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i_o be_o truth_n not_o custom_n so_o christian_n must_v frame_v themselves_o to_o truth_n what_o ever_o the_o custom_n be_v custom_n we_o say_v be_v a_o tyrant_n but_o truth_n must_v be_v our_o king_n and_o guide_n and_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a christian_a to_o row_v hard_o against_o the_o stream_n of_o bad_a custom_n whereof_o the_o world_n be_v full_a 2._o for_o the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n it_o have_v be_v good_a for_o peter_n to_o have_v try_v the_o example_n of_o the_o ruler_n in_o their_o deal_n against_o christ_n before_o he_o have_v deny_v and_o forswear_a he_o their_o example_n as_o little_o patronise_v he_o as_o themselves_o well_o say_v augustine_n non_fw-la debemus_fw-la semper_fw-la probare_fw-la quicquid_fw-la probati_fw-la homines_fw-la urgent_a gaudeâ—ium_fw-la sed_fw-la judicium_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la adhibere_fw-la a_o illae_fw-la probent_fw-la we_o must_v not_o still_o approve_v whatsoever_o worthy_a man_n urge_v we_o unto_o but_o take_v with_o 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every_o thessalonian_n without_o restraint_n grant_v he_o a_o power_n to_o censure_v and_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n &_o manner_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o a_o common_a man_n to_o give_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o pastor_n believe_v answ._n indeed_o so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v and_o namely_o the_o rhemist_n on_o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o corrupt_v a_o most_o express_a text_n where_o the_o apostle_n wish_v and_o command_v every_o christian_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o people_n ought_v judicial_o to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o pastor_n before_o they_o give_v it_o entertainment_n as_o afterward_o we_o shall_v more_o clear_o prove_v 1._o but_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o rhemist_n on_o that_o place_n say_v be_v it_o not_o absurd_a that_o every_o particular_a person_n by_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o 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stranger_n because_o he_o be_v able_a to_o try_v and_o discern_v that_o too_o john_n 20.4_o 5._o thing_n the_o four_o general_n remain_v by_o what_o must_v this_o trial_n be_v make_v answ._n every_o trial_n be_v make_v by_o some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o direction_n we_o try_v the_o soundness_n of_o solid_a thing_n by_o weight_n and_o the_o balance_n of_o liquid_a thing_n by_o liquid_a measure_n we_o try_v figure_n by_o line_n and_o rule_v and_o the_o kind_n of_o mettle_n by_o the_o touchstone_n we_o must_v therefore_o find_v out_o some_o weight_n or_o rule_v or_o touchstone_n to_o try_v the_o soundness_n and_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n concern_v faith_n or_o manner_n now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o perfect_a balance_n or_o exact_a rule_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o the_o word_n writ_v esa._n 2.3_o the_o law_n out_o of_o zion_n and_o the_o word_n from_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v judge_n among_o the_o nation_n and_o chap._n 8.20_o all_o appeal_n must_v be_v 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judgement_n and_o course_n such_o as_o hold_v all_o thing_n in_o suspense_n and_o question_n that_o they_o may_v admit_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v for_o their_o profit_n or_o preferment_n who_o walk_v not_o certain_o in_o wisdom_n way_n for_o that_o do_v try_v all_o thing_n and_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o how_o can_v he_o hold_v any_o good_a thing_n that_o hold_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a which_o be_v the_o word_n 3_o three_o let_v we_o frame_v ourselves_o to_o this_o so_o necessary_a precept_n to_o hold_v the_o good_a lesson_n which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o and_o for_o our_o direction_n herein_o we_o will_v consider_v 1._o the_o rule_n of_o hold_v good_a 2._o the_o mean_n of_o hold_v good_a 3._o the_o motive_n thereunto_o trial_n the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o text_n hold_v doctrine_n after_o examination_n when_o we_o have_v try_v it_o to_o be_v good_a and_o sound_a 2_o tim._n 3.14_o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v 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of_o salvation_n and_o beside_o for_o such_o as_o have_v opportunity_n and_o leisure_n from_o their_o calling_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a sin_n to_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o good_a while_o they_o can_v spend_v that_o or_o more_o time_n idle_o or_o sottish_o or_o in_o game_n sport_v vain_a companionship_n compliment_n or_o the_o like_a for_o here_o be_v not_o only_o a_o vain_a &_o sinful_a expense_n of_o precious_a time_n but_o a_o profane_a despise_v of_o the_o most_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v now_o as_o a_o prize_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n but_o he_o want_v heart_n be_v there_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o mean_n he_o will_v be_v thankful_o receive_v at_o any_o time_n be_v there_o any_o true_a love_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v always_o enjoy_v he_o who_o the_o soul_n love_v and_o delight_n at_o any_o time_n to_o behold_v he_o through_o these_o grate_v but_o he_o 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profit_n whereby_o man_n pull_v the_o brand_n of_o esau_n profaneness_n upon_o themselves_o prefer_v every_o measse_n of_o broth_n before_o the_o birthright_n and_o exchange_v with_o the_o prodigal_n for_o very_a husk_n the_o bread_n of_o their_o father_n house_n object_n but_o so_o much_o preach_v bring_v preach_v into_o contempt_n say_v some_o yea_o but_o what_o infant_n contemn_v the_o milk_n answ._n because_o it_o suck_v often_o every_o day_n or_o who_o contemn_v his_o meat_n because_o he_o eat_v every_o day_n who_o fall_v out_o with_o his_o apparel_n because_o he_o put_v it_o on_o every_o day_n or_o who_o despise_v