o man_n heart_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o sovereign_n right_o this_o be_v a_o case_n always_o except_v and_o this_o take_v away_o the_o objection_n of_o injustice_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v no_o great_a objection_n in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o parent_n over_o their_o child_n be_v in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o they_o may_v put_v they_o to_o death_n without_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o so_o that_o then_o it_o be_v no_o such_o startle_a matter_n to_o hear_v of_o a_o father_n put_v his_o child_n to_o death_n nay_o in_o much_o late_a time_n we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a law_n of_o the_o roman_n i_o mean_v those_o of_o the_o 12_o table_n child_n be_v absolute_o put_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o parent_n to_o who_o be_v give_v jus_o aquavitae_fw-la &_o necis_fw-la a_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n over_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o sell_v they_o for_o slave_n and_o though_o among_o the_o jew_n this_o paternal_a power_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o father_n hand_n except_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n and_o rebellion_n and_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o process_n be_v to_o be_v before_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o city_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o elder_a time_n the_o paternal_a power_n be_v more_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a which_o take_v off_o much_o from_o the_o horror_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o appear_v now_o to_o we_o who_o have_v no_o such_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o history_n that_o this_o objection_n do_v much_o stick_n with_o abraham_n it_o be_v then_o no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o a_o father_n to_o put_v his_o child_n to_o death_n upon_o a_o just_a account_n and_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o have_v absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o live_v of_o his_o creature_n be_v certain_o a_o just_a reason_n and_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o that_o upon_o the_o command_n of_o god_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o action_n to_o any_o but_o god_n only_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v that_o the_o slay_v of_o isaac_n seem_v to_o overthrow_v the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v before_o to_o abraham_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v this_o seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o here_o he_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o reconcile_v the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n to_o his_o former_a promise_n so_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v put_v to_o death_n yet_o he_o see_v how_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v still_o be_v make_v good_a by_o his_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o live_v afterward_o to_o have_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n there_o have_v then_o indeed_o be_v no_o instance_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o make_v abraham_n faith_n the_o more_o wonderful_a but_o he_o confirm_v himself_o in_o this_o belief_n by_o a_o example_n as_o near_o the_o case_n as_o may_v be_v he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n this_o i_o know_v be_v by_o interpreter_n general_o understand_v of_o isaac_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o jaw_n of_o death_n when_o he_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v slay_v but_o the_o text_n seem_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o what_o happen_v after_o but_o of_o something_o that_o have_v pass_v before_o by_o which_o abraham_n confirm_v himself_o in_o this_o pervasion_n that_o if_o he_o be_v slay_v god_n will_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o and_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aught_o to_o be_v render_v in_o the_o past_a time_n from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n so_o that_o this_o expression_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n when_o his_o parent_n be_v pass_v the_o age_n of_o have_v child_n which_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o rom._n 4._o 17._o abraham_n believe_v god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v and_o not_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o a_o little_a before_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o and_o he_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o abraham_n reason_v thus_o that_o god_n who_o give_v he_o isaac_n at_o first_o in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n be_v able_a by_o another_o miracle_n to_o restore_v he_o to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o abraham_n faith_n he_o pitch_v upon_o the_o main_a difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o he_o answer_v it_o as_o well_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o his_o reason_n about_o this_o matter_n he_o give_v the_o utmost_a weight_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o to_o make_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n consistent_a with_o one_o another_o and_o this_o though_o he_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n and_o a_o very_a tender_a concernment_n of_o his_o own_o to_o have_v bias_v he_o for_o he_o may_v have_v argue_v with_o great_a appearance_n and_o probability_n the_o other_o way_n but_o as_o every_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n shall_v do_v he_o reason_v on_o god_n side_n and_o favour_v that_o part_n rather_o than_o disobey_v a_o command_n of_o god_n or_o believe_v that_o his_o promise_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a he_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v credible_a and_o possible_a how_o improbable_a soever_o thus_o far_o faith_n will_v go_v but_o no_o far_o from_o the_o believe_a of_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n it_o always_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v thus_o much_o for_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o hope_n have_v not_o be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a because_o it_o tend_v to_o clear_v a_o point_n which_o
