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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
life_n believe_v live_v resurrection_n 4,221 5 9.2871 5 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 the_o good_a order_n and_o more_o easy_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a influence_n both_o upon_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n 1._o upon_o magistrate_n religion_n teach_v they_o to_o rule_v over_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o though_o they_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_n of_o heaven_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a in_o this_o world_n religion_n in_o a_o magistrate_n strengthen_v his_o authority_n because_o it_o procure_v veneration_n and_o gain_v a_o reputation_n to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o reputation_n be_v real_o so_o much_o power_n we_o see_v that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n where_o they_o be_v find_v among_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n will_v command_v some_o reverence_n and_o respect_n but_o in_o person_n of_o eminent_a place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v seat_v to_o a_o great_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o their_o very_a place_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reflection_n to_o double_v the_o beam_n of_o majesty_n whereas_o impiety_n and_o vice_n do_v strange_o lessen_v greatness_n and_o do_v secret_o and_o unavoidable_o derive_v some_o weakness_n upon_o authority_n itself_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o david_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o son_n of_o zurviah_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o this_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o conscious_a to_o his_o crime_n 2._o religion_n have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o 1._o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o conformable_a to_o law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n which_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o loof_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o will_v cease_v when_o ever_o man_n can_v rebel_v with_o safety_n and_o to_o advantage_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a and_o last_a principle_n and_o will_v hold_v a_o man_n fast_o when_o all_o other_o obligation_n will_v break_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v from_o his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o resist_v authority_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o for_o it_o endeavour_n to_o plant_v all_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o fill_v man_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o good_a will_n it_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o secure_v every_o man_n 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which_o be_v yet_o leave_v scatter_v among_o mankind_n humane_a society_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n the_o earth_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o become_v a_o great_a forest_n and_o mankind_n will_v become_v beast_n of_o prey_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v true_a sure_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o virtue_n shall_v find_v itself_o a_o seat_n wherever_o humane_a society_n be_v and_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o world_n until_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n ii_o i_o come_v to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n 2._o that_o as_o for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v arbitrary_a thing_n 1._o 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be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o now_o it_o be_v because_o it_o will_v want_v its_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n there_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o injustice_n and_o violence_n only_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o not_o by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o another_o world_n therefore_o magistrate_n have_v always_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o cherish_v religion_n and_o to_o maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n nay_o that_o common_a suggestion_n of_o atheistical_a person_n that_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o state-engine_n to_o awe_v man_n into_o obedience_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o do_v as_o full_o contradict_v that_o pretence_n of_o they_o which_o i_o be_o now_o 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a_o good_a man_n leave_v a_o inheritance_n to_o his_o child_n child_n 14.26_o prov._n 14.26_o and_o again_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v strong_a confidence_n and_o his_o child_n shall_v have_v a_o place_n of_o refuge_n but_o the_o wicked_a derive_v a_o curse_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o he_o be_v say_v to_o trouble_v his_o own_o house_n and_o again_o 11.29_o prov._n 11.29_o the_o wicked_a be_v overthrow_v and_o be_v not_o 12.7_o prov._n 12.7_o but_o the_o house_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v stand_v but_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n providence_n religion_n do_v likewise_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o those_o who_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o because_o it_o lay_v the_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a provision_n both_o for_o their_o comfortable_a subsistence_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o next_o and_o those_o who_o neglect_v those_o duty_n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o esteem_v they_o christian_n that_o it_o account_v they_o worse_o than_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n 5.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.8_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o especial_o those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n and_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n this_o i_o know_v be_v speak_v in_o respect_n of_o temporal_a provision_n but_o it_o hold_v à_fw-la fortiori_fw-la as_o to_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n beside_o it_o be_v many_o time_n see_v that_o the_o posterity_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n especial_o of_o such_o as_o have_v evidence_v their_o piety_n towards_o god_n by_o bounty_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n have_v meet_v with_o unusual_a kindness_n and_o respect_n from_o other_o and_o have_v by_o a_o strange_a and_o secret_a disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v unexpected_o care_v and_o provide_v for_o and_o that_o as_o they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o their_o parent_n this_o david_n tell_v we_o from_o his_o own_o particular_a observation_n 2d_o ps_n 37_o 2d_o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n and_o that_o by_o the_o righteous_a be_v here_o mean_v the_o good_a and_o merciful_a man_n appear_v from_o the_o description_n of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o word_n 26._o ver._n 26._o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o his_o seed_n be_v bless_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o posterity_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v many_o time_n inherit_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o father_n sin_n and_o vice_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o from_o the_o natural_a course_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o expression_n in_o job_n be_v often_o verify_v that_o god_n lay_v up_o the_o iniquity_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o their_o child_n 21.19_o job_n 21.19_o and_o do_v not_o experience_n testify_v that_o the_o intemperate_a and_o unjust_a do_v many_o time_n transmit_v their_o bodily_a infirmity_n and_o disease_n to_o their_o child_n and_o entail_v a_o secret_a curse_n upon_o their_o estate_n which_o do_v either_o insensible_o waste_v and_o consume_v it_o or_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o religion_n in_o all_o respect_n conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n ii_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v likewise_o most_o certain_o and_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o this_o be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o