his_o wealth_n because_o he_o increase_v it_o every_o day_n and_o be_v not_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n propound_v our_o food_n our_o wealth_n our_o apparel_n and_o all_o in_o all_o unto_o we_o let_v they_o also_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v make_v contemptible_a because_o it_o shine_v every_o day_n or_o that_o daniel_n bring_v prayer_n into_o contempt_n 6.10_o when_o he_o pray_v thrice_o every_o day_n or_o david_n 119.164_o when_o he_o pray_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n why_o may_v they_o not_o as_o well_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o public_a prayer_n appoint_v four_o day_n in_o a_o week_n bring_v public_a prayer_n into_o contempt_n as_o well_o as_o preach_v once_o in_o a_o week_n but_o i_o have_v no_o leisure_n say_v the_o rich_a man_n i_o have_v many_o weighty_a occasion_n and_o employment_n object_n it_o be_v for_o poor_a man_n who_o have_v no_o such_o distraction_n to_o run_v after_o sermon_n answ._n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n make_v a_o full_a answer_n that_o one_o thing_n be_v more_o necessary_a than_o they_o all_o in_o comparison_n of_o which_o mary_n neglect_v all_o other_o thing_n and_o who_o dare_v say_v that_o mary_n do_v more_o than_o she_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v or_o that_o she_o do_v hear_v only_o because_o she_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v or_o that_o she_o be_v blame-worthy_a who_o our_o lord_n commend_v in_o that_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o word_n she_o do_v neglect_v all_o other_o thing_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o want_v of_o leisure_n but_o want_v of_o love_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o word_n that_o make_v this_o objection_n for_o love_n of_o any_o thing_n will_v find_v time_n and_o leisure_n to_o enjoy_v it_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o time_n for_o no_o man_n but_o have_v much_o more_o time_n than_o he_o use_v well_o and_o none_o but_o have_v much_o time_n which_o he_o spend_v worse_a but_o want_v of_o judgement_n to_o give_v priority_n to_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_a be_v any_o worldly_a business_n of_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o seek_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o man_n own_o salvation_n will_v any_o employment_n never_o so_o weighty_a make_v a_o man_n whole_o neglect_v for_o a_o week_n together_o all_o mean_n of_o preserve_v his_o body_n and_o be_v any_o so_o necessary_a as_o to_o make_v we_o neglect_v the_o health_n and_o welfare_n of_o our_o precious_a soul_n or_o can_v thou_o with_o reason_n be_v strait_o to_o thy_o own_o soul_n on_o the_o week_n day_n than_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o thy_o body_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n he_o allow_v thou_o to_o consult_v with_o a_o physician_n for_o thy_o body_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n even_o upon_o his_o sabbath_n and_o do_v not_o thou_o allow_v thyself_o a_o hour_n among_o so_o many_o hour_n in_o a_o week_n to_o consult_v with_o thy_o spiritual_a physician_n for_o the_o help_n of_o thy_o soul_n may_v a_o jew_n make_v a_o journey_n on_o the_o sabbath_n to_o consult_v with_o a_o prophet_n and_o may_v not_o a_o christian_a step_n out_o of_o his_o door_n for_o counsel_n in_o the_o weekday_n nay_o more_o may_v a_o jew_n perform_v a_o work_n of_o mercy_n to_o a_o beast_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n as_o to_o help_v it_o out_o of_o a_o pit_n or_o to_o drive_v it_o to_o water_n 12.11_o and_o must_v not_o a_o christian_a do_v so_o much_o for_o his_o soul_n on_o the_o weekday_n as_o they_o for_o the_o body_n of_o a_o beast_n on_o the_o sabbath_n 4._o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o time_n but_o want_v of_o well_o husband_v the_o time_n that_o give_v rise_v to_o this_o objection_n for_o he_o that_o employ_v his_o time_n wise_o shall_v never_o need_v to_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o time_n especial_o for_o the_o main_a business_n of_o his_o life_n a_o good_a husband_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o set_v out_o time_n for_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o husbandry_n and_o so_o will_v a_o good_a husband_n for_o his_o soul_n but_o he_o that_o trifle_v out_o his_o time_n in_o unnecessary_n must_v needs_o want_v it_o in_o necessary_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o such_o necessary_a duty_n as_o they_o be_v pretend_v which_o engross_v and_o eat_v out_o man_n time_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n unnecessary_a and_o lombersome_a employment_n such_o as_o christ_n reprove_v in_o martha_n which_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o may_v be_v pare_v off_o and_o part_v with_o be_v man_n so_o wise_a as_o to_o lighten_v the_o overburden_a ship_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o passenger_n but_o if_o man_n will_v grapple_v and_o pull_v upon_o themselves_o all_o the_o employment_n they_o can_v any_o way_n reach_n and_o then_o complain_v that_o they_o be_v so_o distract_v with_o many_o thing_n as_o that_o they_o have_v no_o time_n leave_v for_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v roll_n and_o moil_n himself_o in_o the_o clay_n and_o then_o complain_v that_o he_o can_v get_v out_o his_o foot_n 5._o can_v thou_o find_v no_o time_n for_o the_o lord_n work_v what_o