word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o any_o man_n live_v so_o as_o no_o man_n that_o hearty_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v live_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v he_o do_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n than_o word_n there_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o man_n action_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o do_v best_a declare_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o man._n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v short_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o action_n to_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o eternal_o happy_a but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n or_o interest_n have_v desert_v the_o faith_n or_o live_v wicked_a life_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n i_o say_v be_v man_n firm_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o i'faith_o even_o in_o temporal_a matter_n be_v a_o mighty_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o will_v make_v man_n to_o attempt_v and_o undergo_v strange_a and_o difficult_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o operative_a and_o powerful_a because_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o it_o present_v to_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v tempt_v or_o terrify_v we_o withal_o will_v we_o but_o by_o faith_n make_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v we_o as_o very_o persuade_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o view_n how_o shall_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n and_o with_o what_o ease_n shall_v we_o resist_v and_o repel_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v seduce_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n or_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n which_o man_n fancy_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o most_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o another_o reason_n of_o this_o wrong_a choice_n be_v want_n of_o consideration_n for_o this_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n
they_o by_o faith_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o he_o resume_v the_o same_o argument_n again_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n that_o be_v we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v but_o exchange_v these_o earthly_a and_o perish_a body_n these_o house_n of_o clay_n for_o a_o heavenly_a mansion_n which_o will_v never_o decay_v nor_o come_v to_o ruin_v from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v verse_n 6._o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o what_o ever_o happen_v to_o we_o we_o be_v always_o of_o good_a courage_n and_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n know_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v since_o our_o continuance_n in_o the_o body_n be_v to_o our_o disadvantage_n and_o while_o we_o live_v we_o be_v absent_a from_o our_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v then_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o that_o which_o give_v we_o this_o confidence_n and_o good_a courage_n be_v our_o faith_n for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o this_o happiness_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o support_v our_o spirit_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o courage_n under_o all_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n whatsoever_o verse_n 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n these_o word_n come_v in_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o general_a what_o be_v the_o sway_v and_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n but_o under_o all_o event_n and_o in_o every_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o sight_n and_o present_a enjoyment_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n what_o ever_o principle_n sway_v and_o govern_v a_o man_n life_n and_o action_n he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v and_o live_v by_o it_o and_o as_o here_o a_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v by_o faith_n so_o elsewhere_o the_o just_a be_v say_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o animate_v all_o his_o resolution_n and_o action_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o thing_n itself_o in_o present_a view_n and_o possession_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a sight_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o hand_n and_o faith_n the_o thing_n only_o in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n sight_n be_v a_o clear_a view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n present_a and_o near_o to_o we_o faith_n a_o obscure_a discovery_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o this_o be_v faith_n but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n this_o be_v present_a sight_n as_o one_o man_n see_v another_o face_n to_o face_n and_o thus_o likewise_o the_o same_o apostle_n distinguish_v betwixt_o hope_n and_o sight_n rom._n 8._o 24._o 25._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o hope_n for_o what_o a_o man_n see_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o hope_v for_o it_o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o sight_n be_v possession_n and_o enjoyment_n faith_n be_v the_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n ii_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v sufficient-intimated_n in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o our_o absence_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o enjoy_v but_o believe_v and_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n than_o faith_n will_v cease_v and_o be_v turn_v into_o sight_n but_o though_o we_o have_v not_o that_o assurance_n of_o another_o world_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v when_o we_o come_v to_o see_v and_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o iii_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n a_o christian_n life_n consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o in_o a_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v what_o he_o call_v we_o to_o and_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n hereto_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v absent_a and_o future_a and_o not_o present_a and_o in_o possession_n for_o instance_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o invisible_a god_n of_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o providence_n that_o order_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v