affliction_n and_o persecution_n and_o follow_v he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o holiness_n &_o purity_n in_o the_o straight_a way_n and_o then_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n he_o shall_v have_v a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o this_o life_n with_o persecution_n that_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o hundred_o fold_n if_o he_o miss_v of_o such_o increase_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o eternal_a glory_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v now_o we_o must_v sit_v down_o &_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v as_o luke_o 14.28.31_o christ_n teach_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o he_o that_o build_v a_o tower_n and_o of_o the_o king_n that_o go_v to_o warfare_n now_o thus_o to_o choose_v our_o religion_n to_o espouse_v the_o christian_a faith_n for_o better_a for_o worse_a to_o take_v the_o sweat_n with_o the_o bitter_a the_o cross_n with_o the_o crown_n this_o be_v another_o act_n wherein_o this_o choice_n stand_v 3._o act_n be_v a_o settle_a purpose_n and_o full_a resolution_n to_o live_v and_o die_v therein_o to_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v thereto_o even_o to_o the_o end_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n to_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n as_o we_o read_v joshua_n his_o resolution_n i_o and_o my_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n we_o be_v resolve_v who_o ever_o depart_v from_o jehovah_n we_o will_v cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o as_o the_o disciple_n john_n 6._o when_o many_o forsake_v christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n their_o lord_n say_v unto_o they_o and_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o peter_n answer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n whether_o shall_v we_o go_v for_o thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n alack_o if_o we_o draw_v back_o from_o the_o lord_n his_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o we_o we_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n but_o if_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n life_n and_o death_n be_v before_o we_o herein_o as_o moses_n tell_v the_o israelite_n if_o we_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o fear_v he_o and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o than_o life_n but_o if_o we_o turn_v from_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n and_o way_n than_o death_n all_o a_o man_n righteousness_n shall_v be_v forget_v he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o sin_n thus_o in_o these_o three_o act_n stand_v the_o right_a choose_n of_o a_o man_n religion_n chap._n iii_o consideration_n evidence_v it_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o have_v show_v wherein_o this_o wise_a choose_n one_o religion_n stand_v and_o what_o act_n must_v concur_v thereto_o we_o come_v next_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o his_o religion_n he_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o this_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o the_o ensue_a consideration_n 1._o the_o necessity_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o if_o so_o wisdom_n shall_v direct_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a now_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n we_o can_v live_v without_o god_n act_n 17.28_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n and_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a than_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v god_n and_o worship_n he_o in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n there_o be_v such_o principle_n of_o religion_n engrave_v in_o he_o that_o can_v be_v raze_v out_o that_o have_v teach_v the_o very_a heathen_n to_o worship_v a_o deity_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v worse_o than_o heathen_n yea_o become_v very_a beast_n and_o below_o man_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n beside_o it_o be_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n by_o his_o write_a law_n give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o they_o adore_v worship_n and_o serve_v he_o he_o expect_v it_o as_o a_o homage_n from_o they_o and_o will_v not_o loose_v his_o glory_n such_o atheist_n be_v accurse_v by_o he_o as_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n &_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o some_o such_o atheist_n have_v be_v find_v who_o in_o their_o prosperity_n forget_v god_n whilst_o they_o can_v better_o shift_v without_o he_o yet_o in_o their_o misery_n and_o danger_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o mariner_n in_o the_o ship_n with_o jonah_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a to_o choose_v the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n 2._o there_o be_v many_o false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o may_v soon_o be_v impose_v on_o and_o delude_v if_o we_o make_v not_o a_o wise_a choice_n of_o our_o religion_n there_o be_v many_o lord_n and_o many_o god_n so_o call_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8.5_o though_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o live_a and_o true_a god_n there_o be_v many_o way_n of_o religion_n heathenism_n mahometanism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n and_o among_o christian_n how_o many_o different_a way_n this_o day_n scarce_o to_o be_v number_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deceive_v in_o former_a time_n of_o old_a the_o whole_a world_n almost_o follow_v false_a god_n except_o israel_n at_o this_o day_n some_o observe_v if_o the_o world_n be_v divide_v into_o thirty_o part_n nineteen_o of_o they_o be_v heathen_a idolater_n six_o be_v mahometan_n some_o though_o inconsiderable_a jew_n and_o only_o the_o other_o five_o part_n of_o the_o thirty_o be_v christian_n and_o how_o many_o different_a way_n be_v among_o they_o protestant_n papist_n muscovite_n greek_n in_o europe_n beside_o multitude_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o admit_v many_o