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aetate_fw-la repuerascam_fw-la &_o in_o cunis_fw-la vagiam_fw-la valde_fw-la recusem_fw-la if_o some_o god_n will_v offer_v i_o at_o this_o age_n to_o be_v a_o child_n again_o and_o to_o cry_v in_o the_o cradle_n i_o will_v earnest_o refuse_v it_o and_o upon_o no_o term_n accept_v it_o and_o now_o that_o my_o race_n be_v almost_o run_v and_o my_o course_n just_o finish_v how_o loath_a shall_v i_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v back_o and_o make_v to_o begin_v again_o for_o what_o advantage_n be_v there_o in_o life_n nay_o rather_o what_o labour_n and_o trouble_v be_v there_o not_o in_o it_o but_o let_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v there_o be_v certain_o some_o measure_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n and_o man_n ought_v to_o know_v when_o they_o have_v enough_o of_o it_o o_o praeclarum_fw-la diem_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o illud_fw-la animorum_fw-la consilium_fw-la caetumque_fw-la proficiscar_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la ex_fw-la hac_fw-la turbâ_fw-la &_o colluvione_fw-la discedam_fw-la o_o bless_a and_o glorious_a day_n when_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o that_o great_a council_n and_o assembly_n of_o spirit_n and_o have_v get_v out_o of_o this_o tumult_n and_o sink_v and_o if_o a_o heathen_a who_o have_v but_o some_o obscure_a glimmering_n of_o another_o life_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o depart_a soul_n can_v speak_v thus_o cheerful_o of_o death_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o who_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n v._o we_o shall_v always_o prefer_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o the_o world_n because_o it_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n infinite_o more_o valuable_a if_o so_o be_v our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o do_v survive_v in_o another_o world_n and_o we_o must_v there_o give_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o all_o the_o action_n do_v by_o we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a to_o the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v evil._n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffer_v and_o death_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n or_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o present_a loss_n and_o suffer_v to_o deny_v or_o dissemble_v our_o religion_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a in_o any_o kind_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o conscience_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o what_o will_v be_v the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o what_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v to_o i_o i_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n this_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v and_o these_o frown_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o bitter_a wrath_n and_o cruel_a malice_n of_o men._n what_o if_o to_o preserve_v this_o frail_a and_o mortal_a body_n i_o shall_v evident_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o my_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o escape_v a_o temporal_a inconvenience_n i_o forfeit_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o plunge_v myself_o into_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o wild_a bargain_n and_o a_o mad_a exchange_n for_o any_o temporal_a gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o lose_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v eternal_a and_o for_o the_o please_a of_o ourselves_o for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o arrive_v after_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n be_v over_o let_v we_o not_o by_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o stranger_n and_o the_o vicious_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o evil_a world_n bar_v ourselves_o of_o our_o hope_n and_o banish_v ourselves_o from_o that_o happy_a place_n to_o which_o we_o all_o profess_v we_o be_v go_v we_o pretend_v to_o be_v travel_v towards_o heaven_n but_o if_o we_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o destroy_v our_o own_o hope_n of_o ever_o arrive_v at_o that_o happy_a port._n we_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o our_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n if_o the_o unseen_a glory_n of_o another_o world_n do_v not_o raise_v we_o above_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n our_o faith_n and_o
word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o any_o man_n live_v so_o as_o no_o man_n that_o hearty_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v live_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v he_o do_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n than_o word_n there_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o man_n action_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o do_v best_a declare_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o man._n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v short_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o action_n to_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v 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terrify_v we_o withal_o will_v we_o but_o by_o faith_n make_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v we_o as_o very_o persuade_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o view_n how_o shall_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n and_o with_o what_o ease_n shall_v we_o resist_v and_o repel_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v seduce_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n or_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n which_o man_n fancy_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o most_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o another_o reason_n of_o this_o wrong_a choice_n be_v want_n of_o consideration_n for_o this_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n
great_a and_o conspicuous_a be_v we_o very_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v one_o day_n be_v verify_v and_o make_v good_a what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n how_o will_v the_o lively_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o set_v we_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a temptation_n that_o this_o world_n can_v assault_v we_o withal_o and_o make_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o eternity_n and_o to_o that_o solemn_a and_o dreadful_a account_n which_o we_o must_v one_o day_n make_v to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o want_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o steady_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v our_o devotion_n so_o dead_a and_o heartless_a and_o our_o resolution_n of_o do_v better_a so_o weak_a and_o inconsistent_a this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v we_o so_o easy_a a_o prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o look_v so_o much_o big_a than_o they_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o more_o tempt_a and_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o in_o all_o dispute_v betwixt_o our_o conscience_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o hold_v the_o balance_n so_o