the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o prophet_n who_o god_n himself_o speak_v of_o so_o long_o before_o to_o moses_n say_v deut._n xviii_o 18._o i_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o thou_o and_o will_v put_v my_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o all_o that_o i_o command_v he_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n i_o will_v require_v it_o s._n peter_n explain_v act_n three_o 23._o where_n cite_v this_o prophecy_n he_o tell_v we_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n that_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o people_n if_o therefore_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n only_o as_o that_o prophet_n yet_o this_o alone_a give_v sufficient_a authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o his_o precept_n and_o he_o may_v just_o pronounce_v pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n only_o as_o a_o prophet_n it_o be_v true_a he_o be_v a_o prophet_n mighty_a in_o deed_n and_o in_o word_n but_o he_o be_v withal_o much_o more_o than_o a_o prophet_n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o the_o 2._o heb._n i._n 1_o 2._o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n now_o if_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ambassador_n add_v any_o weight_n or_o authority_n to_o the_o message_n he_o deliver_v then_o sure_o by_o how_o much_o great_a the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v than_o those_o other_o prophet_n and_o minister_n who_o god_n in_o former_a age_n send_v forth_o to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n so_o much_o more_o inexcusable_a must_v those_o man_n be_v who_o reject_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o inference_n s_o paul_n make_v heb._n two_o 1._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v its_o due_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o these_o consideration_n may_v seem_v too_o remote_a as_o have_v equal_a influence_n upon_o all_o other_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v observe_v 3._o that_o our_o saviour_n authority_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a force_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o love_a enemy_n because_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a example_n of_o unbounded_a goodness_n and_o love_n to_o those_o who_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o he_o give_v we_o that_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n require_v nothing_o more_o of_o we_o than_o what_o he_o practise_v towards_o ourselves_o in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n and_o can_v we_o then_o be_v unwilling_a for_o his_o sake_n to_o imitate_v his_o practice_n towards_o our_o fellow-creature_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n before_o god_n and_o become_v enemy_n to_o he_o through_o wicked_a work_n and_o liable_a to_o most_o severe_a vengeance_n than_o it_o please_v the_o father_n out_o of_o his_o most_o tender_a compassion_n and_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o send_v his_o son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n to_o proclaim_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o they_o who_o will_v repent_v and_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o will_v believe_v and_o obey_v that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o shall_v teach_v then_o it_o please_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o habitation_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o last_o to_o suffer_v a_o accurse_a ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o insupportable_a vengeance_n which_o be_v the_o wage_n of_o they_o and_o can_v we_o think_v of_o so_o great_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o boundless_a a_o compassion_n and_o mighty_a love_n without_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o most_o fervent_a affection_n of_o soul_n to_o render_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n sure_o no_o obedience_n on_o our_o part_n can_v be_v too_o great_a a_o testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o love_n to_o he_o by_o who_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n we_o be_v so_o deep_o oblige_v now_o the_o duty_n of_o love_a enemy_n be_v not_o only_o recommend_v to_o our_o practice_n by_o our_o saviour_n authority_n and_o example_n but_o be_v further_o enjoin_v as_o a_o particular_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o as_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o charity_n wherein_o they_o shall_v exceed_v other_o man_n s._n luke_n vi_fw-la 32._o if_o you_o love_v they_o which_o love_v you_o what_o thank_v have_v you_o for_o sinner_n also_o love_v those_o that_o love_v they_o and_o if_o you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o which_o do_v good_a for_o you_o what_o thank_v have_v you_o for_o sinner_n also_o do_v even_o the_o same_o and_o if_o you_o lend_v to_o they_o of_o who_o you_o hope_v to_o receive_v what_o thank_v have_v you_o for_o sinner_n also_o lend_v to_o sinner_n to_o receive_v as_o much_o again_o but_o love_v you_o your_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a hope_v for_o nothing_o again_o so_o then_o by_o our_o saviour_n argument_n when_o we_o do_v good_a to_o friend_n only_o we_o do_v but_o as_o other_o man_n and_o mind_n only_o our_o interest_n but_o if_o our_o charity_n extend_v to_o enemy_n this_o be_v pure_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n then_o be_v we_o proper_o call_v his_o disciple_n to_o conclude_v therefore_o this_o argument_n if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sufficient_o make_v know_v to_o we_o have_v any_o force_n to_o oblige_v our_o practice_n if_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v prevail_v with_o we_o if_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o goodness_n and_o love_n towards_o ourselves_o can_v deserve_v any_o suitable_a return_n from_o we_o than_o our_o saviour_n may_v and_o do_v upon_o all_o these_o account_n challenge_v your_o obedience_n to_o this_o precept_n of_o love_a enemy_n as_o the_o peculiar_a instance_n of_o your_o duty_n to_o he_o as_o the_o best_a imitation_n of_o his_o charity_n and_o true_a testimony_n of_o your_o love_n and_o gratitude_n thus_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n he_o be_v one_o who_o by_o the_o just_a authority_n and_o great_a obligation_n claim_v obedience_n to_o this_o precept_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n 2._o beside_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n