be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mortal_a eye_n though_o never_o so_o impartial_a to_o discern_v right_o of_o he_o or_o his_o action_n beside_o there_o be_v few_o man_n so_o impartial_a in_o their_o judgement_n as_o to_o take_v in_o all_o circumstance_n even_o of_o outward_a appearance_n we_o too_o frequent_o pass_v censure_n according_a to_o our_o own_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o be_v often_o bias_v by_o our_o zeal_n interest_n or_o affection_n which_o do_v usual_o as_o much_o misrepresent_v person_n and_o action_n to_o our_o understanding_n as_o colour_a medium_n do_v object_n to_o the_o eye_n thence_o arise_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o several_a judgement_n man_n make_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n nay_o so_o deceitful_a be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o hardly_o to_o be_v search_v into_o that_o we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o our_o own_o action_n we_o have_v many_o art_n to_o deceive_v ourselves_o many_o secret_a evasion_n and_o false_a pretence_n to_o beget_v a_o opinion_n of_o our_o own_o worth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o hide_v ourselves_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v from_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o other_o man_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o come_v be_v of_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n alone_o to_o understand_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o heart_n this_o god_n testify_v of_o himself_o jer._n xvii_o 9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n i_o try_v the_o reins_o even_o to_o give_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o do_n again_o prov._n xxiv_o 12._o if_o thou_o say_v behold_v we_o know_v it_o not_o do_v not_o he_o which_o ponder_v the_o heart_n consider_v it_o and_o he_o that_o keep_v thy_o soul_n do_v not_o he_o know_v it_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o god_n can_v discern_v those_o inward_o act_n of_o piety_n which_o a_o good_a man_n be_v employ_v in_o though_o they_o meet_v with_o censure_n and_o reproach_n among_o man_n and_o can_v as_o easy_o unmask_v all_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n since_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o he_o now_o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o consideration_n to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o judge_v before_o the_o time_n be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a for_o what_o more_o reasonable_a motive_n to_o restrain_v our_o curiosity_n in_o pry_v into_o and_o censure_v the_o action_n of_o other_o than_o that_o the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o if_o we_o make_v a_o false_a and_o uncharitable_a judgement_n we_o shall_v be_v plain_o convince_v of_o it_o before_o god_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o then_o who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n to_o see_v those_o man_n who_o we_o have_v unjust_o censure_v and_o revile_v receive_v praise_n from_o the_o unerring_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o for_o those_o very_a action_n which_o we_o here_o condemn_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o righteousness_n the_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n 2._o a_o further_a consideration_n to_o dissuade_v from_o all_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o he_o alone_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v that_o lord_n who_o creature_n we_o be_v and_o on_o who_o we_o depend_v daily_o for_o our_o support_n and_o well-being_n have_v only_o absolute_a right_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o and_o except_o in_o those_o case_n where_o he_o have_v delegated_a his_o authority_n to_o prince_n parent_n and_o other_o governor_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o determine_v those_o outward_a action_n that_o concern_v society_n he_o have_v reserve_v the_o power_n of_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o of_o judge_v according_a to_o they_o to_o himself_o only_o and_o therefore_o beside_o the_o presumption_n which_o while_o we_o judge_v other_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o ourselves_o by_o bold_o intrude_a into_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v not_o we_o do_v withal_o sacrilegious_o invade_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o god_n to_o who_o alone_a judgement_n belong_v this_o be_v st._n james_n argument_n james_n four_o 12._o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o and_o s._n paul_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n rom._n fourteen_o 4._o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o to_o conclude_v three_o and_o last_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v before_o the_o time_n because_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o will_v be_v the_o severe_a avenger_n of_o all_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o our_o brethren_n this_o he_o himself_o assure_v we_o s._n matt._n seven_o 1_o 2._o judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v for_o with_o what_o judgement_n you_o judge_v you_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o with_o what_o measure_v you_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o you_o again_o and_o from_o this_o ground_n s._n paul_n argue_v rom._n two_o 1._o therefore_o thou_o inexcusable_a o_o man_n whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o judge_v for_o wherein_o thou_o judge_v another_o thou_o condemne_v thyself_o for_o thou_o that_o judge_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n verse_n the_o three_o and_o think_v thou_o this_o o_o man_n that_o judge_v they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o do_v the_o same_o that_o thou_o shall_v escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n now_o i_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v equal_o cogent_a whether_o he_o be_v understand_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o sin_n in_o specie_fw-la or_o rather_o of_o other_o sin_n of_o equal_a guilt_n since_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o judge_v our_o neighbour_n for_o some_o particular_a sin_n when_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o as_o heinous_a be_v altogether_o as_o evident_a as_o though_o we_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o condemn_v he_o for_o and_o therefore_o s._n paul_n himself_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o that_o chapter_n when_o he_o pursue_v the_o same_o argument_n make_v his_o instance_n not_o only_o in_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n but_o of_o equal_a degree_n verse_n 22._o thou_o that_o abhor_v idol_n commit_v thou_o sacrilege_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v how_o dreadful_a his_o condition_n must_v needs_o be_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n if_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o come_v shall_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o shall_v deal_v with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o then_o he_o can_v want_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o a_o meek_a and_o candid_a interpretation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o especial_o if_o he_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n which_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n which_o show_v of_o mercy_n do_v not_o consist_v bare_o in_o the_o relieve_n the_o want_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n but_o in_o a_o universal_a charity_n as_o well_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o in_o a_o humble_a forbearance_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n as_o in_o other_o act_n of_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n it_o remain_v now_o since_o we_o all_o believe_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o lord_n will_v certain_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n that_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o his_o come_n as_o by_o all_o other_o exercise_n of_o holy_a live_n so_o more_o particular_o by_o meekness_n and_o charity_n towards_o other_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o other_o man_n we_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n capable_a of_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n vi_fw-la 37._o judge_v not_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v condemn_v not_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v serm._n iii_o john_n seven_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o he_o that_o consider_v with_o himself_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v prevail_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o great_a zeal_n and_o animosity_n wherewith_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n be_v wont_a to_o maintain_v the_o distinguish_a opinion_n of_o their_o party_n scarce_o
diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o effectual_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o persuade_v we_o if_o these_o promise_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o the_o description_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o i_o now_o plead_v for_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v mention_v but_o two_o place_n more_o rom._n ij_o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n the_o other_o place_n be_v mat._n twenty-five_o where_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reward_v and_o have_v there_o represent_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o man_n excuse_n who_o have_v not_o wrought_v they_o he_o conclude_v with_o this_o sentence_n these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a there_o remain_v only_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v wherein_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o understand_v how_o much_o those_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o who_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o absolute_a and_o inconditionate_n decree_n for_o if_o god_n have_v from_o eternity_n fore-ordained_n such_o and_o such_o particular_a person_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o other_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a then_o certain_o god_fw-we can_v proceed_v in_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o method_n before_o describe_v nor_o can_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v any_o force_n of_o persuasion_n to_o engage_v man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n or_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o vain_a will_v the_o apostle_n here_o make_v use_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o god_n have_v before_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v whatsoever_o diligence_n they_o use_v on_o their_o part_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a force_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o obedience_n if_o once_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o their_o future_a state_n be_v from_o everlasting_a unalterable_o fix_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o by_o any_o neglect_n nay_o upon_o this_o supposition_n all_o the_o various_a method_n of_o persuasion_n which_o god_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a life_n prove_v nothing_o else_o but_o illusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v so_o often_o by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n invite_v and_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o live_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o have_v exclude_v many_o miriads_o of_o man_n from_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o absolute_a and_o