great_a and_o unspeakable_a wickedness_n be_v it_o to_o despise_v so_o great_a salvation_n to_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o life_n of_o grace_n of_o light_n of_o peace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v salvation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o ingraff_v word_n able_a to_o save_v soul_n jam._n 1.21_o 3._o manifold_n be_v the_o evil_a that_o overtake_v a_o despiser_n of_o prophecy_n 1._o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n 3_o who_o have_v no_o be_v no_o delight_n to_o be_v there_o as_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o precept_n witness_v 2._o prophecy_n be_v neglect_v piety_n be_v lose_v and_o man_n prove_v profane_a person_n this_o be_v a_o brand_n of_o esau_n profaneness_n that_o he_o care_v more_o for_o a_o meal_n meat_n than_o he_o do_v for_o the_o blessing_n heb._n 12.16_o 3._o despise_v thou_o prophecy_n thy_o prayer_n shall_v be_v despise_v and_o all_o thy_o service_n be_v abominable_a prov._n 28.9_o and_o chap._n 1.28_o because_o i_o have_v cry_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v you_o shall_v cry_v and_o not_o be_v hear_v 4._o it_o tie_v and_o fasten_v sin_n on_o man_n yea_o and_o heap_n up_o judgement_n for_o first_o it_o nourish_v ignorance_n a_o main_a supporter_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n second_o it_o resist_v faith_n by_o refuse_v the_o only_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o it_o three_o it_o bar_v out_o repentance_n because_o this_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o regeneraration_n and_o change_v of_o heart_n and_o life_n four_a it_o make_v sin_n far_o more_o sinful_a because_o here_o be_v a_o refusal_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_v offer_v by_o prophecy_n joh._n 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v they_o have_v not_o sin_v but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n five_o the_o refusal_n of_o prophecy_n provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v up_o man_n to_o vile_a affection_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess._n 2.10_o last_o it_o tie_v on_o judgement_n as_o fast_o as_o sin_n and_o wrap_v the_o despiser_n in_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n heb._n 2.3_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v much_o more_o despise_v so_o great_a salvation_n consider_v the_o threaten_n act_n 13.41_o behold_v you_o despiser_n and_o wonder_v and_o vanish_v away_o behold_v i_o will_v work_v a_o work_n in_o your_o day_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v for_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o out_o of_o habak_v 1.5_o 1_o this_o serve_v to_o reproove_v 1._o anabaptist_n and_o enthusiast_n who_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n and_o despise_v prophecy_n they_o have_v the_o spirit_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o therefore_o need_v no_o preach_v 2._o those_o profane_a atheist_n at_o home_n who_o despise_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n many_o who_o have_v jacob_n voice_n profess_v in_o word_n better_a thing_n yet_o prize_v the_o preach_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v cast_v up_o some_o account_n or_o read_v some_o history_n or_o walk_v in_o the_o field_n or_o visit_v some_o friend_n or_o perhaps_o go_v to_o a_o play_n than_o to_o a_o sermon_n be_v these_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n or_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o not_o rather_o the_o profane_a son_n of_o profane_a esau_n what_o can_v he_o tell_v i_o say_v one_o which_o i_o know_v not_o as_o if_o thy_o knowledge_n can_v privilege_v thou_o to_o despise_v prophecy_n and_o what_o think_v thou_o these_o thessalonian_n have_v knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o for_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n 1_o thess._n 4.9_o yet_o must_v not_o they_o despise_v prophecy_n and_o will_v thou_o despise_v it_o we_o see_v not_o sai_z another_o but_o that_o all_o this_o preach_n do_v breed_v barrenness_n as_o a_o immoderate_a rain_n and_o bring_v preach_v into_o contempt_n as_o if_o the_o abundance_n of_o prophesy_v do_v privilege_v the_o profane_a heart_n to_o despise_v it_o the_o israelite_n make_v just_o such_o another_o reason_n oh_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o mannah_n mannah_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v weary_a of_o this_o mannah_n and_o yet_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n if_o they_o loathe_v this_o mannah_n they_o must_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o live_v by_o they_o shall_v sure_o die_v and_o their_o blood_n be_v upon_o they_o object_n we_o see_v not_o that_o this_o preach_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o breed_v contention_n among_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n answ._n as_o if_o because_o a_o bad_a stomach_n turn_v wholesome_a meat_n into_o bad_a humour_n therefore_o good_a meat_n must_v be_v despise_v and_o because_o man_n nature_n spider-like_a turn_v wholesome_a doctrine_n into_o poison_n therefore_o wholesome_a doctrine_n may_v be_v despise_v many_o other_o allegation_n the_o devil_n put_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o mouth_n of_o man_n against_o prophecy_n because_o he_o know_v by_o preach_v his_o kingdom_n fall_v like_o lightning_n luk._n 10.18_o but_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n will_v abhor_v they_o 3._o other_o be_v reprooved_a who_o can_v be_v content_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v and_o think_v themselves_o in_o good_a case_n if_o they_o can_v read_v the_o word_n or_o good_a book_n at_o home_n but_o despise_v prophecy_n and_o interpretation_n which_o what_o else_o be_v it_o but_o to_o reject_v god_n wisdom_n in_o his_o own_o mean_n who_o have_v set_v we_o apart_o to_o pray_v man_n in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n the_o conversion_n of_o man_n be_v never_o commit_v to_o man_n own_o private_a read_n no_o nor_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n no_o nor_o christ_n himself_o undertake_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n by_o his_o own_o industry_n but_o leave_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n than_o himself_o joh._n 14.12_o contemn_v god_n mean_n and_o thy_o own_o shall_v never_o succeed_v beside_o will_v not_o any_o say_v that_o he_o understand_v better_a by_o interpretation_n of_o thing_n than_o by_o bare_a read_n yes_o any_o but_o gross_a malice_n and_o wilfulness_n 4._o other_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n not_o read_v only_o but_o preach_v and_o yet_o despise_v prophecy_n because_o they_o despise_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o they_o hear_v as_o herod_n that_o which_o a_o man_n care_v not_o to_o keep_v he_o despise_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o