bless_v or_o blast_v we_o and_o all_o our_o design_n and_o undertake_n according_a as_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o secret_a aid_n and_o influence_n always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o evil_a and_o to_o strengthen_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a more_o especial_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o world_n which_o though_o they_o be_v now_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o invisible_a to_o we_o yet_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v shall_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a and_o this_o faith_n this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o absent_a and_o invisible_a thing_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o he_o call_v ch._n 11._o verse_n 1._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v viz._n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o faithful_o serve_v he_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o noah_n who_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o not_o see_v as_o yet_o notwithstanding_o believe_v the_o divine_a prediction_n concern_v the_o flood_n and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n such_o also_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n concern_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n by_o isaac_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o such_o likewise_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v the_o invisible_a god_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n as_o if_o he_o have_v behold_v they_o with_o his_o eye_n and_o of_o this_o recompense_n of_o reward_n we_o christian_n have_v
to_o turn_v they_o into_o jest_n and_o raillery_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o renounce_v of_o christianity_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v but_o even_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o the_o principle_n and_o notion_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n this_o be_v a_o impiety_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o not_o to_o be_v mention_v without_o grief_n and_o horror_n and_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v have_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o i_o pray_v god_n it_o do_v not_o draw_v down_o still_o more_o and_o great_a judgement_n upon_o this_o nation_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v none_o here_o that_o need_v to_o be_v caution_v against_o this_o horrible_a impiety_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o which_o people_n be_v much_o more_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n so_o happy_o recover_v by_o a_o regular_a reformation_n and_o establish_v among_o we_o by_o all_o the_o authority_n that_o law_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a can_v give_v it_o and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a christianity_n i_o say_v a_o defection_n from_o this_o to_o those_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n which_o the_o reformation_n have_v pair_v off_o and_o free_v we_o from_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o partial_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o and_o that_o those_o who_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n fall_v off_o from_o it_o into_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n be_v highe_o guilty_a before_o god_n and_o their_o condition_n certain_o worse_o and_o more_o dangerous_a than_o of_o those_o who_o where_o bring_v up_o in_o those_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o never_o know_v better_o for_o there_o be_v terrible_a threaten_n in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o once_o embrace_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o god_n consider_v every_o man_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o disadvantage_n likewise_o and_o make_v all_o reasonable_a allowance_n for_o they_o and_o for_o man_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o error_n they_o have_v be_v always_o bring_v up_o in_o or_o which_o come_v much_o to_o one_o in_o error_n which_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o by_o principle_n early_o infuse_v into_o they_o before_o they_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n competent_a judge_n of_o those_o matter_n i_o say_v for_o such_o person_n to_o continue_v in_o these_o error_n and_o to_o oppose_v and_o reject_v the_o contrary_a truth_n against_o which_o by_o their_o education_n they_o have_v receive_v so_o strong_a and_o violent_a a_o prejudice_n this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n excusable_a and_o find_v pardon_n with_o god_n upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n both_o know_v and_o unknown_a and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o charge_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n but_o not_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v entertain_v and_o profess_v it_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v it_o have_v no_o excuse_n i_o will_v not_o be_v rash_a in_o condemn_v particular_a person_n of_o any_o society_n or_o communion_n of_o christian_n provide_v they_o be_v sincere_o devout_a and_o just_a and_o sober_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n i_o have_v much_o rather_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v great_a than_o to_o pass_v a_o uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o they_o as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o where_o the_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n be_v afford_v to_o man_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v for_o they_o who_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v their_o master_n will_n be_v answerable_a to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v it_o because_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v gross_o negligent_a and_o want_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v have_v know_v it_o and_o this_o i_o fear_n be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o year_n of_o consideration_n and_o choice_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o forsake_v it_o because_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o there_o be_v invincible_a objection_n against_o it_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n because_o every_o one_o among_o we_o know_v or_o may_v know_v upon_o very_o little_a enquiry_n that_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o