man_n by_o be_v religious_a in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n the_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o religion_n bring_v to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a life_n be_v a_o sensible_a recommendation_n of_o religion_n even_o to_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a spirit_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v above_o sense_n and_o aspire_v after_o immortality_n who_o believe_v the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n to_o those_o who_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o inconsiderableness_n of_o this_o short_a die_a life_n and_o of_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o eternal_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o in_o another_o life_n to_o these_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o of_o those_o unspeakable_a and_o everlasting_a reward_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v give_v to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o the_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o for_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o 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religion_n therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o show_v very_o brief_o how_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o be_v to_o come_v god_n have_v all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n suspend_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o condition_n he_o have_v peremptory_o declare_v that_o without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n may_v be_v argument_n enough_o to_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o he_o be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o favour_n and_o may_v dispense_v they_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n he_o please_v but_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n that_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o if_o religion_n bring_v no_o advantage_n to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o great_a as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v all_o our_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n there_o be_v temptation_n enough_o in_o the_o reward_n to_o engage_v any_o man_n in_o the_o work_n have_v god_n think_v fit_a to_o have_v impose_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a thing_n upon_o we_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o have_v undertake_v they_o with_o cheerfulness_n upon_o such_o great_a and_o glorious_a encouragement_n as_o naaman_n servant_n say_v to_o he_o in_o another_o case_n have_v he_o bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o so_o if_o god_n have_v say_v that_o without_o poverty_n and_o actual_a martyrdom_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o understand_v what_o these_o word_n signify_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o escape_v extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n and_o to_o enjoy_v unspeakable_a and_o endless_a glory_n have_v be_v willing_a to_o accept_v these_o condition_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a and_o let_v every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a but_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o impose_v of_o this_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n a_o mere_a arbitrary_a constitution_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v two_o that_o a_o
worship_v such_o god_n as_o be_v example_n of_o sin_n and_o patron_n of_o their_o vice_n thou_o who_o profess_v thyself_o a_o christian_n may_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o uncleanness_n as_o those_o do_v who_o worship_v a_o lastful_a jupiter_n and_o a_o wanton_a venus_n thou_o may_v not_o be_v intemperate_a as_o those_o be_v who_o worship_v a_o drunken_a bacchus_n thou_o may_v not_o be_v cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a as_o those_o be_v who_o worship_v a_o fierce_a saturn_n nor_o may_v thou_o steal_v as_o those_o do_v who_o worship_v a_o thievish_a mercury_n thou_o must_v remember_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o when_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o debase_v thyself_o to_o any_o vile_a lust_n consider_v what_o title_n thou_o bear_v by_o what_o name_n thou_o be_v call_v who_o disciple_n thou_o be_v and_o then_o say_v to_o thyself_o shall_v i_o allow_v myself_o in_o any_o impiety_n or_o wickedness_n of_o life_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o 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say_v he_o be_v unpardonable_a if_o he_o miscarry_v in_o his_o life_n quoth_v in_o officio_fw-la cujus_fw-la magister_fw-la esse_fw-la vult_fw-la labitur_fw-la artemque_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la professus_fw-la delinquit_fw-la in_o vita_fw-la because_o he_o be_v faulty_a in_o that_o wherein_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o master_n and_o whilst_o he_o profess_v a_o art_n of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n he_o miscarry_v in_o this_o life_n with_o how_o much_o great_a reason_n may_v we_o challenge_v christian_n for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o their_o life_n which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n it_o may_v just_o be_v suspect_v that_o so_o perfect_a a_o institution_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v man_n more_o strict_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a and_o set_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o all_o impurity_n and_o vice_n than_o ever_o any_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n do_v if_o a_o man_n profess_v any_o other_o art_n or_o call_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v skill_v in_o it_o and_o excel_v those_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o great_a disparagement_n to_o a_o physician_n that_o can_v be_v to_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v in_o other_o respect_v a_o excellent_a man_n only_o he_o have_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o disease_n and_o the_o method_n of_o cure_n because_o this_o be_v his_o profession_n he_o may_v be_v pardon_v for_o other_o defect_n but_o the_o proper_a skill_n of_o his_o art_n may_v just_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o so_o for_o a_o christian_a to_o say_v of_o he_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o he_o be_v his_o life_n he_o be_v very_a orthodox_n in_o his_o opinion_n but_o he_o be_v a_o ill-natured_a man_n one_o of_o very_o violent_a passion_n he_o will_v be_v very_o frequent_o drink_v he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o his_o deal_n he_o be_v very_o 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not_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o disparage_v it_o than_o by_o a_o lewd_a and_o debauch_a life_n for_o this_o will_v still_o be_v a_o objection_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o our_o religion_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o institution_n as_o it_o be_v report_v to_o be_v sure_o we_o shall_v see_v better_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o when_o we_o will_v persuade_v a_o heathen_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o tell_v he_o how_o holy_a a_o god_n we_o serve_v what_o excellent_a pattern_n we_o imitate_v what_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a precept_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n our_o religion_n do_v contain_v may_v not_o he_o reply_v will_v you_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v you_o when_o i_o see_v you_o do_v not_o believe_v yourselves_o if_o you_o believe_v your_o religion_n you_o will_v live_v according_a to_o it_o for_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v every_o word_n of_o it_o false_a if_o 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perfectos_fw-la philosophos_fw-la turpiter_fw-la vivere_fw-la that_o some_o great_a philosopher_n lead_v very_o filthy_a life_n celsus_n and_o porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n among_o all_o their_o witty_a invective_n against_o christian_a religion_n have_v nothing_o against_o it_o that_o reflect_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o as_o do_v the_o wicked_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n the_o great_a enmity_n to_o religion_n be_v to_o profess_v it_o and_o