forth_o itself_o it_o be_v keep_v out_o from_o the_o thought_n when_o they_o be_v busy_v in_o holy_a meditation_n it_o be_v kepâ—_n out_o from_o the_o affection_n when_o they_o be_v set_v upon_o heavenly_a object_n it_o be_v keep_v ouâ—_n from_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n wherâ—_n the_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o general_a and_o particular_a calling_n be_v due_o perform_v in_o their_o respective_a season_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o in_o ephesian_n 4.27_o not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o devil_n true_o when_o god_n exciting_a grace_n quicken_v our_o inherent_a grace_n into_o continual_a exercise_n when_o every_o faculty_n be_v fill_v with_o holy_a act_n and_o every_o season_n with_o holy_a duty_n the_o devil_n can_v have_v no_o place_n to_o tempt_v nor_o corruption_n to_o stir_v it_o be_v the_o best_a security_n god_n can_v give_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n to_o quicken_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n when_o we_o pray_v or_o meditate_v or_o attend_v upon_o public_a ordinance_n we_o ought_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o exciting_a grace_n whereby_o we_o have_v not_o only_o perform_v a_o duty_n but_o also_o escape_v some_o soul_n and_o notorious_a sin_n that_o we_o may_v have_v commit_v have_v we_o not_o be_v so_o holy_o employ_v we_o who_o be_v here_o now_o present_a before_o the_o lord_n this_o day_n have_v we_o neglect_v this_o present_a opportunity_n who_o of_o we_o know_v what_o horrid_a temptation_n and_o foul_a sin_n we_o may_v have_v be_v expose_v to_o in_o our_o own_o house_n which_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n we_o have_v avoid_v david_n when_o he_o walk_v idle_o upon_o the_o roof_n of_o his_o house_n he_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n foul_o have_v he_o then_o be_v at_o his_o harp_n or_o psalm_n he_o may_v thereby_o have_v drive_v the_o evil_a spirit_n from_o himself_o as_o former_o he_o do_v from_o his_o master_n saul_n run_v stream_n preserve_v themselves_o pure_a and_o clean_a when_o stand_a pool_n soon_o grow_v corrupt_a and_o noisome_a and_o venomous_a creature_n breed_v in_o they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o heart_n while_o god_n exciting_a and_o quicken_a grace_n put_v it_o upon_o continual_a act_n it_o be_v preserve_v from_o corruption_n but_o when_o once_o it_o grow_v sluggish_a and_o do_v not_o free_o flow_v forth_o into_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n the_o spawn_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n breed_v there_o and_o filthy_a lust_n crawl_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o it_o without_o any_o disturbance_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v continual_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v we_o the_o quicken_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o will_v fill_v our_o sail_n with_o that_o wind_n that_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v arise_v o_o north_n wind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n wind_n and_o blow_v upon_o our_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o spice_n do_v not_o the_o stench_n will_n second_o as_o god_n by_o his_o exciting_a grace_n hinder_v those_o sin_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o the_o heart_n so_o he_o also_o suppress_v those_o sin_n that_o do_v arise_v there_o be_v the_o great_a contrariety_n imaginable_a betwixt_o inherent_a sin_n and_o inherent_a grace_n when_o the_o one_o be_v vigorous_a the_o other_o languish_v when_o the_o one_o be_v act_v the_o other_o grow_v dull_a and_o sluggish_a now_o both_o these_o opposite_a principle_n have_v their_o seat_n and_o abode_n in_o the_o same_o heart_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v in_o continual_a expectation_n of_o exciting_a influence_n to_o call_v they_o forth_o into_o act_n indwell_v corruption_n that_o be_v usual_o rouse_v up_o by_o temptation_n when_o it_o stir_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v forth_o in_o the_o life_n habitual_a grace_n though_o it_o look_v on_o yet_o be_v of_o itself_o so_o feeble_a that_o it_o can_v make_v no_o opposition_n till_o a_o kindly_a influence_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v out_o some_o particular_a grace_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o sin_n that_o stir_v and_o this_o resist_v and_o subdue_v it_o this_o method_n god_n use_v in_o keep_v the_o apostle_n from_o sin_v 2_o cor._n 12._o he_o be_v there_o under_o a_o sharp_a and_o pungent_a temptation_n that_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n v._o 7._o satan_n buffet_n and_o the_o apostle_n pray_v and_o god_n answer_v my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a not_o thy_o grace_n that_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o helpless_a yea_o a_o very_a nothing_o if_o i_o withdraw_v my_o influence_n from_o it_o but_o that_o quicken_a grace_n that_o flow_v from_o i_o that_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v the_o temptation_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o sin_n why_o now_o while_o god_n exciting_a grace_n work_v upon_o the_o apostle_n inherent_a grace_n this_o temptation_n this_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n only_o make_v he_o more_o watchful_a and_o more_o industrious_a against_o it_o but_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v suspend_v this_o his_o influence_n this_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n will_v immediate_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o grace_n sad_o have_v wound_v his_o conscience_n by_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o great_a and_o foul_a sin_n now_o as_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n lie_v couch_v in_o that_o body_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o bear_v about_o with_o we_o so_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n lie_v couch_v in_o that_o principle_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n implant_v in_o his_o own_o child_n now_o when_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o temptation_n call_v forth_o some_o particular_a sin_n god_n also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o his_o exciting_a grace_n call_v forth_o a_o particular_a grace_n