Selected quad for the lemma: heart_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
heart_n	action_n	good_a	life_n	2,683	5	4.5961	3	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A62634	Several discourses viz. Proving Jesus to be the Messias. The prejudices against Jesus and his religion consider'd. Jesus the Son of God, proved by his Resurrection. The danger of apostacy from Christianity. Christ the author: obedience the condition of salvation. The possibility and necessity of gospel obedience, and its consistence with free grace. The authority of Jesus Christ, with the commission and promise which he gave to his apostles. The difficulties of a Christian life consider'd. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Children of this world wiser than the children of light. By the most reverend Dr. John Tillotson, late Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Being the fifth volume; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his Grace.	Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708,	1698 (1698)	Wing T1262A; ESTC R222204	187,258	485

the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n whereby_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o be_v once_o true_o so_o they_o can_v never_o fall_v from_o that_o state_n so_o as_o final_o to_o miscarry_v last_o other_o venture_v all_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n and_o their_o import_n unity_n with_o god_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n at_o the_o last_o i_o shall_v brief_o go_v over_o these_o particular_n which_o be_v the_o several_a way_n whereby_o man_n seek_v to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o hope_v to_o get_v thither_o at_o last_o and_o shall_v show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v something_o beyond_o all_o this_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n one_a some_o trust_n to_o the_o mere_a external_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o call_v christ_n lord_n lord_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o the_o outward_a badge_n of_o it_o circumcision_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n make_v in_o baptism_n rom._n 2._o 17_o 25_o 28_o 29._o behold_v thou_o be_v call_v a_o jew_n and_o rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v thy_o boast_n of_o god_n circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o of_o those_o who_o make_v only_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n baptism_n very_o profit_v if_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o enter_v into_o by_o baptism_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v one_o outward_o nor_o be_v that_o baptism_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o baptism_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o water_n only_o so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o body_n with_o water_n and_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o sincere_a and_o real_a practice_n of_o it_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o say_v he_o that_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o that_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v by_o a_o great_a many_o christian_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o show_v for_o their_o christianity_n but_o their_o name_n who_o best_a title_n to_o heaven_n be_v their_o baptism_n a_o engagement_n enter_v into_o by_o other_o in_o their_o name_n but_o never_o confirm_v and_o make_v good_a by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v before_o they_o remember_v and_o which_o have_v no_o other_o effect_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n than_o if_o it_o be_v quite_o forget_v two_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o hope_v that_o will_v save_v they_o but_o if_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o great_a do_v not_o descend_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n all_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o false_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 7._o 26._o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand._n and_o john_n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a cheat_n in_o religion_n nothing_o wherein_o man_n do_v more_o gross_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o than_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v bring_v man_n to_o heaven_n how_o diligent_a be_v many_o in_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o practice_v it_o in_o their_o life_n like_o those_o in_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 33._o 31._o of_o who_o god_n complain_v they_o come_v unto_o thou_o as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v my_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o none_o do_v so_o foolish_o and_o yet_o so_o deserve_o miss_v of_o happiness_n as_o those_o who_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v will_v take_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o to_o get_v thither_o three_o there_o be_v other_o who_o find_v themselves_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o take_v for_o a_o very_a good_a sign_n that_o it_o have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o happen_v very_o frequent_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v considerable_a impression_n upon_o man_n for_o the_o present_a and_o they_o be_v great_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o trouble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o afraid_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o terrible_a vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n and_o upon_o this_o they_o take_v up_o some_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n which_o after_o a_o little_a while_n vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o delight_v to_o hear_v the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n ezek._n 33._o 32._o and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o upon_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o mark_v 6._o 20._o it_o be_v say_v that_o herod_n have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o he_o observe_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o glad_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o continue_v the_o same_o cruel_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o he_o be_v before_o and_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a matth._n 13._o 20._o there_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o hearer_n mention_v who_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v it_o with_o joy_n but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o have_v sudden_a motion_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v mighty_o affect_v for_o the_o present_a but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o root_a and_o fix_v principle_n that_o will_v endure_v and_o hold_v out_o against_o great_a difficulty_n and_o opposition_n act_n 24._o 25._o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o st._n paul_n reason_v of_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v mighty_o strartle_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n when_o their_o judgement_n be_v convince_v and_o bear_v down_o and_o their_o conscience_n touch_v to_o the_o quick_a a_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n may_v stir_v up_o the_o passion_n of_o grief_n and_o fear_n and_o dart_v such_o sting_n into_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o may_v make_v they_o extreme_o restless_a and_o unquiet_a and_o work_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o inclination_n in_o they_o towards_o a_o better_a course_n and_o yet_o like_o metal_n when_o the_o heat_n be_v over_o they_o may_v be_v the_o hard_a for_o have_v be_v melt_v down_o four_o other_o show_v great_a strictness_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o this_o they_o hope_v will_v be_v accept_v and_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n

