Selected quad for the lemma: knowledge_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
knowledge_n assent_n faith_n truth_n 1,610 5 6.4887 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62626 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions by his Grace John Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury ; the first volume.; Sermons. Selections Tillotson, John, 1630-1694. 1694 (1694) Wing T1260; ESTC R18444 149,531 355

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to_o any_o thing_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v so_o reveal_v or_o else_o absolute_o that_o whoever_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v now_o although_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o passage_n forecited_a speak_v one_o syllable_n concern_v doctrine_n reveal_v by_o god_n yet_o i_o affirm_v and_o so_o will_v any_o man_n else_o that_o a_o assent_n to_o any_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n if_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o infallibility_n upon_o supposition_n which_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o yet_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o mr._n s_n book_n be_v to_o prove_v this_o which_o i_o believe_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v but_o if_o he_o mean_v absolute_o that_o whoever_o assent_v to_o any_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v that_o be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v mistake_v about_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v any_o adversary_n and_o do_v not_o fight_v only_o with_o his_o own_o shadow_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a assertion_n but_o i_o be_o much_o afraid_a it_o be_v not_o true_a or_o else_o last_o by_o faith_n he_o understand_v the_o mean_n and_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a belief_n to_o be_v infallible_o secure_v of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o and_o of_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o motive_n upon_o which_o our_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v ground_v this_o indeed_o be_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o though_o in_o the_o passage_n before-cited_n i_o say_v not_o one_o word_n concern_v the_o 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have_v speak_v if_o he_o intend_v to_o have_v confute_v that_o passage_n but_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o speak_v distinct_o know_v his_o best_a play_n to_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o that_o all_o his_o safety_n lie_v in_o the_o confusion_n and_o obscurity_n of_o his_o talk_n now_o that_o to_o have_v a_o infallible_a security_n in_o these_o particular_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a upon_o these_o two_o account_n because_o faith_n may_v be_v without_o this_o infallible_a security_n and_o because_o in_o the_o particular_n mention_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v have_v 1._o because_o faith_n may_v be_v without_o this_o infallible_a security_n he_o that_o be_v so_o assure_v of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v plain_o deliver_v as_o to_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v thereof_o may_v real_o 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they_o be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o patient_o to_o consider_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o for_o many_o have_v miscarry_v about_o these_o thing_n not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o evidence_n enough_o for_o they_o but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o have_v patience_n enough_o to_o consider_v they_o second_o consider_v these_o thing_n impartial_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o a_o party_n against_o religion_n some_o lust_n or_o interest_n engage_v they_o against_o it_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o slight_v the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o it_o and_o to_o cry_v up_o very_o weak_a one_o against_o it_o man_n do_v general_o and_o without_o difficulty_n assent_v to_o mathematical_a truth_n because_o it_o be_v no_o body_n interest_n to_o deny_v they_o but_o man_n be_v slow_a to_o believe_v moral_a and_o divine_a truth_n because_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o 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religious_a and_o holy_a life_n do_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n by_o way_n of_o necessary_a disposition_n and_o preparation_n of_o we_o for_o it_o we_o can_v be_v otherwise_o happy_a but_o by_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n without_o this_o we_o can_v possible_o love_v he_o nor_o find_v any_o pleasure_n or_o happiness_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o we_o can_v love_v a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o our_o own_o nor_o delight_n to_o converse_v with_o it_o therefore_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fit_v of_o we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n do_v design_n to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o sensual_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n to_o call_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o inferior_a thing_n and_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a object_n that_o we_o may_v be_v dispose_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o teach_v not_o to_o relish_v the_o delight_n of_o it_o whereas_o shall_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n only_o upon_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o taste_v no_o pleasure_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v sensual_a and_o earthly_a we_o must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o miserable_a when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n because_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o to_o entertain_v ourselves_o withal_o no_o employment_n suitable_a to_o our_o disposition_n no_o pleasure_n that_o will_v agree_v with_o our_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n all_o that_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n signify_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o a_o wicked_a man_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n to_o he_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n clear_o appear_v which_o tend_v so_o direct_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v upon_o all_o account_v calculate_v for_o our_o benefit_n let_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v true_o consider_v and_o cast_v up_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o advantage_n to_o any_o man_n from_o a_o irreligious_a and_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n i_o challenge_v any_o