in_o take_v a_o oath_n in_o most_o nation_n do_v import_v and_o why_o they_o be_v use_v v._o whether_o a_o oath_n may_v in_o no_o case_n be_v break_v i._o what_o a_o oath_n or_o take_v a_o oath_n or_o swear_v be_v 1._o whether_o with_o tully_n we_o say_v it_o be_v a_o religious_a asseveration_n or_o with_o other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a act_n in_o which_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o thing_n doubtful_a god_n be_v call_v in_o as_o a_o witness_n or_o whether_o with_o the_o inspire_a writer_n we_o call_v it_o a_o bind_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o band_n or_o whether_o we_o define_v it_o to_o be_v a_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n and_o judge_n the_o difference_n be_v not_o great_a for_o all_o this_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o swear_v and_o when_o the_o apostle_n heb._n vi_fw-la 16_o say_v man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a meaning_n god_n who_o be_v over_o all_o the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v he_o point_v at_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v and_o intimate_v that_o man_n in_o a_o oath_n do_v solemn_o and_o religious_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n or_o in_o case_n they_o swear_v false_o or_o do_v not_o perform_v their_o oath_n imprecate_v to_o themselves_o the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v also_o the_o import_n of_o that_o say_v deut._n vi_fw-la 13_o where_o god_n direct_v the_o israelite_n that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o their_o swear_v that_o they_o shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v call_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n or_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n exod._n xxii_o 10_o 2._o to_o omit_v other_o distinction_n a_o oath_n be_v either_o assertory_n or_o promissory_a i._n e._n in_o a_o oath_n we_o either_o assert_v and_o affirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v past_a or_o of_o what_o be_v present_a or_o we_o promise_v to_o say_v or_o do_v or_o not_o to_o say_v or_o do_v a_o thing_n the_o former_a be_v common_o make_v use_n of_o in_o court_n of_o judicature_n the_o latter_a in_o contract_n commerce_n and_o compact_n of_o the_o former_a we_o have_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o woman_n suspect_v of_o adultery_n who_o be_v to_o take_v a_o oath_n that_o she_o be_v not_o guilty_a numb_a v_o 19_o of_o the_o other_o in_o abraham_n steward_n gen._n xxiv_o 9_o in_o the_o chief_a man_n and_o prince_n of_o israel_n swear_v to_o the_o gibeonite_n to_o protect_v they_o as_o their_o confederate_n josh._n ix_o 15_o and_o in_o other_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n though_o they_o include_v the_o assertory_n yet_o do_v chief_o relate_v to_o a_o promissory_a oath_n 3._o in_o every_o oath_n a_o man_n have_v to_o deal_v with_o two_o party_n god_n and_o man_n with_o god_n as_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o the_o grand_a witness_n and_o with_o man_n for_o who_o satisfaction_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o the_o matter_n the_o oath_n be_v take_v which_o show_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o oath_n and_o a_o vow_n in_o a_o formal_a vow_n a_o man_n address_v himself_o direct_o to_o god_n and_o god_n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a party_n concern_v but_o in_o a_o oath_n man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n be_v make_v a_o party_n though_o the_o obligation_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v promiscuous_o use_v numb_a thirty_o 2_o 4._o in_o every_o oath_n a_o man_n oblige_v and_o tie_v himself_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n whether_o the_o oath_n be_v assertory_n or_o promissory_a whether_o it_o be_v concern_v something_o past_o or_o present_a or_o to_o come_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o bind_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o conscience_n by_o a_o band_n which_o a_o man_n can_v escape_v or_o slip_v away_o from_o but_o he_o must_v leap_v into_o hell_n numb_a thirty_o 2_o so_o that_o a_o person_n swear_v be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v and_o to_o perform_v what_o his_o lip_n have_v utter_v and_o the_o obligation_n rise_v not_o only_o from_o hence_o because_o it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n and_o promise_n without_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o he_o can_v be_v just_o but_o because_o he_o engage_v the_o most_o sacred_a be_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o give_v god_n for_o his_o security_n god_n who_o have_v not_o only_a power_n but_o be_v concern_v in_o justice_n to_o avenge_v the_o perjury_n so_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n let_v we_o consider_v ii_o whether_o a_o oath_n or_o swear_v even_o in_o a_o modest_a serious_a and_o judicial_a way_n be_v lawful_a 1._o that_o take_v a_o oath_n be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v upon_o occasion_n use_v it_o by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v say_v the_o lord_n gen._n xxii_o 16_o upon_o which_o passage_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o remark_n heb._n vi_fw-la 13_o when_o god_n make_v promise_n to_o abraham_n because_o he_o can_v swear_v by_o no_o great_a he_o swear_v by_o himself_o and_o again_o psal._n xcv_o 11_o so_o i_o swear_v in_o my_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o my_o rest_n and_o the_o like_a we_o find_v practise_v by_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n dan._n twelve_o 7_o who_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o thing_n doubtful_a where_o other_o proof_n and_o evidence_n fail_v the_o end_n be_v necessary_a in_o humane_a affair_n the_o mean_n which_o be_v a_o oath_n must_v at_o least_o be_v lawful_a and_o this_o will_v far_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o contain_v nothing_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a a_o religious_a act_n can_v be_v unlawful_a nor_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o thing_n doubtful_a unlawful_a in_o itself_o nor_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n unlawful_a and_o if_o the_o part_n which_o make_v up_o and_o constitute_v a_o oath_n be_v not_o unlawful_a a_o oath_n can_v be_v unlawful_a add_v to_o all_o this_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o nation_n which_o in_o other_o case_n particular_o in_o assert_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v count_v a_o considerable_a proof_n wherever_o any_o civility_n or_o orderly_a government_n take_v place_n man_n led_z by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n make_v use_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o doubtful_a case_n to_o which_o universal_a custom_n the_o apostle_n allude_v in_o say_v heb._n vi_fw-la 16_o for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n 2._o that_o the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v lawful_a to_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n the_o patriarch_n use_v it_o abraham_n gen._n fourteen_o 22_o 23._o isaac_n gen._n xxvi_o 31_o jacob_n gen._n xxxi_o 53_o and_o moses_n by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n order_n that_o if_o a_o controversy_n do_v arise_v that_o a_o oath_n shall_v decide_v it_o exod._n xxii_o 11_o it_o be_v a_o express_a command_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o israelite_n thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n i._n e._n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n thou_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o idol_n or_o by_o heathen_a deity_n but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o thy_o god_n who_o be_v omniscient_a and_o omnipresent_v and_o will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n give_v direction_n how_o the_o jew_n shall_v swear_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o with_o what_o limitation_n as_o we_o see_v jer._n four_o 2_o and_o punishment_n severe_a and_o dreadful_a be_v threaten_v to_o he_o that_o despise_v his_o oath_n ezek_n xuj_o 59_o but_o 3._o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n for_o not_o only_a christ_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n say_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o but_o we_o find_v the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v very_o cautious_a how_o they_o venture_v upon_o a_o oath_n they_o not_o only_o dread_v those_o vain_a and_o light_a oath_n so_o common_a among_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o they_o have_v a_o reluctancy_n to_o swear_v even_o on_o solemn_a and_o serious_a occasion_n think_v a_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o affirmation_n and_o indeed_o many_o of_o the_o sober_a heathen_n by_o a_o
