good_a man_n be_v infallible_a but_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o more_o speedy_a and_o effectual_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v and_o have_v this_o divine_a testimony_n give_v to_o they_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o that_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o other_o infallibility_n but_o what_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endow_v and_o therefore_o without_o the_o like_a gift_n none_o can_v with_o reason_n pretend_v to_o the_o like_a 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against_o it_o but_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a and_o transient_a dispensation_n god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o the_o strong_a and_o mighty_a wind_n in_o the_o earthquake_n and_o in_o the_o fire_n but_o he_o be_v in_o the_o still_a voice_n that_o be_v he_o design_v to_o settle_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o dispensation_n in_o that_o more_o calm_a and_o secret_a way_n of_o assistance_n which_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o permanent_a dispensation_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v now_o forsake_v his_o church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o with_o it_o in_o so_o sensible_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n but_o then_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n desire_n and_o expect_v this_o bless_a presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o our_o part_n for_o how_o absolute_a soever_o this_o promise_n may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a it_o be_v certain_o conditional_a to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o sad_a experience_n in_o many_o instance_n have_v show_v god_n have_v long_o since_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v he_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n he_o have_v leave_v the_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n to_o that_o degree_n of_o desolation_n that_o the_o ruin_n and_o place_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v hardly_o at_o this_o day_n certain_o know_v and_o this_o may_v also_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n not_o except_v rome_n herself_o for_o all_o her_o pride_n and_o confidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o that_o fall_v severity_n but_o 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to_o we_o pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n this_o be_v a_o short_a sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o 4._o god_n consider_v the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o heathen_a against_o christianity_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v of_o proportionable_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o remove_v and_o conquer_v this_o prejudice_n he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o this_o religion_n by_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o particular_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o because_o the_o report_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o bring_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o they_o have_v not_o 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deliver_v without_o any_o ornament_n of_o art_n or_o insinuation_n of_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n and_o applause_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o relate_v these_o thing_n but_o now_o this_o true_o consider_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o real_a objection_n against_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a commendation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n ought_v to_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o simple_a and_o unaffected_a manner_n and_o the_o less_o art_n and_o eloquence_n be_v use_v in_o the_o tell_n of_o a_o story_n the_o more_o likely_a it_o be_v to_o gain_v belief_n and_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n precept_n how_o plain_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o reasonable_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o the_o free_a from_o all_o vanity_n and_o folly_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o book_n in_o the_o 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heathen_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 4._o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o human_a eloquence_n and_o demonstration_n but_o yet_o their_o doctrine_n do_v not_o want_v its_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n though_o of_o another_o kind_n they_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o bewitch_v man_n by_o eloquence_n nor_o to_o entangle_v their_o mind_n by_o subtle_a reason_n the_o force_n of_o which_o very_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o they_o offer_v to_o man_n a_o sensible_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v in_o those_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a operation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sensible_a evidence_n even_o to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n of_o a_o divine_a assistance_n go_v along_o with_o they_o and_z giving_z testimony_n to_o they_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o more_o level_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o mankind_n than_o the_o fine_a and_o subtle_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o immaterial_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o power_n of_o reflection_n upon_o itself_o and_o independency_n upon_o the_o body_n as_o to_o some_o of_o its_o operation_n which_o yet_o be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n that_o philosophy_n afford_v to_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n four_o the_o heathen_n object_v that_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n this_o to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v not_o only_o appear_v unreasonable_a but_o even_o ridiculous_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n to_o think_v that_o a_o man_n who_o appear_v in_o such_o mean_a circumstance_n shall_v be_v fit_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o one_o who_o himself_o be_v put_v to_o death_n shall_v be_v rely_v upon_o for_o life_n and_o immortality_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v heretofore_o consider_v at_o large_a and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o speak_v but_o very_o brief_o to_o it_o beside_o those_o excellent_a reason_n and_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n assign_v of_o our_o saviour_n humiliation_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n and_o example_n to_o we_o that_o he_o may_v make_v expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o by_o suffer_v himself_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o commiserate_v we_o that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n subject_a to_o bondage_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o afflict_a condition_n to_o confront_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o fantastry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o these_o two_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n may_v love_v those_o who_o he_o afflict_v and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v innocent_a and_o virtuous_a and_o content_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v have_v our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n his_o influence_n and_o example_n may_v possible_o have_v make_v more_o hypocrite_n and_o servile_a convert_v but_o will_v not_o have_v persuade_v man_n one_o jot_n more_o
foolishness_n with_o god_n the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n who_o increase_v his_o good_n and_o enlarge_v his_o barn_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n do_v applaud_v himself_o and_o be_v no_o doubt_n applaud_v by_o other_o for_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n but_o because_o he_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n that_o be_v do_v not_o employ_v his_o estate_n to_o good_a and_o charitable_a purpose_n therefore_o god_n who_o call_v no_o body_n out_o of_o his_o right_a name_n call_v this_o man_n fool_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o then_o who_o shall_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n while_o he_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n he_o add_v that_o which_o be_v a_o considerable_a blemish_n and_o abatement_n to_o it_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o their_o age_n for_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o short_a and_o purblind_a wisdom_n which_o see_v but_o a_o little_a way_n and_o consider_v only_a thing_n present_a and_o near_o at_o hand_n whereas_o true_a wisdom_n have_v a_o large_a and_o far_a prospect_n and_o regard_v the_o future_a as_o well_o as_o the_o present_a and_z takes_z care_n to_o provide_v for_o it_o nay_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v utmost_a due_n when_o he_o say_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a for_o their_o generation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_o best_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o it_o seldom_o look_v so_o far_o and_o hold_v out_o so_o long_o many_o man_n have_v survive_v their_o own_o project_n and_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o folly_n and_o ill_a fate_n of_o their_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a design_n so_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o jet_n 17._o 11._o as_o the_o partridge_n sit_v on_o egg_n and_o hatch_v they_o not_o 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the_o duty_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o same_o care_n and_o concernment_n with_o the_o same_o fervour_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n as_o man_n prosecute_v their_o worldly_a business_n be_v we_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o unseen_a glory_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o than_o with_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n because_o in_o reason_n they_o be_v much_o more_o considerable_a the_o disgrace_n of_o the_o pillory_n will_v fright_v man_n from_o perjury_n and_o will_v not_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o confusion_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n will_v deter_v many_o man_n from_o rob_v and_o steal_v who_o will_v perhaps_o venture_v upon_o these_o crime_n if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o they_o and_o will_v not_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o second_o death_n of_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v not_o quench_v have_v as_o great_a a_o awe_n and_o influence_n upon_o we_o if_o they_o have_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o do_v not_o equal_o believe_v the_o danger_n of_o human_a law_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n sure_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o belief_n of_o heaven_n and_o affection_n for_o it_o that_o they_o have_v for_o this_o world_n if_o they_o have_v their_o care_n and_o diligence_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o equal_a for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o weak_a as_o we_o make_v ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o degenerate_a but_o if_o we_o will_v set_v ourselves_o serious_o to_o it_o and_o earnest_o beg_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n we_o may_v come_v to_o know_v our_o duty_n pain_n for_o the_o deceitful_a riches_n than_o we_o do_v for_o the_o true_a and_o be_v content_v to_o hazard_v more_o for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n than_o we_o for_o a_o incorruptible_a that_o they_o shall_v love_v pleasure_n more_o than_o we_o do_v god_n and_o mind_n their_o body_n and_o temporal_a estate_n more_o than_o we_o do_v our_o soul_n and_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v but_o observe_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n what_o a_o pace_n they_o go_v what_o large_a and_o nimble_a step_n they_o take_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o do_v not_o seek_v riches_n as_o if_o they_o seek_v they_o not_o and_o love_v the_o world_n as_o if_o they_o love_v it_o not_o and_o enjoy_v the_o present_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n as_o if_o they_o possess_v they_o not_o though_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o but_o we_o seek_v heaven_n as_o if_o we_o seek_v it_o not_o and_o love_n god_n as_o if_o we_o love_v he_o not_o and_o mind_n eternity_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v as_o if_o we_o mind_v they_o not_o and_o yet_o the_o fashion_n of_o that_o world_n do_v not_o pass_v away_o but_o to_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v say_v you_o have_v already_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n have_v so_o many_o advantage_n above_o the_o child_n of_o light_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o excel_v and_o outstrip_v they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o in_o many_o respect_v they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o they_o but_o if_o the_o child_n of_o light_n will_v look_v about_o they_o and_o take_v all_o thing_n into_o consideration_n they_o may_v see_v something_o very_o considerable_a to_o balance_v the_o advantage_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v true_a the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v present_a and_o sensible_a but_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o the_o greatness_n and_o eternity_n of_o these_o be_v such_o a_o amaze_a consideration_n that_o no_o distance_n can_v render_v they_o inconsiderable_a to_o a_o prudent_a and_o think_v man._n and_o though_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v a_o entire_a principle_n which_o be_v not_o divide_v between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n whereas_o in_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o great_a conflict_n of_o contrary_a principle_n the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n yet_o this_o disadvantage_n be_v likewise_o balance_v by_o that_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o hearty_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o and_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o last_o though_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v many_o way_n to_o compass_v their_o end_n yet_o the_o child_n of_o light_n have_v one_o great_a and_o infallible_a one_o all_o the_o mean_n which_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n use_v to_o accomplish_v their_o design_n may_v fail_v and_o miscarry_v for_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a nor_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o all_o but_o he_o that_o sincere_o serve_v god_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n be_v sure_o to_o attain_v it_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v we_o shall_v certain_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n which_o the_o child_n of_o light_n have_v above_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n that_o if_o we_o faithful_o use_v the_o mean_n we_o can_v fail_v of_o the_o end_n if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v to_o we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n be_v sake_n finis_fw-la