irresistible_a decree_n which_o no_o endeavour_n of_o they_o can_v revoke_v or_o cancel_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v by_v any_o mean_n consist_v with_o that_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o all_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v then_o certain_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o reward_n but_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n nor_o yet_o any_o man_n obtain_v the_o same_o but_o by_o a_o due_a diligence_n in_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v promise_v 2._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o method_n of_o god_n proceed_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o those_o man_n do_v extreme_o mistake_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n who_o talk_v of_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o value_n of_o our_o good_a work_n as_o though_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n in_o the_o justification_n or_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_n for_o sure_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v faith_n alone_o can_v be_v the_o whole_a condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o these_o thing_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o bare_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a importance_n of_o that_o word_n faith_n but_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o have_v influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o our_o practice_n and_o conversation_n a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n thus_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o single_a virtue_n and_o separate_a from_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n and_o include_v they_o in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o understand_v faith_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n as_o distinct_a from_o a_o holy_a conversation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o devil_n themselves_o may_v pretend_v to_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o relief_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o glorious_a thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o know_v withal_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v final_o exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o this_o doubtless_o be_v a_o mighty_a aggravation_n of_o their_o horror_n and_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v as_o s._n james_n do_v that_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v nay_o that_o this_o belief_n do_v make_v they_o tremble_v 3._o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n it_o than_o follow_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o life_n time_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n now_o must_v we_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o not_o leave_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v after_o our_o death_n either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o this_o i_o observe_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o suppose_v that_o some_o sin_n be_v expiate_v after_o death_n and_o purge_v away_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n and_o by_o the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v leave_v alive_a but_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a opinion_n but_o certain_o do_v much_o tend_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o piety_n and_o lessen_v man_n care_n of_o their_o future_a state_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v as_o a_o man_n go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n such_o will_v be_v his_o future_a state_n and_o he_o will_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o he_o be_v when_o he_o leave_v the_o body_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n 4._o if_o it_o be_v thus_o certain_a that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n this_o certain_o aught_o to_o awaken_v our_o diligence_n in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n we_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n that_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o our_o so_o journ_v here_o in_o fear_n for_o sure_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v when_o all_o the_o close_a impiety_n which_o have_v pass_v here_o undiscerned_a shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n they_o will_v not_o now_o so_o fond_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o hope_n of_o secrecy_n or_o impunity_n do_v man_n serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o terribleness_n of_o that_o great_a day_n when_o god_n shall_v appear_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o have_v not_o fear_v his_o name_n do_v they_o often_o think_v upon_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pronounce_v against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n this_o certain_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v put_v a_o check_n to_o the_o bold_a impiety_n of_o this_o age._n man_n will_v not_o then_o dare_v so_o open_o to_o defy_v heaven_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n who_o will_v at_o that_o day_n appear_v so_o terrible_a nor_o will_v they_o continue_v by_o their_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n to_o treasure_n up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n ought_v to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o danger_n if_o we_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n so_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o shall_v at_o that_o day_n be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o have_v live_v obedient_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o what_o great_a encouragement_n to_o our_o duty_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o who_o will_v not_o willing_o forsake_v all_o the_o flatter_a joy_n and_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v secure_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a that_o fade_v not_o away_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v he_o at_o that_o day_n or_o who_o will_v not_o despise_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n which_o may_v possible_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o remember_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o he_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n now_o the_o great_a god_n grant_v we_o all_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n always_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o may_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o stand_v before_o that_o great_a tribunal_n we_o may_v be_v present_v pure_a and_o unblamable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o but_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o power_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o obedience_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la
the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o this_o he_o perform_v partly_o by_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v concern_v he_o and_o by_o accomplish_v what_o be_v fore-shewn_a by_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n partly_o by_o his_o divine_a discourse_n and_o sermon_n give_v new_a life_n and_o authority_n to_o those_o rule_n of_o good_a live_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o moses_n add_v to_o and_o improve_n they_o where_o they_o be_v defective_a and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a sense_n and_o purity_n where_o they_o be_v either_o obscure_o deliver_v or_o by_o the_o misinterpretation_n of_o their_o doctor_n be_v general_o misunderstand_v and_o this_o he_o do_v suitable_o to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o those_o command_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o moses_n law_n some_o whereof_o consist_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremonial_a observance_n which_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o be_v upon_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o thing_n present_o to_o have_v a_o end_n other_o contain_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n now_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n a_o people_n infinite_o prone_a to_o superstition_n be_v very_o nice_a and_o curious_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o outward_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n even_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o righteousness_n judgement_n and_o mercy_n which_o they_o ought_v chief_o to_o have_v do_v though_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v the_o blame_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o lay_v upon_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o then_o be_v the_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o in_o truth_n the_o great_a corrupter_n of_o it_o by_o lay_v the_o chief_a stress_n upon_o the_o outward_a and_o less_o material_a circumstance_n and_o evacuate_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o by_o too_o nice_a and_o narrow_a interpretation_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n at_o the_o 20._o v._n he_o forewarn_v his_o hearer_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ignorant_a in_o what_o particular_n they_o ought_v to_o exceed_v what_o the_o pharisee_n teach_v in_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o sermon_n he_o give_v they_o several_a instance_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n partly_o by_o its_o own_o obscurity_n partly_o by_o their_o misinterpretation_n be_v general_o misunderstand_v among_o other_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v not_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v none_o to_o which_o they_o be_v great_a stranger_n than_o this_o in_o the_o text_n of_o love_a enemy_n they_o have_v receive_v levit._n nineteeen_o 18._o this_o precept_n thou_o shall_v not_o avenge_v nor_o bear_v any_o grudge_n against_o the_o child_n of_o thy_o people_n but_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o now_o the_o jew_n understand_v the_o word_n neighbour_n only_o of_o the_o child_n of_o their_o people_n of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o tribe_n and_o country_n of_o man_n that_o keep_v mutual_a correspondence_n and_o agreement_n with_o they_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o as_o for_o other_o man_n who_o be_v stranger_n and_o alien_n to_o they_o they_o be_v at_o full_a liberty_n to_o exercise_v what_o revenge_n they_o please_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o this_o latter_a clause_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n be_v a_o additional_a interpretation_n no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o law_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a precept_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n explication_n of_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o far_o show_v the_o connexion_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o set_v before_o you_o 1._o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v 2._o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o duty_n love_v your_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n love_n be_v of_o a_o very_a large_a signification_n and_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v general_o use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n thus_o our_o saviour_n use_v it_o in_o the_o summary_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v the_o lawyer_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o 37._o matth._n 22._o 37._o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o on_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n by_o which_o use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n