a_o feast_n what_o consolation_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n will_v be_v to_o you_o if_o you_o let_v your_o light_n break_v forth_o and_o shine_v how_o cheerful_o may_v you_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n where_o you_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v meet_v you_o and_o communicate_v himself_o to_o you_o and_o make_v the_o union_n between_o he_o and_o you_o close_o the_o friendship_n great_a the_o correspondence_n more_o endear_n the_o agreement_n sweet_a the_o reconciliation_n sure_a and_o the_o application_n of_o his_o promise_n firm_a and_o more_o comfortable_a you_o bear_v his_o name_n before_o man_n and_o he_o will_v write_v his_o name_n and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n on_o your_o forehead_n and_o enter_v your_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n christian_n let_v the_o light_n of_o your_o piety_n shine_v forth_o etc._n etc._n and_o behold_v the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o treasury-chamber_n where_o you_o be_v to_o receive_v your_o reward_n what_o reward_n even_o a_o reward_n which_o the_o unhappy_a spirit_n in_o hell_n will_v give_v ten_o thousand_o world_n for_o if_o they_o have_v they_o even_o forgiveness_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n heaven_n eternal_a life_n be_v consign_v into_o your_o hand_n and_o christ_n enter_v at_o it_o even_o into_o bond_n and_o obligation_n that_o you_o shall_v inherit_v it_o when_o your_o race_n be_v run_v and_o thus_o the_o sacrament_n prove_v to_o you_o the_o suburb_n of_o heaven_n the_o antichamber_n to_o the_o mansion_n of_o glory_n and_o in_o this_o outward_a court_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o you_o receive_v assurance_n that_o ever_o long_o you_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o very_a palace_n of_o he_o who_o dwell_v in_o light_n inaccessible_a and_o sure_o this_o must_v be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o let_v your_o light_n shine_v forth_o before_o men._n sermon_n xvii_o st._n matth._n ch._n v_o ver._n 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n what_o be_v sweet_a than_o light_n and_o what_o be_v more_o amiable_a than_o goodness_n goodness_n the_o image_n of_o the_o almighty_a the_o similitude_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o transcript_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n favour_n be_v deceitful_a and_o beauty_n be_v vain_a in_o comparison_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o present_a world_n fall_v short_a of_o it_o god_n love_v it_o and_o angel_n love_v it_o and_o man_n that_o imitate_v they_o or_o desire_v to_o be_v like_o they_o can_v but_o love_v it_o god_n be_v goodness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o love_v it_o angel_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a and_o as_o perfection_n be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o love_n so_o must_v goodness_n for_o goodness_n be_v perfection_n man_n that_o long_o after_o happiness_n can_v but_o long_o earnest_o after_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a happiness_n without_o goodness_n if_o there_o be_v any_o rational_a creature_n that_o be_v not_o enamour_a with_o goodness_n it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v its_o charm_a ray_n to_o the_o blindman_n the_o sun_n himself_o be_v invisible_a so_o be_v goodness_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n which_o encircle_v its_o head_n to_o he_o in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n goodness_n be_v light_a and_o the_o better_a a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o splendid_a he_o be_v and_o consequent_o the_o great_a be_v the_o glory_n that_o shine_v in_o and_o about_o his_o soul_n a_o glory_n which_o god_n delight_v in_o and_o angel_n prize_v and_o which_o shed_v bless_v influence_n on_o all_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v reason_n to_o exhort_v let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o by_o light_n be_v mean_v goodness_n i_o need_v not_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o explication_n of_o the_o other_o term_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o text_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v understand_v that_o which_o will_v be_v most_o edify_a will_v be_v to_o resolve_v the_o word_n into_o these_o follow_a proposition_n i._n a_o christian_n must_v not_o stop_v at_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o piety_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v so_o i._n e._n to_o that_o degree_n ii_o our_o good_a work_n do_v not_o shine_v except_o man_n see_v they_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n iii_o where_o our_o good_a work_n be_v any_o way_n considerable_a man_n will_v certain_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o this_o be_v also_o imply_v in_o this_o say_v that_o man_n may_v see_v i._n e._n they_o will_v certain_o see_v and_o take_v notice_n therefore_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n iv._o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o let_v our_o good_a work_n shine_v before_o man_n must_v be_v to_o endear_v religion_n to_o other_o and_o to_o make_v they_o glorify_v god_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v etc._n etc._n v._o one_o great_a motive_n to_o let_v the_o light_n of_o our_o good_a work_n shine_v before_o man_n be_v this_o consideration_n that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n that_o a_o christian_a must_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o piety_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v i._n e._n to_o that_o degree_n what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n be_v you_o may_v plain_o guess_v by_o the_o parallel_n place_n john_n three_o 16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n whereby_o we_o all_o understand_v a_o very_a high_a degree_n of_o love_n and_o indeed_o the_o word_n in_o the_o text_n be_v so_o express_v and_o the_o antecedent_n passage_n have_v so_o near_o a_o relation_n to_o they_o that_o we_o can_v believe_v no_o less_o then_o that_o they_o do_v import_v what_o be_v hint_v in_o the_o proposition_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a among_o man_n that_o profess_v christianity_n than_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o very_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o godliness_n and_o if_o they_o be_v once_o arrive_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o negative_a virtue_n that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a or_o do_v not_o commit_v sin_n which_o make_v they_o a_o byword_n a_o hiss_a a_o proverb_n or_o the_o talk_n of_o their_o neighbour_n they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o tolerable_a saint_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o far_a care_n to_o improve_v their_o talent_n or_o to_o bless_v their_o soul_n with_o rich_a grace_n but_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o either_o you_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v what_o religion_n be_v or_o that_o a_o fatal_a laziness_n the_o scurvy_a of_o the_o soul_n have_v overrun_v all_o your_o faculty_n and_o to_o cure_v yourselves_o of_o that_o distemper_n i_o beseech_v you_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o the_o stop_v you_o make_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o frequent_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n to_o grow_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o abound_v more_o and_o more_o in_o faith_n in_o love_n in_o patience_n and_o whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a condition_n still_o who_o be_v come_v no_o far_o yet_o than_o a_o bare_a freedom_n from_o clamourous_a and_o notorious_a sin_n i_o suppose_v you_o look_v upon_o some_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o arrive_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o morality_n such_o as_o socrates_n plato_n cicero_n seneca_n etc._n etc._n as_o natural_a man_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o progress_n they_o make_v in_o virtue_n they_o be_v still_o without_o the_o pail_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o precint_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o if_o so_o judge_v you_o whether_o you_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n when_o you_o go_v no_o far_o than_o they_o or_o perhaps_o not_o so_o far_o as_o they_o grace_n be_v a_o state_n of_o life_n which_o consist_v in_o progress_n and_o if_o goodness_n be_v light_n as_o our_o bless_a master_n style_v it_o it_o must_v go_v on_o like_o the_o sun_n unto_o a_o perfect_a day_n he_o that_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v better_o sure_o be_v never_o very_o good_a and_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o desire_v it_o that_o do_v not_o endeavour_v after_o it_o if_o you_o find_v sweetness_n or_o consolation_n in_o that_o degree_n of_o goodness_n you_o be_v arrive_v to_o