to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o that_o sin_n thus_o when_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o pride_n god_n call_v forth_o humility_n to_o prick_v that_o swell_a puff_a bladder_n when_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o wrath_n and_o passion_n he_o stir_v up_o meekness_n when_o to_o murmur_v and_o repine_v against_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n he_o put_v patience_n upon_o its_o perfect_a work_n brief_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n whatever_o that_o the_o devil_n can_v by_o his_o temptation_n stir_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n but_o god_n also_o can_v stir_v up_o a_o contrary_a grace_n to_o it_o to_o quell_v and_o master_v it_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o god_n exciting_a grace_n in_o the_o prevent_n of_o sin_n that_o when_o the_o devil_n call_v forth_o a_o particular_a corruption_n out_o of_o the_o stock_n of_o corruption_n god_n call_v forth_o a_o particular_a grace_n contrary_a to_o it_o from_o the_o stock_n of_o grace_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a grace_n that_o be_v more_o especial_o employ_v about_o this_o service_n and_o which_o god_n do_v most_o frequent_o exercise_v and_o set_v on_o work_n to_o keep_v his_o child_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n first_o god_n hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o sin_n by_o keep_v up_o the_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a act_n of_o faith_n indeed_o if_o faith_n fail_v all_o other_o grace_n must_v fail_v by_o consequence_n faith_n be_v the_o soul_n steward_n that_o fetch_v in_o supply_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v the_o treasure_n of_o it_o and_o distribute_v they_o to_o all_o the_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o soul_n therefore_o when_o christ_n tell_v st._n peter_n satan_n have_v desire_v to_o sift_v he_o by_o his_o temptation_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v thereby_o discourage_v and_o deject_v present_o he_o add_v in_o v._o 32._o but_o i_o have_v pray_v for_o thou_o that_o thy_o faith_n fail_v not_o and_o wherefore_o his_o faith_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o grace_n but_o because_o other_o grace_n must_v take_v their_o lot_n with_o faith_n and_o must_v be_v strong_a or_o weak_a victorious_a or_o languish_a as_o faith_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n ephes_n 6.6_o now_o the_o office_n of_o a_o shield_n be_v to_o defend_v not_o only_o the_o body_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o armour_n also_o and_o so_o do_v faith_n when_o it_o be_v dexterous_o manage_v it_o keep_v both_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o grace_n also_o from_o the_o attempt_v of_o the_o devil_n i_o may_v be_v large_a here_o in_o show_v you_o how_o faith_n preserve_v from_o sin_n as_o by_o derive_v virtue_n and_o strength_n from_o the_o death_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o plead_v god_n engagement_n and_o promise_n to_o tread_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n by_o urge_v and_o importune_v christ_n to_o fulfil_v in_o we_o the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o many_o such_o way_n i_o may_v name_v by_o which_o faith_n prevent_v sin_n
they_o â—d_a the_o great_a sin_n every_o thought_n â—ou_o think_v and_o every_o word_n thou_o weak_a in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o conation_n there_o be_v sin_n in_o it_o and_o though_o most_o â—_o they_o possible_o be_v but_o little_a sin_n yet_o â—_o multitude_n of_o they_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o â—nk_v you_o down_o into_o the_o low_a hell_n â—our_n conscience_n start_v back_o and_o be_v affright_v as_o indeed_o they_o ought_v at_o a_o temptation_n to_o murder_n incest_n blasâ—emy_n or_o any_o of_o those_o more_o horrid_a sin_n â—at_a be_v the_o prodigy_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n â—ese_n sin_v you_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o comâ—it_v once_o and_o yet_o thousand_o of_o thouâ—nds_n of_o lesser_a sin_n such_o as_o sinful_a thought_n â—le_v word_n petty_a oath_n commodious_a lie_n â—ese_n proceed_v from_o you_o without_o either_o â—riving_n against_o they_o or_o mourn_v for_o â—em_v why_o now_o sir_n do_v you_o more_o fear_v â—tolerable_a and_o everlasting_a wrath_n for_o â—e_v single_a commission_n of_o a_o great_a sin_n than_o you_o do_v for_o the_o frequent_a and_o repeat_v commission_n of_o less_o sin_n true_o â—_o can_v precise_o tell_v you_o whether_o you_o have_v not_o as_o good_a blaspheme_n god_n once_o aâ—_n take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a often_o whetheâ—_n it_o be_v not_o as_o good_a to_o murder_v once_o as_o to_o hate_v always_o the_o frequency_n of_o little_a sin_n make_v their_o guilt_n so_o great_a and_o theiâ—_n punishment_n so_o intolerable_a that_o the_o vile_a sin_n you_o can_v imagine_v shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o exceed_v they_o in_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o name_n of_o that_o sin_n anâ—_n yet_o it_o fare_v with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o thâ—_n israelites_n we_o tremble_v more_o at_o one_o goliath_n than_o we_o do_v at_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o thâ—_n philistine_n one_o gross_a scandalous_a siâ—_n make_v conscience_n recoil_v and_o go_v back_o when_o yet_o we_o venture_v upon_o the_o number_n less_o guilt_n of_o small_a sin_n that_o have_v leâ—_n terror_n in_o their_o name_n though_o unite_a iâ—_n their_o guilt_n they_o bring_v far_o sore_a condemnation_n on_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o single_a commission_n of_o a_o great_a sin_n what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o whether_o your_o eternal_a burn_a be_v kindle_v by_o many_o spark_n oâ—_n by_o one_o fire_n brand_n whether_o you_o die_v bâ—_n many_o small_a wound_n or_o by_o one_o greaâ—_n one_o many_o little_a item_n may_v make_v debt_n desperate_a and_o the_o payment_n impossible_a and_o true_o when_o god_n shall_v â—eckon_v up_o against_o we_o at_o the_o great_a day_n many_o thousand_o vain_a thought_n and_o as_o many_o superfluous_a idle_a word_n with_o as_o many_o petty_a oath_n and_o lie_n that_o we_o â—ave_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o account_n