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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n clear_a further_a great_a 18 3 2.0863 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62632 Several discourses viz. Of the great duties of natural religion. Instituted religion not intended to undermine natural. Christianity not destructive; but perfective of the law of Moses. The nature and necessity of regeneration. The danger of all known sin. Knowledge and practice necessary in religion. The sins of men not chargeable on God. By the most reverend Dr. John Tillotson, late lord arch-bishop of Canterbury. Being the fourth volume; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his Grace. Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708.; White, Robert, 1600-1690, engraver. 1697 (1697) Wing T1261A; ESTC R221745 169,748 495

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this_o pattern_n have_v be_v since_o not_o only_o close_o follow_v but_o outdo_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o we_o have_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o remember_v upon_o 88_o this_o day_n but_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o far_a explication_n of_o the_o text_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o the_o ritual_a and_o instrumental_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o law_n and_o duty_n concern_v they_o be_v of_o less_o value_n and_o esteem_n with_o god_n than_o those_o which_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n especial_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o piety_n and_o humanity_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a and_o intrinsical_a goodness_n but_o the_o ritual_a and_o instrumental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o please_v to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o these_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o beget_v and_o promote_v they_o in_o we_o they_o be_v not_o natural_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v subordinate_a and_o give_v way_n to_o they_o when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o one_o another_o for_o this_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n which_o take_v place_n in_o all_o law_n that_o law_n of_o less_o importance_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o great_a quoties_fw-la leges_fw-la ex_fw-la circumstanti●_n colliduntur_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la utraque_fw-la seruari_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la servanda_fw-la est_fw-la lex_fw-la potior_fw-la when_o ever_o two_o law_n happen_v to_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o to_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o so_o that_o both_o of_o they_o can_v be_v observe_v that_o law_n which_o be_v better_o and_o of_o great_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o tully_n give_v much_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o this_o matter_n in_o compare_v of_o law_n say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v which_o law_n be_v most_o useful_a and_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v observe_v from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o when_o two_o law_n or_o more_o or_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v can_v be_v observe_v because_o they_o clash_n with_o one_o another_o ea_z maxim_n conservanda_fw-la putetur_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la maximas_fw-la res_fw-la pertinere_fw-la videatur_fw-la it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o that_o law_n shall_v be_v observe_v which_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v learn_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o say_v which_o our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o prosecute_v the_o two_o proposition_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o namely_o first_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n second_o that_o no_o institute_v religion_n be_v ever_o design_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a duty_n but_o be_v intend_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v they_o and_o both_o these_o be_v sufficient_o ground_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n from_o this_o rule_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n i._o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v the_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o build_v upon_o they_o by_o natural_a religion_n i_o mean_v obedience_n to_o the_o natural_a law_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o natural_a light_n without_o any_o express_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n do_v dictate_v to_o men._n these_o lie_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o be_v the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o all_o mankind_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n and_o behave_v ourselves_o reverent_o towards_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v his_o revelation_n and_o testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o by_o implore_v his_o aid_n and_o direction_n in_o all_o our_o necessity_n and_o distress_n and_o acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v that_o we_o shall_v moderate_v our_o appetite_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o use_v they_o temperate_o and_o chaste_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v just_a and_o upright_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o one_o another_o true_a to_o our_o word_n and_o faithful_a to_o our_o trust_n and_o in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n observe_v that_o equity_n towards_o other_o which_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v use_v towards_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v kind_a and_o charitable_a merciful_a and_o compassionate_a one_o towards_o another_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o and_o apt_a not_o only_o to_o pity_v but_o to_o relieve_v they_o in_o their_o misery_n and_o necessity_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a duty_n and_o they_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n because_o they_o do_v natural_o oblige_v without_o any_o particular_a and_o express_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v they_o and_o build_v upon_o they_o for_o all_o revelation_n from_o god_n suppose_v we_o to_o be_v man_n and_o alter_v nothing_o of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v natural_o oblige_v before_o and_o this_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o these_o as_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o the_o jewis●_n religion_n second_o that_o no_o institute_v service_n of_o god_n no_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v ever_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o these_o be_v neglect_v three_o that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o restore_v and_o reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o these_o as_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v ask_v which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n he_o answer_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o one_o will_v have_v expect_v he_o will_v have_v give_v quite_o another_o answer_n and_o have_v pitch_v upon_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o much_o magnify_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o they_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v instance_a in_o sacrifice_n or_o circumcision_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n but_o he_o overlook_v all_o these_o as_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparision_n and_o instance_n only_o in_o those_o two_o great_a head_n of_o moral_a duty_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o comprehend_v under_o they_o all_o other_o moral_a duty_n and_o these_o be_v those_o which_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o he_o say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v mat._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v and_o teach_v they_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v call_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o judicial_a or_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n
duty_n namely_o those_o which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v very_o little_a that_o be_v mere_o positive_a and_o institute_v beside_o the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v to_o mankind_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v furnish_v we_o with_o the_o best_a help_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o moral_a duty_n it_o discover_v our_o duty_n more_o clear_o to_o we_o it_o offer_v we_o the_o great_a assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o present_v we_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o engage_v we_o thereto_o so_o that_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a duty_n that_o it_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o urge_v we_o more_o forcible_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 3._o the_o positive_a rite_n and_o institution_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o entrench_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o be_v always_o design_v to_o be_v subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o and_o when_o ever_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n it_o be_v the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n that_o positive_a institution_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o natural_a duty_n and_o this_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o say_v in_o the_o text_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n if_o circumstance_n be_v such_o that_o one_o part_n of_o religion_n must_v give_v place_n god_n will_v have_v the_o ritual_a and_o institute_v part_n to_o give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a it_o be_v very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n when_o the_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o rite_n of_o divine_a institution_n come_v in_o competition_n to_o slight_a and_o disparage_v these_o in_o comparison_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o and_o which_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o he_o will_v hardly_o own_o that_o he_o have_v command_v when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n isa_n 1._o 12._o thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_n thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burnt-offering_n psal_n 51._o 16._o will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n but_o god_n no_o where_o make_v any_o comparison_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o natural_a duty_n he_o never_o derogate_a from_o they_o in_o any_o case_n he_o never_o say_v he_o will_v have_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o not_o mercy_n or_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o such_o a_o rite_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v perform_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v do_v the_o great_a good_a and_o show_v the_o great_a charity_n to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v no_o where_o make_v a_o question_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v that_o we_o deal_v just_o every_o man_n with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n one_o to_o another_o that_o we_o be_v kind_a and_o tender-hearted_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o distribute_v and_o give_v alm_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o need_n there_o be_v no_o such_o question_n as_o this_o put_v in_o scripture_n nay_o it_o be_v positive_a in_o these_o matter_n that_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v i_o instance_n in_o this_o virtue_n more_o especial_o of_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o prime_a instance_n of_o moral_a duty_n as_o sacrifice_n be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o ritual_a and_o institute_v part_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o disposition_n of_o mind_n our_o saviour_n make_v the_o root_n of_o all_o moral_a duty_n love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n and_o this_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n he_o advance_v above_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o hope_v the_o great_a of_o these_o be_v charity_n and_o without_o this_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o christianity_n this_o he_o make_v our_o high_a perfection_n and_o attainment_n and_o that_o which_o abide_v and_o remain_v in_o the_o future_a state_n charity_n never_o fail_v this_o our_o saviour_n most_o effectual_o recommend_v to_o we_o both_o in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o by_o his_o example_n this_o he_o press_v as_o the_o peculiar_a law_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o proper_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o disciple_n this_o he_o require_v we_o to_o exercise_v towards_o those_o who_o practice_n the_o contrary_a towards_o we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o of_o this_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n that_o ever_o be_v when_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o he_o love_v we_o so_o as_o hardly_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v his_o friend_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o he_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n for_o a_o memorial_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o now_o the_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n to_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n be_v very_o obvious_a and_o there_o be_v two_o very_a natural_a inference_n from_o it_o first_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n it_o plain_o appear_v what_o place_n natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o all_o natural_a duty_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n this_o be_v so_o primary_n a_o duty_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o great_a and_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n that_o all_o positive_a institution_n must_v give_v way_n to_o it_o and_o nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n can_v cancel_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o nor_o justify_v the_o violation_n of_o this_o great_a and_o natural_a law_n our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o religion_n have_v declare_v nothing_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v heighten_v our_o obligation_n to_o it_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a by_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o so_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o will_v kill_v man_n to_o do_v god_n service_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o cause_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n will_v break_v through_o all_o obligation_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a society_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n by_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o religion_n design_n to_o release_v man_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o civil_a duty_n he_o have_v as_o one_o will_v imagine_v as_o much_o power_n as_o the_o pope_n but_o yet_o he_o depose_v none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o do_v absolve_v their_o subject_n from_o their_o fidelity_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o for_o their_o opposition_n to_o his_o religion_n he_o assume_v no_o such_o power_n to_o himself_o no_o not_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la nor_o that_o ever_o we_o read_v of_o do_v he_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o whence_o then_o come_v his_o pretend_a vicar_n to_o have_v this_o authority_n and_o yet_o the_o horrid_a attempt_n of_o this_o day_n be_v first_o design_v and_o afterward_o carry_v on_o in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o pope_n bull_n of_o excommunication_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o despair_n and_o discontent_n of_o that_o party_n here_o in_o england_n as_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o extirpate_v heretic_n and_o depose_v king_n and_o absolve_a subject_n from_o their_o allegiance_n to_o they_o no_o zeal_n for_o any_o positive_a institution_n in_o religion_n can_v justify_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n the_o precept_n whereof_o be_v of_o primary_n and_o indispensable_a obligation_n the_o pope_n supremacy_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o civil_a government_n nor_o be_v transubstantiation_n so_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v both_o in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v no_o murder_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o thousand_o have_v be_v
