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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n action_n conscience_n good_a 1,039 5 4.0253 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62570 Of sincerity and constancy in the faith and profession of the true religion, in several sermons by the Most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson ... ; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker. ... Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1695 (1695) Wing T1204; ESTC R17209 175,121 492

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and_o reserve_v for_o we_o in_o another_o place_n which_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v and_o make_v amends_o to_o we_o for_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o fast_o most_o man_n cling_v to_o life_n and_o that_o even_o in_o old_a age_n how_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o twig_n that_o may_v but_o hold_v they_o up_o a_o little_a while_n and_o how_o fond_o they_o hanker_v after_o a_o miserable_a life_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o of_o pleasure_n to_o be_v enjoy_v nothing_o more_o of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o hope_v for_o in_o it_o when_o they_o be_v just_o put_v in_o to_o the_o port_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v rejoice_v at_o their_o very_a heart_n that_o they_o see_v land_n yet_o how_o glad_a will_v they_o be_v then_o of_o any_o cross_a wind_n that_o will_v carry_v they_o back_o into_o the_o sea_n again_o as_o if_o they_o love_v to_o be_v toss_v and_o be_v fond_a of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n nay_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o even_o after_o we_o have_v make_v that_o acknowledgement_n of_o david_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o sojourner_n with_o thou_o as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v be_v apt_a with_o he_o to_o be_v still_o importune_v god_n for_o a_o little_o long_a life_n o_o spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o and_o when_o god_n have_v grant_v we_o this_o request_n than_o we_o will_v be_v spare_v yet_o a_o little_a long_o but_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o god_n do_v not_o design_n we_o to_o continue_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n make_v it_o so_o uneasy_a to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o linger_v here_o below_o we_o be_v detain_v from_o our_o happiness_n while_o we_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n this_o consideration_n make_v st._n paul_n so_o 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in_o this_o world_n which_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o itself_o extreme_o credible_a have_v thus_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v dispatch_v the_o two_o particular_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v what_o influence_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o these_o our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n as_o to_o another_o life_n if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o look_v for_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a this_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o these_o follow_a respect_n which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v but_o very_o brief_o mention_v 1._o let_v we_o entangle_v and_o encumber_v ourselves_o as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o 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difficulty_n and_o hazard_n which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bear_v with_o that_o cheerfulness_n as_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o a_o journey_n use_v to_o bear_v foul_a way_n and_o bad_a wether_n and_o inconvenient_a lodging_n and_o accommodation_n 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o future_a hope_n shall_v set_v we_o above_o the_o fondness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n for_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v raise_v to_o their_o true_a pitch_n and_o hight_n till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n conquer_v these_o two_o passion_n and_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o what_o do_v we_o see_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o strange_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o quae_fw-la miseri_fw-la lucis_fw-la tam_fw-la dira_fw-la cupido_fw-la this_o world_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a place_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a 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god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n xi_o 13._o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v late_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o a_o particular_a day_n and_o occasion_n begin_v to_o handle_v these_o word_n i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o the_o head_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v and_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v and_o that_o which_o i_o design_v from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o 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explication_n of_o this_o metaphor_n i_o insist_v only_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v design_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o 1._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n ii_o it_o imply_v a_o tendency_n to_o a_o future_a settlement_n and_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n into_o which_o we_o shall_v enter_v when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o these_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v two_o very_a weighty_a and_o useful_a consideration_n that_o we_o shall_v both_o understand_v our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o our_o future_a hope_n and_o expectation_n after_o our_o departure_n out_o of_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v demean_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o both_o these_o condition_n both_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o those_o who_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o this_o world_n and_o likewise_o as_o it_o become_v those_o who_o seek_v and_o expect_v a_o better_a country_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n i._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a and_o this_o be_v principal_o intend_v by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n such_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n they_o have_v no_o constant_a abide_v and_o fix_v habitation_n but_o be_v continual_o wander_v from_o one_o kingdom_n and_o country_n to_o another_o in_o which_o travel_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o great_a many_o danger_n and_o suffering_n affront_v and_o injury_n as_o we_o read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o history_n of_o their_o travel_n