will_v be_v â—s_n dreadful_a and_o the_o wrath_n that_o will_v â—ollow_v as_o insupportable_a as_o if_o murder_n blasphemy_n or_o the_o great_a outrage_n that_o â—ver_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n be_v â—ingly_o charge_v upon_o we_o three_o sin_n it_o be_v difficult_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o little_a sin_n consider_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a â—o_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o great_a evil_a and_o danger_n that_o there_o be_v in_o little_a sin_n and_o â—herefore_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o bring_v they_o â—o_o repentance_n for_o they_o indeed_o this_o be_v â—he_v great_a and_o desperate_a evil_n that_o there_o â—s_a in_o small_a sin_n that_o man_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v evil._n flagitious_a wickedness_n be_v usual_o self_n condemn_v they_o carry_v that_o brand_n upon_o they_o that_o make_v they_o evident_a to_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o come_v from_o hell_n and_o will_v certain_o lead_v to_o hell_n 1.33_o rom._n 1.33_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 1.33_o after_o he_o have_v reckon_v up_o a_o black_a catalogue_n of_o sin_n tell_v they_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n that_o though_o they_o be_v heathen_n yet_o they_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o that_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n but_o now_o the_o guilt_n of_o little_a sin_n be_v not_o so_o apparent_a the_o eye_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a conscience_n look_v usual_o outward_a to_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o if_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o smooth_a it_o see_v not_o or_o dispense_v with_o the_o lesser_a sin_n of_o the_o heart_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o so_o seldom_o confess_v or_o mourn_v for_o those_o that_o we_o call_v lesser_a sin_n when_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o the_o omission_n of_o duty_n or_o for_o the_o slight_a and_o perfunctory_a performance_n of_o they_o these_o we_o look_v not_o upon_o as_o deserve_a damnation_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n nay_o be_v we_o not_o so_o far_o from_o judge_v and_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o they_o that_o we_o seek_v out_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v and_o lessen_v they_o call_v they_o slip_v fail_n and_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n 19.20_o gen._n 19.20_o and_o as_o let_v say_v of_o zoar_n be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o and_o our_o soul_n shall_v live_v what_o can_v i_o think_v there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n in_o a_o foolish_a thought_n in_o a_o vain_a and_o inconsiderate_a word_n can_v i_o think_v that_o the_o great_a god_n will_v torment_v his_o poor_a creature_n for_o ever_o for_o a_o thought_n for_o a_o word_n for_o a_o glance_n yes_o believe_v it_o unless_o these_o sin_n be_v do_v away_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o of_o they_o but_o have_v a_o infinite_a evil_n in_o it_o and_o a_o infinite_a wrath_n follow_v of_o it_o if_o you_o will_v not_o now_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o you_o shall_v be_v then_o when_o with_o dread_n and_o astonishment_n you_o shall_v hear_v god_n call_v your_o little_a sin_n by_o other_o name_n than_o you_o now_o do_v you_o call_v they_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n but_o god_n will_v call_v they_o presumption_n and_o rebellion_n what_o you_o say_v be_v but_o a_o vain_a thought_n shall_v be_v arraign_v as_o treason_n against_o god_n as_o atheism_n and_o soul_n murder_n then_o every_o formal_a heartless_a duty_n that_o here_o you_o perform_v shall_v be_v accuse_v of_o mock_v and_o scoff_v of_o god_n they_o be_v so_o interpretative_o and_o in_o god_n esteem_n and_o unless_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o be_v do_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v you_o will_v find_v they_o no_o less_o at_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n indeed_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v get_v a_o dangerous_a method_n of_o do_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n great_a sin_n they_o make_v to_o be_v little_a and_o little_a sin_n they_o make_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o thus_o they_o do_v away_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o they_o live_v in_o they_o customary_o and_o die_v in_o they_o impenitent_o and_o perish_v under_o they_o irrecoverable_o heart_n the_o least_o sin_n allow_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o hypocritical_a heart_n four_o consider_v that_o the_o allowance_n anâ—_n cordial_a approbation_n but_o of_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v â—_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o most_o rot_a and_o hypocritical_a heart_n be_v thy_o conversation_n never_o sâ—_n blameless_a be_v thy_o profession_n never_o so_o glorious_a be_v thy_o duty_n and_o service_n never_o sâ—_n pompous_a yet_o if_o there_o be_v the_o secret_a reservation_n and_o allowance_n but_o of_o the_o leasâ—_n sin_n all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o much_o vain_a show_n and_o pageantry_n 1.26_o jam._n 1.26_o what_o say_v the_o apostle_n jam._n 1.26_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v tâ—_n be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n that_o man_n deceive_v himself_o his_o religion_n be_v vain_a why_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o after_o so_o many_o prayer_n daily_o put_v up_o to_o god_n after_o a_o eminent_a profession_n and_o a_o considerable_a progress_n make_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o yet_o both_o the_o sincerity_n and_o success_n oâ—_n all_o this_o shall_v depend_v upon_o so_o small_a â—_o thing_n as_o the_o tip_n of_o a_o man_n tongue_n if_o thaâ—_n be_v allow_v to_o run_v at_o random_n into_o impertinency_n not_o to_o say_v into_o debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n all_o your_o duty_n all_o youâ—_n prayer_n all_o your_o profession_n be_v blow_v away_o by_o the_o same_o tongue_n that_o utter_v they_o and_o all_o your_o religion_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o let_v i_o add_v this_o seem_a religion_n will_v enâ—_n only_o in_o shame_n and_o confusion_n at_o the_o last_o when_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n shall_v be_v rip_v open_a at_o the_o great_a day_n before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o little_a sin_n that_o keep_v god_n and_o christ_n