his_o own_o kingdom_n 2._o they_o pretend_v that_o though_o he_o do_v many_o great_a work_n yet_o he_o give_v they_o no_o sign_n from_o heaven_n matt._n 16._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v they_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v they_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n it_o seem_v they_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v some_o immediate_a testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o elias_n when_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v his_o enemy_n and_o particular_o they_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n he_o shall_v have_v come_v down_o and_o save_v himself_o and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o answer_v their_o expectation_n in_o this_o they_o conclude_v he_o a_o impostor_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a when_o he_o have_v wrought_v so_o many_o other_o and_o great_a miracle_n perverse_o to_o insist_v upon_o some_o particular_a kind_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o fancy_v as_o if_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n and_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o as_o much_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n four_o as_o to_o his_o conversation_n they_o have_v these_o three_o exception_n 1._o that_o he_o use_v no_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n or_o diet_n take_v too_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o think_v come_v eat_v and_o drink_v that_o be_v he_o free_o use_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v with_o temperance_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o do_v not_o lay_v those_o rigorous_a restraint_n upon_o himself_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o many_o that_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o religious_a among_o they_o use_v to_o do_v but_o he_o plain_o show_v they_o that_o this_o exception_n be_v mere_o out_o of_o their_o prejudice_n against_o he_o for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o austerity_n they_o will_v have_v reject_v he_o as_o well_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o whatever_o he_o do_v matth._n 11._o 16._o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n john_n the_o baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n he_o live_v in_o a_o more_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a way_n he_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n use_v great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n and_o diet_n and_o this_o they_o take_v exception_n at_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v behold_v a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n so_o that_o let_v our_o saviour_n have_v do_v what_o he_o will_v he_o can_v not_o have_v carry_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n so_o peevish_o and_o perverse_o dispose_v 2._o that_o he_o keep_v company_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o which_o exception_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o our_o saviour_n own_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o physician_n to_o the_o world_n to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v angry_a or_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o he_o converse_v with_o his_o patient_n among_o who_o his_o proper_a employment_n lay_v 3._o they_o object_v to_o he_o profaneness_n in_o break_v the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o sure_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n if_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v heal_v one_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n that_o sure_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v good_a on_o the_o sabbath-day_n that_o that_o be_v but_o a_o positive_a institution_n but_o work_v of_o mercy_n be_v natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v even_o his_o own_o institution_n to_o give_v way_n to_o those_o great_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o refreshment_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v intend_v to_o his_o prejudice_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o not_o man_n for_o the_o sabbath_n five_o another_o great_a prejudice_n against_o he_o be_v that_o person_n of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o authority_n among_o they_o do_v not_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7._o 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n against_o he_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o guide_n ought_v to_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o we_o and_o over-rule_v we_o in_o doubtful_a case_n but_o not_o against_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v and_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o visible_a and_o palpable_a corruption_n in_o those_o who_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o they_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n at_o that_o time_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v never_o more_o endanger_v nor_o never_o more_o corrupt_v than_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o great_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v understand_v religion_n best_o and_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a support_n of_o it_o man_n may_v err_v but_o god_n can_v so_o that_o when_o god_n send_v a_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o word_n do_v plain_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o human_a example_n and_o authority_n cease_v and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n the_o last_o prejudice_n i_o shall_v mention_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o it_o do_v abolish_v and_o supersede_n their_o religion_n as_o of_o no_o long_a use_n and_o continuance_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n this_o have_v be_v a_o very_a specious_a pretence_n indeed_o have_v not_o this_o be_v part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o their_o own_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o perfect_v what_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a in_o their_o institution_n it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o their_o law_n that_o god_n will_v raise_v unto_o they_o another_o prophet_n like_v to_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v he_o when_o he_o come_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o do_v not_o reprove_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o false_a but_o as_o imperfect_a and_o do_v not_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v but_o perfect_a and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v over_o the_o chief_a exception_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o have_v not_o now_o time_n to_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v easy_o see_v upon_o what_o slight_a and_o unreasonable_a ground_n man_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o best_a person_n and_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o confident_a all_o the_o while_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o so_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o put_v on_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n that_o we_o way_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o thing_n and_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v preserve_v free_a and_o indifferent_a to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o otherwise_o self-conceit_n and_o passion_n will_v so_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o bias_n our_o judgement_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v unable_a to_o discern_v and_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a truth_n we_o see_v here_o by_o the_o sad_a example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o give_v way_n to_o passion_n and_o cherish_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n man_n may_v be_v so_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o resist_v the_o clear_a light_n and_o reject_v even_o salvation_n itself_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o the_o scripture_n say_v
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 man_n seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a do_v man_n read_v and_o hear_v these_o thing_n every_o day_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o persuade_v they_o be_v false_a what_o can_v we_o conclude_v from_o hence_o but_o either_o that_o this_o be_v not_o christianity_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o if_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o converse_v among_o we_o how_o will_v he_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o face_n and_o complexion_n of_o christianity_n alter_v from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o we_o bear_v will_v soon_o guess_v we_o to_o be_v any_o thing_n than_o christian_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o quit_v ourselves_o of_o this_o objection_n and_o to_o wash_v away_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o but_o to_o mend_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n till_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a but_o the_o vicious_a manner_n of_o man_n will_v affect_v our_o religion_n with_o obloquy_n and_o reproach_n and_o derive_v a_o ill_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o it_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o christianity_n can_v ever_o gain_v much_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n till_o it_o be_v better_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o nay_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o if_o god_n do_v not_o raise_v up_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n to_o awaken_v the_o world_n out_o of_o this_o stupid_a lethargy_n that_o christianity_n will_v every_o day_n decline_v and_o the_o world_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n be_v overrun_v with_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n for_o vice_n and_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o be_v the_o reign_a disease_n of_o christendom_n when_o they_o have_v run_v their_o course_n and_o sinisht_v their_o circle_n do_v all_o natural_o end_n and_o meet_v in_o atheism_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n to_o appear_v and_o effectual_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o that_o which_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v by_o any_o other_o mean_v and_o of_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o terrible_a and_o fearful_a intimation_n in_o that_o question_n of_o he_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n have_v not_o positive_o affirm_v it_o and_o god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v not_o make_v it_o and_o find_v it_o true_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v by_o god_n assistance_n give_v the_o best_a satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o the_o most_o material_a exception_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n the_o ii_o thing_n remain_v brief_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o prejudice_n do_v many_o time_n sway_v and_o bias_n man_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a truth_n we_o see_v in_o daily_a experience_n what_o a_o false_a byass_n prejudice_n put_v upon_o man_n understanding_n man_n that_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o with_o what_o difficulty_n be_v they_o persuade_v of_o their_o mistake_n nay_o they_o have_v hardly_o the_o patience_n to_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n much_o less_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o it_o how_o do_v the_o passion_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n blind_v they_o and_o lead_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n how_o partial_o do_v man_n lean_v to_o that_o part_n which_o make_v most_o for_o their_o advantage_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n now_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n be_v a_o great_a slavery_n of_o the_o understanding_n if_o there_o be_v no_o worse_a consequence_n of_o our_o error_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v excellent_o that_o the_o truth_n make_v man_n free_a you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a second_o prejudice_n do_v not_o only_o by_o ass_n man_n against_o the_o plain_a truth_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n occasion_n mistake_v of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o may_v lead_v man_n to_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n nay_o many_o time_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o another_o concernment_n than_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o the_o writer_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o eloquence_n or_o any_o other_o human_a art_n or_o science_n if_o a_o man_n prejudice_n make_v he_o err_v in_o these_o matter_n the_o thing_n be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n but_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n three_o the_o consequence_n of_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la in_o these_o thing_n prove_v many_o time_n fatal_a and_o destructive_a to_o they_o man_n may_v upon_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n man_n may_v oppose_v the_o truth_n so_o obstinate_o and_o perverse_o as_o to_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v certain_a ruin_n and_o swift_a destruction_n upon_o themselves_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o by_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o persecute_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n till_o wrath_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o entertain_v prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n and_o by_o consider_v only_o the_o wrong_a side_n of_o thing_n to_o fortify_v our_o prejudices_fw-la to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o entrench_v ourselves_o so_o strong_o in_o our_o error_n that_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o convince_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o have_v any_o access_n to_o we_o or_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o we_o but_o all_o this_o while_n we_o do_v in_o truth_n undermine_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v secret_o work_v our_o own_o ruin_n and_o while_o we_o think_v we_o be_v oppose_v a_o enemy_n we_o be_v destroy_v ourselves_o for_o who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o prosper_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a rock_n against_o which_o the_o more_o violent_o we_o dash_v ourselves_o the_o more_o miserable_o we_o shall_v be_v split_v and_o shatter_v our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v to_o many_o and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n but_o he_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o those_o who_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o this_o stone_n shall_v be_v break_v but_o upon_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v fall_v it_o shall_v grind_v he_o to_o powder_n and_o therefore_o well_o may_v he_o say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o four_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n thus_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o among_o we_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o education_n be_v remove_v yet_o there_o be_v still_o many_o who_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n few_o man_n be_v so_o impartial_a in_o consider_v thing_n as_o not_o to_o be_v
