a_o crown_n of_o life_n the_o reward_n of_o faithfulness_n be_v a_o sermon_n preach_v septemb_n 12._o 1661._o at_o the_o funeral_n of_o mr._n william_n taylor_n m._n a._n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o saint_n stephen_n coleman-street_n london_n by_o william_n spurstowe_v d._n d._n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o hackney_n near_o london_n cum_fw-la omnes_fw-la virtutes_fw-la currant_n in_fw-la stadio_fw-la sola_fw-la perseverantia_fw-la accipit_fw-la bravium_fw-la aug._n non_fw-la quaeruntur_fw-la in_o christianis_fw-la intia_fw-la sed_fw-la finis_fw-la hierom._n london_n print_v for_o ralph_n smith_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1662._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a lady_n anne_z countess_z of_o balcarre_n etc._n etc._n right_o honourable_a this_o slender_a sermon_n i_o be_o full_o sensible_a be_v by_o its_o publication_n and_o by_o its_o dedication_n make_v two_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v very_o unmeet_a by_o its_o publication_n it_o become_v a_o kind_n of_o monument_n for_o a_o worthy_a friend_n and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o name_n deserve_v rather_o to_o be_v engrave_v in_o a_o last_a pillar_n of_o marble_n than_o in_o this_o perish_a paper_n which_o can_v add_v so_o much_o to_o he_o as_o it_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o its_o dedication_n it_o be_v make_v a_o tender_a of_o my_o service_n to_o your_o honour_n which_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v do_v by_o so_o mean_v a_o address_n as_o this_o be_v but_o in_o a_o way_n more_o answerable_a to_o your_o worth_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v whole_o desist_v from_o this_o work_n have_v i_o not_o be_v animate_v thereunto_o by_o a_o double_a plea._n 1._o after_o its_o preach_n you_o be_v please_v to_o let_v fall_v some_o such_o expression_n as_o that_o you_o hope_v it_o may_v ere_o long_o come_v abroad_o which_o word_n do_v sway_v the_o more_o with_o i_o in_o regard_n i_o may_v thereby_o take_v a_o occasion_n to_o testify_v my_o thankfulness_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o he_o to_o who_o you_o be_v please_v to_o show_v much_o kindness_n while_o he_o live_v and_o now_o to_o continue_v your_o bounty_n unto_o he_o in_o take_v upon_o you_o the_o care_n and_o education_n of_o one_o of_o his_o son_n 2._o i_o be_v willing_a among_o other_o to_o express_v my_o unfeigned_a rejoice_v in_o your_o hopeful_a recovery_n from_o a_o long_a and_o dangerous_a sickness_n beseech_v god_n to_o renew_v and_o double_v your_o former_a strength_n that_o you_o may_v long_o continue_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o good_a and_o a_o example_n of_o holiness_n that_o great_a personage_n may_v see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o their_o duty_n but_o their_o glory_n to_o serve_v god_n above_o other_o who_o have_v make_v they_o to_o shine_v like_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n when_o other_o twinkle_v like_o star_n and_o now_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v in_o my_o own_o behalf_n but_o that_o i_o make_v some_o stay_n of_o its_o come_n forth_o for_o a_o time_n that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o cheerful_o present_v it_o to_o your_o honour_n hand_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o speak_v to_o yourself_o be_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o faithfulness_n be_v a_o most_o seasonable_a duty_n for_o you_o to_o exercise_v sickness_n be_v the_o time_n of_o make_v vow_n and_o health_n the_o time_n of_o pay_v they_o and_o if_o what_o i_o here_o offer_v may_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o your_o hand_n in_o god_n i_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o make_v that_o my_o prayer_n for_o you_o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n to_o the_o elect_a lady_n that_o you_o may_v look_v to_o yourself_o that_o you_o lose_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v wrought_v but_o that_o you_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n so_o i_o remain_v madam_n your_o honour_n in_o all_o christian_a service_n william_n spurstowe_n hackney_n decemb._n 4._o 1661._o the_o crown_n of_o life_n the_o reward_n of_o faithfulness_n revel_v 2._o 10._o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n some_o parcel_n of_o holy_a scripture_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o libbet_n or_o end_n of_o a_o piece_n of_o arras_n in_o which_o he_o that_o behold_v only_o some_o particular_a part_n may_v happy_o conceive_v the_o hand_n or_o foot_n which_o he_o see_v to_o be_v very_o unskilful_o make_v but_o unfolding_a the_o whole_a soon_o find_v that_o it_o carry_v a_o due_a symmetry_n and_o proportion_n to_o the_o body_n in_o the_o handle_n therefore_o of_o such_o scripture_n it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o to_o unfold_v the_o text_n but_o the_o context_n that_o so_o by_o the_o joint_a explication_n of_o both_o those_o divine_a truth_n that_o lie_v wrap_v up_o in_o they_o may_v appear_v in_o their_o full_a dimension_n which_o else_o by_o a_o incomplete_a and_o partial_a representation_n must_v needs_o be_v disfigure_v and_o lose_v much_o both_o of_o their_o harmony_n and_o beauty_n but_o this_o text_n though_o it_o be_v a_o single_a sentence_n excerp_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o verse_n also_o in_o which_o it_o stand_v yet_o it_o be_v so_o entire_a in_o its_o sense_n so_o pregnant_a in_o its_o worth_n as_o that_o the_o least_o stay_n in_o point_v to_o what_o go_v before_o or_o to_o what_o follow_v after_o will_v rather_o hinder_v than_o expedite_a my_o progress_n in_o what_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v unto_o these_o word_n then_o be_v a_o heavenly_a counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n animate_v they_o to_o a_o unbended_a constancy_n in_o their_o profession_n amid_o those_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o sore_a tribulation_n which_o christ_n foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o through_o satan_n rage_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o bloody_a persecutor_n they_o natural_o branch_v themselves_o into_o two_o part_n a_o precept_n and_o a_o promise_n the_o one_o contain_v man_n duty_n and_o the_o other_o god_n bounty_n 1._o a_o precept_n enjoin_v fidelity_n be_v thou_o faithful_a a_o duty_n so_o essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o christianity_n as_o that_o it_o be_v both_o the_o divisive_a and_o constitutive_a difference_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n that_o which_o make_v he_o real_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o distinguish_v he_o from_o other_o who_o follow_v religion_n propter_fw-la famam_fw-la non_fw-la propter_fw-la conscientiam_fw-la for_o credit_n and_o repute_v sake_n not_o for_o conscience_n 2._o a_o free_a promise_n annex_v the_o hope_n of_o which_o may_v be_v a_o revive_a cordial_n in_o their_o suffering_n and_o the_o certain_a performance_n a_o ample_a reward_n after_o their_o suffering_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n in_o the_o precept_n we_o may_v consider_v first_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o the_o duty_n be_v incumbent_n be_v thou_o faithful_a this_o pronoune_n thou_o be_v not_o restrictive_a but_o extensive_a not_o fix_v the_o duty_n upon_o one_o individual_a but_o indefinite_o charge_v it_o upon_o all_o like_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o well-made_a picture_n it_o face_v every_o beholder_n as_o a_o centre_n in_o a_o circle_n it_o carry_v a_o equal_a respect_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o circumference_n it_o be_v as_o a_o cock_n that_o crow_v to_o every_o man_n and_o not_o to_o peter_n only_o second_o the_o term_n and_o boundary_a of_o the_o duty_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v exclusive_o but_o inclusive_o death_n must_v not_o separate_v but_o seal_v the_o fidelity_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o well_o as_o other_o accommodation_n must_v be_v little_o set_v by_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n when_o it_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o rich_a and_o noble_a virgin_n in_o basil_n be_v true_o masculine_a who_o when_o condemn_v to_o the_o fire_n for_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o offer_v both_o life_n and_o estate_n upon_o compliance_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o heathenish_a idol_n cry_v out_o valeat_fw-la vita_fw-la pereat_fw-la pecunia_fw-la let_v life_n go_v let_v money_n perish_v and_o alike_o honourable_a be_v that_o testimony_n give_v to_o those_o worthy_n who_o overcome_v the_o great_a dragon_n that_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n revel_v 12._o 11._o in_o the_o promise_n two_o particular_n also_o be_v observable_a first_o the_o giver_n christ_n express_v by_o way_n of_o emphasis_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o i_o who_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o who_o be_v dead_a and_o be_o alive_a revel_v 2._o 9_o ay_o who_o be_o the_o amen_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n revel_v 3._o 14._o ay_o to_o who_o power_n be_v give_v over_o all_o flesh_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v eternal_a life_n john_n 17._o 3._o oh_o how_o
that_o they_o may_v cleave_v to_o his_o truth_n with_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o dissemble_v it_o yea_o gainsay_v it_o with_o their_o mouth_n have_v a_o christian_a more_o latitude_n in_o this_o respect_n than_o any_o other_o religion_n whatever_n do_v not_o all_o people_n walk_v every_o one_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o god_n micah_n 4._o 5._o and_o may_v a_o christian_a walk_n in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o god_n may_v he_o as_o free_o bow_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o rimmon_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v only_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n what_o mean_v then_o those_o scripture_n be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v together_o with_o unbeliever_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n and_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 14_o 15._o so_o again_o depart_v you_o depart_v you_o go_v you_o out_o from_o thence_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n go_v you_o out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o be_v you_o clean_o you_o that_o bear_v the_o vessel_n of_o the_o lord_n iâ—a_n 52._o 11._o sure_o these_o command_n of_o god_n must_v be_v as_o vacate_v and_o repeal_v statute_n or_o else_o they_o will_v one_o day_n stand_v as_o evidence_n against_o those_o who_o presume_v to_o take_v a_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v not_o allow_v in_o be_v present_a at_o idolatrous_a assembly_n and_o then_o think_v they_o can_v ready_o clear_v themselves_o from_o guilt_n by_o tell_v other_o that_o though_o they_o be_v present_a in_o body_n they_o be_v absent_a in_o spirit_n not_o own_v in_o the_o least_o that_o with_o their_o heart_n to_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o yield_v a_o outward_a compliance_n but_o such_o shift_n which_o be_v more_o thin_a than_o a_o cobweb_n be_v no_o better_o than_o the_o handkerchief_n of_o the_o adulterous_a woman_n with_o which_o when_o she_o have_v eat_v she_o wipe_v her_o mouth_n and_o say_v i_o have_v do_v no_o wickedness_n prov._n 30._o 20._o i_o have_v now_o finish_v what_o i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n that_o which_o remain_v