to_o live_v unanswerable_o to_o it_o this_o consideration_n ought_v great_o to_o affect_v we_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o with_o great_a passion_n and_o vehemency_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o 3.18_o phil._n 3.18_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o a_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a christian_a therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v christian_n as_o they_o tender_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o will_v conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n to_o the_o injury_n and_o disparagement_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v almost_o entreat_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v quit_v their_o profession_n and_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n that_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o their_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o initiate_v themselves_o in_o heathenish_a rite_n and_o superstition_n or_o be_v circumcise_v for_o jew_n or_o turk_n for_o it_o be_v real_o better_a upon_o some_o account_n that_o such_o man_n shall_v abandon_v their_o profession_n than_o keep_v on_o a_o vizard_n which_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o scare_v other_o from_o religion_n 3._o and_o last_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o danger_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o by_o not_o live_v answerable_o to_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v may_v prevail_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o former_a consideration_n hypocrite_n be_v instanced_a in_o scripture_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o sinner_n that_o shall_v have_v the_o sharp_a torment_n and_o the_o fierce_a damnation_n when_o our_o saviour_n will_v set_v forth_o the_o great_a severity_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o the_o evil_a servant_n he_o express_v it_o thus_o 24.51_o mat._n 24.51_o he_o shall_v cut_v he_o in_o sudden_a and_o appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o hypocrite_n so_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o hypocrite_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o high_a punishment_n thou_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o hope_v in_o he_o for_o salvation_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o live_v a_o wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n thou_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o presume_v on_o he_o and_o will_v find_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o this_o thy_o confidence_n will_v be_v thy_o confusion_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o hope_v will_v be_v thy_o advocate_n and_o saviour_n will_v prove_v thy_o accuser_n and_o thy_o judge_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o even_o moses_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v may_v very_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o false_a christian_n 5.45_o joh._n 5.45_o there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o and_o will_v condemn_v you_o even_o jesus_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o man_n have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n name_v upon_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o secure_v they_o from_o hell_n that_o it_o will_v sink_v they_o the_o deep_a into_o it_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o poor_a heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o sad_o to_o condole_v their_o case_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n weep_v not_o for_o they_o weep_v for_o yourselves_o there_o be_v no_o such_o miserable_a person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o degenerate_a christian_a because_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a misery_n from_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a do_v thou_o lament_v the_o condition_n of_o socrates_n and_o cato_n and_o aristides_n and_o doubt_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o can_v thou_o who_o be_v a_o impious_a and_o profane_a christian_a think_v that_o thou_o shall_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n do_v thou_o believe_v that_o the_o moral_a heathen_a shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o can_v thou_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o impudence_n to_o hope_v that_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n no_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o deep_a dye_n and_o clothe_v with_o black_a aggravation_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pagan_a may_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v unjust_a towards_o man_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o upon_o easy_a term_n than_o thou_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n better_a have_v it_o be_v thou_o have_v never_o know_v one_o syllable_n of_o the_o gospel_n never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o have_v take_v it_o upon_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v bear_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o poor_a indian_a rather_o than_o that_o be_v breed_v among_o christian_n and_o profess_v thyself_o of_o that_o number_n thou_o shall_v lead_v a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o these_o argument_n that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a awaken_v man_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o life_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o real_a reformation_n of_o they_o that_o i_o may_v oblige_v all_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n to_o do_v to_o every_o man_n as_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v to_o we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o will_v become_v our_o profession_n and_o be_v honourable_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o will_v remove_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n shall_v gain_v any_o considerable_a ground_n in_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o unworthy_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n it_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n at_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v have_v christian_a religion_n effectual_o recommend_v it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o then_o indeed_o it_o will_v look_v with_o so_o amiable_a a_o countenance_n as_o to_o invite_v many_o to_o it_o and_o carry_v so_o much_o majesty_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o as_o to_o command_v reverence_n from_o its_o great_a enemy_n and_o make_v man_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v in_o we_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o good_a god_n grant_v that_o as_o we_o have_v take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n so_o we_o may_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n may_v teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o 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 the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n phil._n iii_o 20._o for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o word_n we_o need_v to_o look_v back_o no_o further_o than_o the_o 18_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a vehemency_n and_o passion_n speak_v of_o some_o among_o the_o philippian_n who_o indeed_o profess_v christianity_n but_o yet_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o