and_o do_v it_o 2._o therefore_o beware_v of_o despise_a prophecy_n and_o of_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a 2_o cor._n 6.1_o but_o rather_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o embrace_v it_o prophecy_n mean_n 1._o labour_v to_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o and_o a_o principal_a ordinance_n of_o he_o to_o reveal_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o thou_o can_v never_o understand_v without_o a_o teacher_n 2._o make_v conscience_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o as_o newborn_a babe_n feel_v their_o want_n will_v suck_v every_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o night_n esteem_v it_o with_o mary_n the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a 3._o attend_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n house_n prov._n 8.33_o it_o be_v the_o praise_n of_o these_o thessalonian_n that_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n act._n 17.11_o and_o a_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o lydia_n chap._n 16.14_o the_o lord_n open_v her_o heart_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 4._o rejoice_v in_o it_o as_o the_o jailor_n act._n 16.32_o he_o rejoice_v that_o he_o and_o all_o the_o household_n believe_v and_o the_o wise_a merchant_n go_v away_o rejoice_v not_o to_o delight_v in_o the_o word_n be_v to_o despise_v it_o jerem._n 6.10_o behold_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o they_o a_o reproach_n why_o they_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o it_o 5._o if_o thou_o will_v not_o despise_v prophecy_n despise_v not_o prophet_n this_o be_v to_o despise_v christ_n himself_o for_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o luk._n 10.10_o but_o have_v they_o in_o singular_a love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n as_o our_o spiritual_a father_n beget_v we_o unto_o christ._n we_o see_v how_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v esteem_v even_o of_o king_n themselves_o as_o joash_n though_o a_o wicked_a king_n find_v elisha_n ready_a to_o die_v fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o weep_v and_o cry_v my_o father_n my_o father_n the_o horseman_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o chariot_n thereof_o 2_o king_n 13.14_o and_o shall_v not_o believer_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n honour_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o as_o good_a lamp_n consume_v themselves_o to_o give_v other_o light_n but_o
to_o give_v account_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v able_a to_o express_v his_o own_o faith_n solomon_n record_v it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o extreme_a folly_n to_o be_v so_o credulous_a prov._n 14.15_o a_o fool_n believe_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v rash_o give_v credit_n and_o hearken_v to_o every_o deceiver_n but_o a_o prudent_a man_n take_v heed_n to_o his_o step_n that_o be_v examine_v and_o weigh_v what_o he_o hear_v and_o what_o he_o do_v before_o he_o undertake_v it_o and_o job_n make_v this_o the_o chlefe_v office_n of_o judgement_n chap._n 34.3_o the_o ear_n try_v word_n as_o the_o mouth_n taste_v meat_n let_v we_o seek_v judgement_n among_o we_o and_o let_v we_o know_v among_o ourselves_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o a_o wise_a man_n and_o a_o fool_n but_o that_o the_o fool_n want_v judgement_n follow_v his_o fancy_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o sense_n and_o appearance_n without_o trial_n object_n charity_n believe_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 13.7_o answ._n 1._o that_o be_v in_o other_o man_n saying_n and_o action_n it_o believe_v the_o best_a but_o suspect_v his_o own_o way_n most_o prov._n 14.8_o 2._o it_o believe_v not_o all_o thing_n simple_o and_o indefinite_o not_o error_n and_o falsehood_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n verse_n 6._o 3._o not_o all_o thing_n without_o trial_n and_o discretion_n for_o then_o it_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o unrighteousness_n but_o after_o it_o have_v try_v they_o 4._o nothing_o be_v contrary_a to_o charity_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o wisdom_n but_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n there_o must_v go_v a_o judgement_n of_o prudence_n object_n 2._o be_v not_o this_o a_o disparagement_n to_o our_o teacher_n and_o to_o the_o truth_n which_o shall_v be_v free_o embrace_v or_o how_o will_v this_o stand_v with_o mingle_v the_o word_n with_o faith_n heb._n 4.2_o answ._n 1._o our_o proverb_n be_v a_o man_n may_v tell_v money_n after_o his_o father_n not_o in_o distrustfulness_n as_o if_o he_o suspect_v he_o will_v deceive_v he_o for_o this_o be_v against_o duty_n and_o charity_n but_o in_o wisdom_n because_o he_o may_v unwitting_o deceive_v and_o this_o be_v hold_v no_o disparagement_n to_o his_o father_n no_o more_o be_v it_o to_o our_o spiritual_a father_n 2._o the_o truth_n lose_v nothing_o but_o rather_o gain_v by_o be_v try_v because_o it_o be_v more_o approve_a and_o justify_v than_o before_o as_o gold_n be_v no_o whit_n prejudice_v but_o purge_v and_o refine_v by_o the_o fire_n three_o this_o doctrine_n reprove_v the_o preposterous_a course_n of_o many_o man_n some_o of_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o try_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o other_o try_v something_o but_o not_o by_o the_o right_a rule_n some_o in_o great_a matter_n near_o concern_v they_o purposely_o abstain_v from_o all_o examination_n as_o those_o in_o the_o 2_o pet._n 3.5_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a in_o matter_n both_o of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n think_v that_o while_o they_o hood_v wink_v themselves_o they_o may_v the_o more_o free_o entertain_v whatsoever_o make_v for_o their_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o preferment_n some_o controversy_n they_o dare_v not_o look_v into_o for_o fear_v the_o light_n shall_v make_v they_o loser_n some_o practice_n they_o will_v never_o bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o be_v death_n for_o they_o to_o have_v their_o usury_n