one_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o real_a benefit_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o this_o way_n let_v the_o sinner_n declare_v what_o he_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n have_v lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n be_v more_o for_o his_o health_n than_o if_o he_o have_v live_v chaste_o and_o sober_o have_v falsehood_n and_o injustice_n prove_v at_o the_o long_o run_v more_o for_o the_o advancement_n and_o security_n of_o his_o estate_n than_o truth_n and_o honesty_n will_v have_v do_v have_v any_o vice_n that_o he_o have_v live_v in_o make_v he_o more_o true_a friend_n and_o gain_v he_o a_o better_a reputation_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o find_v that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n and_o that_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o good_a hope_n of_o his_o future_a condition_n which_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n will_v have_v not_o some_o of_o his_o vice_n weaken_a his_o body_n and_o break_a his_o health_n have_v not_o other_o dissipate_v his_o estate_n and_o reduce_v he_o to_o want_v what_o notorious_a vice_n be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o blemish_v a_o man_n reputation_n and_o make_v he_o either_o hate_v or_o despise_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o virtuous_a but_o even_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o be_v ever_o any_o wicked_a man_n free_a from_o the_o sting_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o restless_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n from_o the_o secret_a dread_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n let_v the_o sinner_n free_o speak_v the_o very_a inward_a sense_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o spare_v not_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o he_o will_v deal_v clear_o and_o impartial_o but_o that_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o be_v able_a to_o confirm_v it_o from_o his_o own_o sad_a experience_n for_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o present_a revenge_n which_o it_o take_v upon_o sinner_n beside_o that_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o another_o life_n what_o reason_n then_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v against_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_o for_o the_o benefit_n not_o only_o of_o humane_a society_n but_o of_o every_o particular_a person_n when_o there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o may_v ordinary_o be_v as_o effectual_o promote_v and_o pursue_v no_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o far_o great_a by_o a_o man_n that_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o any_o one_o that_o lead_v the_o contrary_a course_n of_o life_n let_v no_o man_n then_o say_v with_o those_o profane_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o 3.14_o mal._n 3.14_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o commandment_n god_n have_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o master_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n thus_o to_o complain_v of_o he_o he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o law_n but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a nay_o so_o gracious_a have_v he_o be_v to_o we_o as_o to_o link_v together_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o to_o make_v those_o very_a thing_n the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n the_o devil_n be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n when_o he_o charge_v job_n that_o he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n for_o nought_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o hard_a master_n and_o make_v man_n serve_v he_o for_o nought_o who_o reward_v his_o drudge_n and_o slave_n with_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n but_o god_n require_v no_o man_n service_n upon_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a term_n the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o work_n be_v a_o present_a reward_n to_o itself_o and_o for_o whatever_o else_o we_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o he_o he_o offer_v we_o abundant_a consideration_n and_o if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o and_o wise_o love_v themselves_o they_o will_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o become_v religious_a for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v his_o own_o interest_n better_o than_o by_o serve_v god_n religion_n conduce_v both_o to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n charge_v we_o with_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o these_o law_n be_v this_o god_n require_v of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o temporal_a welfare_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n he_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o condition_n that_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n to_o conclude_v religion_n be_v found_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n right_o apprehend_v so_o that_o if_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n do_v not_o blind_a their_o eye_n so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o unfit_a to_o discern_v their_o true_a interest_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a so_o long_o as_o man_n love_v themse_n ve_z and_o desire_v their_o own_o happiness_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v religious_a for_o they_o can_v not_o but_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v so_o convince_v they_o will_v resolve_v to_o pursue_v it_o and_o stick_v to_o it_o phil._n iii_o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n make_v a_o comparison_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o show_v the_o christian_n to_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o substance_n what_o the_o jewish_a be_v only_o in_o type_n and_o shadow_n v._o 3._o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o he_o enumerate_v the_o several_a privilege_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o though_o i_o may_v