will_v be_v no_o hindrance_n or_o prejudice_n to_o any_o such_o design_n but_o very_o much_o for_o the_o advancement_n and_o furtherance_n of_o it_o man_n that_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a do_v easy_o believe_v a_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v vehement_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n lust_n and_o the_o power_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n do_v sway_v their_o mind_n and_o set_v a_o bias_n upon_o their_o understanding_n towards_o atheism_n 2._o atheism_n be_v imprudent_a because_o it_o be_v unsafe_a in_o the_o issue_n the_o atheist_n contend_v against_o the_o religious_a man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o upon_o strange_a inequality_n and_o odds_o for_o he_o venture_v his_o eternal_a interest_n whereas_o the_o religious_a man_n venture_v only_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o lust_n which_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o he_o to_o be_v without_o or_o at_o the_o utmost_a of_o some_o temporal_a convenience_n and_o all_o this_o while_n be_v inward_o more_o content_v and_o happy_a and_o usual_o more_o healthful_a and_o perhaps_o meet_v with_o more_o respect_n and_o faithfull_a friend_n and_o life_n in_o a_o more_o secure_a and_o flourish_a condition_n and_o more_o free_a from_o the_o evil_n and_o punishment_n of_o this_o world_n than_o the_o atheistical_a person_n do_v however_o it_o be_v not_o much_o that_o he_o venture_v and_o after_o this_o life_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v infinite_o better_a even_o as_o much_o as_o unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v better_a than_o extreme_a and_o endless_a misery_n so_o that_o if_o the_o argument_n for_o and_o against_o a_o god_n be_v equal_a and_o it_o be_v a_o even_a question_n whether_o there_o be_v one_o or_o not_o yet_o the_o hazard_n and_o danger_n be_v so_o infinite_o unequal_a that_o in_o point_n of_o prudence_n and_o interest_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o incline_v to_o the_o affirmative_a and_o whatever_o doubt_n he_o may_v have_v about_o it_o to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n of_o the_o question_n and_o to_o make_v that_o the_o principle_n to_o live_v by_o for_o he_o that_o act_v wise_o and_o be_v a_o thorough_o prudent_a man_n will_v be_v provide_v against_o all_o event_n and_o will_v take_v care_n to_o secure_v the_o main_a chance_n whatever_o happen_v but_o the_o atheist_n in_o case_n thing_n shall_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o his_o belief_n and_o expectation_n he_o have_v make_v no_o provision_n for_o this_o case_n if_o contrary_a to_o his_o confidence_n it_o shall_v prove_v in_o the_o issue_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o man_n be_v lose_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o if_o the_o atheist_n when_o he_o die_v shall_v find_v that_o his_o soul_n remain_v after_o his_o body_n and_o have_v only_o quit_v its_o lodging_n how_o will_v this_o man_n be_v amaze_v and_o blank_v when_o contrary_a to_o his_o expectation_n he_o shall_v find_v himself_o in_o a_o new_a and_o strange_a place_n amid_o a_o world_n of_o spirit_n enter_v upon_o a_o everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n how_o sad_o will_v the_o man_n be_v disappoint_v when_o he_o find_v all_o thing_n otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v state_v and_o determine_v they_o in_o this_o world_n when_o he_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v deny_v and_o against_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v as_o despightful_a thing_n as_o he_o can_v who_o can_v imagine_v the_o pale_a and_o guilty_a look_n of_o this_o man_n and_o how_o he_o will_v shiver_v and_o tremble_v for_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n how_o will_v he_o be_v surprise_v with_o terror_n on_o every_o side_n to_o find_v himself_o thus_o unexpected_o and_o irrecoverable_o plunge_v into_o a_o state_n of_o ruin_n and_o desperation_n and_o thus_o thing_n may_v happen_v for_o all_o this_o man_n confidence_n now_o for_o our_o belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o a_o thing_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v fancy_n thing_n into_o be_v or_o make_v they_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o by_o the_o stubborn_a confidence_n of_o our_o imagination_n thing_n be_v as_o sullen_a as_o we_o be_v and_o will_v be_v what_o they_o be_v whatever_o we_o think_v of_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o man_n can_v by_o a_o obstinate_a disbelief_n of_o he_o make_v he_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o more_o than_o a_o man_n can_v put_v out_o the_o sun_n by_o wink_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o and_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o speculative_a atheism_n in_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o now_o it_o will_v be_v less_o needful_a to_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o two_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o future_a reward_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a scruple_n about_o these_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o no_o man_n that_o own_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o finite_a spirit_n that_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v immaterial_a and_o do_v not_o contain_v any_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o itself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o must_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v make_v some_o thing_n for_o as_o long_o a_o duration_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n that_o acknowledge_v the_o holy_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o concern_v to_o countenance_v the_o obedience_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o that_o do_v withal_o consider_v the_o promiscuous_a dispensation_n many_o time_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o world_n i_o say_v no_o man_n that_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o can_v think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o after_o this_o life_n good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o sinner_n punish_v i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o irreligious_a person_n the_o speculative_a atheist_n i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o of_o the_o other_o second_o the_o practical_a atheist_n who_o be_v wicked_a and_o irreligious_a notwithstanding_o he_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n he_o be_v likewise_o guilty_a of_o prodigious_a folly_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n argue_v more_o ignorance_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o other_o argue_v great_a folly_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n for_o which_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evidence_n of_o reason_n be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n but_o it_o be_v the_o high_a madness_n when_o a_o man_n do_v believe_v these_o thing_n to_o live_v as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o according_a as_o he_o demean_v himself_o towards_o he_o he_o will_v make_v he_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o yet_o to_o live_v so_o as_o if_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o contrary_a and_o as_o no_o man_n in_o reason_n can_v live_v but_o he_o that_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a say_n of_o the_o old_a monk_n that_o two_o kind_n of_o prison_n will_v serve_v for_o all_o offender_n in_o the_o world_n a_o inquisition_n and_o a_o bedlam_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o inquisition_n as_o be_v a_o desperate_a heretic_n but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v profess_v to_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o yet_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o know_a wickedness_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o 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of_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v by_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v religion_n from_o those_o common_a imputation_n which_o seem_v to_o charge_v it_o with_o ignorance_n or_o imprudence_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o three_o 1._o credulity_n 2._o singularity_n 3._o make_v a_o foolish_a bargain_n first_o credulity_n say_v they_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o consequent_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o good_a assurance_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n thing_n which_o we_o never_o see_v nor_o do_v experience_n nor_o ever_o speak_v with_o any_o body_n that_o do_v now_o it_o seem_v to_o argue_v too_o great_a a_o forwardness_n and_o easiness_n of_o belief_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n upon_o insufficient_a ground_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o a_o god_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n it_o can_v as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o reason_n be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o such_o thing_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v a_o god_n believe_v such_o a_o be_v as_o have_v all_o perfection_n among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v