a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o from_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o arise_v a_o full_a obligation_n to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n our_o propensity_n to_o wickedness_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n that_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o other_o motive_n beside_o these_o in_o order_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o effect_n upon_o we_o we_o know_v we_o be_v sinner_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v our_o continuance_n in_o sin_n by_o pretend_v that_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n we_o know_v our_o best_a action_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o question_v whether_o god_n will_v accept_v what_o we_o can_v do_v and_o make_v that_o a_o pretence_n of_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o we_o may_v we_o know_v our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o shall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n deliver_v ourselves_o from_o all_o care_n of_o please_a god_n under_o colour_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perform_v it_o by_o humane_a endeavour_n we_o know_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n be_v present_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n better_o if_o we_o shall_v forego_v they_o when_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n require_v it_o it_o have_v please_v therefore_o the_o alwise_a and_o all-good_a god_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o sinner_n to_o remove_v all_o these_o hindrance_n and_o by_o revelation_n to_o supply_v all_o these_o defect_n and_o satisfy_v we_o concern_v all_o these_o doubt_n viz._n by_o add_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n these_o follow_a 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to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_n or_o subvert_v of_o those_o doubt_n which_o will_v hinder_v man_n from_o the_o care_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n notwithstanding_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v this_o man_n lie_v under_o a_o very_a powerful_a obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o worship_n and_o virtue_n and_o if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o motive_n be_v not_o subvert_v by_o other_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o care_n to_o please_v god_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o man_n who_o believe_v thus_o much_o shall_v indeed_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o man_n be_v through_o the_o sad_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n extreme_o averse_a from_o that_o which_o 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and_o strengthen_v by_o such_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o will_v whole_o remove_v all_o those_o pretence_n which_o will_v be_v allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o a_o ungodly_a vicious_a life_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o other_o displease_v to_o he_o that_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v become_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a because_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o without_o which_o it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o his_o advantage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o future_a clear_v it_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v a_o hater_n of_o sin_n but_o whether_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o freewill_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v necessary_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n almighty_a god_n have_v by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n i._n e._n one_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o may_v further_o be_v allege_v that_o though_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v he_o all_o his_o past_a sin_n upon_o his_o return_n to_o obedience_n yet_o he_o be_v ignorant_a what_o degree_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v please_v for_o the_o future_a a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n he_o know_v no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o arrive_v unto_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o whether_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v consider_v all_o our_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o can_v know_v unless_o he_o be_v please_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o will_v almighty_a god_n have_v therefore_o by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o a_o good_a life_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o consider_v the_o great_a temptatation_n we_o be_v beset_v withal_o the_o natural_a aversation_n in_o we_o to_o good_a and_o propensity_n to_o evil_n the_o bad_a example_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o custom_n the_o prevelancy_n of_o passion_n the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a questionable_a whether_o humane_a endeavour_n can_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n which_o may_v just_o be_v call_v sincerity_n in_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o righteousness_n be_v impossible_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n without_o which_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o there_o be_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o the_o belief_n that_o he_o will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o repentance_n and_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v but_o weak_a motive_n to_o those_o endeavour_n almighty_a god_n therefore_o to_o encourage_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o temptatation_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o manner_n and_o measure_n proportionable_a to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o
