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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
doctrine_n believe_v faith_n justification_n 2,510 5 8.9827 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33212 Eleven sermons preached upon several occasions and a paraphrase and notes upon the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth chapters of St. John : with a discourse of church-unity ... / by William Clagett. Clagett, William, 1646-1688. 1699 (1699) Wing C4386; ESTC R24832 142,011 306

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damnation_n and_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n write_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o faith_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v do_v before_o they_o that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v mean_v something_o else_o by_o the_o word_n than_o what_o it_o signify_v according_a to_o common_a use_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o writer_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v indeed_o treat_v of_o new_a subject_n viz._n of_o those_o new_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n that_o have_v be_v late_o make_v but_o when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o word_n that_o have_v a_o know_a meaning_n they_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o receive_a signification_n of_o those_o word_n but_o by_o faith_n or_o believe_v man_n always_o understand_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n and_o thus_o faith_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v describe_v most_o full_o in_o 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well_o as_o they_o do_v the_o just_a live_v by_o that_o faith_n with_o which_o other_o perish_v how_o be_v that_o faith_n impute_v to_o they_o for_o righteousness_n which_o do_v but_o aggravate_v the_o condemnation_n of_o these_o nay_o how_o be_v that_o justify_n and_o save_v faith_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o they_o assent_v and_o therefore_o believe_v and_o tremble_v because_o they_o believe_v let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n viz._n to_o make_v man_n attain_v to_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v and_o accept_v now_o if_o upon_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v in_o man_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o they_o will_v make_v they_o obedient_a and_o holy_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o wicked_a want_n faith_n that_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v and_o have_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o god_n 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it_o will_v be_v so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o need_v not_o 4._o we_o be_v also_o persuade_v that_o the_o condition_n viz._n do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n possible_a otherwise_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v will_v not_o stir_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o it_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o devil_n tremble_v only_o though_o they_o believe_v because_o they_o can_v assent_v to_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v want_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v make_v we_o miserable_a and_o desperate_a but_o not_o active_a and_o careful_a to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o short_a if_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n wherein_o the_o great_a good_a be_v promise_v and_o that_o it_o be_v promise_v upon_o 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godly_a life_n because_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o clear_a and_o active_a thought_n and_o conversant_a in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o indeterminate_a persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a by_o experience_n that_o some_o such_o do_v retain_v the_o faith_n but_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n consist_v viz._n 3._o the_o permanence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o constancy_n of_o frequent_a consideration_n upon_o what_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a and_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o particular_o and_o with_o application_n to_o himself_o but_o likewise_o by_o very_a much_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o present_a and_o habitual_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v two_o advantage_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a man_n 1._o his_o persuasion_n or_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a to_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o most_o need_v it_o i.e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o though_o one_o believe_v all_o the_o awaken_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v busy_a with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o at_o the_o time_n as_o if_o he_o 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nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n 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to_o that_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o other_o mean_n do_v without_o this_o and_o indeed_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v ineffectual_a without_o it_o and_o they_o be_v then_o effectual_a when_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n that_o we_o make_v be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o their_o frequent_a return_n make_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n natural_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v good_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o our_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o godliness_n otherwise_o than_o by_o accustom_v of_o we_o to_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n good_a education_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o otherwise_o promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n than_o by_o awaken_n our_o consideration_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o renew_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n affliction_n and_o judgement_n the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n the_o amaze_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n can_v of_o themselves_o work_v the_o reformation_n of_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v by_o beginning_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o that_o consideration_n which_o they_o continue_v afterward_o till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o faith_n that_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o believe_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o just_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v but_o by_o a_o constant_a consideration_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o future_a thing_n after_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o main_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n believe_v that_o he_o shall_v gain_v his_o health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