and_o honour_v he_o and_o that_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o our_o inward_a apprehension_n of_o he_o and_o affection_n towards_o he_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n our_o saviour_n intend_v in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o character_n of_o this_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v that_o he_o do_v sincere_o love_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o as_o do_v plain_o appear_v in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o our_o saviour_n for_o when_o philip_n invite_v he_o to_o come_v and_o see_v he_o he_o do_v not_o conceal_v the_o prejudice_n and_o objection_n he_o have_v against_o he_o ground_v upon_o a_o common_a but_o uncharitable_a proverb_n that_o out_o of_o nazareth_n arise_v no_o prophet_n but_o have_v a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n he_o be_v not_o so_o carry_v away_o by_o a_o popular_a prejudice_n as_o not_o to_o have_v patience_n to_o be_v better_o inform_v and_o therefore_o be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o go_v and_o see_v our_o saviour_n and_o to_o discourse_v with_o he_o himself_o and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o present_o own_v he_o for_o such_o call_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o because_o sincerity_n be_v the_o very_a heart_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n it_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v after_o this_o temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v know_v when_o we_o have_v it_o and_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v mention_v five_o or_o six_o property_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n by_o which_o man_n may_v sufficient_o know_v the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o god_n 1._o our_o piety_n be_v then_o sincere_a when_o the_o chief_a reason_n and_o predominant_a motive_n of_o it_o be_v religious_a and_o i_o call_v that_o a_o religious_a or_o rational_a motive_n which_o regard_v god_n and_o another_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o man_n and_o to_o our_o present_a temporal_a advantage_n when_o the_o principal_a and_o sway_a motive_n of_o our_o piety_n be_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n authority_n over_o we_o and_o of_o our_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o he_o a_o fear_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o threaten_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o obedience_n these_o motive_n be_v proper_o religious_a because_o they_o respect_v god_n and_o be_v the_o argument_n to_o obedience_n which_o he_o himself_o offer_v to_o we_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sincere_a piety_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o these_o consideration_n how_o unequal_o soever_o mix_v for_o even_o in_o the_o most_o of_o man_n fear_v do_v many_o time_n prevail_v more_o than_o love_n and_o in_o case_n of_o great_a temptation_n may_v preserve_v man_n from_o sin_n when_o perhaps_o no_o other_o consideration_n will_v do_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v a_o unsincere_a piety_n to_o which_o we_o be_v move_v mere_o by_o the_o regard_n of_o man_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o temporal_a advantage_n and_o when_o these_o have_v the_o chief_a influence_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o man_n to_o discern_v in_o himself_o for_o he_o that_o will_v careful_o observe_v himself_o can_v hardly_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a spring_n and_o motive_n of_o his_o own_o action_n but_o there_o be_v one_o sign_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o know_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a towards_o god_n and_o that_o be_v if_o when_o these_o motive_n be_v absent_a our_o piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v either_o cease_v or_o be_v sensible_o cool_v and_o abate_v as_o if_o impiety_n or_o popery_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v bad_a begin_v to_o be_v in_o fashion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o countenance_n of_o great_a example_n if_o those_o who_o we_o fear_v and_o upon_o who_o we_o depend_v do_v discover_v any_o inclination_n that_o way_n if_o the_o garb_n of_o religion_n cease_v to_o be_v for_o our_o interest_n or_o in_o the_o revolution_n of_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o if_o in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n we_o let_v fall_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o insincerity_n of_o our_o former_a piety_n 2._o a_o sincere_a piety_n must_v be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v a_o live_a principle_n within_o we_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o another_o case_n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n who_o be_v one_o outward_o but_o he_o who_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o without_o this_o all_o outward_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v hypocrisy_n a_o picture_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o 3._o a_o three_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v when_o man_n be_v religious_a in_o private_a and_o in_o secret_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a and_o in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o man_n he_o be_v true_o devout_a who_o be_v so_o in_o his_o family_n and_o in_o his_o closet_n where_o he_o have_v no_o witness_n but_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v a_o downright_a honest_a man_n who_o will_v make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o perform_v his_o promise_n when_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o no_o law_n compel_v he_o to_o it_o as_o ready_o as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o hundred_o witness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v sincere_o just_a who_o will_v not_o detain_v from_o another_o his_o right_n though_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o nor_o wrong_v any_o man_n