he_o have_v but_o now_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o what_o instruction_n do_v this_o yield_v more_o ready_o than_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o god_n to_o be_v one_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o he_o that_o upon_o trial_n do_v what_o god_n require_v and_o therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o presume_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o intention_n towards_o god_n when_o our_o action_n contradict_v our_o pretence_n it_o be_v true_a god_n see_v the_o quality_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o infallible_a judgement_n but_o we_o not_o so_o certain_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o tell_v what_o degree_n of_o faith_n or_o fear_n be_v proper_a to_o god_n child_n be_v justify_v or_o save_v but_o if_o in_o the_o hard_a trial_n of_o thy_o obedience_n thou_o do_v keep_v god_n commandment_n than_o thou_o be_v sure_o that_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o because_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o try_v thyself_o by_o this_o rule_n he_o be_v please_v to_o testify_v his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o abraham_n fear_v he_o upon_o abraham_n ready_a obedience_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v it_o before_o 2._o another_o point_n of_o instruction_n and_o of_o good_a use_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v some_o servant_n and_o worshipper_n who_o be_v not_o hire_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o serve_v he_o by_o the_o worldly_a ease_n profit_n and_o security_n that_o religion_n bring_v and_o who_o when_o that_o expectation_n fail_v they_o will_v not_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o to_o choose_v another_o master_n the_o devil_n insinuate_v against_o job_n that_o he_o serve_v god_n because_o god_n have_v make_v a_o hedge_n about_o he_o and_o about_o his_o house_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v on_o every_o side_n because_o he_o have_v bless_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o increase_v his_o substance_n in_o the_o land_n but_o if_o god_n will_v put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o touch_v all_o that_o he_o have_v than_o he_o will_v curse_v he_o to_o his_o face_n i._n e._n that_o then_o he_o will_v be_v as_o profane_v as_o he_o be_v before_o godly_a in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o upon_o trial_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o and_o he_o retain_v his_o integrity_n say_v shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a job_n 2.10_o such_o another_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v abraham_n god_n have_v bless_v he_o with_o great_a increase_n and_o prosperity_n upon_o the_o leave_n of_o his_o country_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o complete_a his_o desire_n but_o a_o heir_n to_o his_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v a_o long_a time_n deny_v he_o and_o at_o length_n give_v he_o but_o it_o may_v be_v hitherto_o object_v against_o the_o sincerity_n of_o abraham_n fear_n of_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o perceive_v how_o much_o for_o the_o better_a it_o be_v that_o he_o leave_v his_o country_n at_o the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o find_v now_o that_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o he_o do_v therefore_o make_v profession_n of_o serve_v the_o only_a true_a god_n because_o he_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o compass_v all_o that_o his_o heart_n can_v desire_v in_o the_o world_n how_o therefore_o shall_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o behave_v himself_o religious_o out_o of_o conscience_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o absolute_a and_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o god_n sovereign_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v out_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o righteous_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n so_o effectual_a no_o demonstration_n so_o clear_a as_o this_o that_o abraham_n without_o murmur_v and_o dispute_v shall_v let_v go_v the_o dear_a of_o all_o his_o possession_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o trial_n god_n make_v of_o his_o sincerity_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o hold_v more_o dear_a to_o he_o than_o his_o only_a son_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v set_v a_o value_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o possession_n well_o therefore_o may_v it_o be_v say_v upon_o his_o ready_a compliance_n with_o this_o severe_a command_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v now_o thy_o sincerity_n be_v put_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n what_o thou_o have_v all_o along_o pretend_v to_o be_v one_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o who_o therefore_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a not_o for_o worldly_a and_o mercenary_a end_n but_o because_o thou_o be_v absolute_o resolve_v to_o depend_v upon_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o require_v and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v brethren_n that_o this_o testimony_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o sincerity_n be_v give_v he_o only_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o all_o good_a man_n that_o shall_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n faith_n viz._n that_o all_o religious_a man_n be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o for_o worldly_a respect_n but_o for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o abraham_n faith_n do_v not_o only_o vindicate_v he_o but_o all_o god_n faithful_a servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o pretend_v religion_n for_o worldly_a end_n indeed_o he_o be_v try_v in_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a instance_n that_o can_v be_v well_o think_v of_o and_o there_o be_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o great_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o it_o well_o become_v he_o who_o be_v to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o honour_n confer_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o age_n to_o undergo_v such_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v a_o stand_a example_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o a_o mean_n to_o vindicate_v our_o sincerity_n against_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o world_n though_o we_o be_v not_o try_v as_o abraham_n be_v for_o if_o religion_n in_o the_o general_n be_v charge_v with_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o compass_v worldly_a advantage_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o conscience_n we_o desire_v they_o to_o look_v to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o proof_n that_o he_o give_v of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o god_n testimony_n concern_v he_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o abraham_n child_n that_o they_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a estate_n that_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o just_a not_o because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o thrive_v that_o they_o serve_v god_n not_o because_o he_o make_v a_o hedge_n about_o all_o they_o have_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v under_o no_o unusual_a temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o like_a but_o because_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v persuade_v they_o ought_v so_o to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o favour_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o of_o his_o reward_n in_o a_o better_a world_n in_o short_a abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v therefore_o try_v in_o this_o manner_n that_o there_o may_v be_v in_o he_o a_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n who_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n not_o expect_v the_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o religion_n will_v secure_v their_o body_n from_o sickness_n their_o good_n from_o rapine_n their_o name_n from_o reproach_n their_o person_n from_o affront_v and_o their_o course_n of_o life_n from_o common_a or_o from_o unusual_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n abraham_n and_o his_o child_n do_v not_o traffic_v with_o heaven_n by_o their_o prayer_n and_o charity_n to_o secure_v or_o increase_v their_o possession_n on_o earth_n and_o though_o god_n have_v often_o bless_v good_a man_n as_o he_o do_v abraham_n with_o strange_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o their_o end_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o wrought_v righteousness_n heb._n 11.33_o i._n e._n they_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o
the_o church_n any_o more_o than_o the_o error_n of_o pergamos_n make_v she_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o nor_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o reform_a and_o the_o unreformed_a part_n of_o christendom_n shall_v be_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o creed_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n to_o have_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n both_o before_o and_o after_o her_o reformation_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o task_n i_o set_v myself_o and_o i_o hope_v need_n to_o make_v no_o apology_n for_o entertain_v you_o with_o a_o controversy_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o controversy_n among_o we_o but_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n or_o judge_n and_o yet_o require_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v as_o she_o believe_v to_o profess_v what_o she_o profess_v and_o to_o do_v what_o she_o enjoin_v it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o her_o minister_n shall_v sometime_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o she_o require_v this_o because_o she_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v and_o be_v not_o in_o these_o point_n deceive_v though_o she_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o any_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o have_v make_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v discourse_v plain_a enough_o to_o every_o understanding_n but_o whether_o that_o be_v so_o or_o not_o yet_o every_o one_o may_v perceive_v that_o we_o appeal_v to_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n if_o i_o understand_v nothing_o else_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o guide_v i_o with_o reason_n than_o of_o another_o that_o will_v govern_v i_o without_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o former_a be_v likely_a to_o take_v more_o care_n not_o to_o mislead_v i_o than_o the_o latter_a needs_o to_o do_v which_o when_o it_o have_v gain_v i_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o blind_a obedience_n may_v lead_v i_o whither_o she_o please_v as_o for_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o i_o have_v offer_v nothing_o to_o you_o but_o what_o i_o believe_v myself_o and_o far_o that_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o reason_n why_o i_o be_o fix_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o but_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o error_n of_o that_o church_n which_o if_o i_o shall_v profess_v or_o practice_v i_o can_v not_o entertain_v the_o least_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o we_o who_o be_v thus_o convince_v be_v as_o i_o take_v it_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o take_v seasonable_a opportunity_n of_o confirm_v our_o brethren_n in_o our_o communion_n and_o enable_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o other_o side_n be_v unsatisfactory_a and_o vain_a as_o i_o have_v in_o some_o part_n endeavour_v to_o show_v at_o this_o time_n we_o shall_v indeed_o not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n to_o recover_v those_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v educate_v in_o damnable_a error_n but_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v all_o we_o can_v to_o retain_v those_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o it_o see_v if_o they_o revolt_v we_o can_v have_v that_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o have_v of_o they_o who_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o discover_v they_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a state_n of_o the_o church_n indeed_o if_o all_o be_v unite_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o that_o they_o live_v answerable_o thereto_o but_o since_o we_o have_v two_o work_n upon_o our_o hand_n to_o guard_v you_o against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o to_o warn_v you_o against_o a_o wicked_a life_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v discharge_v our_o duty_n but_o by_o do_v one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o latter_a i_o be_o to_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o conclusion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o without_o true_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o best_a and_o pure_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v since_o the_o gospel_n begin_v can_v have_v do_v he_o no_o service_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o corruption_n as_o can_v be_v ready_o think_v of_o for_o any_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o save_v man_n by_o a_o trick_n and_o send_v they_o to_o heaven_n any_o other_o way_n than_o the_o plain_a way_n of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n keep_v therefore_o the_o pure_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o withal_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o still_o remember_v that_o if_o your_o work_n be_v not_o answerable_a your_o faith_n be_v vain_a for_o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n thereof_o shall_v be_v justify_v not_o he_o that_o say_v 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 