worship_n viz._n all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n fidelity_n and_o truth_n meekness_n and_o patience_n sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o it_o be_v true_a of_o these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o of_o worship_n that_o without_o faith_n they_o can_v be_v perform_v because_o they_o be_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o general_a that_o without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v the_o phrase_n of_o please_a god_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o viz._n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n more_o distinct_o thus_o without_o faith_n a_o man_n can_v love_v god_n or_o fear_v he_o or_o trust_v in_o he_o or_o obey_v he_o or_o honour_v he_o in_o his_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v righteous_a and_o charitable_a meek_n and_o humble_a sober_a and_o temperate_a or_o in_o a_o word_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v true_o religious_a in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v 2._o what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n let_v we_o look_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n again_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o faith_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v 1._o in_o general_n a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n or_o a_o assent_n thereunto_o that_o it_o be_v true_a for_o he_o say_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v therefore_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o faith_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v likewise_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o to_o believe_v therefore_o or_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o consequent_o by_o faith_n be_v here_o mean_v in_o general_a a_o persuasion_n concern_v any_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n that_o it_o be_v true_a 2._o by_o consequence_n also_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o will_v please_v god_n we_o find_v more_o particular_o that_o the_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v proper_a argument_n and_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v he_o he_o say_v also_o that_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o alike_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o rewarder_n be_v a_o reason_n or_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n or_o doctrine_n which_o be_v proper_a motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n beside_o those_o here_o mention_v that_o be_v proper_a motive_n to_o religion_n because_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v as_o i_o note_v before_o be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o general_a proposition_n although_o therefore_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n yet_o if_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o a_o man_n can_v be_v induce_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n of_o like_a use_n with_o these_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o due_a place_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v 3._o whether_o by_o impossible_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n mean_v proper_o something_o that_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o more_o large_o something_o that_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a or_o high_o improbable_a as_o sometime_o the_o word_n be_v use_v to_o that_o purpose_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v by_o consider_v also_o the_o follow_a proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n without_o this_o belief_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n necessary_a that_o the_o former_a be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o that_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v bare_o possible_a he_o may_v worship_n god_n upon_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o bare_a hope_n that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o woeful_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n we_o be_v under_o it_o be_v so_o utter_o improbable_a that_o without_o this_o belief_n man_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n that_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v rank_v with_o thing_n impossible_a so_o that_o i_o do_v thus_o understand_v the_o apostle_n as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o impossibility_n of_o please_a god_n without_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o also_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worker_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v also_o give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o thus_o i_o have_v by_o compare_v one_o part_n of_o the_o text_n with_o another_o give_v you_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o as_o i_o hope_v with_o great_a clearness_n of_o truth_n and_o plainness_n of_o word_n and_o according_a to_o this_o explanation_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n may_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o this_o paraphrase_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a motive_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v it_o be_v 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he_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o he_o can_v conceive_v himself_o bind_v to_o worship_n god_n it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n be_v likely_a to_o worship_n god_n without_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o because_o if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o he_o can_v conceive_v himself_o encourage_v to_o be_v a_o worshipper_n and_o this_o be_v as_o evident_a in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n shall_v perform_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v if_o they_o believe_v not_o those_o doctrine_n whereby_o they_o be_v encourage_v to_o they_o in_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v thus_o explain_v several_a truth_n there_o be_v which_o lie_v couch_v beside_o those_o the_o suggest_v whereof_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text._n one_a of_o all_o it_o be_v plain_o imply_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n i._n e._n of_o worship_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o which_o please_v 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this_o also_o be_v no_o more_o than_o insinuate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o i_o shall_v insist_v no_o long_o upon_o it_o though_o so_o plain_o hint_v that_o i_o can_v not_o altogether_o pass_v it_o by_o 3._o these_o word_n do_v express_o declare_v that_o some_o doctrine_n there_o be_v which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o religion_n i._n e._n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v induce_v to_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v as_o full_o and_o distinct_o as_o i_o can_v show_v from_o the_o text_n what_o these_o fundamental_a doctrine_n be_v in_o the_o assent_n whereunto_o or_o the_o persuasion_n whereof_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v do_v consist_v according_a to_o the_o latitude_n of_o which_o doctrine_n the_o extent_n also_o of_o faith_n as_o to_o fundamental_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v according_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o which_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n the_o right_a use_n also_o the_o true_a purpose_n and_o design_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n themselves_o the_o necessity_n also_o and_o sufficiency_n of_o they_o to_o induce_v man_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o this_o will_v full_o answer_v my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o true_a nature_n the_o due_a extent_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o divine_a qualification_n and_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v fit_v for_o life_n eternal_a all_o that_o