though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o secrecy_n and_o safety_n in_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o another_o ignorance_n or_o unskilfulness_n though_o never_o so_o much_o to_o his_o own_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n he_o be_v true_o charitable_a who_o will_v not_o only_o as_o soon_o but_o rather_o soon_o give_v his_o alm_n in_o secret_a than_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o he_o be_v true_o grateful_a who_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n will_v acknowledge_v a_o kindness_n and_o requite_v a_o benefit_n to_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o decease_a friend_n though_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o memory_n of_o the_o obligation_n die_v with_o he_o and_o that_o none_o be_v conscious_a to_o it_o but_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o sincerity_n of_o which_o may_v not_o by_o this_o evidence_n be_v know_v to_o we_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o man_n may_v for_o certain_a conclude_v himself_o a_o hypocrite_n if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n 4._o another_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o piety_n in_o new_a convert_v which_o be_v many_o time_n very_o imperfect_a and_o such_o as_o afford_v little_a or_o no_o evidence_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n but_o in_o those_o who_o have_v make_v any_o considerable_a progress_n in_o goodness_n the_o habit_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n and_o the_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o even_o the_o single_a act_n of_o more_o heinous_a crime_n will_v bring_v in_o question_n our_o sincerity_n and_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v shelter_v under_o the_o name_n of_o infirmity_n for_o these_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o subdue_v and_o he_o be_v not_o sincere_o good_a who_o do_v not_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v and_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o all_o the_o purpose_n though_o not_o of_o a_o perfect_a yet_o of_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 5._o another_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v that_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a equal_o respect_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o it_o do_v not_o content_v itself_o with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o some_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n though_o never_o so_o
considerable_a and_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o breach_n or_o neglect_v of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o observe_v the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o overlook_v the_o other_o no_o nor_o with_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n one_o only_o except_v st._n james_n put_v this_o case_n and_o determine_v that_o he_o that_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n at_o odds_o and_o dash_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n against_o one_o another_o lest_z as_o st._n james_n say_v we_o break_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o i_o fear_v this_o be_v too_o common_a a_o fault_n even_o among_o those_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o obligation_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o respect_n our_o carriage_n and_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o man_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v law_n to_o we_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o we_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_a design_n that_o we_o shall_v honour_v he_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o one_o another_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o join_v with_o our_o humble_a and_o dutiful_a deportment_n towards_o himself_o the_o office_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o other_o mich._n 6._o 8._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 require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a that_o many_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n be_v very_o defective_a in_o moral_a duty_n very_o unpeaceable_a and_o turbulent_a in_o their_o spirit_n very_o peevish_a and_o passionate_a very_a conceit_a and_o censorious_a as_o if_o their_o profession_n of_o godliness_n do_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o care_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n but_o we_o must_v not_o so_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o heaven_n as_o to_o forget_v that_o we_o walk_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o order_n of_o our_o step_n and_o conversation_n among_o man_n lest_o while_o we_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n we_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n of_o gross_a and_o foul_a immorality_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o man_n may_v be_v devout_a and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n very_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o because_o of_o their_o palpable_a defect_n in_o point_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n may_v be_v gross_a and_o odious_a hypocrite_n for_o man_n must_v not_o think_v for_o some_o act_n either_o of_o outward_a or_o inward_a piety_n to_o compound_v with_o god_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n or_o to_o demand_v it_o as_o a_o right_n from_o man_n to_o be_v excuse_v from_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o humane_a conversation_n or_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o they_o because_o they_o relate_v chief_o to_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o temporal_a happiness_n of_o man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o great_a devotion_n to_o give_v a_o licence_n to_o man_n to_o be_v peevish_a and_o froward_a sour_a and_o morose_n supercilious_a and_o censorious_a in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o other_o man_n must_v have_v a_o great_a care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o intent_n upon_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o inward_a and_o real_a goodness_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o neglect_v and_o lose_v the_o main_a end_n of_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o place_v all_o religion_n in_o fast_v and_o outward_a mortification_n for_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o their_o