that_o hate_v they_o and_o attend_v those_o when_o sick_a who_o a_o little_a before_o have_v plot_v against_o their_o life_n act_n free_a from_o interest_n and_o design_n act_n which_o show_v nothing_o can_v put_v we_o upon_o they_o but_o religion_n and_o conscience_n act_n frequent_a too_o and_o continue_v without_o weariness_n of_o well-doing_n these_o even_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o most_o stupid_a creature_n upon_o the_o person_n that_o perform_v they_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v soon_o take_v notice_n of_o than_o such_o act_n as_o these_o because_o there_o be_v divinity_n in_o they_o and_o such_o stroke_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o heaven_n appear_v in_o they_o that_o man_n behold_v they_o almost_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o 3._o great_a temperance_n in_o clothing_n eat_v drink_v and_o recreation_n in_o these_o most_o people_n who_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a or_o abound_v in_o worldly_a good_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o exceed_v even_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v 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the_o progress_n of_o goodness_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n prompt_v his_o instrument_n and_o agent_n to_o blacken_v the_o noble_a attempt_n with_o hard_a and_o dreadful_a name_n the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o fright_v people_n from_o submit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o reformation_n when_o our_o governor_n and_o spiritual_a pastor_n begin_v to_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o resolve_v to_o rectify_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o the_o dreadful_a imputation_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v invent_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o hinder_v the_o glorious_a work_n the_o reformer_n be_v traduce_v as_o deal_v with_o the_o devil_n their_o doctrine_n be_v call_v new_a and_o strange_a and_o antichristian_a never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n before_o nay_o style_v blasphemy_n and_o arianism_n and_o manicheism_n and_o mohometanism_n and_o what_o not_o it_o be_v so_o still_o even_o in_o private_a reformation_n let_v a_o person_n break_v loose_a from_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o evil_a companion_n and_o by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o god_n spirit_n betake_v himself_o to_o a_o life_n spiritual_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n present_o man_n tongue_n be_v let_v loose_a against_o he_o especial_o if_o accidental_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o little_a imprudency_n these_o be_v straightway_o aggravate_v and_o his_o whole_a design_n charge_v with_o baseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o he_o be_v either_o become_v a_o fanatic_a or_o mad_a or_o proud_a or_o ill-natured_a or_o bad_a company_n or_o something_o that_o may_v render_v he_o odious_a but_o this_o must_v be_v no_o discouragement_n to_o a_o person_n that_o know_v that_o this_o have_v be_v a_o old_a stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o old_a as_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n when_o he_o put_v false_a interpretation_n upon_o god_n prohibition_n and_o accuse_v even_o god_n himself_o of_o envy_n and_o ill-nature_n what!_o can_v god_n say_v indeed_o you_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o this_o tree_n he_o know_v that_o that_o very_a moment_n you_o eat_v of_o it_o you_o will_v be_v wise_a and_o know_v and_o omniscient_a like_o himself_o and_o therefore_o forbid_v you_o this_o delicate_a food_n he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v break_v through_o all_o these_o cobweb_n and_o esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o though_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o yet_o still_o there_o be_v remarkable_a difference_n which_o discover_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o one_o above_o the_o other_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o the_o law_n be_v god_n speak_v by_o moses_n the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o same_o god_n but_o speak_v by_o his_o son_n 2._o the_o law_n of_o moses_n reveal_v much_o the_o gospel_n much_o more_o especial_o 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be_v temporary_a the_o gospel_n eternal_a 10._o the_o law_n have_v great_a imperfection_n the_o gospel_n be_v a_o most_o perfect_a discipline_n 11._o the_o law_n discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o help_v to_o make_v people_n sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o god_n command_n the_o gospel_n administer_v grace_n to_o perform_v and_o do_v they_o 12._o the_o law_n convert_v but_o few_o the_o gospel_n make_v innumerable_a proselyte_n yet_o after_o all_o as_o i_o say_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n both_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o have_v the_o same_o author_n press_v the_o same_o duty_n both_o centre_n in_o christ_n both_o be_v intend_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o spiritual_a and_o ready_a unto_o good_a work_n only_o the_o gospel_n set_v thing_n in_o a_o great_a light_n and_o minister_n strong_a motive_n and_o noble_a encouragement_n so_o that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n nor_o do_v the_o gospel_n abolish_v but_o establish_v it_o the_o law_n especial_o the_o moral_a contain_v the_o same_o duty_n in_o substance_n the_o gospel_n do_v and_o therefore_o be_v still_o as_o obligatory_a as_o the_o gospel_n want_v of_o faith_n make_v people_n careless_a of_o the_o observance_n of_o it_o and_o want_v of_o faith_n have_v the_o same_o unhappy_a effect_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v very_o seasonable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o every_o one_o of_o we_o heb._n four_o 1_o 2._o let_v we_o therefore_o fear_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o you_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o for_o unto_o we_o be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v as_o well_o as_o unto_o they_o but_o the_o word_n preach_v do_v not_o profit_v they_o not_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o iii_o christ_n come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o must_v we_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o he_o do_v here_o be_v for_o our_o example_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n note_n as_o he_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o our_o business_n be_v to_o fulfil_v that_o gospel_n which_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n point_v at_o in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v the_o law_n we_o be_v to_o live_v by_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o this_o law_n be_v give_v only_o for_o formality_n sake_n so_o little_a of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o conversation_n if_o the_o behaviour_n of_o man_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o judgement_n we_o may_v conclude_v the_o gospel_n stand_v for_o a_o cypher_n which_o signify_v very_o little_a or_o if_o it_o signify_v any_o thing_n declare_v rather_o god_n wish_n that_o thing_n be_v at_o a_o better_a pass_n and_o that_o we_o be_v such_o person_n as_o that_o law_n describe_v than_o argument_n of_o god_n peremptory_a will_n that_o we_o must_v and_o shall_v be_v obedient_a or_o else_o be_v miserable_a and_o bury_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o eternity_n thus_o thing_n stand_v and_o one_o will_v think_v you_o believe_v that_o your_o resoluteness_n not_o to_o mind_v the_o injunction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v your_o security_n against_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n but_o can_v this_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n or_o make_v a_o alteration_n in_o the_o obligation_n or_o can_v it_o prevail_v with_o the_o lawgiver_n to_o give_v over_o press_a obedience_n as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v effect_v and_o in_o vain_a to_o urge_v something_o may_v be_v say_v for_o their_o refusal_n but_o these_o be_v dream_n and_o feverish_a fancy_n and_o you_o will_v find_v the_o woeful_a and_o wilful_a mistake_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o this_o law_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o lay_v before_o you_o as_o much_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n nay_o more_o than_o that_o as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n in_o this_o you_o be_v to_o study_v day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o this_o law_n your_o thought_n desire_n speech_n action_n and_o your_o outward_a and_o inward_a man_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v let_v man_n say_v of_o you_o what_o they_o will_v let_v they_o commend_v or_o discommend_v you_o slander_n or_o praise_v you_o still_o you_o be_v to_o remember_v you_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n give_v ease_v its_o true_a and_o free_v you_o from_o burden_n but_o it_o be_v from_o the_o load_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n not_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o natural_a moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o