subdivision_n among_o themselves_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o whereupon_o our_o great_a interest_n depend_v on_o the_o right_a choose_n one_o religion_n or_o our_o mistake_n about_o it_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n life_n or_o death_n depend_v deut._n 32.46_o 47._o in_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n man_n use_v much_o deliberation_n and_o make_v the_o wise_a choice_n they_o can_v how_o necessary_a be_v it_o here_o that_o opinion_n or_o dream_n that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o religion_n if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o it_o be_v more_o become_v turk_n than_o christian_n they_o say_v there_o be_v three_o banner_n whereby_o man_n be_v conduct_v to_o heaven_n moses_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n but_o we_o christian_n know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o one_o viz._n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n to_o be_v save_v by_o but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n act_v 4.12_o indeed_o many_o lesser_a difference_n may_v be_v among_o they_o that_o hold_v that_o one_o faith_n they_o may_v hold_v the_o head_n christ_n and_o yet_o differ_v in_o small_a thing_n with_o safety_n to_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o build_v on_o the_o foundation_n and_o cornerstone_n jesus_n christ_n hearty_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v according_a to_o they_o though_o they_o add_v thereto_o the_o hay_n stubble_n and_o wood_n of_o small_a error_n they_o may_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o these_o 1_o cor._n 3.15_o salvation_n may_v be_v have_v among_o several_a fort_n of_o christian_n that_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v pious_o and_o charitable_o whether_o lutheran_n calvinist_n arminian_n anabaptist_n episcopal_n presbyterian_a independent_a etc._n etc._n these_o be_v not_o different_a religion_n but_o different_a form_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n wherein_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n be_v dress_v up_o in_o different_a habit_n but_o where_o any_o differ_v in_o fundamental_o and_o even_o turn_v to_o another_o religion_n to_o another_o gospel_n or_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o galatian_n as_o too_o many_o sect_n among_o we_o be_v find_v to_o do_v viz_o papist_n socinian_o quaker_n etc._n etc._n those_o i_o mean_v who_o be_v thorough_o such_o not_o all_o that_o ignorant_o adhere_v to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v foolish_a charity_n to_o flatter_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o such_o way_n if_o live_v and_o die_v according_a to_o those_o corrupt_a principle_n because_o they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o damnable_a heresy_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o now_o this_o be_v clear_a that_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o espouse_v the_o right_a religion_n what_o
up_o and_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o &_o to_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o chap._n ii_o show_v wherein_o this_o wise_a choose_v our_o religion_n stand_v &_o what_o act_n concur_v thereunto_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o discourse_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o choice_n wherein_o it_o stand_v and_o what_o thing_n necessary_o must_v concur_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o intend_v to_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n election_n or_o choose_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n proceed_v from_o the_o previous_a knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o among_o diverse_a way_n or_o mean_v propound_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o some_o end_n it_o do_v resolve_v upon_o some_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o it_o will_v add_v here_o unto_o and_o make_v use_n of_o for_o that_o purpose_n in_o particular_a choose_v once_o religion_n be_v also_o a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n arise_v from_o the_o previous_a knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n discern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n whereby_o among_o the_o many_o different_a religion_n or_o way_n of_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n and_o of_o attain_v unto_o happiness_n with_o he_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n do_v pitch_n and_o resolve_v upon_o one_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o with_o rejection_n of_o all_o other_o with_o full_a purpose_n to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o and_o even_o venture_v a_o man_n salvation_n and_o happiness_n on_o it_o here_o be_v 3_o act_n wherein_o this_o right_a choose_n one_o religion_n do_v stand_v to_o be_v explain_v in_o order_n 1._o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n judge_a and_o discern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o will_n choose_v and_o its_o excellency_n above_o all_o thing_n that_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o for_o to_o a_o right_a choice_n of_o the_o will_v the_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n must_v proceed_v it_o must_v know_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o discern_v it_o good_a or_o else_o it_o be_v but_o a_o blind_a choice_n not_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o a_o man_n may_v else_o embrace_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a the_o will_n when_o be_v act_n regular_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n this_o tell_v what_o be_v good_a and_o then_o what_o choose_v as_o the_o palate_n judge_v of_o what_o it_o taste_v and_o then_o the_o stomach_n or_o appetite_n crave_v it_o so_o must_v the_o understanding_n go_v before_o she_o &_o discern_v the_o nature_n verity_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o religion_n as_o also_o the_o falseness_n vanity_n and_o dangerousnesse_n of_o other_o religion_n before_o the_o will_n can_v make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o it_o man_n be_v a_o religious_a