to_o exhort_v those_o who_o be_v in_o any_o capacity_n entrust_v with_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n that_o they_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n god_n and_o religion_n with_o their_o first_o love_n to_o improve_v in_o they_o those_o natural_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n honesty_n and_o thankfulness_n simplicity_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o very_a creation_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o resist_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o first_o insinuation_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o sin_n as_o of_o death_n to_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o great_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v they_o full_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o engage_v to_o perform_v and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o bring_v they_o with_o understanding_n and_o resolution_n with_o desire_n and_o zeal_n to_o receive_v at_o confirmation_n the_o consummation_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n and_o a_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o end_n 8._o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o question_n of_o dispute_n but_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a and_o practical_a direction_n by_o which_o one_o that_o design_n to_o be_v confirm_v who_o i_o always_o suppose_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n or_o one_o that_o be_v already_o confirm_v and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o lead_v a_o religious_a life_n may_v attain_v to_o that_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n 1._o first_o then_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v confirmation_n or_o to_o begin_v the_o great_a work_n of_o religion_n with_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o attain_v a_o real_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n that_o will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o design_n of_o a_o true_o religious_a life_n if_o we_o do_v real_o and_o firm_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n persuade_v that_o there_o will_v certain_o come_v a_o day_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a this_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o will_v assure_o overcome_v the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o belief_n which_o will_v certain_o baffle_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v mean_a and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n insipid_a in_o a_o word_n this_o will_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o a_o vigorous_a zeal_n as_o will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ease_n and_o contentment_n but_o with_o a_o mighty_a pleasure_n sacrifice_v all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n to_o the_o do_v the_o great_a good_a here_o and_o obtain_v the_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o but_o if_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o more_o for_o form_n and_o custom_n than_o upon_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v persevere_v in_o well-doing_n with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n the_o solicitation_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n will_v certain_o prevail_v over_o we_o and_o seduce_v we_o into_o sin_n nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a faith_n ground_v upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n and_o a_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v possible_o carry_v a_o man_n through_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o first_o principle_n of_o faith_n immovable_a as_o a_o rock_n will_v be_v able_a to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n with_o bravery_n and_o constancy_n and_o will_v attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o hope_n with_o triumph_n and_o joy_n 2._o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v either_o wicked_a and_o licentious_a or_o at_o least_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o profess_v to_o do_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n they_o in_o course_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n without_o have_v ever_o consider_v what_o christianity_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n for_o do_v man_n indeed_o as_o firm_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o character_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o world_n oblige_v they_o to_o pretend_v they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o strange_a to_o find_v a_o man_n who_o action_n shall_v give_v his_o word_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o life_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o his_o profession_n as_o to_o hear_v one_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o no_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o torment_v in_o the_o flame_n thereof_o for_o though_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v in_o good_a measure_n the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n will_v have_v when_o a_o temporal_a prince_n declare_v that_o whoever_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o such_o or_o such_o crime_n shall_v certain_o undergo_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a punishment_n such_o a_o declaration_n have_v general_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o all_o the_o subject_n concern_v as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o punishment_n already_o actual_o inflict_v upon_o the_o criminal_n when_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n declare_v to_o mankind_n his_o will_n which_o be_v their_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n by_o such_o threat_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v if_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o those_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n in_o other_o case_n general_o have_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a either_o that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v that_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_n be_v indeed_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n or_o else_o that_o they_o imagine_v that_o though_o he_o now_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o seem_v so_o severe_o to_o exact_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n yet_o at_o last_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n how_o come_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v lose_v that_o efficacy_n in_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n for_o which_o it_o be_v once_o so_o eminent_a even_o among_o its_o enemy_n themselves_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v how_o come_v that_o religion_n not_o to_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o can_v we_o hear_v man_n daily_o profane_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o impious_a and_o horrid_a oath_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o will_v avenge_v himself_o on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o can_v we_o see_v man_n cheat_v and_o cozen_v destroy_v and_o prey_n upon_o one_o another_o without_o the_o least_o scruple_n or_o appearance_n of_o remorse_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o severity_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o see_v man_n dally_v with_o eternity_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o empty_a and_o momentany_a gratification_n
be_v through_o carelessness_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v astonish_v and_o cut_v to_o the_o heart_n to_o hear_v they_o curse_v we_o and_o say_v have_v those_o who_o shall_v have_v instruct_v we_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o willing_a to_o have_v learn_v it_o we_o have_v never_o come_v into_o this_o miserable_a condition_n and_o how_o will_v it_o double_v the_o torment_n even_o of_o hell_n itself_o to_o have_v the_o punishment_n not_o only_o of_o our_o own_o sin_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v undo_v by_o our_o neglect_n inflict_v upon_o we_o 5._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o slight_a and_o trivial_a matter_n to_o be_v surety_n for_o child_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o their_o name_n at_o the_o font_n but_o we_o be_v bind_v afterward_o to_o perform_v conscientious_o what_o we_o there_o solemn_o promise_v for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n as_o a_o duty_n wherein_o their_o soul_n and_o our_o own_o and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v high_o concern_v tertullian_n think_v it_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o use_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o baptismo_fw-la the_o surety_n be_v there_o oblige_v to_o promise_n what_o they_o be_v not_o sure_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o perform_v and_o what_o if_o they_o do_v live_v they_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o persuade_v the_o baptize_v person_n to_o take_v upon_o himself_o he_o never_o once_o think_v that_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n may_v be_v wilful_o betray_v or_o so_o solemn_a a_o promise_n careless_o neglect_v which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o much_o strong_a objection_n what_o will_v he_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o this_o great_a charge_n without_o ever_o design_v to_o think_v more_o of_o it_o 6._o let_v those_o man_n consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o promise_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n what_o they_o never_o design_v to_o think_v upon_o after_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o answer_v ready_o for_o a_o child_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o great_a distance_n they_o have_v no_o probability_n of_o ever_o see_v more_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o when_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o a_o child_n deliver_v it_o immediate_o to_o its_o parent_n as_o if_o they_o be_v by_o that_o mockery_n release_v from_o their_o promise_n and_o god_n delude_v as_o easy_o as_o man_n last_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o testify_v their_o love_n to_o a_o child_n who_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o by_o some_o little_a and_o trifle_a mark_n of_o kindness_n while_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o inhumane_o and_o unchristian_o cruel_a to_o it_o by_o neglect_v that_o one_o great_a kindness_n which_o they_o have_v promise_v and_o vow_v to_o do_v for_o it_o 7._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o notorious_a neglect_n of_o this_o important_a duty_n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o shameless_a wickedness_n of_o our_o present_a age._n for_o while_o parent_n and_o surety_n be_v careless_a to_o instruct_v child_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n vicious_a inclination_n prevail_v upon_o they_o and_o insensible_o grow_v into_o vicious_a habit_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o happiness_n annex_v to_o it_o whereas_o be_v surety_n according_a to_o their_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n conscientious_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o those_o for_o who_o they_o have_v undertake_v be_v timely_a and_o diligent_o instruct_v religion_n will_v have_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o innocent_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n child_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o different_o according_a to_o their_o different_a temper_n be_v early_o wrought_v upon_o to_o admire_v the_o beauty_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n to_o thirst_v after_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o confirmation_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o profess_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o renew_v their_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o with_o a_o full_a resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o profession_n and_o those_o renew_a promise_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o second_o of_o confirmation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o use_v of_o confirmation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n at_o which_o every_o man_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a begin_v to_o be_v so_o and_o from_o which_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n may_v true_o be_v date_v be_v evident_a but_o of_o what_o use_v the_o know_v and_o fix_v this_o period_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n may_v be_v be_v general_o very_o little_o consider_v for_o whilst_o some_o have_v groundless_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o every_o good_a man_n conversion_n after_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v away_o into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n and_o whilst_o other_o have_v weak_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o conversion_n after_o which_o though_o a_o man_n do_v fall_v into_o great_a wickedness_n yet_o he_o can_v fall_v final_o from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n most_o other_o have_v think_v that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o inquire_v at_o all_o into_o the_o exact_a time_n when_o the_o religious_a life_n begin_v or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v it_o since_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o by_o a_o sudden_a conversion_n but_o by_o a_o gradual_a progress_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n yet_o may_v a_o man_n nevertheless_o certain_o fix_v to_o himself_o the_o period_n from_o whence_o to_o date_n the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n for_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v only_o from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o constant_a sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o accompany_v with_o many_o frailty_n inadvertency_n and_o surprise_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o holiness_n he_o have_v be_v all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v from_o a_o course_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n to_o a_o victory_n or_o conquest_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v reckon_v his_o religious_a life_n from_o no_o long_o a_o time_n notwithstanding_o any_o pious_a interval_n and_o struggle_n which_o he_o may_v have_v have_v with_o his_o habitual_a temptation_n than_o from_o that_o period_n since_o which_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o know_a and_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o use_v of_o a_o man_n fix_v within_o himself_o such_o a_o period_n will_v be_v that_o more_o assure_v and_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o the_o distinct_a and_o clear_a view_n of_o a_o well_o examine_v course_n of_o past_a holiness_n that_o effectual_a bar_n against_o fall_v into_o the_o act_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n which_o will_v be_v put_v by_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o by_o such_o a_o act_n he_o must_v lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o past_a virtue_n and_o be_v force_v to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n again_o from_o a_o new_a period_n and_o above_o all_o that_o mighty_a dread_n of_o go_v on_o in_o a_o circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v repent_v and_o sin_v into_o which_o man_n will_v be_v rouse_v by_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v clear_o that_o such_o a_o course_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o this_o period_n from_o which_o i_o suppose_v a_o christian_n to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n must_v be_v either_o baptism_n confirmation_n or_o repentance_n in_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n to_o that_o of_o christianity_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o begin_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o strict_a piety_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o