can_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v for_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n of_o discourse_n whereof_o the_o 1._o shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v fundamental_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n 2._o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v a_o adequate_a or_o sufficient_a foundation_n thereof_o or_o inducement_n thereto_o 3._o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o other_o doctrine_n in_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o why_o they_o be_v necessary_a 4._o to_o apply_v the_o whole_a discourse_n by_o a_o exhortation_n to_o add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n and_o that_o life_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v 1._o i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n before_o i_o attempt_v the_o performance_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v 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in_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v first_o of_o all_o that_o also_o the_o proposition_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o he_o instance_n in_o be_v the_o last_o principle_n that_o make_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o its_o place_n so_o that_o all_o the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v fundamental_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n lie_v between_o these_o two_o viz._n the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n my_o business_n be_v to_o show_v what_o those_o principle_n be_v which_o lie_v between_o the_o low_a and_o high_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o they_o be_v discoverable_a what_o they_o be_v by_o show_v what_o be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o these_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o the_o induce_n of_o man_n to_o the_o 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god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n so_o that_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o cease_v all_o sense_n of_o obligation_n to_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a practice_n must_v withal_o fail_v and_o perish_v some_o there_o be_v which_o add_v unto_o this_o foundation_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v but_o unfit_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o the_o belief_n hereof_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v please_v to_o god_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o forementioned_a thing_n for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a life_n but_o firm_o believe_v the_o other_o truth_n it_o be_v bare_o possible_a that_o by_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n of_o such_o belief_n join_v with_o such_o a_o hope_n he_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v
a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o from_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o arise_v a_o full_a obligation_n to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n our_o propensity_n to_o wickedness_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n that_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o other_o motive_n beside_o these_o in_o order_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o effect_n upon_o we_o we_o know_v we_o be_v sinner_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v our_o continuance_n in_o sin_n by_o pretend_v that_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n we_o know_v our_o best_a action_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o question_v whether_o god_n will_v accept_v what_o we_o can_v do_v and_o make_v that_o a_o pretence_n of_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o we_o may_v we_o know_v our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o shall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n deliver_v ourselves_o from_o all_o care_n of_o please_a god_n under_o colour_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perform_v it_o by_o humane_a endeavour_n we_o know_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n be_v present_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n better_o if_o we_o shall_v forego_v they_o when_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n require_v it_o it_o have_v please_v therefore_o the_o alwise_a and_o all-good_a god_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o sinner_n to_o remove_v all_o these_o hindrance_n and_o by_o revelation_n to_o supply_v all_o these_o defect_n and_o satisfy_v we_o concern_v all_o these_o doubt_n viz._n by_o add_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n these_o follow_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o those_o that_o repent_v 2._o that_o he_o will_v accept_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o 3._o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v assist_v we_o in_o they_o and_o 4._o that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o reward_v we_o for_o they_o all_o which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o make_v up_o the_o entire_a foundation_n of_o faith_n have_v all_o their_o dependence_n upon_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o three_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o i_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n those_o be_v such_o which_o be_v immediate_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_n or_o subvert_v of_o those_o doubt_n which_o will_v hinder_v man_n from_o the_o care_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n notwithstanding_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v this_o man_n lie_v under_o a_o very_a powerful_a obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o worship_n and_o virtue_n and_o if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o motive_n be_v not_o subvert_v by_o other_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o care_n to_o please_v god_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o man_n who_o believe_v thus_o much_o shall_v indeed_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o man_n be_v through_o the_o sad_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n extreme_o averse_a from_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o prone_a to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a even_o all_o mankind_n more_o or_o less_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n if_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o there_o be_v several_a question_n in_o religion_n which_o unless_o they_o be_v satisfy_v the_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v afford_v so_o many_o pretence_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o care_n to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o godly_a and_o that_o these_o question_n can_v be_v satisfy_v nor_o consequent_o the_o doubt_n remove_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o principle_n though_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a evil_a state_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o constrain_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o must_v be_v assist_v and_o strengthen_v by_o such_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o will_v whole_o remove_v all_o those_o pretence_n which_o will_v be_v allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o a_o ungodly_a vicious_a life_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o