their_o affect_a game_n their_o strange_a fashion_n meddle_v withal_o or_o bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n they_o will_v stop_v both_o their_o ear_n or_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o tongue_n to_o touch_v their_o darling_n sin_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o dislike_v such_o profitable_a and_o pleasurable_a sin_n which_o to_o lose_v be_v to_o part_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o eye_n these_o person_n resemble_v that_o gluttonous_a parasite_n who_o cover_v his_o tongue_n with_o a_o skin_n that_o he_o may_v swallow_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o hot_a they_o have_v cover_v their_o conscience_n with_o a_o sear_a skin_n that_o they_o may_v take_v down_o any_o thing_n insensible_o without_o examination_n but_o here_o let_v we_o consider_v 7._o 1._o what_o a_o express_a commandment_n we_o have_v for_o the_o duty_n rom._n 12.2_o prove_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o eph._n 5.10_o prove_v what_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n gal._n 6.4_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n lam._n 3.40_o let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n 2._o how_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o wisdom_n to_o be_v curious_a in_o trifle_n and_o in_o every_o outward_a thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o small_a and_o yet_o neglect_v the_o great_a we_o will_v try_v our_o meat_n our_o drink_n our_o money_n our_o metal_n our_o beast_n nothing_o shall_v come_v into_o our_o hand_n untried_a but_o only_o in_o the_o great_a thing_n appertain_v to_o god_n and_o good_a conscience_n we_o be_v altogether_o careless_a 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o dangerous_o deceive_v as_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o counterfeit_a money_n or_o gold_n to_o be_v deceive_v with_o false_a evidence_n and_o title_n of_o land_n be_v a_o great_a oversight_n but_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o this_o the_o deceit_n here_o be_v in_o thing_n eternal_a touch_v our_o right_n and_o freehold_n in_o heaven_n 4._o never_o have_v any_o man_n such_o dangerous_a cheater_n about_o he_o to_o deceive_v he_o as_o we_o have_v for_o their_o number_n power_n and_o subtlety_n all_o cunning_a enough_o to_o work_v upon_o our_o simplicity_n satan_n will_v sure_o sift_v and_o try_v we_o he_o will_v winnow_v we_o as_o wheat_n luk._n 22.31_o the_o world_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a one_o lie_v in_o ambush_n to_o entice_v we_o our_o own_o deceitful_a delilah_n our_o own_o flesh_n which_o be_v the_o near_a and_o most_o powerful_a over_o we_o be_v most_o treacherous_a against_o ourselves_o every_o occasion_n without_o stir_n up_o inward_a corruption_n we_o have_v need_v therefore_o try_v every_o thing_n offer_v unto_o we_o lest_o we_o take_v from_o these_o cheater_n a_o box_n of_o counter_n for_o a_o box_n of_o gold_n 5._o god_n observe_v and_o commend_v such_o as_o careful_o try_v doctrine_n and_o course_n rev._n 2.2_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v thus_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o that_o thou_o have_v examine_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o but_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n 6._o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o comfort_v our_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o many_o trial_n and_o scorn_v of_o evil_a man_n who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o turn_v all_o our_o glory_n into_o shame_n and_o all_o our_o religion_n into_o hypocrisy_n and_o all_o our_o godly_a endeavour_n into_o preciseness_n and_o faction_n we_o have_v need_n try_v our_o way_n by_o the_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o outstand_v their_o imputation_n and_o contemn_v their_o contempt_n and_o scandalous_a falsehood_n so_o long_o as_o we_o hold_v our_o rule_n we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o appeal_v unto_o god_n and_o hold_v our_o innocency_n till_o we_o die_v let_v it_o be_v faction_n let_v it_o be_v schism_n yea_o heresy_n we_o shall_v bold_o say_v in_o that_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n we_o will_v worship_v the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n act_n 24.14_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o day_n of_o trial_n for_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o fire_n which_o shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o kind_n it_o be_v 1_o cor._n 3.13_o let_v the_o fire_n of_o the_o word_n go_v before_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o world_n let_v that_o try_v which_o be_v stubble_n hay_n and_o chaff_n and_o which_o work_n will_v abide_v there_o be_v a_o judge_n who_o one_o day_n will_v strait_o examine_v what_o man_n now_o pass_v so_o slight_o and_o he_o will_v judge_v our_o way_n then_o as_o the_o word_n now_o judge_v they_o if_o we_o will_v in_o trial_n be_v approve_a then_o we_o must_v now_o have_v our_o course_n approve_a by_o the_o same_o word_n which_o shall_v judge_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n john_n 12.48_o four_o this_o doctrine_n reprove_v such_o as_o will_v walk_v by_o a_o rule_n but_o not_o the_o right_a rule_n and_o these_o be_v diverse_a according_a to_o their_o diverse_a rule_n six_o 1._o some_o will_v have_v corrupt_a reason_n to_o hold_v the_o scale_n reason_n and_o this_o engraft_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n must_v be_v follow_v as_o the_o only_a rule_n man_n will_v captivate_v the_o commandment_n to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o limit_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n within_o the_o narrow_a bound_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n naaman_n be_v command_v by_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n to_o wash_v seven_o time_n in_o jordan_n be_v incense_v and_o begin_v to_o compare_v