prophet_n be_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n second_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v comparative_o very_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o this_o purpose_n three_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v supply_v all_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o that_o dispensation_n these_o three_o particular_n will_n full_o clear_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n in_o this_o text._n first_o that_o the_o main_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n consist_v in_o those_o virtue_n which_o our_o saviour_n mention_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o sermon_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o mercy_n and_o righteousness_n and_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n this_o our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n mat._n 7._o 12._o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o mat._n 22._o 40._o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n those_o two_o great_a command_n to_o which_o all_o moral_a duty_n be_v reduce_v be_v the_o two_o great_a hinge_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n on_o these_o two_o hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n st._n paul_n call_v love_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n rom._n 13._o 10._o st._n james_n the_o perfect_a and_o the_o royal_a law_n as_o that_o which_o have_v a_o sovereign_a influence_n upon_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 3._o 21._o tell_v we_o that_o this_o more_o perfect_a righteousness_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o indeed_o the_o prophet_n every_o where_o do_v slight_a and_o undervalue_v the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n isa_n 1._o 11._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appoint_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n he_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o 16_o the_o ver_fw-la wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n and_o by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n god_n tell_v that_o people_n that_o the_o business_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n primary_o design_v by_o god_n but_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o ritual_a law_n come_v in_o upon_o occasion_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o idolatry_n and_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o that_o people_n and_o thus_o maimonides_n and_o the_o learned_a jew_n understand_v these_o word_n jer._n 7._o 22_o 23._o i_o speak_v not_o unto_o your_o father_n nor_o command_v they_o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n concern_v burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o this_o thing_n command_v i_o they_o say_v obey_v my_o voice_n and_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v command_v and_o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n god_n plain_o prefer_v the_o moral_a before_o the_o ritual_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o design_v and_o intend_v by_o he_o hos_fw-la 6._o 6._o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o than_o burnt-offering_n but_o most_o plain_o and_o express_o mich._n 6._o 6._o wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n wi●_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v ●ustly_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n these_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o god_n stand_v upon_o and_o require_v of_o man_n even_o under_o that_o imperfect_a dispensation_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v so_o strict_o enjoin_v and_o command_v so_o that_o this_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v witness_v to_o by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v comparative_o very_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o real_a and_o inward_a righteousness_n it_o give_v law_n indeed_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o those_o not_o so_o clear_a and_o perfect_a or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o clear_o understand_v as_o they_o be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o make_v no_o express_a promise_n of_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o quicken_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n it_o make_v no_o explicit_a promise_n of_o any_o blessing_n and_o reward_n to_o the_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n beyond_o this_o life_n so_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n be_v either_o whole_o want_v or_o very_o obscure_o reveal_v under_o this_o dispensation_n and_o this_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n both_o to_o our_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o we_o to_o god_n and_o the_o make_n of_o we_o real_o good_a the_o apostle_n frequent_o inculcate_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n paul_n act_v 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o those_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o rom._n 8._o 3._o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o carnality_n of_o that_o dispensation_n consist_v in_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n gal._n 3._o 21._o he_o call_v it_o a_o law_n unfit_a to_o give_v life_n if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n very_o righteousness_n have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch._n 8._o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n find_v fault_n with_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n for_o the_o lowness_n and_o meanness_n of_o its_o promise_n be_v only_o of_o temporal_a good_a thing_n and_o for_o want_v of_o confer_v a_o inward_a and_o a_o powerful_a principle_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o obedience_n but_o now_o have_v he_o obtain_v speak_v of_o christ_n a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n by_o how_o much_o also_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n for_o if_o that_o first_o covenant_n have_v be_v faultless_a then_o shall_v no_o place_n have_v be_v seek_v for_o a_o second_o and_o this_o second_o and_o better_a covenant_n he_o tell_v we_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o he_o say_v behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n when_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o chap._n 10._o 1_o 4._o he_o show_v the_o inefficacy_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o real_a expiation_n of_o sin_n the_o law_n have_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o not_o the_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o can_v never_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o they_o offer_v year_n by_o year_n continual_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o
christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o that_o be_v whereas_o the_o law_n leave_v sinner_n as_o to_o those_o sin_n which_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o pardon_n under_o a_o curse_n have_v provide_v no_o expiation_n for_o they_o christ_n have_v redeem_v they_o from_o that_o curse_n by_o make_v a_o general_a expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v ch._n 9_o 15._o that_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o transgression_n that_o be_v under_o the_o first_o covenant_n that_o be_v for_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n have_v provide_v no_o way_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n say_v emphatical_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 7._o that_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n three_o the_o law_n do_v not_o afford_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n as_o the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n grow_v worse_a so_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n wax_v dimmer_v and_o dimmer_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o in_o very_o considerable_a instance_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o to_o they_o who_o only_o have_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o give_v clear_a and_o perfect_a light_n and_o direction_n as_o to_o moral_a duty_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a reason_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n explain_v it_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o have_v among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o intend_v and_o have_v not_o only_o forbid_v several_a thing_n permit_v by_o that_o law_n as_o divorce_n and_o retaliation_n of_o injury_n but_o have_v heighten_v our_o duty_n in_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o require_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n and_o provocation_n though_o never_o so_o often_o repeat_v and_o not_o only_o not_o to_o revenge_v they_o but_o to_o requite_v they_o with_o good_a turn_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o mankind_n to_o be_v law_n before_o but_o yet_o when_o due_o consider_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o b●st_a men._n so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n ●ath_v not_o only_o fix_v and_o determine_v our_o duty_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o great_a certainty_n but_o have_v raise_v it_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o render_v it_o every_o way_n fit_a to_o bring_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o more_o divine_a temper_n and_o a_o more_o reasonable_a and_o perfect_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n than_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v instruct_v in_o before_o four_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n be_v only_o of_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o very_o languid_a and_o faint_a motive_n to_o obedience_n not_o but_o that_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n have_v such_o apprehension_n of_o their_o own_o immortality_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n as_o natural_a light_n suggest_v to_o they_o which_o be_v in_o most_o but_o a_o waver_a and_o uncertain_a persuasion_n and_o consequent_o of_o small_a efficacy_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n add_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o those_o natural_a notion_n concern_v a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o strengthen_n of_o this_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o do_v rather_o suppose_v it_o than_o give_v any_o new_a force_n and_o life_n to_o it_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n more_o particular_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v but_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n good_a because_o it_o do_v not_o work_v strong_o enough_o upon_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n and_o that_o for_o this_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o a_o more_o powerful_a and_o awaken_n dispensation_n bring_v in_o in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o heb._n 7._o 18_o 19_o for_o there_o be_v very_o a_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o be_v before_o that_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n thereof_o for_o the_o law_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v that_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v eternal_a life_n and_o ch._n 8._o 6._o for_o this_o reason_n more_o especial_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n and_o rom._n 1._o 16_o 18._o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o gospel_n so_o proper_a and_o so_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n the_o great_a impiety_n of_o mankind_n and_o their_o impenitency_n in_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o before_o while_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v say_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o overlook_v it_o but_o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a act_v 17._o 30_o 31._o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n call_v loud_o upon_o all_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n five_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n have_v no_o spiritual_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o of_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o mortify_n of_o sin_n and_o enable_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o support_v they_o under_o suffering_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_n 11._o 13._o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v actual_o confer_v upon_o all_o true_a christian_n those_o who_o do_v sincere_o embrace_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n rom._n 8._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o hence_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n v_o 2d_o of_o that_o chap._n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o herein_o manifest_o appear_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o leave_v man_n destitute_a of_o this_o mighty_a help_n and_o advantage_n at_o least_o as_o to_o any_o special_a promise_n of_o it_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o by_o make_v he_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n aim_v at_o and_o signify_v but_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v may_v be_v real_o accomplish_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v who_o be_v act_v and_o assist_v by_o a_o high_a and_o better_a principle_n than_o man_n either_o have_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o carnal_a dispesnation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v endow_v man_n withal_o and_o because_o of_o this_o great_a defect_n the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o servitude_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a
