holiness_n through_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o grace_n in_o good_a man_n no_o man_n ever_o deny_v and_o that_o the_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a degree_n be_v attain_v by_o a_o more_o frequent_a sincere_a and_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n all_o divine_n be_v agree_v the_o part_n therefore_o which_o every_o good_a man_n have_v in_o his_o spiritual_a growth_n be_v to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n for_o his_o grow_a better_a i.e._n more_o perfect_a in_o every_o grace_n and_o more_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o because_o some_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o diffusive_a influence_n upon_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n than_o other_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n chief_o consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o those_o radical_a grace_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v convey_v into_o all_o the_o branch_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o of_o these_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a root_n all_o other_o grace_n be_v feed_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o and_o enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o their_o proper_a fruit_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o love_v god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o noble_a and_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n be_v because_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v all_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a property_n in_o he_o and_o so_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o fear_v he_o be_v because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v powerful_a and_o just_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a and_o we_o therefore_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o these_o grace_n so_o have_v they_o a_o radical_a virtue_n of_o their_o own_o a_o power_n i_o mean_v of_o diffuse_v holiness_n into_o all_o part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christirn_n life_n hence_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n say_v s._n john_n that_o have_v the_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a to_o grow_v therefore_o in_o these_o grace_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o grow_v in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n consist_v 2._o in_o be_v more_o frequent_o and_o carnest_o employ_v in_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o worship_v god_n with_o more_o life_n zeal_n and_o constancy_n in_o do_v good_a with_o more_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o bear_v affliction_n with_o more_o evenness_n and_o patience_n in_o great_a industry_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o temporal_a calling_n in_o get_v a_o more_o absolute_a sway_n over_o our_o passion_n and_o reduce_v our_o affection_n to_o farthly_a thing_n to_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o moderate_a temper_n in_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n which_o have_v any_o apparent_a temptation_n in_o they_o in_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o insult_n of_o inordinate_a anger_n and_o the_o sudden_a start_n of_o any_o sinful_a inclination_n in_o prune_v off_o the_o undecency_n of_o our_o external_n behaviour_n in_o abate_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o use_v better_o care_n to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n herein_o lie_v our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o our_o endeavour_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n be_v strict_o necessary_a if_o we_o aim_v as_o we_o ought_v at_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o our_o great_a example_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o here_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n of_o it_o must_v give_v it_o the_o more_o lively_a and_o finish_v stroke_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o use_n especial_o of_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n at_o first_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n require_v as_o well_o of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o of_o those_o that_o remain_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n 1._o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o mean_n s._n peter_n seem_v to_o recommend_v in_o the_o context_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n imply_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o grow_v in_o other_o grace_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o parallel_n exhortation_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o word_n deliver_v without_o any_o deceit_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a food_n for_o the_o new_a creature_n for_o promote_a the_o growth_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o every_o way_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2.1_o 2_o tim._n 2.1_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o lively_a draught_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o they_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o god_n sacred_a will_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n from_o eternity_n here_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o kind_a invitation_n to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o saviour_n with_o the_o most_o admirable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v here_o unveil_v and_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v open_a to_o our_o view_n that_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n 3.18_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o frequent_a converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o observe_v the_o tenor_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o attain_v to_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o to_o a_o firm_a and_o rule_v judgement_n and_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o error_n and_o doubtfulness_n which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o impediment_n to_o our_o thrive_a in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v be_v always_o quick_a and_o urgent_a upon_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v feel_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o misery_n press_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o we_o shall_v thence_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o present_a answer_n to_o all_o temptation_n to_o gratify_v any_o sinful_a lust_n or_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n so_o that_o by_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o daily_a study_n and_o meditation_n we_o shall_v neither_o wander_v for_o want_v of_o light_n nor_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n through_o any_o mistrust_n of_o our_o way_n nor_o can_v we_o easy_o fail_v of_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o it_o be_v quicken_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o a_o present_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o encourage_v with_o a_o prospect_n of_o our_o reward_n 2._o regular_n and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o service_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o have_v our_o thought_n sequester_v from_o the_o world_n
the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o flourish_a of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n in_o short_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o humble_a and_o teachable_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a jesus_n and_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o divine_a virtue_n and_o quality_n in_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v in_o the_o last_o place_n 4._o to_o enforce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n by_o show_v what_o weighty_a reason_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v you_o see_v as_o plain_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o the_o gospel_n urge_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o comprehensive_a one_o but_o our_o encouragement_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o carry_v our_o endeavour_n successful_o through_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a exception_n against_o it_o especial_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n natural_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o be_v the_o very_o great_a condition_n the_o high_a and_o noble_a attainment_n we_o can_v possible_o aspire_v after_o holiness_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o humane_a and_o angelical_a perfection_n so_o that_o every_o time_n we_o attain_v to_o a_o new_a degree_n of_o grace_n we_o acquire_v a_o new_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o excellency_n the_o righteous_a say_v solomon_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n 12.26_o pro._n 12.26_o and_o the_o more_o righteous_a he_o be_v the_o more_o he_o advance_v in_o real_a worth_n and_o dignity_n above_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o conquest_n the_o enlargement_n of_o empire_n and_o the_o affectation_n of_o deep_a &_o curious_a knowledge_n be_v but_o childish_a and_o mean_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n since_o therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n lie_v in_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v room_n for_o