the_o time_n before_o they_o and_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v yet_o seduce_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n consider_v these_o thing_n let_v they_o consider_v what_o a_o prize_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o let_v they_o be_v zealous_a that_o no_o man_n take_v their_o crown_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o god_n and_o angel_n rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o old_a and_o great_a sinner_n much_o more_o must_v they_o be_v please_v to_o see_v a_o young_a person_n amid_o the_o allure_a glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n brave_o resist_v all_o its_o temptation_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o that_o time_n which_o a_o die_a sinner_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a give_v million_o of_o world_n to_o redeem_v be_v now_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o may_v make_v a_o glorious_a use_n of_o it_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o clothe_v with_o the_o white_a robe_n of_o innocence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v careful_a never_o to_o defile_v that_o garment_n they_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o portion_n among_o those_o few_o who_o shall_v walk_v 4._o with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o zealous_o continue_v to_o maintain_v their_o innocence_n and_o their_o good_a work_n for_o a_o few_o year_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v almost_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o temptation_n they_o will_v escape_v the_o bitter_a pang_n of_o remorse_n and_o repentance_n they_o will_v be_v whole_o above_o that_o great_a of_o human_a misery_n the_o dread_a and_o horror_n of_o death_n and_o may_v not_o only_o without_o fear_n but_o even_o with_o exceed_a joy_n expect_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v last_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o rejoice_v of_o their_o hope_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v be_v entitle_v to_o all_o those_o great_a and_o inconceivable_a promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v overcome_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n rev._n 2._o 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n ver_fw-la 11._o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n and_o i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n rev._n 3._o 5._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v new_a jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o sit_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n v._o 21._o chap._n x._o of_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o three_o resolve_v to_o make_v religion_n the_o main_a scope_n of_o all_o your_o action_n and_o the_o principal_a business_n of_o your_o life_n one_o great_a reason_n why_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o reign_a principle_n that_o whole_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v now_o so_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v because_o those_o holy_a man_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n add_v unto_o they_o whereas_o now_o man_n make_v religion_n not_o their_o first_o but_o their_o last_o care_n and_o while_o their_o whole_a heart_n and_o affection_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o religious_a if_o they_o spend_v but_o some_o small_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n in_o the_o outward_a and_o ceremonious_a act_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n if_o the_o happiness_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v the_o same_o for_o which_o they_o so_o painful_o contend_v if_o our_o obligation_n except_v perhaps_o some_o few_o particular_a case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o this_o slight_a careless_a and_o superficial_a religion_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n he_o that_o will_v obtain_v that_o crown_n of_o immortality_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o must_v be_v effectual_o and_o substantial_o religious_a in_o the_o main_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v so_o true_o and_o sincere_o religious_a must_v make_v that_o religion_n his_o principal_a and_o his_o first_o care_n 2._o by_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a care_n and_o study_n of_o our_o life_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o man_n shall_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o business_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o spend_v their_o time_n anxious_o in_o read_v pray_v meditate_v &_o the_o like_a i_o hese_n thing_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a nor_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_n and_o notorious_a error_n to_o think_v that_o man_n can_v become_v more_o true_o religious_a by_o the_o continue_a exercise_n of_o a_o private_a retirement_n than_o by_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o the_o world_n the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n habitual_o possess_v with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o express_v at_o all_o proper_a opportunity_n our_o devotion_n to_o he_o and_o our_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n to_o endeavour_v constant_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v temperate_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n as_o those_o who_o expect_v their_o happiness_n not_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o these_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v make_v his_o principal_n nay_o even_o his_o whole_a care_n without_o any_o way_n neglect_v or_o in_o the_o least_o withdraw_a himself_o from_o his_o secular_a and_o worldly_a business_n there_o be_v no_o employment_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v always_o do_v something_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o business_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o make_v it_o his_o main_a care_n to_o act_v always_o like_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o christian_a there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o life_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o keep_v a_o constant_a eye_n upon_o a_o future_a state_n and_o so_o use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o that_o the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a scope_n of_o all_o his_o action_n may_v always_o respect_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 3._o and_o to_o make_v religion_n thus_o far_o the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n be_v absolute_o and_o indispensable_o necessary_a no_o man_n can_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o word_n no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o and_o effectual_o religious_a unless_o he_o steadfast_o propose_v to_o himself_o one_o great_a design_n of_o his_o life_n and_o endeavour_n to_o act_n always_o regular_o upon_o that_o design_n he_o must_v 72._o constant_o keep_v a_o eye_n upon_o his_o main_a end_n and_o in_o every_o thing_n he_o do_v must_v be_v careful_a always_o to_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o that_o every_o thing_n he_o undertake_v must_v be_v either_o direct_o conducive_a to_o that_o end_n or_o at_o least_o not_o contrary_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o in_o a_o word_n he_o must_v be_v true_a to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v resolute_a never_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v afterward_o wish_v undo_v for_o otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n act_v only_o uncertain_o according_a to_o the_o present_a appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o without_o any_o fix_a design_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o every_o violent_a temptation_n will_v either_o surprise_v or_o overpower_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n will_v be_v as_o inconstant_a as_o his_o resolution_n his_o life_n will_v be_v at_o best_a no_n other_o than_o a_o continue_a circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v and_o his_o end_n will_v be_v in_o
nothing_o but_o uncertainty_n and_o fear_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o fourthly_o endeavour_v to_o get_v above_o all_o the_o desire_n of_o this_o present_a world_n this_o be_v the_o hard_a lesson_n in_o religion_n but_o withal_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o the_o most_o useful_a all_o wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o some_o temporal_a enjoyment_n or_o other_o and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o immediate_o the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n no_o man_n sin_n but_o when_o he_o be_v seduce_v by_o a_o overfond_a desire_n of_o some_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o and_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o any_o of_o these_o desire_n the_o way_n therefore_o to_o lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o foundation_n and_o first_o cause_n of_o our_o misery_n be_v to_o get_v above_o all_o the_o desire_n of_o these_o transitory_a enjoyment_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o perfect_o in_o subjection_n and_o under_o the_o command_n of_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v able_a to_o contemn_v these_o thing_n even_o where_o they_o be_v innocent_a and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v secure_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o seduce_v and_o entice_v we_o into_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a 2._o now_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o to_o do_v this_o be_v not_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v by_o retire_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o world_n to_o neglect_v all_o business_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o secular_a care_n but_o by_o fix_v our_o thought_n steadfast_o upon_o that_o future_a state_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v clear_o discover_v to_o we_o to_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a idea_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n as_o will_v in_o any_o state_n of_o life_n beget_v and_o preserve_v in_o we_o a_o settle_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o 3._o the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o this_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o resolution_n not_o to_o purchase_v any_o of_o its_o enjoyment_n with_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o great_a and_o know_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o very_o low_a degree_n of_o sincerity_n and_o the_o least_o that_o any_o one_o who_o pretend_v at_o all_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n he_o that_o to_o purchase_v any_o honour_n or_o profit_n will_v not_o scruple_n to_o make_v use_n of_o downright_a fraud_n or_o of_o any_o mean_n which_o he_o himself_o know_v and_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v unlawful_a he_o that_o to_o gratify_v any_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o to_o enjoy_v a_o present_a pleasure_n will_v venture_v direct_o to_o break_v a_o positive_a and_o express_a command_n such_o a_o one_o bid_v open_a defiance_n to_o god_n and_o virtue_n and_o can_v hardly_o impose_v upon_o himself_o with_o any_o vain_a imagination_n of_o his_o be_v religious_a 4._o the_o next_o degree_n of_o this_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o willingness_n to_o part_v with_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o can_v keep_v they_o together_o with_o our_o religion_n this_o also_o our_o saviour_n absolute_o require_v of_o they_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n luke_n 14._o 26_o 27._o it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v more_o peculiar_o adapt_v to_o those_o early_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o profess_v himself_o his_o disciple_n but_o he_o must_v immediate_o forsake_v all_o that_o he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o become_v poor_a in_o the_o most_o literal_a sense_n for_o christ_n sake_n but_o certain_o it_o thus_o far_o oblige_v christian_n at_o all_o time_n and_o even_o when_o god_n do_v not_o call_v they_o to_o suffering_n and_o part_v with_o all_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v such_o a_o indifferency_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o part_v with_o whatever_o shall_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o duty_n 5._o but_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o degree_n of_o this_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n which_o though_o less_o consider_v be_v yet_o of_o more_o universal_a and_o more_o constant_a obligation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v spare_v and_o temperate_a in_o the_o use_n even_o of_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a enjoyment_n as_o those_o who_o expect_v their_o portion_n not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o the_o only_a true_a rule_n of_o temperance_n to_o give_v man_n a_o full_a liberty_n of_o satisfy_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n in_o all_o instance_n not_o direct_o forbid_v and_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v possible_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o innocence_n be_v to_o allow_v man_n a_o liberty_n which_o experience_n show_v they_o can_v bear_v and_o which_o will_v certain_o seduce_v they_o into_o the_o border_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o restrain_v man_n from_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n any_o further_a than_o be_v strict_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v their_o life_n and_o health_n be_v to_o lay_v a_o snare_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o to_o tie_v they_o up_o to_o what_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v not_o tie_v they_o the_o only_a true_a measure_n therefore_o of_o christian_a temperance_n be_v that_o we_o so_o govern_v ourselves_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n as_o become_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n and_o candidate_n for_o heaven_n who_o look_v upon_o this_o world_n only_o as_o a_o state_n of_o labour_n and_o trial_n but_o expect_v their_o portion_n and_o their_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v that_o we_o so_o use_v these_o present_a good_a thing_n as_o to_o preserve_v ourselves_o always_o in_o the_o disposition_n fit_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o keep_v the_o flesh_n always_o in_o subjection_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o maintain_v constant_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v prepare_v and_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n 6._o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o draw_v off_o man_n affection_n from_o thing_n earthly_a and_o sensible_a and_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o noble_a and_o spiritual_a object_n it_o give_v we_o the_o most_o refine_a precept_n exemplify_v in_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o our_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o set_v before_o we_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o happiness_n of_o that_o place_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v like_a to_o god_n because_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o they_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n be_v so_o to_o wean_v themselves_o from_o this_o present_a world_n as_o to_o be_v always_o prepare_v for_o the_o more_o spiritual_a happiness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o be_v so_o to_o look_v beyond_o this_o world_n in_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o have_v so_o slight_a a_o esteem_n for_o and_o be_v so_o little_o immerse_v in_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n as_o to_o have_v our_o heart_n fix_v always_o there_o where_o we_o expect_v our_o treasure_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n for_o the_o do_v what_o good_a we_o can_v in_o the_o present_a state_n and_o thereby_o purchase_v to_o ourselves_o a_o treasure_n incorruptible_a in_o the_o future_a it_o teach_v we_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n whole_o on_o thing_n above_o and_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n always_o in_o heaven_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o love_n god_n as_o the_o supreme_a and_o only_a good_a and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o business_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o life_n to_o advance_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o