include_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o one_o man_n can_v owe_v to_o another_o and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o apply_v to_o enemy_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o former_a verse_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n alter_v not_o the_o comprehensive_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n only_o enlarge_v the_o object_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o whereas_o they_o have_v be_v before_o teach_v to_o confine_v their_o love_n that_o be_v the_o several_a office_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n only_o to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o be_v as_o they_o understand_v it_o only_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o countryman_n they_o shall_v now_o extend_v the_o same_o office_n to_o enemy_n likewise_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o stranger_n and_o alien_n but_o to_o those_o also_o that_o profess_a hatred_n to_o they_o and_o do_v they_o injury_n this_o he_o prescribe_v first_o general_o by_o the_o name_n of_o love_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n and_o then_o leave_v they_o shall_v make_v too_o narrow_a a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n he_o further_o explain_v it_o by_o the_o most_o oblige_a instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o their_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o large_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o office_n which_o be_v peculiar_o due_a to_o our_o enemy_n as_o such_o over_z and_o above_o what_o can_v be_v due_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o those_o be_v refer_v usual_o to_o these_o three_o general_a head_n 1._o that_o we_o do_v not_o return_v those_o evil_n upon_o our_o enemy_n which_o he_o have_v do_v we_o 2._o that_o we_o forgive_v he_o from_o our_o heart_n 3._o that_o we_o recompense_v good_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o assistance_n 1._o if_o we_o be_v command_v to_o love_v our_o enemy_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o we_o be_v hereby_o forbid_v all_o practice_n towards_o he_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o must_v forbear_v all_o act_n of_o revenge_n and_o hostility_n towards_o he_o all_o recompense_v evil_a for_o evil_n this_o branch_n of_o our_o duty_n our_o saviour_n particular_o teach_v at_o the_o 38_o 39_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n but_o i_o say_v
against_o we_o be_v very_o many_o yet_o we_o against_o god_n be_v vast_o more_o numerous_a if_o not_o rather_o without_o number_n who_o can_v tell_v how_o oft_o he_o offend_v be_v holy_a david_n question_n and_o it_o plain_o imply_v that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v for_o his_o own_o part_n though_o he_o be_v the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n yet_o he_o fair_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n and_o what_o then_o must_v we_o think_v of_o ourselves_o who_o come_v far_o short_a of_o his_o piety_n and_o integrity_n again_o be_v our_o neighbour_n sin_n against_o we_o very_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a we_o against_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o so_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o we_o the_o mighty_a obligation_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o these_o be_v such_o aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n against_o god_n as_o our_o neighbour_n offence_n against_o ourselves_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o for_o as_o for_o man_n they_o be_v all_o but_o fellow-creature_n and_o though_o there_o be_v order_n and_o superiority_n among_o they_o yet_o the_o distance_n bear_v no_o proportion_n with_o the_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n whereby_o god_n be_v exalt_v above_o the_o son_n of_o man_n if_o we_o also_o compare_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n with_o what_o we_o confer_v upon_o one_o another_o even_o those_o also_o bear_v no_o resemblance_n and_o therefore_o can_v aggravate_v our_o neighbour_n trespass_n against_o we_o in_o any_o proportion_n with_o our_o offence_n against_o god_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o if_o our_o sin_n against_o god_n both_o for_o the_o number_n and_o aggravation_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_o great_a than_o the_o great_a of_o our_o neighbour_n injury_n can_v be_v how_o unreasonable_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o if_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o deny_v forgiveness_n to_o our_o brother_n for_o the_o lesser_a offence_n we_o have_v suffer_v at_o his_o hand_n do_v you_o as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v by_o be_v the_o common_a rule_n of_o equity_n will_v you_o therefore_o that_o god_n shall_v show_v mercy_n to_o you_o be_v you_o also_o merciful_a to_o your_o fellow-creature_n this_o be_v the_o great_a equity_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n and_o god_n will_v certain_o deal_v with_o we_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o s._n matt._n vi_fw-la 14_o 15._o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n and_o elsewhere_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n who_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n and_o now_o i_o will_v beseech_v 13._o james_n 11._o 13._o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a man_n if_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v calm_a to_o consider_v with_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v those_o everlasting_a pain_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o those_o to_o who_o god_n refuse_v to_o show_v mercy_n if_o he_o can_v let_v he_o consider_v further_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o his_o great_a interest_n to_o agree_v with_o his_o adversary_n quick_o while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n with_o he_o to_o seek_v reconciliation_n with_o he_o to_o forgive_v he_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o do_v he_o good_a that_o he_o also_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o that_o mercy_n from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o we_o unless_o we_o from_o our_o heart_n forgive_v every_o man_n his_o brother_n their_o trespass_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o excellent_a say_n of_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n ecclus._n 28._o 1._o he_o that_o revenge_v shall_v find_v vengeance_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o keep_v his_o sin_n in_o remembrance_n forgive_v thy_o neighbour_n the_o hurt_n that_o he_o have_v do_v thou_o so_o shall_v thy_o sin_n also_o be_v forgive_v thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v one_o man_n bear_v hatred_n against_o another_o and_o do_v he_o seek_v pardon_n from_o the_o lord_n he_o show_v no_o mercy_n to_o a_o man_n like_o himself_o and_o do_v he_o ask_v forgiveness_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n if_o he_o that_o be_v but_o flesh_n nourish_v hatred_n who_o shall_v entreat_v for_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n serm._n ii_o 1_o cor._n four_o part_n of_o the_o 5._o verse_n judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n second_o come_n as_o it_o have_v a_o general_a influence_n upon_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a conversation_n so_o more_o peculiar_o do_v it_o serve_v to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o that_o uncharitable_a temper_n so_o prevail_v among_o man_n of_o judge_v and_o censure_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o be_v frequent_o insist_v on_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o a_o most_o effectual_a and_o cogent_a argument_n against_o it_o for_o the_o better_a enforcement_n therefore_o of_o this_o prohibition_n so_o frequent_a in_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v inquire_v 1._o what_o that_o judgement_n be_v that_o be_v here_o so_o universal_o forbid_v 2._o the_o particular_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n here_o use_v to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o it_o because_o the_o lord_n come_v 3._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o the_o judgement_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o judicial_a proceed_n either_o in_o matter_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o this_o if_o from_o no_o other_o argument_n may_v appear_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o judicial_a power_n to_o the_o well-being_n and_o support_v of_o humane_a society_n for_o that_o civil_a society_n can_v subsist_v in_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n without_o sufficient_a authority_n reside_v in_o some_o person_n above_o other_o to_o determine_v controversy_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o to_o execute_v punishment_n upon_o those_o that_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o neighbour_n be_v too_o plain_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v vast_o more_o numerous_a than_o good_a and_o that_o such_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v restrain_v from_o evil_a but_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o wholesome_a law_n and_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o they_o and_o that_o this_o can_v be_v without_o judicial_a authority_n every_o man_n experience_n may_v convince_v he_o if_o therefore_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n and_o that_o he_o design_v man_n for_o society_n and_o mutual_a support_n of_o each_o other_o in_o it_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o any_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o it_o which_o the_o take_v away_o judicial_a proceed_n will_v certain_o do_v nay_o rather_o since_o order_n and_o government_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o our_o wellbeing_a we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o from_o he_o alone_o and_o agreeable_o to_o this_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v style_v by_o our_o apostle_n the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n 5._o rom._n xiii_o 4_o 5._o upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o we_o be_v therefore_o require_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n neither_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o judicial_a power_n less_o evident_a in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a than_o in_o civil_a nor_o be_v the_o danger_n of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n great_a in_o the_o state_n than_o in_o the_o church_n therefore_o when_o our_o saviour_n send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n to_o gather_v to_o he_o a_o church_n and_o make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n he_o entrust_v they_o with_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o power_n of_o censure_v and_o absolve_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n agreeable_a to_o the_o demerit_n of_o person_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o this_o commission_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o several_a instance_n of_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o this_o power_n by_o this_o authority_n s._n paul_n do_v deliver_v hymenaeus_n and_o alexander_n unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o blaspheme_v as_o we_o read_v 1_o tim._n i_o 20._o and_o in_o the_o 5._o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n verse_n 5._o he_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o use_v the_o same_o power_n over_o such_o person_n as_o be_v notorious_a to_o deliver_v such_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n
