and_o design_v to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n upon_o promise_n make_v by_o surety_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o and_o that_o infant_n be_v right_o so_o admit_v to_o this_o ordinance_n beside_o the_o almost_o general_a consent_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v use_v but_o this_o one_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v those_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v infant_n to_o be_v mar._n 10._o 14_o and_o 15._o be_v certain_o qualify_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o qualification_n which_o fit_a man_n for_o both_o be_v repentance_n and_o faith_n now_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o repentance_n yet_o they_o have_v 59_o innocence_n which_o be_v better_o than_o repentance_n and_o which_o make_v they_o that_o they_o need_v it_o not_o for_o if_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n be_v yet_o by_o their_o repentance_n qualify_v for_o baptism_n how_o much_o more_o be_v infant_n who_o have_v never_o sin_v fit_v for_o it_o by_o their_o innocence_n and_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o and_o can_v have_v actual_a faith_n yet_o they_o be_v 14._o sanctify_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n they_o be_v already_o in_o some_o sense_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o be_v ready_a without_o prejudice_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o 3._o infant_n therefore_o be_v right_o admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o privilege_n appropriate_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o well_o a_o promise_v make_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n baptize_v of_o certain_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o one_o on_o god_n part_n of_o certain_a grace_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v confer_v and_o because_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v any_o promise_n immediate_o by_o themselves_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v certain_a surety_n who_o shall_v promise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n what_o itself_o shall_v afterward_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o see_v it_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n 1_o that_o therefore_o which_o the_o surety_n undertake_v for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o their_o belief_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v mind_v in_o convenient_a time_n to_o make_v a_o public_a declaration_n of_o its_o be_v hearty_a in_o this_o belief_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o renew_a engagement_n to_o continue_v constant_a in_o this_o practice_n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n etc._n etc._n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o fit_a season_n be_v bring_v to_o declare_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n its_o firmness_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o command_n 2._o this_o be_v what_o the_o godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n promise_n for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n this_o they_o promise_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o undertake_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o a_o light_a thing_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o promise_n solemn_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o whoever_o consider_v the_o matter_n serious_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o duty_n of_o great_a importance_n or_o any_o promise_n of_o more_o solemn_a obligation_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o duty_n more_o general_o and_o more_o shameful_o neglect_v nor_o any_o promise_n more_o light_o regard_v 3._o if_o a_o man_n be_v make_v guardian_n to_o the_o son_n of_o a_o decease_a friend_n and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o education_n how_o just_o do_v we_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o have_v he_o instruct_v in_o all_o that_o necessary_a knowledge_n on_o which_o depend_v the_o management_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v zealous_a to_o have_v he_o further_o endue_v with_o all_o those_o useful_a accomplishment_n which_o may_v become_v his_o quality_n and_o recommend_v he_o in_o the_o world_n but_o above_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v spare_v no_o pain_n to_o secure_v to_o he_o his_o estate_n and_o to_o improve_v his_o fortune_n and_o do_v we_o not_o look_v upon_o that_o man_n as_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o unfaithful_a of_o man_n who_o have_v such_o a_o charge_n commit_v unto_o he_o shall_v whole_o neglect_v all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n yet_o how_o much_o a_o great_a trust_n do_v he_o betray_v who_o have_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o child_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n by_o god_n and_o the_o church_n neglect_v whole_o to_o have_v it_o teach_v those_o necessary_a truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o which_o consist_v its_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o take_v no_o care_n at_o all_o to_o secure_v to_o it_o that_o portion_n which_o god_n have_v design_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o who_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a babe_n perhaps_o mere_o for_o want_v of_o good_a advice_n and_o instruction_n begin_v to_o be_v overrun_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o in_o time_n must_v drown_v it_o in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n do_v yet_o show_v no_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o it_o what_o great_a uncharitableness_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n or_o what_o great_a mockery_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a the_o education_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o whole_o commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o those_o who_o be_v its_o surety_n in_o baptism_n but_o first_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o parent_n themselves_o but_o undoubted_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v assistant_n and_o if_o the_o parent_n either_o through_o wickedness_n neglect_v to_o instruct_v it_o or_o by_o death_n be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o the_o surety_n must_v look_v upon_o this_o care_n as_o chief_o devolve_v upon_o they_o and_o of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n 4._o in_o what_o station_n soever_o god_n appoint_v any_o man_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n either_o to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a or_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a if_o he_o neglect_v his_o duty_n and_o his_o brother_n perish_v through_o his_o default_n the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o perish_v will_v be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n ezek_n 3â—_n 8._o when_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o wicked_a o_o wicked_a man_n thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o way_n that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a child_n be_v commit_v particular_o to_o the_o care_n of_o any_o person_n if_o through_o his_o neglect_n it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o perish_v shall_v its_o blood_n be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n with_o what_o confusion_n and_o amazement_n shall_v we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n hear_v those_o who_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o our_o charge_n accuse_v we_o for_o have_v
