that_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o will_v bring_v we_o thither_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n that_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o reason_n or_o argument_n whereby_o this_o exhortation_n be_v enforce_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a every_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o will_v not_o gain_v our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v strive_v for_o man_n may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v several_a faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o earnest_a contention_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o we_o must_v make_v religion_n our_o business_n and_o set_v about_o it_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o persevere_v and_o hold_v out_o in_o it_o if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o heaven_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v that_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o now_o what_o this_o seek_n be_v which_o be_v here_o oppose_v to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n our_o saviour_n declare_v after_o the_o text_n v._o 25._o when_o once_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n be_v rise_v up_o and_o have_v shut_v to_o the_o door_n and_o you_o begin_v to_o stand_v without_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o and_o he_o shall_v answer_v and_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v then_o shall_v you_o begin_v to_o say_v we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o tell_v you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n st._n matth._n mention_n some_o other_o pretence_n which_o they_o shall_v make_v upon_o which_o they_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n mat._n 7._o 21_o 22_o 23._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n after_o all_o their_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o pretence_n they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o and_o be_v for_o ever_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v be_v their_o doom_n which_o will_v be_v much_o the_o heavy_a because_o of_o the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o confident_a expectation_n and_o hope_n so_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o v._o 28._o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o you_o yourselves_o thrust_v out_o and_o they_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n and_o from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o st._n matthew_n add_v chap._n 8._o v._n 12._o but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o utter_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o then_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v luke_o 13._o 30._o behold_v there_o be_v last_o that_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o first_o which_o shall_v be_v last_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v with_o what_o confidence_n many_o man_n upon_o these_o false_a pretence_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o strange_o they_o shall_v be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o expectation_n and_o hope_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o cast_v out_o of_o heaven_n who_o they_o think_v have_v outdo_v all_o other_o in_o religion_n and_o be_v the_o only_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o child_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v see_v other_o who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o exclude_v from_o all_o term_n of_o salvation_n come_v from_o all_o quarter_n and_o find_v free_a admission_n into_o heaven_n and_o shall_v find_v themselves_o so_o gross_o and_o wide_o mistake_v that_o those_o very_a person_n who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v last_o and_o of_o all_o other_o far_a from_o salvation_n shall_v be_v first_o and_o they_o themselves_o who_o they_o take_v for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o first_o place_n shall_v be_v reject_v and_o cast_v out_o so_o that_o by_o seek_v to_o enter_v we_o may_v understand_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n may_v do_v in_o religion_n upon_o which_o they_o shall_v pretend_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n nay_o and_o confident_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o and_o yet_o shall_v be_v shameful_o disappoint_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o whatever_o man_n think_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o religion_n what_o privilege_n soever_o man_n pretend_v what_o way_n and_o mean_n soever_o man_n endeavour_v to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n all_o this_o be_v but_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o be_v not_o that_o strive_v which_o our_o saviour_n require_v if_o man_n do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n it_o will_v all_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n our_o saviour_n here_o instance_v in_o man_n profession_n of_o his_o religion_n call_v he_o lord_n lord_n in_o their_o personal_a familiarity_n and_o conversation_n with_o he_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n in_o their_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n in_o their_o have_v prophesy_v and_o wrought_v great_a miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o power_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n these_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o yet_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v do_v if_o man_n do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o by_o a_o plain_a parity_n of_o reason_n whatever_o else_o man_n do_v in_o religion_n what_o attempt_v soever_o man_n may_v make_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n upon_o what_o privilege_n or_o pretence_n soever_o they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o eternal_a life_n they_o will_v certain_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n my_o business_n therefore_o at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o discover_v the_o several_a false_a claim_n and_o pretence_n which_o man_n may_v make_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a particular_n by_o one_o or_o more_o of_o which_o man_n common_o delude_v themselves_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v vain_a and_o ill-grounded_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n one_a some_o trust_n to_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n two_o other_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 rely_v much_o upon_o that_o three_o there_o be_v other_o that_o find_v themselves_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o four_o other_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o devout_a in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n 5th_o other_o confide_v much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o therein_o they_o have_v above_o other_o of_o get_v to_o heaven_n six_o other_o think_v their_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_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 eight_o other_o rely_v much_o upon_o