be_v the_o promise_n annex_v and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o be_v it_o not_o pity_n that_o through_o strait_n of_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v separate_v in_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v couple_v together_o in_o the_o text_n it_o may_v haply_o put_v a_o edge_n upon_o your_o affection_n and_o excite_v you_o to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o diligence_n to_o hear_v the_o bounty_n of_o christ_n unfold_v who_o make_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o son_n for_o love_n heir_n for_o birthright_n and_o crown_v king_n for_o dignity_n and_o yet_o when_o i_o assay_v to_o do_v it_o i_o be_o methinks_v as_o a_o man_n stand_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o fathom_v a_o deep_a and_o bottomless_a sea_n who_o after_o he_o have_v let_v fall_v his_o sound_a lead_n forthwith_o call_v for_o more_o line_n and_o when_o a_o second_o and_o three_o addition_n be_v make_v still_o call_v more_o line_n more_o line_n and_o at_o last_o fall_v from_o sound_v to_o admire_v its_o unsearchable_a depth_n and_o so_o must_v i_o after_o i_o have_v utter_v all_o the_o conception_n that_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v furnish_v i_o with_o to_o express_v the_o riches_n of_o christ_n love_n call_v still_o for_o more_o and_o then_o end_v in_o astonishment_n and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n o_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v see_v somewhat_o of_o it_o i_o shall_v in_o a_o few_o particular_n show_v you_o his_o bounty_n by_o compare_v it_o with_o those_o service_n which_o he_o crown_v 1._o the_o reward_n promise_v be_v perfect_a blessedness_n it_o be_v life_n that_o can_v end_v in_o death_n it_o be_v not_o like_o adam_n in_o innocency_n who_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o stand_v or_o to_o fall_v it_o be_v a_o crown_n without_o and_o above_o a_o cross_n it_o be_v a_o canaan_n not_o flow_v with_o milk_n but_o with_o river_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o be_v free_a from_o mixture_n that_o may_v debase_v and_o from_o vanity_n which_o may_v make_v they_o naufeous_a but_o alas_o how_o imperfect_a be_v all_o our_o service_n which_o be_v thus_o reward_v when_o lay_v in_o the_o balance_n they_o be_v find_v too_o light_a when_o try_v by_o the_o touchstone_n they_o be_v of_o a_o course_n alloy_n if_o gospel_n sincerity_n do_v not_o stand_v for_o legal_a perfection_n if_o endeavour_n and_o desire_n do_v not_o pass_v for_o performance_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o best_a of_o saint_n be_v it_o then_o not_o matter_n of_o just_a wonder_n that_o such_o service_n which_o the_o law_n will_v not_o forgive_v christ_n shall_v reward_v if_o they_o be_v perfect_a they_o be_v but_o our_o duty_n and_o can_v not_o deserve_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o glory_n no_o more_o than_o a_o glow-worm_n for_o its_o shine_a can_v challenge_v to_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o star_n and_o yet_o now_o when_o spot_v they_o be_v crown_v with_o life_n 2._o the_o reward_n promise_v be_v a_o manifold_a good_a in_o the_o proposition_n it_o appear_v as_o some_o one_o particular_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n it_o be_v eminent_o a_o manifold_a yea_o a_o infinite_a good_a and_o comprehend_v blessing_n more_o for_o number_n as_o well_o as_o great_a for_o worth_n than_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v wish_v to_o itself_o if_o it_o shall_v spend_v a_o eternity_n in_o nothing_o else_o what_o be_v it_o that_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n do_v not_o take_v in_o and_o encircle_v within_o its_o compass_n it_o contain_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n from_o everlasting_a to_o make_v his_o choose_a happy_a it_o include_v all_o the_o good_a which_o christ_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o death_n have_v purchase_v and_o which_o the_o spirit_n by_o his_o office_n be_v to_o apply_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o but_o how_o small_a be_v the_o number_n of_o our_o service_n when_o our_o omission_n exceed_v our_o duty_n when_o our_o ignorance_n of_o god_n will_v be_v more_o than_o our_o knowledge_n and_o our_o backwardness_n to_o do_v it_o more_o than_o our_o diligence_n we_o can_v say_v of_o our_o act_n of_o obedience_n as_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o we_o how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o if_o i_o shall_v count_v they_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o sand_n psal_n 139._o 17_o 18._o alas_o if_o our_o prayer_n tear_n fasting_n alm_n mortification_n of_o sin_n act_n of_o worship_n be_v all_o sum_v up_o their_o number_n will_v be_v like_o the_o few_o tree_n of_o a_o forest_n which_o a_o child_n may_v write_v isa_n 10._o 19_o like_o two_o or_o three_o berry_n in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o uttermost_a bough_n of_o the_o olive-tree_n and_o four_o or_o five_o in_o the_o outmost_a fruitful_a branch_n thereof_o isa_n 17._o 6._o like_o a_o thin_a harvest_n which_o fill_v not_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o reaper_n much_o less_o the_o threshing-floor_n be_v it_o not_o then_o riches_n of_o mercy_n which_o reward_v such_o person_n who_o sin_n be_v numberless_a and_o who_o duty_n be_v few_o 3._o the_o promise_a reward_n be_v a_o endless_a good_a our_o work_n have_v a_o end_n but_o our_o wage_n have_v no_o end_n the_o seedtime_n in_o which_o we_o sow_v be_v short_a but_o the_o harvest_n which_o we_o rep_v be_v eternal_a we_o be_v faithful_a only_o to_o death_n but_o we_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o if_o we_o live_v as_o many_o year_n as_o methuselah_n live_v day_n yea_o as_o the_o world_n have_v stand_v minute_n in_o a_o exact_a