unequal_o and_o to_o put_v our_o foot_n upon_o the_o light_a scale_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o weigh_v down_o the_o other_o in_o a_o word_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o constant_a uniform_a and_o perfect_a because_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 5._o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinary_a stroke_n of_o god_n providence_n upon_o ourselves_o or_o near_a relation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o most_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o compare_v with_o abraham_n case_n it_o require_v a_o prodigious_a strength_n of_o faith_n to_o perform_v so_o miraculous_a a_o act_n of_o obedience_n 6._o and_o last_o we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o disobey_v the_o easy_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n former_a dispensation_n this_o be_v a_o grievous_a commandment_n which_o god_n give_v to_o abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n indeed_o and_o which_o of_o we_o can_v have_v be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o but_o if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v we_o to_o the_o more_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o his_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n we_o must_v after_o the_o example_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n not_o think_v much_o to_o deny_v or_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o no_o not_o life_n itself_o but_o even_o this_o which_o be_v the_o hard_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v easy_a than_o what_o god_n put_v upon_o abraham_n for_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v near_o the_o violence_n to_o nature_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o a_o good_a cause_n as_o it_o will_v do_v to_o put_v a_o child_n to_o death_n with_o our_o own_o hand_n beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a comfort_n and_o support_v and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n that_o be_v express_o promise_v to_o our_o obedience_n and_o self_n denial_n in_o such_o a_o case_n encouragement_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o very_a difficult_a duty_n easy_a and_o whilst_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n that_o may_v attend_v it_o i_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o of_o humane_a resolution_n but_o with_o all_o a_o most_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o who_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o to_o show_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o abraham_n case_n and_o we_o god_n command_v he_o to_o do_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o easy_a commandment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v effectual_o oblige_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o he_o require_v abraham_n to_o do_v for_o he_o he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n his_o only_a son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o all_o and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n for_o we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v shall_v be_v execute_v but_o one_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o that_o immense_a love_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n as_o a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n so_o the_o most_o express_a and_o lively_a type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v abraham_n offering_n up_o his_o son_n and_o as_o st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o from_o a_o ancient_a and_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o mountain_n in_o moriah_n where_o abraham_n be_v command_v to_o sacrifice_n isaac_n be_v mount_n calvary_n where_o our_o lord_n also_o be_v crucify_a and_o offer_v up_o that_o by_o this_o one_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o once_o offer_v he_o may_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o now_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o honour_n thanksgiving_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n mdclxxxvii_o before_o the_o princess_n ann._n heb._n xi_o 24_o 25._o by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n the_o text_n set_v before_o we_o a_o great_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o i_o will_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o passage_n do_v refer_v when_o moses_n be_v bear_v his_o parent_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o cruel_a law_n which_o pharaoh_n have_v make_v that_o all_o the_o male_a child_n of_o the_o hebrew_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n after_o they_o have_v hide_v he_o three_o month_n do_v at_o last_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n upon_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o commit_v he_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o they_o despair_v to_o conceal_v any_o long_o by_o their_o own_o care_n pharaoh_n daughter_n come_v by_o the_o river_n side_n espy_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o and_o guess_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hebrew_n child_n call_v for_o a_o hebrew_n nurse_n to_o take_v care_n of_o he_o who_o as_o the_o prviodence_n of_o god_n have_v order_v it_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o child_n be_v own_o mother_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o pharaoh_n daughter_n take_v care_n of_o his_o education_n in_o all_o princely_a quality_n and_o adopt_v he_o for_o her_o son_n and_o pharaoh_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o be_v without_o son_n design_v he_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n moses_n refuse_v this_o great_a offer_n but_o why_o do_v he_o refuse_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v present_v to_o he_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v about_o in_o so_o strange_a a_o manner_n and_o when_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v probable_o have_v have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v ease_v the_o israelite_n of_o their_o cruel_a bondage_n and_o perhaps_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o reduce_v that_o great_a kingdom_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a god_n