to_o god_n he_o will_v grant_v we_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a by_o which_o be_v certain_o intend_v in_o the_o first_o place_n spiritual_a good_a thing_n because_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o necessary_a and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o more_o especial_o mean_v these_o st._n luke_n do_v particular_o instance_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n lube_n 11._o 13._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v the_o continual_a presence_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o comfort_n and_o support_v in_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o talent_n entrust_v with_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n matth._n 25_o i_o say_v what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o but_o this_o that_o god_n be_v beforehand_o with_o every_o man_n by_o afford_v the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a and_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o that_o end_n which_o if_o he_o faithful_o improve_v he_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n do_v so_o earnest_o exhort_v christian_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o universal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o phil._n 2._o 12_o 13._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v with_o great_a care_n and_o concernment_n lest_o you_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assit_fw-la we_o and_o of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o will_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o put_v forth_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n and_o so_o cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n use_v the_o same_o argument_n to_o press_v man_n to_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n that_o be_v have_v so_o plentiful_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o requisite_n to_o a_o godly_a life_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n that_o be_v by_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n therein_o offer_v to_o we_o whereby_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o then_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o divine_a power_n convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o he_o exhort_v man_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n virtue_n and_o knowledge_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o godliness_n and_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n and_o perseverance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o powerful_a grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 3._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 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 that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o which_o though_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o that_o be_v by_o our_o own_o natural_a power_n yet_o we_o can_v do_v by_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o another_o if_o that_o assistance_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v because_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o they_o that_o seek_v it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o a_o man_n power_n which_o he_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v that_o which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o assistance_n of_o another_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o sure_o st._n paul_n do_v no_o way_n derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o he_o reckon_v himself_o able_a to_o do_v all_o that_o which_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o the_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o will_v all_o be_v not_o only_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o very_o unreasonable_a if_o we_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o power_n to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v but_o if_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o assist_v we_o by_o a_o grace_n sufficient_a for_o we_o if_o he_o cooperate_v with_o we_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n then_o be_v there_o abundant_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n and_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v whole_o our_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o those_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a but_o because_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o not_o seek_v god_n grace_n more_o earnest_o or_o by_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v real_o all_o one_o both_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o the_o render_n of_o our_o disobedience_n inexcusable_a whether_o we_o be_v able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o that_o purpose_n wherefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v heb._n 12._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v strait_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n lest_o that_o which_o be_v lame_a be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o let_v it_o rather_o be_v heal_v follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n intimate_v that_o it_o be_v want_v of_o care_n and_o diligence_n on_o our_o part_n if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n fail_v of_o its_o end_n and_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n god_n do_v not_o withhold_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o but_o man_n may_v receive_v it_o in_o vain_a if_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v from_o these_o word_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o viz._n to_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o that_o be_v to_o such_o and_o only_o to_o such_o as_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n to_o they_o who_o frame_v the_o general_a course_n of_o their_o life_n according_a to_o his_o
law_n some_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o the_o merit_n of_o obedience_n and_o good_a work_n that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o do_v it_o with_o so_o much_o caution_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o it_o or_o do_v apprehend_v some_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o fear_n be_v perfect_o groundless_a as_o if_o merit_n can_v not_o be_v exclude_v without_o cast_v off_o our_o duty_n and_o release_n ourselves_o from_o any_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o be_v good_a for_o any_o man_n sure_o may_v easy_o discern_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o a_o worthiness_n of_o desert_n and_o a_o fitness_n of_o receive_v a_o rebel_n be_v penitent_a and_o sorry_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v though_o he_o can_v deserve_v a_o pardon_n yet_o he_o may_v thereby_o be_v qualify_v and_o make_v meet_v to_o receive_v it_o though_o repentance_n do_v not_o make_v he_o worthy_a yet_o it_o may_v make_v he_o capable_a of_o it_o which_o a_o obstinate_a rebel_n and_o one_o that_o persist_v in_o his_o disloyalty_n be_v not_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a of_o itself_o that_o it_o will_v be_v waste_n of_o time_n and_o word_n to_o insist_v long_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n rely_v upon_o these_o three_o ground_n one_a upon_o the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n two_o the_o general_a reason_n of_o reward_n three_o upon_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v confer_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o obedience_n one_a the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o he_o may_v dispense_v his_o gift_n and_o favour_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n he_o please_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n he_o will_v give_v eternal_a life_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n who_o shall_v resist_v his_o will_n or_o dispute_v his_o pleasure_n the_o right_a and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o unquestionable_a that_o it_o admit_v of_o no_o contest_v and_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n propose_v be_v so_o infinite_o great_a and_o unvaluable_a that_o no_o condition_n of_o obtain_v they_o which_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o can_v be_v think_v hard_a and_o unequal_a so_o that_o we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n let_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o be_v what_o they_o will_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o impose_v of_o these_o condition_n upon_o we_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o mere_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o two_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v likewise_o found_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o reward_n in_o general_n for_o though_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o our_o reward_n so_o infinite_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o service_n as_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v i_o say_v though_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o reward_n be_v found_v in_o the_o immense_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o reason_n of_o reward_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_o found_v in_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n for_o according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n nothing_o but_o obedience_n be_v capable_a of_o reward_n for_o though_o authority_n may_v pardon_v the_o breach_n and_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o remit_v the_o punishment_n due_a thereto_o yet_o to_o reward_v the_o contempt_n of_o law_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n to_o they_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o government_n and_o do_v plain_o overthrow_v the_o very_a reason_n and_o end_v of_o all_o law_n and_o make_v obedience_n and_o disobedience_n to_o be_v all_o one_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v equal_o capable_a of_o reward_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a than_o for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v reward_v by_o god_n who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a that_o be_v endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v reward_v by_o the_o great_a governor_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v disobedient_a to_o his_o law_n for_o where_o obedience_n to_o law_n be_v refuse_v there_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n of_o reward_n cease_v no_o wise_a prince_n can_v think_v fit_a to_o reward_n disloyalty_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n because_o to_o reward_v it_o will_v be_v to_o encourage_v it_o much_o less_o will_v god_n the_o great_a and_o infinite_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n â—_o d_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v confer_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o obedience_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o reward_n promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o the_o sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n now_o to_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o this_o bless_a reward_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v like_o god_n but_o nothing_o but_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o who_o create_v we_o in_o righteousness_n can_v make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v like_o god_n must_v be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o patient_a and_o merciful_a as_o god_n be_v and_o this_o alone_a can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v like_o he_o we_o can_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n we_o can_v not_o find_v any_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n say_v the_o apostle_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n whilst_o he_o remain_v so_o shall_v ever_o be_v happy_a because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o agreeable_a and_o delightful_a society_n between_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o one_o another_o between_o he_o who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o a_o sinful_a and_o impure_a creature_n for_o what_o fellowship_n say_v the_o apostle_n can_v righteousness_n have_v with_o unrighteousness_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o god_n with_o belial_n that_o be_v with_o the_o wicked_a and_o disobedient_a till_o we_o become_v like_a to_o god_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n there_o can_v be_v no_o happy_a society_n between_o he_o and_o we_o we_o can_v neither_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o god_n nor_o he_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o we_o for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a jar_a and_o discord_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a men._n i_o will_v behold_v thy_o face_n say_v david_n in_o righteousness_n there_o be_v no_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n if_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n god_n will_v cast_v we_o out_o of_o his_o fight_n and_o in_o great_a anger_n bid_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o we_o also_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o we_o as_o be_v unable_a to_o bear_v the_o sight_n of_o he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n since_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o qualification_n
for_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n i_o come_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n because_o it_o consist_v so_o much_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o observance_n which_o be_v but_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o which_o when_o they_o be_v come_v that_o law_n do_v expire_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v out_o of_o date_n the_o obligation_n and_o observance_n of_o it_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a but_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o and_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v no_o long_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o that_o external_a and_o servile_a and_o imperfect_a dispensation_n which_o consist_v in_o circumcision_n and_o in_o almost_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o external_a ceremony_n these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n so_o often_o speak_v of_o by_o st._n paul_n concern_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o only_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o to_o a_o man_n justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o both_o which_o opinion_n st._n paul_n call_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n but_o there_o be_v no_o where_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v either_o by_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v in_o substance_n the_o moral_a law_n clear_v and_o perfect_v be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v our_o saviour_n express_a direction_n to_o the_o young_a man_n who_o ask_v what_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n if_o thou_o will_v say_v he_o enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v understand_v what_o commandment_n he_o mean_v he_o instance_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o the_o precept_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v full_a and_o express_a to_o this_o purpose_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o that_o be_v these_o precept_n which_o i_o have_v deliver_v and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n that_o be_v act_v and_o inspire_v by_o charity_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v that_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o which_o text_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o what_o be_v available_a with_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o st._n james_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o obedience_n our_o faith_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o sure_o a_o dead_a faith_n will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o save_v any_o man._n st._n john_n likewise_o very_o earnest_o caution_n we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o will_v take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n little_a child_n say_v he_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o christ_n become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o so_o that_o no_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n for_o so_o long_o as_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v but_o assert_v and_o secure_v one_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n two_o that_o we_o stand_v continual_o in_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o three_o that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v found_v in_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n confer_v these_o blessing_n upon_o we_o not_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o only_o for_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n i_o say_v so_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v these_o three_o thing_n we_o give_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n any_o where_o ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o express_v these_o thing_n more_o full_o and_o distinct_o that_o no_o man_n may_v imagine_v that_o whilst_o we_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n we_o have_v any_o design_n to_o derogate_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o only_o to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n by_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v in_o plain_a english_a no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o may_v get_v to_o heaven_n and_o whoever_o find_v fault_n with_o this_o doctrine_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v to_o mankind_n which_o offer_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n than_o these_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o to_o preach_v and_o press_v this_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v so_o to_o pursue_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o plain_o and_o express_o declare_v by_o st._n paul_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o we_o than_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n wait_v for_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 and_o then_o he_o add_v these_o thing_n teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n that_o be_v declare_v and_o inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n and_o rebuke_v severe_o those_o who_o teach_v or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o he_o repeat_v it_o again_o with_o a_o more_o vehement_a charge_n to_o titus_n to_o press_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o