man_n condition_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o the_o rich_a man_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o their_o behaviour_n one_o to_o another_o though_o therefore_o it_o may_v just_o be_v suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n design_v to_o hint_n to_o we_o that_o the_o poor_a man_n do_v not_o meet_v with_o that_o comfort_n and_o relief_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v in_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v such_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o do_v mighty_o increase_v the_o rich_a man_n condemnation_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v now_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o parable_n parable_n be_v certain_a familiar_a way_n of_o represent_v thing_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a by_o easy_a and_o continue_a similitude_n and_o the_o close_a of_o the_o similitude_n always_o show_v the_o principal_a scope_n of_o the_o parable_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o the_o jew_n have_v our_o saviour_n therefore_o in_o this_o parable_n chief_o design_v to_o show_v the_o evil_a of_o uncharitableness_n and_o the_o condemnation_n that_o attend_v uncharitable_a man_n he_o will_v when_o he_o have_v represent_v the_o rich_a man_n cry_v out_o to_o abraham_n to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o beg_v that_o he_o will_v send_v lazarus_n that_o he_o may_v dip_v the_o tip_n of_o his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o cool_v his_o tongue_n he_o will_v here_o i_o say_v have_v introduce_v the_o patriarch_n charge_v he_o with_o his_o uncharitableness_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o be_v cast_v into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n it_o will_v have_v be_v tell_v he_o that_o since_o when_o he_o live_v in_o ease_n and_o plenty_n and_o in_o the_o abundant_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n he_o have_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o then_o miserable_a estate_n of_o this_o poor_a man_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v now_o that_o the_o scale_n be_v turn_v and_o himself_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n that_o the_o poor_a man_n shall_v leave_v that_o place_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v figure_v to_o we_o by_o abraham_n bosom_n to_o come_v and_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o flame_n that_o torment_v he_o he_o will_v have_v be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o since_o he_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n none_o shall_v be_v show_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v receive_v no_o relief_n from_o the_o poor_a man_n after_o death_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v none_o when_o he_o be_v alive_a but_o instead_o of_o all_o this_o we_o find_v only_o that_o short_a reply_n son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n therefore_o now_o thou_o be_v torment_v 12._o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o this_o rich_a man_n be_v represent_v as_o condemn_v to_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n be_v because_o he_o have_v in_o his_o life_n time_n receive_v his_o portion_n of_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o because_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o blessing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o because_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o use_v they_o as_o his_o portion_n and_o his_o happiness_n he_o have_v a_o large_a and_o plentiful_a estate_n and_o he_o spend_v it_o in_o jollity_n and_o splendour_n he_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o he_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n he_o deny_v himself_o nothing_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o life_n or_o that_o can_v make_v he_o look_v splendid_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o hereupon_o he_o account_v himself_o a_o happy_a man_n and_o bless_a himself_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o riches_n he_o look_v on_o they_o not_o as_o talent_n commit_v to_o he_o by_o god_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o do_v good_a in_o his_o generation_n but_o as_o his_o own_o portion_n that_o he_o may_v live_v in_o ease_n and_o plenty_n and_o that_o his_o heart_n may_v cheer_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n his_o treasure_n therefore_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v there_o also_o he_o set_v up_o his_o rest_n here_o and_o be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o splendour_n and_o gaiety_n of_o this_o world_n that_o he_o have_v no_o time_n to_o think_v upon_o another_o till_o he_o find_v by_o woeful_a experience_n that_o he_o 〈◊〉_d settle_v his_o affection_n upon_o a_o wrong_a object_n and_o choose_v those_o thing_n for_o his_o portion_n and_o his_o happiness_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a duration_n with_o himself_o thus_o the_o design_n of_o this_o parable_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o to_o condemn_v a_o soft_a and_o easy_a a_o delicate_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n and_o to_o show_v that_o for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o plentiful_a share_n of_o earthly_a blessing_n to_o make_v it_o their_o main_a design_n to_o live_v in_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o gaiety_n and_o splendour_n with_o they_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n upon_o they_o to_o esteem_v they_o as_o their_o good_a thing_n and_o to_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v in_o those_o who_o expect_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o spiritual_a happiness_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o to_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v understand_v those_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 6._o 25._o wo_n unto_o you_o that_o be_v full_a for_o you_o shall_v hunger_n woe_n unto_o you_o that_o laugh_v now_o for_o you_o shall_v mourn_v and_o weep_v and_o ver_fw-la 24._o wo_n unto_o you_o that_o be_v rich_a for_o you_o have_v receive_v your_o consolation_n that_o be_v you_o have_v receive_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o account_v your_o portion_n and_o wherein_o you_o place_v your_o happiness_n 13._o in_o like_a manner_n the_o parable_n of_o that_o other_o rich_a man_n luke_n 12._o who_o ground_n bring_v forth_o plentiful_o and_o he_o think_v within_o himself_o say_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v because_o i_o have_v no_o room_n where_o to_o bestow_v my_o fruit_n and_o he_o say_v this_o will_v i_o do_v i_o will_v pull_v down_o my_o barn_n and_o build_v great_a and_o there_o will_v i_o bestow_v all_o my_o fruit_n and_o my_o good_n and_o i_o will_v say_v to_o my_o soul_n soul_n thou_o have_v much_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n take_v thy_o ease_n eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a this_o parable_n i_o say_v seem_v also_o plain_o design_v against_o the_o same_o softness_n and_o voluptuousness_n of_o life_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o describe_v this_o man_n to_o be_v covetous_a and_o that_o he_o will_v store_v up_o all_o his_o good_n to_o no_o use_n but_o that_o he_o will_v take_v the_o good_a of_o they_o himself_o he_o will_v eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o we_o render_v elsewhere_o to_o fare_v sumptuous_o but_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o and_o 〈◊〉_d who_o shall_v those_o thing_n be_v which_o thou_o have_v provide_v his_o case_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o rich_a man_n luke_n 16._o the_o one_o resolve_v that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o will_v eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o jollity_n his_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o he_o the_o other_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o when_o after_o death_n he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o place_n of_o torment_n he_o be_v by_o abraham_n reminded_a that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o life_n time_n receive_v his_o good_a thing_n 14._o last_o the_o history_n of_o the_o young_a man_n mark_v 10._o who_o come_v run_v and_o kneel_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o ask_v he_o good_a master_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n he_o have_v keep_v all_o the_o commandment_n from_o his_o youth_n and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v be_v well_o prepare_v to_o receive_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n yet_o when_o he_o bid_v he_o go_v thy_o way_n sell_v whatsoever_o thou_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o come_v take_v up_o thy_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v sad_a at_o that_o say_n and_o go_v away_o grieve_v for_o he_o have_v great_a possession_n it_o be_v not_o say_v either_o that_o he_o be_v covetous_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o prodigal_a on_o the_o
than_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v mistake_v in_o judge_v too_o loose_o of_o they_o the_o content_n essay_n the_o first_o of_o baptism_n chap._n i._o of_o baptism_n in_o general_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o order_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o baptism_n chap._n iii_o in_o what_o manner_n person_n convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v baptise_a to_o what_o privilege_n they_o be_v admit_v and_o to_o what_o duty_n they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o baptism_n chap._n iu._n what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n after_o baptism_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n essay_n the_o second_o of_o confirmation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o use_v of_o confirmation_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n chap._n iii_o of_o right_a notion_n concern_v religion_n in_o general_n chap._n iu._n a_o digression_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o work_n deliver_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o that_o to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o particular_a chap._n vi_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o confirmation_n of_o solemn_o renew_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n viii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o confirmamation_n of_o perseverance_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n chap._n ix_o of_o innocence_n and_o a_o early_a piety_n chap._n x._o of_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n xii_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o be_v particular_o careful_a to_o avoid_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v tempt_v chap._n xiii_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o of_o perfection_n essay_n the_o three_o of_o repentance_n chap._n i._o of_o repentance_n in_o general_n chap._n ii_o that_o god_n allow_v repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n chap._n iii_o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v early_o chap._n iu._n that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v great_a and_o of_o penance_n chap._n v._o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o its_o effect_n and_o of_o the_o one_o repentance_n of_o the_o ancient_n errata_fw-la page_n 3._o line_n 2._o r._n convert_v p._n 4._o l._n 23._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 27._o r._n pervigiliis_fw-la p._n 44._o l._n 7._o r._n wilful_a p._n 48._o l._n 17._o r._n the_o minister_n p._n 72._o l._n 5._o r._n a_o matter_n p._n 151._o l._n 6._o r._n magnificas_fw-la p._n 162._o l._n 29._o r._n integrity_n p._n 176._o l._n 8._o r._n subtract_v p._n 199._o l._n 22._o r._n intemperance_n p._n 201._o l._n 16._o r._n thing_n p._n 216._o l._n 32._o r._n poenitentiam_fw-la l._n 35._o filium_fw-la p._n 230._o l._n 29._o r._n medician_n l._n 31._o r._n fletibus_fw-la p._n 238._o l._n 26._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d essay_n the_o first_o of_o baptism_n chap._n i._o of_o baptism_n in_o general_n 1._o baptsm_n be_v the_o rite_n whereby_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v solemn_o admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o the_o first_o original_n of_o baptise_v with_o water_n be_v how_o evangel_n the_o jew_n use_v to_o baptise_v their_o proselyte_n and_o the_o baptism_n heathen_n those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v initiate_v to_o any_o sacred_a function_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v sufficient_a it_o be_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v this_o sacrament_n as_o a_o rite_n whereby_o convert_v at_o their_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n do_v solemn_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o live_v suitable_o to_o the_o profession_n they_o then_o enter_v into_o and_o whereby_o they_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o society_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v 2._o this_o baptism_n be_v either_o 1._o of_o person_n of_o ripe_a year_n or_o 2._o of_o infant_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_n consist_v of_o those_o who_o have_v by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o jewish_a or_o from_o the_o gentile_a religion_n to_o the_o christian_a and_o these_o be_v consequent_o baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n after_o they_o be_v come_v to_o ripe_a year_n afterward_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v spread_v itself_o over_o whole_a country_n and_o nation_n the_o church_n consist_v chief_o of_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n and_o educate_v from_o the_o begin_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v general_o even_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n 3._o in_o the_o baptism_n of_o person_n of_o ripe_a year_n we_o must_v observe_v 1._o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o beforehand_o in_o order_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o baptism_n 2._o in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v baptize_v to_o what_o privilege_n they_o be_v admit_v and_o to_o what_o duty_n they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o baptism_n and_o 3._o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o after_o their_o baptism_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o order_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o baptism_n 1._o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o person_n covert_v to_o christianity_n be_v what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o beforehand_o in_o order_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o this_o most_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n now_o that_o which_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o prepare_v they_o for_o this_o solemnity_n and_o to_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n i._n e._n a_o declaration_n of_o their_o firm_a 〈◊〉_d belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o their_o martyr_n resolution_n to_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o belief_n 2._o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o those_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o convince_a and_o the_o extraordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n pour_v down_o upon_o man_n so_o effectual_a as_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o instant_n a_o single_a declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v account_v sufficient_a to_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v baptism_n immediate_o for_o thus_o we_o find_v st._n philip_n baptise_v the_o eunuch_n immediate_o upon_o his_o profess_v his_o belief_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act._n 8._o 38._o and_o st._n paul_n baptise_v the_o jailor_n immediate_o upon_o his_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o prison_n door_n open_v with_o a_o earthquake_n act._n 16._o 33._o 3._o but_o afterward_o when_o these_o mighty_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v less_o common_a and_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v convince_v more_o gradual_o by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a in_o most_o church_n for_o man_n upon_o their_o conversion_n to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o their_o repentance_n but_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o both_o before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n if_o they_o have_v former_o be_v great_a sinner_n they_o be_v to_o evidence_n their_o repentance_n by_o baptism_n prayer_n and_o watch_n and_o fast_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o real_a change_n of_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n that_o they_o have_v actual_o renounce_v all_o the_o rite_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o former_a profession_n and_o will_v for_o the_o future_a conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o purge_v their_o conscience_n from_o every_o evil_a work_n that_o their_o baptism_n may_v be_v not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n 21._o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n 4._o they_o who_o be_v willing_a thus_o to_o make_v proof_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o of_o their_o sincere_a desire_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v catechise_v in_o all_o those_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o be_v to_o make_v