and_o perfect_a do_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o can_v never_o just_o have_v ask_v that_o our_o recompense_n shall_v be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o what_o no_o creature_n can_v ever_o plead_v christ_n have_v free_o give_v unto_o we_o for_o a_o few_o year_n shall_v i_o say_v or_o a_o few_o day_n service_n oh_o how_o willing_o will_v i_o expatiate_v myself_o in_o this_o please_a theme_n to_o make_v you_o and_o myself_o sensible_a of_o this_o transcendent_a goodness_n and_o bounty_n of_o christ_n who_o reward_v service_n which_o be_v for_o their_o nature_n imperfect_a for_o their_o number_n few_o and_o for_o their_o continuance_n short_a with_o a_o crown_n of_o endless_a glory_n but_o i_o must_v break_v off_o and_o leave_v you_o to_o admire_v i_o come_v now_o as_o it_o will_v be_v expect_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o reverend_a brother_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n who_o death_n have_v occasion_v this_o sad_a meeting_n and_o i_o can_v have_v wish_v that_o this_o task_n may_v have_v be_v manage_v by_o some_o more_o able_a hand_n he_o be_v a_o subject_a meet_a to_o exercise_v both_o the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n
1._o 17_o 18._o sure_o inconstancy_n in_o what_o subject_n soever_o it_o be_v cast_v a_o dark_a shadow_n but_o the_o more_o eminent_a the_o gift_n and_o ability_n of_o any_o person_n be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a be_v the_o blemish_n that_o come_v by_o it_o who_o do_v not_o account_v the_o late_a grotius_n among_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o learned_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o profound_a and_o various_a knowledge_n and_o yet_o like_o reuben_n he_o lose_v the_o double_a portion_n of_o honour_n and_o respect_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o through_o that_o instability_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o he_o hence_o rivet_n relate_v this_o story_n of_o he_o in_o his_o book_n against_o he_o that_o when_o he_o be_v a_o prisoner_n in_o his_o own_o country_n prince_n maurice_n be_v intercede_v with_o for_o his_o liberty_n deny_v the_o grant_n of_o it_o and_o point_v to_o the_o weathercock_n upon_o his_o house_n say_v en_fw-fr grotii_fw-la caput_fw-la behold_v there_o grotius_n his_o head_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o load_v the_o person_n but_o the_o crime_n and_o to_o show_v that_o a_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o a_o reed_n in_o the_o wind_n but_o as_o a_o rock_n in_o the_o sea_n which_o amid_o all_o dashing_n of_o the_o wave_n stand_v immovable_a 3._o unstedfastness_n be_v vile_a in_o god_n sight_n and_o carry_v more_o of_o a_o provocation_n in_o it_o than_o many_o other_o sin_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o wrath_n which_o it_o kindle_v in_o his_o breast_n and_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o inflict_v how_o severe_o do_v god_n recompense_v this_o sin_n upon_o israel_n who_o psal_n 78._o 59_o have_v deal_v unfaithful_o like_o their_o father_n and_o be_v turn_v aside_o like_o a_o break_a bow_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v he_o great_o abhor_a israel_n he_o forsake_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o shiloh_n and_o deliver_v his_o strength_n into_o captivity_n and_o his_o glory_n into_o his_o enemy_n hand_n so_o again_o god_n denounce_v a_o death_n upon_o offender_n in_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v make_v dreadful_a both_o by_o the_o hand_n which_o inflict_v it_o and_o by_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n that_o attend_v it_o the_o man_n that_o have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n which_o have_v not_o perform_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o make_v before_o i_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v give_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v their_o life_n and_o their_o dead_a body_n shall_v be_v meat_n unto_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o to_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n jer._n 34._o 18_o 20._o if_o then_o we_o may_v take_v the_o magnitude_n and_o dimension_n of_o a_o sin_n by_o the_o punishment_n which_o god_n do_v proportion_n and_o meet_v forth_o unto_o it_o as_o questionless_a we_o may_v because_o god_n in_o all_o his_o judgement_n aim_v at_o the_o clear_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o without_o a_o cause_n do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v do_v we_o may_v conclude_v that_o unstedfastness_n and_o falseness_n of_o heart_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n be_v a_o sin_n magnae_fw-la infamiae_fw-la &_o reatus_fw-la of_o great_a infamy_n and_o guilt_n leave_v in_o the_o very_a punishment_n and_o indelible_a stain_n and_o blot_v upon_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o offendor_n a_o five_o ground_n to_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o faithfulness_n be_v from_o the_o transaction_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o great_a and_o last_o day_n in_o which_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o himself_o to_o god_n rom._n 14._o 12._o then_o the_o sentence_n pass_v not_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o place_n or_o measure_n of_o gift_n but_o according_a to_o fidelity_n it_o be_v not_o say_v well_o do_v rich_a learned_a or_o wise_a but_o faithful_a servant_n he_o only_o it_o be_v who_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v first_o commend_v and_o then_o bountiful_o reward_v enter_v thou_o into_o thy_o master_n joy_n mat._n 25._o 21._o as_o riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n so_o neither_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n if_o then_o god_n shall_v ask_v