he_o make_v and_o still_o preserve_v and_o more_o particular_o that_o he_o govern_v mankind_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n by_o prescribe_v moral_a law_n to_o he_o and_o expect_v obedience_n from_o he_o that_o he_o see_v and_z takes_z notice_n of_o all_o our_o action_n that_o he_o observe_v all_o that_o we_o do_v and_o all_o that_o we_o suffer_v and_o superintend_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o be_v clear_a by_o natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o upon_o several_a ground_n i_o shall_v instance_n but_o in_o one_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o make_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v regard_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o afterward_o i._n e_fw-la to_o be_v a_o creator_n and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o creation_n more_o particular_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o create_v such_o a_o be_v as_o man_n who_o faculty_n teach_v he_o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o honour_v his_o creator_n and_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o and_o then_o not_o to_o regard_v whether_o he_o be_v honour_v by_o his_o creature_n or_o no_o and_o to_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o chance_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o himself_o but_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o their_o serviceableness_n and_o usefulness_n to_o man_n that_o god_n do_v still_o govern_v the_o material_a world_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o his_o providence_n over_o they_o and_o that_o he_o mind_n and_o regard_v they_o now_o without_o the_o belief_n hereof_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o if_o he_o mind_v not_o our_o action_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v fear_v to_o offend_v he_o or_o take_v any_o care_n to_o please_v he_o or_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v persuade_v to_o worship_n god_n if_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o god_n regard_v his_o worship_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v pretend_v why_o he_o shall_v pray_v unto_o he_o unless_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n hear_v his_o prayer_n what_o consolation_n can_v he_o have_v under_o any_o distress_n what_o trust_n can_v he_o place_v upon_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n if_o he_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o human_a affair_n and_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o calamity_n of_o man_n and_o govern_v nothing_o by_o his_o providence_n in_o brief_a it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o whatsoever_o obligation_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n arise_v from_o the_o belief_n that_o there_o a_o god_n suppose_v also_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o god_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o action_n 3._o it_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o man_n believe_v that_o with_o some_o thing_n god_n be_v please_v and_o that_o with_o other_o he_o be_v offend_v i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v alter_v and_o take_v away_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o good_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v evil_a and_o some_o thing_n so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v good_a and_o if_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n such_o must_v be_v our_o persuasion_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_a for_o if_o justice_n be_v a_o indispensible_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n then_o be_v there_o a_o eternal_a relation_n between_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o fidelity_n and_o truth_n shall_v ever_o cease_v to_o be_v fit_v lovely_a and_o beautiful_a thing_n if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o nature_n than_o the_o relation_n between_o compassion_n and_o a_o indigent_a creature_n be_v eternal_a and_o charity_n and_o mercy_n be_v thing_n immutable_o good_a and_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o virtue_n it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o they_o be_v the_o imitation_n that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a than_o god_n can_v cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o disposition_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o they_o be_v immutable_o evil_a it_o can_v never_o be_v good_a to_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a to_o oppress_v the_o weak_a to_o be_v cruel_a and_o implacable_a to_o be_v sink_v into_o sensuality_n or_o worldliness_n no_o power_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n no_o will_n no_o authority_n can_v make_v it_o ever_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o most_o comely_a fit_v due_a thing_n for_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n to_o praise_v his_o god_n to_o honour_v he_o in_o all_o his_o perfection_n to_o love_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o trust_v in_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n to_o reverence_v his_o great_a and_o holy_a majesty_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o rectitude_n and_o duty_n hereof_o can_v be_v alter_v any_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o mathematical_a proposition_n upon_o this_o belief_n depend_v the_o persuasion_n that_o worship_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o the_o contrary_n displease_v to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v immutable_o good_a and_o love_n that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a this_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v that_o also_o which_o be_v wrought_v into_o our_o