god_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o live_v unto_o righteousness_n this_o be_v proper_o a_o be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o this_o be_v true_o a_o be_v wash_v sanctify_a and_o justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o be_v signify_v in_o baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o whole_a ordinance_n be_v design_v this_o be_v what_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v to_o profess_v with_o his_o own_o mouth_n when_o he_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o this_o be_v what_o be_v principal_o represent_v by_o that_o main_a part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n the_o descend_v into_o the_o water_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o it_o again_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n most_o full_o explain_v it_o rom._n 6._o 3._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 by_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 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 shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n that_o be_v the_o design_n of_o our_o descend_v into_o the_o water_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o rise_v again_o out_o of_o it_o be_v to_o mind_v we_o that_o as_o we_o then_o receive_v remission_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o sin_n so_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o die_v and_o be_v bury_v to_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o to_o walk_v for_o the_o future_a with_o christ_n in_o newness_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n respect_v in_o baptism_n and_o without_o this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o wash_n or_o put_v away_o of_o 21_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v nothing_o avail_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n baptism_n be_v not_o the_o mart._n wash_v and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o every_o evil_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n without_o which_o baptism_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v available_a to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o make_v it_o far_o the_o more_o grievous_a and_o inexcusable_a but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n 9_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n to_o which_o man_n be_v solemn_o engage_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o whosoever_o will_v come_v after_o he_o 26._o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o that_o whosoever_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o forsake_v all_o that_o he_o have_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o when_o any_o man_n come_v to_o be_v baptize_v he_o be_v according_o oblige_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o glory_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n the_o splendour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o he_o profess_v himself_o a_o candidate_n for_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v hereafter_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o be_v ambitious_a for_o that_o honour_n which_o man_n so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o here_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o expect_v his_o portion_n in_o those_o spiritual_a joy_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v 9_o nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o set_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n upon_o any_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n he_o profess_v that_o from_o thenceforward_o his_o treasure_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n where_o 20._o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n do_v not_o break_v through_o and_o steal_v and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o be_v covetous_a of_o any_o riches_n or_o possession_n on_o earth_n in_o a_o word_n he_o engage_v to_o make_v it_o the_o main_a business_n of_o his_o life_n to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v himself_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o be_v extreme_o solicitous_a after_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o this_o be_v what_o the_o primitive_a christian_n understand_v by_o their_o renounce_v the_o world_n they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v not_o only_o to_o forsake_v all_o gross_a and_o palpable_o sinful_a lust_n but_o also_o to_o be_v very_o spare_v in_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a they_o look_v upon_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o as_o 2._o enemy_n to_o each_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o fight_v as_o soldier_n under_o the_o banner_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o pleasure_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o other_o and_o for_o a_o emblem_n of_o this_o it_o be_v that_o in_o some_o church_n they_o anoint_v the_o baptize_v person_n with_o oil_n he_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o combatant_n to_o a_o runner_n just_o prepare_v to_o start_v in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o they_o mind_v he_o 29._o that_o if_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n only_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n much_o more_o ought_v he_o to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v himself_o to_o prepare_v and_o harden_v himself_o to_o be_v ready_a and_o expedite_a to_o be_v temperate_a and_o abstemious_a and_o to_o get_v perfect_o above_o all_o those_o earthly_a desire_n which_o will_v hinder_v and_o clog_v he_o in_o that_o great_a race_n which_o he_o be_v to_o run_v for_o the_o crown_n of_o immortality_n it_o be_v true_a the_o forsake_v all_o worldly_a possession_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o condition_n more_o particular_o require_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n of_o persecution_n but_o how_o far_o it_o still_o oblige_v we_o as_o it_o most_o certain_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n chap_n iu._n what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n after_o baptism_n 1._o when_o the_o whole_a ceremony_n be_v finish_v the_o person_n baptize_v be_v clothe_v as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v with_o a_o white_a garment_n and_o then_o he_o be_v mart._n admit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o which_o be_v afterward_o require_v of_o he_o be_v this_o one_o great_a and_o necessary_a thing_n to_o keep_v his_o baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a the_o remain_a part_n of_o his_o life_n 2_o to_o the_o keep_v a_o man_n baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a through_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o his_o life_n that_o which_o be_v think_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v this_o first_o that_o he_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o preserve_v himself_o from_o fall_v not_o only_o into_o the_o habit_n but_o even_o so_o much_o as_o into_o the_o single_a act_n of_o any_o of_o these_o gross_a and_o palpable_a wickedness_n idolatry_n perjury_n blasphemy_n murder_n sedition_n theft_n manifest_a injustice_n cheat_v adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a of_o which_o st._n paul_n express_o and_o peremptory_o declare_v and_o repeat_v it_o with_o great_a earnestness_n over_o and_o over_o again_o that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v have_v no_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n may_v be_v surprise_v into_o a_o unheeded_a sin_n but_o into_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o any_o of_o these_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a impiety_n they_o think_v he_o be_v tertul._n never_o to_o be_v seduce_v and_o if_o he_o be_v that_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o and_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o 6._o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n from_o the_o act_n therefore_o of_o any_o of_o these_o great_a and_o plain_a wickedness_n which_o stare_v man_n in_o the_o face_n and_o at_o the_o first_o view_n terrify_v man_n conscience_n they_o think_v it_o indispensable_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n abstain_v whole_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v once_o name_v among_o christian_n 3._o
operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v afterward_o by_o degree_n cease_v yet_o the_o constant_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n confer_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n express_v and_o show_v forth_o itself_o in_o great_a and_o very_o remarkable_a effect_n it_o fill_v man_n with_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a strength_n it_o endue_v they_o with_o courage_n and_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n to_o confess_v bold_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o to_o promote_v zealous_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n it_o wrought_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o continual_a joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o perfect_a purity_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n a_o boundless_a charity_n towards_o all_o mankind_n and_o a_o infinite_a desire_n of_o do_v good_a in_o their_o generation_n and_o be_v young_a person_n teach_v now_o to_o receive_v confirmation_n with_o the_o same_o preparation_n with_o the_o same_o reverence_n and_o with_o the_o same_o expectation_n that_o they_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o may_v yet_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v annex_v the_o same_o inward_a blessing_n to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o same_o external_n mean_v be_v none_o esteem_v perfect_a christian_n or_o look_v upon_o as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o confirmation_n parent_n and_o surety_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v child_n in_o order_n to_o be_v confirm_v and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o perfect_a christian_n and_o faithful_a member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o ever_o know_v how_o or_o upon_o what_o condition_n they_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o be_v none_o admit_v to_o confirmation_n who_o have_v not_o first_o pass_v through_o such_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o catechise_v as_o to_o understand_v perfect_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o perform_v it_o this_o will_v breed_v in_o young_a person_n a_o great_a reverence_n and_o esteem_n for_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a zeal_n in_o prepare_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o complete_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o its_o high_a mystery_n by_o this_o mean_n child_n will_v be_v full_o and_o distinct_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v man_n live_v all_o their_o life_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o participation_n of_o its_o sacrament_n without_o ever_o understand_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o promise_v at_o baptism_n by_o this_o mean_v that_o gross_a ignorance_n in_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o christian_n live_v and_o die_v will_v in_o great_a measure_n be_v prevent_v and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v child_n for_o want_n of_o instruction_n so_o soon_o possess_v and_o corrupt_v by_o vice_n as_o to_o lie_v and_o swear_v to_o be_v disobedient_a and_o ill_a nature_a to_o be_v vain_a and_o idle_a in_o that_o tender_a age_n wherein_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v form_v to_o all_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n with_o the_o same_o advantage_n of_o prejudice_n and_o first_o possession_n be_v none_o receive_v to_o confirmation_n who_o do_v not_o express_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o live_v from_o thenceforward_o according_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o godly_a conversation_n or_o who_o do_v not_o with_o free_a choice_n and_o a_o zealous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n desire_v to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o to_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o whole_a church_n this_o will_v give_v a_o mighty_a reputation_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v prevent_v that_o goldness_n and_o deadness_n in_o religion_n which_o proceed_v from_o man_n take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o course_n without_o due_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n this_o will_v make_v man_n earnest_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o solicitous_a not_o to_o contradict_v their_o profession_n by_o their_o life_n such_o a_o solemn_a renuntiation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n such_o a_o vow_n solemn_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v by_o our_o personal_a protestation_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o congregation_n can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o mighty_a bridle_n to_o restrain_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o a_o mighty_a spur_n to_o provoke_v man_n to_o good_a work_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o man_n in_o who_o presence_n so_o sacred_a a_o obligation_n be_v enter_v into_o can_v not_o but_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o bind_v man_n to_o live_v worthy_a of_o this_o great_a vocation_n that_o they_o may_v answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o not_o become_v a_o blemish_n and_o dishonour_n to_o their_o religion_n last_o be_v none_o admit_v to_o confirmation_n without_o be_v first_o full_o persuade_v that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v the_o perfection_n and_o strength_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v domini_fw-la the_o seal_n of_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o be_v separate_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v from_o henceforward_o continue_v with_o they_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n we_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n so_o now_o also_o these_o external_n ordinance_n will_v be_v accompany_v with_o such_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o inward_a and_o sanctify_a grace_n as_o will_v have_v a_o visible_a effect_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n the_o time_n be_v when_o the_o professor_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v challenge_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n to_o give_v they_o a_o lustful_a malicious_a passionate_a revengeful_a man_n and_o they_o will_v by_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o confirmation_n transform_v he_o into_o the_o pure_a the_o meek_a and_o the_o gentle_a spirit_n upon_o earth_n and_o since_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v always_o with_o the_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o confirmation_n of_o baptise_a person_n if_o it_o be_v celebrate_v by_o we_o with_o the_o same_o preparation_n and_o reverence_n as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o ancient_n may_v not_o be_v as_o effectual_a now_o to_o confirm_v man_n in_o virtue_n as_o it_o be_v then_o to_o transform_v they_o from_o vice_n and_o have_v as_o proportionable_o great_a a_o effect_n upon_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o our_o life_n as_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o church_n will_v be_v again_o restore_v to_o its_o ancient_a regular_a constitution_n by_o these_o mean_v many_o perplex_v scruple_n about_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n will_v in_o great_a measure_n be_v remove_v no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n without_o have_v be_v first_o confirm_v and_o no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v confirm_v without_o have_v first_o pass_v through_o such_o preparation_n as_o will_v sit_v he_o for_o the_o communion_n last_o by_o these_o mean_n if_o any_o one_o after_o confirmation_n lapse_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n a_o fair_a opportunity_n will_v offer_v itself_o of_o restore_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o ancient_a discipline_n the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v so_o just_o lament_v by_o the_o church_n this_o solemn_a preparation_n by_o which_o i_o suppose_v person_n fit_v for_o confirmation_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o work_v in_o man_n mind_n such_o a_o dread_a of_o sin_n to_o be_v commit_v afterward_o as_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o and_o to_o profit_v under_o discipline_n 7._o these_o be_v the_o exceed_a great_a benefit_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o such_o a_o solemn_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o confirmation_n but_o till_o this_o excellent_a institution_n can_v be_v restore_v to_o its_o ancient_a solemnity_n and_o reverence_n which_o as_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v so_o in_o the_o present_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v hope_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v earnest_o