obedience_n and_o good_a work_n chap._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n first_o of_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o a_o empty_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n how_o specious_a and_o glorious_a soever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n avail_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n no_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n no_o subjection_n to_o he_o though_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o listen_v ourselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n though_o we_o have_v make_v a_o constant_a profession_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n have_v go_v constant_o to_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o have_v join_v in_o public_a prayer_n to_o god_n with_o great_a appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o have_v hear_v his_o word_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o all_o imaginable_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n nay_o though_o we_o have_v hear_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o our_o street_n and_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a in_o his_o presence_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n none_o of_o all_o these_o will_n thing_n signify_v any_o thing_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o mankind_n but_o we_o can_v plead_v so_o much_o for_o ourselves_o as_o those_o do_v of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v none_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v for_o ourselves_o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o can_v allege_v all_o this_o it_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a all_o that_o such_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o have_v call_v he_o lord_n lord_n that_o be_v they_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o have_v pay_v a_o outward_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o declare_v a_o mighty_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o he_o but_o they_o have_v not_o do_v his_o will_n but_o have_v hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v cast_v his_o commandment_n behind_o their_o back_n they_o have_v only_o bear_v the_o leave_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o have_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a expectation_n that_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o when_o these_o man_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o those_o vain_a word_n lord_n lord_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n will_v answer_v in_o that_o day_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n when_o you_o will_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o your_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o subjection_n to_o i_o you_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o thankfulness_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o or_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o be_v purchase_v or_o the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v one_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v salvation_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o by_o our_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o they_o by_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o comprehend_v the_o end_n our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o the_o bestow_n of_o happiness_n upon_o we_o a_o great_a and_o last_a happiness_n great_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o immortal_a as_o our_o soul_n all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v in_o eternal_a salvation_n two_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o this_o great_a benefit_n be_v purchase_v and_o procure_v for_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o condescension_n in_o the_o low_a humiliation_n and_o the_o unparalleled_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o never_o be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_o his_o sorrow_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n afflict_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n in_o his_o take_n upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o his_o become_a obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o vile_a slave_n and_o the_o most_o heinous_a malefactor_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n into_o this_o low_a world_n this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o be_v content_v himself_o to_o suffer_v to_o save_v we_o from_o eternal_a ruin_n to_o be_v the_o most_o despicable_a and_o the_o most_o miserable_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o he_o may_v raise_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a benefit_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o suppose_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o be_v by_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n and_o which_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v real_o best_a for_o our_o present_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o have_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o but_o what_o in_o all_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v our_o choice_n if_o he_o have_v not_o impose_v it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o gracious_a than_o to_o make_v one_o benefit_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o great_a than_o to_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o upon_o all_o account_n be_v real_o best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o advantage_n in_o this_o present_a life_n three_o here_o be_v abundant_a encouragement_n give_v to_o our_o obedience_n we_o have_v the_o divine_a assistance_n promise_v to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o for_o our_o further_a encouragement_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n in_o case_n of_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o meritorious_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o though_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v
in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mean_v the_o initiate_a of_o man_n by_o this_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o solemn_a stipulation_n and_o engagement_n to_o live_v according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n which_o promise_n of_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v likewise_o make_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v testify_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o take_v particular_a notice_n what_o use_v the_o anabaptist_n make_v of_o this_o text_n so_o as_o in_o effect_n to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o cause_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v all_o infant_n even_o those_o of_o christian_a parent_n who_o be_v themselves_o already_o admit_v into_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v here_o say_v by_o our_o saviour_n go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o from_o whence_o they_o infer_v and_o very_o clear_o and_o strong_o as_o they_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v disciple_n which_o infant_n be_v not_o but_o only_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v to_o some_o maturity_n of_o year_n and_o understanding_n but_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n to_o this_o inference_n at_o least_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v all_o of_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o constant_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n and_o institution_n admit_v infant_n into_o that_o church_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n and_o likewise_o the_o infant_n of_o proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o intend_v by_o any_o consequence_n from_o this_o text_n to_o exclude_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o to_o debar_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o capable_a of_o be_v take_v into_o this_o new_a covenant_n and_o of_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o as_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o old_a unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v which_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n child_n be_v in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n so_o that_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o plain_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o express_a prohibition_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o a_o exception_n of_o child_n from_o baptism_n can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n of_o any_o privilege_n of_o which_o the_o jewish_a be_v capable_a for_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o go_v and_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o solemn_o into_o it_o by_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_v to_o proselyte_n man_n to_o their_o religion_n by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n by_o which_o rite_n also_o they_o take_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o proselyte_n upon_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v any_o more_o exclude_v than_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n unless_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o except_v they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o favourable_a case_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o debar_v child_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o obscure_a consequence_n from_o a_o text_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v never_o so_o understand_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o 1500_o year_n together_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o disciple_n or_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o second_o part_n 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 cease_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 we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o constitution_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o then_o present_a circumstance_n of_o christianity_n and_o as_o they_o do_v appoint_v temporary_a officer_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n so_o they_o constitute_v other_o that_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruct_n and_o govern_v of_o christian_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o as_o will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o subordination_n of_o governor_n have_v not_o only_o be_v use_v in_o all_o religion_n but_o in_o all_o the_o well_o regulate_v civil_a society_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o make_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o work_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v though_o i_o be_v go_v from_o you_o in_o person_n yet_o i_o will_v still_o be_v present_a with_o you_o by_o my_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o sure_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o have_v he_o engage_v for_o their_o assistance_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v therefore_o as_o far_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v primary_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o immediate_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o
6._o 5._o those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v of_o the_o gospel_n age._n so_o that_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v the_o age_n those_o that_o go_v before_o be_v constant_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o age_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n so_o we_o find_v eph._n 3._o 9_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o age_n and_o you_o have_v the_o same_o phrase_n col._n 1._o 26._o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o expiration_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o time_n and_o the_o last_o day_n heb._n 1._o 2._o but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 11._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n be_v come_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o apostle_n heb._n 9_o 26._o speak_v of_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n that_o be_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n which_o have_v go_v before_o in_o the_o last_o age._n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v govern_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n by_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o scripture_n the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v extend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v to_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v suppose_v now_o to_o give_v our_o adversary_n their_o utmost_a scope_n that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o grant_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n reach_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o age_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o qualify_v and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o speedy_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o till_o this_o work_n be_v do_v now_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o intend_a in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o this_o ought_v not_o much_o to_o trouble_v we_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v extend_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v give_v we_o sufficient_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v assist_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n in_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o but_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o such_o fit_a and_o necessary_a assistance_n as_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o every_o age_n shall_v require_v for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o plant_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o it_o afterward_o that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v so_o good_a a_o work_n so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o design_n will_v let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v not_o also_o without_o good_a ground_n for_o thus_o extend_v the_o