our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o second_o sermon_n matth_n xviii_o 7._o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o salvation_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o convert_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o from_o all_o dangerous_a error_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o right_a faith_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a that_o this_o end_n be_v not_o attain_v universal_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o therefore_o a_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o have_v in_o so_o great_a part_n fail_v of_o the_o end_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o pursue_v he_o may_v be_v easy_o bring_v to_o assurance_n again_o by_o consider_v the_o vast_a good_a which_o christianity_n have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o especial_o by_o observe_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v foretell_v that_o all_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o testify_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o nay_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o have_v forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o have_v tell_v we_o beforehand_o that_o the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a declaration_n that_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o can_v not_o but_o be_v effectual_a but_o only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o will_v in_o any_o measure_n comply_v with_o his_o gracious_a method_n and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o plain_a intimation_n that_o a_o great_a many_o will_v be_v never_o the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a for_o these_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o some_o for_o not_o receive_v they_o other_o for_o not_o improve_n they_o will_v fall_v into_o great_a condemnation_n but_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o foretell_v these_o thing_n only_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o too_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v obstruct_v the_o progress_n and_o design_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o those_o word_n of_o he_o which_o i_o have_v now_o choose_v for_o my_o subject_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v by_o offence_n or_o scandal_n we_o be_v here_o and_o almost_o everywhere_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o understand_v those_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o inducement_n to_o error_n which_o some_o man_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o they_o be_v sometime_o otherwise_o express_v snare_n stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n of_o fall_n for_o the_o
god_n require_v because_o they_o expect_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o though_o not_o always_o with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o without_o fail_n with_o those_o pure_a and_o ravish_a joy_n of_o a_o better_a world_n which_o will_v short_o begin_v and_o never_o end_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n it_o have_v be_v very_o often_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o piety_n that_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o other_o whatever_o their_o appearance_n be_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o in_o love_n with_o the_o wealth_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n as_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o make_v they_o their_o end_n and_o therefore_o to_o vindicate_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n god_n do_v sometime_o make_v they_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o charge_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o instruction_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o testimony_n god_n give_v to_o abraham_n i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o general_n in_o the_o text_n viz._n ii_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o this_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v abraham_n be_v ground_v which_o be_v his_o offering_n up_o his_o son_n isaac_n to_o god_n according_a to_o that_o command_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o the_o fact_n suppose_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o be_v his_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o slay_v his_o son_n upon_o the_o altar_n and_o all_o i_o shall_v say_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o god_n in_o that_o case_n do_v not_o command_v murder_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v absolute_o forbid_v for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n make_v it_o not_o to_o be_v murder_n if_o it_o have_v be_v effect_v as_o it_o be_v full_o design_v on_o abraham_n part_n god_n be_v the_o absolute_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o can_v without_o do_v any_o wrong_n take_v away_o life_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o he_o may_v do_v it_o which_o way_n he_o please_v by_o command_a abraham_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n as_o well_o as_o by_o command_v a_o fever_n to_o do_v it_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o have_v that_o command_n his_o intention_n have_v be_v wicked_a such_o slay_v be_v murderous_a not_o command_v but_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o dispose_v of_o every_o man_n life_n make_v it_o not_o to_o be_v murder_n if_o it_o have_v be_v effect_v indeed_o this_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n consider_v in_o itself_o but_o 2._o we_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o submission_n to_o god_n and_o procure_v that_o testimony_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o here_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n very_o remarkable_a 1._o that_o god_n single_v out_o his_o belove_a possession_n to_o be_v offer_v forthwith_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o himself_o take_v now_o thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n who_o thou_o love_v and_o get_v thou_o into_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burnt-offering_a upon_o one_o of_o the_o mountain_n which_o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o of_o god_n lay_v before_o he_o all_o the_o sting_n of_o so_o hard_a a_o injunction_n take_v thy_o son_n and_o that_o thy_o only_a son_n i_o know_v thou_o love_v he_o dear_o but_o yet_o he_o must_v be_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o and_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v by_o thy_o own_o hand_n this_o be_v such_o a_o say_n as_o that_o of_o jesus_n teach_v the_o height_n of_o sincere_a religion_n he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n must_v deny_v himself_o he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n or_o child_n on_o house_n or_o land_n or_o his_o own_o life_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o he_o who_o will_v give_v up_o such_o a_o possession_n to_o god_n to_o wit_n his_o only_a son_n will_v deny_v he_o any_o thing_n have_v all_o his_o flock_n and_o his_o herd_n his_o whole_a wealth_n and_o possession_n nay_o have_v himself_o be_v call_v for_o to_o become_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n he_o that_o deny_v not_o to_o god_n his_o only_a son_n will_v not_o have_v deny_v he_o these_o here_o be_v a_o example_n indeed_o of_o absolute_a resignation_n to_o god_n of_o universal_a acquiescence_n in_o his_o will_n here_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o abraham_n count_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o his_o maker_n for_o this_o command_n be_v in_o effect_n as_o if_o god_n have_v say_v take_v now_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v without_o exception_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v thou_o as_o naked_a as_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o world_n strip_v thyself_o of_o every_o thing_n and_o lay_v it_o before_o i_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o i_o please_v and_o have_v this_o be_v demand_v have_v all_o be_v require_v he_o that_o offer_v his_o only_a son_n will_v with_o the_o same_o readiness_n have_v part_v with_o all_o his_o possession_n herein_o therefore_o consist_v the_o trial_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o the_o fact_n suppose_v that_o when_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o fear_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n this_o one_o single_a act_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o do_v which_o ought_v to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o god_n require_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o himself_o and_o the_o give_v up_o our_o most_o desirable_a possession_n to_o he_o when_o his_o word_n or_o his_o providence_n call_v for_o they_o and_o that_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o be_v dispose_v if_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v far_a remarkable_a under_o this_o head_n that_o god_n require_v abraham_n to_o do_v this_o forthwith_o without_o dispute_v and_o delay_v and_o therefore_o the_o command_n be_v not_o only_o a_o trial_n of_o what_o abraham_n will_v do_v in_o a_o extreme_a hard_a case_n but_o also_o how_o he_o be_v constant_o provide_v and_o prepare_v to_o do_v as_o become_v god_n servant_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o notable_a a_o trial_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o man_n if_o he_o have_v have_v a_o week_n or_o a_o month_n time_n allow_v he_o to_o lay_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o to_o reason_n out_o the_o case_n and_o to_o bring_v himself_o to_o a_o willingness_n by_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v for_o than_o it_o have_v be_v suppose_v that_o abraham_n have_v not_o due_o weigh_v these_o thing_n before_o nor_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o habitual_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o obey_v universal_o but_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n must_v have_v time_n allow_v he_o to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o but_o this_o trial_n come_v of_o a_o sudden_a and_o the_o command_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v forthwith_o as_o it_o be_v plain_o demonstrate_v that_o abraham_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v take_v unprovided_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o most_o difficult_a case_n and_o therefore_o his_o example_n do_v not_o only_o instruct_v we_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v entire_o submit_v to_o but_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v in_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o do_v well_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o when_o it_o happen_v in_o any_o notable_a instance_n we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n come_v up_o to_o that_o perfection_n in_o self-resignation_n to_o god_n which_o abraham_n as_o far_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o he_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o for_o he_o do_v set_v himself_o to_o part_n with_o his_o all_o without_o murmur_v and_o expostulate_v and_o dispute_v for_o some_o such_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o say_n that_o he_o rise_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o immediate_o go_v about_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n command_n though_o without_o doubt_n a_o man_n of_o his_o human_a and_o tender_a affection_n can_v not_o but_o feel_v pain_n in_o receive_v this_o command_n of_o god_n and_o a_o uneasy_a struggle_v between_o his_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o his_o affection_n to_o his_o child_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o delay_v his_o resolution_n to_o
himself_o as_o much_o please_v with_o our_o faith_n as_o he_o be_v with_o abraham_n and_o will_v reward_v it_o as_o effectual_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o give_v mere_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o instruction_n and_o encouragement_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o world_n end_n who_o when_o they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o do_v the_o hard_a duty_n and_o be_v never_o offend_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v i_o say_v a_o title_n to_o the_o testimony_n god_n give_v to_o abraham_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n certain_o it_o will_v be_v no_o mean_a encouragement_n to_o we_o it_o will_v raise_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o very_o great_a degree_n of_o joy_n and_o triumph_n to_o have_v god_n say_v that_o to_o we_o that_o he_o do_v to_o abraham_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o he_o once_o for_o all_o in_o behalf_n of_o all_o his_o child_n that_o shall_v tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o faith_n this_o be_v not_o a_o honour_n give_v to_o abraham_n only_o though_o to_o he_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v do_v he_o also_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o all_o religious_a and_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n wherefore_o my_o brethren_n that_o we_o may_v come_v in_o for_o some_o share_n in_o the_o praise_n and_o reward_n of_o abraham_n faith_n let_v there_o be_v in_o none_o of_o we_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n the_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n be_v the_o evil_a heart_n that_o cause_v unbelief_n i._n e._n some_o corrupt_a inclination_n some_o unmortified_a lust_n some_o carnal_a interest_n or_o other_o do_v thou_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n when_o thou_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n conceive_v how_o much_o thou_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v thy_o sin_n thy_o dear_o belove_a sin_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o slay_v it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o sacrifice_n thou_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n to_o wit_n a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n