very_a nature_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o want_v a_o revelation_n be_v yet_o subject_a to_o this_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v terrify_v and_o punish_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o evil_n when_o they_o transgress_v that_o law_n cherish_v and_o reward_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o good_a when_o they_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v this_o sense_n that_o give_v they_o courage_n and_o assurance_n when_o they_o do_v well_o and_o that_o touch_v their_o guilty_a mind_n with_o remorse_n and_o make_v they_o tremble_v when_o they_o do_v ill_a i_o will_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n in_o sin_n to_o blot_v out_o these_o apprehension_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o let_v a_o man_n conscience_n be_v sear_v never_o so_o incurable_o though_o he_o have_v no_o inward_a sense_n to_o inform_v he_o perpetual_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n yet_o that_o difference_n be_v demonstrable_a to_o he_o from_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o irrefragable_a way_n of_o prove_v it_o against_o the_o most_o harden_a sinner_n but_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n hereof_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o please_a of_o god_n for_o what_o though_o a_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_n of_o which_o god_n be_v please_v he_o will_v never_o take_v care_n to_o please_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_v whereof_o god_n be_v displease_v he_o can_v never_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n he_o can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o make_v or_o observe_v any_o such_o difference_n in_o his_o action_n unless_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o practice_n virtue_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o rewardable_a by_o he_o nothing_o can_v effectual_o oblige_v he_o thereunto_o unless_o he_o believe_v the_o contrary_a to_o be_v evil_a displease_v and_o punishable_a no_o religious_a belief_n whatsoever_o can_v deter_v he_o from_o it_o so_o that_o to_o believe_v this_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n between_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o wherewith_o he_o be_v displease_v be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a and_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v
do_v at_o last_o confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o they_o say_v far_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n leave_v to_o that_o freedom_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o will_n to_o become_v regenerate_v but_o than_o what_o comfort_n do_v this_o persuasion_n leave_v why_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o regeneration_n and_o holiness_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o almighty_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o that_o whereby_o god_n will_v at_o last_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o i_o confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o become_v a_o good_a man_n this_o way_n because_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o refuse_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o promise_n of_o such_o grace_n nay_o what_o if_o it_o have_v unless_o i_o know_v how_o to_o obtain_v it_o or_o that_o i_o be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o can_v not_o miss_v it_o what_o if_o i_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n and_o what_o if_o all_o this_o will_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o if_o i_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o be_v this_o the_o rest_n that_o jesus_n have_v promise_v we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o try_v another_o expedient_a what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o severe_a fast_n and_o penance_n will_v the_o punish_n of_o my_o body_n satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n this_o i_o think_v will_v almost_o do_v the_o business_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pain_n to_o deny_v a_o crave_v lust_n to_o stop_v a_o grow_a passion_n and_o to_o resist_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o wicked_a pleasure_n or_o unjust_a gain_n or_o desire_a revenge_n than_o to_o go_v through_o a_o reasonable_a course_n of_o outward_a mortification_n but_o can_v these_o thing_n compensate_a for_o the_o omission_n of_o necessary_a duty_n or_o satisfy_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n when_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a law_n god_n refuse_v hard_a thing_n than_o these_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n no_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n bodily_a austerity_n no_o doubt_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o profitable_a for_o our_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o express_v a_o just_a indignation_n at_o ourselves_o for_o have_v sin_v when_o to_o break_v the_o wicked_a custom_n they_o be_v impose_v as_o penalty_n and_o revenge_n to_o be_v inflict_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o wicked_a action_n when_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a trouble_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o sin_v and_o use_v to_o starve_v and_o mortify_v the_o evil_a appetite_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v the_o body_n in_o subjection_n but_o if_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v profitable_a unto_o godliness_n and_o help_v to_o make_v the_o soul_n the_o better_a we_o be_v still_o drive_v back_o to_o that_o hard_a point_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o that_o without_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a life_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n