general_a reason_n of_o particular_a promise_n beyond_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o for_o heb._n 13._o 5_o 6._o he_o there_o extend_v two_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o all_o christian_n let_v your_o conversation_n say_v he_o be_v without_o cove_n tousness_n and_o be_v content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v for_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o particulur_v person_n the_o first_o of_o they_o to_o joshua_n and_o the_o other_o to_o david_n but_o yet_o the_o apostle_n apply_v they_o to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n because_o the_o general_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o extend_v so_o far_o he_o who_o give_v joshua_n and_o david_n this_o encouragement_n to_o their_o duty_n will_v certain_o be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n mention_v in_o this_o promise_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o age_n even_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v second_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v with_o they_o and_o here_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o that_o church_n shall_v always_o be_v infallible_a and_o never_o err_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o promise_n nor_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o understand_v this_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n so_o to_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v commissionated_a the_o apostle_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o promise_v to_o assist_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o any_o man_n can_v construe_v this_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o signify_v the_o perpetual_a infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n devise_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a text_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v that_o old_a and_o totter_a fabric_n of_o their_o infallibility_n here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n of_o assistance_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v neither_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v if_o it_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n or_o colour_n for_o it_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a sagacity_n that_o can_v find_v out_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o a_o promise_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o joshua_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n apply_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o the_o very_a same_o in_o sense_n with_o this_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o yet_o sure_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o imagine_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n every_o christian_a and_o every_o
to_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o withstand_v its_o temptation_n to_o be_v harmless_a and_o blameless_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n not_o to_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o eminent_a and_o frequent_a example_n of_o vice_n and_o carry_v down_o with_o the_o stream_n of_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerare_fw-la age._n so_o that_o though_o our_o difficulty_n be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o and_o equal_a to_o those_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n encounter_v yet_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o exercise_v our_o best_a resolution_n and_o care_n though_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n be_v break_v and_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n be_v destroy_v out_o of_o the_o land_n yet_o some_o of_o the_o old_a inhabitant_n be_v still_o leave_v to_o be_v thorn_n in_o our_o side_n and_o prick_v in_o our_o eye_n that_o true_a religion_n may_v always_o have_v something_o to_o exercise_v its_o force_n and_o vigour_n upon_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o point_n the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a course_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o the_o earnest_a endeavour_n that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o conquer_a of_o these_o difficulty_n and_o to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o will_v set_v upon_o it_o in_o good_a earnest_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v require_v one_a a_o mighty_a resolution_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n two_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o carry_v we_o on_o in_o it_o three_o a_o invincible_a constancy_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o it_o and_o make_v we_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n one_a a_o mighty_a resolution_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n for_o want_v of_o this_o most_o man_n miscarry_v and_o stumble_v at_o the_o very_a threshold_n and_o never_o get_v through_o the_o strait_a gate_n never_o master_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n many_o be_v well_o dispose_v towards_o religion_n and_o have_v fit_n of_o good_a inclination_n that_o way_n especial_o in_o their_o young_a and_o tender_a year_n but_o they_o want_v firmness_n of_o resolution_n to_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n like_o the_o young_a man_n that_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n well_o incline_v to_o do_v some_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o give_v back_o he_o be_v divide_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n and_o have_v not_o resolution_n enough_o to_o part_v with_o all_o for_o he_o many_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o have_v frequent_a thought_n and_o deliberation_n about_o a_o better_a course_n of_o life_n and_o be_v in_o a_o good_a mind_n to_o take_v up_o and_o break_v off_o that_o lewd_a and_o riotous_a course_n they_o be_v in_o but_o they_o can_v bring_v themselves_o to_o a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n and_o yet_o without_o this_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v the_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n there_o must_v be_v no_o indifferency_n and_o irresoluteness_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o will_v be_v christian_n we_o must_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o gate_n but_o resolve_v to_o press_v in_o we_o see_v that_o man_n can_v take_v up_o peremptory_a resolution_n in_o other_o matter_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o can_v be_v true_a and_o steadfast_a to_o these_o resolution_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o man_n resolve_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o happy_a and_o stand_v to_o these_o resolution_n and_o make_v they_o good_a god_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o strengthen_v these_o kind_n of_o resolution_n than_o any_o other_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o resolve_v upon_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n no_o other_o resolution_n can_v do_v a_o man_n that_o good_a and_o bring_v he_o that_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n that_o this_o will_n two_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o require_v a_o mighty_a resolution_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n so_o likewise_o a_o great_a diligence_n to_o carry_v we_o on_o in_o it_o when_o we_o be_v get_v through_o the_o strait_a gate_n we_o must_v account_v to_o meet_v with_o many_o difficulty_n in_o our_o way_n there_o be_v in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n many_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v which_o require_v great_a pain_n and_o care_n many_o temptation_n to_o be_v resist_v which_o will_v keep_v we_o continual_o upon_o our_o guard_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o way_n be_v up_o hill_n and_o not_o to_o be_v climb_v without_o labour_n and_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a to_o follow_v holiness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o pursue_v it_o with_o great_a earnestness_n nothing_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v of_o value_n be_v to_o be_v have_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o we_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o think_v any_o pain_n too_o much_o to_o get_v thither_o three_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n require_v a_o invincible_a constancy_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o it_o and_o to_o make_v we_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n resolution_n may_v make_v a_o good_a entrance_n but_o it_o require_v great_a constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n to_o hold_v out_o in_o a_o good_a course_n a_o good_a resolution_n may_v be_v take_v up_o upon_o a_o present_a heat_n and_o may_v cool_v again_o but_o nothing_o but_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a temper_n of_o mind_n will_v make_v a_o man_n persevere_v and_o yet_o without_o this_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o reach_v heaven_n he_o that_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o god_n put_v this_o case_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o determine_v it_o ezekiel_n 18._o 24._o when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v he_o live_v all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o he_o shall_v die_v nay_o so_o far_o will_v his_o righteousness_n be_v from_o avail_v he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o persevere_v in_o it_o that_o it_o will_v render_v his_o condition_n much_o worse_o to_o have_v go_v so_o far_o towards_o heaven_n and_o at_o last_o to_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o it_o so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o christian_a life_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o to_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o discouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v with_o no_o design_n to_o damp_n but_o rather_o to_o quicken_v our_o industry_n for_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a no_o not_o this_o commandment_n of_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v manifest_a by_o take_v these_o four_o thing_n into_o consideration_n 1._o the_o assistance_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o we_o god_n have_v there_o promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o conquer_v all_o those_o difficulty_n indeed_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o to_o the_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o cope_v with_o these_o difficulty_n every_o temptation_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o every_o little_a opposition_n will_v discourage_v we_o
though_o the_o world_n hate_v we_o it_o be_v but_o exercise_v a_o little_a patience_n and_o these_o storm_n will_v blow_v over_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o calm_a region_n where_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o death_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o this_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o but_o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n that_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o therefore_o those_o who_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v move_v as_o though_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o they_o but_o shall_v rather_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v they_o also_o may_v be_v glad_a with_o exceed_v joy_n 1_o pet_n 4._o 12_o 13._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o observation_n which_o be_v the_o different_a estate_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n after_o this_o life_n lazarus_n die_v and_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n the_o rich_a man_n die_v and_o go_v to_o hell_n this_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n seem_v to_o require_v so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o credible_a to_o natural_a reason_n whether_o we_o consider_v god_n or_o ourselves_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n our_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o love_v goodness_n and_o hate_v sin_n and_o therefore_o be_v concern_v to_o countenance_v the_o one_o and_o discountenance_v the_o other_o in_o such_o a_o solemn_a and_o public_a manner_n as_o may_v vindicate_v his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n now_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v promiscuous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v very_o reasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a assize_n a_o fair_a and_o open_a trial_n when_o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o this_o will_v appear_v very_o credible_a for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a opinion_n not_o only_o of_o the_o common_a people_n but_o of_o the_o wise_a person_n who_o have_v only_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o nay_o if_o we_o do_v but_o search_v our_o own_o conscience_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o inward_a and_o secret_a acknowledgement_n of_o this_o in_o that_o inward_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o find_v in_o any_o good_a action_n and_o in_o that_o shame_n and_o fear_n and_o horror_n that_o haunt_v a_o man_n after_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o though_o never_o so_o secret_a a_o sin_n and_o as_o reason_n and_o scripture_n together_o do_v assure_v we_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n so_o likewise_o that_o man_n when_o they_o pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n shall_v meet_v with_o the_o proper_a consequence_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o action_n in_o the_o other_o and_o though_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o complete_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v after_o the_o public_a judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v unspeakable_o great_a lazarus_n be_v represent_v as_o very_o happy_a immediate_o after_o his_o pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v carry_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n by_o which_o the_o jew_n express_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o future_a state_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v represent_v as_o in_o great_a anguish_n and_o torment_n but_o what_o the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o other_o state_n we_o can_v but_o now_o imperfect_o and_o unskilful_o describe_v each_o of_o these_o i_o have_v in_o another_o discourse_n speak_v 22._o serm._n on_o rom._n 6._o 21_o 22._o something_o to_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o four_o observation_n the_o vast_a difference_n between_o man_n condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o the_o rich_a man_n prosper_v here_o and_o be_v afterward_o torment_v lazarus_n be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a in_o this_o world_n and_o happy_a in_o the_o other_o v._n 25._o remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v and_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o man_n condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n one_a for_o the_o try_v of_o man_n virtue_n two_o in_o order_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o it_o 1._o for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n virtue_n for_o this_o end_n principal_o god_n ordain_v the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o permit_v the_o best_a of_o his_o servant_n many_o time_n to_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o great_a calamity_n to_o try_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o love_n to_o he_o to_o improve_v their_o virtue_n and_o to_o prevent_v those_o sin_n into_o which_o the_o mighty_a temptation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a prosperity_n be_v apt_a to_o draw_v even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n to_o take_v off_o their_o affection_n