a_o heart_n clean_a from_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a lust_n do_v this_o and_o thou_o will_v find_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o god_n thy_o faith_n will_v then_o make_v thou_o to_o be_v entire_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n it_o will_v justify_v and_o support_v thou_o in_o so_o do_v and_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n will_v be_v thy_o exceed_a great_a reward_n the_o seven_o sermon_n matth_n xv._o 1_o 2_o 3._o then_o come_v to_o jesus_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n say_v why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o wash_v not_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o eat_v bread_n but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o do_v you_o also_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o your_o tradition_n though_o never_o man_n be_v so_o unreprovable_a in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o never_o be_v man_n more_o oppose_v or_o cavil_v at_o as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v abundant_o testify_v in_o that_o history_n of_o he_o which_o they_o have_v write_v for_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n make_v up_o of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v the_o good_a work_n in_o which_o he_o be_v always_o employ_v and_o the_o contradiction_n which_o he_o continual_o meet_v with_o and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o some_o instance_n of_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v record_v for_o our_o sake_n that_o they_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o they_o happen_v to_o meet_v with_o such_o opposition_n as_o their_o master_n do_v and_o likewise_o that_o by_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o cavil_n of_o his_o adversary_n they_o may_v be_v instruct_v how_o they_o shall_v defend_v themselves_o afterward_o against_o the_o like_a objection_n one_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v now_o choose_v to_o speak_v to_o then_o come_v to_o jesus_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o concern_v the_o person_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o because_o their_o character_n be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o that_o diligent_o read_v the_o gospel_n the_o scribe_n be_v the_o man_n that_o profess_v to_o teach_v the_o law_n and_o expect_v to_o have_v all_o their_o interpretation_n receive_v as_o oracle_n the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o most_o subtle_a and_o prevail_a sect_n among_o the_o scribe_n for_o though_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o that_o age_n and_o for_o some_o time_n before_o the_o scribe_n general_o agree_v in_o corrupt_v the_o law_n and_o deceive_v the_o people_n yet_o they_o have_v their_o party_n and_o faction_n among_o themselves_o the_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v a_o sect_n of_o the_o great_a power_n in_o the_o council_n and_o of_o the_o great_a reputation_n with_o the_o people_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n or_o the_o scribe_n of_o the_o pharisaical_a party_n which_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n that_o come_v to_o jesus_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o keep_v their_o school_n in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n among_o the_o pharisee_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v discourse_v to_o you_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o these_o man_n make_v against_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n second_o of_o the_o answer_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o i._o of_o the_o objection_n which_o these_o man_n make_v against_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o wash_v not_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o eat_v bread_n a_o charge_n lay_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n as_o anger_n and_o therefore_o they_o scorn_v to_o put_v any_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o answer_v it_o and_o think_v fit_a to_o challenge_v the_o master_n himself_o about_o it_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v consider_v here_o be_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o charge_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o general_a one_o illustrate_v by_o one_o particular_a instance_n the_o general_a charge_n be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o particular_a instance_n be_v that_o they_o transgress_v such_o tradition_n in_o not_o wash_v their_o hand_n before_o meat_n as_o to_o the_o general_a charge_n they_o have_v transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o what_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v the_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o the_o rule_n that_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n and_o universal_o receive_v in_o former_a age_n one_o will_v think_v therefore_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v command_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o by_o a_o uncontrollable_a tradition_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n for_o near_o two_o thousand_o year_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o meaning_n under_o these_o word_n as_o they_o use_v they_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o by_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n they_o mean_v no_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n for_o faith_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v express_v in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o such_o doctrine_n as_o not_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n be_v deliver_v down_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o constant_a usage_n from_o father_n to_o son_n and_o so_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o and_o thus_o josephus_n tell_v we_o antiq._n 13.13_o that_o the_o first_o and_o main_a principle_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v that_o they_o deny_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o be_v write_v which_o concern_v religion_n the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o their_o sect_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a law_n a_o oral_a law_n and_o a_o write_a law_n a_o law_n deliver_v from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o well_o as_o a_o law_n deliver_v in_o such_o book_n as_o have_v authority_n from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o gain_v reverence_n to_o these_o tradition_n they_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o
in_o those_o error_n than_o it_o have_v be_v and_o perhaps_o utter_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v they_o among_o christian_n without_o destroy_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o such_o caution_n have_v be_v necessary_a a_o thousand_o time_n as_o many_o more_o have_v be_v necessary_a too_o for_o so_o many_o addition_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n must_v have_v be_v make_v as_o there_o be_v way_n of_o elude_v and_o pervert_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o have_v provide_v express_o against_o they_o all_o will_v have_v make_v the_o bible_n a_o more_o voluminous_a book_n than_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v for_o whoever_o write_v or_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o possible_a way_n of_o be_v mistake_v or_o have_v his_o word_n pervert_v according_a to_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o a_o hour_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v his_o explication_n may_v be_v pervert_v too_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o god_n have_v not_o provide_v express_a caution_n against_o all_o possible_a mistake_v and_o abuse_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o worship_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v all_o honest_a person_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n though_o not_o sufficient_a to_o exclude_v all_o cavil_v and_o abuse_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o all_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n must_v necessary_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o he_o require_v constant_o a_o certain_a temper_n of_o mind_n consist_v of_o humility_n sincerity_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n be_v his_o true_a disciple_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o peculiar_a probity_n or_o teachable_a spirit_n a_o mind_n ready_a to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v all_o duty_n these_o be_v the_o sheep_n that_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o the_o ground_n that_o will_v receive_v his_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n such_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v hear_v and_o understand_v and_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o will_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o reject_v it_o with_o some_o colour_n for_o so_o do_v or_o to_o pervert_v it_o if_o they_o once_o admit_v it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o deliver_v truth_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n gratify_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n or_o please_v their_o imagination_n or_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o other_o and_o than_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n which_o though_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o instruct_v and_o convince_v all_o honest_a man_n yet_o will_v not_o infallible_o bear_v down_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n now_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o error_n impatient_a of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o of_o true_a doctrine_n human_a nature_n do_v affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v well_o bear_v to_o be_v confine_v and_o it_o be_v so_o disease_a that_o it_o do_v not_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o remedy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v have_v be_v so_o tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o he_o have_v send_v it_o to_o we_o and_o doctrine_n have_v be_v teach_v which_o give_v that_o liberty_n that_o truth_n deny_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v not_o effectual_o overcome_v those_o lust_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n those_o lust_n will_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v that_o doctrine_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n licentiousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n pride_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n though_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n satisfaction_n and_o glory_n in_o draw_v many_o people_n into_o a_o party_n and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o natural_a inconstancy_n and_o waver_v of_o some_o will_v carry_v they_o away_o from_o the_o truth_n the_o natural_a stiffness_n and_o inflexibility_n of_o other_o will_v detain_v they_o in_o error_n the_o very_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o novelty_n will_v at_o first_o help_n to_o bring_v in_o some_o and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n will_v be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o able_a to_o gain_v other_o final_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o most_o man_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a ease_n of_o depend_v upon_o the_o absolute_a authority_n of_o other_o will_v give_v a_o far_a advantage_n to_o error_n which_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o examination_n and_o therefore_o discourage_v all_o person_n from_o give_v themselves_o so_o needless_a a_o trouble_n since_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o those_o for_o their_o security_n who_o can_v possible_o mislead_v they_o consider_v the_o disease_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o cure_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o all_o the_o care_n that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o restore_v mankind_n there_o will_v be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n there_o will_v be_v covetousness_n and_o injustice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v luxury_n and_o licentiousness_n there_o will_v be_v both_o inconstancy_n and_o stiffneckedness_n there_o will_v be_v laziness_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o unaptness_n for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n will_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n so_o certain_o will_v error_n get_v into_o it_o by_o degree_n and_o usurp_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v absolute_o have_v hinder_v it_o by_o his_o overrule_a power_n but_o in_o this_o say_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o and_o experience_n have_v show_v that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o make_v all_o man_n good_a by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n orthodox_n by_o a_o irresistible_a illumination_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o concern_v the_o reason_n assign_v why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o it_o may_v most_o evident_o appear_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o for_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o advance_v error_n do_v prove_v what_o man_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o will_v appear_v all_o alike_o if_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v equal_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o great_a difference_n that_o break_v out_o be_v that_o between_o the_o probity_n of_o some_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n heresy_n have_v upon_o honest_a and_o godly_a man_n while_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o hypocrite_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o ease_n their_o safety_n their_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o several_a party_n