pardon_n i_o shall_v try_v but_o one_o refuge_n more_o which_o indeed_o give_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o relief_n and_o that_o be_v what_o comfort_n may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v his_o church_n when_o he_o say_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v now_o this_o assure_v i_o that_o when_o the_o church_n receive_v i_o by_o baptism_n into_o her_o communion_n she_o give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o she_o deprive_v i_o of_o it_o by_o excommunication_n she_o can_v by_o absolution_n restore_v i_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n nor_o lose_v it_o by_o contempt_n of_o her_o censure_n but_o then_o i_o doubt_v the_o church_n can_v forgive_v sin_n more_o effectual_o than_o god_n do_v who_o be_v thus_o represent_v to_o forgive_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o forgive_v his_o servant_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n he_o forgive_v he_o indeed_o and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o debt_n afterward_o upon_o his_o unmercifulness_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o church_n can_v do_v more_o than_o god_n do_v who_o himself_o require_v condition_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o give_v to_o man_n the_o power_n of_o dispense_n absolute_a pardon_n unless_o we_o can_v think_v that_o to_o ratify_v the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o disannul_v his_o own_o and_o because_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o all_o who_o sin_n be_v either_o remit_v or_o retain_v in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o the_o time_n not_o be_v yet_o come_v for_o a_o exact_a separation_n for_o these_o reason_n all_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n do_v then_o only_o ensure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o key_n do_v not_o err_v but_o what_o if_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o the_o key_n do_v err_v and_o that_o whilst_o i_o do_v not_o forfeit_v the_o church_n peace_n by_o scandalous_a crime_n i_o do_v yet_o depart_v from_o god_n by_o hide_a iniquity_n can_v the_o err_a key_n open_a to_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o everlasting_a life_n i_o will_v fain_o believe_v that_o the_o bring_n of_o these_o secret_a sin_n to_o light_n and_o purpose_v to_o offend_v no_o more_o will_v help_v at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v make_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n but_o o_o bless_a jesus_n how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o thy_o most_o holy_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o confess_v sin_n and_o to_o purpose_n against_o it_o instead_o of_o a_o rule_n oblige_v i_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o we_o leave_v that_o one_o path_n of_o obedience_n we_o may_v try_v a_o thousand_o byway_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v corrupt_v will_v send_v we_o back_o again_o to_o that_o plain_a truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n which_o like_o the_o flame_a sword_n that_o turn_v every_o way_n keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n against_o all_o ungodly_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n if_o therefore_o that_o rest_n which_o our_o lord_n promise_v be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o must_v find_v it_o in_o that_o way_n if_o we_o find_v it_o at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v for_o better_a success_n here_o than_o we_o have_v yet_o have_v let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o exactness_n of_o rule_n and_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o obedience_n must_v needs_o make_v we_o uneasy_a under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christianity_n or_o rather_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o mitigate_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o its_o law_n without_o make_v any_o of_o they_o void_a now_o the_o first_o mitigation_n i_o shall_v consider_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v room_n for_o repentance_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o which_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o when_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n st._n paul_n command_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o overmuch_a sorrow_n and_o sure_o as_o god_n forgive_v those_o open_a scandal_n for_o which_o the_o penitent_a be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o upon_o repentance_n he_o will_v forgive_v those_o secret_a offence_n too_o which_o can_v make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o church-communion_n if_o
after_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n upon_o new_a obedience_n it_o will_v indeed_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v so_o perfect_a a_o law_n under_o so_o bad_a a_o penalty_n for_o then_o if_o a_o temptation_n shall_v once_o prevail_v we_o be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v i_o say_v if_o we_o have_v violate_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n heretofore_o we_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a case_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o do_v the_o like_a again_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o we_o though_o we_o have_v heinous_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n yet_o we_o may_v with_o good_a comfort_n repair_v our_o past_a neglect_n by_o future_a diligence_n be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o do_v god_n will_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o our_o former_a sin_n so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o a_o snare_n nor_o make_v perfect_a that_o occasion_n may_v be_v take_v against_o we_o but_o that_o we_o at_o length_n may_v be_v perfect_a too_o