so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n let_v scribe_n and_o pharisee_n corrupt_v it_o by_o their_o erroneous_a gloss_n and_o false_a interpretation_n â—utting_v what_o form_n and_o shape_v they_o â—ease_v upon_o it_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o corâ—ption_n of_o earthly_a body_n not_o the_o least_o â—iece_n of_o matter_n can_v perish_v or_o be_v annihiâ—ted_v so_o neither_o in_o their_o corrupt_v of_o â—he_n law_n shall_v one_o jot_n or_o tittle_n of_o it_o fail_v â—ot_n but_o that_o the_o law_n do_v fail_v of_o its_o observation_n never_o yet_o be_v it_o exact_o and_o punctual_o fulfil_v by_o any_o except_o by_o â—ur_n lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o yet_o the_o obâ—gation_n and_o bind_a power_n of_o it_o be_v everâ—sting_a and_o shall_v continue_v while_o there_o â—_o a_o earth_n and_o man_n upon_o it_o yea_o while_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n &_o glorify_a saint_n â—â—_o it_o for_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v of_o a_o eternal_a â—alidity_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n â—et_v down_o in_o the_o word_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v â—_o perfect_a nature_n implant_v in_o the_o blessed_a from_o which_o all_o their_o action_n shall_v low_o and_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v guide_v to_o eternity_n this_o assertion_n be_v lay_v down_o our_o saviour_n proceed_v to_o draw_v a_o inference_n â—rom_fw-mi it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v in_o the_o word_n â—f_v the_o text_n if_o every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o â—he_n law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o permanent_a and_o everlasting_a obligation_n then_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v that_o be_v he_o shall_v be_v or_o he_o deserve_v to_o bâ—_n the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n word_n open_v of_o the_o word_n and_o here_o before_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o thâ—_n full_a and_o practical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v inquire_v into_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o least_o commandment_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commandment_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o least_o commandment_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o christ_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o least_o commandment_n it_o must_v not_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o if_o one_o commandment_n be_v less_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v than_o another_o god_n command_n be_v all_o alike_o necessary_a and_o that_o with_o a_o twofold_a necessity_n necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la &_o necessitate_v medii_fw-la the_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n the_o other_o from_o the_o requisiteness_n of_o obedience_n to_o eternal_a life_n one_o command_n therefore_o be_v not_o less_o than_o another_o first_o authority_n no_o command_n little_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o authority_n enâ—yning_v they_o the_o same_o holy_a and_o just_a â—od_n who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o love_v â—nd_v fear_v he_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o â—l_a our_o may_v have_v also_o command_v we_o â—_o abstain_v from_o every_o vain_a thought_n â—nd_v from_o every_o idle_a and_o superfluous_a â—ord_n the_o least_o command_n have_v power_n â—_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obedience_n as_o â—ell_o as_o the_o great_a because_o the_o leastâ—_n â—_z enact_v by_o that_o sovereign_a god_n to_o â—hom_n all_o soul_n and_o conscience_n be_v subact_a as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a it_o be_v not_o â—he_v greatness_n or_o smallness_n of_o the_o coin_n â—ut_v the_o image_n of_o the_o king_n stamp_v upon_o â—_o that_o authorize_v it_o and_o make_v it_o â—arrant_v so_o true_o the_o holiness_n and_o puâ—ty_n of_o god_n nature_n once_o imprint_v upâ—n_o the_o least_o command_n make_v it_o full_o as_o authoritative_a and_o obligatory_a as_o if_o it_o â—ere_z the_o high_a and_o the_o chief_a nor_o second_o obey_v no_o command_n less_o necessary_a to_o be_v obey_v be_v one_o command_n less_o â—han_o another_o as_o if_o it_o be_v less_o necessary_a â—o_o be_v perform_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n the_o breach_n of_o the_o least_o commandmentâ—oth_v â—oth_z as_o certain_o shut_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o shut_v it_o up_o under_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n as_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o great_a in_o neither_o of_o these_o sense_n therefore_o must_v the_o word_n be_v understand_v aâ—_n if_o our_o obedience_n be_v require_v more_o remiss_o or_o leave_v more_o arbitrary_a to_o the_o one_o than_o to_o the_o other_o or_o as_o if_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o conducible_a unto_o happiness_n or_o the_o transgression_n of_o they_o equal_o liable_a unto_o punishment_n when_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v oâ—_n the_o least_o commandment_n the_o expression_n may_v admit_v of_o a_o twofold_a signification_n first_o that_o herein_o he_o allude_v to_o thâ—_n common_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n distinguish_v god_n command_n into_o great_a and_o small_a the_o great_a commandment_n they_o hold_v to_o be_v those_o only_o which_o concern_v the_o external_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n such_o as_o fast_n and_o wash_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o scrupulous_a tithing_n with_o various_a gift_n and_o offering_n these_o be_v their_o great_a commandment_n but_o for_o inward_a concupiscence_n for_o unmortified_a lust_n for_o vain_a thought_n and_o sinful_a desire_n these_o they_o as_o a_o generation_n corrupt_v in_o themselves_o and_o corrupter_n of_o other_o teach_v as_o the_o papist_n now_o do_v either_o to_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o