invisible_a and_o can_v be_v see_v he_o likewise_o that_o believe_v another_o life_n after_o this_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o state_n of_o which_o in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v no_o trial_n and_o experience_n beside_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a objection_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v these_o thing_n it_o strike_v at_o the_o atheist_n as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v the_o world_n to_o be_v from_o eternity_n nor_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n of_o which_o notwithstanding_o he_o believe_v the_o world_n be_v make_v 2._o we_o have_v the_o best_a evidence_n for_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o at_o present_a suppose_v they_o be_v 3._o those_o who_o deny_v these_o principle_n must_v be_v much_o more_o credulous_a that_o be_v believe_v thing_n upon_o incomparable_o less_o evidence_n of_o reason_n the_o atheist_n look_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v religious_a as_o a_o company_n of_o credulous_a fool_n but_o he_o for_o his_o part_n pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n for_o company_n he_o can_v entertain_v thing_n upon_o those_o slight_a ground_n which_o move_v other_o man_n if_o you_o will_v win_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n you_o must_v give_v he_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n for_o it_o now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o this_o man_n of_o reason_n this_o rigid_a exactor_n of_o strict_a demonstration_n for_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o but_o by_o show_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o credulous_a that_o he_o beg_v more_o principle_n take_v more_o thing_n for_o grant_v without_o offer_v to_o prove_v they_o and_o assent_v to_o more_o strange_a conclusion_n upon_o weak_a ground_n than_o those_o who_o he_o so_o much_o accuse_v of_o credulity_n and_o to_o evidence_n this_o i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o atheist_n creed_n and_o present_v you_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o possible_o can_v be_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o unwise_a of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v mistake_v except_o himself_o and_o a_o few_o more_o he_o believe_v that_o either_o all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v fright_v with_o a_o apparition_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o that_o they_o have_v most_o unnatural_o conspire_v together_o to_o cozen_v themselves_o or_o that_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v a_o trick_n of_o policy_n though_o the_o great_a prince_n and_o politician_n do_v not_o at_o this_o day_n know_v so_o much_o nor_o have_v do_v time_n out_o of_o a_o mind_n he_o believe_v either_o that_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o have_v no_o original_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n and_o happen_v he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v and_o that_o in_o this_o last_o shuffle_n of_o matter_n all_o thing_n have_v by_o great_a good_a fortune_n fall_v out_o as_o happy_o and_o as_o regular_o as_o if_o the_o great_a wisdom_n have_v contrive_v they_o but_o yet_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o they_o he_o believe_v that_o matter_n of_o it_o sel●_n be_v utter_o void_a of_o all_o sense_n understanding_n and_o liberty_n but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n may_v know_v and_o then_o happen_v to_o be_v so_o convenient_o dispose_v as_o to_o have_v all_o these_o quality_n and_o most_o dextrous_o to_o perform_v all_o those_o fine_a and_o free_a operation_n which_o the_o ignorant_a attribute_n to_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o belief_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v any_o person_n pretend_v to_o reason_n or_o wit_n that_o can_v assent_v to_o such_o a_o heap_n of_o absurdity_n which_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a that_o they_o may_v be_v feel_v so_o that_o if_o every_o man_n have_v his_o due_n it_o will_v certain_o fall_v to_o the_o atheist_n share_n to_o be_v the_o most_o credulous_a person_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v thing_n upon_o the_o slight_a reason_n for_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o only_o he_o find_v himself_o he_o know_v not_o why_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o to_o laugh_v at_o those_o that_o do_v not_o ii_o the_o second_o imputation_n be_v singularity_n the_o affectation_n whereof_o be_v unbecoming_a a_o wise_a man_n to_o this_o charge_n i_o answer_v i._o if_o by_o religion_n be_v mean_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o that_o there_o be_v rewa_fw-mi d_n to_o be_v expect_v after_o this_o life_n these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v singular_a opinion_n that_o they_o be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n even_o of_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n insomuch_o that_o the_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n do_v hardly_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o name_n of_o above_o five_o or_o six_o person_n who_o deny_v a_o god_n and_o lucretius_n acknowledge_v that_o epicurus_n be_v the_o first_o who_o do_v oppose_v those_o great_a foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n primum_fw-la grajus_n homo_fw-la etc._n etc._n meaning_n epicurus_n 2._o if_o by_o religion_n be_v mean_v a_o live_n up_o to_o those_o principle_n that_o be_v to_o act_v conformable_o to_o our_o 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contrary_a to_o his_o true_a reason_n and_o best_a interest_n he_o neglect_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o be_v active_a to_o procure_v his_o own_o ruin_n he_o fly_v from_o happiness_n and_o run_v away_o from_o it_o as_o fast_o as_o he_o can_v but_o pursue_v misery_n and_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v undo_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n do_v all_o along_o in_o the_o proverb_n give_v the_o title_n of_o fool_n to_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v his_o proper_a name_n and_o the_o fit_a character_n of_o he_o because_o he_o be_v so_o eminent_o such_o there_o be_v no_o fool_n to_o the_o sinner_n who_o every_o moment_n venture_v his_o soul_n and_o lay_v his_o everlasting_a interest_n at_o the_o stake_n every_o time_n a_o man_n provoke_v god_n he_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n to_o himself_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o mad_a man_n that_o cut_v himself_o and_o tear_n his_o own_o flesh_n and_o dash_v his_o head_n against_o the_o stone_n do_v not_o act_v so_o unreasonable_o as_o he_o 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be_v restless_a be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o fret_v and_o enrage_v our_o pain_n to_o gall_v our_o sore_n and_o to_o make_v the_o burden_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o sit_v more_o uneasy_a but_o this_o be_v proper_o no_o consideration_n of_o comfort_n but_o a_o art_n of_o manage_v ourselves_o under_o affliction_n so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v they_o more_o grievous_a than_o indeed_o the_o be_v but_o now_o the_o argument_n which_o christianity_n propound_v to_o we_o be_v such_o as_o be_v a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o bear_v suffering_n patient_o our_o religion_n set_v before_o we_o not_o the_o example_n of_o a_o stupid_a stoic_a who_o have_v by_o obstinate_a principle_n harden_v himself_o against_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n beyond_o the_o common_a measure_n of_o humanity_n but_o a_o example_n that_o lie_v level_a to_o all_o mankind_n of_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o that_o have_v a_o tender_a sense_n of_o the_o least_o suffering_n and_o yet_o 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consideration_n of_o all_o be_v the_o glory_n which_o shall_v follow_v our_o suffering_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v for_o god_n and_o his_o cause_n and_o if_o upon_o any_o other_o innocent_a account_n as_o reward_v of_o our_o patience_n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n christian_n religion_n have_v secure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v infinite_a gainer_n by_o our_o suffering_n