of_o christian_n be_v each_o of_o they_o eager_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o way_n man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o examine_v their_o own_o persuasion_n more_o narrow_o and_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o more_o careful_o so_o that_o if_o they_o apprehend_v a_o mistake_n in_o themselves_o they_o quit_v it_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v and_o come_v to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o truth_n upon_o better_a ground_n than_o they_o have_v before_o and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o lead_v other_o into_o it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_n also_o the_o constancy_n of_o sincere_a person_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o that_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o this_o not_o only_o because_o a_o man_n steadfastness_n can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n but_o likewise_o because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o good_a man_n in_o comparison_n who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n if_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v not_o advance_v they_o will_v rely_v most_o upon_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o believe_a truth_n upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o argument_n but_o if_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o spread_a of_o heresy_n put_v they_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o reason_n of_o truth_n their_o steadfastness_n in_o it_o afterward_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v the_o true_a virtue_n of_o constancy_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o change_v our_o opinion_n let_v what_o will_v be_v produce_v against_o it_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o the_o most_o diligent_a examination_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o thus_o heresy_n make_v good_a man_n more_o constant_a in_o the_o truth_n by_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o it_o by_o better_a argument_n and_o clear_a evidence_n and_o they_o manifest_v their_o constancy_n to_o the_o world_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o want_v to_o shake_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o true_a believer_n by_o all_o way_n of_o temptation_n imaginable_a 3._o their_o charity_n to_o other_o be_v manifest_v also_o by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o here_o be_v occasion_n give_v to_o show_v their_o care_n of_o one_o another_o in_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a in_o give_v caution_n to_o the_o confident_a and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a all_o which_o be_v noble_a instance_n of_o christian_a charity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o since_o their_o care_n to_o recover_v other_o from_o the_o way_n of_o error_n to_o reduce_v those_o that_o be_v go_v aside_o together_o with_o their_o endure_a contradiction_n their_o instruct_n in_o much_o patience_n their_o meekness_n towards_o those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o be_v likewise_o manifest_v upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n 4._o their_o sincerity_n do_v likewise_o appear_v in_o another_o respect_n viz._n of_o defend_v truth_n with_o truth_n only_o and_o a_o good_a cause_n by_o innocence_n and_o honest_a mean_n without_o make_v use_n of_o fraud_n of_o lie_n of_o false_a accusation_n of_o false_a principle_n of_o unconcluding_a argument_n of_o any_o disingenuous_a art_n without_o make_v advantage_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o other_o which_o one_o thing_n make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o that_o be_v honest_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o all_o which_o instance_n do_v express_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o reason_n for_o which_o god_n have_v still_o suffer_v heresy_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o their_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o it_o that_o their_o constancy_n in_o profess_v it_o that_o their_o charity_n to_o those_o that_o be_v and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o mislead_v and_o their_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n in_o assert_v truth_n and_o appear_v for_o it_o by_o none_o but_o lawful_a method_n and_o just_a argument_n may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o good_a man_n so_o there_o be_v other_o benefit_n arise_v from_o it_o for_o instance_n 1._o that_o the_o belief_n of_o true_a doctrine_n come_v hereby_o to_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a and_o firm_a ground_n than_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v be_v discover_v if_o opposition_n have_v not_o oblige_v honest_a man_n to_o dig_v the_o deep_a for_o they_o and_o this_o we_o have_v note_v already_o 2._o that_o by_o the_o way_n many_o profitable_a truth_n come_v to_o be_v discover_v which_o have_v otherwise_o lie_v hide_v the_o scripture_n come_v to_o be_v better_o understand_v and_o the_o more_o obscure_a passage_n of_o it_o to_o be_v reasonable_o well_o interpret_v all_o which_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n opposition_n whet_v the_o industry_n and_o set_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o wit_n of_o all_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o whilst_o bad_a man_n be_v concern_v to_o find_v out_o all_o the_o way_n of_o support_a error_n the_o good_a and_o honest_a be_v no_o less_o employ_v to_o arm_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o arrive_v at_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a compass_n of_o understanding_n in_o divine_a matter_n than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v constrain_v to_o undermine_v the_o approach_n of_o error_n last_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o all_o heresy_n whatsoever_o show_v they_o also_o the_o necessity_n of_o recommend_v true_a opinion_n to_o the_o world_n by_o more_o orthodox_n live_v by_o walk_v more_o wary_o and_o circumspect_o by_o set_v better_a example_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o show_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o true_a doctrine_n to_o make_v man_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o god_n suffer_v heresy_n to_o prevail_v most_o in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o all_o that_o be_v friend_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n to_o justify_v his_o cause_n by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o the_o best_a life_n and_o now_o he_o be_v something_o to_o blame_v that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n since_o they_o have_v their_o good_a use_n and_o consequence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o and_o this_o especial_o to_o try_v the_o honesty_n of_o man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n which_o will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v extreme_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o common_o the_o more_o heresy_n there_o be_v the_o more_o certain_o be_v this_o trial_n make_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v that_o yet_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n have_v its_o manifold_a mischief_n and_o misery_n attend_v upon_o it_o it_o breed_v scandal_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o diversion_n of_o atheist_n and_o unbeliever_n it_o nourish_v discord_n and_o animosity_n it_o remove_v the_o contentious_a far_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o make_v the_o study_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n forget_v it_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o authority_n it_o produce_v fraud_n and_o force_n unfaithfulness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o have_v make_v man_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o christian_n fox_n and_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o heresy_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o consequence_n very_o great_a evil_n but_o then_o they_o be_v such_o evil_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n such_o as_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o have_v their_o good_a consequence_n as_o well_o as_o their_o bad_a one_o and_o the_o good_a that_o be_v wrought_v out_o of_o they_o be_v weighty_a enough_o to_o overbalance_v the_o evil_a for_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o
of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o manifest_a token_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o of_o his_o indignation_n at_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o passage_n in_o st._n peter_n the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v you_o therefore_o sober_a and_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n 1_o pet._n 4.7_o not_o that_o this_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v not_o come_v in_o person_n as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v because_o he_o appear_v by_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n in_o part_n which_o will_v with_o incomparable_o great_a perfection_n be_v do_v at_o the_o last_o i.e._n to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o to_o save_v his_o own_o people_n for_o the_o incorrigibleness_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o their_o incurable_a hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o obstinate_a persecution_n of_o it_o be_v dreadful_o punish_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o only_o all_o escape_v out_o of_o it_o before_o the_o roman_a army_n come_v against_o it_o but_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o they_o gain_v also_o a_o very_a considerable_a rest_n from_o persecution_n for_o some_o time_n after_o and_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o wonderful_a providence_n be_v call_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v all_o power_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v he_o that_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n such_o remarkable_a revolution_n as_o that_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o save_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v call_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o passage_n as_o that_o be_v be_v call_v his_o come_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n no_o less_o than_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o order_v they_o as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o order_v all_o thing_n then_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n then_o though_o in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o come_n he_o will_v come_v but_o once_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o this_o improper_a sense_n of_o it_o his_o appearance_n to_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n and_o to_o save_v his_o people_n that_o trust_n in_o he_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v often_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i._n e._n as_o often_o as_o his_o providence_n do_v signal_o and_o remarkable_o appear_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o wicked_a one_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o personal_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o his_o destruction_n shall_v be_v so_o remarkable_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o all_o shall_v confess_v it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o worldly_a policy_n but_o no_o less_o the_o do_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o if_o himself_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o whenever_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n cover_v the_o earth_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n when_o those_o magnificent_a prediction_n be_v fulfil_v concern_v the_o universal_a prevalence_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n among_o man_n with_o which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v plentiful_o furnish_v and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n then_o also_o be_v it_o true_a that_o the_o lord_n come_v i.e._n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o providence_n to_o renew_v and_o reform_v a_o degenerate_a world_n that_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o perdition_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o i_o have_v show_v do_v principal_o signify_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a revolution_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o come_v in_o his_o own_o person_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n do_v also_o signify_v the_o remarkable_a work_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o punish_v some_o and_o save_v other_o even_o in_o this_o life_n now_o 2._o how_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o other_o clause_n will_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o the_o eartb_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o question_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n but_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o parable_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o that_o go_v before_o the_o design_n of_o both_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o that_o be_v to_o say_v god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n take_v their_o cause_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o then_o say_v our_o saviour_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n i._n e._n notwithstanding_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o interpose_v for_o they_o that_o depend_v upon_o he_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o these_o promise_v find_v up-upon_a the_o earth_n even_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v to_o fulfil_v they_o the_o great_a part_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v be_v surprise_v with_o that_o day_n without_o any_o preparation_n for_o it_o or_o expectation_n of_o it_o many_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o throw_v off_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n will_v think_v to_o secure_v themselves_o by_o flattery_n and_o hypocrisy_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a man_n other_o will_v despair_v of_o any_o better_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o very_o few_o will_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o save_v they_o few_o will_v strengthen_v themselves_o in_o god_n by_o cry_v to_o he_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o put_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a and_o strong_a reason_n they_o have_v from_o his_o word_n so_o to_o do_v nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n observe_v that_o immediate_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a fall_v away_o from_o christian_a piety_n and_o charity_n nay_o and_o the_o world_n shall_v begin_v once_o more_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o and_o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a but_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v thereby_o intimate_v that_o it_o will_v be_v some_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n to_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n thus_o also_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v plain_o mean_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n before_o which_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n satan_n be_v to_o be_v loose_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o to_o go_v out_o and_o to_o deceive_v the_o nation_n and_o to_o gather_v they_o together_o against_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v remarkable_o true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o