and_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o accept_v repentance_n that_o grace_n which_o give_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n some_o good_a hope_n if_o they_o will_v lay_v hold_n upon_o it_o in_o time_n and_o without_o which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v have_v no_o hope_n at_o all_o 2._o the_o utmost_a perfection_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v not_o expect_v but_o upon_o a_o gradual_a improvement_n and_o such_o improvement_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n grievous_a it_o be_v intolerable_o hard_a indeed_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v under_o penalty_n of_o damnation_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n all_o at_o once_o which_o burden_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o who_o leave_v all_o to_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n if_o it_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o good_a account_n to_o grow_v better_a to_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o our_o high_a call_n to_o die_v unto_o sin_n daily_o and_o live_v unto_o righteousness_n but_o why_o be_v god_n patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o why_o do_v he_o allow_v we_o one_o year_n after_o another_o but_o that_o we_o may_v recover_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v we_o as_o we_o repent_v and_o to_o accept_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grow_v better_a and_o this_o be_v great_a grace_n to_o every_o man_n but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o he_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o can_v present_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o i._n e._n to_o do_v well_o universal_o for_o he_o may_v now_o begin_v his_o repentance_n well_o though_o he_o can_v yet_o complete_a it_o he_o may_v forbear_v the_o outward_a sin_n though_o he_o can_v yet_o repress_v the_o inordinacy_n of_o his_o desire_n he_o may_v avoid_v the_o temptation_n which_o he_o can_v resist_v he_o may_v pray_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o may_v attend_v to_o good_a exhortation_n and_o make_v good_a resolution_n and_o think_v of_o they_o afterward_o and_o desire_v the_o counsel_n and_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n he_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v all_o and_o by_o do_v those_o which_o at_o present_a be_v in_o his_o power_n he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o enable_v himself_o to_o do_v those_o which_o at_o present_a be_v not_o now_o that_o be_v no_o grievous_a task_n which_o will_v easy_o go_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o which_o we_o may_v therefore_o make_v easy_a by_o a_o early_a beginning_n and_o allow_v ourselves_o time_n for_o it_o 3._o as_o we_o grow_v more_o exact_a in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n so_o our_o uneasiness_n under_o it_o wear_v away_o and_o at_o length_n it_o end_v in_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a delight_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o self-denial_n and_o the_o resist_n of_o temptation_n will_v at_o first_o be_v painful_a especial_o to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v use_v to_o live_v without_o rule_n and_o restraint_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o colour_n for_o complaint_n if_o this_o will_v always_o last_v but_o the_o more_o earnest_o we_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o first_o discouragement_n will_v vanish_v the_o fast_o but_o more_o particulary_a 1._o it_o be_v not_o so_o hard_a to_o begin_v well_o as_o our_o prejudice_n and_o want_n of_o experience_n represent_v it_o for_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o help_n of_o mighty_a argument_n such_o as_o can_v be_v equal_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o freewill_n especial_o when_o join_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n be_v there_o any_o difficulty_n in_o be_v concern_v for_o everlasting_a salvation_n in_o be_v afraid_a of_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o yet_o where_o this_o concern_n be_v it_o can_v be_v hard_o to_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o a_o new_a life_n it_o be_v not_o grievous_a to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v our_o creator_n and_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o grievous_a thing_n for_o his_o sake_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v for_o our_o own_o too_o to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n beside_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o to_o grapple_v with_o our_o unruly_a affection_n by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n upon_o motive_n and_o the_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a liberty_n but_o have_v moreover_o promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o blessing_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o be_v it_o hard_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o being_n the_o god_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o with_o earnest_a prayer_n at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n to_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v endue_v we_o with_o wisdom_n and_o patience_n and_o safe_o guide_v we_o through_o all_o the_o discouragement_n of_o this_o world_n the_o importunity_n of_o fleshly_a desire_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n till_o we_o find_v every_o good_a work_n habitual_a and_o delightful_a and_o this_o one_o thing_n viz._n fervent_a prayer_n make_v a_o wonderful_a alteration_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o bring_v a_o kind_n of_o new_a soul_n into_o a_o man_n again_o no_o soon_o be_v repentance_n well_o begin_v but_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n without_o his_o wont_a consternation_n