if_o we_o consider_v further_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o it_o will_v appear_v much_o more_o unreasonable_a we_o shall_v disobey_v he_o for_o however_o uneasy_a this_o may_v seem_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n if_o we_o take_v our_o measure_n aright_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n that_o do_v more_o conduce_v to_o the_o quiet_a contentment_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o true_a dignity_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n 1._o if_o we_o consult_v only_o our_o present_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o only_a will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n oblige_v we_o to_o pass_v by_o many_o injury_n and_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o courteous_a towards_o our_o brethren_n though_o they_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o we_o and_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a those_o passion_n be_v which_o incline_v to_o revenge_v anger_n and_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o jealousy_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a attendant_n of_o the_o revengeful_a man_n do_v raise_v such_o boisterous_a tempest_n such_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o can_v consist_v with_o true_a peace_n and_o serenity_n so_o that_o to_o give_v way_n to_o they_o and_o cherish_v they_o in_o their_o beginning_n be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o
and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n now_o the_o hate_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n can_v then_o only_o be_v our_o duty_n when_o the_o love_n of_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n for_o otherwise_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o case_n which_o very_o seldom_o happen_v the_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n therefore_o and_o deny_v ourselves_o which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o christian_n must_v be_v interpret_v of_o lay_v aside_o our_o irregular_a lust_n and_o desire_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o interpretation_n call_v crucify_a the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n and_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n nay_o possible_o if_o it_o be_v not_o beside_o my_o present_a design_n it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o be_o speak_v the_o mortify_n and_o subdue_a our_o fleshly_a appetite_n the_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n and_o from_o the_o darling_n sin_n we_o have_v delight_v in_o may_v be_v a_o great_a trial_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o desire_n to_o please_v he_o than_o even_o the_o lay_n down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o man_n can_v be_v prodigal_a of_o life_n and_o die_v with_o great_a bravery_n and_o resolution_n when_o they_o will_v think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a and_o laborious_a employment_n to_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o mortification_n and_o to_o wean_v themselves_o from_o some_o long_a accustom_a pleasure_n and_o temptation_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o particular_a lust_n and_o desire_n which_o by_o the_o force_n of_o this_o exhortation_n we_o be_v to_o forsake_v and_o lay_v aside_o the_o variety_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_a according_a to_o the_o several_a way_n of_o live_a man_n be_v engage_v in_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o temper_n and_o constitution_n and_o other_o outward_a circumstance_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o general_a rule_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o the_o text_n suggest_v to_o we_o 1._o that_o our_o care_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v universal_a and_o impartial_a that_o according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n we_o lie_v aside_o every_o weight_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o abstain_v from_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a habit_n of_o sin_n if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o wilful_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o other_o though_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o to_o say_v true_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n nor_o as_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a man_n who_o he_o may_v observe_v in_o his_o neighbourhood_n that_o be_v worse_a than_o himself_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n he_o may_v cherish_v in_o his_o bosom_n other_o darling_n lust_n and_o habitual_a practice_n which_o may_v exclude_v he_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o his_o caution_n and_o abstinence_n in_o other_o thing_n for_o alas_o a_o man_n may_v abstain_v from_o many_o kind_n of_o temptation_n which_o other_o be_v betray_v by_o and_o yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o great_a virtue_n in_o so_o do_v for_o not_o only_a virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o even_o several_a vice_n themselves_o be_v at_o enmity_n with_o and_o mutual_o destroy_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o a_o covetous_a man_n that_o he_o abstain_v from_o profuseness_n and_o luxury_n nor_o be_v it_o praiseworthy_a in_o the_o prodigal_a that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o set_v upon_o riches_n if_o the_o hypocrite_n give_v alm_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n if_o the_o ambitious_a man_n be_v courteous_a and_o affable_a though_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o proper_a matter_n of_o virtue_n yet_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o from_o any_o principle_n of_o obedience_n or_o love_n to_o god_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n we_o owe_v he_o nor_o will_v they_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o nay_o certain_o he_o that_o abstain_v from_o some_o kind_n of_o vice_n only_o to_o indulge_v himself_o in_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a be_v so_o far_o from_o lay_v aside_o those_o weight_n which_o hinder_v he_o in_o his_o christian_a course_n that_o he_o rather_o load_v himself_o the_o heavy_a and_o be_v still_o more_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n and_o indeed_o so_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v impartial_a in_o this_o affair_n that_o we_o shall_v lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n that_o unless_o our_o diligence_n extend_v