want_v to_o maintain_v it_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n god_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o mankind_n with_o a_o flood_n and_o save_v noah_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a generation_n when_o their_o prosperity_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n he_o call_v abraham_n forth_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a providence_n be_v pledge_n of_o the_o same_o care_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n when_o the_o faithful_a seem_v to_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n while_o god_n seem_v to_o let_v the_o world_n alone_o and_o to_o suffer_v all_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n as_o if_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v at_o what_o they_o do_v he_o be_v all_o the_o while_n try_v and_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o for_o his_o own_o information_n for_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o if_o he_o at_o every_o turn_n shall_v interpose_v when_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a we_o shall_v very_o seldom_o know_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sometime_o see_v whether_o man_n be_v what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v whether_o indeed_o they_o be_v concern_v for_o that_o truth_n for_o which_o they_o have_v once_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n whether_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v or_o by_o mere_a worldly_a and_o politic_a consideration_n for_o such_o discovery_n as_o these_o be_v very_o instruct_v and_o serve_v for_o the_o bring_n about_o of_o much_o good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n because_o while_o he_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o go_v on_o as_o if_o he_o mind_v it_o not_o he_o be_v try_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o faith_n and_o upon_o the_o trial_n many_o be_v discover_v not_o to_o have_v it_o in_o short_a divine_a providence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n that_o it_o then_o most_o of_o all_o show_v itself_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o it_o regard_v nothing_o i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o will_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o convince_a act_n of_o providence_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o one_o forerunner_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o question_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o now_o the_o use_n of_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o prayer_n be_v faith_n in_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o time_n when_o these_o fail_n than_o ought_v man_n always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v i.e._n they_o ought_v always_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o believe_v his_o promise_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o will_v turn_v to_o good_a account_n for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v gracious_a to_o all_o and_o much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o if_o they_o do_v all_o this_o than_o they_o will_v always_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a i.e._n and_o not_o be_v discourage_v and_o if_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v then_o also_o when_o they_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o earth_n nay_o than_o most_o of_o all_o because_o when_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n be_v great_a we_o shall_v the_o most_o of_o all_o strengthen_v ourselves_o by_o recourse_n to_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o to_o this_o instance_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n must_v go_v 1._o a_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o worldly_a interest_n whatsoever_o for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o faith_n to_o go_v to_o god_n who_o think_v of_o take_v care_n for_o himself_o without_o regard_n to_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o to_o commend_v his_o case_n to_o he_o that_o contrive_v how_o to_o shift_v for_o himself_o without_o he_o 2._o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o also_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n entitle_v himself_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v the_o particular_a blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o at_o any_o time_n if_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a for_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o matter_n after_o all_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o than_o if_o we_o obtain_v they_o we_o get_v his_o blessing_n with_o they_o too_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v his_o blessing_n without_o they_o which_o be_v the_o general_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o always_o with_o these_o disposition_n we_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a case_n to_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v assure_o come_v accompany_v with_o temporal_a one_o too_o if_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o his_o church_n to_o be_v prosperous_a than_o to_o be_v afflict_v in_o this_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o be_v when_o man_n be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o god_n correction_n and_o their_o own_o repentance_n man_n ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o their_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o fail_v of_o obtain_v what_o they_o ask_v which_o our_o saviour_n think_v good_a to_o illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n in_o the_o parable_n deliver_v before_o the_o text_n viz._n of_o a_o unjust_a judge_n that_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n who_o nevertheless_o upon_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o widow_n do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o her_o case_n much_o more_o shall_v god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o just_a god_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o right_v those_o that_o do_v at_o any_o time_n suffer_v wrong_a 2._o he_o be_v also_o the_o merciful_a god_n that_o regard_v man_n and_o when_o we_o desire_v thing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v needful_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o be_v more_o needful_a than_o what_o we_o ask_v 3._o whereas_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n seem_v to_o contemn_v the_o poverty_n and_o meanness_n of_o that_o person_n that_o sue_v to_o he_o for_o justice_n for_o which_o reason_n she_o be_v represent_v here_o to_o be_v a_o widow_n one_o of_o a_o destitute_a condition_n that_o want_v a_o patron_n to_o assert_v she_o right_o god_n who_o be_v just_a and_o good_a to_o all_o be_v particular_o gracious_a to_o his_o servant_n and_o esteem_v they_o high_o and_o no_o circumstance_n of_o meanness_n and_o distress_n which_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o can_v alter_v his_o favour_n towards_o they_o for_o all_o which_o reason_n if_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n grant_v the_o widow_n suit_n mere_o because_o she_o lie_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v troublesome_a to_o he_o much_o more_o will_v god_n to_o who_o we_o be_v never_o troublesome_a when_o we_o make_v our_o request_n know_v to_o he_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v because_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o gracious_a and_o love_v and_o pity_v we_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n the_o fourteen_o sermon_n a_o assize-sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n mary_n in_o bury_n 1678._o levit._fw-la xix_o twelve_o you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o a_o oath_n depend_v chief_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o discharge_v the_o matter_n must_v be_v worthy_a of_o that_o obligation_n which_o a_o oath_n imply_v in_o promise_v it_o must_v not_o be_v unlawful_a that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o righteousness_n
and_o curse_n of_o god_n may_v fall_v upon_o we_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o invoke_v of_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o we_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v only_o consequent_a upon_o swear_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n but_o also_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o that_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o which_o if_o it_o be_v remove_v the_o fear_n of_o perjury_n will_v be_v take_v away_o with_o it_o but_o no_o man_n doubt_v that_o appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o judge_n be_v imply_v in_o appeal_n to_o he_o as_o a_o witness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o septuagint_n sometime_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o curse_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o oath_n say_a abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n gen._n 24.41_o thou_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o this_o my_o oath_n but_o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o this_o my_o curse_n and_o this_o be_v that_o meaning_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v well_o express_v both_o by_o the_o form_n and_o rite_n of_o swear_v use_v among_o we_o the_o common_a form_n be_v this_o so_o help_v you_o god_n to_o which_o the_o party_n sworn_n give_v his_o assent_n by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o kiss_v it_o all_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o falsify_v let_v i_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n may_v i_o be_v accurse_v in_o this_o world_n and_o let_v my_o name_n be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o be_v there_o not_o good_a reason_n then_o why_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n since_o of_o all_o other_o obligation_n to_o truth_n this_o plain_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n will_v not_o be_v hold_v by_o this_o it_o will_v be_v hold_v by_o nothing_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o many_o way_n it_o may_v be_v violate_v and_o the_o gild_n of_o perjury_n incur_v it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o promissory_a or_o assertory_n but_o i_o think_v that_o in_o strictness_n every_o oath_n include_v a_o promise_n even_o the_o assertory_n oath_n by_o which_o a_o man_n bind_v himself_o to_o declare_v what_o he_o know_v concern_v some_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a or_o present_a for_o this_o oath_n include_v a_o promise_n of_o declare_v the_o truth_n concern_v it_o only_o the_o promise_n and_o performance_n be_v so_o close_o to_o each_o other_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v distinguish_v whereas_o the_o obligation_n of_o those_o oath_n we_o call_v promissory_a continue_v for_o some_o considerable_a time_n to_o come_v these_o oath_n be_v most_o take_v out_o of_o court_n of_o judicature_n such_o as_o the_o oath_n of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n to_o execute_v the_o law_n honest_o and_o to_o administer_v justice_n impartial_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o vindicate_v the_o right_n of_o the_o same_o of_o inferior_a officer_n such_o as_o churchwarden_n and_o constable_n to_o present_a offender_n and_o execute_v their_o office_n according_a to_o law_n final_o of_o subject_n to_o yield_v true_a allegiance_n and_o faithful_a subjection_n to_o the_o king_n such_o oath_n as_o these_o be_v direct_o violate_v two_o way_n first_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o honest_a intention_n at_o the_o time_n of_o swear_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o faithful_a performance_n afterward_o for_o a_o promise_n have_v a_o double_a aspect_n both_o upon_o the_o present_a intention_n and_o the_o future_a performance_n he_o that_o make_v a_o promise_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o intend_v not_o to_o perform_v be_v guilty_a of_o lie_v and_o though_o he_o intend_v at_o first_o yet_o if_o he_o willing_o neglect_v the_o performance_n afterward_o he_o have_v break_v his_o word_n therefore_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v under_o oath_n he_o be_v forswear_v in_o either_o case_n and_o if_o he_o be_v false_a in_o both_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o double_a act_n of_o perjury_n nay_o though_o the_o