the_o apostle_n question_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 20._o where_o be_v the_o scribe_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n how_o silent_a and_o amaze_v will_v all_o stand_v alas_o it_o be_v not_o videtur_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la probatur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la which_o will_v then_o stand_v any_o man_n instead_o that_o day_n be_v not_o a_o time_n of_o argue_v or_o of_o plead_n but_o of_o sentence_n in_o which_o as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n be_v reward_v so_o the_o unfaithful_a be_v condemn_v first_o he_o be_v open_o reproach_v thou_o wicked_a and_o shothful_a servant_n thou_o ought_v to_o have_v put_v my_o money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 25._o ver_fw-la 26_o 27._o and_o then_o final_o judge_v cast_v you_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n into_o outer_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n ver_fw-la 30._o o_o therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v lie_v down_o comfortable_o in_o your_o grave_n and_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n joyful_o when_o you_o shall_v arise_v out_o of_o it_o be_v persuade_v to_o practice_v this_o duty_n of_o fidelity_n which_o have_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v of_o such_o absolute_a importance_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n as_o that_o if_o any_o shall_v still_o be_v regardless_o of_o it_o what_o can_v we_o say_v but_o as_o lactantius_n once_o speak_v qui_fw-la in_o vitiis_fw-la sibi_fw-la placent_fw-la nobis_fw-la non_fw-la credent_a etiam_fw-la si_fw-la solemn_a manibus_fw-la gestemus_fw-la such_o who_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o believe_v we_o though_o we_o carry_v the_o sun_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o three_o query_n which_o be_v to_o show_v why_o faithfulness_n must_v be_v persist_v in_o unto_o death_n and_o of_o this_o there_o be_v sundry_a ground_n 1._o that_o our_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n may_v parallel_v and_o answer_v the_o fidelity_n of_o christ_n unto_o we_o ibi_fw-la tu_fw-la christiane_n fige_fw-la tui_fw-la cursus_fw-la profectusque_fw-la metam_fw-la ubi_fw-la christus_fw-la posuit_fw-la svam_fw-la do_v thou_o o_o christian_n say_v bernard_n there_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o thy_o race_n and_o progress_n where_o christ_n set_v his_o he_o faint_v not_o nor_o be_v dismay_v until_o he_o become_v not_o only_o the_o author_n but_o the_o finisher_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v his_o love_n that_o hold_v he_o upon_o the_o cross_n when_o death_n can_v not_o hold_v he_o in_o the_o grave_a though_o provoke_v by_o his_o enemy_n to_o come_v down_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v but_o what_o will_v have_v become_v of_o our_o expect_a blessedness_n by_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o conflict_v with_o shame_n and_o pain_n until_o it_o terminate_v in_o death_n will_v it_o not_o have_v be_v as_o a_o foundation_n and_o build_n without_o a_o top-stone_n to_o which_o none_o can_v have_v joyful_o shout_v grace_n grace_n and_o yet_o what_o bitter_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n do_v he_o endure_v in_o his_o effect_n reconciliation_n for_o sinner_n in_o his_o person_n deny_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o his_o office_n not_o own_v to_o be_v the_o messius_n in_o his_o doctrine_n proclaim_v to_o the_o people_n as_o a_o deceiver_n in_o his_o miracle_n reproach_v as_o a_o conjurer_n in_o his_o life_n slander_v as_o a_o glutton_n and_o wine-bibber_n in_o his_o death_n repute_v the_o worst_a of_o malefactor_n what_o can_v man_n or_o devil_n have_v do_v more_o to_o have_v make_v he_o to_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o burden_n be_v it_o not_o meet_v then_o that_o we_o in_o salvian_o phrase_n shall_v be_v tam_fw-la ingentis_fw-la exempli_fw-la parvi_fw-la imitatores_fw-la in_o some_o weak_a measure_n follower_n of_o so_o grand_a a_o example_n if_o he_o love_v we_o to_o the_o end_n john_n 13._o 1._o be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o we_o shall_v take_v up_o david_n resolution_n to_o keep_v his_o statute_n to_o the_o end_n psal_n 119._o 33._o if_o he_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n phil._n 2._o 8._o shall_v we_o not_o say_v as_o paul_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a not_o to_o be_v bind_v only_o but_o also_o to_o die_v for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n act_n 21._o 13._o certain_o if_o we_o can_v repeat_v such_o a_o bloody_a sacrifice_n a_o thousand_o time_n over_o his_o love_n may_v challenge_v it_o from_o we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o thorough_o weigh_v his_o innocency_n and_o our_o guilt_n his_o worth_n and_o our_o vileness_n 2._o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n be_v make_v only_o to_o perseverance_n and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o secret_a and_o tacit_n condition_n imply_v but_o in_o open_a and_o