plain_a from_o his_o follow_a discourse_n and_o the_o character_n he_o give_v of_o those_o person_n of_o who_o he_o be_v speak_v who_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o this_o he_o prove_v because_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o without_o all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o invisible_a be_v and_o power_n that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n haec_fw-la est_fw-la summa_fw-la delicti_fw-la nolle_fw-la agnoscere_fw-la quem_fw-la ignorare_fw-la non_fw-la possis_fw-la say_v tertullian_n to_o the_o heathen_a this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o thy_o fault_n not_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o who_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o know_v not_o to_o own_v he_o of_o who_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a if_o thou_o will_v neither_o be_v thankful_a they_o do_v not_o pay_v those_o acknowledgement_n to_o he_o which_o of_o right_n be_v due_a to_o the_o author_n of_o their_o be_v and_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v fool_v with_o their_o own_o reason_n this_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o in_o those_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o b●ing_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immo●allity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n have_v lose_v the_o truth_n by_o too_o much_o subtlety_n about_o it_o and_o have_v dispute_v themselves_o into_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v natural_o know_v for_o nimium_fw-la alter●ando_fw-la veritas_fw-la amittitur_fw-la truth_n be_v many_o time_n glo_v by_o too_o much_o contention_n and_o dispute_n about_o it_o and_o by_o too_o eager_a a_o pursuit_n of_o it_o man_n many_o time_n outrun_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o behind_o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n man_n never_o play_v the_o fool_n more_o than_o by_o endeavour_v to_o be_v over_o subtle_a and_o wise_a ver_fw-la 23._o and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n four_o footed_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n here_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o sottishness_n of_o their_o idolatry_n whereby_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o lewdness_n and_o impurity_n ver_fw-la 24._o wherefore_o god_n also_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o uncleanness_n through_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o again_o ver_fw-la 26._o for_o this_o cause_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o then_o he_o innumerate_v the_o abominable_a lust_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o notwithstanding_o their_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n ver_fw-la 32._o who_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a who_o offend_v against_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o be_v without_o excuse_n quam_fw-la sib●_n veniam_fw-la sperare_fw-la possun●_n impie●atis_fw-la suae_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la agnoscunt_fw-la cultum_fw-la ejus_fw-la quem_fw-la prorsùs_fw-la ignorari_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la fas_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la say_v lactantius_n how_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o pardon_v of_o their_o impiety_n who_o deny_v to_o worship_v that_o god_n of_o who_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a mankind_n shall_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a so_o that_o this_o be_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n injurious_o to_o suppress_v it_o and_o to_o hinder_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o mind_n and_o action_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v as_o well_o as_o to_o hold_v fast_o and_o this_o every_o man_n do_v who_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o believe_v and_o know_v he_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o keep_v that_o a_o prisoner_n which_o will_v set_v he_o free_a you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n say_v our_o lord_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o offend_v against_o knowledge_n and_o that_o light_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o every_o man_n mind_n if_o man_n wander_v and_o stumble_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o many_o time_n it_o be_v unavoidable_a and_o no_o care_n can_v prevent_v it_o but_o in_o the_o light_n it_o be_v expect_v man_n shall_v look_v before_o they_o and_o discern_v their_o way_n that_o natural_a light_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v though_o it_o be_v but_o comparative_o dim_a and_o imperfect_a yet_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a and_o abominable_a practice_n those_o natural_a notion_n which_o all_o man_n have_v of_o god_n if_o they_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n attend_v to_o they_o and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v preserve_v they_o from_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o worship_v creature_n instead_o of_o god_n the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v enough_o to_o have_v discover_v to_o they_o the_o evil_n of_o those_o lewd_a and_o unnatural_a practice_n which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o they_o detain_v and_o suppress_v the_o truth_n most_o injurious_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v its_o natural_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o have_v do_v better_a and_o to_o have_v preserve_v they_o from_o those_o great_a crime_n which_o be_v so_o common_a among_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n what_o apology_n can_v be_v make_v for_o the_o impiety_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v so_o strong_a and_o clear_a a_o light_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v it_o to_o who_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o powerful_a and_o such_o a_o improvement_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o man_n must_v use_v great_a force_n and_o violence_n to_o suppress_v they_o and_o to_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o upon_o their_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a our_o knowledge_n by_o so_o much_o the_o less_o be_v our_o excuse_n and_o so_o much_o the_o great_a punishment_n be_v due_a to_o our_o fault_n so_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o luke_n 12._o 47._o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o john_n 9_o 41._o if_o you_o be_v blind_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o jew_n you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o there_o be_v of_o our_o duty_n so_o much_o abatement_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o our_o fault_n but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 10._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n imply_v that_o man_n can_v pretend_v ignorance_n for_o their_o fault_n after_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o be_v make_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o aggravate_v the_o impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o it_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v afford_v to_o
that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v what_o he_o know_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o will_v do_v what_o he_o know_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v now_o if_o a_o man_n be_v simple_o and_o invincible_o ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n his_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v altogether_o involuntary_a for_o the_o will_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v where_o the_o understanding_n do_v not_o first_o direct_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o child_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n for_o though_o they_o may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v material_o a_o fault_n yet_o it_o be_v none_o in_o they_o because_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o incapacity_n they_o be_v at_o present_a invincible_o ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n likewise_o of_o idiot_n who_o be_v under_o a_o natural_a incapacity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v so_o nothing_o that_o they_o do_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o as_o a_o fault_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o distract_a person_n who_o be_v deprive_v either_o whole_o or_o at_o some_o time_n of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o understanding_n so_o far_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o deprive_v they_o be_v free_a from_o all_o guilt_n and_o to_o person_n who_o have_v the_o free_a and_o perfect_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n no_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n be_v impute_v of_o which_o they_o be_v absolute_o and_o invincible_o ignorant_a for_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o mankind_n to_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o he_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v and_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o those_o who_o never_o hear_v of_o he_o nor_o have_v any_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o this_o infidelity_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o of_o who_o they_o never_o hear_v they_o may_v indeed_o be_v condemn_v upon_o other_o account_n for_o ●inning_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o not_o obey_v the_o law_n which_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v as_o true_a of_o any_o other_o revelation_n of_o god_n as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v without_o law_n shall_v also_o perish_v without_o law_n and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v under_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n rom._n 2._o 12._o in_o like_a manner_n those_o who_o have_v ●inned_v without_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v who_o never_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o any_o offence_n against_o that_o revelation_n which_o be_v never_o make_v to_o they_o but_o for_o their_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n only_o they_o that_o have_v sin_v under_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o it_o second_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o sort_n of_o ignorance_n which_o either_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o very_o little_a extenuate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n when_o man_n be_v not_o only_o ignorant_a but_o choose_v to_o be_v so_o that_o be_v when_o they_o wilful_o neglect_v those_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o they_o such_o as_o job_n speak_v of_o job_n 21._o 14._o who_o say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n and_o this_o sort_n of_o ignorance_n many_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o our_o saviour_n come_v and_o preach_v to_o they_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o the_o light_n come_v among_o they_o but_o they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v as_o he_o himself_o say_v of_o they_o and_o as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n which_o offer_v itself_o to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o heal_v now_o a_o ignorance_n in_o this_o degree_n wilful_a can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v to_o carry_v any_o excuse_n at_o all_o in_o it_o he_o that_o know_v not_o his_o lord_n will_n because_o he_o will_v not_o know_v it_o because_o he_o wilful_o reject_v the_o mean_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v beat_v with_o as_o many_o stripe_n as_o if_o he_o have_v know_v it_o because_o he_o may_v have_v know_v it_o and_o will_v not_o he_o that_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o king_n proclamation_n or_o will_v stop_v his_o ear_n when_o it_o be_v read_v and_o afterward_o offend_v against_o it_o do_v equal_o deserve_v punishment_n with_o those_o who_o have_v read_v it_o and_o hear_v it_o and_o disobey_v it_o because_o he_o be_v as_o gross_o faulty_a in_o not_o know_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o any_o man_n be_v gross_a fault_n shall_v be_v his_o excuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v 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define_v and_o determine_v so_o that_o no_o man_n that_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n free_a from_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n can_v easy_o mistake_v in_o any_o great_a and_o material_a part_n of_o his_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o such_o a_o character_n of_o he_o give_v as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o render_v he_o both_o awful_a and_o amiable_a for_o the_o scripture_n represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o great_a and_o good_a powerful_a and_o merciful_a a_o perfect_a hater_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a lover_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o have_v the_o law_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n clear_o express_v and_o lay_v down_o and_o as_o a_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o law_n a_o plain_a discovery_n make_v to_o we_o of_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o 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break_v his_o law_n but_o to_o trample_v upon_o they_o and_o despise_v they_o when_o we_o know_v who_o law_n they_o be_v will_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o thy_o neighbour_n thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v or_o oppress_v or_o defraud_v thy_o brother_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o will_v we_o notwithstanding_o venture_v to_o break_v these_o law_n know_v who_o authority_n they_o be_v stamp_v withal_o after_o this_o contempt_n of_o he_o what_o favour_n can_v we_o hope_v for_o from_o he_o what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o why_o any_o one_o of_o those_o many_o stripe_n which_o be_v threaten_v shall_v be_v abate_v to_o we_o ignosci_fw-la aliquatenus_fw-la ignorantiae_fw-la potest_fw-la contemptus_fw-la veniam_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la something_n may_v be_v pardon_v to_o ignorance_n but_o contempt_n can_v expect_v no_o forgiveness_n he_o that_o strike_v his_o prince_n not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v so_o have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o himself_o that_o though_o he_o do_v a_o disloyal_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o disloyal_a mind_n but_o he_o that_o first_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o his_o prince_n and_o then_o affront_v he_o deserve_v to_o be_v prosecute_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n because_o he_o do_v it_o wilful_o and_o in_o mere_a