calm_a and_o fix_v valour_n 2._o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v ever_o great_a courage_n and_o contempt_n of_o death_n appear_v in_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a soldier_n comparable_a to_o the_o christian_a legion_n for_o resolution_n and_o courage_n even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v judges_n the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n seem_v to_o be_v contrive_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o fierceness_n and_o desperateness_n of_o resolution_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o general_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o equality_n for_o number_n the_o christian_n have_v be_v superior_a to_o they_o in_o valour_n and_o have_v give_v great_a instance_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n than_o the_o turk_n have_v do_v so_o that_o i_o wonder_v upon_o what_o ground_n this_o objection_n have_v be_v take_v up_o against_o christianity_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o religion_n or_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a countenance_n to_o it_o and_o sure_o the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v what_o effect_v any_o religion_n be_v likely_a to_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o effect_n it_o have_v have_v in_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o mankind_n there_o remain_v the_o other_o two_o objection_n which_o i_o mention_v but_o i_o must_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n iii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o jesus_n and_o his_o religion_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o from_z these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n at_o first_o have_v and_o many_o still_o have_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o escape_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n i_o have_v consider_v those_o objection_n which_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o ii_o those_o which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v insist_v upon_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o i_o mention_v seven_o the_o two_o last_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v to_o six_o it_o be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v many_o division_n and_o faction_n among_o christian_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o our_o religion_n but_o no_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o it_o and_o 1._o to_o lessen_v and_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v about_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o bring_v no_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n upon_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n which_o all_o agree_v in_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o they_o be_v very_o undecent_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o above_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v strict_o require_v love_n and_o unity_n they_o take_v off_o much_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n destroy_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 2._o how_o many_o and_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v with_o no_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o give_v any_o cause_n and_o encouragement_n to_o they_o however_o by_o accident_n it_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o for_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o bad_a man_n and_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o innocent_a of_o all_o that_o mischief_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n do_v strict_o enjoin_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o so_o far_o as_o christian_n be_v factious_a and_o unpeaceable_a so_o far_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o except_o against_o philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o question_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n nay_o a_o man_n may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o except_o against_o law_n and_o government_n because_o notwithstanding_o they_o there_o be_v frequent_a sedition_n and_o rebellion_n infinite_a suit_n and_o controversy_n occasion_v even_o by_o the_o very_a law_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n against_o law_n and_o government_n 3._o the_o division_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n shall_v embrace_v christianity_n more_o hearty_o and_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v this_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o contention_n and_o uncharitable_a animosity_n which_o be_v among_o they_o will_v present_o cease_v if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_o entertain_v and_o man_n do_v serious_o mind_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o its_o law_n difference_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o commence_v nor_o so_o vehement_o prosecute_v nor_o so_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o as_o they_o be_v man_n will_v not_o upon_o every_o slight_a reason_n and_o little_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n rend_v and_o tear_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o piece_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v their_o christianity_n if_o man_n serious_o consider_v and_o true_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o little_a scruple_n and_o pretence_n they_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o think_v themselves_o christian_n whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o these_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a practice_n if_o man_n will_v but_o be_v or_o do_v what_o christianity_n require_v there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o those_o that_o act_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o objection_n the_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v a_o heavy_a objection_n indeed_o and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o though_o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v it_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o confound_v we_o and_o to_o fill_v all_o our_o face_n with_o shame_n and_o blush_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n not_o so_o strong_a against_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v shameful_a to_o christian_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a force_n of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v and_o save_v man_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v therein_o reveal_v against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o vnrighteousness_n of_o man_n however_o they_o may_v detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n to_o it_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o attend_v to_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n have_v have_v once_o very_o great_a and_o marvellous_a effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o which_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o

the_o world_n and_o conclude_v from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o abuse_a liberty_n that_o the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o 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obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motiyes_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christiane_n religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o these_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o hiwself_n a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o