obedience_n and_o good_a work_n chap._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n first_o of_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o a_o empty_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n how_o specious_a and_o glorious_a soever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n avail_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n no_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n no_o subjection_n to_o he_o though_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o listen_v ourselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n though_o we_o have_v make_v a_o constant_a profession_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n have_v go_v constant_o to_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o have_v join_v in_o public_a prayer_n to_o god_n with_o great_a appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o have_v hear_v his_o word_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o all_o imaginable_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n nay_o though_o we_o have_v hear_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o our_o street_n and_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a in_o his_o presence_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n none_o of_o all_o these_o will_n thing_n signify_v any_o thing_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o mankind_n but_o we_o can_v plead_v so_o much_o for_o ourselves_o as_o those_o do_v of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v none_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v for_o ourselves_o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o can_v allege_v all_o this_o it_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a all_o that_o such_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o have_v call_v he_o lord_n lord_n that_o be_v they_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o have_v pay_v a_o outward_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o declare_v a_o mighty_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o he_o but_o they_o have_v not_o do_v his_o will_n but_o have_v hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v cast_v his_o commandment_n behind_o their_o back_n they_o have_v only_o bear_v the_o leave_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o have_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a expectation_n that_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o when_o these_o man_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o those_o vain_a word_n lord_n lord_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n will_v answer_v in_o that_o day_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n when_o you_o will_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o your_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o subjection_n to_o i_o you_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o thankfulness_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o or_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o be_v purchase_v or_o the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v one_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v salvation_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o by_o our_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o they_o by_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o comprehend_v the_o end_n our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o the_o bestow_n of_o happiness_n upon_o we_o a_o great_a and_o last_a happiness_n great_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o immortal_a as_o our_o soul_n all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v in_o eternal_a salvation_n two_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o this_o great_a benefit_n be_v purchase_v and_o procure_v for_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o condescension_n in_o the_o low_a humiliation_n and_o the_o unparalleled_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o never_o be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_o his_o sorrow_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n afflict_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n in_o his_o take_n upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o his_o become_a obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o vile_a slave_n and_o the_o most_o heinous_a malefactor_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n into_o this_o low_a world_n this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o be_v content_v himself_o to_o suffer_v to_o save_v we_o from_o eternal_a ruin_n to_o be_v the_o most_o despicable_a and_o the_o most_o miserable_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o he_o may_v raise_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a benefit_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o suppose_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o be_v by_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n and_o which_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v real_o best_a for_o our_o present_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o have_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o but_o what_o in_o all_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v our_o choice_n if_o he_o have_v not_o impose_v it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o gracious_a than_o to_o make_v one_o benefit_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o great_a than_o to_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o upon_o all_o account_n be_v real_o best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o advantage_n in_o this_o present_a life_n three_o here_o be_v abundant_a encouragement_n give_v to_o our_o obedience_n we_o have_v the_o divine_a assistance_n promise_v to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o for_o our_o further_a encouragement_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n in_o case_n of_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o meritorious_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o though_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v
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
testimony_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o eye-witness_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o be_v true_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o by_o miracle_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o know_v and_o honest_a relator_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o that_o the_o same_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o we_o give_v to_o livy_n and_o arian_n and_o q._n curtius_n for_o plain_a event_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v withal_o that_o beside_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v they_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n than_o any_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v for_o they_o willing_o suffer_v the_o great_a persecution_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n through_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o effect_n beyond_o all_o denial_n so_o that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n do_v depend_v here_o be_v great_a and_o more_o advantageous_a evidence_n of_o history_n than_o for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o equal_a antiquity_n whatsoever_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n that_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o particular_o of_o celsus_n and_o porphyry_n and_o julian_n who_o be_v the_o particular_a and_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o they_o whatever_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o they_o or_o whatever_o consequence_n we_o may_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o i_o presume_v it_o agree_v by_o all_o objector_n that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v very_o unequal_a to_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n never_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v 4._o and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o recompense_v the_o disadvantage_n which_o we_o have_v of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o evidence_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o advantage_n which_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n of_o the_o success_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v notwithstanding_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o contempt_n