into_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v baptize_v that_o we_o inculcate_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o of_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o perfect_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v follow_v with_o real_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v by_o any_o device_n whatsoever_o now_o what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o question_v whether_o he_o may_v be_v save_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o save_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o by_o believe_v the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n though_o he_o can_v swallow_v the_o twelve_o article_n which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iu._n every_o one_o of_o which_o beside_o many_o and_o great_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o many_o and_o invincible_a objection_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o i_o can_v particular_o show_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v already_o do_v in_o so_o many_o learned_a treatise_n upon_o this_o argument_n what_o be_v there_o then_o that_o shall_v move_v any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o to_o quit_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n chief_o with_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o amuse_v and_o affright_v weak_a mind_n 1._o a_o great_a noise_n of_o infallibility_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o mean_n to_o determine_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o difference_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_a object_n this_o prejudice_n that_o there_o be_v not_o wide_o and_o hot_a difference_n among_o we_o about_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o than_o be_v among_o they_o about_o this_o admirable_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o difference_n as_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v feat_v that_o man_n 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the_o death_n of_o sinner_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o such_o uncharitable_a man_n as_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v man_n for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n condemn_v no_o man._n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o no_o man_n to_o run_v into_o its_o communion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n ver_fw-la 23._o of_o this_o chapter_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o day_n approach_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o faith_n
be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o neither_o of_o these_o argument_n will_v be_v of_o force_n sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a because_o if_o he_o be_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v ever_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n can_v be_v no_o argument_n in_o this_o case_n because_o the_o duty_n be_v just_a as_o difficult_a as_o the_o argument_n be_v powerful_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v move_v to_o submit_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v grievous_a and_o terrible_a but_o by_o something_o that_o be_v more_o terrible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n whether_o he_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o not_o and_o then_o no_o man_n can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a only_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v so_o for_o this_o will_v be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v himself_o upon_o that_o very_a inconvenience_n which_o he_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o and_o it_o be_v madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o die_v for_o fear_n of_o death_n quis_fw-la novus_fw-la hic_fw-la furor_fw-la est_fw-la ne_fw-la moriare_fw-la mori_fw-la by_o this_o it_o plain_o appear_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o by_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n our_o saviour_n shall_v require_v man_n to_o renounce_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o because_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v impose_v that_o upon_o we_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o oblige_v we_o whereto_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n offer_v that_o can_v be_v powerful_a enough_o as_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o impossible_a supposition_n because_o it_o can_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o creature_n for_o ever_o miserable_a that_o shall_v not_o by_o his_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o impenitence_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v only_o cast_v in_o to_o add_v weight_n the_o other_o reason_n of_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v the_o only_a consideration_n for_o which_o there_o be_v any_o manner_n of_o colour_n from_o scripture_n and_o two_o instance_n be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n of_o two_o very_a excellent_a person_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v desire_v this_o and_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o we_o will_v make_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n the_o instance_n allege_v be_v these_o moses_n desire_v of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rather_o than_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o he_o have_v conduct_v and_o govern_v so_o long_o shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o can_v wish_v that_o himself_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n so_o earnest_a a_o desire_n have_v he_o of_o their_o salvation_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o instance_n be_v of_o force_n sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o former_a discourse_n for_o the_o desire_n of_o moses_n amount_v only_o to_o a_o submission_n to_o a_o temporal_a death_n that_o his_o nation_n may_v be_v save_v from_o a_o temporal_a ruin_n for_o the_o expression_n of_o blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o those_o phrase_n so_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o blot_v out_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o blot_v out_o one_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o temporal_a death_n and_o destruction_n and_o than_o moses_n wish_n be_v reasonable_a and_o generous_a and_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a