and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v upon_o term_n of_o such_o advantage_n to_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o endure_v a_o short_a ffliction_n for_o a_o endless_a happiness_n the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n be_v a_o cordial_a that_o will_v revive_v our_o spirit_n more_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n than_o all_o the_o wise_a say_n and_o consideration_n of_o 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torment_n and_o death_n have_v the_o precept_n and_o counsel_n of_o philosophy_n ever_o any_o such_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o with_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o life_n of_o lipsius_n who_o be_v a_o great_a study_a and_o admirer_n of_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n when_o he_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n and_o one_o of_o his_o friend_n who_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o need_v not_o use_v argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o patience_n under_o his_o pain_n the_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v study_v so_o much_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o motive_n enough_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o answer_v he_o with_o this_o ejaculation_n domine_fw-la jesus_n da_fw-la mihi_fw-la patientiam_fw-la christianam_fw-la lord_n jesus_n give_v i_o christian_a patience_n no_o patience_n like_a to_o that_o which_o the_o consideration_n of_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o work_v in_o we_o and_o now_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o clear_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v to_o we_o of_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 and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o law_n and_o the_o power_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n both_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v what_o the_o proper_a tendency_n and_o design_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v and_o what_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o will_v make_v man_n if_o they_o will_v true_o observe_v they_o and_o live_v according_a to_o they_o substantial_o religious_a towards_o god_n chaste_a and_o temperate_a patient_a and_o content_v in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o just_a and_o honest_a kind_a and_o peaceable_a and_o good_a nature_a 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according_o god_n will_v deal_v more_o severe_o with_o such_o person_n he_o will_v pardon_v a_o thousand_o defect_n in_o our_o understanding_n if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o gross_a carelessness_n and_o neglect_n of_o ourselves_o but_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o will_n have_v no_o excuse_n because_o we_o know_v to_o do_v better_a and_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v so_o do_v thou_o believe_v that_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 and_o do_v thou_o still_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v thou_o convince_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v thou_o still_o persist_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n be_v thou_o full_o persuade_v that_o no_o whoremonger_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o do_v thou_o for_o all_o that_o continue_v to_o practice_v these_o vice_n what_o can_v thou_o say_v man_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o thou_o be_v miserable_a and_o undo_v for_o ever_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v as_o if_o some_o unexpected_a thing_n have_v happen_v to_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o with_o thou_o just_a as_o thou_o believ'd_v it_o will_v be_v when_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v of_o thy_o good_a belief_n when_o thou_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v it_o by_o a_o bad_a life_n how_o can_v thou_o look_v for_o other_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v thou_o for_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o thy_o own_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v thou_o all_o the_o while_o thou_o be_v do_v of_o they_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n there_o be_v no_o consideration_n that_o 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that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n if_o it_o be_v impartial_o consider_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a paradox_n to_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o vicious_a practice_n who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o their_o lust_n this_o seem_v a_o strange_a proposition_n to_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o religion_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o never_o try_v the_o experiment_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o measure_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o intrinsical_a goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n which_o they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n against_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n concern_v this_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o make_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o be_v 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ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o safe_a path_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v entertain_v we_o with_o pleasure_n all_o along_o in_o the_o way_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o happiness_n at_o the_o end_n 2_o tim_n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o translate_a foundation_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o instrument_n of_o contract_n whereby_o two_o 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the_o old_a testament_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o new_a 2.7_o jam._n 2.7_o do_v they_o not_o blaspheme_v that_o worthy_a name_n by_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o expression_n 14._o 1_o pet._n 〈◊〉_d 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o sixteenth_o verse_n vary_v if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o take_v strict_o for_o injustice_n or_o unrighteousness_n but_o sometime_o use_v more_o large_o for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o general_a and_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v here_o in_o the_o text_n because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o context_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o because_o christianity_n lay_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a oblige_v himself_o by_o his_o procession_n to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n 2._o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o answer_v this_o obligation_n i._o what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o holy_a example_n and_o to_o have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o and_o then_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v according_o 1._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o theatning_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a design_n the_o proper_a intention_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o those_o truth_n but_o to_o better_a our_o life_n for_o every_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o proper_a argument_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o discourse_n and_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o death_n do_v all_o tend_v to_o this_o the_o ultimate_a issue_n of_o all_o be_v the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v most_o express_o and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o tit._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v strict_o command_v holiness_n and_o that_o universal_a the_o purity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o chastity_n of_o our_o body_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5.22_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o require_v we_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n ●_o ●_o cor._n 7._o ●_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n peter_n that_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n 1.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly-kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o powerful_a argument_n against_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n