which_o they_o every_o where_n suffer_v and_o that_o now_o for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n they_o have_v continue_v a_o distinct_a people_n and_o a_o spectacle_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o severity_n for_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o a_o last_a and_o stand_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o though_o we_o live_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n yet_o we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o as_o credible_a a_o manner_n as_o any_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n do_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o term_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n it_o command_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o deny_v ungodliness_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 to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a and_o true_a and_o just_a and_o virtuous_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o dear_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o and_o with_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n now_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a term_n to_o forego_v all_o the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n which_o we_o be_v less_o assure_v of_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o natural_a religion_n require_v of_o we_o all_o the_o main_a duty_n that_o christianity_n do_v and_o give_v we_o far_o less_o assurance_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n natural_a religion_n require_v piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n do_v but_o do_v not_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n by_o many_o degree_n so_o clear_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n have_v give_v we_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o a_o future_a state_n yet_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a evidence_n for_o it_o that_o can_v be_v wish_v or_o expect_v and_o much_o more_o than_o man_n have_v for_o those_o adventure_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n which_o they_o frequent_o make_v in_o this_o world_n and_o think_v themselves_o reasonable_a in_o so_o do_v 2._o the_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o they_o be_v high_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v against_o our_o religion_n if_o it_o do_v set_v we_o at_o liberty_n from_o those_o restraint_n what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o command_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a and_o what_o more_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o can_v reflect_v more_o upon_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o indulge_v and_o allow_v man_n in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o these_o it_o show_v man_n be_v glad_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o objection_n against_o christianity_n when_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o that_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v make_v ten_o time_n more_o clamour_n against_o it_o for_o the_o contrary_n 3._o as_o for_o most_o of_o those_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n so_o much_o both_o for_o our_o private_a and_o public_a advantage_n that_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n they_o be_v real_o good_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o lay_v they_o upon_o we_o we_o ought_v in_o reason_n in_o order_n to_o our_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o have_v lay_v they_o upon_o ourselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n i_o know_v man_n will_v not_o have_v such_o strong_a and_o forcible_a obligation_n to_o these_o duty_n but_o yet_o i_o say_v though_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n in_o order_n to_o temporal_a end_n to_o their_o health_n and_o quiet_v and_o reputation_n and_o safety_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o the_o private_a and_o public_a prosperity_n of_o mankind_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v temperate_a and_o chaste_a and_o just_a and_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o kind_a and_o oblige_v to_o one_o another_o rather_o than_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o religion_n do_v not_o create_v those_o restraint_n arbitrary_o but_o require_v those_o thing_n
how_o god_n will_v have_v man_n to_o live_v than_o by_o see_v how_o god_n himself_o live_v when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o become_v man._n and_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o assume_v our_o nature_n in_o its_o high_a glory_n and_o perfection_n but_o compass_v with_o infirmity_n and_o liable_a in_o all_o point_n to_o be_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v but_o still_o it_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o exact_a from_o we_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o do_v he_o make_v allowance_n for_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a though_o very_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o after_o all_o this_o his_o human_a nature_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o divinity_n and_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n and_o this_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o we_o and_o our_o pattern_n as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o this_o god_n offer_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o for_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o all_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n out_o our_o salvation_n god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v so_o that_o as_o to_o that_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o quench_v and_o resist_v his_o bless_a spirit_n we_o may_v be_v as_o real_o assist_v as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v for_o in_o this_o respect_n all_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8._o 14._o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a so_o in_o the_o main_a it_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n and_o can_v not_o have_v come_v near_o to_o we_o without_o want_v that_o perfection_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o complete_a and_o absolute_a pattern_n the_o son_n of_o god_n condescend_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v he_o the_o most_o familiar_a and_o equal_a example_n to_o we_o except_v that_o which_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o have_v be_v infinite_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o and_o will_v have_v spoil_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o example_n he_o come_v as_o near_o to_o we_o as_o be_v fit_a or_o possible_a be_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v that_o be_v abate_v that_o one_o thing_n which_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v and_o abolish_v and_o which_o will_v have_v destroy_v the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o come_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v without_o sin_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v a_o expiation_n for_o sin_n nor_o have_v be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n and_o as_o the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o absolute_a pattern_n so_o that_o by_o consider_v his_o temper_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n we_o may_v reform_v all_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o error_n and_o irregularity_n of_o our_o life_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a example_n and_o of_o great_a force_n to_o oblige_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o love_n above_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o example_n of_o our_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n