from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o vain_a world_n and_o to_o engage_v and_o fix_v they_o there_o where_o they_o shall_v never_o repent_v that_o they_o have_v place_v they_o to_o prove_v their_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o life_n and_o to_o make_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n more_o welcome_a to_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o two_o in_o order_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o man_n that_o they_o who_o will_v take_v up_o with_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o take_v no_o care_n for_o their_o future_a state_n that_o they_o who_o will_v gratify_v their_o sense_n and_o neglect_v their_o immortal_a soul_n may_v inherit_v the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o their_o wretched_a choice_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o they_o who_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v rather_o endure_v the_o great_a evil_n than_o do_v the_o least_o that_o they_o who_o look_v beyond_o the_o present_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o believe_v the_o reality_n and_o eternity_n of_o the_o other_o state_n and_o live_v according_o may_v not_o be_v disappoint_v in_o their_o hope_n and_o serve_v god_n and_o suffer_v for_o he_o for_o nothing_o from_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o we_o may_v infer_v 1._o that_o no_o man_n shall_v measure_v his_o felicity_n or_o unhappiness_n by_o his_o lot_n in_o this_o world_n if_o thou_o receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n be_v rich_a and_o honourable_a and_o have_v as_o much_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o thy_o heart_n can_v wish_v be_v splendid_o attire_v and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n be_v in_o no_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n neither_o art_n plague_v like_o other_o folk_n do_v not_o upon_o this_o bless_v thyself_o as_o the_o happy_a man._n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v thou_o poor_a and_o miserable_a destitute_a of_o all_o the_o convenience_n and_o accommodation_n of_o this_o life_n do_v not_o repine_v at_o thy_o lot_n and_o murmur_v at_o god_n for_o have_v deal_v hardly_o with_o thou_o no_o man_n can_v be_v pronounce_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o what_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o these_o thing_n this_o life_n be_v but_o a_o short_a and_o inconsiderable_a duration_n and_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o entertainment_n we_o meet_v withal_o as_o we_o be_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n the_o state_n of_o eternity_n be_v that_o wherein_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v determine_v he_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n who_o be_v so_o in_o that_o life_n which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n and_o he_o be_v miserable_a that_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o 2._o we_o shall_v not_o set_v too_o great_a a_o value_n upon_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o may_v receive_v our_o good_a thing_n here_o and_o be_v torment_v hereafter_o nay_o this_o very_a thing_n will_v be_v no_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o our_o torment_n none_o of_o the_o least_o aggravation_n of_o our_o misery_n that_o we_o do_v receive_v our_o good_a thing_n nothing_o afflict_v a_o man_n more_o and_o touch_v he_o more_o sensible_o when_o he_o be_v in_o misery_n than_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o former_a prosperity_n have_v he_o never_o be_v happy_a his_o misery_n will_v
be_v the_o less_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o applaud_v ourselves_o in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v afraid_a of_o receive_v our_o good_a thing_n here_o lest_o god_n shall_v put_v we_o off_o with_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v all_o our_o portion_n and_o lest_o our_o misery_n in_o the_o next_o world_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a for_o our_o have_v be_v happy_a the_o felicity_n of_o this_o world_n be_v transient_a and_o though_o our_o happiness_n be_v never_o so_o complete_a yet_o it_o be_v go_v off_o and_o pass_v away_o and_o when_o it_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v if_o misery_n succeed_v it_o it_o have_v better_o never_o have_v be_v remember_v thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n these_o thing_n be_v only_o for_o our_o life_n time_n and_o how_o short_a be_v that_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v this_o they_o will_v not_o set_v such_o a_o price_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o transient_a 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and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o this_o rich_a man_n do_v not_o when_o he_o enjoy_v it_o but_o when_o he_o be_v take_v from_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v esteem_v it_o and_o use_v it_o while_o we_o may_v as_o he_o wish_v he_o have_v do_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o 3._o we_o shall_v not_o be_v excessive_o trouble_v if_o we_o meet_v with_o hardship_n and_o affliction_n here_o in_o this_o world_n because_o those_o who_o god_n design_n for_o the_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o may_v receive_v evil_a thing_n here_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v make_v perfect_a through_o suffering_n this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o god_n use_v towards_o his_o own_o son_n first_o he_o suffer_v and_o then_o enter_v into_o glory_n he_o suffer_v more_o than_o any_o of_o we_o can_v bear_v and_o yet_o he_o support_v himself_o under_o all_o his_o suffering_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o will_v follow_v for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n the_o same_o consideration_n shall_v arm_v we_o with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n under_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o life_n the_o evil_n that_o we_o lie_v under_o be_v pass_v and_o go_v off_o but_o the_o happiness_n be_v to_o come_v and_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n be_v no_o great_a nor_o of_o long_a continuance_n than_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o world_n or_o if_o they_o do_v equal_o answer_v one_o another_o yet_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v choose_v to_o have_v misery_n first_o and_o his_o happiness_n last_o for_o if_o his_o happiness_n be_v first_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o will_v be_v eat_v out_o by_o dismal_a apprehension_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v but_o his_o suffering_n if_o they_o be_v first_o will_v be_v sweeten_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o future_a happiness_n and_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o suffering_n will_v give_v a_o quick_a relish_n to_o his_o happiness_n when_o it_o shall_v come_v and_o make_v it_o great_a but_o a_o good_a man_n under_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n have_v not_o only_o this_o comfort_n that_o his_o happiness_n be_v to_o come_v but_o likewise_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v infinite_o great_a than_o his_o suffering_n that_o these_o be_v but_o short_a but_o that_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o fortify_v the_o first_o christian_n against_o all_o that_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v against_o they_o they_o think_v themselves_o well_o pay_v if_o through_o many_o tribulation_n they_o may_v at_o last_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o they_o believe_v that_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o next_o life_n will_v abundant_o recompense_v all_o their_o labour_n and_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n they_o expect_v a_o mighty_a reward_n far_o beyond_o all_o their_o suffering_n they_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v vast_a gainer_n at_o the_o last_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o himself_o rom._n 8._o 18._o i_o reckon_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 17_o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_n for_o we_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a if_o we_o will_v consider_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o fix_v our_o eye_n as_o much_o upon_o the_o happiness_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o world_n as_o upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o this_o if_o we_o will_v look_v as_o much_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o renounce_v his_o happiness_n only_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n 4._o we_o shall_v do_v all_o thing_n with_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o future_a and_o eternal_a state_n it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o our_o condition_n be_v in_o this_o world_n because_o that_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o great_a and_o serious_a regard_n to_o that_o state_n that_o never_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n therefore_o whenever_o we_o be_v do_v any_o thing_n we_o shall_v consider_v what_o influence_n such_o a_o action_n will_v have_v upon_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o life_n we_o shall_v measure_v every_o action_n and_o every_o condition_n of_o our_o life_n by_o the_o reference_n of_o they_o to_o eternity_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n will_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o our_o future_a happiness_n all_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o so_o much_o dote_v upon_o and_o pursue_v with_o so_o much_o eagerness_n will_v not_o commend_v any_o man_n to_o god_n they_o will_v signify_v nothing_o when_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o our_o judge_n death_n will_v strip_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v shall_v be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o rich_a nothing_o but_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n will_v then_o avail_v we_o and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n and_o we_o shall_v all_o certain_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n that_o the_o best_a thing_n man_n can_v do_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o other_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o five_o observation_n that_o the_o state_n of_o man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n be_v fix_v and_o unchangeable_a which_o i_o ground_n upon_o v._o 26._o between_o we_o and_o you_o there_o be_v a_o great_a gulf_n fix_v so_o that_o they_o that_o will_v pass_v from_o hence_o to_o you_o can_v neither_o can_v they_o pass_v to_o we_o that_o will_v come_v from_o thence_o by_o which_o word_n our_o saviour_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o intend_v that_o they_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o hell_n can_v have_v no_o communication_n and_o intercourse_n with_o one_o another_o but_o likewise_o that_o they_o be_v lodge_v in_o a_o immutable_a state_n those_o that_o be_v happy_a be_v like_a to_o continue_v so_o and_o those_o that_o be_v miserable_a be_v immutable_o fix_v in_o that_o state_n 1._o as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o happiness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a doubt_n for_o what_o can_v tempt_v man_n that_o have_v so_o narrow_o escape_v the_o danger_n and_o
man_n be_v a_o work_n not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v afford_v his_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o reject_v and_o despise_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o word_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o if_o we_o sincere_o use_v these_o mean_n we_o may_v confident_o expect_v the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a but_o if_o we_o neglect_v and_o resist_v these_o mean_n in_o confidence_n that_o god_n shall_v attempt_v our_o recovery_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n though_o he_o shall_v gratify_v our_o presumptuous_a and_o unreasonable_a curiosity_n so_o far_o as_o to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o we_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o make_v such_o a_o conviction_n effectual_a to_o our_o repentance_n when_o we_o have_v so_o long_o despise_v his_o word_n and_o resist_v his_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n without_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n the_o most_o probable_a mean_n will_v prove_v ineffectual_a to_o alter_v and_o change_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v and_o that_o not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n this_o grace_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v great_a presumption_n to_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o promise_v it_o to_o we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v how_o unlikely_a it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o obstinate_o reject_v a_o clear_a and_o public_a revelation_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v effectual_o convince_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o any_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v and_o so_o conclude_v one_a since_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o public_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n to_o man_n and_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o may_v hence_o conclude_v that_o people_n ought_v to_o have_v they_o in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o discourse_n which_o he_o represent_v between_o abraham_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n desire_v that_o lazarus_n may_v be_v send_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o his_o brethren_n to_o testify_v unto_o they_o to_o which_o request_n abraham_n will_v not_o have_v give_v this_o answer_n and_o advice_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o have_v he_o suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v or_o for_o the_o future_a aught_o to_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o the_o rich_a man_n may_v very_o well_o have_v reply_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o need_n why_o one_o shall_v be_v send_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o they_o nor_o will_v abraham_n have_v say_v again_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v for_o how_o shall_v man_n hear_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v so_o as_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o our_o saviour_n according_a to_o the_o reason_v of_o this_o parable_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o they_o but_o since_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v find_v a_o mighty_a inconvenience_n in_o this_o and_o therefore_o have_v take_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n they_o will_v not_o now_o let_v they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o his_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v real_o afraid_a they_o shall_v hear_v they_o and_o by_o hear_v of_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o church_n but_o instead_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n they_o have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n a_o legend_n of_o famous_a apparition_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a testify_v unto_o they_o concern_v purgatory_n and_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o refreshment_n which_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n have_v by_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n put_v up_o to_o saint_n and_o angel_n on_o their_o behalf_n so_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n quite_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n method_n man_n be_v persuade_v of_o their_o religion_n of_o their_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n not_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n not_o by_o the_o doctirne_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o every_o