present_a in_o hope_n to_o have_v more_o trouble_n afterward_o than_o the_o pleasure_n come_v to_o but_o especial_o no_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n in_o hope_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o afterward_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o such_o sin_n without_o restitution_n and_o it_o be_v perfect_a madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n in_o hope_n of_o restore_v it_o again_o for_o so_o he_o must_v do_v that_o true_o repent_v of_o such_o a_o sin_n but_o 2._o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o will_v certain_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n how_o quiet_o soever_o a_o sinner_n may_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n or_o out_o of_o it_o misery_n will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o in_o the_o next_o unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a misery_n arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sharp_a pain_n and_o those_o sad_o aggravate_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o future_a ease_n from_o a_o sad_a apprehension_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n upon_o his_o inestimable_a loss_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o miserable_a sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o wicked_a depart_v from_o i_o sinner_n be_v not_o now_o sensible_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o estimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o loss_n but_o this_o stupidity_n and_o insensibleness_n of_o sinner_n continue_v only_o during_o this_o present_a state_n which_o afford_v man_n variety_n of_o object_n and_o pleasure_n to_o divert_v and_o entertain_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n they_o will_v then_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n but_o the_o sad_a condition_n into_o which_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v plunge_v themselves_o they_o shall_v then_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n at_o once_o see_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o feel_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o torment_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o beside_o the_o apprehension_n of_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n they_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sore_a and_o sharp_a pain_n and_o how_o grievous_a those_o shall_v be_v we_o may_v conjecture_v by_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o they_o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a displeasure_n of_o anger_n and_o omnipotence_n meet_v together_o far_o great_a than_o can_v be_v describe_v by_o any_o pain_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n one_o will_v think_v this_o be_v misery_n enough_o and_o need_v no_o frather_o aggravation_n but_o yet_o it_o have_v two_o terrible_a one_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n make_v present_a suffering_n more_o sharp_a and_o sensible_a for_o as_o nothing_o commend_v pleasure_n more_o and_o give_v a_o quick_a relish_n to_o happiness_n than_o precedent_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n than_o in_o the_o sudden_a ease_n which_o a_o man_n find_v after_o a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o stone_n so_o nothing_o enrage_v affliction_n more_o and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o misery_n than_o to_o pass_v into_o great_a pain_n immediate_o out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n this_o be_v the_o sting_a aggravation_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n torment_n that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o have_v receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o have_v fair_v so_o delicious_o every_o day_n but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o all_o be_v the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o duration_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o such_o expression_n as_o do_v signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n matth._n 25._o and_o mark_v 9_o 43._o where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o in_o the_o revel_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o intermission_n and_o without_o end_n and_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o misery_n for_o a_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n and_o to_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o ever_o find_v the_o least_o ease_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v thing_n together_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o will_v certain_o overtake_v they_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o wise_a man_n choice_n and_o indeed_o the_o choice_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v strange_o forsake_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o blind_v by_o sense_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o will_v probable_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o there_o remain_v now_o only_a the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n suppose_v this_o choice_n to_o be_v reasonable_a to_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o make_v a_o quite_o contrary_a choice_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o wide_o mistake_v as_o to_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o conscience_n and_o religion_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o as_o brief_a a_o account_n as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n this_o wrong_a choice_n general_o proceed_v from_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o from_o want_n of_o consideration_n or_o of_o both_o 1._o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n be_v unbelief_n either_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o recompense_n of_o another_o life_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o man_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v he_o that_o think_v of_o be_v religious_a must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v infidel_n as_o to_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o great_a many_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o waver_a their_o faith_n be_v rather_o negative_a they_o do_v not_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o their_o faith_n be_v rather_o a_o opinion_n than_o a_o root_a and_o well_o ground_a persuasion_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a a_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o like_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o other_o worthy_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o where_o faith_n be_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n it_o will_v have_v proportionable_a effect_n upon_o the_o resolution_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o where_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a it_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o efficacy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o forsake_fw-mi religion_n and_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n choose_v rather_o to_o sin_n than_o to_o suffer_v and_o will_v rather_o quit_v the_o truth_n than_o endure_v persecution_n for_o it_o these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v who_o receive_v receive_v the_o
of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o enâ—â—â—ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o however_o he_o come_v by_o they_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o the_o other_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o wise_a man._n he_o have_v embrace_v his_o religion_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o exhortation_n and_o caution_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a establish_v in_o the_o truth_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v â—n_o nothing_o terrifle_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o that_o if_o occasion_n be_v we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o or_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o this_o profession_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o which_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 17._o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n and_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n hold_v fast_o say_v he_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o st._n judas_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n