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
from_o we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o promise_n and_o our_o part_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v confident_a that_o god_n will_v perform_v they_o if_o we_o can_v but_o think_v so_o though_o we_o do_v nothing_o else_o which_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n to_o fool_n but_o the_o hard_a in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o if_o his_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o can_v never_o persuade_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n without_o any_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n will_v bestow_v upon_o he_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n only_o because_o he_o be_v confident_a that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v believe_v of_o he_o that_o he_o love_v to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n upon_o the_o most_o unfit_a and_o unreasonable_a term_n a_o covenant_n do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o the_o scripture_n plain_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n both_o on_o god_n part_n and_o we_o namely_o that_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n but_o he_o have_v nowhere_o say_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o his_o people_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n have_v two_o inscription_n upon_o it_o one_o on_o god_n part_n that_o he_o will_v know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o another_o on_o our_o part_n that_o we_o shall_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o condition_n god_n will_v not_o know_v we_o but_o will_v bid_v we_o depart_v from_o he_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o 7.23_o mat._n 7.23_o i_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o if_o we_o deal_v false_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o break_v loose_a from_o all_o our_o engagement_n to_o he_o we_o release_v god_n from_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o if_o we_o neglect_v to_o perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n we_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n on_o god_n part_n and_o he_o remain_v faithful_a though_o he_o deny_v we_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o promise_v under_o those_o condition_n which_o we_o have_v neglect_v ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propround_v and_o that_o be_v to_o persuade_v those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n to_o answer_v those_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n which_o their_o religion_n lay_v upon_o they_o we_o all_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n and_o will_v be_v very_o much_o offend_v at_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v deny_v we_o this_o title_n but_o let_v we_o not_o cheat_v ourselves_o with_o a_o empty_a and_o insignificant_a name_n but_o if_o we_o will_v call_v ourselves_o christian_n let_v we_o fill_v up_o this_o great_a title_n and_o make_v good_a our_o profession_n by_o a_o sutitable_a life_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o hereto_o i_o will_v urge_v these_o three_o consideration_n 1._o the_o indecency_n of_o the_o contrary_n 2._o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o it_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n and_o 3._o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n 1._o consider_v how_o unbecoming_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v unsuitable_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v by_o the_o best_a master_n to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o contain_v the_o most_o exact_a rule_n for_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o lay_v down_o the_o plain_a precept_n set_v before_o we_o the_o best_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o offer_v we_o the_o great_a assistance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v awe_v with_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o animate_v with_o the_o best_a hope_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n now_o whoever_o make_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o this_o oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v answerable_o to_o do_v nothing_o that_o shall_v gross_o contradict_v it_o nothing_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o profession_n to_o pretend_v to_o great_a matter_n and_o perform_v nothing_o of_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o be_v catch_v with_o pretence_n nor_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o a_o empty_a profession_n but_o they_o will_v inquire_v into_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o by_o these_o they_o will_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o we_o they_o can_v see_v into_o our_o heart_n nor_o pry_v into_o our_o understanding_n to_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o inward_o believe_v they_o can_v discern_v those_o secret_a and_o supernatural_a principle_n that_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v act_v by_o but_o this_o they_o can_v do_v they_o can_v examine_v our_o action_n and_o behold_v our_o good_a or_o bad_a work_n and_o try_v whether_o our_o life_n be_v indeed_o answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o do_v real_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o other_o man_n who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o such_o great_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o sagacious_a person_n who_o will_v easy_o find_v we_o out_o will_v look_v under_o our_o mask_n and_o see_v through_o all_o our_o fine_a pretension_n and_o will_v quick_o discern_v the_o absurdity_n of_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o we_o believe_v one_o thing_n when_o we_o do_v the_o contrary_n if_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o every_o discern_a man_n if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o it_o with_o what_o face_n can_v any_o man_n continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o forbid_v all_o sin_n under_o the_o high_a and_o severe_a penalty_n if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o do_v any_o ordinary_a credible_a story_n and_o do_v we_o but_o regard_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o do_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v we_o but_o persuade_v that_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n lie_v and_o perjury_n intemperance_n and_o uncleanness_n covetousness_n and_o pride_n malice_n and_o revenge_n the_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v bring_v man_n to_o hell_n as_o certain_o as_o treason_n and_o felony_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n have_v we_o but_o the_o same_o awe_n and_o regard_n for_o the_o threaten_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o frown_n and_o smile_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o this_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o keep_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v man_n that_o we_o do_v hearty_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n upon_o it_o which_o oblige_v man_n to_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o life_n he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o a_o man_n believe_v let_v he_o attend_v rather_o to_o what_o he_o do_v than_o to_o what_o he_o talk_v he_o that_o lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n make_v a_o more_o credible_a and_o effectual_a profession_n of_o infidelity_n than_o he_o who_o in_o word_n only_o deny_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o imagine_v that_o that_o man_n believe_v christianity_n who_o by_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n do_v deny_v and_o renounce_v it_o if_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o christian_n it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v evidence_n this_o by_o our_o action_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o the_o heathen_n do_v that_o we_o who_o worship_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n shall_v not_o allow_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o sin_n as_o those_o do_v who_o