improvement_n in_o the_o best_a of_o we_o we_o shall_v great_o neglect_v ourselves_o and_o stand_v in_o our_o own_o light_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o continual_o aim_v to_o grow_v better_a than_o we_o be_v and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n depend_v upon_o our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o can_v argue_v strong_o from_o the_o first_o essay_n of_o goodness_n while_o our_o grace_n be_v weak_a our_o good_a resolution_n untried_a or_o our_o relapse_n frequent_v and_o while_o we_o slaken_o our_o diligence_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o hover_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o settle_a understanding_n of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n but_o now_o no_o man_n doubt_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n while_o he_o study_v to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v offensive_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o his_o mind_n never_o trouble_v he_o while_o he_o be_v well_o employ_v unless_o it_o be_v first_o cloud_v with_o melancholy_a which_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a case_n but_o when_o he_o grow_v remiss_a in_o his_o know_a duty_n or_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o some_o wilful_a sin_n or_o deviation_n from_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o this_o trouble_n and_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o integrity_n for_o the_o future_a be_v to_o return_v into_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o proceed_v vigorous_o in_o they_o the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o evident_a will_v our_o good_a condition_n be_v the_o far_a we_o pierce_v into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o more_o plain_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n that_o we_o be_v no_o long_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n 4.18_o col._n 1.13_o prov._n 4.18_o and_o translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_v light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n as_o the_o sun_n shine_v the_o bright_a the_o high_a he_o rise_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o the_o light_n of_o the_o righteous_a his_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n increase_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n by_o which_o he_o advance_v to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o our_o mind_n be_v of_o that_o quick_a and_o active_a temper_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o grow_v better_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o constant_a danger_n of_o decline_v in_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o grow_v worse_o something_o we_o must_v be_v do_v to_o quiet_a our_o restless_a desire_n and_o faculty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n the_o tempter_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n will_v find_v we_o other_o employment_n and_o the_o world_n will_v inveigle_v we_o with_o gay_a promise_n and_o more_o charm_a invitation_n than_o any_o the_o gospel_n have_v to_o gratify_v our_o sensual_a inclination_n with_o if_o we_o once_o make_v a_o stop_n in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o give_v our_o cunning_a adversary_n the_o devil_n a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o practise_v his_o wiles_n and_o delusion_n upon_o we_o he_o know_v the_o activity_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o observe_v which_o way_n our_o thought_n rove_v and_o our_o affection_n wander_v what_o duty_n be_v most_o tiresome_a to_o we_o and_o what_o vanity_n we_o most_o hanker_v after_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v his_o train_n and_o manage_v his_o temptation_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o have_v find_v the_o weak_a side_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o assault_v we_o where_o he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v the_o great_a execution_n upon_o we_o it_o therefore_o mighty_o concern_v we_o have_v begin_v prosperous_o to_o keep_v on_o the_o grow_v hand_n and_o not_o lose_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v gain_v and_o the_o conquest_n we_o have_v make_v over_o our_o lust_n and_o vice_n by_o stand_v still_o while_o we_o see_v they_o fall_v before_o we_o with_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o sleeve_n till_o the_o enemy_n renew_v the_o war_n and_o we_o be_v drive_v back_o from_o all_o our_o good_a resolution_n and_o be_v force_v to_o retire_v with_o shame_n and_o anguish_n to_o review_n the_o wound_v we_o receive_v in_o our_o dishonourable_a retreat_n from_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n 4._o we_o may_v next_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o lengthen_v out_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n unless_o we_o shorten_v it_o ourselves_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v be_v always_o grow_v to_o great_a persection_n in_o it_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o ever_o he_o withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o we_o and_o make_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n short_a than_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n nothing_o but_o our_o incurable_a barrenness_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n can_v provoke_v he_o to_o so_o high_a a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o severity_n but_o that_o this_o will_v do_v it_o his_o declare_v upon_o oath_n that_o the_o revolt_a ifraelites_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o our_o saviour_n curse_v the_o figtree_n that_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o leave_n let_v no_o fruit_n grow_v on_o thou_o hence_o forward_o for_o ever_o be_v very_o dreadful_a intimation_n this_o consideration_n therefore_o shall_v excite_v we_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n â—â—_o phil._n 1._o â—â—_o which_o be_v by_o jesus_n cnrist_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o wait_v for_o our_o improvement_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o ability_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o it_o and_o be_v so_o gracious_a as_o not_o to_o exact_a at_o once_o the_o whole_a sum_n in_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v to_o he_o but_o accept_v our_o obedience_n in_o such_o small_a parcel_n and_o poor_a degree_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v he_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a favour_n that_o god_n overlook_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o best_a service_n and_o allow_v we_o time_n and_o grace_n for_o a_o gradual_a improvement_n and_o this_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v
and_o that_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v such_o a_o family_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n when_o the_o church_n be_v empale_v in_o his_o little_a family_n and_o ten_o promise_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a have_v no_o reason_n to_o value_v the_o censure_n of_o men._n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o he_o know_v their_o integrity_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a he_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o we_o and_o then_o we_o be_v safe_a our_o reward_n be_v sure_a and_o will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n we_o need_v not_o ask_v leave_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o stand_v to_o their_o courtesy_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o favour_n with_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o it_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v ready_a to_o acquit_v we_o 4._o last_o the_o success_n of_o this_o trial_n shall_v inspire_v we_o with_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n too_o hard_o for_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a faith_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v discharge_v before_o we_o and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o our_o great_a example_n have_v do_v and_o consider_v how_o noble_o they_o have_v acquit_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o brave_a and_o resolute_a as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o break_v through_o the_o discouragement_n which_o can_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o run_v and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n do_v they_o climb_v over_o the_o high_a difficulty_n and_o may_v not_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o couch_v under_o the_o ordinary_a hardship_n in_o religion_n do_v they_o depend_v upon_o god_n when_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n can_v relieve_v their_o hope_n in_o he_o and_o shall_v we_o distrust_v his_o goodness_n and_o protection_n while_o we_o actual_o enjoy_v they_o and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o continue_v so_o many_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o concernment_n for_o we_o do_v they_o leave_v their_o country_n at_o god_n command_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o too_o much_o but_o to_o leave_v the_o vice_n of_o we_o which_o have_v long_o threaten_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o possession_n of_o it_o again_o do_v they_o stick_v at_o nothing_o to_o please_v god_n not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o only_a son_n and_o shall_v we_o that_o have_v better_a promise_n