also_o have_v confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n if_o any_o other_o man_n think_v that_o he_o have_v whereof_o he_o may_v trust_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o more_o circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v content_v to_o forgo_v all_o these_o advantage_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n v._o 7._o but_o what_o thing_n be_v gain_v to_o i_o those_o i_o count_v loss_n for_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o these_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o man_n value_v in_o this_o world_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o hazard_v that_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n v._o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o high_a esteem_n he_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n the_o excellency_n whereof_o appear_v so_o great_a to_o he_o that_o he_o value_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o advantage_n which_o he_o have_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o that_o of_o any_o other_o religion_n or_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v the_o external_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o have_v incomparable_o the_o advantage_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o only_o the_o internal_a excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o abstract_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o these_o four_o respect_n first_o as_o it_o do_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n second_o as_o it_o give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n three_o as_o it_o propound_v to_o we_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o law_n four_o as_o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o better_a motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n now_o these_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o any_o religion_n can_v have_v to_o give_v man_n right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o good_a ●ife_n and_o efficacious_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o patient_o to_o bear_v the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o according_a as_o man_n notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o will_v their_o religion_n be_v if_o man_n have_v gross_a and_o false_a conception_n of_o god_n their_o religion_n will_v be_v absurd_a and_o superstitious_a if_o man_n fancy_n god_n to_o be_v a_o ill-natured_a be_v arm_v with_o infinite_a power_n one_o that_o delight_v in_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v all_o advantage_n against_o they_o they_o may_v fear_v he_o but_o they_o will_v bate_v he_o and_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v such_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o they_o fancy_n god_n to_o be_v towards_o they_o for_o all_o religion_n do_v natural_o incline_v man_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o they_o worship_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v we_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o a_o more_o lovely_a character_n of_o god_n than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v it_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o a_o pure_a spirit_n which_o the_o heathen_n do_v not_o general_o believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o not_o only_o the_o heathen_n but_o even_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v extreme_o mistake_v about_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n himself_o do_v command_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o those_o external_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n of_o which_o their_o religion_n do_v consist_v but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o do_v not_o institute_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o of_o the_o carnality_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o proneness_n of_o that_o people_n to_o idolatry_n god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v best_a but_o because_o the_o temper_n of_o that_o people_n will_v then_o admit_v of_o nothing_o better_a and_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o several_a intimation_n of_o 51.16_o psal_n 51.16_o thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burnt-offering_n say_v david_n and_o elsewhere_o more_o express_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o speak_v not_o unto_o your_o father_n say_v god_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n nor_o command_v they_o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n concern_v burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o this_o thing_n command_v i_o they_o say_v obey_v my_o voice_n a_o sufficient_a intimation_n that_o god_n do_v not_o primary_o intend_v to_o appoint_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o impose_v it_o upon_o they_o as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o condescend_v to_o it_o as_o most_o accommodate_v to_o their_o present_a state_n and_o inclination_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o some_o understand_v what_o god_n say_v to_o the_o same_o people_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n 20.25_o ezek._n 20.25_o that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v a_o more_o perfect_a so_o a_o more_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a character_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n no_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o full_o represent_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o tender_a love_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a argument_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n do_v general_o dread_a god_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a and_o revengeful_a and_o therefore_o they_o endeavour_v to_o appease_v he_o by_o the_o horrid_a and_o barbarous_a sacrifice_n of_o man_n and_o of_o their_o own_o child_n and_o all_o along_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v general_o represent_v as_o very_o strict_a and_o severe_a but_o there_o be_v not_o where_o so_o plain_a and_o full_a declaration_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v usual_o style_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o great_a and_o the_o terrible_a god_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o mild_a title_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n the_o god_n of_o all_o patience_n the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n nay_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v love_n itself_o and_o to_o dwell_v in_o love_n and_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o style_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sect_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n do_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n find_v their_o heresy_n of_o two_o god_n the_o one_o evil_a and_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o other_o good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o new_a so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o representation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o give_v at_o least_o some_o colour_n and_o pretence_n for_o a_o imagination_n of_o two_o go_n ii_o christian_a religion_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n it_o have_v make_v our_o duty_n more_o plain_a and_o certain_a in_o many_o instance_n than_o either_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a or_o the_o precept_n of_o moses_n have_v do_v it_o command_v universal_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o good_a