may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o judgement_n therefore_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o so_o frequent_o forbid_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n in_o matter_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a 2._o neither_o be_v we_o forbid_v all_o kind_n of_o judgement_n of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n from_o their_o outward_a and_o visible_a practice_n though_o we_o have_v no_o superiority_n over_o they_o we_o be_v still_o allow_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o distinguish_v between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o know_v who_o to_o avoid_v and_o who_o to_o associate_v ourselves_o with_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a prudence_n so_o to_o do_v the_o action_n of_o many_o man_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o notorious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o mild_a and_o easy_a interpretation_n and_o shall_v we_o stay_v till_o public_a authority_n have_v set_v a_o mark_n upon_o such_o person_n before_o we_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o innocence_n and_o security_n by_o forsake_v their_o acquaintance_n and_o conversation_n we_o may_v in_o time_n grow_v partaker_n in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o bad_a company_n and_o example_n do_v insensible_o prevail_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o betray_v we_o into_o evil_n and_o unless_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o some_o person_n from_o the_o action_n we_o see_v we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n or_o beware_v of_o they_o nay_o further_o christian_a charity_n itself_o which_o oblige_v we_o against_o all_o rash_a and_o malicious_a censure_n of_o other_o man_n do_v in_o many_o case_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o exact_a of_o we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o and_o be_v jealous_a over_o they_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v to_o they_o seasonable_a reproof_n and_o admonition_n before_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o kind_n of_o judgement_n if_o it_o be_v exercise_v with_o true_a charity_n and_o moderation_n out_o of_o a_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o offend_a brother_n there_o be_v a_o reward_n annex_v s._n james_n v._n 19_o brethren_n if_o any_o of_o you_o do_v err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o one_o convert_v he_o let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o that_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n now_o we_o shall_v be_v exclude_v both_o from_o this_o duty_n and_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o jawful_a to_o judge_v of_o man_n in_o some_o measure_n by_o what_o we_o hear_v and_o see_v 3._o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o judge_v and_o pass_v censure_n upon_o ourselves_o for_o this_o be_v elsewhere_o make_v our_o duty_n and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o as_o a_o great_a mean_n to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o this_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n xi_o 31._o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o will_v man_n find_v leisure_n serious_o to_o examine_v their_o own_o life_n and_o action_n and_o to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o then_o so_o free_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o those_o practice_n to_o which_o they_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v due_a they_o will_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n to_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o circumspect_a walk_v with_o god_n and_o when_o they_o have_v through_o inadvertency_n and_o neglect_n yield_v to_o temptation_n by_o a_o due_a examination_n and_o judge_v of_o themselves_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n before_o they_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o see_v the_o power_n of_o conscience_n be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o our_o action_n and_o be_v thereby_o more_o vigorous_o engage_v to_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n and_o eschew_v evil_a upon_o a_o prospect_n of_o a_o future_a and_o more_o dreadful_a judgement_n that_o will_v otherwise_o ensue_v when_o therefore_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o verse_n 3._o that_o he_o judge_v not_o his_o own_o self_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o though_o he_o make_v no_o judgement_n at_o all_o of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o action_n and_o particular_o of_o his_o discharge_n of_o his_o apostolic_a office_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o final_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o that_o although_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o himself_o as_o he_o declare_v verse_n 4._o yet_o he_o be_v not_o thereby_o justify_v in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n who_o know_v better_o how_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o and_o will_v judge_v more_o impartial_o than_o he_o himself_o can_v and_o then_o immediate_o subjoin_v the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v except_v from_o the_o general_a prohibition_n the_o sin_n which_o be_v here_o forbid_a be_v the_o uncharitable_a practice_n of_o censure_v and_o condemn_v other_o man_n without_o any_o probable_a or_o just_a ground_n when_o man_n take_v occasion_n from_o little_a circumstance_n and_o appearance_n to_o judge_v the_o person_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o inward_a thought_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o they_o take_v up_o a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o he_o from_o every_o idle_a report_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o spread_v and_o divulge_v the_o same_o to_o his_o prejudice_n when_o they_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o lessen_v and_o detract_v from_o the_o good_a he_o do_v and_o aggravate_v the_o evil_n this_o unchristian_a practice_n be_v capable_a of_o many_o degree_n and_o aggravation_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o particular_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n in_o general_n that_o whoever_o will_v consider_v calm_o with_o himself_o how_o he_o will_v have_v his_o neighbour_n deal_v with_o he_o in_o the_o like_a matter_n with_o what_o candour_n and_o simplicity_n he_o will_v have_v he_o judge_v of_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n how_o loath_a he_o will_v be_v to_o have_v the_o worst_a interpretation_n make_v of_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n and_o how_o willing_a he_o will_v have_v other_o be_v to_o admit_v his_o excuse_n if_o not_o to_o take_v away_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o lessen_v and_o alleviate_v the_o guilt_n of_o any_o miscarriage_n such_o a_o one_o can_v but_o understand_v what_o those_o degree_n of_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v which_o be_v here_o forbid_v i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o three_o consideration_n 1._o from_o the_o baseness_n of_o its_o original_n 2._o from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o person_n we_o censure_v unjust_o 3._o from_o the_o mischief_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a by_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o one_o another_o 1._o for_o the_o original_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o censure_v and_o revile_v one_o another_o i_o think_v it_o may_v ordinary_o be_v resolve_v into_o one_o of_o these_o three_o principle_n 1._o secret_a pride_n and_o overvalue_a ourselves_o man_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o real_a worth_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o mighty_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o buoy_v up_o themselves_o in_o that_o conceit_n but_o to_o pick_v fault_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o other_o man_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o humour_n of_o too_o many_o pretender_n to_o the_o strictness_n of_o religion_n who_o if_o they_o declare_v a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o some_o particular_a fault_n of_o their_o neighbour_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o natural_a inclination_n or_o present_a interest_n be_v apt_a vain_o to_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o vaunt_v it_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luke_n xviii_o 10._o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n now_o the_o unreasonable_a folly_n of_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o abstinence_n from_o some_o particular_a sin_n which_o i_o may_v apprehend_v other_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o in_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o what_o
our_o security_n and_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o assist_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a against_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o oppressor_n but_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o malicious_a and_o censorious_a wound_v in_o secret_a and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o know_v from_o whence_o our_o harm_n arise_v a_o slanderous_a report_n spread_v wide_o and_o insensible_o nor_o can_v a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o trace_v out_o the_o beginning_n or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o nay_o many_o time_n the_o slander_n be_v improve_v beyond_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o devise_v it_o if_o but_o a_o bare_a suspicion_n be_v put_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o giddy_a and_o credulous_a multitude_n how_o easy_o do_v it_o gain_v credit_n as_o true_a and_o then_o sudden_o a_o thousand_o circumstance_n be_v add_v to_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n or_o virtue_n to_o resist_v whole_o or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o a_o false_a accusation_n 2._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o injury_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o manifest_o in_o that_o we_o can_v make_v sufficient_a reparation_n for_o it_o he_o that_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o false_a report_n though_o he_o shall_v afterward_o repent_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v ask_v forgiveness_n of_o the_o person_n injure_v and_o take_v all_o occasion_n for_o the_o future_a to_o wipe_v off_o all_o suspicion_n which_o himself_o have_v raise_v yet_o after_o all_o be_v do_v much_o of_o the_o report_n will_v be_v believe_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o it_o may_v be_v spread_v through_o many_o place_n wherein_o after-confession_n can_v reach_v and_o even_o then_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o believe_v the_o bad_a report_n than_o the_o good_a man_n will_v not_o lay_v aside_o a_o prejudice_n once_o entertain_v without_o great_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a than_o what_o cause_v it_o at_o first_o and_o such_o evidence_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o give_v to_o all_o person_n who_o have_v believe_v a_o slander_n a_o malicious_a censure_n may_v meet_v with_o many_o person_n who_o may_v think_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o continue_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o though_o the_o first_o inventor_n shall_v repent_v so_o that_o when_o once_o a_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v make_v and_o divulge_v i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o do_v it_o to_o stop_v the_o belief_n or_o spread_v of_o it_o or_o to_o make_v reparation_n 3._o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o injury_n do_v more_o