mean_n whereby_o that_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v ii_o the_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n do_v imply_v likewise_o the_o effect_n which_o those_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o 1._o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n god_n have_v on_o purpose_n make_v this_o world_n troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o reasonable_a and_o considerate_a man_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n that_o god_n and_o heaven_n may_v have_v no_o rival_n here_o below_o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n that_o may_v pretend_v to_o our_o affection_n or_o court_v we_o with_o any_o advantage_n in_o comparison_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o glory_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o eternity_n shall_v present_v itself_o to_o our_o serious_a and_o wake_a thought_n than_o thing_n will_v put_v on_o another_o face_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o value_v so_o much_o in_o this_o life_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o neglect_v to_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o worthy_a to_o have_v be_v the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v these_o thing_n in_o time_n while_o the_o opportunity_n of_o life_n and_o health_n be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n before_o we_o despair_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o 2._o to_o make_v we_o very_o active_a and_o industrious_a to_o be_v as_o good_a and_o to_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v qualify_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o man_n be_v usual_o very_o industrious_a for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n do_v we_o but_o value_v heaven_n half_a as_o much_o as_o it_o deserve_v we_o shall_v take_v infinite_o more_o pain_n for_o that_o so_o often_o as_o we_o consider_v the_o glory_n that_o be_v above_o how_o do_v it_o accuse_v our_o sloth_n and_o condemn_v our_o folly_n that_o we_o be_v less_o concern_v for_o our_o soul_n than_o most_o man_n be_v for_o their_o body_n that_o we_o will_v not_o labour_v half_a so_o much_o for_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n as_o man_n ordinary_o do_v for_o these_o corruptible_a thing_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v haste_v apace_o to_o another_o world_n and_o that_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o lie_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n to_o have_v such_o a_o reward_n set_v before_o we_o to_o have_v crown_n and_o sceptre_n in_o our_o eye_n will_v we_o but_o often_o represent_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n what_o fervour_n shall_v we_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o wing_n and_o shall_v do_v god_n will_n almost_o with_o the_o same_o readiness_n and_o delight_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v who_o continual_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o their_o father_n the_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n shall_v actuate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o be_v continual_o inspire_v we_o with_o new_a vigour_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n how_o shall_v this_o thought_n swell_v our_o resolution_n and_o confirm_v our_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n that_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n 3._o to_o mitigate_v and_o lighten_v the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n how_o rough_a the_o way_n be_v provide_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o lead_v to_o happiness_n the_o incomparable_o great_a good_a of_o the_o next_o life_n will_v to_o a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n weigh_v down_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_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 in_o we_o 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n afflict_v man_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o soul_n be_v fortify_v with_o consideration_n proper_a to_o support_v we_o under_o they_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a while_n to_o be_v here_o that_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o journey_n travel_v towards_o our_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o all_o the_o delight_n we_o can_v desire_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v we_o much_o to_o endure_v storm_n and_o foul_a way_n and_o to_o want_v many_o of_o those_o accommodation_n we_o may_v expect_v at_o home_n this_o be_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o traveller_n and_o we_o must_v take_v thing_n as_o we_o find_v they_o and_o not_o look_v to_o have_v every_o thing_n just_a to_o our_o mind_n these_o difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n will_v short_o be_v over_o and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v quite_o forget_v and_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v and_o when_o we_o be_v safe_o land_v in_o our_o own_o country_n with_o what_o pleasure_n shall_v we_o look_v back_o upon_o those_o rough_a and_o boisterous_a sea_n which_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o more_o trouble_v we_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o kind_a usage_n we_o shall_v find_v when_o we_o come_v to_o our_o father_n house_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n our_o happiness_n shall_v then_o be_v as_o real_a as_o our_o misery_n be_v here_o upon_o earth_n and_o far_o great_a and_o more_o last_a and_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o though_o we_o suffer_v a_o while_n in_o this_o world_n provide_v we_o escape_v the_o endless_a unsufferable_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o though_o we_o have_v not_o our_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n if_o infinite_o great_a be_v reserve_v for_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o with_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o several_a of_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n will_v be_v unsufferable_a indeed_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a to_o be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o if_o this_o be_v true_a christian_n will_v not_o only_o be_v of_o all_o man_n but_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a but_o out_o religion_n have_v abundant_o assure_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o embrace_v suffering_n with_o so_o much_o cheerfulness_n to_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n and_o to_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v that_o in_o heaven_n they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n the_o seven_o brethren_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o maccabee_n upon_o this_o persuasion_n will_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n that_o storm_n of_o stone_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o st._n stephen_n be_v no_o more_o to_o he_o than_o a_o common_a shower_n when_o he_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o jesus_n in_o who_o cause_n he_o suffer_v stand_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n 4._o to_o make_v we_o sincere_a in_o all_o our_o profession_n word_n and_o action_n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n their_o religion_n will_v not_o be_v only_o in_o show_n and_o pretence_n but_o in_o life_n and_o reality_n no_o man_n will_v put_v on_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o for_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o but_o all_o with_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o be_v as_o curious_a of_o our_o thought_n and_o most_o retire_a action_n as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o open_a theatre_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a assembly_n for_o in_o the_o next_o life_n man_n shall_v not_o be_v reward_v for_o what_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o for_o what_o they_o real_o be_v in_o this_o world_n therefore_o whatever_o we_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o do_v we_o shall_v always_o remember_v that_o the_o day_n of_o revelation_n be_v come_v when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v when_o all_o disguise_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o every_o one_o mask_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o and_o all_o our_o action_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v