creature_n by_o the_o common_a instinct_n of_o his_o natural_a conscience_n be_v move_v strong_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v a_o deity_n as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n much_o more_o when_o he_o be_v further_a stir_v up_o by_o a_o divine_a instinct_n now_o we_o shall_v consider_v as_o man_n as_o the_o prophet_n phrase_n be_v and_o not_o exert_a action_n of_o high_a importance_n without_o understanding_n and_o reason_n worship_v we_o know_v not_o what_o as_o christ_n tax_v the_o samaritan_n john_n 4._o but_o give_v god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n know_v what_o god_n we_o serve_v and_o what_o religion_n we_o take_v up_o and_o not_o take_v up_o the_o next_o at_o hand_n at_o adventure_n as_o most_o man_n do_v that_o religion_n profess_v where_o they_o live_v &_o commend_v to_o they_o by_o education_n example_n etc._n etc._n but_o understanding_n what_o we_o do_v therein_o and_o therefore_o man_n that_o act_n according_a to_o reason_n will_v look_v into_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o judge_v which_o be_v best_a among_o they_o or_o rather_o into_o the_o word_n and_o oracle_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o best_o discover_v what_o god_n be_v and_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a oracle_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n we_o shall_v have_v special_a recourse_n unto_o they_o now_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n common_o call_v the_o bible_n be_v such_o that_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n wherein_o he_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n this_o may_v appear_v even_o to_o those_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o take_v upon_o they_o any_o profession_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o infallible_a demonstration_n as_o reason_n can_v contradict_v viz._n from_o these_o character_n imprint_v on_o they_o which_o show_v they_o to_o be_v of_o god_n from_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v they_o from_o that_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n see_v in_o such_o as_o serious_o believe_v they_o from_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o even_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v utter_o invisible_a and_o improbable_a to_o create_v understanding_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o exact_a consideration_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n of_o that_o religion_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n he_o shall_v 1_o take_v a_o particular_a view_n of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n teach_v therein_o not_o take_v all_o in_o the_o lump_n together_o but_o have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o they_o he_o who_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o gross_a only_o and_o have_v no_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n which_o that_o religion_n teach_v he_o have_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o how_o can_v these_o doctrine_n influence_n his_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o make_v he_o fear_v and_o love_n god_n true_o and_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o godliness_n if_o not_o distinct_o know_v and_o discern_v by_o he_o then_o 2._o he_o must_v discern_v the_o verity_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o doctrine_n that_o he_o may_v venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o they_o know_v he_o in_o who_o he_o have_v believe_v for_o which_o and_o it_o be_v exceed_o necessary_a to_o be_v conversant_a in_o those_o treatise_n which_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v down_o of_o which_o many_o be_v extant_a in_o our_o own_o language_n without_o this_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o hold_v fast_o his_o religion_n especial_o in_o try_v time_n 3._o he_o shall_v know_v the_o excellency_n thereof_o that_o its_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o magnify_v of_o god_n and_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o man_n to_o true_a happiness_n in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o his_o god_n and_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o full_a conformity_n unto_o he_o he_o shall_v often_o look_v upon_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o mystery_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o precept_n excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o dreadfulness_n of_o the_o punishment_n and_o thus_o the_o understanding_n precede_v in_o discern_v and_o judge_v the_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v be_v one_o act_n in_o this_o election_n 2._o act_n after_o the_o understanding_n do_v thus_o present_a the_o true_a religion_n before_o we_o in_o the_o certainty_n glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o then_o the_o next_o act_n be_v for_o the_o will_v to_o elect_v choose_v and_o embrace_v it_o solemn_o to_o espouse_v this_o religion_n and_o say_v it_o shall_v be_v i_o it_o be_v that_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o profess_v and_o to_o venture_v my_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o what_o ever_o inconvenience_n i_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o what_o ever_o disgrace_n reproach_n loss_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o religion_n i_o will_v be_v of_o and_o this_o god_n i_o will_v serve_v we_o must_v sit_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o then_o espouse_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o take_v it_o for_o better_a for_o worse_a embrace_z the_o cross_v it_o threaten_v as_o well_o as_o the_o crown_n it_o promise_n for_o so_o our_o lord_n warn_v his_o disciple_n tell_v they_o he_o that_o will_v come_v after_o i_o and_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o his_o dear_a lust_n &_o sin_n nay_o in_o his_o estate_n and_o life_n sometime_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n of_o