afflict_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n or_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n than_o a_o false_a and_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o he_o every_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o a_o good_a name_n and_o agreeable_o to_o his_o value_n of_o it_o can_v but_o high_o resent_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o by_o a_o false_a and_o unjust_a accusation_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n compare_v the_o word_n of_o a_o slanderer_n and_o backbiter_n to_o the_o pierce_a of_o a_o sword_n prov._n xi_o 18._o and_o holy_a david_n tell_v we_o that_o sword_n be_v in_o their_o lip_n psal_n lix_o 7._o neither_o be_v it_o without_o good_a reason_n that_o man_n be_v thus_o tender_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o good_a name_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v disable_v from_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o just_a occasion_n of_o grief_n and_o dissatisfaction_n a_o man_n who_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n make_v it_o his_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o do_v what_o good_a he_o can_v in_o the_o place_n and_o station_n to_o which_o god_n have_v call_v he_o can_v but_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o injury_n as_o make_v his_o endeavour_n ineffectual_a for_o that_o end_n and_o though_o he_o may_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o forgive_v yet_o it_o can_v but_o cause_v a_o great_a unquietness_n of_o spirit_n in_o a_o good_a man_n which_o can_v easy_o be_v atone_v for_o but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o private_a injury_n only_o but_o have_v very_o great_a and_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o the_o society_n in_o which_o we_o live_v which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o consideration_n propose_v to_o show_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o uncharitable_a judge_n of_o one_o another_o namely_o the_o bad_a effect_n which_o redound_v from_o this_o practice_n to_o the_o public_a 1._o the_o first_o of_o those_o bad_a effect_n which_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o be_v that_o which_o i_o just_o now_o mention_v that_o it_o render_v particular_a person_n less_o able_a to_o do_v good_a in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n than_o otherwise_o they_o may_v be_v and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o public_a proportiotionable_o to_o the_o several_a ability_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o person_n so_o deal_v with_o now_o that_o slanderous_a report_n and_o false_a judgement_n spread_v concern_v the_o person_n of_o any_o man_n do_v tend_v much_o to_o hinder_v the_o good_a they_o may_v do_v otherwise_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o instance_v in_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a do_v in_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v of_o their_o person_n which_o must_v consequent_o be_v much_o lessen_v by_o malicious_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o they_o and_o even_o by_o the_o undue_a mention_n of_o fault_n that_o be_v true_a and_o real_a but_o yet_o be_v no_o man_n business_n to_o inquire_v into_o or_o accuse_v they_o for_o the_o person_n i_o mean_v be_v public_a minister_n either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o state_n for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o common_a experience_n that_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o security_n of_o any_o nation_n consist_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o when_o those_o that_o govern_v apply_v themselves_o zealous_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n and_o when_o subject_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o obedience_n to_o those_o that_o rule_n over_o they_o now_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o nothing_o more_o effectual_o engage_v the_o obedience_n and_o affection_n of_o subject_n to_o their_o sovereign_n and_o minister_n employ_v by_o he_o than_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o integrity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o respective_a employment_n whoever_o therefore_o make_v it_o their_o design_n as_o many_o busybody_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v to_o misrepresent_v all_o the_o proceed_n of_o their_o governor_n that_o suit_n not_o with_o their_o present_a humour_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o rip_v up_o and_o aggravate_v those_o private_a fault_n of_o such_o person_n which_o concern_v they_o not_o such_o person_n i_o say_v can_v but_o be_v think_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o public_a by_o abate_v the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v which_o be_v just_o due_a and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o superior_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n what_o do_v man_n of_o this_o temper_n propose_v to_o themselves_o do_v they_o think_v their_o governor_n be_v not_o man_n of_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o other_o do_v they_o not_o know_v that_o the_o employment_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o be_v of_o more_o variety_n and_o difficulty_n than_o can_v be_v manage_v with_o so_o exact_a evenness_n but_o there_o will_v be_v still_o some_o inconvenience_n unavoidable_a how_o be_v it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v that_o even_o then_o when_o they_o complain_v of_o and_o censure_v the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n contribute_v to_o and_o increase_v the_o inconvenience_n they_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o government_n arise_v whole_o or_o chief_o from_o the_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n but_o in_o great_a part_n from_o the_o perverse_a and_o ungovernable_a temper_n of_o some_o man_n who_o study_n to_o be_v unquiet_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n stick_v not_o to_o declaim_v zealous_o against_o all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o superior_n which_o they_o think_v capable_a of_o blame_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a depend_v much_o upon_o the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v of_o their_o person_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o business_n of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o immortal_a spirit_n of_o man_n whoever_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o
their_o endeavour_n in_o that_o affair_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v a_o common_a enemy_n to_o mankind_n now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o way_n whereby_o man_n do_v more_o direct_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o hinder_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o than_o by_o defame_v the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v entrust_v for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o argue_v for_o any_o man_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o because_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a man_n in_o holy_a order_n be_v unfaithful_a to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o live_v not_o up_o to_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o do_v extreme_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a whether_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o real_a or_o but_o suppose_a fault_n of_o man_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v or_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n for_o to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o false_a report_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n be_v as_o effectual_a as_o though_o the_o report_n be_v true_a and_o the_o censure_n just_a and_o than_o who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o the_o man_n who_o raise_v the_o false_a accusation_n be_v not_o as_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o man_n who_o life_n be_v real_o scandalous_a what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ill_a effect_n that_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a from_o the_o uncharitable_a censuring_n of_o man_n of_o this_o public_a capacity_n will_v in_o proportion_n hold_v concern_v the_o rash_a judgement_n we_o make_v of_o private_a person_n according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o instance_n of_o the_o ill_a effect_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a by_o our_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o namely_o that_o our_o rash_a and_o censorious_a practice_n towards_o other_o provoke_v the_o like_a usage_n from_o they_o towards_o ourselves_o and_o thence_o arise_v those_o many_o feud_n and_o animosity_n mutual_a revile_n and_o bitter_a envy_n so_o visible_a among_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o a_o feud_n thus_o begin_v common_o spread_v itself_o and_o all_o our_o friend_n and_o correspondent_n be_v soon_o make_v partner_n in_o the_o quarrel_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o or_o allay_v those_o animosity_n which_o have_v be_v thus_o begin_v every_o man_n experience_n may_v convince_v he_o now_o i_o need_v not_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o show_v that_o division_n and_o animosity_n among_o man_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a society_n where_o they_o live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n attest_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n so_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o practice_n tend_v to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o public_a nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o practice_n that_o do_v more_o effectual_o tend_v that_o way_n than_o this_o of_o uncharitable_a judge_n and_o censure_v other_o man_n how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o any_o society_n be_v so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a those_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v which_o cause_n division_n in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o be_v a_o society_n who_o happiness_n be_v not_o terminate_v in_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o life_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o those_o uncharitable_a censure_n which_o cause_n division_n among_o christian_n receive_v from_o hence_o a_o mighty_a aggravation_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hinder_v their_o present_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o endanger_v their_o fall_a short_a of_o that_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o none_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v after_o peace_n and_o holiness_n and_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v but_o add_v a_o three_o ill_a effect_n which_o this_o uncharitable_a practice_n of_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o bring_v to_o the_o public_a 3._o viz._n that_o it_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o upon_o that_o holy_a name_n whereby_o we_o be_v call_v for_o suppose_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o pagan_a shall_v peruse_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o shall_v read_v there_o the_o many_o precept_n which_o require_v of_o we_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n in_o our_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v they_o read_v s._n paul_n description_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o it_o think_v no_o evil_a that_o it_o believe_v all_o thing_n and_o hope_v all_o thing_n do_v they_o consider_v the_o many_o argument_n the_o gospel_n use_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n and_o great_a reward_n undispensable_o depend_v