have_v in_o store_n for_o all_o honest_a mind_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o it_o show_v a_o infallible_a way_n to_o single_a person_n and_o to_o community_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o bless_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o will_v rather_o have_v expect_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v foretell_v that_o no_o man_n in_o any_o age_n will_v ever_o set_v himself_o to_o oppose_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n if_o likewise_o we_o observe_v what_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n god_n approve_v and_o own_v it_o by_o how_o high_o reasonable_a the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v and_o how_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n yet_o be_v once_o reveal_v do_v satisfy_v our_o reason_n and_o approve_v themselves_o to_o it_o how_o evident_a the_o 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a_o terrible_a prejudice_n a_o secret_a enemy_n against_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o his_o heart_n rise_v with_o as_o much_o anger_n against_o that_o doctrine_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o pursue_v his_o worldly_a and_o fleshly_a desire_n as_o he_o will_v but_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v they_o as_o herod_n when_o he_o take_v his_o brother_n wife_n express_v against_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o have_v she_o man_n nature_n affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v confine_v it_o be_v disease_v and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o likely_a enough_o that_o very_o many_o will_v reject_v the_o physician_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o very_a remedy_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v send_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n my_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v can_v but_o make_v we_o very_o uneasy_a and_o unquiet_a while_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v reform_v because_o it_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o all_o our_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n it_o forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o dreadful_a sentence_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o a_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o venture_v in_o which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o man_n that_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n and_o lover_n of_o gain_n can_v easy_o admit_v a_o doctrine_n which_o give_v they_o as_o much_o uneasiness_n and_o disturbance_n as_o if_o the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n be_v always_o turn_v towards_o their_o very_a heart_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o endure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v it_o and_o persecute_v it_o and_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v it_o by_o find_v out_o other_o way_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n than_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god._n it_o be_v this_o that_o have_v make_v way_n for_o satisfactory_a commutation_n merit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o all_o those_o device_n which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n to_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o entangle_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o rain_n fall_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n thereof_o that_o be_v it_o suffer_v a_o irreparable_a ruin._n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v no_o way_n frame_v to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o ambitious_a and_o worldly-minded_n man_n or_o to_o help_v they_o in_o pursue_v those_o end_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o will_v be_v by_o some_o or_o other_o mould_v for_o that_o purpose_n when_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o world_n no_o other_o principle_n of_o morality_n no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o be_v equal_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v and_o follow_v a_o common_a good_a and_o a_o equal_a benefit_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o for_o let_v they_o prevail_v without_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n be_v secure_v and_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n to_o subject_n neighbour-nation_n shall_v give_v strength_n and_o confidence_n instead_o of_o create_v jealousy_n to_o one_o another_o the_o master_n shall_v be_v better_o serve_v and_o the_o servant_n better_o use_v the_o church_n by_o her_o doctrine_n and_o spiritual_a authority_n will_v be_v a_o guard_n to_o the_o state_n and_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n protection_n from_o it_o here_o be_v no_o design_n in_o christianity_n to_o set_v up_o any_o nation_n or_o party_n of_o man_n in_o opposition_n and_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o but_o it_o plain_o aim_v at_o a_o general_a good_a and_o under_o its_o penalty_n require_v all_o its_o professor_n to_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o too_o and_o condemn_v those_o who_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o among_o the_o great_a offender_n and_o this_o