than_o they_o have_v refuse_v he_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n as_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o holy_a flame_n of_o devotion_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o indisputable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v extreme_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o be_v ture_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o believe_v and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a annal_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n present_v we_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o many_o eminent_a believer_n who_o become_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n by_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o but_o that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o same_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v much_o great_a advantage_n than_o they_o have_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o same_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n in_o god_n service_n to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o incomparable_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n lay_v himself_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o his_o son_n upon_o his_o altar_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o god_n command_n sacrifice_n our_o darling_n lust_n that_o will_v destroy_v our_o soul_n since_o one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v die_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n much_o cheap_a and_o no_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o abraham_n oblation_n be_v 8._o micah_n 6.7_o 8._o more_o grateful_a to_o he_o than_o thouthousand_n of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n than_o if_o thou_o give_v thy_o first-born_a for_o thy_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o soul_n offer_v this_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o faith_n without_o which_o thy_o very_a prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n then_o shall_v thou_o have_v favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n through_o the_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o by_o walk_v before_o he_o as_o abraham_n do_v may_v assure_o hope_v after_o a_o short_a trial_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o this_o world_n to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o on_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinformed_a conscience_n or_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n act_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o a_o eminent_a convert_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n that_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o of_o great_a natural_a endowment_n and_o that_o make_v a_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n both_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n a_o sect_n which_o perhaps_o till_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n loyola_n never_o have_v its_o equal_a in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o pharisee_n of_o any_o party_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o keen_a against_o the_o christian_n so_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v as_o errant_a a_o pharisee_fw-mi as_o hearty_a and_o as_o eager_a a_o persecutor_n as_o any_o of_o his_o order_n 10.11_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o he_o be_v the_o man_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n that_o shut_v up_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o their_o religion_n he_o give_v his_o voice_n against_o they_o other_o he_o punish_v often_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n i.e._n to_o renounce_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n christian_a plin._n ep._n tra._n the_o christian_a and_o to_o curse_v he_o use_v the_o same_o cruelty_n towards_o they_o which_o the_o heathen_a governor_n afterward_o do_v and_o those_o that_o refuse_v this_o horrid_a treachery_n to_o their_o lord_n he_o persecute_v into_o strange_a that_o be_v heathen_a city_n these_o thing_n be_v contracy_n in_o deed_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v always_o so_o esteem_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o st._n paul_n confession_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v strange_a than_o all_o this_o and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o make_v he_o thus_o severe_a to_o the_o christian_n and_o his_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o raise_v the_o persecution_n against_o they_o it_o be_v it_o seem_v the_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n a_o case_n he_o have_v determine_v within_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o run_v down_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n so_o he_o tell_v the_o king_n and_o court_n in_o these_o word_n i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o hearty_a champion_n you_o see_v he_o have_v be_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o how_o come_v he_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o opinion_n and_o to_o espouse_v a_o principle_n that_o the_o worst_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o be_v st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o right-bred_n pharisee_fw-mi 23.6_o act_n 23.6_o have_v suck_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o superstitious_a
sect_n in_o his_o childhood_n and_o live_v till_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a exact_o according_a to_o they_o as_o he_o tell_v king_n agrippa_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o what_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o as_o his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n only_o but_o rather_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o general_a sentiment_n of_o the_o man_n of_o his_o way_n and_o indeed_o as_o the_o natural_a brood_n and_o issue_n of_o pharisaical_a superstition_n by_o superstition_n i_o mean_v a_o groundless_a apprehension_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o command_v or_o forbear_v those_o which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a and_o lead_a error_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o add_v to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v more_o duty_n and_o sin_n than_o ever_o the_o law_n have_v make_v their_o tradition_n which_o have_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v they_o but_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o father_n they_o esteem_v equal_a at_o least_o to_o the_o divine_a commandment_n nay_o our_o saviour_n express_o tell_v we_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n as_o if_o they_o think_v to_o please_v he_o better_o in_o their_o own_o way_n than_o in_o his_o and_o reckon_v they_o advance_v themselves_o above_o other_o by_o what_o they_o do_v over_o and_o above_o their_o duty_n as_o much_o in_o his_o asthey_v do_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o hence_o conformity_n to_o their_o traditional_a rite_n be_v their_o measure_n of_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n in_o religion_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n character_n of_o himself_o gal._n 1.14_o i_o profit_v in_o the_o jew_n religion_n above_o many_o of_o my_o equal_n in_o my_o own_o nation_n be_v more_o exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n which_o word_n if_o we_o observe_v their_o connexion_n with_o those_o immediate_o before_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v in_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o beyond_o measure_n as_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o i.e._n his_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o his_o bitter_a and_o furious_a zeal_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v because_o it_o show_v we_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o that_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o chief_a hand_n in_o bring_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o cross_n and_o first_o conspire_v the_o ruin_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o matter_n i_o will_v crave_v leave_n to_o propose_v to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n be_v this_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o a_o affectation_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v as_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n to_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n or_o more_o brief_o thus_o that_o christianity_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n under_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a my_o design_n be_v 1._o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o observation_n 2._o to_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o transport_v with_o this_o extravagant_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o our_o felve_n 1._o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v thus_o misguide_v and_o their_o spirit_n inflame_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n against_o the_o truth_n may_v appear_v from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o he_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n and_o from_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o this_o of_o the_o confessor_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o his_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n our_o bless_a lord_n foreseeing_a what_o