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of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o you_o see_v how_o their_o commission_n bound_n and_o limit_n they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o they_o have_v no_o power_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o shall_v be_v of_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v the_o publisher_n but_o not_o the_o author_n of_o this_o new_a religion_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n when_o the_o corinthian_n consult_v he_o about_o several_a thing_n relate_v to_o marriage_n and_o virginity_n he_o only_o give_v his_o advice_n but_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o law_n in_o those_o case_n that_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christian_n do_v general_o at_o this_o day_n think_v themselves_o absolve_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o canon_n which_o be_v make_v even_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o all_o those_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v now_o câ—ased_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n confer_v upon_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n do_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n under_o such_o officer_n and_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o most_o fit_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o without_o this_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o teach_v and_o therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o commission_n 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that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o 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upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o 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righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o 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themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o tell_v we_o so_o plain_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o put_v off_o all_o these_o and_o that_o if_o any_o
he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o by_o these_o qualification_n our_o high_a priest_n be_v describe_v in_o this_o epistle_n and_o by_o these_o he_o be_v every_o way_n suit_v to_o all_o our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n to_o instruct_v our_o ignorance_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n by_o his_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o exemplary_a life_n to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o procure_v grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o we_o by_o his_o prevalent_a intercession_n on_o our_o behalf_n by_o all_o these_o way_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n 1_o st_o by_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whereby_o we_o be_v perfect_o instruct_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o powerful_o excite_v and_o persuade_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v very_o obscure_a before_o and_o the_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n but_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v now_o render_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n blur_v and_o deface_v the_o natural_a law_n so_o that_o the_o heathen_a world_n for_o many_o age_n have_v but_o a_o very_a dark_a and_o doubtful_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n especial_o as_o to_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a vice_n have_v so_o prevail_v among_o mankind_n as_o almost_o quite_o to_o extinguish_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o their_o evil_a and_o deformity_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o enjoy_v a_o considerable_a degree_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v no_o strict_a regard_n to_o the_o morality_n of_o their_o action_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o kind_n of_o outward_a conformity_n to_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v almost_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o little_a ceremony_n and_o observance_n in_o which_o they_o place_v the_o main_a of_o their_o religion_n almost_o whole_o neglect_v the_o great_a duty_n and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o free_a mankind_n from_o these_o wander_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o moral_a law_n and_o explain_v the_o full_a force_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o by_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o explicit_a declaration_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o by_o precept_n of_o great_a perfection_n than_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_o acquaint_v withal_o before_o of_o great_a humility_n and_o more_o universal_a charity_n of_o abstain_v from_o revenge_n and_o forgive_a injury_n and_o return_v to_o our_o enemy_n good_a for_o evil_a and_o love_n for_o ill-will_n and_o blessing_n and_o prayer_n for_o curse_n and_o persecution_n these_o virtue_n indeed_o be_v sometime_o and_o yet_o but_o very_o rare_o recommend_v before_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o wise_a man_n but_o either_o not_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n or_o not_o under_o that_o degree_n of_o necessity_n and_o as_o have_v the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o lay_v a_o universal_a obligation_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v give_v a_o great_a clearness_n and_o certainty_n and_o perfection_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o clear_a light_n more_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o constant_a and_o careful_a practice_n of_o it_o for_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o plain_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o a_o evidence_n to_o we_o both_o of_o his_o power_n and_o of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a not_o but_o that_o mankind_n have_v some_o obscure_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n before_o good_a man_n have_v always_o good_a hope_n of_o another_o life_n and_o future_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v not_o without_o some_o fear_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n but_o man_n have_v dispute_v themselves_o into_o great_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o as_o man_n that_o be_v in_o doubt_n be_v almost_o indifferent_a which_o way_n they_o go_v so_o the_o uncertain_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o want_v that_o press_a and_o determine_v force_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o good_a life_n which_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o clear_a conviction_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v have_v infuse_v into_o they_o but_o now_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v scatter_v all_o these_o cloud_n and_o chase_v away_o that_o gross_a darkness_n which_o hide_v the_o other_o world_n from_o our_o sight_n and_o have_v remove_v all_o doubt_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o future_a state_n and_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o all_o its_o treasure_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o glory_n lie_v open_a to_o our_o view_n and_o hell_n be_v also_o naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n have_v no_o cover_n so_o that_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n be_v now_o perfect_o awaken_v and_o all_o sort_n of_o consideration_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o quicken_v and_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n and_o to_o deter_v and_o affright_v man_n from_o a_o wicked_a life_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n and_o do_v stare_v every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o face_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o gospel_n so_o admirable_a and_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o mankind_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n because_o therein_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o the_o certain_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o therein_o also_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 man_n so_o that_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o rule_n and_o the_o powerful_a enforcement_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o eternal_a