or_o at_o most_o but_o venial_a so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o act_n and_o true_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v spend_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o evil_a of_o â—hose_v sin_n that_o the_o jew_n account_v to_o be_v â—â—ght_n and_o small_a 29._o matth._n 5.22_o 28_o 29._o as_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o our_o â—rother_n to_o call_v he_o racha_n or_o thou_o fool_n â—erse_v 22._o to_o harbour_v inward_a motion_n â—f_a concupiscence_n ver_fw-la 28._o to_o use_v divorce_n ver_fw-la 29._o common_n swear_v ver_fw-la 34._o private_a revenge_n ver_fw-la 39_o now_o say_v our_o â—aviour_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n either_o by_o my_o doctrine_n or_o by_o my_o practice_n as_o these_o man_n false_o accuse_v and_o calumniate_v i_o â—hat_n contrariwise_o i_o teach_v that_o the_o violation_n of_o those_o command_n which_o your_o â—_z the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n account_v â—mall_a and_o little_a will_v bring_v with_o they_o â—n_o heavy_a guilt_n and_o sore_a condemnation_n or_o whosoever_o break_v those_o commandment_n that_o be_v common_o vilify_v and_o call_v least_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o those_o commandment_n which_o â—re_n great_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n may_v yet_o be_v the_o least_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o command_n of_o the_o same_o law_n which_o â—re_n indeed_o think_v great_a now_o this_o comparative_a inequality_n in_o the_o commandment_n be_v take_v from_o the_o inequality_n of_o the_o object_n about_o which_o they_o be_v conversant_a some_o of_o they_o concern_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n other_o concern_v our_o duty_n to_o man_n now_o because_o man_n be_v infinite_o less_o than_o god_n therefore_o those_o command_n that_o relate_v to_o our_o duty_n towards_o man_n may_v be_v call_v less_o than_o those_o command_n that_o relate_v to_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n hence_o when_o the_o lawyer_n put_v a_o case_n to_o our_o saviour_n 22.36_o matth._n 22.36_o mat._n 22.36_o master_n which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n in_o the_o law_n our_o lord_n answer_v he_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n sometime_o this_o inequality_n rise_v from_o the_o latitude_n that_o every_o command_n have_v in_o it_o now_o this_o latitude_n relate_v to_o our_o thought_n to_o our_o word_n and_o to_o our_o action_n now_o because_o a_o thought_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v less_o than_o a_o word_n and_o a_o word_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v less_o than_o a_o action_n therefore_o that_o part_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o require_v holiness_n in_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v less_o than_o that_o which_o require_v holiness_n in_o our_o speech_n and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o commandment_n which_o require_v holiness_n in_o our_o speech_n than_o that_o which_o require_v holiness_n in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n now_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o sin_n against_o man_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o sin_n against_o gâ—d_n he_o that_o sin_n in_o a_o thought_n in_o a_o word_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o sin_n in_o his_o action_n and_o conversation_n he_o that_o break_v
he_o intend_v to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o cross_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n though_o possible_o he_o do_v well_o in_o the_o action_n yet_o he_o sin_n in_o intention_n since_o he_o do_v that_o that_o he_o himself_o think_v do_v cross_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o shall_v walk_v second_o another_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o by_o act_v contrary_a to_o conscience_n though_o misinform_v and_o erroneous_a we_o do_v contemn_v the_o authority_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sin_n we_o be_v all_o to_o guide_v our_o conscience_n by_o the_o word_n that_o be_v god_n write_a will_n and_o we_o be_v all_o to_o guide_v our_o life_n by_o our_o conscience_n no_o man_n think_v his_o conscience_n to_o be_v erroneous_a but_o think_v it_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o if_o we_o do_v not_o act_v according_o we_o sin_v as_o much_o as_o if_o indeed_o it_o be_v inform_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o what_o conscience_n say_v we_o think_v it_o be_v god_n that_o command_v whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o and_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o be_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o to_o disobey_v god_n because_o we_o think_v what_o conscience_n speak_v god_n speak_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o fall_v under_o the_o entanglement_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n for_o than_o we_o be_v under_o a_o sad_a necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o both_o hand_n if_o we_o act_v according_a to_o it_o we_o sin_v and_o if_o we_o act_v not_o according_a to_o it_o we_o sin_n we_o shall_v therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n hearty_o beg_v and_o desire_v of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o conscience_n that_o he_o will_v right_o inform_v our_o conscience_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o so_o by_o guide_v our_o life_n by_o our_o conscience_n we_o may_v guide_v they_o also_o according_a to_o his_o will._n these_o three_o position_n now_o respect_v those_o thing_n that_o appear_v evil_a to_o ourselves_o but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o good_a appearance_n unto_o we_o that_o yet_o may_v have_v a_o evil_a appearance_n to_o other_o they_o may_v scruple_n and_o be_v offend_v at_o what_o we_o do_v though_o for_o our_o own_o part_n we_o ourselves_o be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o our_o time_n what_o through_o different_a custom_n and_o interest_n have_v bring_v man_n conscience_n also_o to_o such_o different_a size_n that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a but_o some_o will_v condemn_v what_o other_o allow_v as_o lawful_a yea_o what_o other_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o