place_n if_o they_o be_v discreet_o manage_v and_o make_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o man_n have_v so_o unequal_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o fast_v and_o corporal_a severity_n those_o meager_a and_o lean_a duty_n of_o piety_n in_o comparison_n do_v like_o pharaoh_n lean_a cow_n devour_v and_o eat_v up_o almost_o all_o the_o goodly_a and_o well-favoured_a the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o therefore_o man_n must_v take_v great_a heed_n lest_o whilst_o they_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o mortify_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o mortify_v virtue_n and_o good_a nature_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n thing_n high_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o and_o amiable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v not_o only_o a_o mighty_a scandal_n to_o religion_n but_o of_o pernicious_a consequence_n many_o other_o way_n a_o fierce_a and_o ill_o govern_v a_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v necessary_o as_o they_o think_v to_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n have_v make_v many_o man_n do_v many_o unreasonable_a immoral_a and_o impious_a thing_n of_o which_o history_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o zealot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v too_o many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n among_o ourselves_o for_o man_n that_o be_v not_o sober_a and_o considerate_a in_o their_o religion_n but_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o blind_a prejudice_n and_o furious_a zeal_n do_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o strong_o fancy_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n hence_o some_o have_v proceed_v to_o that_o height_n of_o absurdity_n in_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n and_o church_n as_o to_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o commendable_a and_o meritorious_a to_o equivocate_v upon_o oath_n and_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v piety_n in_o some_o case_n to_o lie_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o kill_v man_n for_o god_n sake_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v approve_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o evidence_n to_o ourselves_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n we_o ought_v impartial_o to_o regard_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o with_o god_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o sincerity_n in_o scripture_n be_v often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n because_o it_o be_v integrate_v and_o make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 6._o the_o last_o evidence_n i_o shall_v mention_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v if_o it_o hold_v out_o against_o persecution_n and_o endure_v the_o fiery_a trial_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o bear_v the_o cross_n to_o be_v willing_a then_o to_o expose_v all_o our_o worldly_a interest_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o trial_n which_o god_n do_v not_o always_o call_v his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o but_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o mind_n this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o great_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n into_o good_a ground_n and_o be_v well_o root_v in_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v not_o shake_v by_o these_o fierce_a assault_n for_o many_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o have_v not_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o persecution_n or_o tribulation_n arise_v because_o of_o
not_o stagger_v so_o as_o to_o call_v this_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o question_n second_o the_o grievous_a scandal_n that_o may_v seem_v almost_o unavoidable_o to_o follow_v upon_o it_o be_v another_o great_a objection_n against_o it_o the_o report_n of_o such_o a_o action_n will_v in_o all_o appearance_n blemish_v the_o reputation_n even_o of_o so_o good_a a_o man_n among_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n who_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v to_o censure_v he_o as_o a_o wicked_a and_o unnatural_a man._n and_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v put_v to_o sacrifice_n at_o once_o two_o of_o the_o dear_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n his_o reputation_n and_o his_o son_n nor_o can_v he_o have_v easy_o defend_v himself_o from_o this_o imputation_n by_o allege_v a_o express_a revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o for_o who_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o a_o revelation_n to_o another_o man_n be_v nothing_o to_o i_o unless_o i_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v such_o a_o revelation_n which_o i_o can_v be_v but_o either_o by_o another_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o by_o some_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o the_o act_n have_v a_o appearance_n of_o so_o much_o horror_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v command_v it_o and_o if_o every_o man_n confident_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n be_v admit_v the_o worst_a action_n may_v plead_v this_o in_o their_o excuse_n so_o that_o this_o pretence_n will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v his_o fault_n that_o it_o must_v rather_o have_v be_v esteem_v a_o high_a aggravation_n of_o it_o by_o add_v the_o bold_a impiety_n to_o the_o most_o barbarous_a inhumanity_n but_o abraham_n be_v not_o stumble_v at_o this_o nor_o at_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o religion_n will_v make_v of_o such_o a_o occasion_n who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v here_o be_v your_o excellent_a good_a man_n and_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o god_n who_o be_v so_o cruel_a a_o enemy_n to_o his_o own_o son_n all_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o may_v consider_v but_o it_o do_v not_o move_v he_o be_v resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o wisdom_n to_o provide_v against_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o it_o three_o the_o strong_a objection_n of_o all_o be_v the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o clash_v with_o former_a revelation_n and_o to_o make_v void_a the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v before_o make_v