our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o as_o the_o supreme_a god_n or_o not_o to_o worship_v he_o who_o real_o be_v so_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v how_o instruct_v our_o saviour_n answer_n be_v for_o when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v he_o to_o worship_v he_o jesus_n may_v have_v refuse_v it_o just_o enough_o upon_o another_o score_n that_o no_o honour_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o that_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o man_n but_o when_o omit_v that_o consideration_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o point_n in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v etc._n etc._n he_o lay_v down_o a_o rule_n to_o serve_v his_o disciple_n in_o all_o like_a case_n even_o where_o they_o may_v be_v call_v not_o to_o worship_v a_o devil_n but_o a_o saint_n not_o a_o bad_a angel_n but_o a_o good_a one_o thou_o shall_v worship_v etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v pretend_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o saint_n that_o they_o have_v great_a power_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o angel_n that_o they_o be_v his_o minister_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v with_o invocation_n and_o bodily_a worship_n by_o we_o upon_o earth_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o when_o the_o devil_n pretend_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o promise_v that_o upon_o the_o desire_n of_o jesus_n and_o a_o little_a prostration_n to_o he_o he_o will_v give_v it_o to_o he_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o give_v he_o that_o answer_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o particular_a case_n as_o that_o he_o be_v a_o lie_v and_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o such_o acknowledgement_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o but_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o suppose_v it_o idolatry_n to_o pay_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o any_o other_o create_v be_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o because_o the_o notion_n of_o idolatry_n be_v of_o necessity_n the_o same_o under_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n since_o without_o any_o new_a notion_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v jew_n preach_v against_o idolatry_n we_o can_v go_v a_o better_a way_n to_o work_v to_o confute_v this_o pretence_n that_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v one_o supreme_a god_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n than_o by_o observe_v what_o be_v count_v idolatry_n under_o the_o law._n 1._o now_o we_o read_v 1_o king._n 11._o that_o solomon_n in_o his_o old_a age_n turn_v away_o his_o heart_n and_o worship_v other_o god_n viz._n ashtore_v and_o milcom_a and_o chemosh_fw-mi and_o molech_n these_o be_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o the_o israelite_n and_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o the_o service_n of_o idol_n be_v idolatry_n but_o now_o do_v solomon_n renounce_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n so_o he_o must_v have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o modern_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n or_o else_o he_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v plain_a scripture_n so_o he_o do_v not_o for_o mark_v what_o be_v say_v v._n 4._o his_o wife_n turn_v away_o his_o heart_n after_o other_o god_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n as_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o david_n his_o father_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o quite_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o perfect_o with_o he_o and_o that_o because_o he_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n only_o but_o serve_v other_o god_n beside_o again_o v._o 5_o 6._o solomon_n go_v after_o ashtore_v the_o goddess_n of_o the_o zidonian_o and_o after_o milcom_a the_o abomination_n of_o the_o amonite_n and_o solomon_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o go_v not_o full_o after_o the_o lord_n as_o do_v david_n his_o father_n now_o can_v that_o be_v say_v of_o one_o that_o utter_o renounce_v the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a lord_n that_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o go_v full_o after_o the_o lord_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o need_v no_o illustration_n to_o be_v short_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o worship_n be_v esteem_v and_o condemn_v as_o idolatry_n 1._o to_o worship_v other_o being_n with_o the_o true_a god_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o solomon_n now_o mention_v and_o of_o the_o samaritan_n 2_o king_n 17.41_o who_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v their_o grave_a image_n their_o own_o gods._n 2._o to_o worship_v idol_n only_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o ahab_n and_o manasseh_n who_o have_v give_v over_o the_o service_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o without_o all_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o but_o for_o all_o that_o they_o addict_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o service_n of_o false_a gods._n 3._o the_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n by_o a_o material_a image_n or_o representation_n of_o he_o such_o for_o instance_n be_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n which_o the_o israelite_n intend_v for_o a_o representation_n of_o that_o god_n which_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n as_o it_o evident_o appear_v from_o the_o proclamation_n exod._n 32._o these_o be_v thy_o god_n or_o this_o be_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o aaron_n build_v a_o altar_n before_o it_o and_o make_v a_o proclamation_n and_o say_v to_o morrow_n be_v a_o feast_n to_o jehovah_n or_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o vain_a it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o israelite_n fall_v to_o the_o egyptian_a idolatry_n thus_o much_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o grant_v that_o the_o israelite_n miss_v moses_n take_v that_o very_a representation_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n which_o they_o have_v see_v in_o