contempt_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o we_o go_v against_o take_v away_o all_o possible_a excuse_n from_o we_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o we_o shall_v offend_v he_o who_o have_v both_o authority_n to_o command_v we_o and_o power_n to_o destroy_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v represent_v to_o you_o the_o true_a ground_n and_o 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we_o in_o break_a piece_n or_o mix_v and_o adulterate_v here_o a_o lesson_n of_o scripture_n and_o there_o a_o legend_n but_o whole_a and_o entire_a sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o as_o he_o do_v the_o heathen_a for_o many_o age_n to_o the_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a direction_n of_o natural_a light_n nor_o have_v he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o dark_a type_n and_o shadow_n but_o have_v make_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o the_o dispensation_n which_o we_o be_v under_o have_v no_o vail_n upon_o it_o the_o darkness_n be_v past_a and_o the_o true_a light_n now_o shine_v we_o be_v of_o the_o day_n and_o of_o the_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v put_v off_o the_o work_v of_o darkness_n and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n every_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n commit_v against_o it_o and_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o we_o will_v add_v to_o the_o number_n of_o our_o stripe_n nay_o if_o god_n shall_v inflict_v no_o positive_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n yet_o their_o own_o mind_n will_v deal_v most_o severe_o with_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o nothing_o will_v gall_v their_o conscience_n more_o than_o to_o remember_v against_o what_o light_n they_o do_v offend_v for_o herein_o lie_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o sting_n of_o all_o guilt_n to_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o do_v it_o not_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n before_o will_v be_v pardonable_a in_o comparison_n of_o we_o the_o time_n of_o that_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v mankind_n have_v some_o excuse_n for_o their_o error_n before_o and_o god_n be_v please_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o overlook_v they_o but_o if_o we_o continue_v still_o in_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o they_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o light_n which_o we_o enjoy_v be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o we_o by_o our_o lord_n for_o the_o improve_n whereof_o he_o will_v call_v we_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o he_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v account_v for_o all_o the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n they_o have_v have_v of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o their_o knowledge_n be_v increase_v so_o their_o sorrow_n and_o punishment_n shall_v proportionable_o rise_v if_o they_o sin_n against_o it_o the_o ignorance_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deserve_o pity_v and_o lament_v by_o we_o but_o the_o condemnation_n of_o none_o be_v so_o sad_a as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n neglect_v to_o do_v it_o how_o much_o better_a have_v it_o be_v for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v kuow_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o if_o we_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o will_n we_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o we_o have_v but_o now_o that_o we_o see_v our_o sin_n remain_v this_o will_v aggravate_v our_o condemnation_n beyond_o measure_n that_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n so_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n lie_v plain_o before_o we_o we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n we_o believe_v the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o judgement_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n not_o only_o to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n but_o on_o they_o that_o have_v know_v he_o and_o yet_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o move_v we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v our_o lord_n will_n we_o deserve_v to_o have_v our_o stripe_n multiply_v no_o condemnation_n can_v be_v too_o heavy_a for_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o their_o duty_n let_v we_o then_o be_v persuade_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o we_o know_v let_v the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o our_o understanding_n descend_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n let_v we_o not_o dare_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o neither_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n nor_o for_o rebel_a against_o the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o glare_v upon_o our_o conscience_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n sermon_n fourteen_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o chargeable_a upon_o god_n but_o upon_o themselves_o james_n i._n 13_o 14._o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v next_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o every_o man_n sin_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o blame_v himself_o for_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v first_o that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o our_o fault_n either_o by_o tempt_v or_o force_v we_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o for_o if_o he_o be_v they_o will_v neither_o proper_o be_v sin_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v just_o punish_v they_o will_v not_o proper_o be_v sin_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v man_n to_o be_v either_o tempt_v or_o necessitate_v thereto_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n will_v either_o be_v a_o mere_a passive_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o a_o active_a compliance_n with_o it_o but_o neither_o way_n a_o contradiction_n to_o it_o nor_o can_v these_o action_n be_v just_o punish_v for_o all_o punishment_n suppose_v a_o fault_n and_o a_o fault_n suppose_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n from_o force_n and_o necessity_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o punish_v for_o that_o which_o he_o can_v help_v and_o no_o man_n can_v help_v that_o which_o he_o be_v necessitate_v and_o compel_v to_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o case_n but_o only_a temptation_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o tempt_v and_o punish_v for_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n so_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o against_o justice_n and_o goodness_n than_o first_o to_o draw_v man_n into_o a_o fault_n and_o then_o to_o chastise_v they_o for_o it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n and_o then_o second_o that_o every_o man_n fault_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o he_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o blame_v himself_o for_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v man_n proper_o guilty_a that_o when_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o it_o be_v their_o own_o act_n and_o they_o may_v have_v do_v otherwise_o and_o guilt_n be_v that_o which_o make_v man_n liable_a to_o punishment_n and_o fear_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o sin_n and_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a argument_n for_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n and_o both_o these_o principle_n our_o apostle_n st._n james_n do_v here_o full_o assert_v in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o l●t_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o
the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o be_v a_o mere_a question_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v of_o it_o only_o that_o it_o be_v a_o question_n of_o great_a importance_n what_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o appease_v god_n when_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o for_o who_o can_v bear_v his_o indignation_n and_o who_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o he_o when_o once_o he_o be_v angry_a let_v we_o consider_v then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o way_n that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o take_v to_o pacify_v god_n and_o that_o be_v by_o some_o external_a piece_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n such_o as_o be_v sacrifice_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o man_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o choose_v the_o jew_n you_o se●_n pitch_v upon_o the_o external_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n those_o which_o be_v most_o pompous_a and_o solemn_a the_o rich_a and_o most_o costly_a sacrifice_n so_o they_o may_v but_o keep_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o offer_v up_o any_o thing_n else_o to_o god_n they_o think_v nothing_o too_o good_a for_o he_o provide_v he_o will_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o become_v better_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v among_o ourselves_o when_o we_o apprehend_v god_n be_v displease_v with_o we_o and_o his_o judgement_n abroad_o in_o the_o earth_n we_o be_v content_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o to_o learn_v righteousness_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o any_o kind_n of_o external_a devotion_n and_o humiliation_n to_o fast_o and_o pray_v to_o afflict_v ourselves_o and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n thing_n some_o of_o they_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o case_n of_o public_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n they_o be_v the_o inquisitive_a and_o as_o they_o pretend_v the_o most_o skilful_a people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pacify_v god_n and_o they_o have_v a_o thousand_o solemn_a device_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o do_v not_o wrong_v they_o by_o represent_v they_o inquire_v after_o this_o manner_n shall_v i_o go_v before_o a_o crucifix_n and_o bow_v myself_o to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o high_a god_n and_o because_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o it_o be_v perhaps_o too_o much_o boldness_n and_o arrogance_n to_o make_v immediate_a address_n always_o to_o he_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n or_o angel_n shall_v i_o go_v to_o mediate_v for_o i_o and_o intercede_v on_o my_o behalf_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o paternosters_a or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o ave-mary_n shall_v the_o host_n travel_n in_o procession_n or_o myself_o undertake_v a_o tedious_a pilgrimage_n or_o shall_v i_o list_v myself_o a_o soldier_n for_o the_o holy_a war_n or_o for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n shall_v i_o give_v half_a my_o estate_n to_o a_o convent_n for_o my_o transgression_n or_o chastise_v and_o punish_v my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n thus_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o will_v submit_v to_o all_o the_o extravagant_a severity_n that_o the_o petulancy_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n can_v devise_v and_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v when_o man_n be_v once_o under_o the_o power_n of_o superstition_n how_o ridiculous_a they_o may_v be_v and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o religious_a how_o prodigious_o they_o may_v play_v the_o fool_n and_o yet_o believe_v they_o please_v god_n what_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a thing_n they_o may_v do_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o persuade_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n and_o what_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o all_o this_o but_o that_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o do_v that_o without_o which_o nothing_o else_o that_o we_o do_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n they_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o be_v put_v to_o the_o trouble_v of_o mend_v themselves_o every_o thing_n be_v easy_a in_o comparison_n of_o this_o task_n and_o god_n may_v have_v any_o term_n of_o they_o so_o he_o will_v let_v they_o be_v quiet_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o real_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o course_n which_o god_n himself_o direct_v to_o and_o which_o will_v effectual_o pacify_v he_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v those_o several_a duty_n which_o god_n here_o require_v of_o we_o and_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o he_o will_v be_v pacify_v 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definition_n can_v explain_v it_o to_o he_o i_o shall_v only_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o several_a virtue_n comprehend_v under_o it_o and_o first_o justice_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o make_n of_o law_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v equal_a and_o reasonable_a useful_a and_o beneficial_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o humane_a society_n this_o be_v a_o great_a trust_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o which_o if_o man_n be_v bias_v by_o favour_n or_o interest_n and_o draw_v aside_o from_o the_o consideration_n and_o regard_n of_o the_o public_a good_a it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a crime_n and_o of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o any_o private_a act_n of_o injustice_n between_o man_n and_o man._n and_o then_o justice_n be_v also_o concern_v in_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o law_n which_o be_v the_o guard_n of_o private_a property_n the_o security_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o good_a manner_n and_o last_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o law_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o debt_n that_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o humane_a society_n but_o more_o especial_o justice_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o law_n whether_o of_o god_n or_o man_n which_o respect_v the_o right_n of_o man_n and_o their_o mutual_a commerce_n and_o intercourse_n with_o one_o another_o that_o we_o use_v honesty_n and_o integrity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n in_o opposition_n to_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n in_o opposition_n to_o falsehood_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n equity_n and_o good_a conscience_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o oppression_n and_o exaction_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a branch_n and_o instance_n of_o this_o great_a and_o comprehensive_a duty_n of_o justice_n the_o violation_n whereof_o be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a sin_n because_o this_o virtue_n be_v the_o firm_a bond_n of_o humane_a society_n upon_o the_o observation_n whereof_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v 2._o mercy_n which_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o necessity_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o actual_a relief_n of_o those_o who_o condition_n call_v for_o our_o charitable_a help_n and_o assistance_n by_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o clothing_n the_o naked_a and_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o vindicate_v the_o oppress_a and_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o minister_a ease_n and_o relief_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a lovely_a virtue_n and_o argue_v more_o goodness_n in_o man_n than_o mere_a justice_n