to_o abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v which_o promise_n be_v express_o limit_v to_o isaac_n and_o his_o posterity_n who_o have_v then_o no_o son_n and_o of_o this_o difficulty_n the_o apostle_n take_v express_a notice_n in_o the_o text_n that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o they_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v and_o this_o objection_n be_v real_o so_o strong_a that_o if_o abraham_n can_v not_o have_v give_v himself_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o he_o may_v just_o have_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n for_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o entertain_v two_o contradictory_n revelation_n as_o from_o god_n but_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n question_v one_o or_o both_o of_o they_o but_o so_o strong_a be_v abraham_n faith_n as_o not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o these_o two_o revelation_n ii_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o constancy_n of_o his_o resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n notwithstanding_o the_o harshness_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o abraham_n be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o this_o command_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n be_v real_o from_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o bring_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o so_o difficult_a a_o case_n and_o out_o of_o mere_a reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n to_o divest_v himself_o of_o his_o nature_n and_o to_o thwart_v the_o strong_a inclination_n of_o it_o a_o man_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o confer_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o such_o a_o case_n let_v but_o any_o man_n that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o father_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o his_o heart_n and_o consider_v his_o own_o bowel_n and_o he_o will_v be_v astonish_v at_o abraham_n obedience_n as_o well_o as_o his_o faith_n to_o take_v his_o son_n his_o only_a son_n his_o son_n who_o he_o love_v and_o in_o who_o he_o place_v all_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o happy_a posterity_n and_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o all_o his_o hope_n together_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strong_a faith_n that_o will_v engage_v a_o man_n to_o obedience_n in_o so_o difficult_a a_o instance_n there_o be_v one_o circumstance_n more_o especial_o which_o render_v abraham_n obedience_n very_o remarkable_a the_o deliberateness_n of_o the_o action_n it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o if_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v receive_v this_o command_n from_o god_n he_o have_v upon_o a_o sudden_a impulse_n and_o transport_v of_o zeal_n do_v this_o but_o that_o his_o obedience_n may_v be_v the_o more_o glorious_a and_o have_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o advantage_n give_v to_o it_o god_n will_v have_v it_o do_v deliberate_o and_o upon_o full_a consideration_n and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v he_o go_v to_o the_o mountain_n three_o day_n journey_n from_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v and_o there_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n it_o be_v in_o act_n of_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n as_o in_o act_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n the_o more_o deliberate_a the_o sin_n be_v and_o the_o more_o calm_a and_o sedate_v temper_v the_o man_n be_v in_o when_o he_o commit_v it_o the_o great_a be_v the_o fault_n whereas_o what_o be_v do_v by_o surprise_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o temptation_n or_o 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must_v be_v a_o strong_a faith_n indeed_o and_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n that_o can_v make_v he_o to_o hold_v out_o three_o day_n against_o the_o violent_a assault_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o charm_a presence_n of_o his_o son_n enough_o to_o melt_v his_o heart_n as_o often_o as_o he_o cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o he_o and_o yet_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o make_v he_o to_o stagger_v in_o his_o duty_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n he_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o miraculous_a act_n of_o obedience_n that_o ever_o be_v exact_v from_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o men._n iii_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o he_o be_v able_a
foundation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n will_v proceed_v and_o what_o testimony_n and_o proof_n she_o chief_o intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o doubt_n all_o man_n do_v see_v very_o plain_o to_o what_o purpose_n this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v of_o so_o large_a a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v admit_v how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o confirm_v and_o prove_v whatever_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o establish_v but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o another_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o the_o great_a author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v lay_v and_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o viz._n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o they_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o new_a part_n of_o this_o rule_n by_o the_o 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powerful_a it_o be_v frequent_o see_v that_o this_o have_v many_o time_n too_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o weak_a and_o foolish_a mind_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v down_o with_o the_o stream_n and_o to_o follow_v a_o multitude_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o more_o especial_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o great_a example_n and_o to_o bend_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o obsequiousness_n to_o their_o superior_n and_o better_n that_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o change_v their_o affection_n to_o person_n and_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v but_o even_o their_o judgement_n also_o and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o weight_a