he_o be_v no_o long_o in_o a_o strait_a between_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n justice_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o prevail_a love_n of_o his_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o nor_o constrain_v to_o put_v god_n out_o of_o all_o his_o thought_n or_o to_o be_v in_o pain_n under_o they_o final_o now_o that_o he_o have_v conquer_v his_o first_o aversion_n he_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o complete_a victory_n if_o he_o pursue_v his_o end_n which_o be_v a_o comfort_n that_o the_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o in_o their_o way_n how_o many_o be_v they_o that_o covet_v wealth_n and_o greatness_n with_o the_o same_o greediness_n labour_n for_o it_o with_o the_o same_o industry_n contrive_v for_o it_o with_o the_o same_o wit_n and_o wait_v for_o it_o with_o the_o same_o patience_n but_o this_o with_o very_o different_a success_n one_o of_o they_o thrive_v and_o another_o decay_v as_o fast_o and_o for_o one_o that_o come_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n perhaps_o ten_o find_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o care_n reward_v with_o nothing_o but_o experience_n of_o this_o world_n uncertainty_n nay_o in_o these_o thing_n chance_n be_v often_o see_v to_o do_v more_o than_o wisdom_n and_o the_o wary_a and_o diligent_a man_n be_v disappoint_v while_o the_o lazy_a and_o foolish_a prosper_v but_o whoever_o make_v it_o his_o design_n and_o business_n to_o be_v save_v and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o to_o be_v good_a who_o find_v it_o too_o hard_a for_o he_o these_o and_o many_o other_o argument_n and_o invitation_n a_o man_n shall_v meet_v with_o at_o his_o first_o set_v out_o to_o run_v the_o race_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n which_o wonderful_o break_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o undertake_n but_o 2._o when_o he_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o spirit_n and_o habit_n of_o obedience_n then_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n perfect_o make_v good_a to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o his_o soul_n then_o he_o can_v with_o full_a advantage_n compare_v that_o sweet_a freedom_n he_o enjoy_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n with_o that_o servitude_n in_o which_o he_o once_o be_v to_o inordinate_a desire_n to_o foolish_a hope_n and_o to_o those_o sour_a affection_n of_o malice_n envy_n and_o revengefulness_n which_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n what_o the_o stone_n and_o strangury_n
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good_a and_o all_o evil_n of_o life_n do_v themselves_o work_v for_o it_o by_o dispose_v we_o to_o these_o thing_n i.e._n to_o consideration_n and_o devotion_n to_o consider_v the_o sovereignty_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n our_o infinite_a concern_v in_o a_o better_a life_n more_o serious_o and_o close_o than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o all_o needful_a thing_n more_o affectionate_o and_o hearty_o now_o where_o such_o disposition_n as_o these_o be_v follow_v there_o all_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o worldly_a evil_n will_v grow_v plentiful_o which_o what_o they_o be_v come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a for_o ourselves_o and_o that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o use_v they_o aright_o and_o cherish_v those_o good_a inclination_n and_o disposition_n which_o they_o beget_v in_o our_o mind_n they_o will_v actual_o produce_v the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o good_a be_v for_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o what_o kind_n of_o good_a it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o kind_n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o evil_n and_o that_o god_n send_v the_o temporal_a evil_n to_o bring_v about_o a_o temporal_a good_a thus_o joseph_n who_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o man_n in_o egypt_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o granary_n of_o that_o part_n of_o
last_o he_o use_v much_o what_o the_o same_o variety_n of_o method_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v learn_v to_o fear_v before_o he_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v i_o conceive_v be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o with_o the_o circumstance_n our_o world_o condition_n in_o which_o he_o have_v set_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n since_o as_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o providence_n so_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o condition_n in_o both_o respect_n be_v very_o much_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o and_o we_o can_v be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n make_v our_o obedience_n hard_o to_o we_o but_o other_o have_v be_v in_o the_o like_a to_o forgive_v injury_n though_o they_o be_v great_a be_v no_o new_a burden_n for_o no_o man_n perhaps_o have_v live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a provocation_n to_o abstain_v from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n though_o our_o appetite_n prompt_v we_o never_o so_o violent_o to_o pursue_v they_o be_v no_o strange_a duty_n for_o those_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a passion_n and_o inclination_n that_o we_o have_v to_o live_v by_o rule_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o example_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o may_v seem_v unreasonable_a to_o a_o inconsiderate_a man_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o good_a man_n in_o almost_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v thy_o duty_n a_o new_a thing_n whatever_o it_o be_v nor_o the_o difficulty_n of_o performance_n new_a whatever_o that_o