do_v for_o justice_n be_v a_o strict_a debt_n but_o mercy_n be_v favour_n and_o kindness_n and_o this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a expression_n in_o the_o text_n that_o when_o god_n bare_o command_v we_o to_o do_v just_o he_o require_v we_o shall_v love_v mercy_n that_o be_v take_v a_o particular_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o virtue_n which_o be_v so_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o mankind_n that_o we_o common_o call_v it_o humanity_n give_v it_o its_o name_n from_o our_o very_a nature_n in_o short_a it_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a that_o any_o religion_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o pretend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o more_o than_o our_o own_o 3._o piety_n to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n to_o walk_v humble_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n render_v these_o word_n and_o this_o phrase_n may_v comprehend_v all_o those_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o refer_v immediate_o to_o god_n a_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n a_o awful_a sense_n of_o he_o as_o the_o dread_a sovereign_n and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n a_o due_a regard_n to_o his_o service_n and_o a_o reverend_a behaviour_n of_o ourselves_o towards_o he_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o atheism_n and_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n a_o new_a and_o monstrous_a kind_n of_o impiety_n which_o of_o late_a year_n have_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o get_v head_n among_o we_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o example_n of_o former_a age_n but_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o very_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v natural_o devout_a and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n or_o else_o this_o phrase_n of_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n may_v refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o posture_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o that_o time_n who_o be_v fall_v under_o the_o heavy_a displeasure_n of_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n require_v be_v that_o be_v sensible_a how_o high_o god_n have_v be_v offend_v by_o we_o by_o the_o general_a corruption_n and_o viciousness_n of_o the_o age_n which_o like_o a_o leprosy_n have_v spread_v itself_o almost_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o that_o open_a lewdness_n and_o those_o insolent_a impiety_n which_o be_v daily_o commit_v among_o we_o i_o say_v that_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o this_o we_o do_v with_o all_o humility_n acknowledge_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o resolve_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o turn_v every_o one_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o way_n and_o from_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o our_o hand_n which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v every_o one_o do_v f●●●●_n this_o day_n according_a to_o the_o pious_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o this_o resolution_n who_o can_v tell_v but_o god_n may_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o his_o anger_n from_o we_o that_o we_o perish_v not_o nay_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v be_v pacify_v towards_o we_o so_o he_o have_v declare_v isa_n 1._o 16._o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n but_o if_o we_o continue_v unreformed_a god_n will_v say_v to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v there_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o your_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v to_o which_o let_v i_o add_v that_o excellent_a say_v of_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n to_o this_o purpose_n ecclesiastic_a 34._o 25_o 26._o he_o that_o wash_v himself_o after_o the_o touch_v of_o a_o dead_a body_n if_o he_o touch_v it_o again_o what_o avail_v his_o wash_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o man_n that_o fast_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o go_v again_o and_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o will_v hear_v his_o prayer_n or_o what_o do_v his_o humble_v profit_v he_o ii_o let_v we_o consider_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v god_n have_v make_v know_v these_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o the_o goodness_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o i_o shall_v mention_v five_o way_n whereby_o god_n have_v discover_v this_o to_o we_o 1._o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a instinct_n 2._o by_o natural_a reason_n 3._o by_o the_o general_a vote_n and_o consent_n of_o mankind_n 4._o by_o external_a revelation_n 5._o by_o the_o inward_a dictate_v and_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n first_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a instinct_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o secret_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v natural_o carry_v to_o approve_v some_o thing_n as_o good_a and_o fit_a and_o to_o dislike_v other_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o native_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o and_o this_o i_o call_v a_o natural_a instinct_n because_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o proceed_v so_o much_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o from_o a_o natural_a propension_n and_o inclination_n like_o those_o instinct_n which_o be_v in_o brute_n creature_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o care_n towards_o their_o young_a one_o and_o that_o these_o inclination_n be_v precedent_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n about_o they_o evident_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o they_o do_v put_v forth_o themselves_o every_o whit_n as_o vigorous_o in_o young_a person_n as_o in_o those_o of_o ripe_a reason_n in_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o in_o those_o who_o be_v more_o polish_a and_o refine_a for_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o the_o young_a and_o ignorant_a have_v as_o strong_a impression_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n as_o true_a a_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n and_o justice_n and_o pity_n as_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o know_a part_n of_o mankind_n a_o plain_a indication_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v prevent_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a instinct_n and_o anticipation_n concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o comeliness_n or_o deformity_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o though_o this_o do_v not_o equal_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o great_a line_n and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o mankind_n hardly_o need_v to_o consult_v any_o other_o oracle_n than_o the_o mere_a propension_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o nature_n as_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_v the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v grateful_a to_o those_o who_o have_v confer_v benefit_n upon_o we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o our_o promise_n to_o restore_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o in_o trust_n to_o pity_v and_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o we_o and_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o man_n be_v natural_o innocent_a or_o guilty_a to_o themselves_o according_a to_o what_o they_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o do_v show_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n by_o turn_n that_o be_v according_a as_o they_o do_v well_o or_o ill_a accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a comfort_n in_o innocence_n and_o a_o strange_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o be_v acquit_v by_o our_o own_o mind_n for_o what_o we_o do_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o contradict_v these_o natural_a dictate_v what_o uneasiness_n do_v we_o find_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n nay_o even_o before_o the_o
and_o not_o sacrifice_n which_o say_v be_v quote_v by_o he_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n chap._n 6._o 6._o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o than_o burn_a offering_n which_o text_n our_o saviour_n cite_v and_o apply_v upon_o two_o several_a occasion_n the_o consider_v and_o compare_v of_o which_o will_v give_v full_a light_n to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n find_v fault_n with_o he_o for_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n the_o other_o be_v matth._n 12._o 7._o where_o the_o pharisee_n blame_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o if_o you_o have_v know_v what_o this_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n you_o will_v not_o have_v condemn_v the_o guiltless_a that_o be_v if_o they_o have_v understand_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v chief_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v regard_v they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o forward_o to_o censure_v this_o action_n of_o his_o disciple_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o say_v be_v this_o that_o in_o compare_v the_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o duty_n together_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v of_o moral_n and_o natural_a obligation_n be_v most_o value_v by_o god_n and_o aught_o to_o take_v place_n of_o those_o which_o be_v positive_a and_o ritual_a i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v rather_o than_o sacrifice_n according_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o hebrew_n phrase_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o comparitive_a sense_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o hosea_n i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o burn_v offering_n if_o they_o can_v be_v observe_v together_o let_v sacrifice_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v do_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o seem_v very_o plain_a because_o show_v mercy_n or_o do_v good_a in_o any_o kind_n be_v a_o prime_a instance_n of_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o do_v natural_o and_o perpetual_o oblige_v but_o sacrifice_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o positive_a and_o ritual_a observance_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o kind_n so_o that_o when_o moral_a duty_n and_o ritual_a observance_n come_v in_o competition_n and_o do_v clash_n with_o one_o another_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o rite_n or_o positive_a institution_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o moral_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o that_o case_n to_o neglect_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o a_o rite_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v command_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o though_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o true_a mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v a_o tacit_n condition_n employ_v in_o all_o law_n of_o a_o ritual_a and_o positive_a nature_n provide_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o the_o hindrance_n and_o prejudice_n of_o any_o duty_n which_o be_v of_o a_o high_a and_o better_a nature_n in_o that_o case_n the_o obligation_n of_o it_o do_v for_o that_o time_n give_v way_n and_o be_v suspend_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n by_o compare_v more_o particular_o the_o instance_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o his_o disciple_n pass_v through_o the_o corn_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o be_v hungry_a pluck_v the_o ear_n and_o do_v eat_v this_o our_o saviour_n do_v justify_v to_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n because_o in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n it_o do_v not_o oblige_v for_o the_o disciple_n be_v call_v to_o attend_v upon_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o be_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n this_o attendance_n hinder_v they_o from_o make_v necessary_a provision_n against_o the_o sabbath_n they_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o master_n be_v intent_n upon_o a_o better_a work_n but_o that_o they_o may_v not_o starve_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n which_o be_v but_o positive_a and_o ritual_a shall_v give_v way_n to_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o self-preservation_n if_o you_o have_v know_v what_o this_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n you_o will_v not_o have_v condemn_v the_o guiltless_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o any_o instrumental_a part_n of_o religion_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o promote_v piety_n and_o goodness_n as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n keep_v good_a company_n and_o avoid_v bad_a the_o duty_n of_o this_o kind_n our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n where_o he_o likewise_o apply_v this_o rule_n compare_v with_o moral_a duty_n to_o avoid_v the_o company_n of_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a person_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o preserve_v man_n from_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o vice_n and_o be_v always_o esteem_v a_o duty_n among_o prudent_a man_n both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a disallow_v by_o our_o saviour_n but_o yet_o not_o so_o a_o duty_n as_o to_o hinder_v a_o great_a duty_n nor_o so_o strict_o and_o perverse_o to_o be_v insist_v upon_o as_o if_o one_o ought_v not_o to_o converse_v with_o bad_a man_n in_o any_o case_n or_o upon_o any_o account_n no_o not_o for_o so_o great_a and_o good_a a_o end_n as_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o vice_n in_o this_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o our_o first_o and_o high_a obligation_n be_v to_o moral_a duty_n comprehend_v under_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n among_o which_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a be_v to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o to_o show_v mercy_n and_o pity_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o the_o great_a good_a that_o one_o man_n can_v do_v to_o another_o be_v to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o reclaim_v he_o from_o the_o evil_a and_o error_n of_o his_o way_n because_o this_o be_v to_o save_v his_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n ever_o intend_v by_o any_o rule_n of_o prudence_n or_o positive_a constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n so_o to_o forbid_v their_o accompany_v with_o bad_a and_o scandalous_a man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a to_o converse_v with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o amendment_n go_v you_o and_o learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o st._n paul_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n in_o the_o precept_n he_o give_v concern_v avoid_v the_o company_n of_o scandalous_a christian_n 2_o thes_n 3._o 14_o 15._o and_o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n st._n paul_n qualify_v his_o precept_n lest_o christian_n shall_v mistake_v it_o and_o fall_v into_o the_o jewish_a extreme_a not_o to_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o they_o esteem_v scandalous_a and_o wicked_a upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o in_o order_n to_o their_o amendment_n and_o reformation_n the_o bond_n of_o intimacy_n and_o friendship_n with_o bad_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v break_v and_o yet_o the_o bond_n of_o common_a humanity_n may_v be_v as_o strong_a as_o ever_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o discountenance_v bad_a man_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o shame_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o quite_o another_o thing_n to_o abandon_v they_o to_o ruin_n and_o even_o in_o case_n of_o notorious_a heresy_n or_o wickedness_n of_o life_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o quite_o another_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o humane_a society_n to_o cut_v their_o throat_n and_o to_o extirpate_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o the_o matter_n be_v carry_v thus_o far_o by_o the_o furious_a zeal_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n they_o think_v that_o no_o mercy_n in_o such_o case_n be_v the_o best_a service_n that_o can_v be_v do_v and_o the_o best_a sacrifice_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o almighty_a god_n and_o