wisdom_n be_v it_o to_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n 4._o because_o else_o if_o one_o shall_v happen_v on_o the_o true_a religion_n he_o will_v never_o be_v true_a unto_o it_o unless_o he_o take_v it_o up_o on_o such_o a_o right_a choice_n as_o before_o be_v speak_v of_o we_o can_v be_v serious_a christian_n nor_o through_o christian_n but_o by_o half_n only_a nor_o constant_a hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n without_o this_o right_a choice_n 1._o not_o serious_a christian_n such_o as_o take_v up_o a_o religion_n they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o on_o ground_n they_o know_v not_o why_o will_v be_v but_o sleighty_a and_o formal_a in_o it_o a_o little_a of_o outside_n profession_n they_o may_v have_v but_o the_o power_n of_o it_o will_v be_v want_v thus_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o christian_n that_o take_v not_o up_o religion_n on_o a_o wise_a choice_n understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o discern_v the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o 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meet_v with_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n he_o will_v go_v throughstitch_n will_v follow_v god_n full_o and_o will_v be_v altogether_o a_o christian_a 3._o not_o constant_a but_o turn_v away_o from_o it_o upon_o every_o temptation_n such_o be_v ever_o waver_v and_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o as_o the_o israelite_n of_o old_a betwixt_o jehovah_n and_o baal_n if_o heresy_n seducement_n and_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n come_v among_o such_o how_o do_v they_o turn_v away_o from_o that_o religion_n they_o have_v embrace_v by_o company_n and_o turn_v runnagado_n or_o if_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n scorch_v they_o they_o wither_v away_o because_o they_o have_v no_o root_n mat_n 13._o we_o have_v have_v too_o sad_a experience_n of_o this_o among_o the_o giddy_a unstable_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o our_o time_n when_o god_n have_v let_v loose_a error_n and_o heresy_n among_o we_o to_o try_v who_o be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a and_o who_o not_o how_o many_o be_v carry_v away_o as_o with_o a_o flood_n and_o if_o popery_n shall_v prevail_v again_o or_o mahometanism_n through_o the_o conquer_a sword_n of_o the_o turk_n one_o may_v tremble_v to_o think_v whither_o such_o ungrounded_a christian_n may_v be_v carry_v whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o christian_n that_o take_v up_o his_o religion_n on_o good_a ground_n through_o a_o wise_a choice_n know_v what_o and_o in_o who_o he_o have_v believe_v will_v through_o grace_n stand_v strong_o as_o the_o house_n build_v upon_o the_o rock_n mat._n 7._o when_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o wave_n beat_v he_o stand_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o such_o therefore_o we_o see_v what_o a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o take_v up_o else_o he_o will_v not_o be_v true_a unto_o it_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o serious_a christian_a nor_o a_o thorough_a nor_o a_o constant_a christian_a and_o then_o as_o good_a be_v none_o at_o all_o it_o will_v nothing_o avail_v they_o unto_o salvation_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v profit_v the_o israelite_n of_o old_a to_o have_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n among_o they_o or_o the_o philistines_n to_o have_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o they_o it_o will_v but_o increase_v their_o condemnation_n these_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a without_o insist_v upon_o any_o other_o to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o proposition_n and_o to_o commend_v to_o we_o this_o great_a duty_n viz._n the_o wise_a choose_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o mean_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o and_o to_o venture_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o chap._n four_o wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v insist_v on_o and_o direction_n give_v how_o to_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n among_o so_o many_o as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o religion_n be_v reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evidence_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o our_o discourse_n to_o show_v how_o this_o may_v be_v reduce_v into_o action_n that_o we_o have_v be_v treat_v on_o but_o in_o word_n hitherto_o let_v every_o one_o that_o god_n have_v give_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n unto_o be_v induce_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o will_v not_o live_v as_o atheist_n as_o for_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o but_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n only_o live_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o work_v and_o sleap_v and_o mind_n their_o sensual_a pleasure_n they_o degenerate_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o be_v even_o turn_v unto_o beast_n foolish_a be_v they_o and_o ignorant_a to_o use_v the_o psalmist_n word_n psal_n 73._o and_o even_o in_o this_o point_n as_o beast_n as_o far_o below_o man_n as_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v when_o he_o do_v eat_v grass_n as_o the_o ox_n and_o couch_v among_o the_o beast_n for_o such_o violate_v the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v teach_v all_o nation_n however_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a to_o take_v up_o some_o profession_n of_o religion_n they_o transgress_v also_o the_o write_a law_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v give_v in_o his_o word_n and_o will_v judge_v man_n by_o at_o the_o last_o day_n which_o require_v solemn_a worship_n and_o service_n from_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o bring_v themselves_o direct_o under_o the_o curse_n or_o imprecation_n jer._n 10.25_o pour_v out_o thy_o fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a and_o upon_o the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o on_o thy_o name_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v 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take_v such_o