where_n testify_v against_o they_o but_o by_o absurd_a romance_n and_o ill-contrived_a fiction_n of_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a i_o will_v dismiss_v this_o matter_n with_o this_o one_o observation_n that_o however_o interest_v and_o confident_a man_n may_v set_v a_o bold_a face_n upon_o any_o thing_n yet_o it_o can_v to_o considerate_a man_n but_o seem_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o the_o ordinary_a and_o in_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o salvatjoin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v in_o it_o but_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o to_o that_o which_o do_v more_o immediate_o concern_v our_o practice_n two_o let_v we_o hear_v and_o obey_v that_o public_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n which_o in_o so_o much_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v to_o we_o this_o be_v a_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n in_o many_o age_n be_v destitute_a of_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o some_o particular_a revelation_n which_o now_o and_o then_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n but_o now_o god_n have_v set_v up_o a_o great_a and_o stand_a light_n in_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o bless_a son_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o day_n spring_n from_o on_o high_a have_v visit_v we_o to_o give_v light_n to_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o error_n of_o our_o way_n and_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v do_v enjoy_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v and_o as_o great_a as_o the_o world_n ever_o shall_v have_v god_n in_o these_o last_o day_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o god_n will_v employ_v no_o other_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o messenger_n to_o we_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o blesle_v saviour_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n if_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a torment_n if_o the_o dreadful_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o merciful_a offer_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n will_v not_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o amend_v our_o life_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v any_o far_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v we_o that_o he_o shall_v ever_o make_v any_o more_o attempt_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o three_o and_o last_o those_o who_o
which_o since_o he_o must_v short_o give_v a_o account_n he_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n so_o to_o use_v they_o as_o thereby_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n against_o this_o temporal_a life_n have_v a_o end_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o parallel_n intend_v in_o this_o parable_n as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o our_o saviour_n application_n of_o it_o for_o parallel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v stretch_v to_o a_o exact_a parallel_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o but_o only_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o particular_a point_n and_o purpose_n intend_v a_o parable_n and_o the_o moral_a accommodation_n of_o it_o be_v as_o one_o well_o observe_v not_o like_o two_o plain_n which_o touch_v one_o another_o in_o every_o part_n but_o like_o a_o globe_n upon_o a_o plain_a which_o only_o touch_v in_o one_o point_n thus_o our_o saviour_n separate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o steward_n from_o his_o injustice_n and_o propose_v that_o to_o our_o imitation_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n the_o word_n be_v a_o comparison_n in_o which_o we_o have_v one_a the_o person_n compare_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o child_n of_o light_n it_o be_v a_o very_a usual_a phrase_n among_o the_o hebrew_n when_o they_o will_v express_v any_o thing_n to_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n or_o quality_n to_o call_v it_o the_o son_n or_o child_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n thus_o good_a man_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o bad_a man_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n those_o who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o make_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n their_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o be_v better_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o immortality_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o light_n 2_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v compare_v and_o that_o be_v as_o to_o their_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n 3_o the_o object_n of_o this_o prudence_n which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o both_o as_o if_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o here_o be_v two_o several_a object_n intend_v about_o which_o the_o prudence_n of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v respective_o exercise_v the_o concernment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v in_o their_o way_n viz._n as_o to_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o world_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v in_o they_o viz._n as_o to_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n 4thly_a here_o be_v a_o decision_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o which_o of_o they_o it_o be_v that_o excel_v in_o point_n of_o prudence_n in_o their_o way_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v it_o to_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n they_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n now_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n and_o rigour_n as_o if_o it_o be_v universal_o true_a and_o without_o any_o exception_n as_o if_o no_o man_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o provident_a for_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n as_o worldly_a man_n be_v for_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v fool_n at_o large_a and_o imprudent_a in_o their_o whole_a conduct_n and_o management_n both_o as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o who_o be_v in_o too_o strict_a a_o sense_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n they_o mind_v nothing_o but_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v gross_o imprudent_a even_o in_o their_o prosecution_n of_o their_o temporal_a interest_n they_o neglect_v and_o forego_v all_o other_o worldly_a advantage_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n and_o then_o they_o lose_v and_o destroy_v that_o too_o by_o a_o over_o hot_a and_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o at_o last_o into_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o there_o be_v other_o as_o st._n paul_n for_o instance_n who_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v as_o prudent_a and_o zealous_a and_o industrious_a for_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o as_o any_o man_n can_v be_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v some_o such_o in_o every_o age_n but_o god_n know_v they_o be_v very_o few_o and_o their_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n be_v seldom_o so_o equal_a and_o constant_a and_o uniform_a as_o that_o of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n so_o that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o same_o allowance_n as_o we_o general_o do_v all_o moral_a and_o proverbial_a speech_n that_o they_o be_v true_a for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o the_o instance_n and_o exception_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_a rate_n it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o good_a man_n be_v so_o wise_a for_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o of_o religion_n as_o many_o worldly_a man_n be_v for_o their_o worldly_a interest_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n second_o give_v some_o probable_a account_n of_o this_o by_o consider_v what_o advantage_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n have_v above_o the_o child_n of_o light_n three_o i_o shall_v draw_v some_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a by_o way_n of_o application_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v the_o 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riches_n or_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n they_o be_v fix_v upon_o it_o and_o steady_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o if_o they_o set_v up_o for_o riches_n or_o honour_n they_o neglect_v and_o despise_v pleasure_n if_o it_o cross_v either_o of_o those_o ends._n and_o this_o fix_a resolution_n of_o the_o end_n be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o that_o which_o inspire_v man_n with_o vigour_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o the_o more_o resolve_v man_n be_v upon_o the_o end_n the_o more_o active_a and_o industrious_a they_o will_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o end_n govern_v the_o mean_n and_o give_v law_n and_o measure_n to_o our_o activity_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o sweeten_v and_o allay_v the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o they_o so_o that_o where_o the_o end_n be_v once_o firm_o fix_v and_o resolve_v upon_o there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v fervour_n of_o prosecution_n but_o if_o we_o be_v waver_v and_o unsteady_a as_o to_o our_o end_n this_o will_v weaken_v our_o hand_n and_o quench_v the_o heat_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o abate_v the_o eagerness_n of_o our_o pursuit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o will_v derive_v a_o debility_n and_o inconstancy_n into_o all_o our_o motion_n the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n say_v be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n now_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v common_o more_o fix_v and_o resolve_v upon_o their_o end_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n it_o be_v rare_a to_o see_v the_o whole_a life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o good_a man_n so_o constant_o and_o uniform_o conspire_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o great_a end_n so_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o
salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n as_o the_o action_n of_o a_o worldly_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v to_z the_o advancing_z of_o his_o worldly_a interest_n the_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a man_n seldom_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o their_o end_n much_o less_o contrary_a to_o it_o through_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v one_o may_v plain_o see_v the_o end_n they_o aim_v at_o and_o that_o they_o be_v always_o true_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o best_a man_n do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_o cross_v and_o contrary_a to_o their_o end_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o which_o have_v no_o relatjoin_n to_o it_o and_o when_o they_o mind_v it_o it_o be_v rather_o by_o fit_n and_o start_v than_o in_o any_o even_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o action_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n in_o that_o worldly_a and_o secular_a church_n which_o now_o for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n have_v more_o steady_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o secular_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n than_o any_o other_o church_n have_v do_v the_o end_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n peculiar_a to_o that_o church_n and_o differ_v from_o our_o common_a christianity_n but_o it_o have_v a_o direct_a and_o visible_a tendency_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o some_o worldly_a interest_n or_o other_o for_o instance_n why_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o people_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o can_v understand_v but_o that_o by_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n they_o may_v have_v they_o in_o more_o perfect_a slavery_n and_o subjection_n to_o they_o why_o do_v they_o forbid_v their_o priest_n to_o marry_v but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o interest_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o their_o church_n and_o leave_n all_o to_o it_o when_o they_o die_v to_o what_o end_n be_v auricular_a confession_n but_o to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o secret_n why_o must_v the_o laity_n only_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o one_o kind_n but_o to_o draw_v a_o great_a reverence_n to_o the_o priest_n who_o privilege_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o receive_v in_o both_o and_o why_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n necessary_a to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o gracious_a intention_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n they_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o priest_n the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n be_v a_o plain_a device_n to_o make_v their_o market_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n i_o may_v instance_n in_o a_o hundred_o thing_n more_o in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o tendency_n this_o st._n john_n foretell_v shall_v be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o worldly_a spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o shall_v serve_v a_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n 1_o john_n 4._o 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o speak_v from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o what_o church_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n so_o true_a throughout_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o this_o worldly_a church_n have_v be_v to_o its_o own_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n 2_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o their_o end_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o wisdom_n for_o some_o mean_n will_v bring_v about_o a_o end_n with_o less_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n and_o expense_n of_o time_n than_o other_o and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o ingenious_a in_o discern_v the_o fitness_n and_o force_n of_o mean_n to_o their_o several_a ends._n to_o what_o a_o certainty_n have_v man_n reduce_v all_o the_o way_n and_o art_n of_o gain_n and_o grow_v rich_a and_o of_o rise_v to_o honour_n and_o preferment_n what_o long_a train_n will_v man_n lay_v to_o bring_v about_o their_o desire_a end_n what_o subtle_a method_n have_v man_n divise_v to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o court_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o to_o plant_v themselves_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o than_o they_o have_v as_o many_o way_n of_o worm_a other_o out_z as_o of_o screw_v themselves_o in_o but_o in_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o another_o world_n how_o dull_a and_o injudicious_a be_v we_o and_o how_o awkardly_a and_o untoward_o do_v we_o apply_v mean_n to_o end_n as_o if_o man_n be_v only_o wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a have_v no_o understanding_n as_o the_o prophet_n complain_v by_o what_o incongruous_a and_o irregular_a mean_n do_v many_o who_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o sometime_o perhaps_o be_v very_o zealous_a in_o religion_n endeavour_v as_o they_o think_v to_o promote_v god_n glory_n by_o pious_a fraud_n and_o counterfeit_a miracle_n and_o tell_v officious_a lie_n for_o god_n what_o a_o compass_n do_v many_o man_n fetch_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o innumerable_a device_n of_o will-worship_n by_o voluntary_a severity_n neither_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o man_n by_o tedious_a pilgrimage_n