other_o displease_v to_o he_o that_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v become_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a because_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o without_o which_o it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o his_o advantage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o future_a clear_v it_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v a_o hater_n of_o sin_n but_o whether_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o freewill_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v necessary_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n almighty_a god_n have_v by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n i._n e._n one_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o may_v further_o be_v allege_v that_o though_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v he_o all_o his_o past_a sin_n upon_o his_o return_n to_o obedience_n yet_o he_o be_v ignorant_a what_o degree_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v please_v for_o the_o future_a a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n he_o know_v no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o arrive_v unto_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o whether_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v consider_v all_o our_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o can_v know_v unless_o he_o be_v please_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o will_v almighty_a god_n have_v therefore_o by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o a_o good_a life_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o consider_v the_o great_a temptatation_n we_o be_v beset_v withal_o the_o natural_a aversation_n in_o we_o to_o good_a and_o propensity_n to_o evil_n the_o bad_a example_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o custom_n the_o prevelancy_n of_o passion_n the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a questionable_a whether_o humane_a endeavour_n can_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n which_o may_v just_o be_v call_v sincerity_n in_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o righteousness_n be_v impossible_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n without_o which_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o there_o be_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o the_o belief_n that_o he_o will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o repentance_n and_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v but_o weak_a motive_n to_o those_o endeavour_n almighty_a god_n therefore_o to_o encourage_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o temptatation_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o manner_n and_o measure_n proportionable_a to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o
demonstrate_v the_o be_v of_o their_o maker_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a which_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v it_o be_v to_o deface_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v write_v within_o we_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o possible_a to_o blot_v out_o those_o testimony_n of_o his_o be_v which_o be_v leave_v without_o we_o most_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v ourselves_o in_o a_o world_n contrive_v into_o admirable_a beauty_n and_o order_n and_o furnish_v with_o that_o marvellous_a variety_n of_o thing_n excellent_a and_o ufeful_a that_o the_o whole_a scheme_n and_o fabric_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o dull_a observer_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o council_n i._n e._n of_o a_o understanding_n be_v nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o this_o world_n can_v not_o make_v itself_o nothing_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o a_o cause_v it_o must_v have_v if_o of_o any_o great_a effect_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o require_v the_o cause_n or_o at_o least_o to_o affirm_v that_o it_o have_v one_o whatever_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o can_v not_o make_v itself_o for_o that_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n by_o inevitable_a consequence_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o something_o there_o be_v which_o be_v so_o perfect_a it_o need_v no_o cause_n to_o produce_v it_o i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a everlasting_a be_v which_o be_v god_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o to_o pursue_v this_o argument_n in_o a_o more_o obvious_a but_o equal_o convince_a manner_n we_o ordinary_o distinguish_v between_o the_o work_v of_o art_n and_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o work_n of_o art_n we_o mean_v those_o effect_n that_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o skill_n of_o man_n by_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n those_o effect_n which_o be_v constant_o preserve_v and_o perform_v to_o our_o hand_n now_o that_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a skill_n as_o we_o confess_v the_o work_n of_o art_n be_v of_o human_a skill_n be_v demonstrable_a beyond_o all_o reasonable_a contradiction_n if_o i_o see_v a_o statue_n curious_o carve_v a_o picture_n elegant_o describe_v or_o a_o monument_n with_o a_o ingenious_a inscription_n engrave_v upon_o it_o i_o must_v so_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o the_o statuary_n the_o painter_n and_o the_o grave_a have_v be_v there_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v either_o affirm_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v by_o chance_n or_o be_v eternal_o what_o they_o be_v i_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v send_v to_o bedlam_n but_o this_o i_o will_v offer_v at_o any_o time_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o mean_a the_o most_o minute_n the_o most_o contemptible_a work_n of_o nature_n have_v real_o more_o beauty_n and_o uniformity_n more_o variety_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o else_o more_o wonder_n in_o they_o than_o the_o most_o exquisite_a and_o rich_a invention_n the_o most_o magnificent_a and_o ingenious_a contrivance_n of_o human_a art_n bring_v i_o the_o vile_a and_o poor_a insect_n that_o fly_v above_o the_o ground_n or_o crawl_v upon_o it_o bring_v i_o the_o simple_a flower_n the_o most_o common_a plant_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o in_o the_o field_n i_o will_v show_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o the_o beauty_n the_o proportion_n the_o part_n the_o growth_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o the_o most_o contemptible_a work_n of_o nature_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v all_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o rich_a humane_a fancy_n that_o the_o near_o we_o look_v into_o the_o work_n of_o art_n the_o more_o unpolished_a and_o rude_a they_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o he_o that_o will_v please_v himself_o with_o gaze_v on_o a_o picture_n must_v view_v it_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o if_o he_o come_v too_o near_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o the_o paint_n make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o ugly_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o the_o contrivance_n of_o human_a art_n but_o as_o all_o philosopher_n know_v the_o more_o minutely_o we_o search_v into_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o