he_o shall_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o resolution_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o afterward_o fall_v off_o from_o it_o and_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o his_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o his_o beginning_n all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v will_v not_o be_v remember_v he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o this_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v a_o contrary_a persuasion_n without_o contradict_v the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n and_o sincere_a faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a where_o there_o be_v no_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o they_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o wellgrounded_n hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o two_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n perfect_a obedience_n consist_v in_o the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n without_o the_o least_o imperfection_n and_o without_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n or_o degree_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o this_o obedience_n as_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n so_o neither_o do_v god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v indeed_o command_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o imperfection_n but_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o humane_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o be_v perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a but_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v those_o divine_a perfection_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o purity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n in_o all_o these_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o he_o as_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n by_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o customary_a neglect_n of_o any_o material_a and_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o wilful_o and_o deliberate_o guilty_a of_o the_o single_a act_n of_o heinous_a and_o notorious_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v former_o explain_v this_o matter_n more_o at_o large_a in_o another_o discourse_n and_o this_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v mix_v with_o great_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o state_n of_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a as_o that_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o accept_v this_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n and_o to_o reward_v it_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o after_o all_o the_o intricate_a dispute_n and_o infinite_a controversy_n about_o this_o business_n be_v the_o true_a and_o clear_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o this_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o it_o be_v sometime_o call_v by_o divine_n evangelical_n perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o very_o improper_o so_o call_v for_o nothing_o be_v proper_o perfect_a to_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v and_o great_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n do_v neither_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o themselves_o but_o as_o st._n john_n say_v of_o such_o person_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o beside_o other_o imperfection_n these_o two_o be_v evident_a in_o they_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o second_o particular_a namely_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n sermon_n vii_o the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n one_a how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n two_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n three_o the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n four_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n 5th_o the_o consistency_n of_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n with_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v handle_v the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o and_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n only_o to_o those_o who_o obey_v he_o then_o those_o who_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n where_o obedience_n be_v impossible_a no_o man_n be_v guilty_a or_o just_o liable_a to_o punishment_n for_o the_o not_o do_v of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v no_o way_n possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o leave_v they_o in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v in_o before_o because_o it_o only_o offer_v new_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o but_o set_v we_o never_o the_o near_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v grant_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o we_o nay_o it_o render_v our_o state_n many_o degree_n worse_o if_o our_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o gracious_a offer_v bring_v we_o under_o new_a and_o great_a guilt_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o few_o person_n have_v great_a benefit_n by_o it_o 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and_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v very_o eminent_a for_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o most_o exact_a people_n in_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v far_a than_o publican_n and_o harlot_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v so_o very_o bad_a under_z so_o great_a a_o pretence_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a damnation_n not_o but_o that_o external_n devotion_n be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o religion_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n and_o when_o man_n be_v real_o such_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o their_o external_a devotion_n represent_v they_o to_o be_v but_o when_o the_o outward_a garb_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o make_v a_o 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presence_n the_o natural_a substance_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n they_o have_v not_o only_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o innumerable_a other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n they_o have_v not_o only_o their_o own_o merit_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o but_o in_o case_n they_o be_v defective_a they_o may_v have_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o to_o they_o out_o of_o the_o infinite_a stock_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v challenge_v eternal_a life_n as_o of_o right_a and_o due_a belong_v to_o they_o and_o by_o a_o due_a course_n of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n may_v quit_v score_n with_o god_n for_o all_o their_o sin_n from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o if_o they_o have_v neglect_v all_o this_o they_o may_v after_o the_o most_o flagitious_a course_n of_o life_n upon_o attrition_n that_o be_v upon_o some_o trouble_n for_o sin_n out_o of_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n join_v with_o confession_n and_o absolution_n get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o provide_v the_o priest_n mean_v honest_o and_o do_v not_o for_o want_v of_o intention_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o save_a benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a man_n can_v be_v delude_v at_o this_o rate_n as_o to_o think_v that_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o good_a condition_n and_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o other_o will_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n that_o any_o church_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o save_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o they_o be_v real_o impenitent_a who_o do_v not_o exercise_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n plain_o require_v and_o if_o man_n die_v in_o this_o state_n whatever_o church_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o but_o will_v bid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o because_o they_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n six_o other_o think_v that_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_o but_o zeal_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v mistake_v in_o its_o object_n or_o be_v irregular_a and_o excessive_a in_o the_o degree_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o fault_n and_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o charity_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o