and_o senseless_a ceremony_n and_o innumerable_a little_a external_a observance_n of_o no_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o religion_n and_o by_o wander_v through_o a_o wilderness_n of_o opinion_n and_o the_o bush_n and_o brake_n of_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o controversy_n whereas_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n lie_v plain_a and_o straight_o before_o we_o consist_v in_o simplicity_n of_o belief_n and_o in_o holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o life_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n between_o the_o secular_a priest_n and_o and_o the_o regular_a between_o the_o jansenist_n and_o the_o jesuit_n but_o they_o still_o unite_v in_o a_o common_a interest_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o antichrist_n their_o common_a head_n they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o and_o excommunicate_a one_o another_o and_o declare_v against_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n satan_n never_o cast_v out_o satan_n and_o though_o he_o love_v division_n among_o christian_n yet_o he_o always_o take_v care_n that_o his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v not_o divide_v against_o itself_o so_o as_o to_o endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o and_o whenever_o they_o have_v any_o hopeful_a design_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o protestant_n they_o can_v lay_v aside_o their_o enmity_n and_o be_v reconcile_v in_o such_o a_o design_n then_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n take_v counsel_n together_o and_o like_o herod_n and_o pilate_n when_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v crucify_v can_v be_v make_v friend_n at_o a_o day_n warning_n whereas_o the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v pernicious_a to_o it_o and_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o ourselves_o our_o senseless_a difference_n and_o wild_a heat_n on_o both_o side_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o popery_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o yet_o no_o persuasion_n no_o experience_n can_v make_v we_o wise_a 3_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v common_o more_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o their_o end_n they_o will_v sweat_v and_o toil_n and_o take_v any_o pain_n rise_v up_o early_o and_o lie_v down_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n their_o thought_n be_v continual_o run_v upon_o their_o business_n and_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o opportunity_n of_o promote_a it_o they_o will_v 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industrious_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v they_o be_v rather_o hypocrite_n the_o other_o way_n and_o will_v conceal_v their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o not_o seem_v to_o aspire_v after_o riches_n and_o honour_n so_o much_o as_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o better_a thing_n how_o cold_a and_o remiss_a be_v we_o with_o what_o a_o careless_a indifference_n do_v most_o man_n mind_v their_o soul_n how_o negligent_a and_o formal_a and_o many_o time_n hypocritical_a be_v they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n with_o what_o a_o pitiful_a courage_n and_o with_o what_o faint_a spirit_n do_v they_o resist_v sin_n and_o encounter_v the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o how_o often_o and_o how_o easy_o be_v they_o foil_v and_o baffle_v by_o they_o 4thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o invincible_o constant_a and_o pertinacious_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v birb_v or_o take_v off_o by_o favour_n or_o fair_a word_n not_o to_o be_v daunt_v by_o difficulty_n or_o dash_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o the_o frown_n and_o reproach_n of_o men._n offer_v a_o ambitious_a man_n any_o thing_n short_a of_o his_o end_n and_o aim_n to_o take_v he_o off_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o he_o scorn_v the_o motion_n and_o think_v you_o go_v about_o to_o fool_v he_o out_o of_o his_o interest_n bait_v a_o covetous_a man_n with_o temptation_n of_o pleasure_n to_o get_v his_o money_n from_o he_o how_o generous_o will_v this_o mean_v spirit_v man_n trample_v upon_o pleasure_n when_o it_o will_v tempt_v he_o from_o his_o design_n of_o be_v rich_a difficulty_n do_v not_o daunt_v they_o but_o whet_v their_o courage_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o their_o spirit_n give_v a_o ambitious_a man_n almost_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o his_o attempt_n contrà _fw-la audentior_fw-la ibit_fw-la he_o will_v go_v on_o so_o much_o the_o more_o bold_o and_o resolute_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o put_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n but_o a_o covetous_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v jeer_v and_o flirt_v out_o of_o his_o money_n and_o estate_n he_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o give_v leave_v to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o to_o laugh_v at_o he_o populus_fw-la mihi_fw-la sibilat_fw-la at_o mihi_fw-la plaudo_fw-la the_o rich_a worldling_n can_v hug_v himself_o and_o his_o bag_n when_o the_o world_n hiss_v at_o he_o he_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v and_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n speak_v against_o he_o for_o money_n sake_n and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o design_n man_n will_v with_o great_a resolution_n encounter_n enmity_n and_o opposition_n and_o endure_v great_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n how_o many_o have_v be_v martyr_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v sacrifice_v 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denial_n of_o his_o master_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v apprehend_v how_o do_v his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o fly_v from_o he_o and_o though_o they_o be_v constant_a afterward_o to_o the_o death_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o be_v perfect_o arm_v and_o steel_v against_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_v 5thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v all_o thing_n stoop_v and_o submit_v to_o that_o which_o be_v their_o great_a end_n and_o design_n their_o end_n rule_v they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_z gives_z law_n to_o all_o their_o action_n they_o will_v make_v a_o advantage_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o end_n one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o if_o a_o ambitious_a man_n seek_v wealth_n it_o be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o his_o design_n to_o purchase_v friend_n and_o strengthen_v his_o interest_n and_o make_v his_o rise_n the_o easy_a he_o will_v lay_v his_o whole_a estate_n at_o the_o stake_n rather_o than_o miss_v of_o his_o end_n the_o covetous_a man_n will_v quit_v his_o pleasure_n when_o it_o lie_v cross_v to_o his_o interest_n if_o he_o have_v any_o expensive_a lust_n and_o chargeable_a vice_n he_o will_v turn_v it_o off_o or_o exchange_v it_o for_o some_o more_o frugal_a and_o profitable_a sin_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o frequent_o do_v man_n act_v without_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o great_a end_n and_o instead_o of_o make_v other_o thing_n submit_v to_o it_o they_o often_o bow_v and_o bend_v it_o to_o their_o inferior_a interest_n they_o make_v heaven_n stoop_v to_o earth_n and_o religion_n to_o serve_v a_o worldly_a design_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o give_v way_n to_o gain_v and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o their_o temporal_a profit_n and_o advantage_n the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v general_o true_a to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o pay_v it_o that_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o and_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o to_o take_v place_n of_o it_o in_o their_o esteem_n and_o affection_n and_o if_o man_n be_v as_o wise_a for_o their_o soul_n and_o for_o another_o world_n they_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o make_v all_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n to_o yield_v and_o give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o consider_v what_o advantage_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n have_v as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n above_o what_o good_a man_n have_v as_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o four_o or_o five_o of_o the_o chief_a one_a the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v present_a and_o sensible_a and_o because_o of_o their_o nearness_n to_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o strike_v powerful_o upon_o our_o sense_n and_o to_o affect_v we_o mighty_o to_o excite_v our_o desire_n after_o they_o and_o to_o work_v strong_o upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o be_v lessen_v by_o their_o distance_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v invisible_a to_o we_o and_o only_o discern_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o more_o obscure_a and_o less_o certain_a perception_n of_o thing_n than_o we_o have_v of_o those_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v not_o see_v god_n as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n see_v mammon_n two_o the_o sensual_a delight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a nature_n of_o man_n than_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v to_o those_o that_o be_v regenerate_v in_o this_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n appetite_n and_o sense_n be_v apt_a to_o prevail_v above_o reason_n and_o therefore_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o delightful_a to_o sense_n we_o savour_v and_o mind_n and_o love_n to_o busy_v ourselves_o about_o they_o because_o they_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o animal_n life_n which_o be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o
reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o that_o principle_n in_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a man_n which_o pursue_v earthly_a thing_n be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v unregenerate_a entire_a and_o undivided_a and_o consequent_o the_o affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n do_v all_o tend_v one_o way_n and_o run_v out_o towards_o those_o thing_n in_o a_o full_a and_o undivided_a stream_n whereas_o good_a man_n be_v but_o regenerate_v in_o part_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o yet_o their_o affection_n be_v divide_v and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a struggle_a and_o conslict_v between_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o spiritual_a principle_n do_v clear_o prevail_v and_o get_v a_o perfect_a victory_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n man_n affection_n to_o the_o world_n be_v entire_a and_o unbroken_a and_o therefore_o they_o pursue_v these_o thing_n with_o all_o 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may_v almost_o be_v put_v upon_o any_o thing_n the_o merchant_n traffic_v and_o the_o husbandman_n blow_v and_o sow_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n because_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o bread_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o life_n and_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v so_o bless_v his_o labour_n that_o he_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o and_o plain_o see_v that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o take_v this_o pain_n he_o must_v starve_v but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o believe_v and_o hope_v and_o fear_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n do_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o how_o i_o know_v this_o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o visible_a in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n and_o endeavour_n of_o men._n good_a man_n be_v seldom_o so_o effectual_o and_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_n contain_v in_o the_o 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application_n to_o one_o thing_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n gain_v a_o man_n perfect_a experience_n in_o it_o and_o experience_n furnish_v he_o with_o observation_n about_o it_o and_o these_o make_v he_o wise_a and_o prudent_a in_o that_o thing_n but_o good_a man_n though_o they_o have_v a_o great_a affection_n for_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n yet_o the_o business_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o life_n do_v very_o much_o divert_v and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o care_n of_o better_a thing_n they_o be_v divide_v between_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o and_o though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o comparison_n yet_o the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o though_o our_o soul_n be_v our_o main_a care_n yet_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o our_o body_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o our_o soul_n some_o provision_n must_v be_v make_v for_o their_o present_a support_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o earthy_a tabernacle_n and_o this_o will_v necessary_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o can_v always_o and_o whole_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o mind_n they_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n 5th_o and_o last_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a compass_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o worldly_a design_n than_o good_a man_n have_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o interest_n the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o their_o end_n but_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o straight_o lace_v quocunque_fw-la modo_fw-la rem_fw-la they_o be_v resolve_v upon_o the_o point_n and_o will_v stick_v at_o no_o mean_n to_o compass_v their_o end_n they_o do_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o nice_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n invent_v by_o speculative_a and_o scrupulous_a man_n to_o puzzle_v business_n and_o to_o hinder_v and_o disappoint_v great_a design_n if_o ahab_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o naboth_n vineyard_n and_o naboth_n will_v not_o let_v he_o be_v honest_a and_o have_v it_o for_o a_o valuable_a consideration_n he_o will_v try_v to_o get_v it_o a_o cheap_a way_n naboth_n shall_v by_o false_a witness_n be_v make_v a_o traitor_n and_o his_o vineyard_n by_o this_o mean_n shall_v be_v forfeit_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o the_o unjust_a steward_n in_o the_o parable_n provide_v for_o himself_o he_o wrong_v his_o lord_n to_o secure_v a_o retreat_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n only_o remain_v to_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o one_a notwithstanding_o the_o commendation_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v value_v and_o admire_v it_o be_v indeed_o great_a in_o its_o way_n and_o kind_n but_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o little_a and_o low_a purpose_n employ_v about_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o short_a time_n and_o a_o few_o day_n about_o the_o worst_a and_o mean_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o accompany_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o great_a and_o better_a thing_n such_o as_o concern_v our_o soul_n and_o our_o whole_a duration_n even_o our_o happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o world_n admire_v and_o cry_v up_o for_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n who_o judge_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o truth_n but_o vanity_n and_o folly_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v