a_o zealous_a opposition_n his_o church_n and_o doctrine_n will_v assure_o meet_v withal_o after_o his_o decease_n take_v occasion_n a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o forewarn_a his_o disciple_n of_o it_o he_o have_v often_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o general_n that_o they_o must_v look_v for_o troulbe_n and_o persecution_n from_o men._n now_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n draw_v on_o to_o prevent_v the_o damp_n of_o a_o surprisal_n he_o describe_v the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o show_v they_o what_o hard_a measure_n they_o and_o their_o follower_n must_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n i.e._n excommunicate_a and_o curse_v you_o for_o heretic_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n john_n 16.2_o it_o seem_v to_o kill_v a_o disciple_n for_o his_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n like_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o sacrifice_n they_o shall_v think_v by_o it_o say_v our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o perform_v a_o grateful_a service_n or_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o better_a way_n of_o please_v he_o than_o by_o take_v a_o lamb_n out_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o make_v it_o a_o oblation_n to_o he_o now_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a strange_a way_n of_o servig_a god_n and_o such_o as_o man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v of_o if_o they_o have_v not_o deify_v something_o more_o than_o he_o and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a god_n into_o a_o direful_a image_n of_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n who_o they_o worship_n instead_o of_o he_o and_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v primary_o intend_v in_o this_o prophecy_n so_o to_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v unanswerable_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o that_o shelter_n themselves_o under_o the_o sacred_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v very_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o same_o religious_a zeal_n express_v by_o the_o same_o rage_n rancour_n and_o cruelty_n be_v very_o fresh_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v see_v upon_o they_o 2._o by_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o text._n the_o apostle_n confession_n be_v indeed_o a_o sinular_a thing_n but_o for_o the_o crime_n which_o he_o tax_v himself_o with_o he_o may_v as_o just_o have_v charge_v his_o nation_n with_o they_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n especial_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o it_o be_v strange_o leaven_v with_o this_o sour_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n himself_o testify_v of_o they_o but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n for_o they_o know_v not_o his_o immense_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n to_o mankind_n nor_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n when_o he_o be_v among_o they_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n but_o so_o they_o presume_v to_o call_v what_o ever_o they_o have_v make_v law_n by_o their_o gloss_n and_o tradition_n and_o direct_v it_o against_o those_o that_o have_v a_o zeal_n against_o they_o and_o a_o very_a fierce_a and_o fatal_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n that_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n that_o throw_v the_o apostle_n into_o prison_n that_o clear_v the_o synagogue_n of_o they_o and_o their_o disciple_n that_o cramp_v and_o load_v they_o with_o chain_n and_o fetter_n and_o for_o a_o good_a work_n give_v forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o a_o zeal_n that_o suborn_v witness_n and_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o man_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a a_o zeal_n that_o list_v man_n into_o conspiracy_n and_o bind_v they_o under_o a_o oath_n to_o kill_v a_o innocent_a person_n a_o outrageous_a zeal_n it_o be_v that_o make_v man_n exceed_o mad_a as_o one_o that_o have_v too_o much_o experience_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o v._n 11_o of_o this_o chapter_n so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o d_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v be_v think_v the_o only_a good_a christian_n who_o roundly_o excommunicate_a all_o other_o church_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o their_o
to_o premise_v 1._o that_o by_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n i_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n the_o same_o which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n 10.20_o mat._n 7.14.22.16_o act._n 16.17_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o heb._n 10.20_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o right_a way_n the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o that_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o incarnation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v put_v we_o into_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n 2._o by_o the_o sure_a find_v of_o this_o way_n upon_o a_o due_a and_o careful_a enquiry_n i_o mean_v that_o ordinary_a christian_n by_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sacred_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o honest_a intention_n by_o implore_v the_o divine_a asssistance_n and_o make_v that_o use_n they_o ought_v of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n may_v certain_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n can_v desire_v for_o who_o that_o be_v so_o can_v desire_v to_o be_v more_o than_o certain_a of_o his_o way_n thither_o or_o to_o have_v a_o better_a foundation_n for_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n in_o man_n must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o in_o this_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v even_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o allow_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n though_o they_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o usefulness_n or_o perfection_n of_o it_o but_o still_o we_o have_v a_o great_a authority_n than_o this_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v write_v ult_n joh._n 10._o ult_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n i._n e._n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o that_o they_o teach_v we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o hence_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o first_o general_n council_n appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o christianity_n and_o condemn_v the_o ancient_a heretic_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o in_o those_o day_n the_o manner_n be_v to_o set_v the_o holy_a oracle_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o council_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v consult_v in_o all_o their_o debate_n and_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o decree_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v so_o determine_v by_o that_o infallible_a rule_n 2._o christ_n have_v leave_v such_o a_o rule_n to_o his_o church_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intelligible_a i._n e._n capable_a of_o be_v understand_v and_o apply_v by_o those_o that_o be_v to_o use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n otherwise_o it_o can_v never_o serve_v the_o great_a end_v it_o be_v give_v for_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o high_a reflection_n that_o can_v be_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o the_o gospel_n pretend_v to_o show_v we_o a_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v never_o find_v it_o by_o its_o direction_n if_o we_o must_v use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n we_o must_v learn_v from_o it_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v and_o if_o we_o must_v do_v so_o i_o think_v that_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o assure_o god_n will_v never_o make_v a_o show_n of_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n by_o a_o mean_n which_o he_o certain_o know_v will_v fail_v we_o if_o we_o trust_v to_o it_o 3._o the_o institution_n of_o pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o private_a person_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n undeniable_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o all_o christian_n shall_v understand_v it_o themselves_o and_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o may_v do_v it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v and_o be_v qualify_v to_o judge_v in_o other_o matter_n for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o teacher_n but_o to_o assist_v and_o inform_v our_o understanding_n and_o help_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o thing_n or_o what_o benefit_n be_v there_o of_o be_v teach_v if_o we_o may_v not_o use_v our_o judgement_n when_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o be_v permit_v to_o know_v when_o it_o be_v and_o when_o not_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v one_o natural_a right_n that_o our_o saviour_n by_o any_o institution_n of_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o and_o certain_o of_o all_o other_o he_o will_v never_o bar_v we_o of_o this_o because_o his_o doctrine_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o we_o without_o it_o for_o what_o sway_n