will_n i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o that_o the_o judicial_a or_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o pass_v away_o and_o do_v so_o not_o long_o after_o but_o this_o law_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o immutable_a for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n of_o this_o law_n shall_v not_o pass_v second_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n neglect_v for_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o except_o their_o righteousness_n do_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n they_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o now_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v the_o most_o accurate_a and_o punctual_a people_n in_o the_o world_n in_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o judicial_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v away_o any_o thing_n from_o these_o observance_n that_o they_o have_v add_v to_o they_o and_o enlarge_v they_o by_o innumerable_a tradition_n of_o their_o own_o so_o exact_a be_v they_o that_o they_o will_v pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cummin_n as_o our_o saviour_n observe_v but_o then_o they_o be_v extreme_o defective_a in_o moral_a duty_n they_o be_v unnatural_a to_o their_o parent_n and_o will_v pretend_v that_o their_o estate_n be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n that_o under_o this_o pretence_n of_o positive_a religion_n they_o may_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o a_o natural_a duty_n and_o let_v their_o parent_n starve_v for_o god_n sake_n they_o be_v covetous_a and_o unjust_a and_o devour_v widow_n house_n in_o a_o word_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n mercy_n judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v faith_n with_o man_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o our_o righteousness_n must_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n viz._n in_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a law_n which_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o instance_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v in_o his_o follow_a discourse_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o judge_v what_o he_o mean_v he_o instance_n in_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o perjury_n which_o be_v undoubted_o forbid_v by_o the_o natural_a law_n and_o then_o he_o i●stances_n in_o several_a permission_n which_o be_v indulge_v to_o they_o for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o yet_o do_v entrench_v upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o first_o and_o original_a constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o the_o permission_n of_o divorce_n upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n and_o of_o revenge_n and_o retaliation_n of_o injury_n four_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o design_v and_o ultimate_o intend_v by_o they_o which_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o moral_a duty_n which_o as_o they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o two_o table_n by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o be_v chief_o inculcate_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o we_o find_v this_o phrase_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n elsewhere_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o mention_n that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o we_o matth._n 7._o 12._o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o how_o be_v this_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n when_o this_o rule_n be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o either_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v so_o much_o inculcate_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o observation_n of_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o call_v moral_a duty_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n matth._n 23._o 23._o but_o you_o say_v he_o to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n and_o mercy_n and_o fidelity_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n busy_v themselves_o chief_o about_o ritual_a observance_n but_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o that_o those_o other_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o important_a duty_n of_o the_o law_n and_o lay_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o much_o the_o same_o enumeration_n the_o prophet_n make_v where_o he_o compare_v sacrifice_n and_o these_o moral_a duty_n together_o mic._n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8._o wherewith_o ●hall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burn_a offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first_o bear_v 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 he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n he_o have_v require_v sacrifice_n but_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o they_o in_o comparison_n with_o these_o ii_o no_o institute_v service_n of_o god_n no_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o moral_a duty_n be_v neglect_v nay_o so_o far_o from_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o he_o reject_v they_o with_o disdain_n and_o abhorrence_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v almost_o innumerable_a passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 1._o 11._o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n so_o it_o follow_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n imply_v that_o till_o they_o have_v respect_n to_o moral_a duty_n all_o their_o external_a worship_n and_o sacrifice_n signify_v nothing_o and_o so_o likewise_o isa_n 66._o 3._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o abomible_a than_o their_o sacrifice_n so_o long_o as_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o wicked_a practice_n he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n and_o he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v a_o idol_n yea_o they_o have_v choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n and_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n jer._n 7._o 4_o 5._o trust_v you_o not_o in_o lie_v word_n say_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o thorough_o amend_v your_o way_n and_o your_o do_n thorough_o execute_v judgement_n between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o neighbour_n oppress_v ●ot_n the_o stranger_n the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o shed_v not_o innocent_a blood_n if_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v these_o duty_n and_o forbear_v those_o sin_n all_o the_o reverence_n for_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o
worship_n of_o god_n signify_v nothing_o you_o see_v in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o sake_n viz._n the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o that_o all_o institute_v religion_n that_o do_v not_o promote_v and_o further_o these_o or_o be_v destitute_a of_o they_o be_v abominable_a to_o god_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n prefer_v a_o moral_a duty_n before_o any_o gift_n we_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n and_o will_v have_v it_o to_o take_v place_n mat._n 5._o 23_o 24._o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n unto_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n but_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o this_o and_o what_o ha●h_v be_v say_v before_o that_o god_n prefer_v goodness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o man_n before_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o second_o table_n before_o obedience_n to_o those_o of_o the_o first_o but_o this_o do_v but_o seem_v so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v already_o say_v be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n before_o any_o institute_v worship_n such_o as_o sacrifice_n be_v and_o before_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v mere_o positive_a though_o they_o do_v immediate_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o first_o nor_o of_o any_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v this_o our_o saviour_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n intimate_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o bear_v a_o revengeful_a mind_n towards_o our_o brethren_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o any_o gift_n or_o sacrifice_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v to_o he_o or_o indeed_o of_o any_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v three_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o restore_v and_o reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o moral_a duty_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n begin_v his_o first_o sermon_n by_o promise_a blessedness_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o meekness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o tell_v we_o as_o i_o show_v before_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o release_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n but_o to_o oblige_v they_o thereto_o more_o effectual_o and_o that_o as_o these_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o main_a duty_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o be_v they_o much_o more_o to_o be_v so_o of_o the_o christian_n this_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o these_o duty_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o effectual_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o that_o know_a and_o excellent_a text_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12●_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldy_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o herein_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v jam._n 1._o 27._o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o chap._n 3._o 17._o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v that_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n have_v these_o property_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v these_o effect_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o of_o good_a fruit_n and_o the_o plant_n of_o these_o disposition_n in_o we_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 20_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n wherein_o the_o gentile_n live_v tell_v christian_n that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o instruct_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n that_o you_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n or_o as_o the_o word_n perhaps_o may_v better_o be_v render_v in_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n for_o it_o immediate_o follow_v wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o make_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n gal._n 6._o 15._o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o chapter_n before_o express_v thus_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v or_o be_v inspire_v by_o charity_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o the_o compare_v of_o which_o text_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o christianity_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o this_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o this_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o produce_v these_o virtue_n in_o we_o and_o indeed_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o justification_n in_o his_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o assistance_n therein_o promise_v be_v to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v and_o enable_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o mora●_n duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v it_o and_o build_v upon_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o namely_o that_o no_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n be_v ever_o design_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a duty_n but_o be_v intend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o and_o this_o also_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o reveal_v religion_n call_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o natural_a duty_n thus_o the_o jewish_a religion_n do_v the_o first_o law_n which_o god_n give_v they_o and_o which_o h●_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n by_o write_v they_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n with_o his_o own_o finger_n be_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o among_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v to_o reprove_v not_o so_o much_o their_o defect_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o institute_v worship_n as_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o immorality_n and_o to_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o reform_v and_o amend_v these_o fault_n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o it_o be_v almost_o whole_o make_v up_o of_o moral_a