contemptible_a to_o see_v to_o and_o which_o vulgar_a eye_n pass_v by_o without_o observe_v if_o they_o be_v the_o snow_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n the_o wing_n of_o the_o small_a fly_n or_o the_o mean_a animal_n that_o creep_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o more_o advantageous_o and_o minutely_o they_o be_v see_v the_o more_o uniformity_n smoothness_n beauty_n of_o colour_n and_o figure_n and_o variety_n of_o part_n discover_v themselves_o in_o they_o which_o plain_o show_v how_o much_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n transcend_v those_o of_o art_n now_o shall_v i_o who_o confess_v here_o be_v more_o of_o council_n wisdom_n and_o power_n see_v in_o these_o most_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n than_o in_o the_o best_a effect_n of_o human_a skill_n shall_v i_o be_v ashamed_a not_o to_o confess_v the_o art_n of_o man_n in_o these_o and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o those_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o great_a artist_n what_o shall_v i_o then_o say_v of_o the_o earth_n that_o bear_v i_o and_o nourish_v i_o of_o the_o air_n that_o be_v extend_v for_o i_o to_o breath_n in_o of_o the_o cloud_n that_o drop_v their_o fatness_n upon_o i_o of_o the_o heaven_n that_o cherish_v i_o of_o the_o sun_n that_o divide_v the_o day_n and_o night_n and_o give_v light_a and_o heat_n to_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o ornament_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o what_o of_o myself_o who_o be_o endue_v with_o a_o body_n of_o wonderful_a contrivance_n and_o with_o those_o great_a privilege_n of_o reason_n will_n and_o understanding_n be_v all_o these_o thing_n too_o without_o a_o artist_n that_o make_v they_o thus_o no_o madness_n be_v comparable_a to_o the_o but_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o must_v either_o want_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o soul_n he_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v what_o he_o see_v they_o effect_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n or_o he_o must_v affirm_v that_o such_o effect_n there_o may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n proportionable_a to_o they_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o something_o make_v itself_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v i.e._n he_o must_v affirm_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o hold_v contradiction_n to_o be_v true_a well_o then_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v know_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o those_o argument_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n i_o can_v see_v wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o demonstration_n though_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v not_o please_v to_o call_v they_o so_o and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v a_o obstinate_a atheist_n against_o they_o will_v also_o if_o it_o be_v for_o for_o his_o interest_n deny_v that_o three_o and_o three_o be_v six_o or_o contradict_v the_o plain_a proposition_n in_o mathematics_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o will_v rather_o choose_v if_o there_o be_v any_o choice_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o believe_v all_o the_o tale_n of_o the_o roman_a legend_n as_o my_o lord_n bacon_n observe_v and_o i_o add_v though_o transubstantiation_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o scale_n than_o believe_v that_o this_o great_a body_n be_v without_o a_o mind_n that_o inform_v it_o and_o thus_o at_o last_o i_o have_v say_v something_o more_o than_o i_o intend_v upon_o the_o first_o doctrine_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v true_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_a to_o be_v prove_v for_o we_o can_v prove_v 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thus_o show_v you_o what_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o distinct_o and_o yet_o brief_o to_o each_o of_o they_o show_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o what_o force_n and_o efficacy_n the_o belief_n of_o they_o have_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v without_o revelation_n we_o can_v have_v assurance_n thereof_o because_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o mere_a natural_a light_n that_o god_n will_v actual_o pardon_v a_o sinner_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o sinner_n be_v obnoxious_a and_o liable_a to_o just_a punishment_n and_o to_o inflict_v a_o just_a punishment_n be_v consistent_a with_o goodness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v argue_v mere_o from_o the_o goodness_n 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and_o repentance_n be_v utter_o remove_v hereby_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v neither_o inxorable_a nor_o implacable_a his_o prayer_n will_v be_v hear_v his_o repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n open_v by_o which_o he_o may_v return_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o he_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o live_v so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n for_o the_o future_a for_o as_o nothing_o do_v more_o deep_o engage_v man_n in_o a_o obstinate_a and_o unreclaimable_a course_n of_o wickedness_n than_o the_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v sin_v beyond_o hope_n of_o pardon_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o soften_v they_o into_o disposition_n of_o repentance_n than_o the_o kind_n and_o merciful_a offer_n of_o forgiveness_n which_o he_o make_v who_o have_v it_o both_o in_o his_o right_n and_o in_o his_o power_n to_o destroy_v they_o this_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o in_o the_o carriage_n 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better_a for_o god_n pardon_n or_o the_o king_n but_o then_o these_o be_v veary_a hateful_a person_n and_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o if_o man_n be_v reclaimable_a by_o kindness_n as_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v what_o can_v soon_o melt_v they_o into_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n than_o that_o their_o great_a and_o bountiful_a creator_n against_o who_o no_o man_n can_v sin_v without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a baseness_n because_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o great_a goodness_n against_o who_o no_o man_n can_v sin_v without_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a misery_n because_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o great_a power_n that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v bear_v so_o tender_a a_o regard_n to_o his_o lose_a and_o undo_v creature_n as_o to_o forbear_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v they_o and_o allure_v they_o to_o amendment_n by_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o because_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v this_o if_o any_o thing_n must_v needs_o work_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o humble_a our_o will_n and_o dissolve_v our_o affection_n into_o a_o disposition_n of_o the_o most_o ready_a and_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o he_o for_o the_o future_a again_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o this_o pardon_n be_v offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o strong_a foundation_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n for_o that_o repentance_n upon_o the_o condition_n whereof_o pardon_n be_v promise_v be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o a_o real_a conversion_n from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v neither_o make_v up_o of_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n