egypt_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o egyptian_n themselves_o be_v without_o any_o sense_n or_o apprehension_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n but_o that_o the_o israelite_n fall_v to_o downright_a egyptian_a superstition_n and_o copy_v all_o that_o they_o have_v learn_v in_o egypt_n be_v undeniable_o false_a from_o this_o one_o argument_n that_o the_o israelite_n offer_v burnt-offering_n and_o bring_v peace-offering_n unto_o the_o image_n they_o have_v set_v up_o and_o as_o jeroboam_n do_v afterward_o they_o offer_v bullock_n and_o ram_n to_o the_o idol_n which_o beast_n be_v among_o the_o egyptian_n hold_v sacred_a be_v never_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o idol_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n god_n command_v they_o to_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o so_o that_o the_o israelite_n in_o their_o sacrifice_a follow_v their_o rule_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n only_o but_o miss_v moses_n they_o will_v have_v a_o visible_a representation_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o for_o worship_v it_o they_o be_v call_v idolater_n and_o punish_v as_o such_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o calf_n of_o dan_n and_o bethel_n which_o jeroboam_n do_v set_v up_o the_o worship_v of_o which_o be_v call_v idolatry_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o all_o he_o pretend_v be_v that_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o the_o israelite_n to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n behold_v say_v he_o thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n 1_o king_n 12.28_o he_o do_v not_o forsake_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o follow_v other_o god_n but_o he_o set_v up_o material_a image_n or_o representation_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o it_o be_v his_o idolatry_n to_o worship_v they_o hence_o the_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o in_o israel_n do_v not_o charge_v the_o worshipper_n of_o this_o sort_n for_o deserter_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n though_o they_o inveigh_v against_o their_o altar_n but_o when_o ahab_n fall_v to_o worship_v other_o god_n it_o be_v particular_o note_v of_o he_o that_o he_o do_v therein_o what_o jeroboam_n do_v not_o do_v this_o latter_a sort_n of_o idolatry_n be_v lay_v to_o ahab_n charge_n 1_o kin._n 16.31_o to_o wit_n that_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o small_a thing_n for_o he_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_n the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la he_o go_v and_o serve_v baal_n and_o worship_v he_o from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o whereas_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o beware_v of_o idolatry_n my_o dear_o belove_a flee_v from_o idolatry_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o the_o like_a they_o be_v jew_n must_v necessary_o by_o idolatry_n mean_v the_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n by_o image_n or_o give_v any_o
divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o any_o honour_n due_a to_o god_n only_o give_v that_o i_o say_v to_o any_o other_o be_v how_o excellent_a soever_o although_o they_o that_o do_v so_o do_v believe_v and_o worship_v the_o supreme_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n all_o the_o while_n for_o by_o idolatry_n they_o can_v understand_v nothing_o but_o what_o go_v for_o idolatry_n under_o the_o law_n see_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o alter_v but_o it_o continue_v just_a the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v before_o as_o these_o very_a word_n do_v witness_n thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v but_o as_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o argument_n by_o distinguish_v between_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n so_o i_o shall_v now_o close_v it_o by_o compare_v they_o together_o idolatry_n be_v indeed_o a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n because_o it_o give_v away_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o another_o but_o atheism_n be_v a_o worse_o because_o that_o be_v a_o renounce_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n they_o who_o do_v not_o serve_v the_o lord_n only_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a impiety_n but_o they_o who_o do_v not_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o at_o all_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a impiety_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o worship_v angel_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o saint_n to_o adore_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o adore_v the_o virgin_n be_v in_o part_n to_o forsake_v god_n and_o our_o saviour_n but_o neither_o to_o worship_n or_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n no_o nor_o to_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v utter_o to_o forsake_v he_o and_o to_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o i_o do_v not_o say_v to_o extenuate_v the_o crime_n of_o idolatry_n but_o to_o give_v every_o thing_n its_o due_a and_o to_o leave_v this_o impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n that_o by_o how_o much_o more_o we_o inveigh_v against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o other_o because_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o give_v some_o of_o god_n glory_n to_o his_o creature_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o devout_a and_o in_o very_o good_a earnest_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n least_o by_o degree_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o spirit_n of_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n and_o be_v whole_o estrange_v from_o