stiff_o maintain_v to_o be_v necessary_a and_o our_o duty_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o case_n what_o rule_n must_v we_o walk_v by_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n not_o only_o to_o god_n but_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a towards_o man_n also_o in_o this_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o christianity_n there_o lie_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n to_o state_n the_o case_n aright_o or_o aright_o to_o practice_v it_o and_o the_o difficulty_n be_v increase_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o as_o general_a premise_n to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n first_o if_o we_o give_v no_o power_n to_o the_o scrupulous_a judgement_n of_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o what_o appear_v evil_a to_o they_o than_o we_o shall_v sin_v evident_o against_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o against_o many_o apostolical_a injunction_n and_o command_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v respect_n to_o their_o opinion_n and_o censure_n especial_o in_o rom._n 14._o and_o in_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 8_o &_o 10._o almost_o throughout_o indeed_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o thing_n belong_v to_o christianity_n that_o have_v more_o rule_n and_o prescript_n often_o prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o we_o than_o this_o of_o abstain_v from_o offend_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o other_o second_o if_o we_o make_v other_o man_n conscience_n the_o rule_n of_o we_o and_o if_o we_o lie_v down_o this_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o that_o appear_v evil_a to_o another_o this_o first_o will_v be_v utter_o impossible_a since_o man_n be_v of_o such_o contrary_a persuasion_n that_o if_o the_o do_v of_o a_o action_n appear_v evil_a to_o one_o the_o omission_n thereof_o appear_v as_o evil_a to_o another_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o can_v at_o once_o both_o do_v it_o and_o not_o do_v it_o some_o will_v unavoidable_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o we_o second_o this_o will_v abridge_v yea_o utter_o destroy_v all_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a because_o if_o nothing_o shall_v be_v lawful_a that_o another_o scruple_n than_o almost_o every_o thing_n will_v become_v sinful_a since_o almost_o every_o thing_n be_v scruple_v by_o some_o or_o other_o in_o vain_a therefore_o be_v it_o to_o reckon_v it_o as_o our_o privilege_n that_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o old_a ceremonial_a law_n and_o that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ordinance_n that_o none_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v if_o yet_o christian_a religion_n bring_v our_o conscience_n under_o the_o most_o imperious_a law_n of_o man_n humour_n censure_n and_o opinion_n it_o be_v far_o easy_a to_o abserve_v all_o the_o levitical_a law_n from_o one_o end_n of_o it_o to_o the_o other_o than_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o those_o worldly_a rudiment_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o in_o col._n 2._o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o wear_v not_o speak_v not_o if_o such_o a_o person_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o and_o count_v it_o unlawful_a now_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o four_o position_n concern_v abstinence_n from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o and_o that_o be_v if_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n be_v to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o ourselves_o then_o in_o some_o case_n we_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n and_o conscience_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o and_o in_o other_o not_o whatever_o have_v the_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o it_o it_o must_v either_o be_v command_v and_o so_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o else_o it_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o according_o we_o may_v take_v these_o follow_a rule_n first_o if_o so_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o appear_v evil_a only_o to_o other_o either_o be_v in_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v command_v and_o so_o necessary_a we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o regard_v yea_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o despise_v and_o scorn_v the_o scruple_n of_o all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o we_o for_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n let_v they_o be_v offend_v we_o may_v in_o this_o case_n use_v the_o same_o plea_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_v 4.19_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a before_o the_o lord_n to_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n judge_v you_o to_o perform_v a_o duty_n can_v be_v but_o a_o scandal_n to_o man_n at_o the_o most_o and_o those_o also_o usual_o of_o the_o profane_a sort_n but_o to_o omit_v a_o duty_n for_o fear_n of_o scandalize_a man_n be_v a_o scandal_n and_o a_o offence_n even_o unto_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v most_o preposterous_a charity_n to_o run_v upon_o sin_n in_o ourselves_o only_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n in_o other_o though_o all_o the_o world_n censure_n holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n to_o be_v only_o a_o sour_a and_o rigid_a humour_n and_o a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o gratify_v their_o humour_n or_o win_v upon_o they_o remit_v the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o severity_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n require_v from_o we_o but_o what_o if_o suppose_v as_o too_o often_o it_o happen_v that_o this_o strictness_n and_o holy_a severity_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n unto_o other_o accidental_o what_o must_v we_o do_v in_o that_o case_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v so_o many_o hate_n religion_n and_o scoff_n at_o the_o professor_n thereof_o but_o only_o their_o life_n be_v too_o morose_n and_o reserve_v duty_n be_v too_o frequent_a and_o tedious_a so_o that_o some_o laugh_v and_o mock_v other_o storm_n and_o rage_n and_o all_o be_v fright_v from_o the_o embrace_v of_o that_o profession_n that_o require_v so_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n why_o be_v it_o so_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o abate_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o duty_n nor_o sin_n ourselves_o to_o keep_v other_o from_o sin_v be_v it_o your_o duty_n