oath_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o his_o perjury_n may_v be_v many_o for_o so_o long_o as_o those_o circumstance_n remain_v in_o which_o the_o oath_n bind_v he_o every_o wilful_a omission_n of_o perform_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o consequent_o a_o new_a violation_n of_o it_o so_o often_o as_o he_o fail_v so_o often_o he_o be_v forswear_v as_o true_o so_o often_o as_o if_o he_o have_v every_o time_n before_o each_o guilty_a failure_n take_v the_o same_o oath_n which_o he_o bind_v himself_o withal_o at_o first_o thou_o may_v be_v swear_v once_o for_o all_o the_o year_n or_o for_o all_o thy_o life_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v forswear_v once_o for_o all_o as_o vain_a people_n talk_v for_o by_o disobey_v thy_o superior_a suppose_v thou_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o thy_o oath_n yesterday_o that_o be_v one_o perjury_n and_o shall_v thou_o do_v the_o like_a to_o morrow_n that_o will_v be_v another_o if_o thou_o be_v under_o a_o promise_v confirm_v by_o oath_n but_o not_o under_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v bind_v one_o curse_n fast_o upon_o thy_o head_n with_o another_o and_o seal_v they_o with_o a_o three_o and_o go_v on_o to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath._n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n perjury_n be_v incur_v when_o false_a witness_n be_v give_v in_o upon_o oath_n i._n e._n either_o when_o a_o man_n swear_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a or_o that_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o a_o matter_n whereof_o he_o be_v uncertain_a or_o that_o he_o declare_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o knowledge_n concern_v a_o fact_n when_o yet_o he_o conceal_v any_o part_n thereof_o in_o this_o last_o case_n the_o witness_n be_v forswear_v as_o plain_o as_o in_o the_o two_o former_a for_o his_o oath_n be_v to_o give_v in_o evidence_n not_o only_o the_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n but_o likewise_o the_o whole_a truth_n to_o answer_v such_o question_n as_o the_o court_n shall_v put_v to_o he_o therefore_o the_o witness_n be_v not_o clear_a from_o perjury_n mere_o by_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a touch_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n if_o in_o favour_n to_o either_o side_n he_o conceal_v so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o circumstance_n in_o his_o answer_n and_o deposition_n which_o he_o know_v will_v alter_v the_o case_n what_o can_v be_v plain_o he_o that_o swear_v to_o declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n be_v forswear_v if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o and_o he_o sure_o do_v it_o not_o who_o declare_v it_o in_o part_n only_o moreover_o a_o witness_n may_v incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n by_o endeavour_v to_o blind_v the_o evidence_n with_o deceitful_a shuffle_a answer_n instead_o of_o declare_v what_o he_o know_v in_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o speak_v for_o though_o the_o court_n by_o multiplying-question_n may_v screw_v out_o the_o truth_n at_o last_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o discharge_v his_o oath_n which_o oblige_v he_o not_o only_o to_o a_o actual_a and_o final_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o a_o honest_a intention_n of_o so_o do_v and_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o he_o intend_v not_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v discover_v who_o darken_v and_o hide_v it_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v much_o less_o can_v his_o oath_n be_v discharge_v by_o the_o help_n of_o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n which_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o save_v a_o lie_n be_v much_o less_o able_a to_o excuse_v from_o perjury_n the_o oath_n of_o the_o jury_n be_v a_o promissory_a oath_n to_o bring_v in_o a_o verdict_n according_a to_o evidence_n their_o oath_n may_v be_v double_o violate_v as_o be_v now_o observe_v by_o not_o intend_v so_o to_o do_v and_o by_o not_o do_v of_o it_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o jury_n be_v prepossess_v in_o favour_n of_o one_o side_n intend_v be_v the_o evidence_n what_o it_o will_v to_o use_v all_o his_o interest_n with_o the_o rest_n in_o favour_n of_o that_o that_o man_n i_o say_v be_v perjure_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v swear_v he_o have_v swear_v false_o though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v overrule_v and_o a_o honest_a verdict_n be_v bring_v in_o at_o last_o again_o if_o any_o of_o they_o intend_v honest_o at_o first_o but_o be_v afterward_o wrought_v to_o conspire_v in_o a_o verdict_n contrary_n to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v
verdict_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o this_o that_o a_o controversy_n may_v be_v righteous_o decide_v instead_o of_o establish_v some_o instance_n of_o iniquity_n by_o a_o law_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o far_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n in_o all_o these_o case_n that_o the_o oath_n which_o be_v violate_v do_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o that_o sincerity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n every_o where_o but_o to_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v particular_o demand_v by_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o justice_n and_o public_a security_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o prevent_n of_o war_n and_o the_o do_v of_o right_a but_o these_o be_v light_a aggravation_n in_o comparison_n to_o those_o that_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o particular_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n itself_o at_o least_o they_o will_v receive_v great_a weight_n from_o these_o as_o you_o shall_v see_v present_o it_o be_v a_o excess_n of_o impious_a boldness_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o a_o lie_n at_o the_o tongue_n end_n but_o swear_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n swear_v be_v a_o direct_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o to_o swear_v false_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o make_v long_a prayer_n to_o devour_v widow_n house_n but_o he_o that_o swear_v do_v not_o bare_o worship_n god_n he_o take_v he_o to_o witness_v in_o his_o behalf_n too_o so_o the_o forswear_a man_n call_v he_o to_o attest_v a_o lye_n to_o imagine_v the_o wickedness_n of_o this_o what_o will_v you_o think_v of_o a_o man_n who_o shall_v appeal_v to_o some_o worthy_a person_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o matter_n which_o he_o be_v sure_a the_o gentleman_n know_v to_o be_v a_o lie_n far_o what_o if_o he_o shall_v dare_v to_o appeal_v to_o the_o judge_n himself_o or_o to_o the_o whole_a court_n of_o judicature_n though_o he_o know_v that_o every_o one_o there_o will_v utter_o deny_v it_o however_o that_o they_o will_v not_o confess_v it_o without_o be_v liar_n like_v unto_o himself_o but_o this_o be_v a_o shameless_a insolence_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o venture_v upon_o what_o think_v you_o then_o of_o he_o that_o appeal_v to_o god_n testimony_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o lie_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n i_o say_v who_o be_v infinite_o great_a and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o more_o reverence_n than_o the_o most_o venerable_a assembly_n of_o men._n when_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o sin_n we_o sneak_v away_o from_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n the_o drunkard_n and_o the_o adulterer_n and_o the_o thief_n be_v ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o think_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o witness_n of_o their_o crime_n and_o in_o comparison_n to_o the_o false_a swearer_n they_o retire_v with_o some_o sort_n of_o modesty_n from_o his_o presence_n hide_v he_o from_o themselves_o at_o least_o though_o they_o can_v hide_v themselves_o from_o he_o it_o be_v only_o the_o forswear_a wretch_n that_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n without_o any_o shamefacedness_n that_o tell_v a_o lie_n to_o the_o very_a face_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o observe_v it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o his_o his_o own_o dishonour_n and_o yet_o a_o more_o desperate_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n be_v imply_v in_o perjury_n than_o this_o and_o that_o because_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n justice_n for_o the_o swearer_n by_o consent_v to_o fall_v under_o the_o rigour_n of_o justice_n unless_o he_o deal_v upright_o as_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o call_v himself_o off_o by_o perjury_n from_o any_o appeal_n to_o mercy_n afterward_o by_o other_o sin_n we_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o by_o this_o we_o set_v it_o at_o defiance_n the_o perjure_a man_n deprive_v himself_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v of_o the_o last_o hope_n of_o sinner_n who_o though_o they_o put_v many_o affront_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n attribute_n yet_o study_v to_o keep_v a_o reserve_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n but_o he_o throw_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o its_o utmost_a severity_n yet_o far_o through_o all_o these_o obstacle_n do_v the_o false_a swearer_n make_v his_o way_n that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o pervert_v justice_n and_o equity_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v horrible_o afraid_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o so_o much_o impiety_n if_o his_o end_n be_v to_o help_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o to_o save_v the_o poor_a from_o wrong_n or_o to_o secure_v his_o country_n out_o of_o danger_n but_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o hunt_v for_o the_o precious_a life_n when_o he_o betray_v the_o simple_a and_o protect_v the_o crafty_a or_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o faction_n or_o oppression_n for_o i_o shall_v guess_v that_o forswear_n be_v never_o practise_v but_o upon_o the_o wrong_a side_n at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v call_v in_o very_o rare_o in_o comparison_n to_o assist_v the_o right_n it_o be_v the_o unjust_a man_n that_o seek_v to_o defend_v himself_o by_o artificial_a delay_n by_o indirect_a proceed_n and_o at_o a_o dead_a lift_n by_o downright_a perjury_n while_o the_o righteous_a trust_n to_o the_o honesty_n of_o his_o cause_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o this_o if_o forswear_n shall_v be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o i_o imagine_v even_o on_o the_o right_a side_n sure_o it_o must_v be_v because_o it_o be_v so_o common_a on_o the_o wrong_n that_o nothing_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v safe_a without_o it_o behold_v then_o what_o horrible_a confusion_n it_o make_v in_o the_o world_n while_o it_o confound_v right_o and_o wrong_n truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n blot_v out_o the_o clear_a character_n by_o which_o they_o can_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o in_o court_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v this_o which_o level_v a_o honest_a cause_n with_o the_o unjust_a one_o that_o be_v advance_v against_o it_o nay_o which_o create_v confidence_n of_o success_n in_o the_o oppressor_n and_o fill_v the_o good_a man_n who_o dare_v not_o be_v damn_v with_o mistrust_n and_o fear_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v the_o fortune_n of_o verdict_n as_o uncertain_a as_o that_o of_o arm_n and_o give_v courage_n to_o the_o villain_n to_o go_v to_o law_n with_o the_o innocent_a it_o rob_v virtue_n of_o much_o of_o its_o defence_n and_o security_n in_o this_o world_n and_o put_v power_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o malicious_a and_o afford_v protection_n to_o the_o murderer_n and_o the_o traitor_n the_o detestable_a effect_n thereof_o in_o the_o present_a life_n can_v be_v describe_v but_o by_o the_o cry_v of_o the_o oppress_a the_o sigh_n of_o orphan_n the_o tear_n of_o widow_n the_o ruin_n of_o family_n and_o the_o shed_n of_o innocent_a blood_n and_o though_o every_o man_n that_o dare_v be_v forswear_v have_v not_o arrive_v thus_o far_o in_o do_v mischief_n yet_o he_o only_o want_v a_o gainful_a opportunity_n or_o a_o unlucky_a provocation_n and_o then_o a_o devil_n to_o put_v it_o into_o his_o head_n to_o conclude_v what_o shall_v i_o say_v far_o to_o enkindle_v your_o zeal_n against_o a_o sin_n already_o swell_v into_o so_o vast_a a_o bigness_n but_o this_o that_o so_o far_o as_o it_o prevail_v it_o be_v always_o likely_a to_o intercept_v between_o we_o and_o the_o most_o happy_a influence_n of_o the_o honourable_a judge_n wâ—â—_n they_o come_v to_o we_o full_o of_o the_o invaluable_a blessing_n of_o government_n they_o in_o who_o good_a subject_n and_o wrong_a innocent_n expect_v to_o meet_v with_o powerful_a patron_n while_o none_o but_o the_o criminal_a and_o seditious_a shrink_v away_o with_o shame_n and_o fear_n who_o to_o the_o state_n bring_v along_o with_o they_o peace_n by_o decide_v our_o controversy_n and_o plenty_n and_o honour_n and_o safety_n by_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n who_o to_o the_o church_n bring_v the_o security_n of_o her_o patrimony_n and_o right_n make_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o justice_n to_o bear_v good_a proportion_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v not_o only_o from_o the_o king_n but_o by_o he_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o most_o welcome_a messenger_n of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n for_o the_o people_n who_o from_o the_o sovereign_n convey_v life_n and_o spirit_n through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n return_v the_o same_o in_o grateful_a loyalty_n and_o duty_n from_o his_o subject_n and_o in_o their_o blessing_n