of_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o one_o who_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o be_v content_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n together_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o it_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o instruct_v and_o lead_v mankind_n in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o seal_v his_o love_n to_o we_o in_o his_o blood_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v enemy_n do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o we_o than_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v for_o his_o friend_n and_o sure_o these_o consideration_n can_v but_o mighty_o recommend_v and_o endear_v to_o we_o this_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n we_o be_v ambitious_a to_o imitate_v those_o who_o we_o high_o esteem_v and_o reverence_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v their_o example_n in_o great_a veneration_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n and_o be_v always_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o those_o who_o we_o love_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o those_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a favour_n and_o who_o be_v continual_o heap_v great_a obligation_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o pattern_n or_o the_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o it_o to_o we_o by_o that_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o have_v express_v towards_o we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o temptation_n and_o all_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o who_o will_v not_o glad_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o best_a friend_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v who_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o example_n to_o which_o we_o stand_v indebt_v for_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v procure_v for_o mankind_n thus_o you_o see_v of_o what_o force_n and_o advantage_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v towards_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n three_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o he_o have_v purchase_v it_o for_o we_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n by_o which_o he_o have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o not_o only_a deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v but_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n when_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v just_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v substitute_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o to_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n and_o to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o our_o offence_n by_o his_o own_o suffering_n he_o die_v for_o we_o that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o in_o our_o place_n and_o stead_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o die_v we_o have_v eternal_o perrish_v and_o because_o he_o die_v we_o be_v save_v from_o that_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n or_o term_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n it_o be_v call_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n we_o be_v liable_a and_o indebt_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n have_v discharge_v this_o obligation_n which_o discharge_v since_o it_o be_v obtain_v for_o we_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v there_o have_v be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n why_o it_o may_v not_o proper_o enough_o be_v call_v payment_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v not_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o son_n for_o he_o be_v always_o well_o please_v with_o he_o or_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o sinner_n shall_v have_v do_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o
be_v join_v together_o and_o the_o very_a same_o expression_n use_v concern_v both_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n that_o be_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o then_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n endeavour_n to_o avoid_v this_o plain_a text_n by_o distinguish_v between_o a_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o now_o if_o christ_n mediation_n by_o way_n of_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o redemption_n then_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n than_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o so_o that_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o his_o ransom_n that_o be_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o virtue_n whereof_o alone_o he_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v most_o plain_o assert_v so_o that_o all_o other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v exclude_v from_o offering_n and_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n beside_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o life_n for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v who_o put_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o the_o alone_a virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o if_o his_o intercession_n be_v available_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a so_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o apply_v to_o any_o other_o whether_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o even_o the_o bless_a virgin_n if_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v limit_v to_o those_o who_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o 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 in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v explain_v first_o negative_o and_o then_o positive_o one_a negative_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o own_v of_o christ_n for_o our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o will_v be_v accept_v in_o this_o case_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o which_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o understand_v all_o that_o profession_n of_o religion_n which_o fall_v short_a of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o name_n and_o religion_n the_o mere_a belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o own_n of_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n no_o nor_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o he_o and_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o communicate_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n no_o though_o this_o be_v set_v off_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a manner_n by_o prophesy_v and_o work_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wondrous_a work_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o have_v hear_v thou_o preach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o without_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o gain_v we_o admission_n into_o heaven_n two_o positive_o that_o which_o god_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o will_v accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n be_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o they_o that_o harken_v to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o they_o that_o do_v so_o hear_v and_o believe_v his_o gospel_n as_o to_o obey_v it_o to_o they_o and_o no_o other_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v what_o obedience_n it_o be_v which_o the_o gospel_n exact_v as_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o all_o those_o who_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n a_o perfect_a and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o they_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n will_v give_v