be_v through_o carelessness_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v astonish_v and_o cut_v to_o the_o heart_n to_o hear_v they_o curse_v we_o and_o say_v have_v those_o who_o shall_v have_v instruct_v we_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o willing_a to_o have_v learn_v it_o we_o have_v never_o come_v into_o this_o miserable_a condition_n and_o how_o will_v it_o double_v the_o torment_n even_o of_o hell_n itself_o to_o have_v the_o punishment_n not_o only_o of_o our_o own_o sin_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v undo_v by_o our_o neglect_n inflict_v upon_o we_o 5._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o slight_a and_o trivial_a matter_n to_o be_v surety_n for_o child_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o their_o name_n at_o the_o font_n but_o we_o be_v bind_v afterward_o to_o perform_v conscientious_o what_o we_o there_o solemn_o promise_v for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n as_o a_o duty_n wherein_o their_o soul_n and_o our_o own_o and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v high_o concern_v tertullian_n think_v it_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o use_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o baptismo_fw-la the_o surety_n be_v there_o oblige_v to_o promise_n what_o they_o be_v not_o sure_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o perform_v and_o what_o if_o they_o do_v live_v they_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o persuade_v the_o baptize_v person_n to_o take_v upon_o himself_o he_o never_o once_o think_v that_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n may_v be_v wilful_o betray_v or_o so_o solemn_a a_o promise_n careless_o neglect_v which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o much_o strong_a objection_n what_o will_v he_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o this_o great_a charge_n without_o ever_o design_v to_o think_v more_o of_o it_o 6._o let_v those_o man_n consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o promise_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n what_o they_o never_o design_v to_o think_v upon_o after_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o answer_v ready_o for_o a_o child_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o great_a distance_n they_o have_v no_o probability_n of_o ever_o see_v more_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o when_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o a_o child_n deliver_v it_o immediate_o to_o its_o parent_n as_o if_o they_o be_v by_o that_o mockery_n release_v from_o their_o promise_n and_o god_n delude_v as_o easy_o as_o man_n last_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o testify_v their_o love_n to_o a_o child_n who_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o by_o some_o little_a and_o trifle_a mark_n of_o kindness_n while_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o inhumane_o and_o unchristian_o cruel_a to_o it_o by_o neglect_v that_o one_o great_a kindness_n which_o they_o have_v promise_v and_o vow_v to_o do_v for_o it_o 7._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o notorious_a neglect_n of_o this_o important_a duty_n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o shameless_a wickedness_n of_o our_o present_a age._n for_o while_o parent_n and_o surety_n be_v careless_a to_o instruct_v child_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n vicious_a inclination_n prevail_v upon_o they_o and_o insensible_o grow_v into_o vicious_a habit_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o happiness_n annex_v to_o it_o whereas_o be_v surety_n according_a to_o their_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n conscientious_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o those_o for_o who_o they_o have_v undertake_v be_v timely_a and_o diligent_o instruct_v religion_n will_v have_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o innocent_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n child_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o different_o according_a to_o their_o different_a temper_n be_v early_o wrought_v upon_o to_o admire_v the_o beauty_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n to_o thirst_v after_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o confirmation_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o profess_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o renew_v their_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o with_o a_o full_a resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o profession_n and_o those_o renew_a promise_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o second_o of_o confirmation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o use_v of_o confirmation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n at_o which_o every_o man_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a begin_v to_o be_v so_o and_o from_o which_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n may_v true_o be_v date_v be_v evident_a but_o of_o what_o use_v the_o know_v and_o fix_v this_o period_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n may_v be_v be_v general_o very_o little_o consider_v for_o whilst_o some_o have_v groundless_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o every_o good_a man_n conversion_n after_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v away_o into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n and_o whilst_o other_o have_v weak_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o conversion_n after_o which_o though_o a_o man_n do_v fall_v into_o great_a wickedness_n yet_o he_o can_v fall_v final_o from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n most_o other_o have_v think_v that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o inquire_v at_o all_o into_o the_o exact_a time_n when_o the_o religious_a life_n begin_v or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v it_o since_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o by_o a_o sudden_a conversion_n but_o by_o a_o gradual_a progress_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n yet_o may_v a_o man_n nevertheless_o certain_o fix_v to_o himself_o the_o period_n from_o whence_o to_o date_n the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n for_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v