if_o god_n please_v to_o die_v to_o save_v the_o nation_n as_o for_o st._n paul_n wish_n of_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n it_o be_v plain_o a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n of_o his_o great_a affection_n to_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o his_o zeal_n for_o their_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n reasonable_a and_o lawful_a he_o can_v have_v wish_v the_o great_a evil_n to_o himself_o for_o their_o sake_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o positive_a and_o absolute_a wish_n but_o express_v in_o the_o usual_a form_n of_o usher_v in_o a_o hyperbole_n i_o can_v wish_v just_a as_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o say_v when_o we_o will_v express_v a_o thing_n to_o the_o height_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a nor_o intend_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o i_o can_v wish_v so_o or_o so_o i_o can_v even_o afford_v to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o which_o kind_n of_o speech_n no_o man_n take_v for_o a_o strict_a and_o precise_a declaration_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o for_o a_o figurative_a expression_n of_o a_o great_a passion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o precept_n or_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v to_o remove_v some_o sort_n of_o self-denial_n which_o by_o some_o be_v frequent_o instance_a in_o as_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o declare_v positive_o what_o that_o self-denial_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v and_o it_o be_v plain_o this_o and_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n and_o convenience_n to_o quit_v all_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n this_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o then_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o the_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o bear_v any_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o be_v to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o full_a meaning_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n of_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n will_v clear_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o particular_a instance_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o this_o self-denial_n when_o ever_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o by_o which_o you_o will_v plain_o see_v that_o these_o expression_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o i_o have_v say_v even_o here_o in_o the_o text_n after_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o he_o that_o will_v come_v after_o he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n it_o follow_v immediate_o for_o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o you_o see_v here_o that_o he_o instance_v in_o part_v with_o our_o life_n for_o he_o as_o the_o high_a piece_n of_o self-denial_n which_o he_o require_v and_o he_o himself_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n than_o that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n elsewhere_o he_o instance_v in_o quit_v our_o near_a relation_n for_o his_o sake_n luke_o 14._o 26_o 27._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n which_o expression_n of_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o other_o relation_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v rigorous_o and_o in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n but_o comparative_o for_o it_o be_v a_o hebrew_n manner_n of_o speech_n to_o express_v that_o absolute_o which_o be_v mean_v only_o comparative_o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n explain_v himself_o in_o a_o parallel_n text_n to_o this_o matth._n 10._o 37_o 38._o he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o he_o that_o love_v son_n or_o daughter_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o in_o another_o place_n our_o saviour_n instance_v in_o quit_v our_o estate_n for_o his_o sake_n matth._n 19_o 29._o every_o one_o that_o shall_v forsake_v house_n or_o brethren_n or_o sister_n or_o father_n or_o mother_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o land_n for_o my_o
among_o who_o we_o shall_v shame_v as_o light_n the_o same_o argument_n st._n peter_n use_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 11_o 12._o i_o beseech_v you_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v consider_v that_o you_o be_v among_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o bring_v no_o scandal_n upon_o your_o holy_a profession_n among_o those_o who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v all_o advantage_n against_o you_o particular_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o same_o heavenly_a country_n must_v be_v kind_a to_o one_o another_o and_o whilst_o we_o live_v among_o stranger_n have_v no_o quarrel_n among_o ourselves_o in_o a_o strange_a country_n it_o use_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o country_n and_o fellow_n citizen_n and_o this_o alone_a be_v common_o sufficient_a to_o unite_v their_o affection_n and_o to_o link_v their_o interest_n together_o but_o how_o little_a of_o this_o be_v to_o be_v see_v among_o christian_n how_o shameful_o do_v they_o quarrel_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o and_o never_o expect_v to_o meet_v at_o last_o in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o there_o to_o live_v together_o for_o ever_o iii_o let_v we_o be_v as_o patient_n and_o cheerful_a as_o we_o can_v under_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o life_n they_o who_o be_v in_o strange_a country_n must_v expect_v to_o encounter_v many_o injury_n and_o affront_v and_o to_o be_v put_v to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o hardship_n those_o which_o be_v light_a and_o more_o tolerable_a we_o must_v bear_v with_o cheerfulness_n upon_o a_o journey_n man_n use_v to_o put_v on_o all_o the_o pleasantness_n they_o can_v and_o to_o make_v sport_n of_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o way_n and_o wether_n and_o little_a cross_a accident_n that_o befall_v they_o and_o thus_o if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o art_n and_o wisdom_n to_o do_v it_o many_o of_o the_o lesser_a inconvenience_n of_o humane_a life_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v play_v off_o and_o make_v matter_n rather_o of_o mirth_n and_o diversion_n than_o of_o melancholy_n and_o