thus_o far_o any_o single_a habit_n of_o evil_n that_o we_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o be_v sufficient_a to_o defeat_v we_o of_o our_o victory_n and_o to_o bereave_v we_o of_o our_o crown_n and_o triumph_n because_o in_o god_n account_n he_o who_o wilful_o harbour_v in_o his_o bosom_n any_o one_o habitual_a lust_n which_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o forego_v for_o god_n sake_n be_v as_o guilty_a as_o though_o he_o break_v all_o his_o law_n so_o s._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 2._o v._n 10._o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n because_o the_o same_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o all_o his_o law_n and_o be_v therefore_o equal_a contemn_v in_o the_o wilful_a breach_n of_o one_o as_o of_o all_o or_o any_o for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v and_o certain_o he_o who_o pick_v and_o choose_v the_o sin_n he_o will_v forbear_v and_o what_o not_o be_v determine_v in_o his_o choice_n not_o by_o any_o respect_n he_o bear_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o inclination_n for_o if_o he_o abstain_v from_o any_o one_o sin_n out_o of_o pure_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o god_n do_v forbid_v it_o this_o reason_n will_v equal_o hold_v against_o all_o kind_n of_o transgression_n because_o they_o be_v all_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v we_o have_v a_o reason_n to_o forbear_v one_o more_o than_o other_o again_o further_o unless_o our_o care_n in_o this_o business_n be_v universal_a and_o impartial_a to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n to_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o affection_n and_o desire_n that_o may_v hinder_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v not_o entire_o at_o our_o own_o dispose_n and_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o a_o fit_a capacity_n to_o render_v to_o god_n that_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o which_o he_o expect_v from_o we_o he_o who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o endue_v our_o soul_n with_o so_o many_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o ability_n may_v just_o expect_v and_o require_v of_o we_o that_o they_o be_v entire_o devote_v to_o his_o service_n and_o he_o have_v according_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v accept_v no_o less_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 and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n but_o this_o can_v be_v do_v while_o we_o cherish_v in_o our_o bosom_n any_o inordinate_a desire_n any_o lust_n or_o passion_n which_o claim_v a_o interest_n in_o our_o affection_n a_o share_n in_o our_o service_n mat._n vj._n 24._o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n what_o be_v there_o particular_o say_v of_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n be_v as_o true_a of_o any_o other_o habitual_a inclination_n to_o evil_n which_o we_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o if_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n neither_o can_v we_o serve_v god_n and_o our_o lust_n we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o our_o ambition_n we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n 2._o beside_o this_o universal_a care_n express_v here_o by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n we_o have_v here_o in_o the_o text_n another_o rule_n of_o direction_n suggest_v to_o we_o which_o may_v render_v we_o yet_o
the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o this_o he_o perform_v partly_o by_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v concern_v he_o and_o by_o accomplish_v what_o be_v fore-shewn_a by_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n partly_o by_o his_o divine_a discourse_n and_o sermon_n give_v new_a life_n and_o authority_n to_o those_o rule_n of_o good_a live_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o moses_n add_v to_o and_o improve_n they_o where_o they_o be_v defective_a and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a sense_n and_o purity_n where_o they_o be_v either_o obscure_o deliver_v or_o by_o the_o misinterpretation_n of_o their_o doctor_n be_v general_o misunderstand_v and_o this_o he_o do_v suitable_o to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o those_o command_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o moses_n law_n some_o whereof_o consist_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremonial_a observance_n which_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o be_v upon_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o thing_n present_o to_o have_v a_o end_n other_o contain_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n now_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n a_o people_n infinite_o prone_a to_o superstition_n be_v very_o nice_a and_o curious_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o outward_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n even_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o mercy_n which_o they_o ought_v chief_o to_o have_v do_v though_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v the_o blame_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o lay_v upon_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o then_o be_v the_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o in_o truth_n the_o great_a corrupter_n of_o it_o by_o lay_v the_o chief_a stress_n upon_o the_o outward_a and_o less_o material_a circumstance_n and_o evacuate_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o by_o too_o nice_a and_o narrow_a interpretation_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n at_o the_o 20._o v._n he_o forewarn_v his_o hearer_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ignorant_a in_o what_o particular_n they_o ought_v to_o exceed_v what_o the_o pharisee_n teach_v in_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o sermon_n he_o give_v they_o several_a instance_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n partly_o by_o its_o own_o obscurity_n partly_o by_o their_o misinterpretation_n be_v general_o misunderstand_v among_o other_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v not_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v none_o to_o which_o they_o be_v great_a stranger_n than_o this_o in_o the_o text_n of_o love_a enemy_n they_o have_v receive_v levit._n nineteeen_o 18._o this_o precept_n thou_o shall_v not_o avenge_v nor_o bear_v any_o grudge_n against_o the_o child_n of_o thy_o people_n