only_o from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o constant_a sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o accompany_v with_o many_o frailty_n inadvertency_n and_o surprise_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o holiness_n he_o have_v be_v all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v from_o a_o course_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n to_o a_o victory_n or_o conquest_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v reckon_v his_o religious_a life_n from_o no_o long_o a_o time_n notwithstanding_o any_o pious_a interval_n and_o struggle_n which_o he_o may_v have_v have_v with_o his_o habitual_a temptation_n than_o from_o that_o period_n since_o which_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o know_a and_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o use_v of_o a_o man_n fix_v within_o himself_o such_o a_o period_n will_v be_v that_o more_o assure_v and_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o the_o distinct_a and_o clear_a view_n of_o a_o well_o examine_v course_n of_o past_a holiness_n that_o effectual_a bar_n against_o fall_v into_o the_o act_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n which_o will_v be_v put_v by_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o by_o such_o a_o act_n he_o must_v lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o past_a virtue_n and_o be_v force_v to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n again_o from_o a_o new_a period_n and_o above_o all_o that_o mighty_a dread_n of_o go_v on_o in_o a_o circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v repent_v and_o sin_v into_o which_o man_n will_v be_v rouse_v by_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v clear_o that_o such_o a_o course_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o this_o period_n from_o which_o i_o suppose_v a_o christian_n to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n must_v be_v either_o baptism_n confirmation_n or_o repentance_n in_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n to_o that_o of_o christianity_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o begin_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o strict_a piety_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o
to_o exhort_v those_o who_o be_v in_o any_o capacity_n entrust_v with_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n that_o they_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n god_n and_o religion_n with_o their_o first_o love_n to_o improve_v in_o they_o those_o natural_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n honesty_n and_o thankfulness_n simplicity_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o very_a creation_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o resist_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o first_o insinuation_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o sin_n as_o of_o death_n to_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o great_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v they_o full_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o engage_v to_o perform_v and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o bring_v they_o with_o understanding_n and_o resolution_n with_o desire_n and_o zeal_n to_o receive_v at_o confirmation_n the_o consummation_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n and_o a_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o end_n 8._o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o question_n of_o dispute_n but_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a and_o practical_a direction_n by_o which_o one_o that_o design_n to_o be_v confirm_v who_o i_o always_o suppose_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n or_o one_o that_o be_v already_o confirm_v and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o lead_v a_o religious_a life_n may_v attain_v to_o that_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n 1._o first_o then_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v confirmation_n or_o to_o begin_v the_o great_a work_n of_o religion_n with_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o attain_v a_o real_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n that_o will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o design_n of_o a_o true_o religious_a life_n if_o we_o do_v real_o and_o firm_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n persuade_v that_o there_o will_v certain_o come_v a_o day_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a this_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o will_v assure_o overcome_v the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o belief_n which_o will_v certain_o baffle_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v mean_a and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n insipid_a in_o a_o word_n this_o will_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o a_o vigorous_a zeal_n as_o will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ease_n and_o contentment_n but_o with_o a_o mighty_a pleasure_n sacrifice_v all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n to_o the_o do_v the_o great_a good_a here_o and_o obtain_v the_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o but_o if_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o more_o for_o form_n and_o custom_n than_o upon_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v persevere_v in_o well-doing_n with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n the_o solicitation_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n will_v certain_o prevail_v over_o we_o and_o seduce_v we_o into_o sin_n nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a faith_n ground_v upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n and_o a_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v possible_o carry_v a_o man_n through_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o first_o principle_n of_o faith_n immovable_a as_o a_o rock_n will_v be_v able_a to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n with_o bravery_n and_o constancy_n and_o will_v attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o hope_n with_o triumph_n and_o joy_n 2._o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v either_o wicked_a and_o licentious_a or_o at_o least_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o profess_v to_o do_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n they_o in_o course_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n without_o have_v ever_o consider_v what_o christianity_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n for_o do_v man_n indeed_o as_o firm_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o character_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o world_n oblige_v they_o to_o pretend_v they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o strange_a to_o find_v a_o man_n who_o action_n shall_v give_v his_o word_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o