serious_a trouble_n but_o there_o be_v some_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o be_v too_o heavy_a and_o serious_a to_o be_v jest_v withal_o and_o require_v the_o great_a consideration_n and_o a_o very_a great_a degree_n of_o patience_n to_o support_v we_o under_o they_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o bear_v they_o decent_o as_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n and_o dear_a relation_n as_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o only_a son_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v well_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o a_o virtuous_a course_n and_o promise_v all_o the_o comfort_n to_o his_o parent_n that_o they_o themselves_o can_v wish_v these_o certain_o be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o world_n and_o hard_a to_o be_v bear_v for_o man_n may_v pretend_v what_o they_o will_v to_o philosophy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o perish_a comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o a_o insensibility_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o weak_a and_o undisciplined_a part_n of_o mankind_n keep_v such_o a_o wail_v and_o lamentation_n about_o but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v nature_n have_v frame_v we_o as_o we_o be_v and_o have_v plant_v in_o our_o nature_n strong_a inclination_n and_o affection_n to_o our_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o these_o affection_n be_v as_o natural_o move_v upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o pluck_v every_o string_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o violent_o as_o extreme_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n do_v gnaw_v upon_o our_o stomach_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v foolish_a for_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o love_v thing_n mighty_o and_o to_o rejoice_v great_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o be_v so_o easy_o content_v to_o lose_v they_o and_o to_o be_v part_v from_o they_o this_o be_v to_o separate_v thing_n which_o nature_n have_v strong_o link_v together_o whatever_o we_o mighty_o love_v do_v thereby_o in_o some_o sort_n become_v part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o it_o can_v hand_n loose_v to_o we_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o divorce_v from_o we_o without_o trouble_v no_o more_o than_o a_o limb_n that_o be_v vital_o and_o by_o strong_a ligament_n unite_v to_o the_o body_n can_v be_v drop_v off_o when_o we_o please_v or_o rend_v from_o the_o body_n without_o pain_n and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a affection_n for_o any_o thing_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v pretend_v that_o he_o can_v content_o and_o without_o any_o great_a sense_n or_o signification_n of_o pain_n bear_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o do_v not_o talk_v like_o a_o philosopher_n but_o like_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o be_v a_o wise_a be_v in_o truth_n a_o illnatured_n man._n for_o most_o certain_o in_o proportion_n to_o our_o love_n of_o any_o thing_n will_v be_v our_o trouble_n and_o grief_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o so_o that_o under_o these_o great_a and_o heavy_a stroke_n we_o have_v need_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v a_o man_n in_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n and_o to_o sustain_v his_o spirit_n under_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n but_o this_o full_o answer_v all_o that_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o nay_o that_o if_o we_o bear_v these_o affliction_n patient_o and_o with_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n especial_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o cause_n it_o will_v certain_o increase_v our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n iv._o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o of_o our_o future_a hope_n shall_v set_v we_o above_o the_o fondness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n for_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v raise_v to_o their_o true_a pitch_n and_o height_n till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n conquer_v these_o two_o passion_n and_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o what_o be_v it_o that_o we_o see_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o strange_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o quae_fw-la lucis_fw-la miseris_fw-la tam_fw-la dira_fw-la cupido_fw-la this_o world_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a place_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o bear_v himself_o towards_o it_o with_o the_o most_o indifferent_a mind_n and_o affection_n that_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o yet_o patient_a to_o stay_v in_o it_o as_o long_o as_o god_n please_v and_o as_o for_o death_n though_o the_o dread_a of_o it_o be_v natural_a yet_o why_o shall_v the_o terror_n of_o it_o be_v so_o very_o surprise_v and_o amaze_a to_o we_o after_o we_o have_v consider_v that_o to_o a_o good_a and_o pious_a soul_n it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o entrance_n into_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o wonder_v to_o see_v a_o man_n undaunted_a at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o to_o be_v not_o only_o content_v but_o cheerful_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n this_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o vale_n of_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n whereas_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n that_o man_n be_v so_o patient_a to_o live_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o glad_a of_o any_o fair_a excuse_n and_o opportunity_n of_o get_v out_o of_o this_o strange_a country_n and_o retire_v home_o and_o of_o rid_v themselves_o of_o the_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o life_n for_o consider_v the_o numerous_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o a_o long_a pilgrimage_n there_o be_v real_o but_o three_o consideration_n that_o i_o can_v ready_o think_v of_o that_o can_v make_v this_o world_n and_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o it_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n tolerable_a to_o a_o wise_a man_n viz._n that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o to_o stay_v in_o it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o happiness_n design_v