these_o and_o a_o thousand_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n speak_v of_o concern_v the_o gospel_n time_n in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n be_v most_o punctual_o fulfil_v and_o particular_o the_o type_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o be_v so_o many_o prefiguration_n and_o obscure_a hint_n and_o character_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v after_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o by_o what_o have_v be_v fulfil_v we_o may_v very_o safe_o and_o rational_o infer_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v will_v certain_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o due_a time_n such_o be_v the_o lofty_a prophecy_n of_o the_o great_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n isai._n two_o 4_o and_o xi_o 6_o the_o spiritual_a yet_o visible_a splendour_n and_o largeness_n of_o it_o isai._n lx_o 19_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o ezekiel_n speak_v of_o chap._n xl_o xli_o xlii_o etc._n etc._n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n ezek._n xxxvii_o 26_o 27._o of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o state_n of_o christ_n church_n under_o he_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o in_o daniel_n and_o in_o other_o place_n etc._n etc._n if_o such_o abundance_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o law_n have_v be_v already_o fulfil_v no_o doubt_n the_o rest_n will_v all_o be_v fulfil_v and_o this_o show_v that_o both_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n and_o write_n thereof_o be_v of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v fulfil_v and_o the_o old_a the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v so_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o he_o that_o can_v foretell_v such_o thing_n and_o after_o he_o have_v foretell_v they_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v they_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o creature_n either_o to_o foretell_v or_o fulfil_v thing_n so_o abstruse_a and_o out_o of_o the_o common_a reach_n of_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o since_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n with_o what_o reverence_n ought_v we_o to_o entertain_v they_o with_o what_o seriousness_n to_o read_v they_o with_o what_o attention_n to_o peruse_v they_o and_o with_o what_o strictness_n to_o obey_v they_o when_o the_o letter_n and_o message_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n be_v so_o venerable_a and_o precious_a with_o we_o how_o dear_a aught_o the_o oracle_n and_o message_n of_o god_n to_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o we_o sure_o dear_a than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n psal._n cxix_o 72_o 127._o and_o one_o great_a thing_n that_o ought_v to_o make_v they_o so_o dear_a to_o we_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v last_v till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v which_o bring_v in_o the_o iii_o d_o proposition_n that_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v last_v to_o the_o world_n end_n even_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v pass_v away_o for_o till_o then_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o indeed_o when_o the_o world_n be_v at_o a_o end_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v to_o direct_v man_n here_o on_o earth_n how_o to_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o while_o mankind_n and_o christian_n particular_o abide_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n the_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a for_o correction_n for_o reproof_n for_o doctrine_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n three_o 15_o 16._o but_o when_o this_o low_a world_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o there_o will_v be_v no_o inhabitant_n to_o be_v instruct_v at_o least_o we_o have_v no_o revelation_n that_o there_o will_v be_v any_o and_o consequent_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n will_v be_v insignificant_a if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o people_n that_o will_v then_o appear_v before_o the_o judge_n we_o find_v they_o either_o will_v be_v good_a or_o bad_a either_o sheep_n or_o goat_n the_o sheep_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o he_o who_o must_v be_v the_o judge_n matth._n twenty-five_o 46_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n everlasting_a where_o they_o shall_v see_v dark_o no_o more_o no_o more_o through_o a_o glass_n and_o therefore_o not_o through_o the_o glass_n of_o scripture_n as_o here_o they_o do_v but_o face_n to_o face_n they_o will_v know_v all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o infinite_o more_o the_o scripture_n than_o will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v teach_v immediate_o of_o god_n and_o behold_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o high_a perfection_n the_o divine_a essence_n and_o glory_n will_v enlighten_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o and_o instruct_v they_o and_o make_v they_o glad_a for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o eternal_a glory_n when_o we_o be_v get_v to_o our_o journey_n end_v we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o this_o guide_n of_o these_o leading-string_n or_o of_o that_o schoolmaster_n the_o scripture_n be_v our_o staff_n and_o our_o comfort_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o pilgrimate_n psal._n cxix_o 54_o when_o that_o pilgrimage_n cease_v the_o staff_n will_v be_v useless_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v traveller_n no_o more_o but_o inhabit_v and_o fix_v there_o where_o we_o shall_v go_v out_o no_o more_o rev._n three_o 12_o who_o the_o goat_n be_v that_o stand_v at_o the_o left_a hand_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o they_o will_v be_v and_o whither_o they_o will_v be_v send_v and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o we_o all_o know_v for_o they_o shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n twenty-five_o 46_o nor_o will_v these_o have_v any_o need_n of_o scripture_n to_o teach_v to_o instruct_v to_o exhort_v to_o reprove_v and_o to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o save_v themselves_o for_o they_o will_v be_v cast_v into_o a_o prison_n from_o whence_o there_o be_v no_o go_v out_o till_o they_o have_v pay_v the_o uttermost_a farthing_n in_o that_o day_n god_n will_v have_v another_o way_n to_o teach_v they_o even_o by_o torment_n and_o misery_n and_o sad_a experience_n they_o will_v be_v past_a repentance_n and_o obedience_n and_o all_o possibility_n of_o conversion_n and_o will_v be_v determine_v to_o evil_a so_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v intend_v only_o as_o our_o teacher_n while_o this_o world_n last_v and_o while_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n continue_v their_o course_n god_n will_v preserve_v this_o precious_a book_n he_o that_o preserve_v it_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n already_o in_o despite_n of_o fire_n and_o flame_n and_o the_o rage_n of_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n who_o will_v feign_v have_v banish_v abolish_v and_o exterminate_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o very_a preservation_n show_v he_o will_v continue_v these_o instruction_n to_o mankind_n till_o the_o heaven_n be_v no_o more_o and_o the_o earth_n do_v melt_v away_o how_o great_a be_v god_n care_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o from_o age_n to_o age_n preserve_v this_o treasure_n to_o we_o neither_o war_n nor_o exile_n neither_o plague_n nor_o sword_n nor_o famine_n nor_o all_o the_o change_n mutation_n and_o revolution_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v able_a to_o destroy_v this_o treasure_n therefore_o while_o we_o be_v here_o and_o have_v the_o use_n of_o it_o let_v we_o consult_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n let_v we_o run_v to_o this_o shop_n for_o medicine_n and_o remedy_n when_o our_o soul_n be_v sick_a and_o when_o our_o outward_a man_n be_v in_o trouble_n whatever_o state_n we_o be_v in_o whether_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n be_v our_o lot_n this_o scripture_n will_v direct_v we_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o and_o how_o to_o order_v our_o conversation_n let_v we_o cheerful_o make_v it_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o our_o path_n and_o we_o can_v go_v amiss_o we_o can_v stumble_v we_o can_v walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v when_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v pass_v away_o which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o four_o proposition_n iu._n heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v certain_o pass_v away_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v here_o in_o this_o say_n till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o will_v pass_v away_o st._n peter_n have_v leave_v upon_o record_n 2_o pet._n three_o 7_o but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o more_o