prince_n in_o many_o little_a sun_n without_o grudge_v that_o which_o be_v exact_v from_o they_o all_o at_o once_o in_o oâ—_n great_a tax_n will_v make_v they_o repine_v if_o â—ot_n rebel_n so_o be_v it_o with_o we_o we_o stand_v â—ot_n with_o the_o devil_n for_o small_a sin_n but_o â—_o he_o tempt_v we_o to_o great_a abomination_n â—hen_o conscience_n make_v a_o alarm_n and_o upâ—oar_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o will_v not_o nay_o can_v consent_v to_o damn_v itself_o by_o wholesale_n certain_o that_o man_n that_o can_v as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o pharisee_n swallow_v camel_n sin_n of_o a_o huge_a bulk_n and_o size_n without_o any_o check_n or_o strain_v at_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o conscience_n as_o wide_o mouth_v as_o hell_n and_o he_o who_o have_v so_o â—arge_a a_o conscience_n have_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v another_o advantage_n we_o have_v against_o presumptuous_a sin_n three_o sin_n fear_v of_o shame_n and_o infamy_n a_o remedy_n against_o presumptuous_a sin_n the_o fear_n of_o shame_n and_o of_o infamy_n in_o the_o world_n many_o time_n put_v a_o great_a restraint_n upon_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o break_v out_o into_o those_o dare_a and_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n that_o otherwise_o they_o will_v do_v therefore_o our_o saviour_n describe_v the_o unjust_a judge_n to_o be_v one_o of_o a_o strange_a temper_n that_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n luke_n 18.2_o why_o those_o that_o have_v wear_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o their_o heart_n yet_o usual_o have_v some_o awe_n of_o man_n still_o lest_o they_o though_o the_o be_v so_o harden_v that_o they_o fear_v not_o god_n judge_v they_o yet_o they_o be_v withal_o â—_o childish_a that_o they_o fear_v man_n censure_v they_o loath_a they_o be_v that_o their_o name_n shall_v be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o from_o tonguâ—_n to_o tongue_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v say_v of_o they_o this_o man_n be_v a_o drunkard_n anâ—_n that_o man_n be_v a_o unclean_a person_n anâ—_n that_o man_n be_v a_o thief_n tell_v i_o o_o sinner_n why_o else_o do_v thou_o seek_v corner_n tâ—_n hide_v thy_o wickedness_n in_o why_o do_v thoâ—_n not_o do_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n why_o that_o very_a shame_n that_o make_v man_n scull_n in_o secret_a when_o they_o sin_n have_v they_o nâ—_n secrecy_n to_o hide_v themselves_o in_o from_o the_o notice_n of_o man_n it_o will_v keep_v they_o also_o from_o the_o sin_n itself_o it_o do_v not_o terrify_v man_n to_o consider_v that_o god_n write_v down_o all_o their_o sin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o remembrance_n but_o shall_v he_o write_v alâ—_n their_o sin_n upon_o their_o forehead_n in_o visible_a letter_n that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v read_v they_o where_o be_v the_o wretch_n so_o impudent_a that_o will_v dare_v to_o be_v see_v abroad_o our_o street_n will_v be_v desolate_a and_o your_o pew_v will_v be_v empty_a and_o the_o world_n will_v grow_v a_o wilderness_n and_o those_o that_o we_o take_v for_o man_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v but_o very_a monster_n and_o beast_n such_o woeful_a transformation_n have_v sin_n make_v in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o swine_n be_v there_o swallow_v in_o their_o own_o vomit_n how_o many_o goatish_a sensualist_n be_v become_v brutish_a in_o filthy_a pleasure_n how_o many_o earth_n worm_n be_v there_o crawl_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o muck_n of_o this_o world_n load_v themselves_o with_o thick_a clay_n certain_o if_o every_o sinner_n shall_v be_v see_v in_o his_o own_o shape_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o very_a few_o man_n in_o the_o world_n why_o now_o wicked_a man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v see_v abroad_o in_o such_o disguise_n as_o these_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o study_v to_o sin_n in_o secret_a or_o if_o that_o can_v be_v they_o force_v themselves_o to_o abstain_v from_o sin_n unwilling_a they_o be_v to_o be_v point_v at_o in_o the_o street_n there_o go_v a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n there_o a_o cheater_n or_o a_o adulterer_n and_o the_o like_a and_o for_o very_a fear_n hereof_o sometime_o they_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o infamous_a sin_n that_o will_v make_v they_o a_o reproach_n to_o all_o their_o neighbour_n and_o that_o be_v another_o advantage_n sin_n the_o law_n of_o man_n keep_v man_n from_o sin_n last_o the_o fear_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o penalty_n do_v many_o time_n keep_v man_n from_o the_o commit_v many_o great_a and_o horrid_a impiety_n such_o as_o will_v fall_v undeâ—_n the_o notice_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n that_o god_n have_v institute_v magistracy_n that_o may_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 3.13_o be_v it_o not_o more_o for_o fear_n of_o humane_a law_n the_o inflict_v of_o corporal_a punishment_n upon_o man_n more_o than_o god_n threaten_v of_o eternal_a punishment_n the_o wholâ—_n world_n will_v become_v worse_o than_o a_o savage_a wilderness_n within_o will_v be_v fear_n and_o tumult_n without_o will_v be_v ragâ—_n and_o violence_n our_o dwelling_n our_o person_n our_o possession_n will_v be_v all_o expose_v to_o the_o furious_a lust_n of_o ungodly_a man_n and_o by_o swear_v and_o lie_v anâ—_n kill_v and_o steal_v and_o commit_v adultery_n man_n will_v break_v forth_o till_o blooâ—_n touch_v blood_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v hoâ—_n 4.2_o but_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n who_o have_v subdue_v the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o man_n have_v also_o subdue_v man_n whâ—_n else_o will_v become_v more_o wild_a and_o brâ—tish_a than_o they_o