have_v now_o finish_v what_o i_o propound_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o christian_a constancy_n and_o fidelity_n in_o dispatch_v these_o three_o query_n which_o show_v what_o it_o be_v why_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o why_o to_o be_v persist_v in_o unto_o death_n in_o which_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v dwell_v so_o long_o as_o to_o prejudice_v those_o fruitful_a application_n which_o like_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v entire_a and_o maim_v in_o no_o part_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o special_a usefulness_n but_o i_o must_v through_o strait_n of_o time_n be_v enforce_v to_o contract_v both_o their_o length_n and_o number_n 1._o then_o let_v i_o exhort_v you_o to_o make_v that_o your_o duty_n which_o epaphras_n make_v his_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n colos_n 4._o 12._o three_o eminent_a blessing_n be_v comprise_v in_o that_o pithy_a petition_n a_o true_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o sincere_a and_o full_a obedience_n unto_o it_o and_o a_o firm_a perseverance_n in_o both_o as_o that_o which_o set_v the_o crown_n upon_o each_o of_o the_o other_o head_n knowledge_n be_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o obedience_n as_o the_o sculpture_n in_o the_o seal_n be_v make_v in_o respect_n to_o the_o stamp_v of_o the_o wax_n and_o a_o happy_a conjunction_n it_o be_v where_o these_o two_o meet_a but_o yet_o no_o man_n be_v make_v complete_a and_o perfect_a thereby_o unless_o he_o stand_v fast_o and_o continue_v therein_o unto_o the_o end_n whatsoever_o therefore_o measure_v of_o gift_n any_o of_o you_o be_v arrive_v unto_o or_o be_v enrich_v with_o from_o god_n be_v persuade_v to_o continue_v with_o all_o fidelity_n in_o the_o do_n of_o his_o will_n that_o so_o you_o may_v like_v the_o good_a servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n both_o give_v up_o a_o joyful_a account_n and_o receive_v a_o bless_a reward_n but_o because_o in_o quintilians_n elegant_a comparison_n man_n be_v as_o bottle_n which_o be_v more_o ready_o and_o better_a fill_v by_o take_v they_o in_o hand_n one_o by_o one_o and_o pour_v water_n into_o they_o than_o by_o set_v they_o together_o and_o cast_v water_n upon_o they_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v my_o application_n particular_o according_a to_o those_o distinct_a capacity_n in_o which_o you_o stand_v and_o to_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o minister_n as_o christian_n that_o so_o i_o may_v the_o more_o effectual_o press_v this_o duty_n upon_o you_o first_o you_o who_o be_v minister_n guide_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o sound_v the_o silver_n trumpet_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n do_v they_o to_o animate_v believer_n to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o faith_n take_v heed_n that_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n be_v not_o find_v in_o your_o doctrine_n or_o in_o your_o example_n which_o like_o a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n will_v quick_o spread_v to_o the_o defile_n of_o many_o if_o you_o deliver_v sometime_o one_o thing_n as_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o another_o time_n what_o be_v flat_o contrary_a unto_o it_o will_v not_o this_o breed_n atheism_n rather_o than_o religion_n and_o make_v you_o who_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n you_o once_o destroy_v to_o be_v transgressor_n gal._n 2._o 28._o be_v not_o this_o the_o way_n to_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o your_o person_n that_o demetrius_n like_v you_o make_v rather_o a_o trade_n and_o craft_n of_o your_o profession_n than_o any_o conscience_n to_o god_n by_o who_o you_o be_v betrust_v be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o to_o overthrow_v their_o faith_n who_o you_o shall_v strengthen_v be_v not_o this_o to_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o you_o care_v not_o what_o become_v of_o those_o soul_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o for_o who_o you_o must_v give_v a_o account_n it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a sin_n in_o any_o but_o in_o you_o it_o be_v a_o signal_n crime_n it_o be_v as_o a_o spot_n in_o a_o ephod_n as_o a_o crack_n in_o the_o golden_a bell_n of_o aaron_n as_o impure_a oil_n in_o the_o lamp_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n o_o therefore_o let_v not_o christ_n for_o who_o you_o ought_v to_o suffer_v reproach_n be_v reproach_v by_o you_o he_o can_v make_v up_o all_o your_o suffering_n by_o turn_v your_o thorn_n into_o crown_n your_o shame_n into_o glory_n but_o what_o recompense_n can_v you_o make_v to_o he_o for_o the_o injury_n do_v by_o you_o to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n if_o you_o shall_v unsay_v all_o again_o who_o will_v believe_v you_o if_o you_o shall_v throw_v down_o yourself_o at_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bid_v they_o trample_v upon_o you_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n how_o few_o will_v either_o spare_v you_o or_o pity_v you_o if_o you_o do_v recover_v the_o lose_a peace_n of_o your_o conscience_n yet_o how_o hardly_o will_v you_o regain_v your_o name_n if_o simon_n be_v once_o a_o leper_n the_o name_n will_v stick_v by_o he_o when_o the_o disease_n have_v leave_v he_o though_o he_o show_v himself_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o be_v pronounce_v clean_o though_o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o he_o be_v as_o free_v of_o it_o as_o themselves_o yet_o he_o be_v like_a to_o carry_v the_o name_n of_o simon_n the_o leper_n with_o he_o to_o his_o grave_n matth._n 26._o 6._o enemy_n who_o watch_v for_o your_o halting_n if_o they_o have_v nothing_o at_o present_a that_o they_o can_v charge_v upon_o you_o be_v apt_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o reproach_v you_o with_o former_a fail_n let_v we_o then_o brethren_n practice_n faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o preach_v it_o and_o keep_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n that_o so_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o as_o seek_v not_o worldly_a advantage_n but_o to_o save_v both_o ourselves_o and_o other_o second_o you_o who_o be_v christian_n as_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v col._n 2._o 6_o 7._o be_v not_o sceptic_n in_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o hold_v nothing_o at_o all_o which_o be_v utter_o