god_n which_o be_v a_o worse_a case_n than_o solomon_n be_v who_o fall_v into_o the_o idolatry_n of_o his_o neighbour_n fall_v under_o this_o character_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o go_v not_o full_o after_o he_o to_o conclude_v since_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v our_o happiness_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o go_v on_o to_o worship_n god_n only_o and_o to_o be_v sure_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o worship_v he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o slothful_a in_o religion_n but_o earnest_n and_o fervent_a lest_o we_o forsake_v god_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o irreligion_n which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o damnable_a as_o idolatry_n let_v it_o appear_v by_o our_o whole_a conversation_n that_o we_o do_v indeed_o worship_v the_o god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o only_o have_v power_n to_o bless_v we_o to_o protect_v and_o keep_v we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o reward_v we_o with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o forever_o the_o six_o sermon_n gen._n xxii_o 12._o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o in_o these_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o thing_n i._o god_n testimony_n concern_v abraham_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n ii_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o this_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o be_v ground_v which_o be_v his_o offering_n his_o son_n isaac_n to_o god_n because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n this_o i_o say_v be_v god_n testimony_n concern_v he_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n it_o seem_v plain_a that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o do_v sometime_o appear_v to_o the_o patriarch_n for_o the_o word_n be_v see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o i._n e._n from_o god_n it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o who_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n the_o matter_n god_n testify_v of_o he_o be_v that_o he_o fear_v god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o his_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o that_o he_o be_v affect_v suitable_o thereunto_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o phrase_n use_v to_o comprehend_v all_o pious_a affection_n towards_o he_o and_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o same_o latitude_n with_o faith_n the_o praise_n whereof_o be_v ascribe_v to_o abraham_n by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hehrew_n the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v add_v be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o to_o fear_n god_n be_v to_o fear_v he_o as_o god_n that_o be_v before_o and_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o consequent_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o incomparable_o and_o infinite_o more_o than_o upon_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o other_o be_v finite_a god_n only_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n testify_v of_o abraham_n in_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o but_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v this_o testimony_n of_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n wherein_o we_o find_v he_o do_v now_o know_v i_o that_o thou_o fear_v god_n now_o i._n e._n now_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o for_o do_v not_o god_n know_v the_o integrity_n of_o abraham_n heart_n before_o be_v not_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o do_v he_o need_v our_o outward_a action_n that_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o temper_n and_o intention_n by_o they_o it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o one_o another_o thought_n but_o by_o our_o word_n and_o deed_n but_o have_v god_n no_o other_o way_n yes_o without_o all_o doubt_n he_o that_o know_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o even_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v within_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v but_o why_o then_o do_v he_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o say_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o speak_n and_o converse_v with_o one_o another_o for_o we_o with_o great_a propriety_n use_v such_o expression_n as_o these_o upon_o such_o extraordinary_a occasion_n if_o from_o my_o friend_n that_o have_v always_o profess_v great_a kindness_n to_o i_o i_o receive_v some_o notable_a benefit_n in_o my_o distress_n not_o without_o hazard_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o i_o to_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o he_o love_v i_o now_o i_o know_v he_o be_v indeed_o a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a friend_n though_o i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o before_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o confirmation_n and_o strengthen_n of_o my_o belief_n that_o in_o comparison_n thereto_o i_o may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o it_o before_o in_o allusion_n to_o such_o expression_n it_o be_v that_o god_n use_v these_o word_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n not_o in_o intimation_n of_o his_o have_v now_o gain_v great_a assurance_n of_o abraham_n integrity_n than_o he_o have_v before_o abraham_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o have_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o worship_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o god_n see_v all_o along_o that_o he_o be_v a_o upright_a man_n and_o this_o no_o less_o before_o he_o be_v bid_v to_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n than_o after_o he_o have_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o slay_v he_o upon_o the_o