put_v to_o death_n because_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v this_o hardword_n and_o believe_v this_o impossible_a thing_n and_o yet_o if_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v clear_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n as_o plain_a as_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o positive_a matter_n in_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o kill_v man_n for_o not_o understand_v and_o believe_v these_o thing_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o religion_n to_o do_v it_o because_o the_o law_n of_o mercy_n and_o humanity_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v violate_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o god_n have_v plain_o say_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n yea_o rather_o than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n if_o it_o be_v what_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v the_o offering_z of_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o bloo●_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a for_o propitiation_n of_o sin_n be_v once_o make_v by_o christ_n offering_n himself_o once_o for_o all_o upon_o the_o cross_n there_o need_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n nay_o i_o will_v go_v further_o yet_o i_o have_v rather_o never_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n nor_o ever_o receive_v it_o than_o take_v away_o any_o man_n life_n about_o it_o because_o the_o sacrament_n be_v but_o a_o positive_a rite_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n before_o any_o rite_n or_o institution_n whatsoever_o beside_o that_o all_o act_n of_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n which_o be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n of_o the_o great_a love_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o thereby_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o 2._o what_o have_v be_v say_v give_v we_o a_o right_a notion_n and_o character_n of_o that_o church_n and_o religion_n which_o prefer_v the_o positive_a rite_n and_o institution_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o to_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n fidelity_n and_o justice_n and_o which_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o pretend_a article_n of_o religion_n or_o rite_n of_o worship_n which_o if_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v yet_o mere_o positive_a will_v break_v the_o great_a of_o god_n commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o principle_n and_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v never_o so_o effectual_o undermine_v and_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n never_o so_o intolerable_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o ever_o yet_o have_v the_o face_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o the_o allow_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o this_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n for_o some_o imaginary_a doctrine_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v of_o mere_a positive_a institution_n and_o of_o the_o same_o rank_n among_o christian_n that_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o which_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o a_o instance_n than_o in_o the_o occasion_n of_o th●s_n day_n be_v solemnity_n upon_o which_o day_n about_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o there_o be_v design_v a_o mighty_a sacrifice_n indeed_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a burnt-offering_a that_o ever_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o those_o of_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o not_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n but_o of_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o noble_n more_o in_o value_n than_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n than_o all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n and_o the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n here_o be_v a_o prodigious_a sacrifice_n indeed_o but_o where_o be_v mercy_n the_o thing_n god_n chief_o desire_v and_o which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o no_o mercy_n not_o even_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n who_o these_o nice_a and_o tender_a casuist_n after_o a_o solemn_a debate_n of_o the_o case_n have_v resolve_v to_o involve_v in_o the_o same_o common_a destruction_n with_o the_o rest_n rather_o no_o mercy_n than_o that_o this_o sacrificewhich_n their_o mad_a zeal_n have_v prompt_v they_o to_o shall_v be_v omit_v to_o conclude_v they_o that_o can_v do_v such_o inhuman_a thing_n and_o think_v they_o to_o be_v religion_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o but_o have_v need_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o natural_a duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v violate_v upon_o pretence_n no_o nor_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o positive_a institution_n because_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v institute_v and_o therefore_o to_o violate_v any_o natural_a duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o be_v institute_v be_v for_o religion_n to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o itself_o let_v those_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o go_v and_o learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n sermon_n iii_o christianity_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n matthew_n v._o 17._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v there_o be_v no_o say_v in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v so_o frequent_o object_v to_o the_o christian_n as_o this_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o if_o his_o word_n and_o action_n be_v plain_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o for_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a say_v they_o that_o he_o take_v away_o so_o many_o ceremony_n purification_n distinction_n of_o meat_n sacrifice_n judicial_a law_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n yet_o he_o say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o do_v throw_v down_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o so_o do_v contradict_v his_o own_o say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n to_o clear_v our_o saviour_n word_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v full_o understand_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n in_o the_o text._n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o his_o religion_n do_v earnest_o recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n and_o strict_o enjoin_v the_o perfect_a practice_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n declare_v to_o they_o that_o he_o come_v to_o bring_v in_o and_o establish_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o jewish_a religion_n indeed_o aim_v at_o but_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o that_o dispensation_n be_v not_o able_a to_o effect_v and_o accomplish_v and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o design_n to_o contradict_v the_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n or_o to_o destroy_v their_o divine_a authority_n by_o carry_v on_o a_o design_n contrary_n to_o they_o i_o say_v to_o prevent_v any_o imagination_n of_o this_o kind_n he_o do_v here_o in_o the_o text_n express_o declare_v the_o contrary_a think_v not_o etc._n etc._n intimate_v that_o some_o either_o do_v or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o free_v they_o from_o this_o jealousy_n he_o declare_v plain_o that_o he_o have_v no_o such_o thought_n and_o intention_n it_o be_v far_o from_o he_o i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o abrogate_v or_o dissolve_v the_o law_n to_o encourage_v man_n to_o the_o breach_n and_o violation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o word_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o 19_o ver_fw-la whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 3._o 31._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o law_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o same_o question_n with_o that_o of_o the_o same_o apostle_n gal._n 3._o 21._o be_v the_o law_n
excellent_a be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n phil._n 1._o 10_o 11._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n mind_v these_o thing_n ch._n 4._o 8._o and_o then_o consider_v what_o abundant_a provision_n the_o gospel_n have_v make_v for_o our_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n we_o be_v altogether_o without_o excuse_n if_o we_o perish_v since_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o so_o mighty_a a_o salvation_n for_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n will_v not_o forgive_v they_o but_o because_o we_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o be_v save_v the_o fault_n be_v all_o our_o own_o and_o we_o owe_v it_o whole_o to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o if_o when_o life_n and_o death_n heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v so_o plain_o set_v before_o we_o eternal_a misery_n and_o perdition_n fall_v to_o our_o lot_n and_o portion_n it_o be_v not_o because_o we_o be_v not_o warn_v of_o our_o danger_n or_o because_o happiness_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n but_o because_o we_o have_v make_v death_n and_o destruction_n our_o obstinate_a and_o final_a choice_n but_o beloved_n i_o hope_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n which_o accompany_v salvation_n though_o i_o thus_o speak_v only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v on_o our_o part_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v to_o we_o for_o his_o mercy_n be_v sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n sermon_n v._n of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumciston_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n there_o be_v two_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n namely_o that_o to_o the_o roman_n and_o this_o to_o the_o galatian_n which_o be_v principal_o and_o particular_o design_v to_o confute_v a_o false_a persuasion_n which_o have_v prevail_v among_o many_o christian_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o man_n to_o embrace_v and_o confess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o they_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o at_o least_o submit_v to_o that_o great_a precept_n of_o circumcision_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o among_o all_o the_o affirmative_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n be_v only_o threaten_v with_o excision_n or_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o people_n and_o of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o this_o error_n and_o the_o great_a disturbance_n which_o it_o make_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v a_o particular_a account_n act_v 15._o where_o a_o general_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v and_o a_o letter_n write_v in_o their_o name_n to_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o rectify_v their_o apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n ver_fw-la 24._o of_o that_o chap._n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o certain_a which_o go_v out_o from_o we_o have_v trouble_v you_o with_o word_n subvert_v your_o soul_n say_v you_o must_v be_v circumcise_a and_o keep_v the_o law_n to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o such_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n likewise_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n as_o likewise_o that_o to_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o former_a of_o which_o after_o he_o have_v at_o large_a confute_v this_o error_n which_o he_o call_v the_o preach_n of_o another_o gospel_n than_o what_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v and_o the_o christian_n first_o receive_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 5_o the_o chapt._n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o assert_v the_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n behold_v i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o not_o that_o hereby_o he_o condemn_v circumcision_n as_o a_o thing_n evil_n in_o itself_o for_o god_n never_o institute_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o but_o he_o oppose_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n when_o the_o gospel_n have_v so_o plain_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n and_o use_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o affirm_v still_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v real_o to_o renounce_v christianity_n for_o if_o judaisme_n be_v still_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n christianity_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o if_o christianity_n be_v now_o the_o way_n than_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v cease_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o false_a apostle_n to_o say_v as_o it_o seem_v they_o do_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o oblige_v universal_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n but_o principal_o to_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n because_o circumcision_n be_v the_o sign_n and_o badge_n of_o that_o covenant_n whoever_o take_v that_o upon_o he_o do_v thereby_o own_o his_o obligation_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n ver_fw-la 3●_n 4._o for_o i_o testify_v again_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n christ_n be_v become_v of_o no_o effect_n to_o you_o whosoever_o of_o you_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n you_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n that_o be_v whoever_o of_o you_o expect_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n you_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n that_o be_v do_v in_o effect_n renounce_v the_o gospel_n for_o we_o through_o the_o spirit_n wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n ver_fw-la 5_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o circumcision_n which_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n do_v expect_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n ver_fw-la 6._o that_o be_v now_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o christ_n jesus_n it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o a_o man_n justification_n or_o salvation_n whether_o he_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o circumcise_a whether_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o gentile_a all_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v as_o necessary_a to_o these_o purpose_n be_v that_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o now_o as_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v various_o express_v as_o by_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o which_o comp●ehends_v both_o by_o our_o justification_n sometime_o by_o adoption_n and_o our_o being_n make_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o redemption_n and_o which_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o all_o by_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n i_o say_v as_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o scripture_n express_v to_o we_o by_o these_o several_a term_n which_o do_v in_o effect_n all_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n so_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o condition_n the_o gospel_n require_v on_o our_o part_n be_v likewise_o as_o various_o express_v sometime_o and_o that_o very_o frequent_o by_o the_o word_n faith_n as_o be_v the_o great_a source_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o religious_a act_n and_o performance_n but_o then_o this_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v a_o bare_a assent_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o such_o a_o effectual_a belief_n as_o express_v itself_o in_o suitable_a act_n of_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o faith_n whick_z work_v by_o love_n a_o faith_n that_o be_v inspire_v and_o act_v or_o rather_o consummate_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n for_o so_o the_o word_n do_v often_o signify_v and_o then_o this_o phrase_n will_v be_v just_a of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o