know_v will_v perish_v in_o a_o little_a time_n before_o those_o that_o will_v never_o end_v which_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o which_o we_o believe_v and_o doubt_v as_o little_a of_o as_o if_o we_o see_v they_o if_o we_o choose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o those_o unworthy_a to_o be_v choose_v by_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o they_o before_o those_o pleasure_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o the_o four_o sermon_n st._n matth_n xi_o 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n no_o kind_n of_o grief_n sit_v so_o heavy_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o just_a fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o because_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o promise_n of_o rest_n can_v not_o mean_v to_o exclude_v those_o that_o labour_n under_o the_o great_a weight_n but_o rather_o to_o invite_v they_o above_o all_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n consider_v what_o that_o rest_n be_v which_o he_o promise_v to_o guilty_a mind_n persuade_v myself_o that_o as_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v more_o profitable_a so_o none_o will_v be_v more_o welcome_a and_o grateful_a to_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v so_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o feel_v not_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o who_o drown_v the_o cry_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o noise_n of_o laughter_n and_o madness_n these_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o miserable_a shift_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o desire_v other_o relief_n nor_o do_v they_o care_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o they_o who_o apprehend_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o their_o sin_n have_v make_v they_o liable_a to_o his_o justice_n 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dream_n that_o hold_v a_o man_n fast_o asleep_a while_o the_o fire_n be_v rage_a in_o his_o house_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o wake_v he_o till_o the_o flame_n have_v cut_v off_o everry_n way_n by_o which_o he_o may_v escape_v therefore_o when_o our_o lord_n promise_v that_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o our_o soul_n he_o do_v undoubted_o mean_a that_o repose_n of_o mind_n those_o comfort_n and_o joy_n that_o will_v not_o betray_v we_o in_o the_o end_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o commendation_n of_o that_o rest_n which_o he_o give_v that_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v that_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v stay_v upon_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o second_o the_o rest_n which_o he_o promise_v be_v complete_a and_o full_a and_o in_o that_o respect_n also_o be_v fit_a to_o quiet_a all_o those_o care_n and_o fear_n that_o vex_v the_o mind_n of_o miserable_a sinner_n for_o he_o have_v promise_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o god_n particular_a favour_n and_o protection_n nay_o and_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n in_o another_o state_n when_o this_o life_n once_o vanish_v away_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o his_o death_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o be_v once_o baptize_v into_o his_o name_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o repeat_v the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o death_n and_o our_o assurance_n of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o give_v we_o life_n and_o glory_n by_o repeat_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o show_v forth_o his_o death_n till_o he_o come_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o reveal_v and_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o his_o church_n be_v all_o a_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v his_o word_n for_o all_o this_o because_o he_o be_v by_o mighty_a proof_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o thus_o far_o all_o thing_n be_v as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o and_o nothing_o as_o yet_o appear_v but_o that_o we_o may_v discharge_v every_o unquiet_a thought_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o jesus_n but_o in_o the_o three_o place_n let_v we_o also_o consider_v the_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o rest_n and_o this_o true_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o easy_a since_o no_o more_o be_v require_v then_o come_v to_o jesus_n for_o it_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o etc._n etc._n for_o whatever_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o condition_n we_o may_v hope_v that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n which_o be_v express_v by_o so_o easy_a a_o word_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o its_o meaning_n elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n say_v i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v so_o that_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o gentle_a condition_n because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o we_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o they_o and_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o rest_v here_o without_o travel_v any_o far_o and_o so_o without_o question_n they_o may_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n there_o be_v not_o only_o gracious_a promise_n but_o holy_a precept_n also_o and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o keep_v they_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v before_o our_o sin_n remain_v and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o we_o for_o say_v our_o saviour_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n now_o if_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v he_o in_o this_o too_o then_o come_v to_o christ_n must_v of_o necessity_n signify_v more_o than_o bare_a believe_v even_o do_v his_o will_n also_o which_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n be_v express_v by_o learning_n of_o he_o and_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o fall_v in_o our_o opinion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o lord_n invitation_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o take_v away_o with_o one_o word_n what_o he_o promise_v with_o another_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o offer_v rest_n on_o the_o other_o he_o require_v labour_n but_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v truth_n have_v say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n and_o withal_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v discourage_v with_o the_o condition_n learn_v of_o i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n i._n e._n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o submit_v to_o my_o rule_n for_o i_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o in_o pride_n or_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o charity_n for_o you_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o for_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a and_o now_o we_o be_v get_v thus_o far_o we_o may_v with_o this_o encouragement_n venture_v to_o the_o end_n and_o dare_v to_o look_v upon_o every_o circumstance_n which_o seem_v to_o make_v our_o duty_n grievous_a there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o they_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a law_n require_v and_o the_o penalty_n