altar_n and_o therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o and_o no_o more_o the_o thing_n be_v now_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a to_o all_o that_o thou_o fear_v god._n but_o why_o will_v god_n have_v abraham_n faith_n make_v so_o plain_a and_o unquestionable_a why_o must_v such_o a_o trial_n as_o this_o be_v make_v since_o it_o can_v not_o be_v to_o let_v god_n into_o a_o more_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o abraham_n than_o he_o have_v before_o i_o answer_v it_o must_v be_v either_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o abraham_n himself_o or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o or_o for_o both_o let_v we_o first_o see_v what_o advantage_n the_o success_n of_o this_o trial_n be_v to_o abraham_n himself_o and_o 1._o i_o think_v we_o need_v not_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a man_n all_o along_o yet_o even_o this_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o chapter_n make_v he_o yet_o a_o great_a and_o a_o better_a man_n than_o he_o be_v before_o for_o so_o it_o be_v that_o as_o by_o bad_a action_n bad_a man_n grow_v worse_o so_o by_o good_a one_o good_a man_n grow_v better_a and_o by_o exceed_v and_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o virtue_n they_o grow_v much_o better_a 2._o abraham_n be_v indeed_o conscious_a before_o of_o his_o own_o integrity_n yet_o when_o god_n put_v he_o upon_o so_o severe_a a_o trial_n as_o this_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n though_o it_o do_v not_o add_v to_o god_n assure_a knowledge_n of_o abraham_n integrity_n yet_o it_o add_v to_o the_o assurance_n which_o abraham_n have_v of_o himself_o for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o certainty_n in_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o man_n and_o though_o abraham_n be_v well_o assure_v before_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n yet_o his_o quit_n himself_o so_o well_o upon_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o occasion_n can_v not_o but_o add_v to_o his_o assurance_n and_o that_o be_v one_o advantage_n that_o all_o good_a man_n have_v by_o those_o particular_a trial_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o happen_v common_o that_o how_o hard_o soever_o they_o be_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o if_o they_o behave_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o gain_v this_o satisfaction_n by_o it_o to_o be_v more_o certain_o persuade_v of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n and_o doubtless_o abraham_n leave_v no_o ordinary_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v obey_v god_n require_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n especial_o since_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v he_o to_o gather_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o sincerity_n from_o his_o obedience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_v but_o do_v also_o add_v a_o particular_a revelation_n to_o give_v he_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v have_v i_o know_v say_v he_o that_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o so_o he_o have_v the_o assurance_n of_o so_o concern_v a_o point_n from_o god_n himself_o not_o only_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o joy_n but_o that_o this_o example_n may_v yield_v good_a instruction_n to_o other_o who_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v such_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o answer_n that_o although_o this_o trial_n of_o abraham_n faith_n can_v add_v nothing_o to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v of_o his_o sincerity_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o other_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o try_v and_o that_o upon_o his_o good_a and_o worthy_a carriage_n under_o it_o god_n shall_v so_o plain_o and_o particular_o testify_v his_o integrity_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o mind_n attentive_o the_o instruction_n that_o abraham_n example_n and_o god_n approve_v his_o sincerity_n afford_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o point_n of_o instruction_n i_o shall_v name_n be_v this_o that_o that_o faith_n in_o god_n which_o will_v gain_v his_o approbation_n and_o reward_n be_v a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith._n when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n himself_o vouchsafe_v upon_o so_o eminent_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o of_o abraham_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n when_o i_o say_v himself_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v to_o such_o a_o expression_n as_o this_o now_o know_v i_o that_o thou_o fear_v i_o as_o if_o the_o matter_n hitherto_o have_v be_v uncertain_a to_o he_o what_o can_v we_o make_v less_o of_o it_o than_o that_o god_n take_v this_o opportunity_n nay_o that_o god_n make_v this_o opportunity_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o who_o shall_v not_o bring_v forth_o the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n shall_v be_v reckon_v of_o by_o he_o as_o one_o that_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o no_o fear_n of_o god_n at_o all_o and_o what_o be_v thus_o true_a of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v true_a of_o trust_n in_o god_n too_o i_o have_v already_o note_v that_o what_o be_v here_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o hebrew_n call_v faith_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o fear_n of_o god_n our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o almightiness_n his_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o sovereignty_n will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o