life_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o his_o profession_n as_o to_o hear_v one_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o no_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o torment_v in_o the_o flame_n thereof_o for_o though_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v in_o good_a measure_n the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n will_v have_v when_o a_o temporal_a prince_n declare_v that_o whoever_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o such_o or_o such_o crime_n shall_v certain_o undergo_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a punishment_n such_o a_o declaration_n have_v general_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o all_o the_o subject_n concern_v as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o punishment_n already_o actual_o inflict_v upon_o the_o criminal_n when_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n declare_v to_o mankind_n his_o will_n which_o be_v their_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n by_o such_o threat_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v if_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o those_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n in_o other_o case_n general_o have_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a either_o that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v that_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_n be_v indeed_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n or_o else_o that_o they_o imagine_v that_o though_o he_o now_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o seem_v so_o severe_o to_o exact_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n yet_o at_o last_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n how_o come_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v lose_v that_o efficacy_n in_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n for_o which_o it_o be_v once_o so_o eminent_a even_o among_o its_o enemy_n themselves_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v how_o come_v that_o religion_n not_o to_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o can_v we_o hear_v man_n daily_o profane_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o impious_a and_o horrid_a oath_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o will_v avenge_v himself_o on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o can_v we_o see_v man_n cheat_v and_o cozen_v destroy_v and_o prey_n upon_o one_o another_o without_o the_o least_o scruple_n or_o appearance_n of_o remorse_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o severity_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o see_v man_n dally_v with_o eternity_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o empty_a and_o momentany_a gratification_n
equal_o oblige_v to_o be_v religious_a at_o least_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v so_o powerful_o enforce_v to_o the_o influence_a the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o one_o who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o reality_n of_o they_o by_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o by_o one_o who_o show_v sufficient_a credential_n of_o his_o have_v be_v himself_o there_o shall_v assure_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n 10._o though_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a to_o reason_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o laborious_a a_o work_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n for_o man_n of_o all_o capacity_n to_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n all_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o because_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v more_o easy_o wrought_v upon_o and_o more_o strong_o affect_v by_o testimony_n than_o by_o argument_n and_o because_o some_o thing_n necessary_a in_o our_o present_a corrupt_a state_n such_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o mean_n by_o which_o a_o sinner_n may_v appease_v god_n after_o he_o have_v offend_v he_o can_v certain_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n at_o all_o therefore_o there_o be_v evident_o a_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a revelation_n which_o may_v supply_v these_o defect_n and_o this_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o principal_a lawgiver_n among_o they_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o receive_v his_o law_n or_o at_o least_o his_o instruction_n for_o make_v those_o law_n by_o some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o plato_n in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n before-cited_n acknowledge_v so_o plain_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o even_o to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v better_o that_o man_n shall_v forbear_v sacrifice_v whole_o till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v discover_v to_o they_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v have_v it_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o natural_a expectation_n of_o man_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v some_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o may_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n be_v also_o evident_a for_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unwise_a thing_n for_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v to_o his_o creature_n more_o full_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o become_v like_o himself_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unwise_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o declare_v what_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v accept_v for_o sin_n and_o upon_o what_o condition_n he_o will_v receive_v return_v sinner_n can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v particular_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n this_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o needs_o further_o be_v say_v about_o it_o 11._o now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o a_o particular_a revelation_n actual_o make_v by_o god_n that_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n which_o it_o enjoin_v be_v indeed_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peculiar_a motive_n by_o which_o it_o enforce_v those_o duty_n thing_n true_a and_o in_o reality_n establish_v by_o god_n of_o this_o we_o have_v all_o the_o proof_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o that_o be_v agreeable_a either_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o give_v or_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o expect_v to_o represent_v the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n more_o evident_o and_o strong_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n design_v to_o be_v enforce_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o alwise_a god_n and_o to_o expect_v other_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o