hazard_v their_o everlasting_a welfare_n can_v we_o think_v it_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o rational_a creature_n shall_v act_v with_o so_o prodigious_a a_o carelessness_n who_o yet_o believe_v not_o that_o the_o scene_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v shut_v up_o in_o everlasting_a oblivion_n but_o that_o there_o will_v come_v a_o day_n wherein_o they_o must_v give_v account_n for_o their_o work_n and_o be_v according_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o no_o certain_o whatever_o pretence_n man_n may_v make_v to_o deceive_v other_o and_o perhaps_o in_o some_o measure_n themselves_o too_o there_o must_v lurk_v some_o secret_a seed_n of_o infidelity_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o this_o world_n have_v so_o much_o the_o ascendant_n over_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n must_v be_v their_o not_o have_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o other_o whoever_o therefore_o will_v so_o enter_v into_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o end_n whoever_o will_v so_o lay_v the_o foundation_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o finish_v must_v before_o all_o thing_n attain_v a_o firm_a and_o settle_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o without_o this_o groundwork_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a he_o shall_v ever_o be_v resolute_a enough_o to_o overcome_v the_o enemy_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o happiness_n so_o with_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a he_o shall_v ever_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o he_o that_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o steady_a belief_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o riches_n which_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o to_o which_o thief_n can_v break_v through_o to_o steal_v will_v never_o be_v so_o dazzle_v with_o the_o glitter_a of_o gold_n as_o to_o let_v it_o steal_v away_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n he_o that_o have_v a_o great_a and_o noble_a idea_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v hereafter_o will_v never_o be_v entice_v to_o squander_v away_o those_o talent_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o only_o in_o appear_v splendid_a and_o great_a here_o he_o that_o have_v a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a expectation_n of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v they_o enter_v into_o the_o 9_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v will_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o voluptuousness_n and_o sensuality_n of_o a_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o be_v full_a of_o faith_n and_o can_v look_v with_o assurance_n beyond_o thing_n temporal_a to_o those_o which_o be_v eternal_a have_v leave_v ult_n no_o room_n in_o himself_o where_o the_o devil_n can_v enter_v with_o his_o suggestion_n but_o be_v fortify_v on_o all_o side_n against_o all_o temptation_n 3._o now_o to_o attain_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o not_o slight_a and_o superficial_a but_o firm_a and_o well-grounded_n and_o immovable_a against_o all_o assault_n a_o man_n ought_v to_o proceed_v by_o these_o step_n first_o he_o must_v by_o serious_a consideration_n work_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n a_o full_a and_o perfect_a conviction_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o attribute_n from_o thence_o he_o must_v collect_v the_o certainty_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o man_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o man_n duty_n towards_o god_n from_o hence_o will_v follow_v the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n here_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n hereafter_o after_o this_o he_o must_v consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o establish_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o proof_n which_o evidence_n the_o christian_a institution_n to_o be_v such_o a_o revelation_n and_o above_o all_o he_o must_v fix_v these_o thing_n strong_o and_o imprint_v they_o on_o his_o mind_n by_o deep_a and_o constant_a meditation_n 4._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v i._n e._n he_o must_v not_o only_o by_o a_o slight_a and_o careless_a assent_n go_v along_o inconsiderate_o with_o the_o common_a opinion_n but_o he_o must_v form_v in_o his_o mind_n a_o considerate_a and_o rational_a a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a persuasion_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n take_v a_o view_n of_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n consider_v the_o stupendous_a magnitude_n and_o the_o exquisite_a order_n of_o its_o part_n consider_v the_o numberless_a instance_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o unfathomable_a wisdom_n which_o appear_v in_o this_o our_o spot_n of_o earth_n consider_v the_o exquisite_a artifice_n which_o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o the_o inconceivable_a subtlety_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o mind_n consider_v at_o the_o same_o time_n how_o frail_a and_o depend_v and_o corruptible_a all_o these_o thing_n be_v how_o weak_a and_o unable_a even_a man_n the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n be_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o so_o much_o as_o the_o preserver_n either_o of_o himself_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o this_o will_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n such_o a_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o will_v be_v a_o last_a and_o immovable_a foundation_n on_o which_o to_o build_v a_o rational_a and_o considerate_a design_n of_o religion_n 5._o to_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o persuade_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o as_o that_o supreme_a be_v from_o who_o all_o other_o thing_n receive_v their_o original_a must_v himself_o be_v eternal_a as_o he_o from_o who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o exist_v be_v derive_v must_v himself_o be_v all-powerful_a and_o as_o he_o by_o who_o establishment_n all_o thing_n in_o all_o place_n be_v make_v to_o move_v in_o such_o wise_a and_o wonderful_a order_n as_o far_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n to_o comprehend_v must_v himself_o be_v all-knowing_a and_o alwise_a so_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o he_o who_o be_v all-knowing_a all-powerful_a and_o alwise_a who_o see_v through_o all_o thing_n at_o one_o view_n and_o can_v effect_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o same_o ease_n that_o he_o can_v will_v they_o must_v govern_v direct_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o overrule_v providence_n and_o because_o his_o power_n be_v so_o great_a as_o not_o possible_o to_o be_v compel_v and_o his_o wisdom_n so_o perfect_a as_o not_o possible_o to_o be_v seduce_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o those_o eternal_a rule_n which_o the_o immutable_a law_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o unalterable_a constitution_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n have_v fix_v that_o therefore_o this_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v just_a and_o equitable_a according_a to_o the_o nice_a and_o exact_a measure_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n 6._o from_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o attribute_n and_o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n most_o evident_o follow_v the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o god_n be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a power_n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n it_o be_v manifest_a he_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o to_o be_v fear_v if_o he_o concern_v himself_o with_o the_o government_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o employ_v these_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o ruling_n and_o order_v the_o world_n it_o be_v manifest_a he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v pray_v to_o and_o adore_v and_o if_o this_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v regulate_v by_o the_o exact_a measure_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n it_o be_v manifest_a he_o be_v to_o be_v love_v to_o be_v praise_v and_o to_o be_v imitate_v 7._o and_o because_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o a_o just_a and_o true_a and_o good_a be_v who_o nature_n and_o who_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o attribute_n must_v be_v please_v with_o those_o creature_n who_o love_n to_o imitate_v his_o justice_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n therefore_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o reward_n lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o virtue_n and_o those_o who_o delight_n it_o have_v be_v to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v certain_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v in_o some_o degree_n of_o the_o divine_a happiness_n wherefore_o if_o this_o reward_n be_v not_o give_v to_o virtue_n in_o this_o present_a life_n if_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v distribute_v not_o only_o promiscuous_o but_o even_o general_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o who_o
be_v enemy_n of_o god_n and_o hater_n of_o his_o religion_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o righteous_a and_o good_a god_n have_v any_o regard_n to_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n there_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n wherein_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v dispense_v impartial_o to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n 8._o thus_o as_o certain_a as_o be_v our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n so_o certain_a may_v we_o be_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n yet_o by_o experience_n it_o have_v be_v find_v that_o these_o consideration_n however_o in_o themselves_o strong_a and_o conclude_a have_v notwithstanding_o be_v insufficient_a so_o to_o convince_v man_n judgement_n and_o overrule_a their_o passion_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o constant_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n before_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o amaze_a instance_n of_o this_o they_o quick_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o impure_a spirit_n and_o be_v thereupon_o give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n 19_o they_o be_v by_o degree_n entangle_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o wicked_a practice_n till_o their_o very_a mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v and_o 15._o so_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o run_v into_o all_o excess_n of_o riot_n that_o even_o their_o most_o sacred_a and_o religious_a performance_n become_v at_o length_n the_o very_o extreme_a abomination_n and_o though_o there_o always_o be_v among_o they_o some_o philosopher_n who_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n yet_o they_o never_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v together_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n who_o can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o even_o that_o happiness_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n they_o be_v so_o little_o settle_v in_o their_o apprehension_n about_o that_o st._n austin_n somewhere_o out_o of_o varro_n reckon_v up_o no_o less_o than_o 280_o opinion_n concern_v the_o chief_a good_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v this_o happiness_n namely_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o morality_n they_o agree_v indeed_o pretty_a well_o in_o but_o their_o understanding_n they_o complain_v be_v so_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a their_o will_n so_o bias_v and_o incline_v to_o evil_a their_o passion_n so_o outrageous_a and_o rebel_a against_o reason_n that_o those_o rule_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o hardly_o practicable_a in_o a_o word_n they_o confess_v that_o humane_a nature_n be_v strange_o corrupt_v and_o they_o complain_v of_o this_o corruption_n as_o a_o disease_n whereof_o they_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o can_v not_o find_v out_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n so_o that_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o they_o as_o matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o dispute_n rather_o than_o practice_n and_o not_o so_o much_o urge_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o propose_v to_o the_o admiration_n of_o those_o who_o think_v they_o scarce_o possible_a to_o be_v effectual_o attain_v to_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n last_o the_o method_n by_o which_o those_o who_o have_v err_v from_o the_o right_a way_n and_o have_v offend_v god_n may_v yet_o again_o restore_v themselves_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n the_o philosopher_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n absolute_o ignorant_a of_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercifulness_n of_o god_n they_o do_v indeed_o reasonable_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v show_v himself_o placable_a to_o sinner_n and_o may_v be_v some_o way_n reconcile_v but_o what_o propitiation_n he_o will_v accept_v and_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o reconciliation_n must_v be_v make_v here_o nature_n stop_v and_o expect_v with_o impatience_n the_o aid_n of_o some_o particular_a revelation_n that_o god_n will_v receive_v return_v sinner_n and_o accept_v of_o repentance_n instead_o of_o perfect_a obedience_n they_o can_v certain_o know_v to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o for_o though_o this_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o only_a mean_n of_o reconciliation_n that_o nature_n suggest_v yet_o whether_o this_o will_v be_v alone_o sufficient_a or_o whether_o he_o require_v something_o further_a before_o he_o will_v restore_v man_n to_o the_o privilege_n they_o have_v forfeit_v they_o can_v be_v satisfactory_o assure_v there_o arise_v therefore_o from_o nature_n no_o sufficient_a comfort_n to_o sinner_n but_o a_o endless_a and_o anxious_a solicitude_n about_o the_o mean_n of_o appease_v the_o deity_n hence_o those_o diverse_a way_n of_o sacrifice_v and_o numberless_a superstition_n which_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n but_o be_v so_o little_a satisfactory_a to_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n even_o in_o those_o time_n of_o darkness_n that_o the_o philosopher_n can_v not_o sometime_o forbear_v declare_v that_o they_o think_v those_o rite_n can_v avail_v little_a or_o nothing_o towards_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o a_o provoke_v god_n or_o make_v their_o prayer_n acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n insomuch_o that_o fin_n plato_n in_o the_o person_n of_o socrates_n speak_v out_o that_o since_o they_o know_v not_o in_o what_o manner_n to_o apply_v themselves_o acceptable_o unto_o god_n he_o expect_v and_o do_v assure_v himself_o that_o in_o due_a time_n some_o person_n will_v be_v send_v from_o god_n who_o shall_v declare_v to_o they_o his_o will_n in_o that_o particular_a 9_o and_o now_o if_o these_o wise_a of_o philosopher_n be_v thus_o puzzle_v about_o that_o which_o be_v their_o high_a concern_v how_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o our_o age_n certain_a that_o if_o themselves_o have_v live_v without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v have_v make_v such_o a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n as_o to_o have_v discover_v the_o truth_n exact_o without_o be_v any_o way_n lead_v aside_o by_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n if_o their_o lot_n have_v be_v among_o the_o vulgar_a how_o be_v they_o sure_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o happy_a or_o so_o considerate_a as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v involve_v in_o that_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o overspread_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o philosopher_n which_o sect_n will_v they_o have_v choose_v to_o have_v follow_v and_o what_o book_n will_v they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o to_o be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n or_o if_o they_o will_v have_v set_v up_o for_o themselves_o how_o be_v they_o certain_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v skilful_a and_o unprejudiced_a enough_o to_o have_v deduce_v the_o several_a branch_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o several_a case_n of_o life_n by_o argumentation_n and_o dint_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o see_v that_o those_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o be_v beforehand_o plain_o and_o particular_o lay_v before_o we_o be_v perfect_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o find_v out_o those_o rule_n mere_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n without_o their_o have_v first_o be_v any_o otherwise_o make_v know_v we_o see_v that_o even_o many_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o govern_v their_o life_n by_o the_o plain_a write_a rule_n of_o a_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n be_v yet_o most_o miserable_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v sure_a he_o shall_v have_v make_v so_o good_a improvement_n of_o his_o reason_n as_o to_o have_v understand_v it_o perfect_o in_o all_o its_o part_n without_o any_o such_o help_n we_o see_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v firm_o that_o great_a and_o everlasting_a happiness_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o that_o great_a and_o eternal_a misery_n which_o christ_n have_v threaten_v to_o disobedience_n be_v yet_o hurry_v away_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n to_o transgress_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o which_o these_o promise_n and_o these_o threaten_n be_v annex_v and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v sure_a he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overcome_v those_o great_a temptation_n if_o these_o mighty_a motive_n be_v less_o distinct_o know_v or_o less_o powerful_o enforce_v but_o suppose_v he_o can_v and_o that_o by_o strength_n of_o reason_n he_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o himself_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o clearness_n and_o distinctness_n yet_o can_v all_o man_n do_v so_o assure_o all_o man_n be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o be_v philosopher_n though_o all_o man_n be_v