be_v nothing_o seven_o other_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o sure_a willdo_o the_o business_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a and_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o religion_n may_v have_v a_o considerable_a awe_n and_o influence_n upon_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o happiness_n man_n may_v in_o many_o considerable_a instance_n perform_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o yet_o the_o retain_v of_o one_o lust_n the_o practice_n of_o any_o one_o know_v sin_n may_v hinder_v they_o from_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n herod_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v john_n glad_o but_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a man._n the_o pharisee_fw-mi thank_v god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v true_o that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n a_o extortioner_n or_o unjust_a or_o a_o adulterer_n and_o yet_o the_o penitent_a publican_n be_v justify_v before_o he_o the_o young_a man_n who_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n to_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o enter_v into_o life_n and_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n testify_v that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o want_v but_o one_o thing_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o that_o he_o miscarry_v and_o st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o if_o we_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n in_o any_o one_o kind_a christ_n will_v disow_v we_o and_o bid_v we_o depart_v from_o he_o eight_o other_o rely_v upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n whereby_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v never_o final_o fall_v they_o do_v once_o very_o hearty_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o do_v change_v their_o course_n and_o be_v real_o reform_v and_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o that_o good_a course_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v certain_o true_a but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v relapse_v into_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n and_o if_o so_o the_o prophet_n have_v tell_v we_o their_o doom_n that_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o righteousness_n his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v but_o in_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o that_o shall_v he_o die_v so_o that_o a_o righteous_a man_n may_v turn_v from_o his_o righteousress_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o it_o for_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o here_o as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v put_v a_o case_n which_o be_v impossible_a in_o fact_n shall_v happen_v unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o other_o case_n which_o he_o put_v together_o with_o it_o of_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a be_v likewise_o impossible_a which_o god_n forbid_v and_o that_o man_n may_v fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o good_a man_n but_o a_o good_a caution_n against_o security_n and_o a_o argument_n

probability_n hinder_v man_n from_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v not_o general_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n that_o man_n do_v not_o yield_v a_o full_a and_o effectual_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n i_o mean_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o so_o as_o to_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o lust_n the_o true_a cause_n be_v not_o in_o man_n understanding_n and_o because_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o will_n which_o be_v enslave_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o disease_n be_v there_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_a by_o more_o evidence_n but_o by_o more_o consideration_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o better_a resolution_n the_o man_n be_v addict_v to_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o and_o that_o make_v he_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v those_o truth_n which_o will_v check_v and_o control_v he_o in_o his_o course_n the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n be_v offensive_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v shut_v it_o out_o this_o account_v our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v of_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n john_n 3._o 19_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v that_o man_n resist_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o because_o they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o divine_a authority_n but_o because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o to_o conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n for_o the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o undestanding_n to_o make_v assent_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o assent_v to_o what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o so_o they_o be_v slow_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o cross_v their_o humour_n and_o inclination_n so_o that_o though_o great_a evidence_n be_v offer_v it_o be_v likely_a it_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o they_o because_o the_o matter_n do_v not_o stick_v there_o their_o will_n be_v distemper_v man_n hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o this_o make_v they_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o god_n behind_o their_o back_n and_o if_o god_n himself_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v a_o stiff-necked_a and_o rebellious_a people_n though_o the_o evidence_n be_v such_o as_o their_o understanding_n can_v not_o resist_v yet_o their_o will_n may_v still_o hold_v out_o and_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o their_o mind_n may_v have_v no_o last_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n ●uch_v a_o violent_a conviction_n may_v affect_v they_o for_o the_o present_a but_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v perhaps_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o then_o they_o will_v return_v to_o their_o former_a hardness_n man_n by_o a_o long_a and_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o sin_n may_v bring_v themselves_o to_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o devil_n who_o though_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o threaten_n yet_o they_o be_v wicked_a still_o for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v a_o strong_a affection_n for_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o conviction_n and_o what_o evidence_n soever_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o they_o will_v find_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o avoid_v it_o and_o to_o delude_v themselves_o the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o if_o man_n will_v honest_o speak_v their_o conscience_n they_o can_v deny_v it_o they_o do_v not_o call_v for_o more_o evidence_n either_o because_o they_o want_v it_o or_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o excuse_v for_o themselves_o for_o not_o be_v convince_v by_o that_o evidence_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o they_o four_o experience_n do_v abundant_o testify_v how_o ineffectual_a extraordinary_a way_n be_v to_o convince_v and_o reclaim_v man_n of_o deprave_a mind_n and_o such_o as_o be_v obstinate_o addict_v to_o their_o lust_n we_o find_v many_o remarkable_a experiment_n of_o this_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n what_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n yet_o they_o be_v harden_v under_o all_o these_o plague_n balaam_n who_o greedy_o follow_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v stop_v by_o the_o admonition_n of_o a_o angel_n the_o jew_n after_o so_o many_o miracle_n which_o their_o eye_n have_v see_v continue_v to_o be_v a_o 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