discourse_n their_o idle_a compliment_n their_o service_n of_o pleasure_n and_o unfruitful_a spend_v of_o their_o time_n now_o they_o storm_v against_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o hand_n that_o hold_v it_o here_o be_v a_o rule_n indeed_o that_o will_v make_v they_o as_o despise_v as_o he_o be_v despise_v of_o they_o that_o call_v they_o from_o their_o vanity_n our_o ministry_n in_o general_n hold_v in_o judgement_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o tie_v themselves_o to_o this_o rule_n but_o when_o this_o rule_n will_v tie_v they_o to_o instant_n teach_n to_o careful_a walk_n as_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n to_o prepare_v the_o people_n as_o a_o pure_a virgin_n for_o christ_n oh_o it_o tie_v they_o too_o straight_o their_o conceit_n and_o gift_n call_v they_o to_o high_a thing_n other_o affair_n withdraw_v they_o as_o for_o diligent_a preach_n they_o leave_v that_o to_o the_o inferior_a sort_n that_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o tend_v and_o no_o live_n to_o trouble_v they_o but_o shall_v the_o word_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o our_o judgement_n and_o not_o to_o our_o practice_n shall_v it_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o we_o and_o for_o our_o right_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o our_o duty_n and_o office_n let_v all_o man_n know_v and_o consider_v first_o what_o a_o judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o give_v up_o man_n to_o walk_v after_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n as_o be_v note_v of_o the_o gentile_n ephes._n 2.3_o second_o the_o rule_n charge_v we_o to_o affect_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n nothing_o above_o he_o nothing_o against_o he_o nothing_o like_o he_o three_o to_o fear_v the_o departure_n from_o the_o rule_n as_o the_o great_a evil_n because_o that_o be_v only_o simple_o evil_a 5._o some_o depend_v upon_o the_o person_n of_o some_o great_a man_n who_o they_o reverence_v person_n and_o hold_v in_o admiration_n what_o be_v not_o such_o and_o such_o great_a man_n and_o learned_a man_n in_o high_a degree_n and_o preferment_n yet_o they_o do_v thus_o and_o thus_o they_o be_v of_o another_o judgement_n and_o practice_v too_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o and_o so_o they_o dangerous_o compare_v themselves_o with_o wicked_a man_n digest_v their_o oath_n vanity_n pomp_n but_o consider_v first_o what_o a_o plague_n it_o be_v for_o great_a man_n to_o be_v carry_v along_o by_o flatterer_n who_o rivet_v they_o in_o their_o wickedness_n by_o applaud_v they_o as_o dionysius_n the_o tyrant_n have_v flatterer_n about_o he_o who_o like_a dog_n will_v lick_v up_o his_o spittle_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o he_o to_o be_v as_o sweet_a as_o nectar_n second_o no_o example_n can_v make_v that_o good_a which_o the_o rule_n judge_v evil_a three_o all_o person_n must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o rule_n not_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o person_n even_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v follow_v so_o far_o as_o they_o go_v by_o rule_n and_o follow_v christ_n no_o further_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o papist_n and_o we_o they_o receive_v no_o doctrine_n no_o nor_o the_o scripture_n but_o so_o far_o as_o warrant_v by_o father_n and_o counsel_n we_o receive_v no_o father_n nor_o counsel_n but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n 4_o for_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n be_v this_o our_o judgement_n and_o shall_v we_o slip_v from_o it_o in_o our_o practice_n four_o there_o be_v no_o more_o compendious_a way_n to_o lose_v the_o truth_n than_o to_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n of_o example_n if_o truth_n have_v go_v by_o person_n who_o will_v not_o have_v take_v part_n with_o 400_o false_a prophet_n man_n in_o great_a favour_n with_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n all_o against_o one_o poor_a micaiah_n esteem_v the_o king_n enemy_n yet_o he_o alone_o hold_v the_o rule_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o pull_v all_o the_o jew_n into_o the_o guilt_n of_o christ_n death_n they_o admire_v their_o ruler_n and_o rabbi_n as_o great_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o so_o easy_o and_o free_o consent_v to_o that_o fearful_a sin_n which_o the_o sun_n be_v ashamed_a to_o behold_v five_o in_o all_o imitation_n of_o man_n we_o must_v follow_v the_o light_a side_n of_o the_o cloud_n not_o the_o dark_a side_n for_o why_o be_v the_o fall_v of_o saint_n else_o record_v but_o to_o show_v that_o all_o example_n be_v defective_a and_o measurable_a by_o the_o rule_n six_o the_o only_a perfect_a example_n of_o our_o rule_n be_v jesus_n christ_n who_o we_o must_v follow_v we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v perfect_a not_o as_o abraham_n moses_n david_n etc._n etc._n but_o as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o absolute_a perfection_n shine_v in_o his_o son_n who_o be_v the_o engrave_v image_n of_o his_o father_n person_n now_o as_o the_o best_a picture_n must_v needs_o be_v that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o lively_a face_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o another_o picture_n so_o must_v this_o which_o we_o take_v from_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o true_a idea_n and_o counterpane_n of_o our_o rule_n here_o describe_v 6._o some_o make_v success_n their_o rule_n success_n and_o walk_v by_o that_o as_o they_o that_o say_v if_o my_o course_n be_v not_o good_a god_n will_v not_o bless_v i_o as_o he_o do_v and_o if_o i_o sin_n god_n will_v not_o be_v silent_a or_o if_o i_o sin_n and_o god_n be_v silent_a he_o either_o see_v not_o or_o regard_v not_o or_o will_v spare_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v ever_o escape_v reckon_v whereas_o first_o the_o rule_n tell_v we_o psal._n 50._o these_o thing_n have_v thou_o do_v and_o i_o hold_v my_o peace_n but_o i_o will_v reproove_v thou_o and_o set_v thy_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o thou_o and_o eccles._n 9.2_o the_o same_o event_n be_v to_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o he_o that_o swear_v and_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n many_o run_v to_o witch_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o think_v it_o warrantable_a