be_v the_o gospel_n like_v to_o bear_v upon_o our_o mind_n or_o which_o way_n can_v it_o influence_n our_o life_n till_o we_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o use_v of_o it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v unless_o we_o may_v exercise_v our_o own_o judgement_n upon_o they_o let_v my_o guide_n be_v never_o so_o know_v or_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o he_o without_o my_o own_o knowledge_n that_o can_v make_v i_o sure_o of_o my_o way_n and_o therefore_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o way_n to_o convey_v his_o great_a knowledge_n into_o i_o and_o if_o he_o have_v it_o be_v sure_o through_o my_o understanding_n i_o be_o but_o just_a where_o i_o be_v without_o he_o and_o never_o like_a to_o make_v any_o spiritual_a improvement_n by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n i_o confess_v of_o some_o teacher_n that_o their_o disciple_n shall_v not_o see_v which_o way_n they_o lead_v they_o but_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o this_o office_n be_v send_v to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v see_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n 4._o christian_n without_o distinction_n be_v express_o require_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o imply_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o treasure_n in_o the_o scripture_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o it_o may_v be_v certain_o find_v by_o those_o that_o due_o search_v for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o disciple_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v despair_v of_o find_v it_o in_o the_o new_a be_v infallible_o assure_v 1.10_o 2_o tim._n 1.10_o that_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n i.e._n be_v more_o emphatical_o discover_v be_v set_v in_o a_o better_a light_n to_o we_o christian_n by_o the_o new_a and_o bright_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o be_v of_o old_a to_o the_o jew_n by_o all_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o then_o if_o we_o seek_v for_o life_n and_o immortality_n and_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o this_o
establish_v religion_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o because_o we_o have_v thorough_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o because_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o by_o a_o rule_n which_o can_v fail_v we_o and_o do_v find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o if_o we_o have_v take_v up_o our_o religion_n upon_o due_a confidweration_n and_o judgement_n it_o very_o high_o concern_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n and_o to_o be_v as_o steady_a in_o our_o walk_n as_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o we_o go_v wide_a from_o the_o path_n we_o have_v make_v straight_o and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v to_o believe_v upon_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n we_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o triumph_v over_o we_o and_o to_o twist_v we_o with_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v of_o a_o reformation_n to_o make_v we_o worse_o than_o we_o need_v to_o have_v be_v without_o it_o we_o put_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n into_o their_o hand_n than_o any_o they_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o forge_v against_o it_o a_o witty_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o say_v something_o for_o romish_a error_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v for_o a_o antichristian_a life_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o inveigh_v against_o popish_a indulgence_n while_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o sin_v as_o they_o do_v if_o we_o be_v heedless_a and_o undevout_a in_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v blush_v to_o say_v we_o can_v dispense_v with_o latin_a service_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o at_o one_o whether_o he_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n eat_v or_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o do_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n or_o but_o one_o or_o what_o signisy_n a_o change_n or_o no_o change_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o element_n to_o he_o that_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n or_o why_o may_v not_o a_o implicit_a faith_n serve_v to_o make_v a_o empty_a profession_n as_o well_o as_o any_o protestant_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o if_o that_o be_v all_o we_o design_n by_o be_v protestant_n it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o without_o holiness_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n we_o that_o be_v protestant_n profess_v a_o great_a veneration_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o excuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o govern_v our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v not_o excuse_v our_o religion_n but_o raise_v objection_n against_o it_o out_o of_o those_o very_a action_n it_o express_o condemn_v and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o religion_n shall_v answer_v for_o the_o fault_n which_o it_o aim_v to_o rectify_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v own_v a_o real_a and_o mighty_a prejudice_n to_o it_o to_o be_v contradict_v by_o its_o own_o professor_n and_o betray_v by_o those_o that_o pretend_v a_o hearty_n zeal_n and_o concernment_n for_o it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v cautious_a on_o this_o hand_n because_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o full_o justify_v by_o its_o learned_a advocate_n that_o it_o require_v nothing_o more_o for_o its_o defence_n and_o vindication_n from_o it_o be_v than_o that_o we_o shall_v adorn_v it_o by_o our_o holy_a conversation_n and_o keep_v the_o enemy_n out_o of_o those_o breach_n which_o our_o division_n have_v make_v and_o our_o lust_n have_v widen_v for_o they_o and_o this_o be_v our_o proper_a post_n in_o which_o we_o may_v do_v excellent_a service_n though_o we_o may_v not_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o engage_v in_o the_o field_n of_o controversy_n mere_o by_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o godliness_n by_o keep_v to_o the_o plain_a rule_n and_o stand_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n this_o i_o say_v be_v our_o proper_a task_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v utter_o defeat_v our_o adversary_n and_o put_v they_o to_o the_o same_o straight_o that_o daniel_n do_v the_o chaldaean_n 6.5_o dan._n 6.5_o by_o leave_v they_o no_o occasion_n against_o we_o except_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o our_o god_n and_o for_o that_o we_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o try_v their_o utmost_a skill_n and_o if_o by_o fair_a reason_v and_o argument_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n they_o can_v win_v the_o victory_n let_v they_o wear_v it_o i_o wish_v the_o mean_a while_n we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v our_o religion_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v all_o show_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a conversation_n that_o our_o life_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o law_n as_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v just_o expect_v that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n shall_v live_v at_o the_o best_a rate_n that_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o know_v who_o we_o worship_n and_o have_v renounce_v the_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o spoil_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v be_v extreme_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o blemish_v our_o own_o that_o we_o do_v not_o stain_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o furnish_v man_n with_o objection_n against_o it_o by_o our_o vain_a and_o vicious_a conversation_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o happiness_n though_o a_o man_n know_v every_o foot_n of_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o crooked_a and_o deceitful_a path_n which_o other_o be_v lose_v and_o bewildred_n in_o yet_o if_o he_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o direct_v his_o step_n and_o keep_v on_o in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v he_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o that_o bless_a place_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o fly_v to_o heaven_n with_o a_o wish_n or_o to_o be_v save_v by_o be_v orthodox_n or_o excuse_v from_o do_v our_o duty_n because_o we_o know_v it_o though_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o all_o faith_n without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o importance_n they_o will_v be_v to_o we_o but_o only_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o great_a damnation_n the_o sanction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o same_o to_o man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n the_o worst_a of_o which_o will_v hardly_o deny_v that_o a_o good_a life_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o good_a christian_a as_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n faith_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v nor_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n nor_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n that_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n while_o we_o bid_v defiance_n to_o his_o law_n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o for_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o only_o that_o obey_v he_o if_o we_o be_v ill_a man_n it_o matter_n not_o what_o we_o be_v beside_o any_o religion_n will_v serve_v a_o wicked_a man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a and_o become_v he_o a_o great_a deal_n better_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o he_o and_o which_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n denounce_v the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n against_o its_o own_o professor_n that_o reject_v the_o mild_a and_o reasonable_a condition_n of_o it_o 2.7.8_o rom._n 2.7.8_o to_o they_o that_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n it_o promise_v eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n how_o zealous_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o defence_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o denounce_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n so_o that_o if_o we_o live_v