upon_o our_o practice_n and_o last_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o conversation_n among_o man_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o other_o but_o do_v himself_o exercise_v the_o great_a candour_n towards_o all_o man_n scarce_o ever_o pass_v a_o severe_a censure_n upon_o any_o but_o that_o proud_a censorious_a sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o all_o other_o shall_v they_o then_o descend_v to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_n with_o that_o excellent_a rule_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o with_o the_o example_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v how_o vast_a the_o disproportion_n be_v between_o our_o practice_n and_o profession_n they_o will_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o serious_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o vaunt_v of_o nor_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o saviour_n in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o life_n nor_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v foretell_v they_o will_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v how_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v consist_v with_o many_o uncharitable_a practice_n unjust_a reproach_n and_o mutual_a enmity_n which_o the_o profess_a disciple_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v so_o easy_o tempt_v to_o thus_o beside_o the_o injury_n we_o do_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o public_a society_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v feel_a member_n we_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o may_v be_v win_v over_o to_o our_o most_o holy_a profession_n do_v they_o not_o see_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o so_o manifest_o contradict_v in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n what_o they_o plead_v for_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o affection_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o particular_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n here_o use_v to_o dissuade_v from_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o because_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n if_o compare_v with_o our_o great_a inability_n to_o judge_v aright_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v particular_o urge_v by_o our_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v my_o text_n judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o both_o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a work_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o what_o man_n do_v can_v be_v determine_v bare_o from_o outward_a appearance_n which_o only_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n many_o action_n may_v proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o pious_a and_o devout_a which_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o know_v the_o heart_n which_o yet_o as_o to_o man_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n and_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o outward_a action_n of_o hypocrite_n may_v appear_v to_o man_n as_o instance_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o devotion_n when_o to_o god_n they_o be_v a_o abomination_n now_o shall_v we_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o discretion_n in_o these_o case_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o these_o man_n or_o their_o action_n so_o many_o be_v the_o secret_a wind_n and_o private_a retirement_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o various_a his_o thought_n and_o intention_n and_o so_o numerous_a his_o pretence_n to_o disguise_v his_o action_n that_o it_o
promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o holy_a office_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o with_o such_o reverence_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o ambassador_n of_o god_n to_o the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n not_o that_o the_o true_o humble_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v a_o blind_a assent_n to_o whatever_o he_o hear_v deliver_v from_o a_o pulpit_n or_o that_o he_o be_v present_o to_o renounce_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n whenever_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o his_o immediate_a pastor_n no_o we_o do_v not_o claim_v this_o dominion_n over_o the_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o do_v not_o require_v a_o absolute_a assent_n to_o all_o we_o say_v only_o thus_o much_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v and_o aught_o to_o think_v his_o duty_n not_o to_o oppose_v every_o private_a scruple_n of_o his_o own_o to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v much_o less_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o manifest_a and_o plain_a ground_n he_o ought_v rather_o to_o distrust_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o public_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n for_o further_a information_n before_o he_o be_v positive_a in_o his_o opinion_n he_o ought_v to_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o humility_n to_o his_o superior_n to_o desire_v satisfaction_n from_o they_o and_o he_o ought_v to_o attend_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a lest_o any_o prejudice_n or_o self-interest_n shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n and_o than_o if_o after_o a_o due_a diligence_n he_o find_v himself_o still_o unconvince_v yet_o still_o humility_n will_v oblige_v he_o not_o to_o judge_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o he_o nor_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o he_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o he_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v to_o be_v be_v unlawful_a now_o he_o that_o proce_v with_o this_o humility_n and_o deliberation_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a to_o he_o this_o humble_a temper_n will_v either_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o superior_n or_o at_o least_o will_v secure_v he_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o error_n for_o simple_a error_n be_v not_o dangerous_a in_o itself_o unless_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o culpable_a cause_n or_o unless_o it_o lead_v to_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n and_o this_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v hardly_o be_v tempt_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o private_a opinion_n 4._o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o matter_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v not_o require_v great_a evidence_n for_o reveal_v truth_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v of_o and_o indeed_o the_o want_n of_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n many_o disputer_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n to_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v a_o paradox_n and_o to_o stand_v their_o ground_n against_o all_o opposition_n these_o man_n seek_v not_o truth_n but_o victory_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o as_o to_o amuse_v other_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v a_o objection_n which_o they_o think_v their_o adversary_n can_v answer_v they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o think_v that_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o all_o positive_a argument_n whatsoever_o now_o this_o perverse_a and_o conceit_a way_n of_o dispute_v render_v man_n very_o unfit_a to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o science_n but_o especial_o in_o religion_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o proof_n but_o that_o a_o perverse_a and_o unteachable_a spirit_n may_v find_v some_o kind_n of_o evasion_n to_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o may_v raise_v some_o kind_n of_o groundless_a suspicion_n that_o possible_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v there_o represent_v the_o evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o these_o day_n do_v in_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o historical_a truth_n of_o those_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v attest_v by_o as_o credible_a witness_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o or_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o still_o a_o man_n that_o be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a may_v say_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o convince_a than_o that_o of_o witness_n that_o see_v be_v believe_v and_o if_o i_o can_v see_v some_o of_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_v wrought_v now_o which_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n i_o will_v believe_v but_o as_o for_o these_o historical_a narration_n if_o either_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o do_v intend_v to_o deceive_v or_o delude_v posterity_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v those_o relation_n be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o now_o although_o it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n so_o cheerful_o in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o themselves_o or_o with_o intention_n to_o deceive_v other_o though_o this_o be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n what_o further_a argument_n can_v be_v use_v to_o convince_v he_o for_o what_o further_a evidence_n can_v we_o expect_v of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n in_o what_o he_o say_v than_o that_o he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o attest_v it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o then_o for_o their_o knowledge_n in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v well_o appeal_v to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n wherewith_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v that_o such_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n yet_o still_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n be_v not_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n that_o be_v resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o nothing_o but_o sensible_a demonstration_n must_v expect_v to_o go_v away_o unsatisfied_a as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n but_o now_o a_o humble_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n such_o a_o one_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a in_o his_o proceed_n he_o will_v content_v himself_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o the_o thing_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v require_v no_o great_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o those_o perverse_a disputer_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o that_o rational_a evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v though_o they_o see_v a_o miracle_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o in_o a_o like_a case_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o arise_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v at_o first_o confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o miracle_n but_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o father_n concern_v it_o and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n upon_o that_o evidence_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v now_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n at_o the_o