from_o the_o success_n they_o find_v some_o relief_n and_o some_o help_n and_o god_n will_v give_v no_o such_o success_n if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a whereas_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n that_o such_o as_o run_v to_o the_o devil_n shall_v meet_v with_o the_o devil_n to_o their_o further_a delusion_n other_o run_v to_o stageplays_a and_o interlude_n because_o they_o teach_v some_o good_a lesson_n and_o may_v edify_v as_o well_o as_o minister_n by_o sermon_n oh_o profane_a mouth_n who_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v far_o from_o send_v they_o to_o the_o stew_n to_o learn_v chastity_n or_o to_o atheist_n to_o learn_v religion_n or_o to_o learn_v virtue_n and_o good_a manner_n in_o the_o school_n of_o vice_n where_o thing_n be_v express_v and_o act_v which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v name_v among_o christian_n 5.3_o second_o this_o rule_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n patience_n shall_v not_o violate_v his_o justice_n nor_o forbearance_n be_v no_o payment_n he_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a three_o no_o man_n easy_o forget_v his_o own_o name_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o forget_v his_o justice_n but_o must_v return_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n four_o as_o thou_o have_v thy_o time_n so_o sure_o will_v god_n have_v he_o when_o thy_o measure_n be_v heap_v up_o and_o thy_o epha_n be_v full_a although_o thou_o may_v think_v with_o agag_n the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n be_v pass_v yet_o the_o lord_n sword_n will_v come_v and_o hew_v thou_o in_o piece_n against_o all_o these_o crooked_a and_o distort_a rule_n the_o scripture_n show_v first_o that_o christianity_n be_v no_o range_a course_n or_o a_o run_n at_o random_n but_o a_o life_n lead_v by_o rule_n second_o this_o rule_n be_v express_o set_v down_o phil._n 3.16_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v come_v let_v we_o proceed_v by_o one_o rule_n three_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n to_o all_o that_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n gal._n 6.16_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n peace_n shall_v be_v on_o they_o &_o mercy_n and_o on_o all_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n which_o be_v to_o christian_n as_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o cloud_n and_o of_o the_o fire_n to_o the_o israelite_n four_o it_o be_v evil_a to_o they_o that_o forsake_v this_o rule_n as_o a_o son_n leave_v unto_o himself_o be_v the_o shame_n of_o his_o father_n so_o the_o son_n of_o god_n run_v their_o own_o way_n and_o despise_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v a_o shame_n to_o their_o father_n a_o reproach_n to_o their_o father_n house_n the_o church_n a_o dishonour_n to_o their_o profession_n and_o
pleasure_n of_o it_o too_o well_o demas_n forsake_v the_o truth_n to_o embrace_v the_o present_a world_n judas_n by_o the_o same_o corrupt_a affection_n fall_v from_o the_o apostleship_n joh._n 12.41_o many_o chief_a ruler_n believe_v christ_n but_o dare_v not_o confess_v he_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n for_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o god_n oh_o that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o see_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o let_v in_o these_o day_n wherein_o so_o many_o balk_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o fall_v back_o almost_o to_o open_a profaneness_n because_o they_o neither_o see_v many_o man_n nor_o great_a man_n yield_v approbation_n or_o countenance_n to_o such_o strict_a course_n 2._o shun_v lewd_a society_n and_o familiarity_n with_o profane_a person_n if_o we_o will_v not_o fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n 2_o pet._n 3.17_o 18._o there_o be_v not_o more_o strength_n in_o any_o infectious_a pestilencious_a air_n to_o poison_v the_o body_n than_o in_o this_o poison_a air_n to_o kill_v the_o soul_n society_n with_o graceless_a man_n be_v a_o very_a blast_a of_o grace_n fire_n be_v not_o more_o apt_a to_o burn_v than_o we_o to_o learn_v their_o way_n 4._o the_o labour_n and_o pain_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortification_n make_v many_o weary_a of_o the_o good_a way_n but_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v profit_n in_o walk_v humble_o before_o he_o thy_o pain_n shall_v be_v abundant_o recompense_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o holiness_n with_o a_o upheap_a measure_n of_o happiness_n every_o man_n will_v be_v content_v to_o swallow_v much_o pain_n for_o a_o little_a earthly_a profit_n and_o be_v the_o state_n of_o heaven_n worth_a no_o labour_n 5._o persecution_n drive_v many_o away_o much_o seed_n which_o come_v up_o fair_a when_o the_o sun_n of_o persecution_n arise_v wither_v away_o but_o against_o this_o wisdom_n must_v cast_v the_o cost_n and_o prepare_v to_o defray_v the_o charge_n of_o this_o great_a building_n and_o the_o same_o sun_n that_o dry_v and_o burn_v up_o the_o shallow_a seed_n shall_v set_v and_o ripen_v we_o many_o hear_v holiness_n revile_v and_o spoil_v of_o her_o veil_n and_o value_n they_o hear_v this_o sect_n every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o will_v as_o far_o forget_v themselves_o as_o peter_n to_o hear_v that_o voice_n thou_o be_v one_o of_o they_o and_o perhaps_o renounce_v christ_n and_o profession_n and_o all_o for_o if_o even_o the_o very_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o they_o leave_v he_o and_o fly_v when_o affliction_n come_v near_o matth._n 26.56_o what_o marvel_v if_o they_o that_o want_v soundness_n shrink_v in_o the_o wet_n persecution_n 1._o but_o here_o remember_v and_o look_v upon_o christ_n heb._n 12.2_o who_o endure_v such_o speak_n against_o of_o sinner_n not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o thou_o lest_o thou_o be_v weary_a 2._o he_o that_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o christ_n christ_n will_v one_o day_n be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o and_o then_o he_o that_o will_v noâ—_n bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o