but_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o now_o the_o jew_n understand_v the_o word_n neighbour_n only_o of_o the_o child_n of_o their_o people_n of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o tribe_n and_o country_n of_o man_n that_o keep_v mutual_a correspondence_n and_o agreement_n with_o they_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o as_o for_o other_o man_n who_o be_v stranger_n and_o alien_n to_o they_o they_o be_v at_o full_a liberty_n to_o exercise_v what_o revenge_n they_o please_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o this_o latter_a clause_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n be_v a_o additional_a interpretation_n no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o law_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a precept_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n explication_n of_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o far_o show_v the_o connexion_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o set_v before_o you_o 1._o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v 2._o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o duty_n love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n love_n be_v of_o a_o very_a large_a signification_n and_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v general_o use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n thus_o our_o saviour_n use_v it_o in_o the_o summary_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v the_o lawyer_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o 37._o matth._n 22._o 37._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 be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o on_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n by_o which_o use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n include_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o one_o man_n can_v owe_v to_o another_o and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o apply_v to_o enemy_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o former_a verse_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n alter_v not_o the_o comprehensive_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n only_o enlarge_v the_o object_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o whereas_o they_o have_v be_v before_o teach_v to_o confine_v their_o love_n that_o be_v the_o several_a office_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n only_o to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o be_v as_o they_o understand_v it_o only_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o countryman_n they_o shall_v now_o extend_v the_o same_o office_n to_o enemy_n likewise_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o stranger_n and_o alien_n but_o to_o those_o also_o that_o profess_a hatred_n to_o they_o and_o do_v they_o injury_n this_o he_o prescribe_v first_o general_o by_o the_o name_n of_o love_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n and_o then_o leave_v they_o shall_v make_v too_o narrow_a a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n he_o further_o explain_v it_o by_o the_o most_o oblige_a instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o their_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o large_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o office_n which_o be_v peculiar_o due_a to_o our_o enemy_n as_o such_o over_z and_o above_o what_o can_v be_v due_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o those_o be_v refer_v usual_o to_o these_o three_o general_a head_n 1._o that_o we_o do_v not_o return_v those_o evil_n upon_o our_o enemy_n which_o he_o have_v do_v we_o 2._o that_o we_o forgive_v he_o from_o our_o heart_n 3._o that_o we_o recompense_v good_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o assistance_n 1._o if_o we_o be_v command_v to_o love_v our_o enemy_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o we_o be_v hereby_o forbid_v all_o practice_n towards_o he_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o must_v forbear_v all_o act_n of_o revenge_n and_o hostility_n towards_o he_o all_o recompense_v evil_a for_o evil_n this_o branch_n of_o our_o duty_n our_o saviour_n particular_o teach_v at_o the_o 38_o 39_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n but_o i_o say_v
mind_n or_o conscience_n as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o heathen_n or_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n or_o last_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o among_o ourselves_o be_v who_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o near_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o suppose_v we_o a_o man_n already_o instruct_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n in_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o practice_n desirous_a of_o further_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o live_v up_o to_o those_o principle_n he_o be_v already_o instruct_v in_o resolve_v also_o to_o submit_v obedient_o to_o whatsoever_o else_o upon_o his_o further_a enquiry_n he_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n such_o a_o man_n thus_o prepare_v by_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v belong_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o success_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o this_o preparation_n and_o here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v brief_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v before_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v therefore_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o universal_o as_o though_o no_o man_n who_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o kind_n of_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v contradict_v by_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n for_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o suppose_v that_o among_o most_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n in_o religion_n who_o maintain_v great_a controversy_n with_o one_o another_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v some_o person_n true_o devout_a and_o sincere_a on_o both_o side_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n true_o religious_a shall_v not_o err_v at_o all_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v lead_v into_o such_o error_n as_o be_v dangerous_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o salvation_n and_o indeed_o the_o promise_n in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o so_o general_a