repugnant_a unto_o faith_n tolle_o assertiones_fw-la &_o christianismum_fw-la sustulisti_fw-la take_v away_o say_v luther_n principle_n to_o be_v assert_v and_o you_o destroy_v christianity_n neither_o be_v you_o changeling_n in_o your_o faith_n christian_n only_o upon_o the_o light_a ground_n of_o fancy_n but_o upon_o the_o sure_a ground_n of_o knowledge_n and_o evidence_n understand_v what_o you_o believe_v and_o then_o cleave_v unto_o it_o as_o david_n soul_n do_v unto_o jonathan_n o_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christian_n to_o keep_v that_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o not_o to_o have_v it_o win_v from_o they_o by_o flattery_n or_o extort_a from_o they_o by_o threaten_n or_o to_o be_v dispute_v out_o of_o it_o by_o sophism_n and_o here_o how_o may_v i_o take_v up_o a_o complaint_n that_o this_o crown_n of_o glory_n be_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n where_o multitude_n of_o professor_n have_v make_v such_o defection_n from_o the_o truth_n as_o former_a age_n can_v parallel_v what_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n have_v not_o open_o be_v question_v but_o peremptory_o deny_v what_o monstrous_a birth_n have_v be_v cry_v up_o as_o the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o gospel-light_n when_o satan_n without_o transform_v himself_o into_o any_o such_o likeness_n have_v be_v the_o parent_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o offend_v sober_a ear_n in_o mention_v the_o blasphemy_n that_o some_o have_v utter_v but_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o you_o therefore_o belove_v see_v you_o know_v these_o before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n which_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o keep_v and_o preserve_v i_o shall_v brief_o suggest_v some_o direction_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o effect_v it_o and_o some_o argument_n that_o may_v persuade_v you_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 1._o if_o you_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o christ_n be_v sincere_a in_o your_o profession_n of_o he_o make_v david_n prayer_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v you_o let_v my_o heart_n be_v find_v in_o thy_o statute_n that_o i_o be_v not_o ashamed_a psal_n 110._o 80._o religion_n which_o be_v begin_v in_o hypocrisy_n will_v certain_o end_v in_o apostasy_n which_o always_o carry_v with_o it_o reproach_n and_o ignominy_n the_o spring_n ofttimes_o of_o a_o feign_a profession_n
kindness_n that_o they_o have_v do_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o how_o and_o when_o they_o do_v it_o the_o sin_n of_o judah_n which_o be_v write_v with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n and_o with_o the_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n jer._n 17._o 1._o be_v not_o so_o firm_o write_v as_o your_o service_n to_o god_n they_o be_v grave_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o you_o and_o your_o work_n be_v write_v in_o his_o breast_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a that_o he_o shall_v forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v to_o his_o name_n hebr._n 6._o 10._o who_o then_o will_v not_o serve_v faithful_o such_o a_o god_n who_o forget_v none_o of_o our_o service_n and_o remember_v none_o of_o our_o sin_n jer._n 31._o 14._o the_o second_o argument_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o be_v you_o steadfast_a immovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o exact_o record_v all_o you_o do_v so_o he_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v every_o duty_n and_o act_n of_o obedience_n do_v by_o you_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n give_v to_o a_o disciple_n which_o cost_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o draw_v of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o well_o or_o the_o take_n it_o up_o out_o of_o the_o spring_n shall_v not_o want_v its_o reward_n matth._n 10._o 42._o if_o such_o mean_a work_n be_v regard_v never_o question_v the_o great_a go_v into_o the_o vineyard_n and_o labour_n but_o ask_v not_o what_o shall_v be_v thy_o wage_n it_o be_v enough_o god_n have_v say_v your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o yet_o if_o you_o will_v know_v who_o can_v tell_v you_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o but_o yet_o if_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a glimpse_n of_o what_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o you_o and_o shall_v certain_o be_v give_v to_o you_o will_v add_v any_o strength_n unto_o your_o hand_n or_o make_v you_o like_o jacob_n who_o after_o his_o vision_n go_v cheerful_o on_o his_o journey_n gen._n 29._o 1._o harken_v a_o little_a to_o what_o i_o shall_v in_o a_o lisp_a and_o stammer_a way_n declare_v you_o shall_v have_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v your_o reward_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o can_v remove_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v hurt_v or_o offend_v infinite_a in_o bounty_n and_o can_v give_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v delight_v or_o satisfy_v infinite_a in_o continuance_n and_o can_v and_o will_v perpetuate_v your_o blessedness_n to_o eternity_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o himself_o cum_fw-la quo_fw-la solo_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr quo_fw-la solo_fw-la &_o in_o quo_fw-la solo_fw-la anima_fw-la intellectualis_fw-la verè_fw-la beata_fw-la est_fw-la with_o who_o only_o and_o in_o who_o only_o and_o through_o who_o only_o the_o understand_a soul_n of_o man_n find_v and_o everlasting_o enjoy_v as_o austin_n pithy_o express_v it_o in_o his_o confession_n the_o three_o argument_n to_o prevail_v upon_o you_o be_v that_o you_o serve_v the_o lord_n