a_o blast_n of_o word_n for_o he_o shall_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o everlasting_a reproach_n before_o man_n and_o angel_n 3._o sound_v judgement_n esteem_v it_o the_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v high_o dishonour_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o cause_n matth._n 5.12_o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n revile_v you_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a against_o you_o for_o my_o sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n object_n i_o can_v better_o endure_v man_n word_n but_o i_o shall_v also_o sustain_v great_a loss_n if_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o precise_a i_o shall_v lose_v my_o custom_n trade_v and_o profit_n answ._n will_v thou_o receive_v a_o religion_n and_o not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o confess_v and_o profess_v it_o according_a to_o thy_o place_n and_o calling_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o different_a conceit_n of_o man_n 2._o the_o saint_n know_v this_o to_o be_v truth_n do_v for_o it_o joyful_o suffer_v the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n 3._o put_v together_o in_o the_o balance_n the_o loss_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o consider_v whether_o be_v fit_a to_o save_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o save_v both_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o abundant_a recompense_n promise_v by_o a_o sure_a paymaster_n but_o what_o recompense_n be_v there_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n matth._n 16.26_o nay_o if_o thou_o shall_v venture_v and_o give_v thy_o life_n for_o thy_o profession_n if_o god_n call_v for_o it_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o thou_o ought_v who_o ought_v to_o strive_v unto_o blood_n hebr._n 12.4_o and_o yet_o this_o great_a loss_n be_v the_o great_a gain_n thus_o to_o lose_v thy_o life_n be_v to_o save_v it_o and_o to_o save_v it_o in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o lose_v it_o iii_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o and_o exercise_v the_o help_n of_o perseverance_n perseverance_n and_o keep_v they_o near_o we_o as_o our_o continual_a companion_n and_o for_o this_o end_n first_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v deep_o root_v in_o our_o heart_n for_o this_o be_v a_o special_a preservative_n from_o decline_v psal._n 119.102_o i_o decline_v not_o from_o thy_o statute_n for_o thou_o do_v teach_v i_o now_o the_o word_n sundry_a way_n keep_v we_o way_n as_o first_o by_o enlighten_v we_o to_o see_v our_o way_n both_o to_o choose_v the_o right_a way_n and_o decline_v the_o wrong_n psal._n 119.105_o thy_o law_n be_v a_o light_n and_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n second_o by_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o good_a way_n rom._n 15.4_o through_o consolation_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o receive_v our_o hope_n three_o by_o prevent_v sin_n in_o we_o psal._n 119.11_o i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v four_o by_o keep_v out_o of_o sin_n and_o redress_v our_o way_n psal._n 119.9_o second_o labour_v to_o preserve_v in_o thou_o a_o love_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n let_v thy_o scope_n be_v in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o holiness_n to_o gain_v not_o knowledge_n and_o illumination_n only_o but_o sound_a affection_n also_o to_o grow_v up_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o for_o first_o as_o a_o tree_n low_a and_o deep_o root_v be_v establish_v and_o continue_v in_o fruitfulness_n so_o when_o faith_n and_o grace_n be_v deep_o root_v in_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n there_o will_v be_v perseverance_n second_o it_o be_v not_o good_a word_n good_a action_n or_o good_a knowledge_n that_o hold_v out_o but_o good_a affection_n will_n three_o what_o other_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o general_a backslide_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a punishment_n of_o not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 2_o thess._n 2.11_o three_o fear_v god_n this_o be_v a_o wellspring_n of_o life_n to_o make_v we_o escape_v the_o snare_n of_o death_n prov._n 14.27_o and_o 19.23_o anchora_fw-la mentis_fw-la pondus_fw-la timoris_fw-la fear_n hold_v the_o heart_n steady_a as_o the_o anchor_n the_o ship_n and_o join_v thyself_o to_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n delight_n in_o such_o as_o excel_v in_o virtue_n and_o grace_n these_o be_v able_a to_o encourage_v strengthen_v direct_v uphold_v raise_v and_o comfort_v thou_o in_o thy_o difficulty_n weariness_n and_o weakness_n and_o set_v thou_o forward_o not_o by_o their_o gift_n only_o but_o by_o their_o example_n four_o be_v instant_a in_o prayer_n for_o perseverance_n so_o our_o text_n teach_v for_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o both_o begin_v and_o finish_v his_o own_o work_n he_o not_o only_o set_v we_o in_o the_o way_n 138.8_o but_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o way_n and_o at_o length_n bring_v we_o into_o canaan_n five_o look_v still_o to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o good_a servant_n hold_v thyself_o in_o expectation_n of_o the_o appear_v so_o the_o text_n luke_n 12.36_o bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o the_o master_n shall_v find_v so_o do_v do_v thou_o expect_v he_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v not_o thy_o conversation_n there_o do_v thou_o expect_v his_o come_n in_o glory_n and_o meet_v not_o he_o in_o grace_n look_v thou_o for_o he_o as_o thy_o head_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o as_o a_o member_n hold_v a_o happy_a union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o expect_v thou_o thence_o a_o saviour_n and_o continue_v thou_o not_o unto_o the_o end_n see_v only_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v matth._n 10.22_o now_o the_o motive_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n 5._o first_o this_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n of_o a_o true_a friend_n of_o god_n who_o love_v at_o all_o