term_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o require_v any_o large_a interpretation_n than_o this_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o now_o beliver_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v extend_v beyond_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o he_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n 2._o he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v also_o concern_v those_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n these_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o undoubted_a effect_n of_o a_o religious_a frame_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a to_o all_o who_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n and_o this_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o natural_a influence_n that_o a_o religious_a temper_n of_o mind_n have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o divine_a truth_n 2._o the_o peculiar_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v a_o true_o religious_a man_n to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o former_a and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n have_v a_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n to_o clear_v its_o discern_a faculty_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o particular_a duty_n which_o be_v of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a immediate_a influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o consideration_n of_o which_o it_o will_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o these_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n the_o duty_n i_o shall_v particular_o insist_v on_o be_v these_o 1._o simplicity_n of_o mind_n without_o prejudice_n 2._o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n 3._o humility_n 4._o calmness_n of_o temper_n 5._o prayer_n to_o god_n these_o be_v all_o duty_n of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v presume_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o unwilling_a to_o practice_v they_o if_o he_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 1._o he_o that_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o this_o intention_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n not_o bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n such_o a_o one_o will_v consider_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o petty_a reason_n that_o a_o strong_a imagination_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n article_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o no_o preconceive_a opinion_n which_o he_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v aside_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o distort_v and_o wrest_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o sense_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o former_o have_v but_o will_v ready_o yield_v up_o all_o his_o former_a notion_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o be_v natural_o oblige_v to_o this_o simplicity_n of_o judgement_n in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n be_v evident_a because_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o dispute_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o challenge_v from_o our_o adversary_n as_o our_o undoubted_a right_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v without_o prejudice_n and_o therefore_o we_o also_o ought_v to_o bring_v with_o we_o to_o a_o religious_a debate_n the_o same_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n which_o we_o expect_v from_o other_o and_o indeed_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n be_v high_o necessary_a and_o very_o advantageous_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n for_o certain_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n be_v very_o great_a to_o darken_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o mould_v they_o into_o such_o apprehension_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o party_n and_o prepossess_v with_o the_o distinguish_a opinion_n of_o their_o sect_n easy_o find_v way_n to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o analogy_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o their_o darling_n notion_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n in_o the_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o we_o must_v call_v in_o question_n all_o kind_n of_o preconception_n we_o have_v have_v concern_v religious_a matter_n some_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o religion_n of_o so_o great_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v he_o such_o be_v those_o preconception_n we_o have_v concern_v the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a just_a powerful_a faithful_a
appetite_n which_o every_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n be_v in_o themselves_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o be_v design_v by_o he_o for_o good_a end_n and_o we_o may_v lawful_o gratify_v they_o so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o our_o prudence_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a bound_n how_o far_o we_o may_v lawful_o indulge_v the_o low_a faculty_n and_o to_o restthere_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n which_o shall_v prefide_v over_o they_o once_o let_v go_v the_o reins_o by_o which_o she_o shall_v govern_v and_o restrain_v they_o they_o easy_o get_v the_o mastery_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o their_o just_a measure_n without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n now_o the_o regulate_v these_o desire_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n recommend_v to_o we_o s._n matt._n v._n 8._o as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n which_o blessing_n though_o it_o principal_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o blissful_a sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o have_v it_o part_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n in_o this_o life_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n be_v the_o best_a qualify_v to_o judge_v of_o those_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o contrary_a vice_n tend_v to_o the_o debauch_v the_o understanding_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o fume_n of_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n be_v very_o pernicious_a to_o our_o rational_a power_n they_o make_v man_n dull_a and_o of_o no_o understanding_n even_o in_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o life_n and_o then_o sure_o if_o they_o make_v man_n unfit_a for_o