excite_v to_o amend_v they_o and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o more_o humble_a more_o sensible_a of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o more_o importunate_a with_o he_o for_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o like_a miscarriage_n for_o the_o future_a this_o will_v send_v we_o to_o his_o mercy-seat_n cover_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o bitterness_n of_o they_o will_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o former_o enjoy_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o favour_n through_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o this_o will_v fire_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n against_o ourselves_o for_o the_o dishonour_n we_o have_v do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n the_o waste_n we_o have_v make_v of_o our_o inward_a peace_n and_o the_o opportunity_n we_o have_v lose_v of_o do_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o of_o establish_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o insure_v our_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n all_o which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o great_a care_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v a_o steady_a and_o universal_a principle_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n 7._o last_o serious_a and_o frequent_a contemplation_n upon_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n will_v sure_o cast_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o more_o spiritual_a frame_n refine_v our_o conversation_n and_o improve_v our_o grace_n it_o be_v true_a a_o exact_a idea_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o it_o but_o do_v we_o often_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v read_v and_o believe_v of_o that_o glorious_a place_n we_o shall_v certain_o feel_v ourselves_o inspire_v with_o noble_a thought_n and_o brisk_a resolution_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o sant_a up_o and_o down_o after_o earthly_a vanity_n nor_o give_v way_n to_o every_o petty_a discouragement_n and_o mean_a temptation_n and_o so_o make_v our_o journey_n more_o heavy_a and_o tedious_a than_o we_o need_v as_o if_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o come_v too_o soon_o to_o our_o happiness_n the_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o be_v we_o better_a acquaint_v with_o they_o will_v darken_v all_o these_o inferior_a beauty_n which_o captivate_v our_o soul_n the_o smile_n of_o pleasure_n the_o shine_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lustre_n of_o honour_n do_v we_o six_o our_o mind_n where_o true_a joy_n and_o felicity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o gloss_n of_o worldly_a excellency_n will_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v as_o lesser_a light_n lose_v their_o brightness_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o great_a there_o will_v be_v little_a danger_n of_o loiter_v in_o the_o way_n or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n if_o we_o will_v but_o keep_v our_o eye_n upon_o those_o happy_a region_n above_o and_o consider_v what_o mighty_a joy_n be_v there_o what_o massy_a crown_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n even_o in_o those_o very_a duty_n which_o now_o go_v off_o so_o heavy_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v cut_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o soar_v above_o all_o temptation_n from_o this_o low_a world_n if_o the_o other_o be_v always_o in_o our_o view_n and_o our_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o elevate_v our_o soul_n till_o we_o shall_v even_o touch_v and_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o languish_a state_n of_o grace_n to_o recover_v into_o a_o healthful_a and_o thrive_a temper_n be_v to_o strengthen_v their_o appetite_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o by_o this_o they_o will_v quick_o come_v to_o loathe_v the_o husk_n and_o trash_n of_o this_o world_n and_o retrieve_v the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n they_o have_v lose_v by_o their_o eagerness_n after_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v be_v to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n to_o your_o spiritual_a growth_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o remissness_n in_o any_o of_o the_o former_a duty_n will_v defeat_v the_o design_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o every_o neglect_n and_o error_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v careful_o avoid_v as_o a_o obstruction_n to_o the_o end_n of_o grow_v better_o beside_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o remind_v you_o of_o these_o three_o impediment_n 1._o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n some_o think_v they_o be_v reprobate_v from_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o never_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o think_v of_o grow_v in_o it_o other_o that_o they_o can_v fall_v from_o grace_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o elect_v and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v common_o of_o opinion_n that_o every_o degree_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v mean_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_o against_o themselves_o when_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o immediate_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o the_o rather_o think_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o manifest_o tend_v to_o check_v and_o stifle_v their_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n and_o holiness_n though_o i_o very_o believe_v they_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o some_o very_a serious_a person_n through_o their_o happy_a ignorance_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v absolute_o elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n 2.12_o phil._n 2.12_o i_o can_v see_v why_o we_o shall_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n that_o a_o absolute_a decree_n shall_v fail_v and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mean_n if_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v immediate_o produce_v their_o effect_n for_o if_o they_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v a_o immediate_a cause_n that_o work_v its_o effect_n by_o mean_n i._n e._n that_o do_v not_o work_v it_o immediate_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o render_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o increase_v holiness_n in_o we_o utter_o vain_a and_o ineffectual_a 2._o want_v of_o vigilancy_n over_o the_o fault_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o natural_a temper_n when_o man_n first_o turn_v their_o thought_n to_o religion_n and_o their_o eye_n inward_o they_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o their_o more_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n and_o extreme_o cautious_a of_o any_o temptation_n to_o they_o but_o be_v seldom_o very_o watchful_a over_o the_o lesser_a fault_n and_o error_n which_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o grow_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n with_o they_o these_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o overlook_v and_o indulge_v as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o right_n of_o protection_n from_o they_o till_o they_o suffer_v they_o to_o shade_n and_o overtop_v their_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o so_o clear_a a_o disposition_n but_o he_o have_v some_o flaw_n and_o infirmity_n with_o his_o excellent_a temper_n and_o some_o nature_n be_v so_o very_o bad_a that_o without_o a_o mighty_a care_n to_o manage_v and_o improve_v they_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a will_v ever_o come_v to_o any_o ripeness_n or_o perfection_n in_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v right_o consider_v the_o want_n of_o this_o care_n be_v the_o manifest_a reason_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n otherwise_o virtuous_a and_o good_a who_o be_v often_o transport_v into_o great_a disorder_n and_o indecence_n by_o a_o unguarded_a humour_n or_o unhappy_a disposition_n which_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o they_o and_o without_o long_a care_n and_o watchsulness_n be_v like_a to_o send_v they_o halt_v to_o their_o grave_n 3._o spiritual_a pride_n i_o mean_v pride_n of_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o over_o ween_a conceit_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a attainment_n in_o holiness_n this_o alone_a be_v enough_o to_o blast_v the_o most_o hopeful_a beginning_n in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v root_n of_o every_o new_a sect_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o selfwill_a schism_n error_n envy_n and_o animosity_n and_o i_o be_v go_v to_o say_v whatever_o obstruct_v