understanding_n men._n the_o design_n then_o of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a by_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o be_v to_o make_v happiness_n not_o the_o fate_n of_o man_n nature_n but_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o virtue_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o motive_n of_o religion_n ought_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v abundant_o encourage_v all_o wise_a man_n to_o cleave_v inseparable_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o to_o their_o life_n and_o yet_o leave_v room_n for_o man_n desperate_o wicked_a and_o incorrigible_a to_o avoid_v be_v force_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o purchase_v at_o the_o rate_n of_o be_v religious_a the_o reward_n of_o everlasting_a life_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a misery_n threaten_v to_o disobedience_n be_v motive_n in_o themselves_o infinite_o and_o irresistable_o strong_a for_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n open_o expose_v to_o view_v and_o propose_v as_o the_o immediate_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o a_o man_n choose_v or_o refuse_v his_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n in_o actual_a view_n of_o these_o two_o different_a state_n not_o to_o choose_v his_o duty_n and_o refuse_v the_o contrary_a as_o for_o a_o heavy_a body_n not_o to_o fall_v downward_o to_o the_o ground_n though_o therefore_o the_o infinite_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n have_v indeed_o propose_v to_o we_o these_o great_a and_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o man_n by_o choose_v their_o duty_n may_v choose_v their_o life_n and_o become_v happy_a in_o consequence_n of_o their_o become_a religious_a yet_o have_v he_o so_o propose_v they_o invisible_a at_o present_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n that_o good_a man_n may_v have_v some_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n by_o choose_v their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o their_o happiness_n and_o that_o man_n obstinate_o impenitent_a may_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o happiness_n without_o choose_v the_o duty_n to_o which_o that_o happiness_n be_v annex_v again_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o reveal_v institution_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o that_o except_v the_o agreeableness_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o reason_n the_o chief_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v from_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n depend_v upon_o the_o credible_a testimony_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o that_o evidence_n of_o which_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a aught_o to_o be_v account_v sufficient_a in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o to_o require_v great_a proof_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a 12._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o be_v indeed_o a_o revelation_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v from_o god_n may_v be_v satisfactory_o evidence_v to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n by_o these_o consideration_n that_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o enjoin_v be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n of_o man_n that_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o enforce_v those_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o most_o answerable_a to_o the_o natural_a expectation_n of_o man_n that_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n with_o which_o it_o enjoin_v these_o duty_n and_o urge_v these_o motive_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o exact_o consonant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o most_o wise_o perfective_a of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v moreover_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o confirm_v of_o god_n by_o the_o most_o credible_a and_o convince_a testimony_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n 13._o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n enjoin_v be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n of_o men._n this_o be_v a_o proof_n which_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v a_o wise_a man_n of_o a_o religion_n be_v be_v from_o god_n for_o that_o
that_o convince_a proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v undeniable_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o have_v himself_o be_v there_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v man_n a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o state_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v thing_n not_o only_o most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o but_o they_o be_v moreover_o teach_v and_o inculcate_v by_o one_o who_o have_v give_v the_o most_o credible_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v desire_v of_o his_o be_v send_v immediate_o from_o god_n the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v be_v to_o his_o first_o disciple_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o a_o most_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o disciple_n be_v to_o we_o also_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n their_o have_v converse_v from_o the_o begin_n with_o our_o saviour_n himself_o their_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n their_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o have_v handle_v with_o their_o hand_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n as_o st._n john_n express_v it_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o make_v it_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n their_o suffering_n and_o death_n be_v invincible_a proof_n against_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o other_o they_o see_v all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n precise_o fulfil_v in_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n they_o see_v he_o confirm_v what_o he_o teach_v with_o such_o mighty_a work_n as_o his_o bitter_a and_o most_o malicious_a enemy_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v to_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n even_o while_o they_o be_v blaspheme_v that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o wrought_v they_o they_o see_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v such_o as_o to_o all_o unprejudiced_a beholder_n loud_o proclaim_v his_o divine_a commission_n they_o see_v he_o so_o constant_o despise_v all_o worldly_a greatness_n as_o once_o when_o the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v he_o a_o king_n even_o to_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o avoid_v that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o design_n of_o a_o impostor_n in_o fine_a they_o see_v he_o alive_a after_o 3_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o at_o last_o behold_v he_o ascend_v visible_o