share_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n be_v rule_v by_o a_o principle_n that_o do_v not_o only_o improve_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o nature_n but_o mend_n what_o be_v bad_a in_o it_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o to_o observe_v humane_a law_n since_o the_o law_n of_o man_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o restrain_v people_n from_o be_v intolerable_o bad_a and_o such_o as_o humane_a society_n can_v bear_v he_o that_o believe_v in_o god_n submit_v to_o just_a authority_n for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o the_o case_n have_v often_o happen_v when_o for_o the_o same_o conscience_n sake_n such_o a_o one_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n by_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o the_o law_n of_o man_n require_v which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o human_a authority_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n and_o that_o we_o must_v live_v by_o a_o high_a principle_n than_o that_o of_o obedience_n to_o man_n if_o we_o live_v in_o all_o respect_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v something_o more_o than_o to_o govern_v our_o intention_n and_o action_n by_o do_v well_o for_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n for_o although_o integrity_n and_o well-doing_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o duty_n be_v general_o the_o best_a way_n to_o prosperity_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o sometime_o the_o contrary_n happen_v and_o more_o be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o flattery_n and_o falsehood_n than_o by_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n that_o still_o make_v man_n do_v base_a and_o wicked_a thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o regard_n of_o our_o ease_n and_o advantage_n here_o can_v be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v bring_v every_o other_o reason_n of_o do_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o trial_n every_o other_o reason_n beside_o that_o of_o faith_n will_v be_v find_v very_o defective_a and_o insufficient_a and_o such_o as_o will_v lead_v a_o man_n to_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a as_o it_o happen_v but_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n with_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o his_o perfection_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n make_v a_o man_n every_o way_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v because_o it_o show_v he_o all_o his_o duty_n and_o oblige_v he_o to_o all_o his_o duty_n and_o while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o be_v steady_a in_o the_o right_a way_n not_o to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o it_o by_o any_o temptation_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v opportunity_n invite_v or_o danger_n threaten_v what_o temptation_n soever_o set_v upon_o he_o he_o will_v say_v with_o joseph_n how_o can_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n set_v aside_o faith_n it_o may_v bear_v dispute_n whether_o it_o be_v adviseable_a or_o no_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o case_n to_o do_v what_o become_v a_o righteous_a and_o virtuous_a man_n but_o let_v a_o man_n live_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o fight_n of_o thy_o eye_n and_o the_o imagination_n of_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o pleasure_n nothing_o but_o wealth_n and_o greatness_n but_o the_o splendour_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o gratify_n of_o a_o lust_n this_o liberty_n may_v possible_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v not_o so_o very_o unreasonable_a but_o know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o judgement_n that_o to_o be_v sure_o turn_v the_o case_n and_o answer_v every_o objection_n against_o our_o duty_n and_o every_o argument_n for_o any_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n do_v all_o his_o duty_n otherwise_o be_v good_a in_o all_o kind_n and_o in_o every_o place_n where_o his_o business_n lie_v or_o where_o his_o temptation_n lie_v for_o god_n be_v in_o all_o his_o thought_n in_o all_o his_o affair_n in_o all_o his_o company_n and_o in_o his_o retirement_n from_o company_n god_n word_n be_v with_o he_o that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o show_v he_o his_o duty_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o which_o show_v he_o the_o reward_n of_o do_v what_o be_v command_v and_o the_o punishment_n of_o disobedience_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o presence_n be_v with_o he_o that_o sense_n which_o fill_v he_o with_o life_n and_o joy_n in_o well-doing_n especial_o where_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v very_o great_a and_o which_o will_v dismay_v he_o and_o make_v he_o a_o burden_n to_o himself_o if_o he_o shall_v act_v contrary_a to_o his_o clear_a and_o settle_a judgement_n of_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o short_a to_o walk_v with_o god_n be_v to_o be_v universal_o good_a and_o righteous_a which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v but_o he_o who_o live_v by_o faith_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v god_n himself_o encourage_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o go_v on_o in_o his_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o hitherto_o he_o have_v do_v walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a chap._n 17_o v._o 1._o that_o be_v be_v thou_o still_o rule_v by_o my_o word_n still_o believe_v my_o promise_n and_o trust_v my_o providence_n and_o in_o all_o that_o thou_o do_v be_v mindful_a of_o this_o that_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o and_o then_o shall_v thou_o be_v perfect_a a_o example_n to_o all_o generation_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o of_o piety_n and_o of_o all_o good_a work_n no_o less_o than_o of_o a_o firm_a faith_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n prov._n 16.6_o and_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o life_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o snare_n of_o death_n prov._n 14.27_o and_o st._n john_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1_o john_n 5.4_o i_o have_v thus_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o character_n of_o enoch_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n viz._n that_o his_o regard_n to_o god_n be_v the_o overrule_a principle_n of_o all_o his_o action_n and_o that_o because_o he_o be_v govern_v by_o faith_n he_o live_v also_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o all_o relation_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o make_v a_o man_n in_o every_o respect_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v i_o proceed_v 2._o to_o say_v something_o concern_v the_o end_n he_o make_v in_o this_o world_n he_o be_v not_o for_o god_n take_v he_o which_o place_n be_v thus_o explain_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 11._o v._n 5._o that_o enoch_n be_v translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n and_o be_v not_o find_v because_o god_n have_v translate_v he_o i._n e._n he_o die_v not_o but_o be_v translate_v alive_a into_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a surprise_n to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o he_o live_v who_o by_o his_o sudden_a removal_n from_o they_o and_o their_o hear_n no_o more_o of_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o have_v take_v he_o to_o a_o better_a life_n now_o that_o which_o we_o be_v in_o this_o place_n to_o consider_v be_v the_o instruction_n so_o singular_a a_o act_n of_o providence_n afford_v to_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v these_o two_o end_n to_o which_o it_o manifest_o serve_v viz._n that_o that_o age_n may_v be_v awaken_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o life_n by_o so_o surprise_v a_o testimony_n thereof_o as_o this_o be_v and_o withal_o that_o they_o may_v by_o so_o sensible_a a_o argument_n be_v lead_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o true_a reward_n of_o piety_n and_o integrity_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o a_o better_a 1._o there_o be_v this_o instruction_n in_o the_o translation_n of_o enoch_n which_o the_o world_n can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o there_o be_v undoubted_o another_o life_n after_o this_o to_o which_o he_o be_v take_v soul_n and_o body_n have_v leave_v no_o part_n of_o himself_o behind_o he_o here_o as_o other_o mortal_n do_v and_o by_o this_o time_n such_o a_o instruction_n be_v grow_v very_o needful_a for_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o its_o youth_n and_o vigour_n be_v grow_v old_a enough_o for_o man_n to_o forget_v their_o creator_n and_o to_o abandon_v themselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o a_o voluptuous_a and_o dissolute_a life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o uncertain_a conjecture_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o enoch_n be_v translate_v but_o sixty_o nine_o year_n before_o noah_n be_v bear_v in_o
who_o time_n mankind_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o intolerable_a degree_n of_o licentiousness_n that_o god_n send_v the_o flood_n to_o sweep_v all_o away_o but_o eight_o person_n now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v overspread_v with_o such_o monstrous_a vice_n all_o of_o a_o sudden_a but_o that_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o humane_a degeneracy_n corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o of_o principle_n too_o come_v on_o by_o degree_n and_o consequent_o that_o in_o enoch_n time_n who_o be_v translate_v little_o less_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o creation_n there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a decay_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n every_o where_o that_o man_n be_v general_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o beautiful_a and_o charm_a place_n which_o the_o earth_n be_v before_o the_o flood_n and_o forget_v their_o creator_n and_o have_v lose_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o infinite_o better_a world_n which_o adam_n and_o the_o religious_a patriarch_n have_v by_o revelation_n from_o god_n give_v they_o assurance_n of_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o when_o for_o the_o reason_n now_o mention_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v sink_v into_o debauchery_n and_o perhaps_o into_o infidelity_n too_o enoch_n be_v a_o steady_a pattern_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o whilst_o most_o man_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o the_o best_a be_v much_o to_o blame_v he_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o live_v above_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n have_v god_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o another_o life_n and_o a_o better_a life_n in_o his_o hope_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o reasonable_a to_o conceive_v that_o god_n intend_v by_o this_o surprise_v testimony_n of_o translate_n enoch_n alive_o into_o a_o better_a world_n to_o convince_v the_o unbelieving_a to_o awaken_v the_o inconsiderate_a and_o to_o call_v off_o that_o voluptuous_a age_n from_o these_o brutish_a debauchery_n to_o mind_v better_a thing_n and_o to_o prepare_v for_o a_o better_a life_n especial_o since_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o very_a instruct_v admonition_n that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v upon_o this_o very_a example_n of_o enoch_n that_o god_n i_o say_v reward_v his_o piety_n not_o with_o give_v he_o a_o long_a life_n in_o that_o pleasant_a world_n but_o in_o another_o which_o be_v therefore_o a_o place_n more_o happy_a and_o desirable_a than_o the_o earth_n be_v even_o in_o that_o delicious_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o before_o the_o flood_n have_v make_v as_o strange_a a_o alteration_n in_o that_o as_o it_o make_v in_o the_o age_n of_o man_n life_n that_o god_n i_o say_v shall_v take_v he_o alive_a out_o of_o this_o world_n when_o it_o abound_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n and_o this_o at_o the_o age_n of_o 365_o year_n when_o he_o be_v but_o a_o young_a man_n as_o the_o world_n be_v then_o young_a in_o proportion_n than_o we_o be_v now_o at_o 30_o when_o he_o be_v in_o full_a vigour_n and_o capacity_n for_o all_o the_o entertainment_n of_o sense_n which_o the_o earth_n afford_v even_o to_o luxury_n and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o last_v for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n to_o come_v that_o god_n shall_v translate_v he_o under_o these_o circumstance_n to_o another_o life_n after_o he_o have_v serve_v he_o with_o a_o constant_a piety_n in_o his_o young_a year_n and_o live_v among_o man_n with_o a_o unreprovable_a innocence_n and_o virtue_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o demonstration_n to_o all_o that_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o that_o world_n to_o which_o he_o be_v translate_v be_v a_o better_a world_n than_o that_o from_o which_o he_o be_v take_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o understand_v this_o instruction_n god_n take_v he_o not_o away_o by_o the_o common_a mean_n of_o mortality_n since_o if_o he_o have_v die_v that_o vicious_a age_n will_v have_v impute_v that_o change_n to_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o to_o a_o divine_a providence_n reward_v so_o excellent_a a_o man_n with_o so_o early_a a_o removal_n to_o a_o better_a life_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v take_v away_o alive_a that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o question_v the_o power_n that_o do_v it_o or_o to_o mistake_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v do_v that_o they_o may_v know_v enoch_n have_v obtain_v a_o reward_n from_o god_n suitable_a to_o that_o life_n that_o he_o have_v live_v here_o and_o to_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o he_o have_v live_v and_o in_o which_o he_o have_v wrought_v