if_o you_o know_v and_o do_v they_o now_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o so_o important_a a_o truth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n second_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o it_o first_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o first_o sermon_n where_o he_o repeat_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n so_o often_o he_o make_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o to_o the_o mere_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o habit_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o p●r●ty_n and_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o matth._n 7._o 2._o our_o saviour_n do_v most_o full_o declare_v that_o the_o happiness_n which_o he_o promise_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o doctrine_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o if_o themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v not_o practice_v it_o not_o every_o one_o that_o ●aith_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o wondrous_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_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 though_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v he_o yet_o because_o their_o life_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o but_o bid_v they_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v that_o though_o a_o man_n attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o descend_v into_o his_o life_n and_o govern_v his_o action_n all_o that_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v fond_a and_o groundless_a and_o only_o that_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v well_o ground_v who_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v it_o ver._n 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v not_o for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o roc●_n and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o though_o a_o man_n have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n as_o great_a and_o perfect_a as_o that_o which_o solomon_n have_v of_o natural_a thing_n large_a as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o sea_n shore_n yet_o all_o th●s_n knowledge_n separate_v from_o practice_n will_v be_v like_o the_o sand_n also_o in_o another_o respect_n a_o weak_a foundation_n for_o any_o man_n to_o build_v his_o hope_n ●f_a happiness_n upon_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n speak_v rom._n 2._o 13._o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n be_v just_a before_o god_n but_o the_o d●ers_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v justify_v so_o likewise_o st._n james_n chap._n 1._o 22._o be_v you_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v your_o own_o self_n and_o ver_fw-la 25._o who_o be_v look_v into_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o libert_n that_o be_v the_o law_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v therein_o he_o be_v not_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o word_n and_o order_v of_o our_o life_n ver._n 26._o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n this_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o aff●iction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n man_n talk_v of_o religion_n and_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o but_o nothing_o will_v pass_v for_o true_a religion_n before_o god_n but_o the_o virtuous_a and_o charitable_a action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o god_n will_v accept_v no_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o most_o express_o heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n second_o as_o god_n have_v make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o become_v like_a to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o nothing_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n knowledge_n indeed_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n but_o that_o alone_a as_o it_o do_v not_o render_v a_o man_n like_o god_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o dispose_v he_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o angel_n he_o may_v for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o devil_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o whatever_o knowledge_n such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v he_o be_v of_o a_o devilish_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o be_v like_o god_n and_o only_o by_o our_o likeness_n to_o he_o do_v we_o become_v capable_a of_o the_o ●ight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o therefore_o every_o man_n that_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a by_o the_o bless_a ●ight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o life_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n in_o this_o life_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 3._o 3._o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a a_o wicked_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o reasonable_a hope_n of_o heaven_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o now_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o all_o this_o be_v to_o put_v man_n upon_o the_o careful_a practice_n of_o religion_n let_v no_o man_n content_v himself_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n unless_o he_o do_v it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v brief_o urge_v these_o three_o consideration_n first_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n to_o practice_v what_o we_o know_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n have_v so_o essential_a a_o respect_n to_o practice_n that_o the_o scripture_n will_v hardly_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v proper_o call_v knowledge_n unless_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n 1_o john_n 2._o 3_o 4._o hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o second_o practice_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o increase_v and_o perfect_v our_o knowledge_n knowledge_n direct_v we_o in_o our_o practice_n but_o practice_n confirm_v and_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n john_n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v god_n be_v to_o be_v like_o he_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v the_o lively_a image_n of_o his_o perfection_n imprint_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v
the_o christian_a religion_n be_v serious_o to_o set_v about_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o this_o will_v give_v a_o man_n a_o better_a notion_n of_o christianity_n than_o any_o speculation_n can_v three_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o furtherance_n and_o advantage_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o unhappy_a aggravation_n of_o our_o misery_n he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n have_v some_o excuse_n to_o pretend_v for_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o it_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o his_o sin_n the_o defect_n of_o our_o knowledge_n unless_o they_o be_v gross_a and_o wilful_a will_v find_v a_o easy_a pardon_n with_o god_n but_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v when_o we_o know_v our_o duty_n and_o will_v not_o do_v it_o i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 12._o 47_o 48._o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n no_o consideration_n will_v sting_v we_o more_o and_o add_v more_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o our_o torment_n than_o this_o that_o we_o do_v wicked_o when_o we_o understand_v to_o have_v do_v better_o and_o choose_v to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a when_o we_o know_v so_o well_o the_o way_n to_o have_v be_v happy_a sermon_n xiii_o practise_v in_o religion_n necessary_a in_o proportion_n to_o our_o knowledge_n luke_n xii_o 47_o 48._o and_o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n but_o he_o that_o know_v not_o and_o do_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o stripe_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o i_o handle_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n namely_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v that_o if_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o our_o knowledge_n this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n both_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o punishment_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o application_n of_o two_o parable_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v before_o to_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o a_o diligent_a and_o careful_a practice_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o continual_a readiness_n and_o preparation_n for_o the_o come_n of_o their_o lord_n the_o first_o parable_n be_v more_o general_a and_o concern_v all_o man_n who_o be_v represent_v as_o so_o many_o servant_n in_o a_o great_a family_n from_o which_o the_o lord_n be_v absent_a and_o they_o be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n of_o his_o return_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n and_o posture_n to_o receive_v he_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o parable_n peter_n inquire_v of_o our_o saviour_n whether_o he_o intend_v this_o only_a for_o his_o disciple_n or_o for_o all_o to_o which_o question_n our_o saviour_n return_v a_o answer_n in_o another_o parable_n which_o more_o particular_o concern_v they_o who_o because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n be_v represent_v by_o the_o steward_n of_o a_o great_a family_n ver._n 42._o who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n if_o he_o discharge_v his_o duty_n bless_a be_v he_o but_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v occasion_n in_o his_o lord_n absence_n to_o domineer_v over_o his_o fellow_n servant_n and_o riotous_o to_o waste_v his_o lord_n good_n his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v will_v punish_v he_o after_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o exemplary_a manner_n and_o then_o follow_v the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v and_o well_o may_v such_o a_o servant_n deserve_v so_o severe_a a_o punishment_n who_o have_v such_o a_o trust_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n so_o much_o better_a yet_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n take_v occasion_n to_o compare_v the_o fault_n and_o punishment_n of_o those_o who_o have_v great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o know_v their_o duty_n with_o those_o wh●_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n but_o he_o that_o know_v not_o but_o do_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o stripe_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n and_o then_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o proceed_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o word_n in_o general_n do_v allude_v to_o that_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n mention_v deut._n 25._o 2._o where_o the_o judge_n be_v require_v to_o se●_n the_o malefactor_n punish_v according_a to_o his_o fault_n by_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o stripe_n in_o relation_n to_o which_o know_a law_n among_o the_o jew_n our_o saviour_n here_o say_v that_o those_o who_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n but_o those_o who_o know_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n so_o that_o there_o be_v two_o observation_n lie_v plain_o before_o we_o in_o the_o word_n first_o that_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n and_o man_n have_v of_o know_v his_o duty_n if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o the_o great_a will_v be_v his_o condemnation_n the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n second_o that_o ignorance_n be_v a_o great_a excuse_n of_o man_n fault_n and_o will_v lessen_v their_o punishment_n but_o he_o that_o know_v not_o but_o do_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o stripe_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o first_o because_o it_o will_v make_v way_n for_o the_o other_o viz._n that_o ignorance_n be_v a_o great_a excuse_n of_o man_n fault_n and_o will_v lessen_v their_o punishment_n he_o that_o know_v not_o but_o do_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o stripe_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v what_o ignorance_n it_o be_v which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o ignorance_n which_o do_v whole_o excuse_v and_o clear_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o guilt_n and_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n which_o do_v either_o not_o at_o all_o or_o very_o little_a extenuate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o three_o sort_n different_a from_o both_o these_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o mean_v first_o there_o be_v a_o ignorance_n which_o do_v whole_o excuse_v and_o clear_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o guilt_n and_o that_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o invincible_a ignorance_n when_o a_o person_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o if_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o do_v but_o neither_o can_v nor_o can_v have_v help_v it_o that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o that_o be_v he_o either_o have_v not_o the_o capacity_n or_o want_v the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o know_v it_o in_o this_o case_n a_o person_n be_v in_o no_o fault_n if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v what_o he_o never_o know_v nor_o can_v know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n for_o god_n measure_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n by_o their_o will_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n there_o there_o can_v be_v no_o guilt_n for_o no_o man_n be_v guilty_a but_o he_o that_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o