do_v at_o last_o confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o they_o say_v far_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n leave_v to_o that_o freedom_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o will_n to_o become_v regenerate_v but_o than_o what_o comfort_n do_v this_o persuasion_n leave_v why_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o regeneration_n and_o holiness_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o almighty_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o that_o whereby_o god_n will_v at_o last_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o i_o confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o become_v a_o good_a man_n this_o way_n because_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o refuse_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o promise_n of_o such_o grace_n nay_o what_o if_o it_o have_v unless_o i_o know_v how_o to_o obtain_v it_o or_o that_o i_o be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o can_v not_o miss_v it_o what_o if_o i_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n and_o what_o if_o all_o this_o will_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o if_o i_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o be_v this_o the_o rest_n that_o jesus_n have_v promise_v we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o try_v another_o expedient_a what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o severe_a fast_n and_o penance_n will_v the_o punish_n of_o my_o body_n satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n this_o i_o think_v will_v almost_o do_v the_o business_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pain_n to_o deny_v a_o crave_v lust_n to_o stop_v a_o grow_a passion_n and_o to_o resist_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o wicked_a pleasure_n or_o unjust_a gain_n or_o desire_a revenge_n than_o to_o go_v through_o a_o reasonable_a course_n of_o outward_a mortification_n but_o can_v these_o thing_n compensate_a for_o the_o omission_n of_o necessary_a duty_n or_o satisfy_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n when_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a law_n god_n refuse_v hard_a thing_n than_o these_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n no_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n bodily_a austerity_n no_o doubt_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o profitable_a for_o our_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o express_v a_o just_a indignation_n at_o ourselves_o for_o have_v sin_v when_o to_o break_v the_o wicked_a custom_n they_o be_v impose_v as_o penalty_n and_o revenge_n to_o be_v inflict_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o wicked_a action_n when_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a trouble_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o sin_v and_o use_v to_o starve_v and_o mortify_v the_o evil_a appetite_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v the_o body_n in_o subjection_n but_o if_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v profitable_a unto_o godliness_n and_o help_v to_o make_v the_o soul_n the_o better_a we_o be_v still_o drive_v back_o to_o that_o hard_a point_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o that_o without_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a life_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n pardon_n i_o shall_v try_v but_o one_o refuge_n more_o which_o indeed_o give_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o relief_n and_o that_o be_v what_o comfort_n may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v his_o church_n when_o he_o say_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v now_o this_o assure_v i_o that_o when_o the_o church_n receive_v i_o by_o baptism_n into_o her_o communion_n she_o give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o she_o deprive_v i_o of_o it_o by_o excommunication_n she_o can_v by_o absolution_n restore_v i_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n nor_o lose_v it_o by_o contempt_n of_o her_o censure_n but_o then_o i_o doubt_v the_o church_n can_v forgive_v sin_n more_o effectual_o than_o god_n do_v who_o be_v thus_o represent_v to_o forgive_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o forgive_v his_o servant_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n he_o forgive_v he_o indeed_o and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o debt_n afterward_o upon_o his_o unmercifulness_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o church_n can_v do_v more_o than_o god_n do_v who_o himself_o require_v condition_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o give_v to_o man_n the_o power_n of_o dispense_n absolute_a pardon_n unless_o we_o can_v think_v that_o to_o ratify_v the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o disannul_v his_o own_o and_o because_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o all_o who_o sin_n be_v either_o remit_v or_o retain_v in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o the_o time_n not_o be_v yet_o come_v for_o a_o exact_a separation_n for_o these_o reason_n all_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n do_v then_o only_o ensure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o key_n do_v not_o err_v but_o what_o if_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o the_o key_n do_v err_v and_o that_o whilst_o i_o do_v not_o forfeit_v the_o church_n peace_n by_o scandalous_a crime_n i_o do_v yet_o depart_v from_o god_n by_o hide_a iniquity_n can_v the_o err_a key_n open_a to_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o everlasting_a life_n i_o will_v fain_o believe_v that_o the_o bring_n of_o these_o secret_a sin_n to_o light_n and_o purpose_v to_o offend_v no_o more_o will_v help_v at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v make_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n but_o o_o bless_a jesus_n how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o thy_o most_o holy_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o confess_v sin_n and_o to_o purpose_n against_o it_o instead_o of_o a_o rule_n oblige_v i_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o we_o leave_v that_o one_o path_n of_o obedience_n we_o may_v try_v a_o thousand_o byway_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v corrupt_v will_v send_v we_o back_o again_o to_o that_o plain_a truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n which_o like_o the_o flame_a sword_n that_o turn_v every_o way_n keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n against_o all_o ungodly_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n if_o therefore_o that_o rest_n which_o our_o lord_n promise_v be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o must_v find_v it_o in_o that_o way_n if_o we_o find_v it_o at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v for_o better_a success_n here_o than_o we_o have_v yet_o have_v let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o exactness_n of_o rule_n and_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o obedience_n must_v needs_o make_v we_o uneasy_a under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christianity_n or_o rather_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o mitigate_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o its_o law_n without_o make_v any_o of_o they_o void_a now_o the_o first_o mitigation_n i_o shall_v consider_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v room_n for_o repentance_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o which_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o when_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n st._n paul_n command_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o overmuch_a sorrow_n and_o sure_o as_o god_n forgive_v those_o open_a scandal_n for_o which_o the_o penitent_a be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o upon_o repentance_n he_o will_v forgive_v those_o secret_a offence_n too_o which_o can_v make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o church-communion_n if_o