than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n where_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o law_n and_o the_o tradition_n clash_v they_o interpret_v the_o law_n by_o the_o tradition_n not_o the_o tradition_n by_o the_o law_n and_o hearken_v more_o to_o the_o dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o a_o groundless_a and_o whimsical_a tradition_n than_o to_o a_o express_a text_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o christ_n tell_v they_o matth._n xv_o 3_o why_o do_v you_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o your_o tradition_n for_o god_n command_v say_v honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o he_o that_o curse_v father_n and_o mother_n let_v he_o die_v the_o death_n but_o you_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o father_n or_o to_o his_o mother_n though_o ready_a to_o starve_v and_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_n it_o be_v corban_n it_o be_v a_o gift_n i_o have_v dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o temple_n by_o whatsoever_o thou_o may_v be_v profit_v by_o i_o and_o honour_v not_o his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n he_o shall_v be_v free_n thus_o have_v you_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o your_o tradition_n indeed_o where_o man_n invent_v new_a doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n there_o the_o good_a old_a word_n of_o god_n will_v do_v they_o no_o service_n but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v and_o run_v to_o tradition_n and_o break_a cistern_n which_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n 6._o to_o sum_n up_o all_o they_o be_v very_o severe_a and_o strict_a in_o keep_v some_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o very_a supine_n and_o negligent_a as_o to_o other_o they_o hate_v extortion_n but_o be_v malicious_a to_o a_o prodigy_n they_o will_v not_o be_v drink_v but_o be_v abominable_o proud_a they_o be_v for_o give_v alm_n to_o people_n of_o their_o own_o sect_n but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o sinful_a to_o relieve_v a_o poor_a samaritan_n they_o be_v for_o strictness_n of_o life_n before_o people_n and_o spectator_n but_o loose_a and_o wicked_a in_o secret_a they_o abhor_v adultery_n but_o be_v slave_n to_o ambition_n and_o vainglory_n they_o bind_v heavy_a burden_n on_o other_o man_n soldier_n but_o will_v not_o touch_v they_o with_o one_o of_o their_o finger_n and_o while_o they_o press_v a_o severe_a observance_n of_o the_o sabbath_n day_n forget_v they_o be_v to_o rest_v from_o sin_n and_o envy_n as_o well_o as_o from_o servile_a labour_n matth._n twelve_o 12_o 13_o 14._o indeed_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o pernicious_a traditionary_a principle_n that_o if_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v but_o industrious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o one_o command_n of_o god_n though_o they_o neglect_v the_o other_o precept_n that_o service_n be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o another_o world_n to_o be_v short_a they_o serve_v god_n at_o the_o best_a by_o half_n be_v quick-sighted_a as_o eagle_n in_o spy_v out_o other_o man_n fault_n but_o blind_a as_o mole_n in_o discover_v their_o own_o and_o while_o they_o divide_v their_o affection_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o world_n allow_v the_o world_n the_o far_o great_a share_n these_o be_v the_o distemper_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o how_o we_o be_v to_o exceed_v they_o be_v the_o three_o particular_a i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o iii_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o how_o or_o in_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o exceed_v they_o be_v soon_o guess_v at_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o precede_a discourse_n that_o it_o must_v be_v in_o sincerity_n in_o simplicity_n in_o humility_n in_o charity_n and_o in_o universality_n of_o obedience_n 1._o in_o sincerity_n in_o be_v that_o within_o which_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v without_o christ_n be_v not_o against_o external_a devotion_n have_v no_o dislike_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n never_o declare_v against_o decent_a external_a ceremony_n but_o he_o require_v we_o shall_v be_v devout_a and_o serious_a within_o as_o well_o as_o without_o and_o take_v care_n that_o what_o we_o do_v without_o do_v arise_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n within_o and_o that_o a_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o the_o soul_n within_o do_v put_v we_o upon_o devotion_n without_o that_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o lip_n and_o the_o hand_n be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o moreover_o that_o we_o use_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o mortify_v our_o inward_a lust_n which_o we_o use_v to_o restrain_v ourselves_o from_o evil_a action_n in_o company_n or_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o men._n in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o pretend_v to_o religion_n but_o practice_v it_o not_o only_o talk_v and_o dispute_v and_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o speculation_n and_o discourse_n of_o it_o but_o live_v up_o to_o the_o holy_a rule_n of_o it_o not_o only_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o but_o show_v out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n our_o good_a work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n as_o it_o be_v say_v jam._n iii._o 13_o 2._o in_o simplicity_n and_o have_v pure_a and_o holy_a end_n in_o our_o religious_a action_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o religious_a severity_n and_o self-denial_n end_v suitable_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o word_n end_v rational_a and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o man._n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o single_a eye_n we_o read_v of_o matth._n vi_fw-la 22_o indeed_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o action_n make_v a_o strange_a alteration_n in_o their_o worth_n and_o value_n render_v they_o either_o good_a or_o bad_a either_o commendable_a or_o abominable_a either_o sacrifice_n of_o righteousness_n or_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o discourage_v his_o follower_n from_o religious_a self-denial_n and_o severity_n that_o his_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n press_v nothing_o more_o insomuch_o that_o the_o great_a your_o self-denial_n be_v the_o better_a christian_n you_o be_v but_o the_o right_a end_n be_v the_o thing_n our_o master_n press_v and_o insist_o upon_o fast_o and_o pray_v and_o continue_v in_o prayer_n a_o long_a time_n spend_v whole_a hour_n in_o it_o if_o your_o strength_n and_o sense_n and_o affection_n will_v serve_v give_v alm_n and_o give_v very_o liberal_o deny_v yourselves_o in_o a_o thousand_o vanity_n the_o world_n dote_v upon_o mortify_v your_o body_n in_o a_o decent_a manner_n but_o take_v heed_n of_o secret_a hope_n of_o merit_v by_o all_o this_o and_o of_o secret_a design_n either_o to_o promote_v your_o worldly_a profit_n and_o interest_n or_o to_o gain_v the_o commendation_n and_o admiration_n of_o your_o neighbour_n or_o to_o make_v god_n amends_o for_o some_o sin_n you_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v withal_o have_v no_o worldly_a end_n in_o all_o this_o but_o let_v a_o sense_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o your_o gratitude_n to_o god_n and_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n to_o die_v to_o the_o world_n to_o imitate_v the_o saint_n of_o old_a to_o encourage_v yourselves_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o to_o prepare_v for_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n let_v these_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o motive_n that_o put_v you_o upon_o all_o this_o and_o you_o will_v undoubted_o exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n 3._o in_o humility_n not_o only_o in_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o our_o error_n and_o many_o infirmity_n which_o render_v we_o unworthy_a to_o appear_v before_o god_n without_o the_o assistance_n and_o intercession_n of_o a_o mediator_n not_o only_o in_o abhor_v ourselves_o for_o those_o many_o defect_n which_o cleave_v to_o our_o best_a service_n not_o only_o in_o accuse_v ourselves_o before_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n as_o wretched_a naked_a poor_a blind_a and_o miserable_a from_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o purity_n but_o also_o in_o have_v low_a and_o humble_a thought_n of_o our_o religious_a performance_n acknowledge_v that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v and_o that_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o that_o grace_n those_o performance_n be_v wrought_v and_o confess_v from_o the_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o do_v that_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v luke_n xvii_o 10_o this_o humble_a temper_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v very_o great_a stranger_n to_o who_o look_v upon_o their_o religious_a service_n as_o thing_n which_o god_n be_v oblige_v in_o honour_n and_o equity_n to_o look_v upon_o and_o reward_v pride_n selfconceitedness_a and_o self-admiration_n mingle_v with_o
dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v strange_o averse_a from_o all_o oath_n whatsoever_o insomuch_o that_o clinias_n the_o pythagorean_n when_o he_o may_v have_v escape_v the_o mulct_n or_o penalty_n of_o three_o talent_n which_o be_v about_o 8000_o pound_n sterling_a if_o he_o will_v but_o have_v swear_v though_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n to_o a_o false_a oath_n in_o the_o case_n yet_o will_v not_o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n than_o wrong_n as_o he_o think_v his_o conscience_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o mankind_n be_v so_o honest_a that_o every_o man_n word_n be_v as_o good_a and_o as_o firm_a as_o the_o most_o solemn_a oath_n yet_o consider_v the_o corruption_n that_o have_v overspread_v the_o world_n the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n make_v a_o oath_n sometime_o absolute_o necessary_a because_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o the_o good_a of_o society_n can_v be_v compass_v without_o it_o as_o to_o christ_n saying_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o the_o sense_n and_o design_n of_o it_o when_o i_o come_v to_o explain_v it_o in_o order_n and_o whatever_o strictness_n not_o only_o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a believer_n but_o some_o pious_a heathen_n have_v profess_v in_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v certain_a st._n paul_n who_o can_v not_o but_o know_v his_o master_n mind_n do_v upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n make_v use_v of_o these_o religious_a asseveration_n for_o what_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o his_o we_o meet_v with_o rom._n i._n 9_o 2_o cor._n i_o 23_o 2_o cor._n xi_o 31_o gal._n i_o 20_o i_o call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o my_o soul_n god_n be_v my_o witness_n behold_v before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o i_o say_v what_o be_v all_o these_o but_o solemn_a oath_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v altogether_o unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o use_v they_o upon_o some_o occasion_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v teach_v most_o civilise_a nation_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o since_o it_o be_v lawful_a under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o because_o controversy_n and_o doubtful_a case_n will_v arise_v as_o much_o now_o as_o former_o but_o because_o a_o oath_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v abolish_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n thing_n so_o solemn_a so_o sacred_a so_o serious_a as_o oath_n aught_o to_o be_v use_v but_o seldom_o to_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o perjury_n the_o familiarity_n take_v off_o from_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o easy_a slip_n into_o perjury_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o here_o to_o prescribe_v certain_a rule_n and_o limit_n and_o to_o show_v when_o and_o where_o and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n a_o oath_n the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n may_v be_v lawful_a 1._o when_o the_o magistrate_n or_o the_o power_n which_o be_v set_v over_o we_o by_o providence_n do_v command_v it_o this_o be_v the_o import_n of_o exod._n xxii_o 11_o and_o this_o be_v part_n of_o that_o obedience_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o superior_n who_o be_v minister_n to_o we_o for_o good_a and_o do_v not_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a among_o the_o jew_n the_o magistrate_n may_v command_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v take_v numb_a v_o 19_o 21_o and_o why_o not_o among_o christian_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v in_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o come_v to_o any_o certainty_n but_o by_o a_o oath_n which_o even_o man_n of_o a_o loose_a life_n if_o they_o have_v not_o throw_v off_o all_o religion_n will_v stand_v in_o awe_n of_o according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v heb._n vi_fw-la 16_o 3._o in_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n they_o that_o make_v man_n swear_v about_o trifle_n as_o they_o have_v no_o great_a sense_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o consider_v not_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o matter_n trivial_a where_o the_o gain_n or_o loss_n of_o either_o side_n be_v inconsiderable_a all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v ever_o look_v upon_o press_v or_o take_v a_o oath_n as_o unlawful_a it_o be_v too_o sacred_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v use_v in_o thing_n mean_a and_o contemptible_a st._n paul_n make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o we_o say_v before_o but_o it_o be_v in_o thing_n relate_v to_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o good_a of_o christian_a society_n 2_o cor._n i_o 23_o the_o wise_a heathen_a think_v it_o lawful_a in_o three_o case_n only_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v to_o avoid_v infamy_n and_o disgrace_n and_o consequent_o render_v one_o self_n incapable_a of_o serve_v the_o public_a 2._o if_o it_o be_v to_o save_v a_o man_n life_n or_o to_o free_v he_o from_o some_o considerable_a danger_n 3._o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n or_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o country_n man_n be_v member_n of_o do_v require_v it_o but_o in_o money-business_n between_o man_n and_o man_n they_o think_v it_o more_o conscientious_a to_o be_v a_o loser_n than_o bring_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o such_o man_n who_o exceed_v many_o christian_n in_o strictness_n will_v not_o be_v their_o judge_n in_o the_o last_o day_n 4._o in_o take_v a_o oath_n great_a simplicity_n must_v be_v use_v both_o in_o our_o word_n and_o intention_n he_o that_o swear_v to_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o know_v to_o be_v false_a or_o concern_v which_o he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o deviate_v from_o this_o simplicity_n and_o run_v himself_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o perjury_n and_o so_o do_v he_o who_o by_o a_o oath_n promise_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o do_v not_o intend_v or_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v swear_v to_o perform_v and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v all_o mental_a reservation_n and_o equivocation_n in_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o prophet_n require_v we_o to_o swear_v in_o truth_n jer._n four_o 2_o the_o temporal_a inconvenience_n that_o attend_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n do_v not_o make_v the_o obligation_n less_o and_o therefore_o when_o david_n ask_v who_o shall_v ascend_v unto_o the_o hill_n of_o the_o lord_n psal._n xv_o 1_o he_o answer_v ver_fw-la 4._o he_o that_o swear_v to_o his_o own_o hurt_a and_o change_v not_o i._n e._n he_o that_o after_o he_o have_v give_v his_o oath_n find_v the_o performance_n will_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o interest_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o alter_v the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o li_n and_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n we_o speak_v of_o 5._o if_o a_o oath_n be_v take_v it_o must_v be_v in_o thing_n lawful_a not_o forbid_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n i._n e._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v to_o offer_v thing_n abominable_a to_o god_n more_o abominable_a than_o cut_v off_o a_o dog's-neck_n or_o sacrifice_a swines-flesh_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a thing_n in_o thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o holiness_n this_o will_v be_v to_o set_v god_n against_o himself_o to_o make_v he_o witness_v to_o our_o impiety_n and_o to_o get_v he_o to_o patronize_v what_o his_o pure_a eye_n abhor_v and_o therefore_o the_o command_n be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o swear_v in_o righteousness_n jer._n four_o 2_o 6._o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v to_o do_v must_v be_v possible_a and_o in_o our_o own_o power_n either_o natural_a or_o adventitious_a and_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n impossibility_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n sanderson_n whether_o they_o be_v natural_a impossibility_n such_o as_o it_o be_v to_o turn_v a_o blackamoor_n white_a or_o to_o make_v a_o ox_n speak_v or_o actual_a as_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v at_o london_n to_o day_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o day_n at_o york_n or_o in_o law_n as_o for_o a_o mayor_n of_o a_o town_n to_o make_v a_o itinerant_a judge_n or_o a_o baron_n or_o chancellor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o law_n give_v he_o no_o right_n there_o need_v no_o store_n of_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o impossibility_n be_v no_o ingredient_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o they_o will_v make_v a_o oath_n ridiculous_a and_o discover_v the_o swearer_n to_o