into_o heaven_n these_o be_v such_o demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o immediate_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o but_o the_o extreme_a malice_n and_o obstinacy_n can_v withstand_v they_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o these_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n the_o same_o reason_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v to_o believe_v they_o they_o confirm_v what_o they_o teach_v by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v though_o manifest_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o which_o no_o deceiver_n can_v ever_o do_v they_o die_v with_o all_o imaginable_a cheerfulness_n and_o joy_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o religion_n so_o that_o unless_o god_n shall_v work_v upon_o man_n by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o will_v not_o do_v nothing_o can_v be_v do_v more_o than_o have_v already_o be_v do_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o happiness_n it_o be_v true_a the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o such_o a_o ocular_a demonstration_n to_o after_o generation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o man_n who_o then_o live_v and_o see_v he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o but_o since_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v as_o clear_o prove_v to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n to_o be_v since_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o be_v as_o great_a and_o great_a than_o of_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n on_o which_o man_n venture_v the_o whole_a of_o their_o secular_a affair_n and_o on_o which_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n and_o pain_n since_o i_o say_v the_o case_n be_v thus_o he_o that_o will_v rather_o venture_v all_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v he_o that_o will_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o fall_v into_o eternal_a misery_n rather_o than_o believe_v the_o most_o credible_a and_o rational_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n mere_o because_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o with_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o man_n do_v not_o disbelieve_v the_o thing_n because_o he_o think_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o not_o sufficient_o strong_a but_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o some_o particular_a interest_n of_o his_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n he_o may_v also_o have_v disbelieved_a it_o though_o he_o have_v see_v it_o himself_o 17._o this_o be_v in_o brief_a the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n in_o particular_a and_o he_o that_o will_v so_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a to_o the_o end_n must_v at_o least_o so_o far_o consider_v this_o evidence_n as_o before_o all_o thing_n to_o work_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n a_o firm_a settle_a and_o well-grounded_n belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n to_o produce_v which_o effect_n this_o evidence_n be_v most_o abundant_o sufficient_a for_o if_o in_o other_o case_n we_o assent_n to_o those_o thing_n as_o certain_a and_o demonstrate_v which_o if_o our_o faculty_n of_o judge_v and_o reason_v do_v not_o necessary_o deceive_v we_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a view_n appear_v clear_o and_o plain_o to_o be_v true_a there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o in_o moral_a and_o religious_a matter_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o those_o thing_n likewise_o to_o be_v certain_a and_o demonstrate_v which_o upon_o the_o exact_a and_o most_o deliberate_a judgement_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a or_o make_v do_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v as_o clear_o and_o as_o certain_o true_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o faculty_n do_v not_o necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o deceive_v we_o in_o all_o our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o proper_a happiness_n of_o man_n and_o concern_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o if_o in_o other_o case_n we_o always_o act_v without_o the_o least_o hesitation_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o good_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n and_o look_v upon_o that_o man_n as_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a who_o sustain_v great_a loss_n or_o le_fw-fr we_o slip_v great_a opportunity_n and_o advantage_n in_o business_n only_o by_o distrust_v the_o most_o credible_a and_o well-attested_n thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o unless_o our_o action_n be_v determine_v by_o some_o other_o thing_n than_o by_o reason_n and_o judgement_n the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n as_o if_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o we_o by_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v 18._o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o man_n who_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o act_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o reasonable_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o religion_n be_v yet_o apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o if_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v prove_v to_o they_o by_o some_o strong_a evidence_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o act_v otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v but_o if_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o these_o man_n act_v thus_o foolish_o be_v not_o because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o sufficient_o evidence_v but_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o some_o unruly_a passion_n
of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n 2._o god_n be_v a_o be_v as_o of_o infinite_a purity_n and_o holiness_n so_o also_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o as_o he_o can_v possible_o be_v reconcile_v to_o man_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v wicked_a so_o when_o ever_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o and_o return_v again_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n command_n and_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o can_v suppose_v but_o that_o he_o will_v again_o admit_v they_o to_o his_o pardon_n and_o favour_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v our_o most_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o the_o discovery_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o by_o revelation_n be_v most_o exact_o agreeable_a thereto_o at_o the_o pass_n by_o of_o his_o glory_n before_o moses_n he_o proclaim_v himself_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n exod._n 34._o 6._o by_o the_o prophet_n he_o declare_v and_o swear_v by_o himself_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v ezek._n 33._o 1â—_n and_o above_o all_o