equal_o oblige_v to_o be_v religious_a at_o least_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v so_o powerful_o enforce_v to_o the_o influence_a the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o one_o who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o reality_n of_o they_o by_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o by_o one_o who_o show_v sufficient_a credential_n of_o his_o have_v be_v himself_o there_o shall_v assure_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n 10._o though_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a to_o reason_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o laborious_a a_o work_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n for_o man_n of_o all_o capacity_n to_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n all_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o because_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v more_o easy_o wrought_v upon_o and_o more_o strong_o affect_v by_o testimony_n than_o by_o argument_n and_o because_o some_o thing_n necessary_a in_o our_o present_a corrupt_a state_n such_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o mean_n by_o which_o a_o sinner_n may_v appease_v god_n after_o he_o have_v offend_v he_o can_v certain_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n at_o all_o therefore_o there_o be_v evident_o a_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a revelation_n which_o may_v supply_v these_o defect_n and_o this_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o principal_a lawgiver_n among_o they_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o receive_v his_o law_n or_o at_o least_o his_o instruction_n for_o make_v those_o law_n by_o some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o plato_n in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n before-cited_n acknowledge_v so_o plain_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o even_o to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v better_o that_o man_n shall_v forbear_v sacrifice_v whole_o till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v discover_v to_o they_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v have_v it_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o natural_a expectation_n of_o man_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v some_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o may_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n be_v also_o evident_a for_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unwise_a thing_n for_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v to_o his_o creature_n more_o full_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o become_v like_o himself_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unwise_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o declare_v what_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v accept_v for_o sin_n and_o upon_o what_o condition_n he_o will_v receive_v return_v sinner_n can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v particular_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n this_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o needs_o further_o be_v say_v about_o it_o 11._o now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o a_o particular_a revelation_n actual_o make_v by_o god_n that_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n which_o it_o enjoin_v be_v indeed_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peculiar_a motive_n by_o which_o it_o enforce_v those_o duty_n thing_n true_a and_o in_o reality_n establish_v by_o god_n of_o this_o we_o have_v all_o the_o proof_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o that_o be_v agreeable_a either_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o give_v or_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o expect_v to_o represent_v the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n more_o evident_o and_o strong_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n design_v to_o be_v enforce_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o alwise_a god_n and_o to_o expect_v other_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o understanding_n men._n the_o design_n then_o of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a by_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o be_v to_o make_v happiness_n not_o the_o fate_n of_o man_n nature_n but_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o virtue_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o motive_n of_o religion_n ought_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v abundant_o encourage_v all_o wise_a man_n to_o cleave_v inseparable_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o to_o their_o life_n and_o yet_o leave_v room_n for_o man_n desperate_o wicked_a and_o incorrigible_a to_o avoid_v be_v force_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o purchase_v at_o the_o rate_n of_o be_v religious_a the_o reward_n of_o everlasting_a life_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a misery_n threaten_v to_o disobedience_n be_v motive_n in_o themselves_o infinite_o and_o irresistable_o strong_a for_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n open_o expose_v to_o view_v and_o propose_v as_o the_o immediate_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o a_o man_n choose_v or_o refuse_v his_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n in_o actual_a view_n of_o these_o two_o different_a state_n not_o to_o choose_v his_o duty_n and_o refuse_v the_o contrary_a as_o for_o a_o heavy_a body_n not_o to_o fall_v downward_o to_o the_o ground_n though_o therefore_o the_o infinite_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n have_v indeed_o propose_v to_o we_o these_o great_a and_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o man_n by_o choose_v their_o duty_n may_v choose_v their_o life_n and_o become_v happy_a in_o consequence_n of_o their_o become_a religious_a yet_o have_v he_o so_o propose_v they_o invisible_a at_o present_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n that_o good_a man_n may_v have_v some_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n by_o choose_v their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o their_o happiness_n and_o that_o man_n obstinate_o impenitent_a may_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o happiness_n without_o choose_v the_o duty_n to_o which_o that_o happiness_n be_v annex_v again_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o reveal_v institution_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o that_o except_v the_o agreeableness_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o reason_n the_o chief_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v from_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n depend_v upon_o the_o credible_a testimony_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o that_o evidence_n of_o which_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a aught_o to_o be_v account_v sufficient_a in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o to_o require_v great_a proof_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a 12._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o be_v indeed_o a_o revelation_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v from_o god_n may_v be_v satisfactory_o evidence_v to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n by_o these_o consideration_n that_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o enjoin_v be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n of_o man_n that_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o enforce_v those_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o most_o answerable_a to_o the_o natural_a expectation_n of_o man_n that_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n with_o which_o it_o enjoin_v these_o duty_n and_o urge_v these_o motive_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o exact_o consonant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o most_o wise_o perfective_a of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v moreover_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o confirm_v of_o god_n by_o the_o most_o credible_a and_o convince_a testimony_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n 13._o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n enjoin_v be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n of_o men._n this_o be_v a_o proof_n which_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v a_o wise_a man_n of_o a_o religion_n be_v be_v from_o god_n for_o that_o
institution_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v no_o other_o duty_n than_o what_o be_v perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n and_o manifest_o perfective_a of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n have_v already_o the_o mark_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o and_o can_v possible_o but_o come_v from_o he_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o law_n be_v also_o unchangeable_a whoever_o therefore_o preach_v and_o institutes_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o lead_v man_n to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o god_n may_v without_o any_o other_o testimonial_n be_v admit_v as_o a_o preacher_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o that_o religion_n which_o stand_v on_o such_o a_o foundation_n be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_o recommend_v to_o the_o belief_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o wise_a men._n now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o a_o institution_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o its_o great_a adversary_n have_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n fear_v and_o adoration_n which_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o god_n be_v so_o manifest_o incumbent_a upon_o we_o on_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellent_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n that_o no_o man_n who_o consider_v can_v break_v loose_a from_o the_o obligation_n which_o our_o religion_n lay_v upon_o he_o to_o practice_v these_o duty_n without_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n and_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o duty_n of_o justice_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n command_v we_o to_o exercise_v towards_o man_n be_v so_o apparent_o reasonable_a and_o so_o direct_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o even_o those_o man_n who_o have_v break_v through_o all_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o virtue_n have_v yet_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o society_n and_o the_o well-being_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o duty_n shall_v be_v enforce_v by_o the_o penalty_n of_o humane_a law_n the_o duty_n of_o sobriety_n temperance_n and_o contentment_n which_o our_o religion_n enjoin_v we_o to_o practice_v in_o ourselves_o be_v so_o undeniable_o agreeable_a to_o the_o inward_a constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o so_o perfective_a of_o it_o that_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o all_o true_a philosophy_n be_v to_o recommend_v and_o set_v off_o these_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n though_o as_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o confess_v it_o never_o be_v able_a to_o work_v man_n up_o to_o that_o pitch_n of_o cheerful_a and_o generous_a obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o these_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o primitive_a and_o pure_a state_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v do_v and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v now_o believe_v and_o practise_v as_o it_o then_o be_v it_o must_v still_o do_v last_o even_o those_o positive_a and_o external_a observance_n such_o as_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o mean_n and_o assistance_n to_o keep_v man_n steadfast_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o great_a and_o moral_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o free_a from_o all_o appearance_n of_o superstition_n and_o vanity_n and_o so_o wise_o fit_v to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v that_o many_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v yet_o be_v force_v to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o institution_n 14._o again_o the_o principal_a motive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n therein_o to_o be_v dispense_v be_v thing_n so_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o unprejudiced_a reason_n to_o the_o natural_a apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v their_o truth_n and_o reality_n confirm_v by_o no_o other_o argument_n or_o external_a proof_n yet_o be_v they_o sufficient_a to_o influence_n the_o practice_n and_o regulate_v the_o action_n of_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a and_o shall_v survive_v after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o corruptible_a body_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o have_v always_o be_v think_v demonstrable_a from_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n capable_a of_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o consequent_o of_o give_v account_n of_o his_o action_n and_o be_v judge_v for_o they_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o therefore_o in_o a_o future_a state_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o time_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v of_o god_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n have_v be_v collect_v by_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o considerate_a part_n of_o man_n among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n have_v indeed_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o most_o of_o the_o philosopher_n as_o a_o thing_n utter_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a but_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v no_o express_a revelation_n of_o that_o matter_n do_v yet_o believe_v it_o upon_o a_o constant_a tradition_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o their_o write_n and_o particular_o from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n which_o according_a to_o the_o seventy_o run_v thus_o so_o job_n die_v be_v old_a and_o full_a of_o day_n ult_n but_o it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o with_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o 15._o further_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n with_o which_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v enlarge_v and_o enforce_v be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o most_o wise_o perfective_a of_o it_o for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o to_o have_v those_o duty_n which_o nature_n hint_n at_o only_a in_o general_n explain_v full_o and_o large_o and_o urge_v in_o particular_a and_o inculcate_v upon_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o exemplify_v in_o the_o live_v of_o holy_a person_n propose_v as_o pattern_n for_o man_n imitation_n what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o to_o have_v those_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n which_o nature_n only_o obscure_o point_v at_o describe_v to_o we_o most_o plain_o affectionate_o and_o lively_o what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o to_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o atone_v for_o sin_n which_o nature_n discover_v only_o the_o want_n of_o plain_o declare_v and_o exhibit_v to_o we_o what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n as_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o fine_a what_o can_v more_o effectual_o perfect_v the_o religion_n of_o nature_n than_o the_o gatber_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n into_o one_o body_n the_o unite_n they_o by_o certain_a positive_a rite_n in_o one_o common_a communion_n for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o improvement_n and_o the_o establish_v a_o certain_a order_n of_o man_n who_o business_n may_v be_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n by_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o by_o admonish_v the_o wicked_a 16._o last_o beside_o all_o these_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n god_n have_v moreover_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o most_o undeniable_a external_a evidence_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v thing_n not_o only_o most_o probable_a and_o most_o credible_a in_o themselves_o but_o god_n have_v moreover_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o by_o most_o clear_a testimony_n which_o be_v a_o proof_n suit_v to_o all_o capacity_n and_o have_v most_o strong_o urge_v upon_o man_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o exhortation_n of_o one_o who_o by_o