worldly_a business_n they_o will_v render_v they_o infinite_o more_o uncapable_a of_o religious_a inquiry_n a_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o his_o impure_a desire_n will_v not_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n to_o inquire_v serious_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o satisfaction_n he_o be_v afraid_a he_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o something_o that_o will_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v his_o thought_n awaken_v his_o conscience_n and_o put_v a_o check_n to_o his_o career_n of_o pleasure_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o can_v find_v pretence_n to_o defer_v his_o enquiry_n he_o will_n but_o then_o suppose_v a_o man_n of_o this_o temper_n shall_v for_o once_o undertake_v to_o peruse_v the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o love_n of_o these_o sensual_a delight_n he_o will_v find_v out_o many_o argument_n to_o defend_v himself_o withal_o many_o art_n and_o evasion_n to_o justify_v or_o at_o least_o to_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v his_o practice_n and_o then_o withal_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o will_v not_o have_v a_o due_a relish_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v nor_o of_o the_o reward_v it_o promise_n they_o be_v of_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o kind_n so_o vast_o different_a from_o what_o he_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o so_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n ij_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v to_o this_o purity_n of_o heart_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o may_v be_v reduce_v a_o generous_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n a_o freedom_n from_o all_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a desire_n for_o he_o that_o have_v his_o heart_n set_v upon_o riches_n or_o upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o gallantry_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o any_o capacity_n of_o receive_v or_o understand_v the_o gospel_n these_o two_o vice_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n have_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v note_v for_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o young_a man_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n go_v away_o sorrowful_a because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v a_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n without_o relinquish_a his_o large_a possession_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o demus_n apostasy_n from_o the_o religion_n he_o once_o embrace_v because_o he_o love_v the_o present_a world_n diotrephes_n be_v note_v by_o s._n john_n for_o his_o ambition_n for_o he_o withstand_v the_o apostle_n love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n s._n paul_n also_o put_v these_o two_o cause_n together_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n as_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n vj._n 3._o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v any_o man_n of_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o interest_n or_o ambitious_a desire_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o understand_v that_o this_o duty_n of_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o consist_v in_o regulate_v our_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a affection_n high_o conduce_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n because_o it_o take_v away_o those_o dangerous_a cause_n of_o error_n and_o apostasy_n 3._o a_o three_o branch_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o as_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o all_o enquirer_n after_o divine_a truth_n be_v humility_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o divine_a impression_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o property_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n 1._o he_o that_o be_v true_o humble_a and_o sensible_a of_o his_o many_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v all_o mystery_n he_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o his_o finite_a and_o narrow_a faculty_n he_o know_v that_o no_o reason_v of_o we_o can_v give_v we_o so_o true_a a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o man_n as_o god_n himself_o can_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v with_o all_o reverence_n submit_v his_o understanding_n to_o those_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o provide_v they_o be_v there_o plain_o deliver_v he_o will_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o his_o belief_n of_o they_o by_o any_o of_o those_o imperfect_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n may_v endeavour_v to_o shake_v his_o faith_n 2._o a_o true_o humble_a man_n will_v not_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o pray_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v much_o less_o will_v he_o be_v positive_a and_o dogmatical_a concern_v they_o this_o virtue_n of_o humility_n will_v lead_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o and_o such_o controvert_v doctrine_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o they_o will_v have_v be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n with_o the_o same_o plainness_n as_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n be_v he_o will_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o have_v interpret_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o he_o think_v convenient_a and_o therefore_o where_o god_n have_v not_o use_v this_o plainess_n he_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a check_n to_o his_o curiosity_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n deut._n xxix_o 29._o the_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o 3._o a_o humble_a man_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o learn_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v instruct_v he_o will_v easy_o believe_v that_o some_o other_o man_n may_v have_v better_a ability_n to_o understand_v and_o judge_v of_o truth_n than_o himself_o especial_o he_o will_v have_v a_o great_a deference_n and_o regard_n to_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n who_o be_v set_v over_o he_o for_o his_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n he_o will_v consider_v that_o these_o man_n be_v commission_v by_o god_n and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a