by_o that_o stupendous_a instance_n of_o mercy_n the_o send_v his_o only_a son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n to_o give_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n he_o have_v discover_v such_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n and_o salvation_n as_o will_v be_v the_o everlasting_a subject_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o angel_n if_o therefore_o god_n when_o he_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n of_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o have_v not_o promise_v pardon_v at_o all_o to_o great_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n do_v yet_o give_v pardon_n and_o declare_v also_o to_o the_o jew_n by_o his_o prophet_n that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o and_o if_o when_o man_n be_v yet_o enemy_n to_o he_o he_o be_v so_o willing_a that_o not_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n 9_o yea_o so_o desirous_a to_o have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o not_o only_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n to_o 4._o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o but_o tell_v we_o even_o of_o joy_n in_o heaven_n at_o a_o sinner_n accept_v the_o gracious_a term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o represent_v himself_o as_o a_o tender_a father_n run_v to_o meet_v his_o return_v prodigal_a and_o fall_v up-his_a neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o compassion_n which_o god_n show_v to_o man_n in_o his_o first_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a state_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v and_o hope_v that_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o so_o entire_o exhaust_v at_o once_o but_o that_o the_o same_o pity_n may_v be_v yet_o further_o extend_v even_o to_o those_o also_o who_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v seduce_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o depart_v from_o god_n and_o to_o forsake_v their_o duty_n shall_v again_o return_v unto_o he_o with_o sincerity_n and_o perseverance_n 3._o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o teach_v 12._o we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o certain_o whensoever_o it_o come_v to_o have_v this_o effect_n upon_o a_o man_n it_o give_v he_o a_o title_n to_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o a_o well-grounded_n assurance_n of_o mercy_n at_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a sum_n of_o affair_n be_v now_o establish_v be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o whensoever_o a_o man_n so_o true_o repent_v as_o to_o purify_v himself_o effectual_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o 1â—_n body_n he_o shall_v certain_o live_v our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v express_v direction_n when_o a_o man_n christian_a brother_n trespass_n against_o he_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v he_o both_o by_o private_a and_o public_a reproof_n before_o he_o reject_v he_o utter_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n he_o command_v we_o though_o our_o brother_n sin_n never_o so_o often_o against_o we_o yet_o if_o he_o turn_v again_o and_o repent_v to_o forgive_v he_o and_o have_v promise_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o we_o also_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n find_v forgiveness_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n send_v by_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n he_o exhort_v they_o earnest_o to_o remember_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v 5._o and_o to_o repent_v and_o be_v zealous_a and_o do_v their_o first_o work_n and_o promise_n that_o if_o upon_o this_o invitation_n any_o man_n will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n that_o be_v will_v be_v move_v by_o these_o exhortation_n to_o repent_v and_o amend_v he_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o that_o be_v will_v again_o receive_v he_o 20._o to_o his_o mercy_n and_o favour_n 4._o according_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o direct_v to_o christian_n be_v yet_o full_a of_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o their_o history_n contain_v many_o instance_n of_o those_o who_o after_o great_a fall_n be_v thereby_o restore_v to_o their_o first_o state_n sy_n peter_n exhort_v simon_n magus_n who_o think_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n can_v be_v buy_v with_o money_n to_o repent_v of_o this_o his_o wickedness_n and_o give_v he_o encouragement_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o shall_v thereupon_o obtain_v forgiveness_n act_v 8._o 22._o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n 1_o john_n 2._o 2._o st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o one_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o one_o convert_v he_o he_o that_o convert_v the_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o shall_v hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n jam._n 5._o 20._o st._n judas_n advise_v we_o to_o have_v compassion_n of_o some_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o to_o save_v other_o with_o fear_n pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n ver_fw-la 23._o st._n paul_n exhort_v timothy_n to_o instruct_v in_o meekness_n those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o may_v recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 25._o he_o advise_v the_o galatian_n that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n they_o which_o be_v spiritual_a shall_v restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v themselves_o lest_o they_o also_o be_v tempt_v gal._n 6._o 1._o he_o threaten_v the_o corinthian_n to_o excommunicate_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v and_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o uncleanness_n and_o fornication_n and_o lasciviousness_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v 2_o cor._n 12._o 21._o and_o even_o the_o incestuous_a person_n who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o he_o deliver_v indeed_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o for_o when_o the_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o reduce_v he_o to_o repentance_n he_o write_v to_o the_o church_n to_o forgive_v he_o and_o comfort_v he_o lest_o perhaps_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o overmuch_a sorrow_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 7._o 5._o and_o this_o except_v as_o i_o have_v say_v one_o sect_n of_o man_n be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o innocent_a they_o think_v indeed_o no_o promise_n too_o great_a and_o no_o threaten_n too_o severe_a whereby_o they_o may_v make_v they_o infinite_o careful_a to_o preserve_v their_o innocence_n but_o those_o who_o have_v already_o sin_v they_o encourage_v to_o repent_v and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n admit_v they_o again_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o