be_v still_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a let_v therefore_o no_o man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a if_o he_o have_v a_o good_a estate_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o die_v a_o beggar_n that_o he_o 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therefore_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v allow_v it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o we_o conclude_v true_o when_o we_o compare_v our_o own_o circumstance_n with_o other_o man_n and_o conclude_v to_o our_o own_o disadvantage_n as_o if_o god_n require_v easy_a thing_n of_o they_o than_o he_o do_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o wise_o do_v to_o begin_v with_o a_o inquiry_n which_o be_v almost_o certain_a to_o end_v in_o a_o false_a judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n to_o excuse_v a_o evil_a practice_n but_o then_o if_o it_o be_v allowable_a for_o man_n thus_o to_o argue_v in_o excuse_n for_o themselves_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o good_a a_o world_n as_o our_o father_n find_v it_o for_o my_o affair_n in_o it_o do_v not_o succeed_v so_o well_o as_o another_o man_n and_o my_o temptation_n be_v great_a than_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o excusable_a if_o i_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o piety_n and_o integrity_n of_o other_o if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v once_o allow_v how_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o please_v man_n and_o to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v say_v because_o of_o the_o perpetual_a false_a judgement_n we_o shall_v make_v in_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o other_o every_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o temptation_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o of_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o of_o his_o proper_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n will_v think_v providence_n have_v be_v partial_a against_o he_o and_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n press_v hard_a upon_o himself_o than_o upon_o any_o other_o person_n a_o poor_a man_n will_v think_v his_o rich_a neighbour_n have_v more_o time_n and_o great_a obligation_n to_o serve_v god_n than_o himself_o the_o wealthy_a man_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o poor_a man_n have_v more_o leisure_n for_o prayer_n and_o few_o temptation_n to_o earthly-mindedness_a than_o he_o have_v god_n will_v lose_v the_o thanks_o of_o every_o man_n that_o can_v fancy_v another_o more_o happy_a than_o himself_o and_o the_o duty_n and_o service_n of_o every_o man_n that_o can_v fancy_v his_o own_o temptation_n to_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o other_o man_n and_o because_o we_o feel_v our_o own_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o do_v but_o guess_v at_o other_o man_n by_o their_o outward_a appearance_n we_o shall_v run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o false_a judgement_n in_o compare_v they_o with_o one_o another_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o this_o wretched_a way_n of_o argue_v god_n have_v not_o only_o tie_v we_o up_o all_o strict_o to_o the_o same_o piety_n and_o duty_n but_o be_v please_v to_o let_v we_o know_v as_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v nothing_o new_a under_o the_o sun_n that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o present_a and_o 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and_o the_o like_a between_o thyself_o and_o those_o that_o live_v in_o this_o or_o that_o live_v in_o former_a age_n for_o thou_o be_v likely_a to_o make_v but_o a_o foolish_a judgement_n and_o will_v unavoidable_o run_v into_o great_a mistake_n in_o make_v the_o comparison_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thy_o sin_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n nor_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o last_o and_o terrible_a day_n but_o do_v thou_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v impartial_a and_o to_o have_v temper_v the_o season_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o person_n with_o a_o wise_a equality_n with_o a_o unerring_a judgement_n and_o do_v thou_o give_v up_o thyself_o to_o follow_v and_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o though_o his_o judgement_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o yet_o thou_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o his_o way_n towards_o thyself_o be_v 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wrong_n if_o it_o do_v but_o bless_v i_o with_o a_o quiet_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o a_o steady_a government_n of_o my_o passion_n with_o meekness_n and_o easiness_n to_o forgive_v with_o the_o sweet_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n which_o when_o all_o be_v do_v be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o serene_a enjoyment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o this_o now_o these_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o good_a man_n have_v build_v their_o resolution_n and_o their_o practice_n of_o virtue_n for_o they_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n not_o because_o they_o expect_v the_o riches_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o justice_n not_o that_o they_o think_v their_o virtue_n will_v be_v a_o fence_n about_o all_o they_o have_v to_o secure_v their_o good_n from_o rapine_n their_o name_n from_o reproach_n their_o person_n from_o affront_v and_o injury_n and_o this_o course_n of_o life_n from_o common_a or_o uncommon_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n they_o do_v not_o hope_v to_o make_v a_o gainful_a traffic_n with_o heaven_n by_o their_o prayer_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v often_o