christ_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n coloss_n 3._o 25._o it_o be_v ambrose_n his_o observation_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n also_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v purposely_o place_v lazarus_n that_o be_v so_o poor_a in_o the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v so_o rich_a luk._n 16._o 22._o to_o teach_v we_o that_o rich_a and_o poor_a if_o find_v faithful_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n have_v a_o equal_a interest_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n do_v not_o think_v that_o because_o your_o estate_n be_v low_a your_o part_n weak_a your_o talent_n few_o that_o therefore_o god_n will_v not_o regard_v your_o person_n or_o accept_v of_o your_o service_n as_o he_o will_v of_o other_o who_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o gift_n and_o ability_n that_o which_o god_n eye_n and_o that_o which_o he_o crown_v in_o his_o servant_n be_v truth_n and_o fidelity_n the_o gift_n be_v he_o but_o the_o improvement_n be_v you_o and_o if_o you_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n that_o other_o do_v and_o hold_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n your_o reward_n will_v be_v as_o certain_a if_o not_o as_o great_a as_o they_o and_o your_o acceptance_n will_v be_v as_o much_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o pair_n of_o turtle_n in_o the_o law_n be_v a_o sweet_a savour_n unto_o the_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bullock_n levit._n 1._o 17._o a_o second_o application_n that_o flow_v from_o this_o duty_n of_o persevere_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n be_v the_o refute_v of_o that_o fond_a dotage_n of_o the_o priscillianist_n who_o ancient_o teach_v that_o they_o may_v say_v or_o deny_v swear_v or_o forswear_v so_o that_o they_o do_v but_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n with_o their_o heart_n a_o opinion_n it_o be_v which_o in_o difficult_a and_o doubtful_a time_n will_v obtain_v haply_o its_o end_n to_o save_v the_o skin_n from_o danger_n but_o will_v certain_o destroy_v the_o soul_n it_o make_v religion_n only_o a_o pleasure-boat_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v put_v forth_o to_o sea_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o calm_a season_n but_o if_o any_o gust_n or_o stormy_a weather_n shall_v arise_v may_v again_o forthwith_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o shore_n and_o not_o unnecessary_o hazard_v either_o his_o person_n or_o vessel_n but_o how_o many_o piece_n of_o the_o christian_a armour_n do_v this_o effeminate_a doctrine_n make_v useless_a what_o need_v the_o loin_n to_o be_v gird_v about_o with_o truth_n as_o opposite_a either_o to_o error_n or_o hypocrisy_n when_o the_o lip_n and_o heart_n may_v be_v so_o differ_v why_o shall_v any_o man_n put_v on_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n in_o a_o holy_a conversation_n if_o a_o external_a compliance_n with_o the_o worst_a of_o vanity_n will_v stand_v he_o in_o better_a stead_n what_o cumber_v and_o toil_n must_v it_o be_v for_o a_o believer_n to_o take_v to_o himself_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n &_o to_o have_v his_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n if_o he_o never_o need_v to_o fight_v a_o stroke_n or_o to_o make_v any_o resistance_n what_o need_v peter_n to_o have_v weep_v bitter_o when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n as_o long_o as_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v still_o towards_o he_o o_o how_o unwise_a be_v the_o martyr_n prodigal_o to_o shed_v their_o blood_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o tooth_n of_o beast_n to_o the_o flame_n of_o fire_n to_o rack_n to_o sharp_a stake_n and_o precipice_n when_o they_o may_v have_v go_v such_o a_o easy_a and_o fair_a way_n to_o heaven_n euripides_n the_o tragedian_n as_o aristotle_n report_v be_v question_v for_o his_o life_n for_o utter_v this_o verse_n in_o his_o hippolytus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jurata_fw-la lingua_fw-la est_fw-la animus_n injuratus_fw-la est_fw-la the_o tongue_n be_v swear_v but_o the_o mind_n be_v unsworn_a and_o the_o title_n of_o the_o accusation_n be_v that_o he_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o forswear_v and_o perjure_v themselves_o what_o then_o do_v such_o man_n deserve_v to_o suffer_v who_o to_o save_v a_o little_a trouble_n to_o the_o flesh_n dare_v invent_v such_o execrable_a blasphemy_n that_o carry_v a_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o put_v christian_n upon_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o man_n that_o have_v not_o raze_v out_o all_o the_o character_n and_o impression_n of_o conscience_n can_v but_o detest_v and_o abhor_v i_o shall_v not_o have_v mention_v this_o old_a heresy_n have_v it_o sleep_v quiet_o in_o his_o grave_n but_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o spectre_n and_o walk_a image_n of_o it_o find_v in_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o many_o who_o can_v go_v to_o mass_n for_o the_o music_n sake_n and_o sit_v bare_a out_o of_o civility_n because_o other_o be_v uncover_v and_o all_o the_o while_n reserve_v their_o faith_n entire_a unto_o themselves_o but_o if_o such_o figleaf_n can_v hide_v their_o nakedness_n that_o themselves_o behold_v it_o not_o yet_o sure_o god_n will_v find_v it_o out_o and_o ask_v they_o what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o glorious_a robe_n of_o faith_n and_o profession_n with_o which_o they_o be_v once_o clothe_v let_v not_o those_o then_o who_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v owue_v by_o he_o as_o such_o in_o the_o great_a day_n suffer_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o art_n or_o practice_n of_o any_o as_o to_o conceive_v