regard_v or_o own_v by_o he_o unless_o it_o do_v produce_v a_o conformity_n of_o our_o action_n to_o his_o will_n but_o we_o shall_v on_o the_o contrary_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v he_o at_o all_o the_o argument_n be_v very_o strong_a that_o our_o faith_n separate_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o expect_v from_o we_o will_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o faith_n it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v for_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n a_o belief_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o his_o power_n and_o his_o holiness_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o something_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o they_o viz._n such_o a_o belief_n as_o be_v accompany_v with_o some_o awe_n dread_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n but_o if_o faith_n work_v by_o inward_a fear_n and_o yet_o fail_v to_o produce_v the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o will_v not_o be_v own_v as_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n when_o we_o come_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o his_o sentence_n then_o how_o much_o less_o shall_v mere_a faith_n or_o persuasion_n be_v reckon_v as_o any_o thing_n worth_a when_o separate_v from_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o life_n and_o action_n since_o upon_o abraham_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n according_a to_o god_n command_n god_n be_v please_v to_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n we_o can_v imagine_v what_o can_v have_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o god_n voice_n but_o this_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o fear_v god._n i_o will_v not_o therefore_o dispute_v nay_o i_o need_v not_o dispute_v whether_o a_o man_n who_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n depart_v from_o his_o duty_n whether_o he_o i_o say_v may_v not_o yet_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o to_o stand_v in_o some_o awe_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n for_o whether_o this_o may_v be_v true_o say_v or_o not_o yet_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o his_o acceptance_n with_o god_n god_n will_v not_o own_o that_o to_o be_v faith_n or_o fear_v or_o trust_v or_o love_n or_o dependence_n upon_o god_n which_o do_v not_o produce_v the_o do_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o command_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o try_v our_o obedience_n in_o any_o notable_a instance_n wherefore_o those_o word_n wherein_o god_n condescend_v to_o our_o manner_n of_o speak_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n be_v a_o natural_a intimation_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o nothing_o will_v pass_v with_o he_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o produce_v a_o conformable_a practice_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n for_o undoubted_o god_n know_v the_o integrity_n of_o abraham_n heart_n before_o and_o therefore_o since_o he_o will_v not_o give_v this_o testimony_n to_o he_o till_o he_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n and_o since_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n as_o if_o 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 prosane_a 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 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 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
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 humane_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 humane_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 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paschal_n lamb_n both_o afterward_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n again_o the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a paschal_n lamb._n nay_o the_o omission_n of_o melchisedeck_n descent_n birth_n and_o death_n do_v at_o length_n appear_v to_o hint_n this_o signification_n that_o christ_n who_o type_n he_o be_v have_v neither_o begin_n of_o day_n nor_o end_n of_o life_n so_o true_o be_v the_o old_a testament_n the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n that_o the_o very_a omission_n of_o this_o thing_n be_v prophetical_a to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o most_o illustrious_a person_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o joshua_n and_o david_n and_o solomon_n be_v design_v by_o divine_a providence_n to_o represent_v beforehand_o by_o lively_a resemblance_n what_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v and_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v afterward_o and_o the_o most_o memorable_a passage_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o israelite_n together_o with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o levititical_a service_n be_v clear_a and_o natural_a type_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o of_o a_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o thing_n under_o he_o foretell_v in_o thing_n as_o other_o prophecy_n do_v in_o word_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a plenty_n of_o prediction_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v christ_n and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o general_a head_n by_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v so_o overrule_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v light_o turn_v ourselves_o any_o way_n but_o we_o