recompense_n of_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v better_o suit_v to_o its_o end_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a unto_o salvation_n both_o by_o instruct_v they_o perfect_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o urge_v they_o powerful_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 2_o dly_z the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v likewise_o another_o excellent_a mean_n to_o this_o end_n the_o law_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o but_o a_o pattern_n give_v life_n and_o encouragement_n and_o render_v our_o duty_n more_o easy_a and_o practicable_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o for_o here_o we_o see_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n practise_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o perform_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o exception_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o very_o much_o from_o the_o encourage_v force_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o example_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n perform_v all_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o where_o be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o this_o example_n that_o our_o nature_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a support_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o divinity_n to_o which_o it_o be_v unite_v shall_v be_v perfect_o confome_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v that_o force_n and_o encouragement_n in_o it_o which_o a_o example_n more_o suit_v to_o our_o weakness_n may_v have_v have_v but_o then_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o perfection_n which_o a_o pattern_n ought_v to_o have_v and_o to_o which_o though_o we_o can_v never_o attain_v yet_o we_o may_v always_o be_v aspire_v towards_o it_o and_o certain_o we_o can_v better_o learn_v how_o god_n will_v have_v man_n to_o live_v than_o by_o see_v how_o god_n
do_v not_o love_v to_o handle_v these_o point_n contentious_o but_o this_o in_o my_o apprehension_n do_v as_o much_o derogate_a from_o the_o amplitude_n and_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v easy_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o right_n state_v and_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o and_o by_o any_o power_n in_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o 3._o that_o what_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o that_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o and_o in_o some_o sense_n in_o our_o power_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o and_o by_o any_o power_n in_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v clear_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v say_v the_o apostle_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v repentance_n it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n that_o be_v who_o both_o incline_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v it_o without_o i_o say_v christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o say_v st._n paul_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n all_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o expect_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v without_o strength_n and_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o design_n or_o resolve_v upon_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v bring_v a_o great_a impotency_n and_o disability_n upon_o we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o much_o weak_a by_o evil_a practice_n by_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n we_o be_v enslave_v to_o our_o lust_n and_o sell_v under_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v convince_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o from_o that_o conviction_n have_v a_o inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a to_o we_o when_o the_o law_n of_o god_n give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o stare_v our_o conscience_n in_o the_o face_n there_o be_v another_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o our_o member_n sin_n bring_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o give_v he_o dominion_n over_o we_o for_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v who_o you_o obey_v so_o that_o he_o rule_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o pleasure_n evil_a and_o vicious_a habit_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n superinduce_v upon_o we_o which_o take_v away_o our_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o render_v it_o impossible_a to_o we_o to_o raise_v and_o rescue_v ourselves_o so_o that_o we_o be_v prisoner_n and_o captive_n till_o the_o son_n of_o god_n set_v we_o free_a and_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n till_o he_o give_v we_o life_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n represent_v the_o recovery_n of_o ourselves_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n by_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v natural_o impossible_a to_o show_v how_o great_a our_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n be_v jer._n 13.23_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a cleanse_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o by_o how_o much_o strong_a the_o chain_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v and_o the_o more_o unable_a we_o be_v to_o break_v loose_a from_o they_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o evident_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o knock_v off_o those_o fetter_n and_o to_o rescue_v we_o from_o this_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n 2._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n that_o be_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o do_v not_o reject_v or_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o in_o a_o very_a plentiful_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v all_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n effectual_a if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o wilful_a neglect_n to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o without_o this_o all_o the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o advantage_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o unbelief_n and_o impenitency_n and_o disobedience_n of_o man_n utter_o inexcusable_a because_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o do_v proceed_v from_o want_n of_o power_n but_o of_o will_n to_o do_v better_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v assure_v of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o without_o this_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n and_o the_o most_o vehement_a persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n will_v have_v no_o force_n and_o life_n in_o they_o for_o what_o signify_v it_o to_o direct_v the_o dead_a and_o speak_v to_o they_o that_o can_v hear_v and_o to_o persuade_v man_n though_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o and_o explain_v the_o precept_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o what_o he_o have_v be_v direct_v and_o propose_v to_o they_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o do_v earnest_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o that_o purpose_n matth._n 7.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o ask_v say_v he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n want_v the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v either_o for_o want_v of_o seek_v or_o for_o want_n of_o earnestness_n in_o ask_v for_o our_o saviour_n express_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o deny_v it_o to_o none_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o this_o he_o represent_v the_o care_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n by_o the_o affection_n of_o earthly_a parent_n to_o their_o child_n who_o though_o they_o be_v many_o time_n evil_a themselves_o yet_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o deny_v their_o child_n necessary_a good_a thing_n when_o they_o decent_o and_o dutiful_o beg_v they_o at_o their_o hand_n what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n and_o declaration_n that_o upon_o our_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n he_o