suffering_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v eternal_a life_n to_o as_o many_o as_o his_o father_n have_v give_v he_o and_o this_o be_v that_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o express_v in_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o the_o verse_n by_o his_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o prospect_n of_o which_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o can_v endure_v so_o much_o ignominy_n shame_n and_o pain_n for_o the_o obtain_v this_o reward_n be_v both_o sufficient_o certain_a of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v make_v good_a to_o he_o upon_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o likewise_o that_o this_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o be_v of_o inestimable_a value_n and_o far_o exceed_v those_o tribulation_n and_o sorrow_n he_o undertake_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o last_o that_o he_o can_v not_o deceive_v his_o follower_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o imaginary_a joy_n since_o he_o do_v himself_o endure_v such_o real_a and_o unexpressible_a pain_n to_o obtain_v it_o for_o and_o confirm_v it_o to_o they_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v brief_o this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o and_o of_o the_o inestimable_a value_n of_o it_o above_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o also_o ought_v to_o imitate_v his_o patience_n be_v well_o assure_v by_o his_o example_n that_o the_o light_a affliction_n of_o this_o life_n which_o endure_v but_o a_o moment_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o that_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o the_o holy_a jesus_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o glorify_v together_o thus_o far_o have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n from_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o imitate_v his_o patience_n and_o to_o suffer_v with_o he_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o but_o we_o must_v not_o confine_v the_o influence_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n to_o this_o single_a duty_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o mention_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n may_v fair_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_a conversation_n and_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o death_n have_v doubtless_o a_o very_a great_a efficacy_n to_o oblige_v we_o not_o only_o to_o the_o patient_a endure_a affliction_n and_o calamity_n but_o to_o a_o universal_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o look_v up_o unto_o jesus_n and_o consider_v the_o intolerable_a weight_n of_o sorrow_n which_o he_o endure_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o not_o be_v ashamed_a and_o blush_v again_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o those_o sin_n which_o put_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o such_o shame_n and_o pain_n or_o how_o can_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v his_o boundless_a compassion_n and_o love_n to_o we_o in_o endure_v such_o thing_n for_o our_o sake_n without_o be_v effectual_o move_v to_o render_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o love_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n which_o we_o can_v better_o express_v than_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o constant_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o all_o holiness_n and_o godliness_n of_o live_v which_o that_o we_o may_v all_o do_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o praise_n and_o glory_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n serm._n vi_o 1_o cor._n v._o 10._o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a one_o great_a privilege_n and_o perfection_n of_o mankind_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o and_o far_o excel_v the_o beast_n that_o perish_v be_v this_o that_o whereas_o other_o creature_n be_v either_o whole_o determine_v in_o their_o action_n by_o outward_a and_o necessary_a cause_n or_o at_o least_o be_v lead_v on_o by_o those_o object_n only_o which_o be_v present_a and_o work_v immediate_o upon_o their_o sense_n without_o any_o prospect_n of_o or_o regard_n to_o future_a and_o remote_a event_n man_n only_o by_o compare_v cause_n and_o effect_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o estimate_n and_o value_n of_o future_a good_a and_o evil_n and_o according_o to_o determine_v their_o present_a action_n and_o choice_n in_o proportion_n to_o those_o end_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o though_o all_o man_n natural_o seek_v after_o good_a and_o be_v averse_a to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v painful_a and_o unpleasant_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o what_o be_v now_o please_v and_o delightful_a to_o they_o will_v be_v the_o certain_a cause_n of_o future_a and_o more_o last_a evil_n than_o can_v be_v recompense_v by_o any_o present_a and_o transitory_a pleasure_n this_o consideration_n to_o those_o that_o use_v their_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o check_n to_o and_o divert_v they_o from_o any_o present_a enjoyment_n which_o will_v in_o the_o event_n be_v dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a on_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o same_o principle_n man_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o undergo_v many_o difficulty_n and_o hardship_n if_o they_o can_v be_v convince_v that_o their_o present_a suffering_n shall_v be_v recompense_v with_o a_o suitable_a reward_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o no_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v more_o natural_o fit_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o the_o contrary_a way_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n than_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o those_o several_a end_n which_o they_o lead_v to_o and_o of_o those_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o will_v be_v the_o unavoidable_a event_n of_o they_o and_o according_o no_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n be_v more_o frequent_a in_o the_o gospel_n than_o those_o which_o be_v take_v from_o a_o expectation_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o from_o those_o incomparable_a reward_n which_o will_v then_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o unspeakable_a misery_n which_o will_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o disobedient_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n particular_o insist_o on_o in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v many_o circumstance_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n worthy_a of_o our_o most_o serious_a consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v to_o you_o 1._o here_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v declare_v in_o these_o word_n we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n 2._o here_o be_v the_o person_n before_o who_o we_o must_v appear_v it_o be_v the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n he_o who_o be_v before_o our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n who_o come_v to_o redeem_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o life_n will_v then_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o will_v actual_o dispense_v those_o reward_n he_o promise_v to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o will_v also_o be_v the_o severe_a avenger_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v 3._o here_o be_v express_v the_o person_n that_o must_v appear_v we_o we_o the_o same_o man_n that_o be_v now_o alive_a in_o the_o body_n though_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v though_o our_o body_n die_v and_o see_v corruption_n yet_o we_o ourselves_o must_v again_o appear_v the_o same_o almighty_a power_n which_o at_o first_o frame_v we_o in_o our_o mother_n womb_n and_o curious_o fashion_v all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n though_o they_o be_v dissolve_v into_o dust_n and_o various_o scatter_v over_o the_o earth_n will_v again_o restore_v they_o to_o life_n and_o we_o shall_v again_o appear_v the_o same_o man_n that_o we_o be_v before_o for_o we_o must_v appear_v and_o no_o other_o 4._o here_o be_v express_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o
appearance_n we_o must_v all_o appear_v all_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v or_o shall_v live_v upon_o the_o earth_n high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a no_o order_n or_o degree_n of_o man_n except_v we_o must_v all_o than_o make_v our_o appearance_n 5._o there_o be_v something_o considerable_a in_o the_o appearance_n itself_o doctor_n hammond_n interpret_v the_o phrase_n we_o must_v appear_v only_o with_o analogy_n to_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n that_o as_o prisoner_n at_o the_o bar_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o conspicuous_a place_n in_o order_n to_o their_o trial_n so_o we_o also_o must_v give_v our_o appearance_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o more_o important_a signification_n and_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o our_o be_v actual_o present_a at_o god_n tribunal_n but_o we_o must_v appear_v or_o be_v make_v manifest_a as_o the_o same_o word_n be_v interpret_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n mean_v thus_o much_o that_o all_o our_o hide_a action_n and_o secret_a design_n which_o be_v now_o undiscovered_a by_o man_n shall_v then_o at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v manifest_a and_o lay_v open_a to_o we_o before_o god_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n we_o have_v now_o many_o way_n to_o hide_v ourselves_o and_o to_o disguise_v our_o action_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n we_o can_v now_o put_v on_o the_o mask_n and_o garb_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o appear_v as_o such_o to_o the_o world_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o wickedness_n and_o deceit_n but_o at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n all_o these_o art_n will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o our_o false_a pretence_n will_v then_o be_v discover_v our_o disguise_n pull_v off_o our_o hypocrisy_n make_v visible_a and_o manifest_a inasmuch_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v 6._o here_o be_v the_o method_n that_o will_v be_v use_v at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 7._o here_o be_v the_o use_n s_o paul_n make_v of_o all_o these_o consideration_n know_v therefore_o these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v assure_v how_o dreadful_a this_o appearance_n and_o the_o event_n of_o it_o will_v be_v we_o persuade_v man_n that_o they_o will_v now_o behave_v themselves_o as_o man_n that_o must_v then_o appear_v but_o to_o insist_v particular_o on_o all_o these_o circumstance_n will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o exercise_n of_o your_o patience_n i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o remind_v you_o of_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v 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be_v endue_v with_o they_o will_v afford_v we_o great_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o our_o action_n here_o and_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v according_a to_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o do_v one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o be_v natural_o write_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v wicked_a without_o violence_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o best_a faculty_n every_o man_n bear_v about_o with_o he_o a_o secret_a monitor_n in_o his_o bosom_n which_o upon_o the_o temptation_n to_o evil_n do_v faithful_o forewarn_v he_o of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o commission_n of_o evil_n do_v afflict_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o guilt_n and_o with_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o punishment_n due_a