we_o a_o distinct_a conception_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o one_a there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o a_o actual_a obedience_n i_o mean_v the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n when_o out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n man_n do_v show_v forth_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o their_o life_n do_v give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n justice_n sobriety_n humility_n meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o occasion_n be_v minister_v for_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o they_o by_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n i_o mean_v a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o equity_n of_o its_o precept_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n and_o a_o true_a repentance_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v obedience_n in_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n for_o he_o who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o do_v true_o repent_v of_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n be_v firm_o resolve_v to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o prevent_v or_o hinder_v this_o man_n actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n but_o only_o the_o want_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a and_z and_o live_a god_n but_o perhaps_o be_v cut_v off_o soon_o after_o as_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v but_o new_o gain_v to_o christianity_n be_v present_o put_v to_o death_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o that_o profession_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o in_o this_o case_n a_o virtual_a obedience_n be_v in_o such_o person_n a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n there_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o better_a life_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n put_v this_o resolution_n in_o practice_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n his_o first_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n though_o it_o be_v sincere_a will_v not_o avail_v he_o to_o salvation_n nay_o if_o
for_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n i_o come_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n because_o it_o consist_v so_o much_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o observance_n which_o be_v but_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o which_o when_o they_o be_v come_v that_o law_n do_v expire_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v out_o of_o date_n the_o obligation_n and_o observance_n of_o it_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a but_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o and_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v no_o long_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o that_o external_a and_o servile_a and_o imperfect_a dispensation_n which_o consist_v in_o circumcision_n and_o in_o almost_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o external_a ceremony_n these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n so_o often_o speak_v of_o by_o st._n paul_n concern_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o only_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o to_o a_o man_n justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o both_o which_o opinion_n st._n paul_n call_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n but_o there_o be_v no_o where_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v either_o by_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v in_o substance_n the_o moral_a law_n clear_v and_o perfect_v be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v our_o saviour_n express_a direction_n to_o the_o young_a man_n who_o ask_v what_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n if_o thou_o will_v say_v he_o enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v understand_v what_o commandment_n he_o mean_v he_o instance_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o the_o precept_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v full_a and_o express_a to_o this_o purpose_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o that_o be_v these_o precept_n which_o i_o have_v deliver_v and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a 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 of_o it_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 in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n that_o be_v act_v and_o inspire_v by_o charity_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v that_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o which_o text_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o what_o be_v available_a with_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o st._n james_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o obedience_n our_o faith_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o sure_o a_o dead_a faith_n will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o save_v any_o man._n st._n john_n likewise_o very_o earnest_o caution_n we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o will_v take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n little_a child_n say_v he_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o christ_n become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o so_o that_o no_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n for_o so_o long_o as_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v but_o assert_v and_o secure_v one_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n two_o that_o we_o stand_v continual_o in_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o three_o that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v found_v in_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n confer_v these_o blessing_n upon_o we_o not_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o only_o for_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n i_o say_v so_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v these_o three_o thing_n we_o give_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n any_o where_o ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o express_v these_o thing_n more_o full_o and_o distinct_o that_o no_o man_n may_v imagine_v that_o whilst_o we_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n we_o have_v any_o design_n to_o derogate_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o only_o to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n by_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v in_o plain_a english_a no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o may_v get_v to_o heaven_n and_o whoever_o find_v fault_n with_o this_o doctrine_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v to_o mankind_n which_o offer_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n than_o these_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o to_o preach_v and_o press_v this_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v so_o to_o pursue_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o plain_o and_o express_o declare_v by_o st._n paul_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o we_o than_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n wait_v for_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 himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o he_o add_v these_o thing_n teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n that_o be_v declare_v and_o inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n and_o rebuke_v severe_o those_o who_o teach_v or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o he_o repeat_v it_o again_o with_o a_o more_o vehement_a charge_n to_o titus_n to_o press_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o