but_o to_o treat_v of_o that_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v agree_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o world_n have_v have_v time_n and_o it_o seem_v have_v be_v no_o ill_a husband_n of_o it_o to_o wear_v off_o some_o of_o the_o very_o deep_a impression_n of_o this_o ancient_a commandment_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v indeed_o run_v the_o people_n into_o many_o gross_a mistake_n and_o conceal_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n from_o they_o by_o their_o false_a and_o frigid_a interpretation_n of_o the_o great_a commandment_n of_o god_n but_o to_o do_v they_o right_o they_o be_v much_o better_a expounder_n of_o this_o law_n than_o many_o of_o our_o modern_a christian_n who_o with_o pen_n of_o steel_n and_o in_o letter_n of_o blood_n be_v ready_a to_o justify_v that_o kill_v for_o honour_n be_v no_o murder_n and_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o prudence_n than_o of_o cruelty_n and_o disobedience_n when_o we_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n to_o find_v the_o short_a way_n we_o can_v into_o the_o next_o and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o own_o life_n when_o they_o be_v less_o desirable_a than_o death_n itself_o these_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o man_n of_o very_o different_a complexion_n the_o former_a be_v general_o man_n of_o flame_n and_o spirit_n of_o a_o hot_a sanguine_a temper_n which_o be_v seldom_o reckon_v the_o best_a friend_n to_o a_o solid_a judgement_n the_o latter_a for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o a_o melancholy_a constitution_n and_o while_o their_o understanding_n be_v cloud_v with_o that_o dark_a humour_n must_v needs_o stand_v but_o in_o a_o ill_a light_n to_o discern_v the_o truth_n but_o what_o ever_o their_o judgement_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v clean_o forget_v the_o primary_n and_o most_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o what_o be_v say_v of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v which_o precept_n be_v express_v in_o very_a few_o word_n will_v require_v the_o large_a explication_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o lawful_a insome_a case_n to_o kill_v and_o these_o must_v be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v certain_o determine_v wherein_o thenature_n of_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o murder_n consist_v which_o all_o man_n agree_v to_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o law_n for_o these_o reason_n in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o forbid_v be_v this_o law_n 2._o what_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n or_o the_o kill_v here_o forbid_v be_v 3._o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n consist_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v 4._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o to_o kill_v a_o rival_n in_o a_o quarrel_n of_o honour_n or_o to_o kill_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o our_o life_n 1._o in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o forbid_v in_o this_o law_n life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o thing_n sacred_a to_o be_v preserve_v for_o his_o use_n and_o not_o dispose_v of_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o pleasure_n 2.7_o gen._n 2.7_o it_o be_v he_o that_o breathe_v into_o man_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n and_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o he_o may_v resume_v it_o when_o and_o by_o what_o instrument_n he_o please_v and_o that_o there_o be_v crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n both_o the_o scripture_n and_o natural_a reason_n do_v assure_v we_o yea_o such_o crime_n their_o be_v as_o be_v they_o not_o sometime_o punish_v with_o death_n will_v sudden_o dash_v all_o human_a society_n in_o piece_n and_o bring_v the_o world_n into_o such_o confusion_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o live_n among_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v reasoanble_o presume_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o prohibit_v in_o all_o case_n for_o instance_n when_o a_o magistrate_n put_v a_o offender_n to_o death_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o it_o in_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o justice_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o law_n he_o have_v his_o authority_n from_o god_n the_o spreme_a judge_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n he_o act_v as_o his_o minister_n by_o express_a commission_n from_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v innocent_a of_o all_o the_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o hence_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o magistrate_n a_o terror_n to_o evil_a worker_n 4._o rom._n 13.3_o 4._o because_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil._n nor_n have_v god_n only_o give_v a_o general_n commission_n to_o seize_v the_o forfeit_v life_n of_o great_a and_o heinous_a offender_n but_o in_o some_o case_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o murderer_n himself_o he_o particular_o command_v the_o use_v of_o this_o severity_n as_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o of_o equity_n and_o justice_n gen._n 9.6_o for_o who_o so_o shede_v man_n blood_n by_o man_n shall_v his_o blood_n be_v shed_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n kill_v in_o the_o war_n when_o the_o cause_n be_v just_a and_o the_o war_n necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o law_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o set_v up_o king_n and_o government_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o common_a safety_n shall_v restrain_v they_o from_o draw_v the_o sword_n of_o war_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v it_o the_o sword_n of_o prince_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a use_n of_o they_o be_v the_o protection_n of_o their_o subject_n from_o oppression_n and_o violence_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o and_o the_o advantage_n for_o a_o better_a life_n which_o the_o bounty_n of_o heaven_n have_v enrich_v they_o with_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n never_o go_v about_o to_o tie_v the_o hand_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n or_o state_n from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sharp_a and_o last_o remedy_n in_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n nor_o be_v the_o gospel_n ever_o accuse_v for_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o throne_n upon_o this_o account_n there_o be_v no_o tribunal_n upon_o earth_n high_a enough_o to_o decide_v the_o quarrel_n between_o independent_a government_n and_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o strong_a presumption_n when_o all_o amicable_a way_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n fail_v that_o god_n approve_v of_o the_o injure_a party_n appeal_n to_o he_o in_o the_o field_n of_o war_n as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o guardian_n of_o right_n and_o innocence_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o soldier_n that_o serve_v in_o a_o lawful_a war_n be_v not_o forbid_v to_o kill_v the_o enemy_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o country_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o minister_n of_o divine_a justice_n be_v invest_v with_o authority_n from_o he_o to_o who_o vengeance_n belong_v these_o be_v public_a case_n in_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n over_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v manifest_o derive_v immediate_o to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o by_o he_o to_o inferior_a magistrate_n and_o dispenser_n of_o justice_n beside_o which_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o when_o a_o private_a person_n be_v desperate_o assault_v and_o in_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o his_o own_o life_n take_v away_o the_o invader_n he_o have_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o law_n every_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o defend_v the_o life_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o against_o he_o that_o shall_v attempt_v by_o unjust_a or_o illegal_a violence_n to_o wrest_v it_o from_o he_o this_o also_o as_o well_o as_o life_n itself_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v it_o for_o his_o service_n till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v for_o it_o which_o he_o never_o do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o murderer_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o fly_v to_o the_o protection_n protection_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o escape_v with_o our_o life_n with_o out_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o he_o that_o assail_v we_o if_o he_o perish_v in_o his_o wicked_a enterprise_n his_o blood_n will_v not_o be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o public_a to_o lose_v a_o bad_a than_o a_o good_a and_o useful_a member_n and_o when_o the_o case_n be_v such_o