upon_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v a_o secret_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n which_o be_v a_o exceed_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o enable_v he_o to_o bear_v many_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n which_o ofttimes_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n his_o conscience_n breed_v in_o he_o a_o strong_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o some_o future_a recompense_n for_o his_o good_a deed_n now_o that_o conscience_n be_v thus_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o forewarn_v man_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o in_o order_n the_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v and_o to_o support_v they_o in_o do_v good_a every_o man_n that_o give_v himself_o the_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n may_v be_v convince_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n or_o if_o we_o will_v rather_o learn_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o other_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v a_o crowd_n of_o witness_n which_o give_v we_o large_a description_n of_o the_o unsupportable_a burden_n a_o trouble_a spirit_n and_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o security_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o now_o will_v we_o know_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n which_o the_o conscience_n natural_o suggest_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o they_o can_v be_v assign_v but_o this_o that_o they_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n forewarn_v we_o of_o another_o state_n after_o this_o when_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v recompense_v according_a to_o that_o they_o have_v do_v here_o for_o that_o the_o fear_n and_o disquiet_v of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v indeed_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n as_o some_o vain_o suppose_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o that_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o any_o earthly_a tribunal_n have_v yet_o be_v the_o great_a example_n of_o this_o force_n of_o conscience_n the_o story_n of_o caligula_n be_v in_o every_o body_n mouth_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o signal_n instance_n of_o this_o truth_n he_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o so_o unlimited_a a_o sovereignty_n over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o exercise_v his_o power_n with_o so_o extravagant_a a_o cruelty_n be_v yet_o upon_o every_o flash_n of_o lightning_n and_o clap_n of_o thunder_n awaken_v to_o a_o sense_n and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o that_o god_n who_o at_o other_o time_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o defy_v but_o not_o to_o dwell_v upon_o a_o single_a instance_n a_o further_a evidence_n that_o these_o fear_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n be_v most_o remarkable_a in_o those_o action_n which_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a and_o far_o remove_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n for_o though_o we_o seek_v the_o dark_a retirement_n where_o no_o mortal_a eye_n can_v trace_v our_o step_n or_o behold_v our_o do_n yet_o there_o our_o conscience_n be_v as_o a_o thousand_o witness_n continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o afflict_v we_o with_o terror_n which_o can_v proceed_v from_o nothing_o else_o but_o from_o a_o secret_a conviction_n of_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n reach_v to_o all_o place_n even_o to_o our_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o who_o will_v one_o day_n bring_v upon_o we_o punishment_n proportionable_a to_o our_o deserve_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v long_o upon_o this_o argument_n than_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o s._n paul_n himself_o seem_v
to_o urge_v it_o to_o this_o very_a purpose_n rom._n ij_o 14._o when_o speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o god_n have_v make_v no_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o he_o have_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v judge_v as_o other_o be_v inasmuch_o as_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o conscience_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o have_v from_o thence_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v call_v they_o to_o account_v for_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o and_o reward_v those_o who_o do_v obey_v it_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o they_o self_n and_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a time_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o man_n 2._o beside_o the_o dictate_v and_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n together_o with_o our_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o he_o this_o will_v give_v we_o further_o assurance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o further_a judgement_n to_o be_v expect_v god_n who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o do_v continual_o preserve_v and_o support_v we_o in_o it_o who_o have_v endue_v we_o with_o so_o many_o excellent_a perfection_n above_o other_o creature_n have_v certain_o the_o just_a right_n to_o our_o obedience_n and_o service_n and_o according_o he_o have_v give_v law_n to_o mankind_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n law_n agreeable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n law_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o that_o none_o shall_v plead_v ignorance_n of_o these_o law_n he_o have_v as_o be_v observe_v write_v they_o in_o their_o soul_n and_o stamp_v upon_o they_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o obligation_n and_o 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rewarder_n of_o the_o good_a we_o must_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o reason_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v also_o a_o punisher_n of_o the_o bad_a now_o if_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o distribution_n of_o humane_a affair_n in_o this_o life_n have_v very_o little_a appearance_n of_o that_o universal_a and_o impartial_a justice_n which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v god_n will_v exercise_v towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o many_o man_n suffer_v in_o this_o world_n for_o their_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o that_o other_o to_o the_o contrary_a raise_v themselves_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o prosperity_n by_o wickedness_n and_o oppression_n when_o therefore_o we_o see_v some_o man_n prosper_v in_o their_o villainy_n other_o afflict_v for_o their_o piety_n what_o can_v we_o conclude_v but_o that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n have_v appoint_v another_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o recompense_v all_o man_n according_a to_o their_o deserve_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n do_v many_o time_n in_o this_o life_n exert_v his_o power_n in_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o notorious_a villainy_n there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a revolution_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o very_a signal_n evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o power_n preside_v over_o humane_a affair_n but_o the_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v very_o few_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o great_a wickedness_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o judgement_n that_o befall_v man_n in_o this_o life_n as_o the_o complete_a execution_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n only_o that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o remembrancer_n to_o awaken_v man_n into_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o will_v one_o day_n equal_o appear_v to_o all_o god_n be_v please_v many_o time_n to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v in_o the_o exemplary_a punishment_n of_o some_o man_n in_o this_o life_n sometime_o for_o their_o own_o amendment_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v sometime_o for_o example_n to_o other_o that_o they_o may_v see_v it_o and_o fear_n and_o remember_v that_o the_o most_o high_a rule_v among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o still_o the_o full_a execution_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v reserve_v to_o another_o life_n and_o there_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 3._o a_o further_a evidence_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o nation_n the_o many_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a though_o disagree_v infinite_o in_o other_o thing_n yet_o do_v all_o consent_n in_o this_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n after_o this_o when_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o hence_o arise_v the_o many_o fable_n of_o their_o poet_n concern_v the_o punishment_n man_n undergo_v in_o hell_n and_o their_o description_n of_o elysium_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o happy_a soul_n who_o have_v live_v here_o holy_a and_o innocent_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o good_a heathen_n who_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o have_v live_v up_o to_o the_o light_n they_o have_v be_v so_o undaunted_a and_o courageous_a at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v over-live_a their_o body_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o society_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o thus_o pythagoras_n teach_v his_o scholar_n that_o if_o they_o live_v virtuous_o here_o when_o they_o come_v to_o leave_v the_o body_n they_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o become_v like_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o liable_a to_o death_n thus_o socrates_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o die_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o a_o just_a god_n and_o to_o man_n better_o than_o any_o live_n and_o that_o after_o death_n it_o be_v much_o better_o with_o good_a man_n than_o with_o the_o bad_a many_o expression_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n which_o be_v sufficient_a intimation_n of_o this_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o another_o life_n according_a to_o our_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a now_o that_o this_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n shall_v be_v thus_o firm_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o several_a party_n in_o religion_n by_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o sect_n though_o they_o disagree_v infinite_o in_o other_o thing_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o some_o certain_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n or_o else_o must_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o early_a revelation_n make_v by_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n before_o the_o several_a nation_n be_v disperse_v over_o the_o earth_n which_o of_o these_o may_v be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o this_o universal_a consent_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v but_o whichsoever_o it_o be_v the_o inference_n will_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v because_o all_o nation_n have_v agree_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o persuasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a principle_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o rational_a deduction_n than_o that_o all_o man_n that_o use_v their_o reason_n shall_v argue_v alike_o and_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o