that_o convince_a proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v undeniable_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o have_v himself_o be_v there_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v man_n a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o state_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v thing_n not_o only_o most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o but_o they_o be_v moreover_o teach_v and_o inculcate_v by_o one_o who_o have_v give_v the_o most_o credible_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v desire_v of_o his_o be_v send_v immediate_o from_o god_n the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v be_v to_o his_o first_o disciple_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o a_o most_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o disciple_n be_v to_o we_o also_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n their_o have_v converse_v from_o the_o begin_n with_o our_o saviour_n himself_o their_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n their_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o have_v handle_v with_o their_o hand_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n as_o st._n john_n express_v it_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o make_v it_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n their_o suffering_n and_o death_n be_v invincible_a proof_n against_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o other_o they_o see_v all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n precise_o fulfil_v in_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n they_o see_v he_o confirm_v what_o he_o teach_v with_o such_o mighty_a work_n as_o his_o bitter_a and_o most_o malicious_a enemy_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v to_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n even_o while_o they_o be_v blaspheme_v that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o wrought_v they_o they_o see_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v such_o as_o to_o all_o unprejudiced_a beholder_n loud_o proclaim_v his_o divine_a commission_n they_o see_v he_o so_o constant_o despise_v all_o worldly_a greatness_n as_o once_o when_o the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v he_o a_o king_n even_o to_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o avoid_v that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o design_n of_o a_o impostor_n in_o fine_a they_o see_v he_o alive_a after_o 3_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o at_o last_o behold_v he_o ascend_v visible_o into_o heaven_n these_o be_v such_o demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o immediate_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o but_o the_o extreme_a malice_n and_o obstinacy_n can_v withstand_v they_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o these_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n the_o same_o reason_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v to_o believe_v they_o they_o confirm_v what_o they_o teach_v by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v though_o manifest_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o which_o no_o deceiver_n can_v ever_o do_v they_o die_v with_o all_o imaginable_a cheerfulness_n and_o joy_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o religion_n so_o that_o unless_o god_n shall_v work_v upon_o man_n by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o will_v not_o do_v nothing_o can_v be_v do_v more_o than_o have_v already_o be_v do_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o happiness_n it_o be_v true_a the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o such_o a_o ocular_a demonstration_n to_o after_o generation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o man_n who_o then_o live_v and_o see_v he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o but_o since_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v as_o clear_o prove_v to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n to_o be_v since_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o be_v as_o great_a and_o great_a than_o of_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n on_o which_o man_n venture_v the_o whole_a of_o their_o secular_a affair_n and_o on_o which_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n and_o pain_n since_o i_o say_v the_o case_n be_v thus_o he_o that_o will_v rather_o venture_v all_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v he_o that_o will_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o fall_v into_o eternal_a misery_n rather_o than_o believe_v the_o most_o credible_a and_o rational_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n mere_o because_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o with_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o man_n do_v not_o disbelieve_v the_o thing_n because_o he_o think_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o not_o sufficient_o strong_a but_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o some_o particular_a interest_n of_o his_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n he_o may_v also_o have_v disbelieved_a it_o though_o he_o have_v see_v it_o himself_o 17._o this_o be_v in_o brief_a the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n in_o particular_a and_o he_o that_o will_v so_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a to_o the_o end_n must_v at_o least_o so_o far_o consider_v this_o evidence_n as_o before_o all_o thing_n to_o work_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n a_o firm_a settle_a and_o well-grounded_n belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n to_o produce_v which_o effect_n this_o evidence_n be_v most_o abundant_o sufficient_a for_o if_o in_o other_o case_n we_o assent_n to_o those_o thing_n as_o certain_a and_o demonstrate_v which_o if_o our_o faculty_n of_o judge_v and_o reason_v do_v not_o necessary_o deceive_v we_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a view_n appear_v clear_o and_o plain_o to_o be_v true_a there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o in_o moral_a and_o religious_a matter_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o those_o thing_n likewise_o to_o be_v certain_a and_o demonstrate_v which_o upon_o the_o exact_a and_o most_o deliberate_a judgement_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a or_o make_v do_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v as_o clear_o and_o as_o certain_o true_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o faculty_n do_v not_o necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o deceive_v we_o in_o all_o our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o proper_a happiness_n of_o man_n and_o concern_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o if_o in_o other_o case_n we_o always_o act_v without_o the_o least_o hesitation_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o good_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n and_o look_v upon_o that_o man_n as_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a who_o sustain_v great_a loss_n or_o le_fw-fr we_o slip_v great_a opportunity_n and_o advantage_n in_o business_n only_o by_o distrust_v the_o most_o credible_a and_o well-attested_n thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o unless_o our_o action_n be_v determine_v by_o some_o other_o thing_n than_o by_o reason_n and_o judgement_n the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n as_o if_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o we_o by_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v 18._o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o man_n who_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o act_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o reasonable_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o religion_n be_v yet_o apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o if_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v prove_v to_o they_o by_o some_o strong_a evidence_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o act_v otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v but_o if_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o these_o man_n act_v thus_o foolish_o be_v not_o because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o sufficient_o evidence_v but_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o some_o unruly_a passion_n
be_v so_o 4._o again_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o great_a moral_a virtue_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o temperance_n be_v a_o thing_n indispensable_o necessary_a to_o prepare_v man_n for_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o religion_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o happiness_n the_o happiness_n which_o religion_n promise_v to_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o bless_a society_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o that_o 23._o with_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v that_o satisfaction_n which_o must_v necessary_o arise_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o from_o the_o 〈…〉_z of_o his_o favour_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n than_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o prepare_v man_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o happiness_n for_o what_o agreement_n can_v there_o be_v between_o a_o sensual_a spiteful_a or_o malicious_a soul_n and_o the_o pure_a society_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a we_o see_v even_o in_o this_o life_n how_o ungrateful_a the_o society_n of_o good_a man_n be_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o so_o doubtless_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n those_o soul_n which_o have_v be_v whole_o immerse_v in_o sense_n and_o give_v up_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n can_v never_o be_v fit_a company_n for_o those_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a mind_n who_o desire_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v as_o far_o exalt_v above_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o sensual_a as_o heaven_n be_v above_o earth_n and_o those_o malicious_a spirit_n who_o delight_n upon_o earth_n be_v in_o nothing_o but_o hatred_n envy_n and_o revenge_n can_v never_o converse_v in_o heaven_n with_o those_o divine_a soul_n who_o feed_v and_o live_v upon_o no_o other_o pleasure_n but_o those_o of_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o love_n in_o like_a manner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o earthly_a and_o wicked_a soul_n to_o be_v make_v happy_a by_o the_o vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n to_o see_v god_n be_v to_o behold_v and_o contemplate_v those_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n purity_n and_o truth_n and_o to_o enjoy_v god_n be_v so_o to_o love_n and_o adore_v those_o amiable_a perfection_n as_o to_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n and_o resemblance_n of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o wicked_a soul_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o happiness_n tell_v a_o covetous_a worldling_n of_o a_o treasure_n lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n where_o neither_o 20._o moth_n nor_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n do_v not_o break_v through_o and_o steal_v tell_v he_o of_o a_o never-fading_a inheritance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v or_o of_o a_o city_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v 10._o god_n tell_v a_o ambitious_a aspire_a mind_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v hereafter_o 18._o or_o a_o voluptuous_a person_n of_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a pleasure_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v they_o 9_o and_o will_v they_o have_v any_o relish_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v they_o not_o be_v much_o more_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o glory_n of_o earth_n and_o the_o gratification_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o suppose_v god_n shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n for_o these_o man_n and_o when_o he_o remove_v they_o into_o another_o world_n shall_v transform_v they_o also_o into_o new_a creature_n it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n than_o for_o body_n to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o spirit_n or_o for_o darkness_n to_o have_v communion_n and_o agreement_n with_o light_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o if_o god_n shall_v transplant_v these_o man_n into_o heaven_n he_o can_v not_o make_v they_o happy_a there_o but_o while_o they_o be_v so_o exceed_o indispose_v for_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o he_o never_o will_n the_o exercise_n therefore_o of_o virtue_n be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o happiness_n and_o in_o proportion_n as_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n so_o do_v we_o to_o the_o fountain_n and_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n the_o great_a degree_n of_o virtue_n any_o be_v be_v endue_v with_o so_o much_o the_o high_a rank_n do_v it_o obtain_v in_o the_o order_n of_o creature_n the_o high_a angel_n so_o much_o as_o they_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n more_o entire_o and_o imitate_v the_o divine_a life_n more_o perfect_o than_o man_n do_v so_o much_o be_v they_o exalt_v above_o man_n and_o have_v a_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o by_o how_o much_o one_o man_n in_o this_o life_n obtain_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n than_o another_o so_o much_o a_o more_o excellent_a degree_n of_o happiness_a be_v he_o prepare_v to_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 5._o and_o that_o god_n agreeable_o to_o this_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n do_v true_o and_o sincere_o desire_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o reveal_v declaration_n of_o his_o will._n god_n who_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o who_o create_v all_o thing_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o communicate_v to_o they_o his_o perfection_n and_o his_o happiness_n can_v possible_o but_o make_v every_o man_n as_o happy_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o his_o virtue_n make_v he_o capable_a to_o be_v and_o that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o he_o have_v moreover_o assure_v we_o by_o most_o express_a and_o repeat_v declaration_n he_o declare_v that_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o that_o he_o rejoice_v over_o they_o for_o good_a he_o invite_v man_n with_o all_o the_o tender_a promise_n of_o a_o compassionate_a father_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o swear_v by_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o earnest_o desire_v that_o they_o shall_v return_v and_o live_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v secret_o make_v any_o determination_n which_o may_v be_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v so_o open_o and_o express_o reveal_v what_o sort_n of_o man_n he_o have_v decree_v to_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a he_o have_v clear_o and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o other_o decree_n than_o this_o if_o he_o have_v at_o all_o make_v any_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v sufficient_a it_o be_v for_o we_o that_o as_o sure_a as_o god_n and_o his_o scripture_n be_v true_a so_o sure_o be_v we_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o that_o god_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v decree_v any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o true_o religious_a man_n may_v be_v exclude_v from_o happiness_n or_o a_o sincere_a man_n from_o the_o possibility_n of_o become_v true_o religious_a 6._o since_o therefore_o god_n true_o and_o sincere_o desire_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o since_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o happiness_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o great_a moral_a duty_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o temperance_n which_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n as_o have_v already_o be_v show_v it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o recommend_v these_o virtue_n and_o to_o enforce_v their_o practice_n other_o thing_n may_v be_v help_n and_o assistance_n of_o religion_n many_o external_n observance_n may_v for_o wise_a reason_n be_v positive_o command_v and_o may_v be_v of_o exceed_v great_a use_n as_o mean_n to_o promote_v devotion_n and_o piety_n but_o the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n else_o must_v terminate_v can_v possible_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o great_a and_o eternal_a duty_n 7._o in_o natural_a religion_n this_o be_v very_o evident_a for_o the_o foundation_n of_o its_o obligation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o