to_o man_n god_n have_v therefore_o subdue_v man_n to_o man_n so_o that_o thoâ—_n that_o stand_v not_o in_o any_o awe_n of_o the_o goâ—_n of_o heaven_n yet_o be_v they_o awe_v by_o the_o god_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o who_o the_o thought_n of_o hell_n and_o eternal_a wrath_n can_v scare_v from_o sin_n yet_o many_o time_n the_o thought_n of_o a_o prison_n and_o gibbet_n do_v now_o this_o fear_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_n which_o they_o have_v not_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o lesser_a and_o small_a sin_n and_o what_o be_v not_o this_o security_n enough_o against_o they_o be_v there_o need_v of_o any_o more_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a if_o that_o warning_n give_v beforehand_o to_o prepare_v for_o resistance_n if_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o natural_a conscience_n if_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o penalty_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v we_o from_o they_o be_v not_o this_o strange_a yes_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v notwithstanding_o all_o these_o advantage_n still_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o pray_v with_o david_n lord_n keep_v back_o thy_o servant_n from_o presumptuous_a sin_n all_o other_o defence_n be_v â—ut_v weak_a and_o all_o other_o security_n be_v but_o â—nsafe_a lord_n therefore_o do_v thou_o keep_v we_o â—nd_v this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v â—nto_fw-mi you_o by_o two_o particular_n the_o one_o â—rom_o scripture_n and_o the_o other_o from_o experience_n first_o from_o scripture_n all_o our_o ability_n whether_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n or_o for_o the_o oppose_a of_o corruption_n be_v in_o scripture_n entire_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o power_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o ephesian_n in_o chap._n 6.10_o my_o brethren_n say_v he_o be_v strong_a but_o in_o who_o what_o in_o yourselves_o no_o say_v he_o but_z be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n for_o in_o his_o almighty_a power_n though_o mighty_a corruption_n rush_v in_o upon_o you_o and_o threaten_v your_o ruin_n though_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n push_v sore_o at_o you_o to_o make_v you_o fall_v yet_o god_n call_v upon_o you_o to_o stand_v and_o to_o withstand_v they_o all_o stand_v alas_o how_o can_v we_o such_o poor_a weak_a feeble_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v how_o can_v we_o stand_v why_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v your_o security_n against_o all_o the_o force_n of_o your_o spiritual_a enemy_n lay_v hold_v on_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o engage_v that_o for_o you_o and_o this_o will_v bring_v you_o off_o the_o field_n with_o victory_n and_o conquest_n so_o again_o in_o 2_o cor._n 5._o and_o 3._o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a say_v the_o apostle_n of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o not_o sufficient_a to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n and_o therefore_o not_o sufficient_a to_o resist_v a_o evil_a thought_n for_o our_o resist_n of_o a_o evil_a thought_n must_v be_v by_o think_v a_o good_a
one_o if_o a_o evil_a thought_n rise_v up_o in_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o so_o much_o as_o think_v that_o that_o thought_n be_v evil_a nor_o think_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v suppress_v and_o stifle_v and_o much_o less_o can_v we_o then_o of_o ourselves_o suppress_v any_o sin_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v under_o this_o utter_a impotency_n and_o inability_n but_o call_v in_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n why_o now_o yet_o in_o this_o we_o can_v think_v our_o sufficiency_n to_o be_v of_o god_n nor_o can_v we_o depend_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v it_o for_o it_o be_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n both_o to_o think_v and_o to_o act_v so_o you_o have_v it_o in_o philippian_n 2.12_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o will_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n that_o both_o the_o first_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a succeed_a progress_n of_o the_o soul_n either_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n or_o to_o the_o resistance_n of_o sin_n be_v whole_o from_o god_n almighty_a power_n engage_v for_o they_o and_o strengthen_v they_o to_o the_o one_o and_o for_o the_o other_o second_o another_o demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o all_o have_v you_o not_o find_v sometime_o that_o you_o can_v with_o holy_a scorn_n and_o disdain_n reject_v those_o very_a temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o at_o other_o time_n when_o god_n have_v absent_v himself_o from_o you_o when_o he_o have_v withdraw_v his_o power_n and_o grace_n they_o have_v sad_o prevail_v upon_o you_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o dare_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n have_v you_o not_o find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o what_o else_o be_v this_o but_o a_o evident_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o your_o own_o but_o god_n power_n that_o keep_v you_o from_o the_o worst_a sin_n we_o may_v conclude_v by_o our_o fall_n when_o god_n do_v forsake_v we_o that_o when_o we_o stand_v we_o stand_v not_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o his_o â—_o why_o do_v you_o not_o always_o fall_v or_o why_o do_v you_o not_o always_o stand_v will_v you_o say_v it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o always_o alike_o tempt_v if_o you_o be_v not_o why_o then_o since_o the_o devil_n be_v always_o alike_o malicious_a even_o herein_o appear_v the_o mercy_n and_o power_n of_o god_n who_o almighty_o rebuke_n he_o but_o when_o you_o be_v alike_o tempt_v whence_o proceed_v it_o that_o sometime_o you_o yield_v and_o sometime_o you_o resist_v and_o conquer_v but_o only_o from_o hence_o sometime_o god_n be_v present_a to_o assist_v you_o and_o sometime_o he_o depart_v from_o you_o to_o humble_v you_o he_o be_v present_a sometime_o that_o you_o may_v not_o utter_o sink_v and_o perish_v under_o your_o sin_n and_o he_o absent_v 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