matter_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o mean_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o weak_a understanding_n which_o lean_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o and_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o low_a degree_n of_o servility_n that_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v stoop_v to_o and_o even_o beneath_o that_o of_o a_o slave_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n but_o i_o need_v not_o to_o urge_v this_o upon_o considerate_a person_n who_o know_v better_a how_o to_o value_v their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o god_n than_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o mere_o in_o compliance_n with_o fashion_n and_o example_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n so_o very_o plain_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o not_o be_v move_v in_o the_o least_o by_o the_o contrary_a example_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o brave_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n though_o all_o man_n shall_v forsake_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o run_v aside_o to_o other_o god_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v well_o resolve_v of_o peter_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o 2._o another_o sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o which_o be_v common_o more_o powerful_a than_o example_n be_v worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a bait_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o apt_a to_o work_v very_o strong_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o and_o upon_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o other_o some_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o necessity_n which_o many_o time_n make_v they_o do_v ugly_a and_o reproachful_a thing_n and_o like_o esau_n for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n to_o sell_v their_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n covetousness_n tempt_v other_o to_o be_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o give_v they_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a earthly_a advantage_n either_o for_o the_o increase_n or_o secure_v of_o their_o estate_n when_o they_o find_v that_o they_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n they_o will_v forsake_v the_o one_o and_o cleave_v to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o a_o frequent_a cause_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n a_o eager_a desire_n of_o riches_n and_o too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o they_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o but_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v or_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n this_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o draw_v off_o demas_n from_o his_o religion_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n ambition_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o proud_a and_o aspire_a mind_n and_o make_v many_o man_n false_a to_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o find_v it_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o preferment_n and_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a worldly_a advantage_n and_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a dignity_n the_o devil_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o force_n of_o this_o temptation_n when_o he_o set_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o reserve_v it_o for_o the_o last_o assault_n he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o say_v to_o he_o all_z this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o give_v he_o over_o in_o despair_n and_o leave_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dazzle_a temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n to_o be_v set_v over-against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o it_o to_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o quench_v this_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o put_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o render_v all_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o as_o the_o very_a
the_o reason_n which_o the_o learned_a man_n give_v why_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v then_o forbear_v those_o practice_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v too_o near_o to_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o lest_o the_o heathen_a shall_v have_v take_v occasion_n to_o have_v justify_v themselves_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v practise_v among_o christian_n and_o they_o can_v now_o be_v ignorant_a what_o scandal_n they_o give_v by_o these_o practice_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o how_o much_o they_o alienate_v they_o from_o christianity_n by_o this_o scandal_n nor_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v sensible_a upon_o how_o great_a disadvantage_n they_o be_v in_o defend_v these_o practice_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n and_o that_o by_o all_o their_o blind_a distinction_n with_o which_o they_o raise_v such_o a_o cloud_n and_o dust_n they_o can_v hardly_o make_v any_o plausible_a and_o tolerable_a defence_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o charge_n insomuch_o that_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o people_n from_o discern_v their_o gild_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o that_o shameful_a shift_n of_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o their_o common_a catechism_n and_o manual_n lest_o the_o people_n see_v so_o plain_a a_o law_n of_o god_n against_o so_o common_a a_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n shall_v upon_o that_o discovery_n have_v break_v off_o from_o they_o 5._o nor_o be_v our_o religion_n encumber_a with_o such_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o superstitious_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n as_o they_o infiinte_o be_v even_o beyond_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n to_o the_o great_a burden_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divert_v of_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n a_o devout_a pastor_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o little_a observance_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o time_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v his_o mind_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n 6._o