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v 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commandment_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o with_o i_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o man_n arrive_v to_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o business_n which_o they_o have_v in_o like_n and_o esteem_n because_o they_o frequent_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o daily_o employ_v their_o thought_n about_o it_o now_o that_o veneration_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o value_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n which_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o sincere_a intent_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v incomparable_o great_a and_o more_o operative_a and_o effectual_a than_o that_o which_o be_v found_v either_o upon_o desire_n of_o praise_n or_o preferment_n or_o the_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o speculation_n only_o therefore_o that_o esteem_n which_o the_o good_a man_n have_v for_o divine_a truth_n will_v enforce_v a_o more_o frequent_a and_o attentive_a meditation_n thereupon_o and_o that_o assiduity_n will_v procure_v a_o better_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o this_o again_o more_o delight_n and_o 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can_v not_o judge_v whether_o they_o believe_v or_o disbelieved_a what_o they_o read_v in_o moses_n for_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o v._o 46._o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v also_o have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o can_v we_o or_o can_v they_o themselves_o have_v think_v that_o they_o who_o trust_v in_o moses_n that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o great_a teacher_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o they_o who_o reject_v jesus_n because_o they_o think_v his_o doctrine_n overthrow_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o their_o own_o belief_n of_o moses_n and_o yet_o he_o add_v v._o 47._o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o writing_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n by_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v these_o thing_n 1._o if_o vain_a glory_n have_v not_o infatuate_v these_o man_n if_o the_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n have_v not_o keep_v they_o from_o doubt_v of_o what_o they_o once_o think_v if_o they_o have_v be_v humble_a 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vicar-general_n on_o earth_n he_o will_v be_v answer_v no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o contempt_n so_o foul_o be_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n overrule_v by_o their_o affection_n after_o they_o have_v wed_v a_o cause_n and_o resolve_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o to_o maintain_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n but_o that_o which_o be_v still_o worse_o be_v this_o that_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o faction_n prevail_v and_o worldly_a interest_n be_v carry_v on_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o religion_n the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v frequent_o disable_v from_o judge_v right_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a otherwise_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o hypocrisy_n and_o lie_v and_o perjury_n and_o murder_n and_o treason_n be_v in_o some_o case_n not_o only_o excusable_a but_o laudable_a that_o they_o
life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o subtle_a reason_n as_o in_o religious_a practice_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o sophister_n because_o they_o have_v that_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v above_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v entangle_v by_o any_o artificial_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o man_n find_v in_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n be_v always_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n that_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o carnal_a man_n because_o they_o can_v put_v he_o in_o possession_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v that_o good_a title_n to_o it_o which_o can_v only_o be_v found_v upon_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o false_a nor_o allowable_a always_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o experience_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o many_o misguide_a soul_n have_v do_v but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n a_o man_n shall_v understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o by_o experience_n better_a than_o he_o can_v by_o mere_a speculation_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v never_o so_o full_o understand_v as_o by_o do_v they_o and_o the_o force_n 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in_o believe_v divine_a truth_n there_o be_v those_o joy_n in_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v thorough_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o till_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v solomon_n say_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understand_v this_o till_o we_o walk_v in_o they_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o find_v this_o reward_n but_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o other_o but_o as_o imperfect_o as_o the_o pencil_n do_v life_n and_o motion_n the_o best_a description_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o subject_n and_o if_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n we_o can_v full_o conceive_v it_o nay_o most_o common_o the_o 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and_o evil_a then_o have_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n method_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n only_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v this_o blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v procure_v to_o ourselves_o either_o by_o my_o discourse_n or_o by_o your_o hear_n what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v our_o saviour_n word_n no_o nor_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o illustration_n of_o they_o but_o only_o by_o put_v ourselves_o serious_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o this_o way_n by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o general_n hold_v good_a of_o this_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n method_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n can_v be_v thorough_o judge_v till_o we_o 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