plain_a faith_n a_o pure_a and_o simple_a worship_n and_o for_o a_o few_o mystery_n no_o more_o than_o god_n have_v make_v and_o for_o make_v charity_n and_o purity_n the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o but_o general_o speak_v people_n be_v for_o be_v save_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n with_o a_o priest_n to_o administer_v they_o they_o love_v to_o be_v amuse_v and_o to_o have_v their_o imagination_n entertain_v with_o mystery_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o then_o to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n have_v receive_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a by_o it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n christianity_n do_v very_o little_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n and_o labour_n very_o much_o to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v think_v a_o religion_n fit_v only_o for_o philosopher_n be_v not_o accommodate_v enough_o to_o the_o vulgar_a unless_o it_o be_v dress_v out_o with_o more_o mystery_n and_o pageantry_n but_o then_o the_o ancient_a father_n make_v no_o 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welcome_a neither_o to_o those_o that_o teach_v nor_o to_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v for_o in_o effect_n he_o come_v to_o the_o former_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v quit_v their_o power_n and_o to_o the_o latter_a that_o they_o must_v quit_v their_o ease_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_n which_o come_v of_o evil._n and_o the_o conclusion_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o they_o it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n square_v our_o profession_n and_o our_o action_n by_o so_o false_a a_o rule_n as_o that_o of_o please_a man_n and_o gain_v the_o favour_n and_o good_a word_n of_o man_n for_o they_o may_v and_o they_o often_o have_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o often_o will_v condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o will_v justify_v those_o who_o god_n condemn_v to_o get_v favour_n and_o to_o avoid_v disgrace_n be_v a_o happiness_n which_o he_o that_o scorn_v be_v not_o wise_a but_o it_o be_v no_o rule_n for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v by_o and_o he_o that_o make_v it_o so_o can_v be_v honest_a man_n may_v condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v that_o be_v the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o man_n be_v tolerable_a if_o god_n justify_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_a that_o more_o word_n can_v make_v it_o clear_a but_o they_o may_v serve_v to_o fasten_v it_o more_o upon_o our_o mind_n let_v we_o consider_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o 1._o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n between_o god_n and_o man_n st._n paul_n meaning_n be_v that_o god_n justify_v and_o man_n condemn_v and_o to_o show_v that_o in_o comparison_n no_o body_n condemn_v in_o this_o case_n he_o put_v his_o meaning_n into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o question_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o be_v much_o trouble_v to_o be_v rail_v at_o by_o a_o slave_n if_o he_o be_v honour_v by_o a_o king._n 2._o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v how_o to_o please_v god_n because_o we_o know_v what_o profession_n and_o what_o practice_n he_o approve_v for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o they_o be_v and_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o we_o be_v secure_a also_o that_o what_o will_v please_v he_o to_o day_n will_v do_v so_o to_o morrow_n and_o that_o what_o he_o account_v good_a service_n now_o he_o will_v always_o reckon_v to_o be_v so_o for_o god_n change_v not_o and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n contradict_v himself_o he_o conceal_v no_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n from_o we_o and_o therefore_o to_o gain_v his_o favour_n we_o need_v not_o go_v forward_o and_o backward_o nor_o contradict_v ourselves_o neither_o if_o we_o study_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n as_o we_o have_v but_o one_o lord_n to_o please_v so_o he_o be_v ever_o constant_a to_o himself_o our_o way_n be_v one_o and_o plain_a and_o our_o rule_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o 3._o god_n know_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o god_n justify_v be_v true_o worthy_a he_o that_o can_v bear_v the_o allseeing_a eye_n of_o god_n be_v in_o reality_n all_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v he_o be_v that_o just_a faithful_a and_o unbiased_a man_n and_o he_o have_v that_o pure_a and_o clear_a mind_n which_o if_o we_o can_v see_v with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n we_o shall_v as_o plato_n fancy_v be_v ready_a to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n it_o man_n justify_v only_o by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o sometime_o happen_v to_o be_v please_v with_o profession_n and_o service_n where_o nothing_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o which_o be_v so_o well_o take_v a_o knave_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v win_v thanks_o from_o man_n but_o where_o god_n justify_v there_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n and_o whoever_o condemn_v such_o a_o one_o disgrace_n himself_o more_o than_o he_o 4._o if_o god_n justify_v we_o our_o own_o heart_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n acquit_v and_o absolve_v we_o say_v st._n john_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god._n and_o it_o be_v true_a on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o if_o god_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n of_o ourselves_o by_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o please_v ourselves_o by_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n we_o shall_v infallible_o make_v one_o friend_n more_o and_o that_o be_v our_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world._n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o