our_o religion_n be_v evident_o more_o charitable_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o we_o have_v do_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o discharge_v and_o damp_n our_o charity_n towards_o they_o and_o charity_n as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a so_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o best_a mark_n and_o ornament_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o methinks_v the_o want_n of_o charity_n in_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o no_o man_n to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o its_o communion_n 7._o our_o religion_n do_v not_o clash_n and_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o the_o great_a moral_a duty_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n stand_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o fidelity_n mercy_n and_o truth_n we_o do_v not_o teach_v man_n to_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n nor_o to_o destroy_v and_o extirpate_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n or_o any_o other_o artificial_a way_n of_o falsehood_n be_v either_o teach_v or_o maintain_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n or_o by_o the_o casuist_n of_o our_o church_n 8._o our_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o humane_a society_n we_o neither_o exempt_v the_o clergy_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o absolve_v subject_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o from_o allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n both_o which_o point_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o stiff_o maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o by_o private_a doctor_n but_o by_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n 9_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n whereas_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n with_o which_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v plain_o calculate_v to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n the_o pope_n kingdom_n be_v plain_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n of_o it_o like_v so_o many_o servant_n be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o for_o most_o of_o they_o do_v plain_o tend_v either_o to_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o authority_n or_o to_o the_o magnify_v of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a power_n over_o the_o conscienees_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v plain_o tend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o exempt_n the_o clergy_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o priest_n a_o great_a man_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v make_v god_n as_o they_o love_v to_o express_v it_o without_o all_o reason_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o like_a tendency_n be_v the_o communicate_v of_o the_o laity_n only_o in_o one_o kind_n thereby_o make_v it_o the_o sole_a privilege_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o the_o withhold_a the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o their_o teacher_n these_o do_v all_o direct_o tend_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o teacher_n so_o likewise_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o the_o save_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o doctrine_n the_o people_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n but_o above_o all_o their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a and_o private_a confession_n of_o all_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v and_o forgive_v by_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o fault_n scire_fw-la volunt_fw-la secreta_fw-la domus_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la timeri_fw-la or_o else_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n and_o the_o enrich_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n and_o their_o prayer_n and_o mass_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o more_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n plain_o do_v 10._o our_o religion_n be_v free_a from_o all_o disingenuous_a and_o dishonest_a art_n of_o maintain_v and_o support_v itself_o such_o be_v clip_v of_o ancient_a author_n nay_o and_o even_o the_o author_n and_o writer_n of_o their_o own_o church_n when_o they_o speak_v too_o free_o of_o any_o point_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o indices_fw-la expurgatorii_n which_o much_o against_o their_o will_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v these_o three_o gross_a forgery_n which_o lie_v all_o at_o their_o door_n and_o they_o can_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o 1._o the_o pretend_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o african_a church_n upon_o which_o they_o insist_v a_o great_a while_n very_o confident_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n 2._o constantine_n donation_n to_o the_o pope_n which_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n with_o till_o the_o forgery_n of_o it_o
another_o world_n yet_o according_a to_o a_o right_a estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o those_o who_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n this_o which_o we_o call_v self-denial_n be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n but_o a_o more_o commendable_a sort_n of_o self-love_n because_o we_o do_v herein_o most_o effectual_o consult_v and_o secure_a and_o advance_v our_o own_o happiness_n 4._o and_o last_o since_o god_n have_v be_v please_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n to_o excuse_v we_o from_o this_o hard_a part_n of_o self-denial_n let_v we_o not_o grudge_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o lesser_a matter_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n to_o miss_v a_o good_a place_n or_o to_o quit_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n much_o less_o let_v we_o think_v much_o to_o renounce_v our_o vice_n and_o to_o thwart_v our_o evil_a inclination_n for_o his_o sake_n as_o naaman_n servant_n say_v to_o he_o concern_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o his_o cure_n if_o he_o have_v bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a so_o since_o god_n impose_v no_o hard_a term_n upon_o we_o than_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v glad_o and_o thankful_o submit_v to_o they_o this_o i_o know_v be_v difficult_a to_o some_o to_o mortify_v their_o earthly_a member_n