power_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o whoever_o resist_v that_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3._o 5._o there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o forbid_v a_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o magistrate_n nay_o we_o have_v several_a example_n of_o man_n who_o be_v magistrate_n actual_o and_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o yet_o neither_o quit_v nor_o be_v they_o require_v to_o quit_v that_o office_n after_o their_o conversion_n such_o be_v nicodemus_n joseph_n of_o arimathea_n both_o the_o centurion_n matth._n viij_o and_o act._n x._o and_o sergius_n paulus_n the_o proconsul_n act_v xiii_o even_o the_o soldier_n in_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n time_n man_n who_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o the_o magistrate_n sometime_o execute_v be_v not_o oblige_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o military_a girdle_n or_o to_o forsake_v their_o station_n and_o employment_n 6._o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n 1_o tim._n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o the_o reason_n be_v give_v because_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o show_v that_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o pray_v for_o magistrate_n especial_o if_o infidel_n or_o idolater_n that_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o that_o under_o they_o we_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o end_n can_v not_o be_v obtain_v if_o immediate_o upon_o their_o turn_a christian_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o lay_v down_o or_o divest_v themselves_o from_o their_o office_n 7._o the_o office_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o at_o all_o clash_n or_o interfere_v with_o the_o genius_n or_o temper_v of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n but_o to_o make_v wholesome_a law_n for_o govern_v the_o people_n under_o their_o power_n with_o suitable_a sanction_n and_o to_o defend_v their_o subject_n from_o wrong_n violence_n and_o mischief_n neither_o of_o which_o act_n be_v contrary_a to_o our_o religion_n not_o make_v law_n for_o govern_v the_o people_n under_o their_o charge_n for_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n permit_v every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n to_o make_v good_a order_n for_o those_o over_o who_o god_n have_v set_v he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o master_n of_o a_o great_a family_n may_v not_o have_v this_o privilege_n god_n even_o in_o the_o new-testament_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o protest_v against_o confusion_n and_o since_o without_o magistrate_n and_o law_n and_o sanction_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prevent_v confusion_n he_o that_o allow_v of_o the_o end_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o allow_v of_o the_o mean_v conducive_a to_o that_o end_n in_o a_o word_n without_o these_o help_n city_n and_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v den_n of_o thief_n and_o pesthouse_n rather_o than_o civilise_a society_n nor_o be_v defend_v their_o subject_n from_o wrong_n and_o injury_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o prescribe_v justice_n and_o charity_n and_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o subject_a from_o wrong_n and_o injury_n be_v found_v upon_o these_o two_o cardinal_n virtue_n even_o inflict_v penalty_n upon_o the_o stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a rest_v upon_o these_o principle_n so_o that_o the_o office_n of_o the_o magistrate_n must_v necessary_o be_v lawful_a and_o commendable_a i_o grant_v be_v the_o whole_a world_n christian_n and_o do_v all_o christian_n live_v up_o strict_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o will_v be_v no_o quarrel_n no_o dissension_n no_o wrong_n no_o injury_n and_o consequent_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o magistrate_n but_o such_o a_o bless_a state_n we_o do_v not_o look_v for_o till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o till_o than_o there_o must_v be_v magistrate_n nor_o do_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n vi_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o find_v fault_n with_o the_o office_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o with_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o light_a occasion_n quarrel_v one_o with_o another_o and_o accuse_v one_o another_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o heathen_a governor_n nay_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v the_o office_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o advise_v they_o to_o erect_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o tribunal_n of_o judgement_n among_o themselves_o to_o decide_v controversy_n and_o quarrel_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n thereby_o to_o avoid_v run_v to_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n whereby_o christianity_n be_v like_a to_o become_v contemptible_a so_o that_o all_o these_o particular_n be_v lay_v together_o since_o god_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o contradict_v himself_o this_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v concern_v only_o private_a christian_n and_o must_v be_v intend_v to_o direct_v they_o how_o they_o be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o one_o towards_o another_o in_o their_o conversation_n but_o be_v not_o level_v against_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n not_o but_o that_o even_o a_o magistrate_n may_v sin_n against_o this_o precept_n of_o our_o master_n if_o private_a revenge_n guide_v he_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o judgement_n and_o justice_n but_o where_o he_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o magistrate_n out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o public_a good_a there_o this_o command_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o interfere_v with_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n ii_o since_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o text_n be_v the_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o christ_n disciple_n be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a i_o shall_v press_v it_o upon_o you_o who_o come_v hither_o on_o purpose_n not_o only_o to_o hear_v but_z i_o hope_v to_o do_v what_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n require_v of_o you_o viz._n not_o to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil._n not_o to_o run_v in_o lesser_a injury_n such_o as_o a_o blow_n or_o smite_v on_o the_o cheek_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o order_n to_o have_v the_o offender_n punish_v and_o rather_o than_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n to_o suffer_v a_o great_a evil_n or_o a_o great_a injury_n but_o i_o foresee_v a_o objection_n which_o be_v like_a to_o dash_v all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v or_o allege_v in_o order_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o a_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o these_o rule_n of_o holy_a live_n why_o shall_v you_o urge_v this_o will_n some_o say_v for_o the_o thing_n be_v impracticable_a not_o practicable_a sir_n it_o be_v strange_a our_o great_a master_n in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n shall_v prescribe_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o practicable_a what_o do_v not_o he_o know_v our_o frames_n be_v he_o ignorant_a of_o what_o our_o shoulder_n will_v bear_v do_v not_o he_o consider_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n i_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o practicable_a by_o man_n who_o will_v not_o step_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o their_o carnal_a interest_n and_o lust_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n i_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o practicable_a by_o person_n who_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o motive_n and_o enforcive_n and_o help_v which_o god_n afford_v to_o raise_v corrupt_v nature_n into_o a_o noble_a temper_n i_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o practicable_a by_o person_n who_o will_v do_v nothing_o towards_o their_o own_o happiness_n that_o will_v be_v naked_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a wretched_a and_o miserable_a in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o collyrium_n and_o eye-salve_n and_o medicine_n and_o remedy_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o tender_v to_o they_o for_o their_o cure_n but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o moral_a argument_n before_o you_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v life_n to_o those_o argument_n in_o your_o soul_n when_o heaven_n be_v willing_a to_o assist_v and_o omnipotence_n offer_v to_o help_v you_o to_o raise_v you_o from_o the_o ground_n and_o to_o inspire_v you_o with_o courage_n and_o valour_n suitable_a there_o to_o talk_v of_o the_o unpracticableness_n of_o these_o rule_n be_v to_o blaspheme_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o with_o that_o unprofitable_a servant_n to_o accuse_v your_o master_n that_o he_o gather_v where_o he_o have_v not_o strew_v and_o reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_v what_o shall_v make_v it_o unpracticable_a what_o because_o flesh_n and_o blood_n say_v it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o which_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o fight_v against_o what_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o practicableness_n of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v borrow_a from_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n