righteousness_n be_v remove_v from_o hence_o to_o pleasure_n more_o pure_a and_o ravish_a than_o all_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o a_o word_n they_o may_v have_v see_v and_o for_o some_o time_n it_o be_v like_a they_o acknowledge_v it_o though_o they_o soon_o fall_v back_o again_o that_o the_o great_a business_n of_o mankind_n here_o be_v to_o live_v in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o reward_v they_o that_o do_v so_o with_o the_o pleasure_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n but_o with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o better_a and_o now_o have_v say_v thus_o much_o concern_v the_o extraordinary_a character_n of_o enoch_n and_o the_o singular_a end_n it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v with_o he_o in_o this_o world_n i_o have_v yet_o more_o to_o do_v by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o that_o 1._o to_o propound_v the_o example_n of_o enoch_n and_o such_o as_o he_o be_v who_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o our_o imitation_n and_o 2._o to_o propound_v though_o not_o the_o manner_n yet_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o reward_n for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v 1._o to_o propound_v his_o example_n as_o a_o example_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o worthy_a of_o our_o imitation_n and_o be_v withal_o a_o imitable_a example_n a_o example_n that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o a_o example_n not_o too_o hard_o to_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o imitation_n appear_v both_o from_o that_o life_n to_o which_o his_o faith_n lead_v he_o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o principle_n itself_o by_o which_o he_o live_v as_o to_o the_o life_n whereunto_o it_o lead_v it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a honest_a lovely_a of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n praise_n of_o justice_n faithfulness_n temperance_n government_n of_o passion_n wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o recommend_v the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o yet_o 2._o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o best_a whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o our_o concernment_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n what_o be_v our_o dependence_n upon_o this_o world_n to_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v endure_v beyond_o this_o life_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o what_o be_v our_o fortune_n till_o we_o die_v to_o our_o eternal_a state_n after_o death_n it_o be_v not_o our_o mere_a nature_n but_o our_o relation_n to_o god_n that_o make_v we_o considerable_a and_o we_o be_v very_o abject_a creature_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o live_v a_o sensual_a life_n for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o to_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o or_o 2._o whether_o we_o consider_v faith_n as_o a_o persuasion_n ground_v upon_o rational_a evidence_n that_o be_v such_o evidence_n as_o require_v a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a and_o clear_a judgement_n to_o perceive_v but_o which_o not_o bear_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n distinguish_v between_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o honest_a on_o one_o side_n and_o unteachable_a person_n on_o the_o other_o a_o believer_n do_v of_o all_o man_n make_v the_o most_o proper_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n because_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n not_o upon_o immediate_a bodily_a sight_n but_o upon_o a_o mean_n of_o conviction_n suit_v to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n or_o 3._o whether_o we_o consider_v faith_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o secure_v a_o happy_a enjoyment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n of_o which_o i_o need_v to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a support_n of_o man_n mind_n under_o all_o the_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o that_o which_o can_v make_v we_o easy_a under_o they_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a in_o every_o condition_n that_o the_o example_n of_o these_o man_n who_o have_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o walk_v with_o
make_v we_o nor_o any_o authority_n that_o one_o can_v have_v over_o another_o equal_a to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v over_o we_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v meek_o submit_v to_o his_o chastisement_n and_o be_v content_a to_o receive_v not_o only_o that_o good_a which_o we_o have_v not_o deserve_v but_o that_o evil_a also_o which_o we_o have_v deserve_v at_o his_o hand_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 3._o to_o confess_v the_o truth_n when_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n happen_v they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v always_o very_o profitable_a to_o we_o they_o make_v we_o to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o sin_n and_o they_o dispose_v we_o to_o repentance_n for_o a_o great_a truth_n it_o be_v and_o we_o may_v happy_o know_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v our_o way_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o our_o prosperity_n which_o trouble_v we_o in_o our_o adversity_n when_o joseph_n brethren_n be_v bring_v into_o distress_n themselves_o than_o they_o can_v say_v very_o we_o be_v guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n and_o therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o our_o fault_n do_v not_o much_o trouble_v we_o when_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o give_v we_o disturbance_n and_o in_o this_o case_n affliction_n do_v well_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o they_o again_o we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o feel_v our_o need_n of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v be_v round_o about_o we_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o our_o shame_n that_o piety_n and_o prosperity_n be_v seldom_o find_v together_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o when_o we_o be_v full_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v god_n but_o in_o our_o affliction_n we_o seek_v he_o early_o not_o but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v grow_v more_o impious_a under_o the_o chastisement_n of_o god_n as_o ahab_n do_v but_o then_o this_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o infamy_n upon_o he_o that_o in_o his_o distress_n he_o wax_v worse_a and_o worse_o this_o be_v that_o king_n ahab_n we_o shall_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o life_n teach_v we_o patience_n a_o quality_n very_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o continual_a ease_n and_o fullness_n and_o enjoy_v all_o that_o we_o will_v have_v incline_v we_o to_o be_v soft_a and_o hard_o to_o be_v please_v every_o little_a thing_n almost_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o passion_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v always_o let_v we_o alone_o we_o shall_v make_v great_a trouble_n to_o ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o small_a disappointment_n and_o when_o affliction_n happen_v to_o we_o in_o good_a earnest_n our_o very_a impatience_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o need_v they_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o wisdom_n and_o a_o good_a temper_n god_n trial_n make_v we_o able_a to_o bear_v what_o once_o we_o can_v not_o they_o correct_v the_o intemperance_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o give_v we_o a_o firmness_n of_o mind_n they_o bring_v our_o contentment_n within_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o make_v it_o more_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o be_v happy_a than_o it_o be_v before_o and_o therefore_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n know_v that_o tribulation_n work_v patience_n rom._n 5.3_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o disengage_v our_o affection_n from_o worldly_a thing_n more_o than_o we_o be_v well_o able_a to_o do_v it_o without_o they_o for_o it_o be_v indulgence_n that_o make_v we_o fond_a of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n but_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v take_v away_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o be_v content_a without_o it_o and_o by_o satisfy_v ourselves_o wheh_a we_o have_v lose_v one_o we_o learn_v to_o moderate_v our_o desire_n about_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v a_o good_a that_o recompense_v all_o the_o grief_n we_o endure_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o especial_o since_o it_o lead_v to_o another_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o moderate_n of_o our_o love_n to_o this_o life_n itself_o which_o when_o we_o feel_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o care_n and_o trouble_v as_o well_o as_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n we_o grow_v more_o reconcile_v to_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n which_o put_v a_o end_n as_o well_o to_o the_o trouble_n as_o to_o the_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n all_o which_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o even_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v add_v that_o whatever_o duty_n be_v necessary_a to_o this_o great_a end_n we_o shall_v perform_v they_o most_o careful_o for_o when_o by_o experience_n we_o be_v convince_v how_o foolish_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o think_v of_o find_v a_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n or_o indeed_o any_o thing_n that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o happiness_n we_o shall_v seek_v for_o a_o more_o solid_a and_o endure_a substance_n for_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o solicitous_a to_o secure_v that_o rest_n and_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o a_o better_a life_n when_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v here_o we_o be_v not_o so_o deep_o affect_v with_o the_o danger_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n as_o with_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o they_o they_o be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n but_o we_o do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v jealous_a of_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n but_o when_o we_o lose_v they_o we_o be_v easy_o sensible_a that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v and_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o we_o must_v take_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o perish_a thing_n and_o grow_v wise_a to_o salvation_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o evil_n of_o life_n do_v not_o only_o offer_v good_a consideration_n to_o our_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v proper_a mean_n to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o consider_a temper_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o full_a weight_n of_o they_o they_o cure_v we_o of_o the_o levity_n and_o easiness_n of_o mind_n which_o grow_v out_o of_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o indispose_v we_o to_o dwell_v for_o any_o long_a time_n upon_o wise_a and_o profitable_a thought_n final_o the_o patience_n and_o the_o godly_a manner_n of_o bear_v evil_n and_o the_o good_a use_n we_o make_v of_o they_o work_v the_o increase_n of_o our_o reward_n especial_o if_o we_o endure_v grief_n suffer_v wrongful_o and_o most_o of_o all_o if_o we_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n peter_n make_v no_o doubt_n to_o say_v be_v thankworthy_a and_o it_o turn_v so_o great_o to_o our_o account_n that_o instead_o of_o mention_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n fit_a to_o discourage_v and_o deject_v his_o disciple_n our_o saviour_n bid_v they_o to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o say_v he_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n 4._o as_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n be_v for_o our_o good_a so_o god_n mean_v and_o design_n they_o for_o our_o good_a too_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o good_a use_n which_o may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o but_o god_n intend_v it_o when_o he_o send_v they_o and_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o do_v not_o grow_v the_o better_a for_o they_o david_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o that_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o he_o confess_v that_o god_n in_o very_a faithfulness_n have_v afflict_v bim_n i._n e._n meaning_n all_o the_o advantage_n to_o he_o which_o he_o have_v gain_v for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v say_v god_n do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n not_o mere_o to_o make_v we_o feel_v pain_n and_o trouble_v but_o because_o our_o good_a require_v it_o physic_n be_v sometime_o as_o necessary_a for_o we_o as_o food_n and_o though_o it_o be_v bitter_a we_o do_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o he_o that_o administer_v it_o because_o it_o be_v administer_v for_o our_o health_n either_o for_o the_o cure_n or_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o a_o disease_n and_o shall_v we_o take_v it_o in_o ill_a part_n from_o god_n when_o for_o the_o health_n and_o improvement_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o give_v we_o wholesome_a though_o sharp_a medicine_n he_o give_v we_o food_n raiment_n plenty_n peace_n and_o health_n that_o we_o may_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o good_a thing_n serve_v he_o with_o thankfulness_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n we_o have_v to_o rejoice_v in_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o his_o send_n who_o intend_v they_o not_o for_o snare_n but_o for_o blessing_n to_o we_o when_o therefore_o he_o take_v any_o of_o they_o away_o he_o do_v it_o with_o the_o same_o good_a meaning_n