to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n of_o it_o it_o be_v like_a cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n some_o be_v so_o strong_o addict_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o vice_n that_o they_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n despise_v life_n in_o many_o case_n than_o thus_o deny_v themselves_o but_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o self-denial_n in_o it_o than_o a_o man_n deny_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v mortal_o sick_a and_o wound_a in_o be_v content_a to_o be_v cure_a and_o willing_a to_o be_v well_o this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o our_o temporal_a prejudice_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o it_o direct_o conduce_v to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o can_v light_o receive_v any_o prejudice_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n since_o god_n do_v not_o call_v we_o to_o suffer_v we_o shall_v do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o he_o since_o he_o do_v not_o put_v we_o to_o testify_v our_o love_n to_o he_o by_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o he_o we_o shall_v show_v it_o by_o a_o great_a care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n god_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v the_o first_o christian_n with_o great_a suffering_n and_o to_o try_v their_o love_n and_o constancy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n by_o severity_n and_o contempt_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n by_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n by_o the_o extremity_n of_o torment_n and_o by_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n by_o be_v kill_v for_o his_o sake_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o appoint_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v their_o way_n to_o heaven_n very_o sharp_a and_o painful_a and_o to_o hedge_v it_o in_o as_o it_o be_v with_o thorn_n on_o every_o side_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o through_o many_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thus_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n and_o resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o this_o duty_n if_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a at_o any_o time_n of_o our_o life_n to_o call_v we_o to_o it_o but_o if_o he_o be_v please_v to_o excuse_v we_o from_o it_o and_o to_o let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o we_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n since_o we_o have_v so_o good_a a_o pattern_n for_o it_o there_o will_v be_v another_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o which_o will_v take_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o be_v to_o serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n before_o the_o family_n nou._n 1._o 1686._o heb._n xi_o 13._o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n whereby_o good_a man_n be_v act_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v support_v under_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n verse_n 38._o now_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o chapter_n he_o make_v it_o his_o main_a business_n to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o at_o large_a the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o first_o tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n he_o mean_v viz._n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n not_o present_a and_o visible_a to_o sense_n but_o invisible_a and_o future_a ver._n 1._o now_o faith_n say_v he_o be_v the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v faith_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v invisible_a to_o sense_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o as_o the_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v by_o particular_a and_o famous_a instance_n that_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o and_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o abel_n and_o enoch_n and_o noah_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n joseph_n and_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o famous_a hero_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n and_o please_v god_n and_o do_v all_o those_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n and_o self-denial_n which_o be_v record_v of_o they_o they_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o they_o dread_v his_o threaten_n and_o rely_v upon_o his_o promise_n of_o future_a and_o invisible_a good_a thing_n they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o live_v to_o see_v they_o actual_o fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v all_o these_o say_v he_o speak_v of_o those_o eminent_a saint_n which_o he_o have_v instance_a in_o before_o all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o this_o be_v speak_v with_o a_o more_o particular_a regard_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o who_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o conquest_n and_o possession_n of_o a_o fruitful_a land_n be_v make_v and_o of_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n among_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o messiah_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v these_o promise_v they_o do_v not_o live_v to_o see_v accomplish_v and_o make_v good_a in_o their_o day_n but_o they_o hearty_o believe_v they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v embrace_v they_o in_o their_o arm_n and_o be_v put_v into_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o they_o and_o they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n this_o say_v and_o acknowledgement_n more_o particular_o and_o immediate_o refer_v to_o those_o say_n of_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n and_o jacob_n which_o we_o find_v record_v gen._n 23._o 4._o where_o abraham_n say_v to_o the_o son_n of_o heth_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o sojourner_n with_o you_o and_o gen._n 47._o 9_o where_o jacob_n say_v to_o pharaoh_n the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n be_v a_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n few_o and_o evil_n have_v the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n of_o my_o life_n be_v these_o good_a man_n be_v stranger_n and_o sojourner_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v they_o afterward_o they_o dwell_v in_o it_o themselves_o as_o stranger_n but_o