be_v a_o sweet_a odour_n a_o very_a unacceptable_a sacrifice_n for_o though_o the_o needy_a brother_n be_v actual_o relieve_v by_o the_o gift_n yet_o the_o giver_n can_v enjoy_v but_o little_a comfort_n of_o it_o since_o that_o which_o shall_v have_v make_v it_o amiable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n be_v want_v god_n do_v not_o so_o much_o regard_v what_o we_o give_v as_o with_o what_o heart_n we_o give_v a_o ready_a mind_n like_o a_o magnify_v glass_n make_v even_o a_o cup_n of_o water_n give_v to_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n look_v great_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whereas_o a_o rich_a donative_n come_v from_o we_o with_o a_o unwilling_a mind_n look_v mean_a and_o pitiful_a and_o like_a object_n see_v through_o the_o wrong_a end_n of_o a_o perspective_n dwarfish_a and_o inconsiderable_a 2._o give_v with_o simplicity_n with_o holy_a good_a and_o warrantable_a end_n and_o with_o pious_a intention_n this_o be_v the_o command_n rom._n twelve_o 8_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o pharisee_n who_o sinister_a end_n and_o design_n in_o give_v alm_n draw_v upon_o they_o the_o threaten_a christ_n speak_v of_o matth._n vi_fw-la 2_o very_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n to_o glorify_v god_n with_o the_o gift_n to_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o the_o donor_n of_o all_o we_o have_v to_o testify_v our_o compassion_n to_o our_o fellow-creature_n and_o fellow_n christians_o in_o distress_n to_o discharge_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o express_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o master_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v end_n good_a and_o laudable_a and_o which_o a_o good_a man_n may_v take_v satisfaction_n in_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o may_v lawful_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o future_a recompense_n in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a as_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o what_o christ_n say_v luke_n fourteen_o 1_o 2_o 4._o but_o to_o think_v to_o cajole_v the_o almighty_a by_o the_o gift_n and_o lull_v he_o into_o connivance_n at_o the_o sin_n we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o or_o to_o hope_v for_o some_o temporal_a advantage_n by_o the_o donation_n or_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o better_a reason_n for_o our_o giving_z than_o because_o person_n of_o our_o rank_n and_o quality_n have_v do_v the_o like_a such_o design_n as_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o maxim_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o its_o needless_a to_o tell_v you_o they_o must_v be_v lay_v aside_o when_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v easy_o conclude_v so_o much_o from_o the_o premise_n 3._o give_v with_o discretion_n this_o be_v require_v psal._n xli_o 1_o where_o we_o read_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o consider_v the_o poor_a in_o the_o original_a its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o import_v wisdom_n and_o discretion_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o our_o charitable_a gift_n man_n necessity_n be_v various_a some_o more_o urge_v other_o more_o tolerable_a some_o be_v in_o great_a want_n than_o other_o the_o rank_n and_o quality_n and_o station_n of_o some_o make_v they_o great_a object_n than_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v to_o a_o poor_a and_o mean_a condition_n some_o grow_v providential_o poor_a other_o through_o debauchery_n and_o idleness_n some_o with_o their_o poverty_n be_v sincere_a and_o good_a and_o religious_a other_o retain_v their_o insensibleness_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a sometime_o our_o very_a parent_n and_o near_a relation_n crave_v our_o assistance_n as_o well_o as_o person_n recommend_v to_o we_o by_o our_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n all_o which_o circumstance_n require_v direction_n and_o prudence_n which_o virtue_n though_o it_o be_v sometime_o make_v a_o cloak_n for_o covetousness_n yet_o be_v a_o virtue_n still_o and_o to_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n though_o it_o be_v make_v a_o shelter_n under_o which_o wicked_a man_n hide_v their_o sin_n and_o hypocrisy_n 4._o give_v proportionable_o where_o god_n have_v give_v much_o remember_v to_o give_v much_o too_o and_o let_v not selfishness_o selfishness_n tempt_v you_o to_o call_v that_o little_a which_o all_o your_o neighbour_n and_o understand_a man_n count_v a_o very_a large_a portion_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v much_o abate_v abundance_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v superfluous_a and_o serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o feed_v your_o luxury_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o have_v much_o shall_v give_v much_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o have_v every_o thing_n that_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v even_o all_o the_o finery_n and_o gaudy_n and_o pomp_n and_o retinue_n and_o state_n which_o other_o voluptuous_a sinner_n rejoice_v in_o if_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v to_o lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o charitable_a uses_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v and_o bless_v he_o in_o this_o world_n as_o we_o read_v 1_o cor._n xuj_o 1_o 2._o certain_o we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o we_o give_v as_o we_o ought_v if_o we_o give_v not_o proportionable_o and_o the_o best_a guide_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o this_o proportion_n be_v love_n the_o more_o fervent_a our_o love_n be_v to_o our_o distress_a brethren_n the_o more_o liberal_a we_o shall_v be_v see_v how_o love_n wrought_v upon_o the_o macedonian_n for_o they_o go_v not_o only_o beyond_o proportion_n but_o beyond_o their_o power_n too_o in_o give_v relief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n 2_o cor._n viij_o 1_o 5._o give_v to_o all_o sort_n not_o only_o to_o a_o christian_a but_o to_o a_o heathen_a too_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n not_o only_o to_o a_o needy_a relation_n but_o to_o a_o distress_a stranger_n too_o not_o only_o to_o a_o a_o friend_n but_o even_o to_o a_o enemy_n the_o jew_n be_v abominable_o partial_a in_o their_o give_v to_o a_o jew_n one_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v liberal_a but_o a_o samaritan_n they_o think_v no_o proper_a object_n of_o 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good_a and_o send_v his_o rain_n upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a a_o bounty_n infinite_a like_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o with_o admiration_n and_o that_o 1._o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o insolence_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o bad_a and_o unjust_a to_o see_v how_o god_n be_v affront_v daily_o by_o oath_n by_o curse_n by_o blasphemy_n by_o lewdness_n by_o perjury_n by_o profaneness_n atheism_n hypocrisy_n and_o by_o sin_n which_o a_o good_a man_n can_v scarce_o name_v without_o tremble_v yet_o on_o these_o wretch_n who_o by_o right_a hell-fire_n shall_v devour_v his_o sun_n do_v shine_v and_o his_o rain_n drop_v down_o his_o sun_n warm_v they_o and_o revive_v they_o his_o rain_n enrich_v their_o pasture_n instead_o of_o sunshine_n he_o may_v bury_v they_o in_o darkness_n and_o instead_o of_o rain_n to_o water_v their_o ground_n he_o may_v rain_v on_o they_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o a_o burn_a tempest_n even_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o sinner_n 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this_o sunshine_n do_v not_o these_o ray_n descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n who_o way_n i_o have_v deride_v who_o word_n and_o ordinance_n i_o have_v despise_v and_o who_o precept_n i_o have_v laugh_v at_o what_o ingratitude_n be_v this_o will_v i_o use_v a_o friend_n so_o and_o what_o put_v these_o indignity_n upon_o my_o best_a and_o great_a friend_n see_v how_o his_o love_n to_o i_o shine_v in_o that_o glorious_a sun_n and_o shall_v i_o return_v hatred_n for_o his_o love_n the_o like_a reflection_n may_v easy_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o rain_n but_o i_o proceed_v 2._o it_o be_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n the_o sun_n which_o comfort_v the_o evil_a man_n his_o body_n and_o his_o ground_n be_v to_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o warm_v his_o soul_n with_o serious_a consideration_n till_o they_o melt_v his_o heart_n into_o remorse_n and_o compunction_n and_o the_o rain_n even_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a rain_n be_v a_o 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