blessed_v good_a man_n with_o strange_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o be_v not_o their_o end_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will._n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o wrought_v righteousness_n i._n e._n they_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v because_o they_o expect_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o though_o not_o always_o with_o the_o idolised_a pleasure_n and_o greatness_n no_o not_o always_o with_o the_o ease_n and_o quiet_a of_o this_o life_n yet_o without_o fail_n with_o those_o pure_a and_o 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indeed_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o that_o mistake_n that_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a power_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o where_o truth_n be_v profess_v without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o doctrinal_a error_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v still_o too_o much_o room_n leave_v for_o this_o practical_a error_n of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o whilst_o some_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o sin_n by_o error_n do_v not_o other_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v overlook_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o opposition_n to_o those_o error_n and_o the_o profess_v and_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o a_o necessity_n of_o actual_a reformation_n in_o order_n to_o god_n pardon_n and_o 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reason_n of_o expect_v his_o reward_n without_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o charity_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o confession_n of_o his_o name_n with_o prayer_n and_o thansgiving_n and_o other_o holy_a office_n of_o religion_n that_o by_o these_o thing_n man_n may_v give_v he_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o hear_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o work_n applaud_v by_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v perform_v they_o have_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o his_o thanks_o and_o favour_n but_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o have_v but_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o who_o perhaps_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o our_o own_o praise_n and_o love_n to_o be_v flatter_v into_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o if_o we_o believe_v worthy_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v say_v that_o because_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a therefore_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o we_o to_o be_v confess_v and_o adore_v not_o that_o he_o need_v we_o or_o be_v take_v with_o our_o commendation_n of_o he_o but_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o equitable_a that_o we_o shall_v thus_o worship_v he_o and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n also_o of_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o action_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o what_o god_n be_v and_o of_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v mistake_v if_o we_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o keep_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n or_o that_o some_o great_a interest_n of_o he_o be_v serve_v when_o religion_n get_v ground_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o there_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o to_o speak_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o celebrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o greatness_n as_o if_o he_o be_v like_o some_o one_o of_o those_o great_a man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v flatterer_n enough_o and_o can_v make_v other_o seem_v to_o honour_v they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n be_v very_o well_o please_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o ostentation_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n it_o be_v indeed_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o honour_v he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n with_o all_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n and_o humble_a reverence_n and_o we_o be_v most_o inexcusable_a and_o wretched_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o but_o the_o end_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o turn_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o far_o as_o this_o design_n take_v so_o far_o he_o approve_v of_o we_o otherwise_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v from_o he_o even_o that_o sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 4._o the_o conceit_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o unpromise_v mercy_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v one_o ingredient_n into_o the_o presumption_n oâ—_n those_o man_n that_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v so_o undeniable_o plain_a that_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n can_v have_v no_o ease_n under_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o god_n will_v or_o may_v at_o least_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o threaten_a and_o accept_v of_o less_o perhaps_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n of_o less_o i_o say_v than_o he_o have_v require_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o prevent_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v for_o all_o that_o to_o conclude_v let_v we_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v question_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o that_o can_v say_v i_o be_v by_o my_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n thus_o and_o thus_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o