root_n that_o the_o power_n craft_n and_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n can_v root_v it_o out_o it_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o its_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o mystery_n reveal_v in_o it_o wherein_o the_o high_a wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v forth_o by_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n &_o punishment_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n appear_v in_o the_o serious_a professor_n of_o it_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n as_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o design_n it_o have_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o humble_a man_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a evidence_n the_o weak_a may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n of_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v direct_v to_o make_v choice_n thereof_o chap._n v._n further_a direction_n how_o to_o choose_v the_o right_n 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and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a yet_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o fundamental_a and_o catholic_n verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d point_v general_o believe_v of_o all_o have_v antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_n concur_v with_o they_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o foundation_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o 11._o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6.1_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o rom._n 6.17_o the_o proportion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 〈◊〉_d 6._o which_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o from_o the_o apostle_n even_o to_o we_o in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n ever_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o extirpate_v they_o and_o these_o be_v such_o confess_v duty_n of_o godliness_n as_o none_o that_o have_v pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n have_v dare_v open_o and_o direct_o to_o gainsay_v now_o these_o be_v the_o point_n that_o have_v great_a influence_n on_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o sanctify_v and_o change_v they_o and_o to_o promote_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o rare_o those_o question_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n that_o be_v so_o hot_o contest_v about_o and_o these_o avail_n to_o the_o save_v our_o soul_n upon_o our_o hearty_a embrace_n and_o receive_v these_o or_o our_o renounce_n of_o they_o either_o in_o heart_n or_o life_n depend_v our_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n we_o have_v need_v therefore_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o cordial_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v those_o duty_n and_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v secure_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n now_o for_o further_a improvement_n of_o this_o advice_n we_o shall_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o these_o great_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n and_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o salvation_n 1._o for_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o that_o i_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o exact_a account_n hereof_o for_o to_o determine_v this_o say_v a_o learned_a man_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o all_o the_o divine_n in_o christendom_n but_o only_o do_v declare_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v more_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n have_v be_v general_o embrace_v by_o all_o church_n worthy_a the_o name_n of_o christian_n set_v aside_o controvert_v point_n wherein_o so_o much_o truth_n be_v contain_v as_o be_v join_v with_o holy_a obedience_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n this_o be_v premise_v they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o article_n 1_o concern_v god_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n of_o a_o infinite_a perfect_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o most_o glorious_a person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n preserver_n &_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o intend_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o all_o his_o work_n that_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v to_o know_v &_o acknowledge_v this_o god_n to_o fear_v love_n adore_v and_o glorify_v he_o and_o their_o chief_a felicity_n stand_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o full_a conformity_n to_o his_o image_n and_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o in_o no_o earthly_a good_a separate_a from_o he_o this_o be_v one_o article_n of_o religion_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v and_o not_o controvert_v among_o christian_n believe_v this_o thorough_o and_o let_v it_o influence_n your_o heart_n and_o life_n so_o as_o you_o study_v to_o know_v this_o god_n and_o to_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o he_o to_o fear_v love_n and_o serve_v he_o to_o own_v he_o for_o your_o sovereign_a lord_n &_o chief_a good_a 2_o concern_v man_n that_o god_n make_v man_n at_o the_o first_o in_o a_o very_a holy_a &_o happy_a estate_n from_o which_o he_o soon_o fall_v through_o satan_n temptation_n and_o all_o mankind_n become_v plunge_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n that_o we_o be_v all_o heinous_a offender_n against_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n under_o his_o dreadful_a wrath_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n bar_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n and_o liable_a to_o eternal_a torment_n if_o not_o speedy_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o pardon_v and_o by_o renew_v grace_n sanctify_v and_o convert_v which_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o mere_a creature_n be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o this_o be_v another_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n