spirit_n to_o continue_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v it_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o govern_v every_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o he_o god_n himself_o have_v a_o singular_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o good_a man_n as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n cxlvij_o ii_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v condescend_v to_o dwell_v and_o inhabit_v with_o such_o person_n which_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v understand_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a near_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o succour_v they_o in_o whatsoever_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o john_n fourteen_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o a_o guest_n they_o can_v want_v any_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o conclude_v then_o what_o remain_v now_o but_o if_o we_o desire_v knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o this_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v viz._n with_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o true_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v he_o that_o seek_v in_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o serm._n iu._n heb._n xij_o 1._o wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o those_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n who_o live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v be_v a_o inference_n from_o their_o example_n that_o we_o also_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o endure_a affliction_n may_v from_o thence_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o like_a vigour_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o christian_a profession_n so_o that_o the_o word_n contain_v these_o two_o thing_n worthy_a our_o consideration_n a_o exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exhortation_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o to_o represent_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a under_o the_o similitude_n of_o such_o other_o employment_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o require_v the_o most_o exact_a care_n and_o vigilance_n in_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o sometime_o we_o be_v compare_v to_o soldier_n who_o must_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o guard_n sometime_o to_o traveller_n and_o pilgrim_n who_o have_v a_o long_a and_o hazardous_a journey_n to_o make_v sometime_o to_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o public_a game_n now_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o employment_n do_v all_o presuppose_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o do_v propose_v to_o themselves_o some_o great_a and_o considerable_a end_n some_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v pass_v through_o great_a industry_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a profession_n we_o have_v a_o glorious_a prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v set_v before_o we_o we_o have_v a_o exceed_o great_a reward_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n and_o just_a rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o bestow_v on_o such_o as_o overcome_v but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v this_o reward_n and_o crown_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n than_o that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o as_o man_n who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n manful_o and_o courageous_o who_o have_v strive_v lawful_o and_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o text_n be_v take_v from_o those_o trial_n of_o skill_n those_o public_a exercise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n now_o for_o those_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v if_o they_o hope_v to_o gain_v the_o victory_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v express_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o they_o must_v free_v themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a burden_n from_o all_o their_o loose_a garment_n which_o may_v clog_v or_o entangle_v they_o in_o their_o way_n they_o must_v lay_v away_o every_o weight_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o course_n they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o 3._o they_o must_v continue_v their_o vigour_n and_o courage_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o run_v with_o patience_n that_o be_v with_o perseverance_n and_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apply_v these_o several_a circumstance_n to_o our_o christian_a duty_n and_o i_o shall_v consider_v each_o of_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o what_o be_v here_o metaphorical_o express_v by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o s._n paul_n elsewhere_o teach_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n and_o call_v the_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o which_o s._n john_n call_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o so_o many_o clog_n and_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o dull_a and_o unactive_a and_o divert_v it_o from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o lay_v aside_o these_o encumbrance_n the_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o these_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o nay_o of_o our_o life_n itself_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o preparation_n for_o our_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o that_o without_o so_o do_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v christ_n disciple_n mat._n xuj_o 24._o jesus_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o s._n mat._n x._o 38._o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o now_o that_o the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o desire_n be_v most_o general_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o deny_v ourselves_o i_o conceive_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o it_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n not_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v persecution_n but_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christian_n must_v in_o their_o proportion_n deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v universal_a not_o limit_v to_o any_o time_n or_o place_n or_o other_o circumstance_n but_o equal_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n luke_n fourteen_o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o