christianity_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o condition_n do_v primary_o concern_v the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o next_o to_o they_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n that_o they_o will_v be_v diligent_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o respective_a station_n teach_v man_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v this_o our_o great_a work_n to_o instruct_v our_o respective_a charge_n in_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o a_o good_a life_n we_o shall_v have_v far_o less_o trouble_n with_o they_o about_o other_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o work_n effectual_o we_o must_v be_v serious_a in_o our_o instruction_n and_o exemplary_a in_o our_o life_n serious_n in_o our_o instruction_n this_o certain_o the_o apostle_n require_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n when_o he_o charge_v minister_n so_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a than_o to_o trifle_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a and_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o so_o slight_a and_o indecent_a a_o manner_n as_o be_v not_o only_o beneath_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o pulpit_n but_o even_o of_o a_o well_o regulate_v stage_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o unsuitable_a than_o to_o hear_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n from_o this_o solemn_a place_n to_o break_v jest_n upon_o sin_n and_o to_o quibble_n upon_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n this_o be_v to_o shoot_v without_o a_o bullet_n and_o as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o do_v execution_n but_o only_o to_o make_v man_n smile_v at_o the_o mention_n of_o their_o fault_n this_o be_v so_o nauseous_a a_o folly_n and_o of_o so_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o religion_n that_o hardly_o any_o thing_n too_o severe_a can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o and_o then_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o instruction_n effectual_a we_o must_v be_v exemplary_a in_o our_o life_n aristotle_n tell_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o speaker_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o sovereign_a power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o therefore_o cato_n put_v it_o into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o orator_n that_o he_o be_v vir_fw-la bone_fw-la dicendi_fw-la peritus_fw-la a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o eloquent_a speaker_n this_o be_v true_a as_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n the_o good_a opinion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o speaker_n give_v great_a weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o do_v strange_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o entertain_v his_o counsel_n but_o the_o reputation_n of_o goodness_n be_v more_o especial_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o those_o who_o proper_a work_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o have_v charge_v titus_n to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n he_o immediate_o add_v in_o all_o thing_n show_v thyself_o a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n none_o so_o fit_a to_o teach_v other_o their_o duty_n and_o none_o so_o likely_a to_o gain_v man_n to_o it_o as_o those_o who_o practise_v it_o themselves_o because_o hereby_o we_o convince_v man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n when_o they_o see_v that_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o choose_v to_o do_v ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o man_n and_o to_o confute_v their_o malice_n by_o a_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 2.15_o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o by_o well_o do_v you_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n sermon_n ix_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n consider_v luke_n xiii_o 24_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a there_o be_v two_o great_a mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n equal_o false_a and_o equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o devil_n who_o great_a design_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n by_o any_o mean_n make_v use_n of_o both_o these_o mistake_v to_o serve_v his_o own_o purpose_n and_o design_n upon_o the_o several_a temper_n of_o men._n those_o who_o be_v melancholy_a and_o serious_a he_o dishearten_v and_o discourage_v from_o attempt_v it_o by_o the_o extreme_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o it_o represent_v it_o in_o so_o horrid_a and_o frightful_a a_o shape_n encumber_v with_o such_o difficulty_n and_o attend_v with_o such_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n as_o be_v insuperable_a and_o intolerable_a to_o human_a nature_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v man_n that_o they_o have_v better_o never_o attempt_v it_o since_o they_o may_v despair_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o be_v sanguine_a and_o full_a of_o hope_n he_o possess_v with_o a_o quite_o contrary_a apprehension_n that_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o short_a and_o easy_a a_o work_n that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n and_o if_o need_v be_v at_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o to_o put_v it_o upon_o the_o last_o hazard_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v lull_v in_o security_n and_o adjourn_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o much_o in_o their_o power_n they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o indeterminate_a resolution_n to_o set_v about_o that_o business_n some_o time_n or_o other_o before_o they_o die_v and_o so_o to_o repent_v and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n once_o for_o all_o these_o pretence_n contradict_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v both_o true_a but_o they_o may_v both_o be_v false_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v and_o truth_n lie_v between_o they_o religion_n be_v neither_o so_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o work_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o nor_o so_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o intolerable_a as_o other_o will_v represent_v it_o to_o confute_v the_o false_a apprehension_n which_o some_o have_v of_o the_o easiness_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o there_o must_v be_v some_o strive_v and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o some_o will_v make_v they_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o strive_v shall_v succeed_v and_o enter_v in_o but_o those_o who_o only_o seek_v that_o be_v do_v not_o vigorous_o set_v about_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o make_v some_o faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v in_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o but_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a the_o occasion_n of_o which_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o question_n that_o be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v v._o 23._o one_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v to_o which_o curious_a question_n our_o saviour_n according_a to_o his_o manner_n when_o such_o kind_n of_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o do_v not_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a for_o his_o hearer_n to_o be_v resolve_v in_o it_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v what_o number_n of_o person_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o what_o course_n they_o shall_v take_v that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o that_o number_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n he_o put_v they_o upon_o their_o duty_n admonish_v they_o instead_o of_o concern_v themselves_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o other_o to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o but_o few_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o some_o have_v presumptuous_o venture_v to_o determine_v but_o only_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o many_o that_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a in_o these_o word_n we_o may_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n second_o the_o reason_n or_o argument_n to_o enforce_v it_o for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a first_o the_o