18._o rom._n 1.16_o 18._o because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o embrace_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v perfect_o opposite_a to_o all_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o law_n which_o do_v strict_o enjoin_v holiness_n and_o virtue_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a which_o offer_v such_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n to_o obedience_n and_o threaten_v transgression_n and_o disobedience_n with_o such_o dreadful_a punishment_n and_o if_o so_o we_o be_v oblige_v both_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o live_v according_o 2._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n and_o to_o follow_v his_o step_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o only_o by_o his_o doctrine_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o death_n to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o life_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o in_o scripture_n we_o find_v several_a title_n give_v he_o which_o import_n his_o exemplariness_n as_o of_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o captain_n a_o master_n and_o a_o guide_n now_o if_o he_o be_v our_o pattern_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o to_o have_v the_o same_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o he_o also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o we_o shall_v aspire_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n make_v it_o our_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o do_v do_v any_o man_n profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o abandon_v himself_o to_o intemperance_n and_o filthy_a lust_n be_v this_o like_o our_o saviour_n be_v we_o cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a be_v this_o like_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v we_o proud_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a be_v this_o to_o be_v likeminded_a with_o christ_n who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o spirit_n who_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o blood_n to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o shed_v it_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n continual_o before_o we_o and_o to_o be_v always_o correct_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o that_o pattern_n 3._o he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n by_o baptism_n we_o have_v solemn_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o obedient_o to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n ancient_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v put_v off_o their_o garment_n which_o signify_v the_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v immerse_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o water_n to_o represent_v their_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o do_v rise_v up_o again_o out_o of_o the_o water_n to_o signify_v their_o entrance_n upon_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o these_o custom_n the_o apostle_n allude_v when_o he_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v any_o long_a therein_o 6._o rom._n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v not_o serve_v sin_n so_o that_o by_o baptism_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o new_a state_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n to_o have_v quit_v our_o former_a conversation_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o put_v on_o of_o christ_n 3.27_o gal._n 3.27_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n now_o if_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n we_o must_v quit_v and_o renounce_v our_o lust_n because_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v between_o they_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o and_o as_o we_o do_v solemn_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o baptism_n so_o we_o do_v solemn_o renew_v this_o obligation_n so_o often_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n therefore_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v the_o new_a covenant_n in_o his_o blood_n that_o be_v this_o represent_v the_o shed_n of_o christ_n blood_n by_o which_o rite_n the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v ratify_v and_o as_o by_o this_o god_n do_v confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o so_o we_o do_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v after_o we_o be_v become_v christian_n we_o account_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o common_a thing_n that_o be_v we_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o solemne_v rite_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o world_n for_o confirmation_n of_o any_o covenant_n the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v always_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o solemn_o to_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o that_o account_n which_o pliny_n 97._o pliny_n plin._n epist_n l._n 10._o epist_n 97._o give_v we_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o assemble_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n and_o then_o say_v he_o they_o do_v sacramento_fw-la se_fw-la obstringere_fw-la bound_v themselves_o by_o a_o sacrament_n or_o oath_n not_o to_o rob_v or_o steal_v or_o commit_v adultery_n not_o to_o break_v their_o word_n or_o falsisie_n their_o trust_n and_o after_o they_o have_v eat_v together_o they_o depart_v home_o which_o be_v plain_o a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n celebrate_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o oath_n whereby_o christian_n do_v solemn_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o against_o all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o gospel_n require_v something_o on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v a_o mutual_a engagement_n and_o as_o there_o be_v blessing_n promise_v on_o his_o part_n so_o there_o be_v condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o we_o and_o if_o we_o live_v wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n if_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n we_o have_v no_o title_n at_o all_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n the_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o this_o have_v be_v greedy_o entertain_v to_o the_o vast_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n as_o if_o in_o this_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n take_v all_o upon_o himself_o and_o require_v nothing_o or_o as_o good_a as_o nothing_o of_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o think_v he_o expect_v any_o thing_n