the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v our_o care_n about_o earthly_a thing_n and_o submit_v all_o our_o design_n and_o purpose_n to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o providence_n over_o we_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a absurdity_n which_o the_o overbusy_a and_o design_v man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o they_o love_v it_o better_o than_o their_o life_n though_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o they_o they_o complain_v that_o their_o life_n be_v short_a and_o yet_o sell_v they_o very_o cheap_a to_o purchase_v a_o little_a estate_n or_o honour_n and_o wear_v they_o out_o much_o fast_a than_o they_o need_v to_o do_v by_o immoderate_a toyal_a and_o labour_n only_o to_o have_v a_o name_n for_o leave_v something_o behind_o they_o to_o die_v rich_a they_o kill_v themselves_o with_o pierce_v and_o vexatious_a care_n and_o have_v hardly_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o fool_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o ease_v and_o refresh_v their_o soul_n though_o they_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n and_o scarce_o know_v where_o or_o on_o who_o to_o bestow_v they_o and_o methinks_v of_o all_o person_n such_o man_n shall_v not_o tax_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o allow_v they_o so_o short_a a_o time_n in_o this_o world_n since_o they_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o shorten_v it_o themselves_o and_o can_v afford_v to_o live_v out_o the_o time_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v allow_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n where_o be_v the_o wisdom_n see_v our_o life_n be_v so_o short_a of_o lay_v a_o long_a train_n of_o design_n reach_v into_o future_a age_n and_o promise_v ourselves_o success_n upon_o any_o little_a encouragement_n from_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o affair_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v live_v to_o see_v or_o be_v competent_o assure_v of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o they_o who_o that_o read_v campanellas_n discourse_n concern_v the_o spanish_a monarchy_n can_v forbear_v to_o smile_v at_o the_o simplicity_n or_o admire_v the_o confidence_n of_o crow_v mortal_n who_o undertake_v to_o govern_v the_o world_n in_o future_a time_n and_o instruct_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n how_o to_o demean_v itself_o in_o relation_n to_o they_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o a_o mortal_a man_n to_o undertake_v for_o the_o event_n of_o a_o single_a day_n it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o he_o to_o trouble_v himself_o and_o the_o world_n with_o project_n which_o be_v never_o like_a to_o take_v effect_n in_o his_o day_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o brag_v what_o great_a thing_n he_o will_v do_v at_o such_o a_o time_n which_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v ten_o or_o twenty_o year_n after_o he_o be_v go_v to_o his_o grave_n st._n james_n have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o man_n teach_v they_o immediate_o after_o the_o text_n to_o express_v themselves_o in_o a_o more_o modest_a and_o christian_a style_n for_o that_o say_v he_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o shall_v live_v and_o do_v this_o or_o that_o since_o your_o project_n depend_v upon_o your_o life_n and_o your_o life_n upon_o god_n you_o will_v do_v well_o to_o take_v he_o into_o your_o counsel_n and_o propose_v none_o but_o reasonable_a and_o moderate_a thing_n always_o submit_v yourselves_o and_o they_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o conduct_n to_o leave_v future_a time_n and_o event_n to_o god_n overrule_a providence_n to_o do_v your_o present_a duty_n and_o not_o interest_n yourselves_o in_o the_o world_n any_o far_a than_o you_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o it_o 5._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o great_a instability_n of_o they_o shall_v engage_v the_o young_a of_o we_o to_o begin_v they_o well_o and_o to_o use_v all_o the_o care_n and_o frugality_n that_o they_o can_v in_o the_o spend_n of_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v not_o hold_v out_o for_o the_o great_a purpose_n of_o live_v while_o we_o be_v young_a we_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n of_o die_v and_o go_v to_o heaven_n as_o when_o we_o be_v old_a all_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n and_o as_o much_o our_o concernment_n now_o as_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v all_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o youth_n be_v the_o best_a and_o perhaps_o the_o only_a opportunity_n that_o a_o young_a man_n will_v ever_o have_v of_o be_v good_a and_o happy_a old-age_n be_v no_o necessary_a part_n of_o huamen_n life_n there_o be_v more_o that_o die_v young_a than_o that_o live_v to_o be_v old_a and_o of_o those_o that_o do_v so_o there_o be_v few_o that_o live_v well_o that_o do_v not_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v not_o a_o early_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n consider_v therefore_o you_o that_o be_v young_a how_o much_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o make_v religion_n your_o first_o and_o immediate_a care_n if_o you_o will_v aim_v to_o do_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o important_a work_n of_o your_o life_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n you_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o escape_v two_o mighty_a hazard_n by_o it_o viz._n the_o danger_n of_o die_v young_a which_o be_v over_o when_o you_o be_v fit_v for_o heaven_n by_o a_o early_a piety_n and_o that_o of_o defer_v your_o repentance_n till_o you_o be_v old_a or_o you_o know_v not_o when_o which_o seldom_o come_v to_o any_o thing_n or_o at_o most_o but_o to_o a_o deep_a and_o pierce_a sorrow_n that_o you_o do_v not_o repent_v soon_o when_o you_o have_v life_n and_o quickness_n of_o thought_n opportunity_n and_o ability_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o lay_v a_o good_a and_o last_a foundation_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o then_o by_o consecrate_v your_o green_a and_o bloom_a year_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n you_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o make_v the_o most_o of_o a_o short_a life_n you_o will_v soon_o find_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n pleasant_a and_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o they_o will_v engage_v you_o to_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n which_o will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o by_o set_v out_o early_o towards_o heaven_n and_o take_v the_o morning_n of_o your_o day_n you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o much_o easy_a journey_n than_o they_o general_o do_v who_o think_v to_o ride_v it_o off_o in_o a_o few_o hour_n in_o the_o evening_n be_v soon_o benight_a and_o force_v to_o travel_v without_o any_o certain_a guide_n or_o light_n till_o they_o stumble_v into_o a_o dark_a grave_n and_o a_o doubtful_a immortality_n and_o shall_v you_o live_v but_o to_o a_o competent_a age_n yet_o begin_v young_a and_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o your_o short_a time_n you_o may_v do_v very_o great_a and_o eminent_a thing_n for_o god_n honour_n and_o your_o own_o and_o the_o good_a of_o humane_a society_n for_o your_o comfort_n in_o this_o and_o your_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o so_o may_v live_v more_o in_o your_o little_a time_n than_o they_o that_o live_v long_o by_o many_o year_n than_o the_o late_a evening_n convert_v or_o the_o sinner_n that_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a for_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o proper_o say_v to_o live_v till_o we_o be_v alive_a to_o god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n and_o begin_v to_o look_v towards_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o great_a end_n of_o live_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v make_v the_o best_a of_o our_o time_n as_o we_o have_v need_v to_o do_v that_o have_v so_o little_a in_o store_n we_o must_v begin_v at_o the_o right_a end_n and_o engage_v betimes_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o not_o think_v it_o enough_o when_o we_o have_v spend_v the_o flower_n of_o our_o age_n upon_o his_o and_o our_o own_o great_a enemy_n to_o put_v he_o off_o with_o a_o few_o of_o our_o blast_a and_o wither_a day_n in_o which_o we_o have_v no_o pleasure_n and_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o concern_v we_o have_v begin_v well_o to_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o to_o get_v as_o forward_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o heaven_n in_o the_o next_o stage_n of_o our_o life_n remember_v that_o our_o life_n be_v now_o short_a than_o they_o be_v and_o that_o our_o time_n be_v every_o day_n more_o precious_a than_o other_o the_o value_n of_o it_o improve_n as_o the_o stock_n decrease_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o our_o progress_n in_o welldoing_a can_v secure_v our_o hopeful_a beginning_n that_o every_o good_a work_n we_o do_v will_v both_o help_v to_o insure_v and_o enhance_v our_o reward_n and_o that_o the_o true_a way_n of_o lengthen_v our_o time_n be_v to_o