god_n and_o his_o relation_n to_o man_n it_o be_v plain_a all_o that_o these_o thing_n natural_o lead_v man_n to_o be_v only_o to_o keep_v up_o in_o themselves_o such_o a_o holy_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o may_v discover_v itself_o in_o a_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o be_v like_a unto_o god_n and_o of_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o though_o this_o most_o simple_a and_o absolute_a religion_n do_v through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_n and_o affection_n quick_o degenerate_a into_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o most_o ridiculous_a superstition_n though_o instead_o of_o real_a and_o substantial_a virtue_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n soon_o fall_v into_o the_o observance_n of_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a rite_n and_o the_o world_n be_v overspread_v with_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n yet_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o considerate_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n always_o understand_v that_o 2._o god_n do_v not_o look_v so_o much_o at_o the_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n as_o at_o the_o inward_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o 116._o god_n value_v not_o sacrifice_n and_o rich_a offering_n but_o only_o the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o 96._o only_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v to_o imitate_v his_o nature_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n 8._o nor_o be_v it_o less_o evident_a that_o the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v to_o preserve_v and_o increase_v the_o moral_a virtue_n of_o men._n for_o though_o god_n do_v impose_v upon_o the_o jew_n a_o burdensome_a system_fw-la of_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o do_v it_o not_o that_o he_o take_v any_o delight_n in_o that_o external_n and_o ceremonial_a service_n but_o that_o by_o condescend_v in_o that_o manner_n to_o the_o infirmity_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o stiff-necked_a people_n he_o may_v keep_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o restore_v that_o holiness_n and_o inward_a religion_n of_o man_n mind_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o maintain_v this_o therefore_o god_n perpetual_o inculcate_n to_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n that_o he_o do_v not_o value_v their_o ceremonious_a performance_n without_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n i_o speak_v not_o to_o your_o father_n say_v he_o nor_o command_v they_o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o bring_v they_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 jer._n 7._o 22._o nay_o so_o far_o be_v god_n from_o institute_v the_o jewish_a service_n upon_o any_o other_o design_n than_o the_o make_v that_o people_n more_o holy_a than_o the_o heathen_a about_o they_o be_v that_o whensoever_o it_o fail_v of_o have_v that_o desire_a effect_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o even_o abhor_v all_o their_o religious_a exercise_n he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n and_o he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v a_o idol_n yea_o they_o have_v choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n isa._n 65._o 3._o and_o though_o the_o late_a jew_n grow_v general_o so_o superstitious_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o ceremony_n as_o thereby_o even_o to_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o those_o who_o consider_v thing_n more_o thorough_o always_o maintain_v &_o teach_v zealous_o that_o judâ—us_n it_o be_v not_o slay_v a_o multitude_n of_o sacrifice_n or_o bring_v splendid_a offering_n or_o even_o build_v and_o adorn_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o cost_n and_o beauty_n in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v true_o denominate_v a_o man_n religious_a that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a deceit_n for_o man_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v flatter_v and_o put_v off_o with_o outward_a &_o ceremonious_a service_n instead_o of_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o noe._n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v of_o wood_n and_o stone_n without_o first_o wash_v and_o cleanse_v their_o body_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o prayer_n with_o unclean_a and_o pollute_a mind_n 9_o last_o that_o the_o only_a design_n of_o god_n institute_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n yet_o more_o virtuous_a and_o more_o holy_a be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o preach_v be_v to_o give_v man_n a_o body_n of_o more_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a law_n to_o set_v they_o a_o example_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o to_o make_v a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o all_o 18._o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n the_o design_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n be_v to_o make_v a_o expiation_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a and_o to_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o sin_n which_o god_n will_v not_o pardon_v even_o upon_o true_a repentance_n without_o so_o great_a and_o sufficient_a a_o satisfaction_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o send_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n by_o teach_v and_o enable_v man_n that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a 12._o lust_n they_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 10._o according_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n every_o where_o in_o their_o epistle_n plain_o declare_v and_o give_v man_n warning_n that_o since_o they_o have_v now_o receive_v a_o most_o full_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o most_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n if_o their_o virtue_n do_v not_o become_v proportionable_a to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o they_o purify_v not_o themselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n 1._o and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v even_o worse_o for_o they_o 21._o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n be_v not_o deceive_v say_v saint_n paul_n neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n no_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o and_o again_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 5._o 6._o and_o again_o of_o which_o thing_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o as_o i_o have_v also_o tell_v you_o in_o time_n past_a that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5._o 21._o and_o all_o those_o metaphorical_a expression_n such_o as_o the_o new_a man_n the_o new_a creature_n the_o new_a birth_n regeneration_n conversion_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o the_o apostle_n frequent_o represent_v religion_n do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o this_o that_o under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n nothing_o will_v stand_v a_o man_n in_o any_o stead_n but_o a_o entire_a reformation_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v nothing_o except_o only_o the_o keep_n 19_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 11._o how_o miserable_o then_o do_v those_o man_n abuse_v this_o great_a salvation_n and_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n who_o imagine_v that_o because_o christ_n have_v disannul_v the_o old_a law_n which_o be_v appoint_v only_o for_o a_o time_n therefore_o we_o may_v be_v excuse_v by_o our_o christian_a liberty_n from_o obey_v the_o eternal_a command_n of_o god_n that_o because_o christ_n have_v establish_v for_o we_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n therefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v zealous_a to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n that_o because_o christ_n have_v redeem_a we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v zealous_a to_o rescue_v ourselves_o from_o under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o that_o because_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v available_a for_o we_o unto_o justification_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n we_o shall_v have_v any_o of_o our_o own_o in_o a_o word_n that_o because_o christ_n have_v promise_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o gospel_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n we_o shall_v be_v solicitous_a to_o
duty_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o with_o a_o partial_a obedience_n and_o while_o they_o satisfy_v their_o own_o mind_n with_o some_o loose_a and_o general_a consideration_n that_o their_o life_n be_v religious_a in_o the_o main_a that_o they_o have_v a_o general_a esteem_n for_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o hate_v profaneness_n and_o profess_a irreligion_n they_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o some_o important_a duty_n 2._o my_o design_n be_v not_o in_o this_o short_a essay_n to_o make_v a_o large_a and_o particular_a deduction_n of_o all_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n this_o have_v already_o be_v full_o and_o excellent_o do_v 2._o by_o some_o of_o our_o own_o writer_n i_o shall_v only_o lay_v down_o the_o chief_a particular_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o some_o brief_a head_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o remember_v and_o carry_v constant_o in_o mind_n as_o perpetual_a memorial_n of_o what_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o must_v remember_v ourselves_o to_o be_v absolute_o and_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o 3._o first_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o devout_a towards_o god_n with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n of_o mind_n possible_a and_o to_o seek_v all_o opportunity_n of_o express_v that_o devotion_n by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v faith_n in_o god_n trust_v and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o submission_n and_o resignedness_n to_o his_o will_n fear_v and_o love_n of_o he_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n prayer_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o and_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n witchcraft_n and_o consult_v with_o such_o as_o be_v repute_v to_o have_v skill_n in_o any_o evil_a art_n perjury_n and_o vain_a swear_v unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n want_v of_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n unthankfulness_n and_o neglect_v of_o prayer_n carelessness_n in_o religion_n and_o neglect_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a worship_n 4._o second_o that_o we_o ought_v constant_o to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o men._n by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v honour_n and_o reverence_n fidelity_n and_o obedience_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v our_o superior_n goodness_n and_o kindness_n affability_n and_o courteousness_n justice_n and_o honesty_n gentleness_n and_o candour_n meekness_n and_o peaceableness_n forgiveness_n of_o injury_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o do_v all_o possible_a kindness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o equal_n pity_v and_o succour_n mercifulness_n and_o compassion_n alm_n and_o beneficence_n instruction_n and_o assistance_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o help_n and_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o inferior_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n traiterousness_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n murder_n and_o steal_v extortion_n and_o fraud_n perfidiousness_n and_o lie_v oppression_n and_o over_o reach_v calumny_n and_o evil-speaking_a hatred_n and_o revenge_n sourness_n and_o unkindness_n anger_n and_o passion_n peevishness_n and_o ill-nature_n sullenness_n and_o moroseness_n discord_n and_o unpeaceableness_n cruelty_n and_o uncharitableness_n pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o unconcernedness_n at_o the_o want_v and_o misery_n of_o other_o 5._o three_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v temperate_a and_o abstemious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o temporal_a enjoyment_n as_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o candidate_n for_o heaven_n as_o those_o who_o look_v for_o their_o portion_n not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n chastity_n and_o purity_n contentment_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n patience_n and_o watchfulness_n mortification_n and_o self-denial_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o humility_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o fornication_n uncleanness_n and_o lasciviousness_n voluptuousness_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n idleness_n and_o softness_n impatience_n and_o discontent_n 6._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o every_o one_o who_o will_v in_o earnest_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o serious_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n must_v resolve_v to_o perform_v whoever_o will_v bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o christ_n must_v first_o consider_v whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o impious_a and_o profane_a man_n and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n rather_o than_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o his_o god_n he_o must_v consider_v whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o sacrifice_v his_o dear_a interest_n to_o conquer_v his_o most_o natural_a passion_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o must_v ask_v himself_o whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o temperance_n and_o purity_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o mortify_v his_o most_o darling_a lust_n and_o as_o a_o resolute_a follower_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n contemn_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n for_o unless_o he_o can_v peremptory_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v all_o this_o his_o profession_n of_o religion_n will_v certain_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o he_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n which_o of_o you_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o lest_o haply_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v it_o all_o that_o behold_v it_o begin_v to_o mock_v he_o say_v this_o man_n begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v who_o do_v not_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n whatever_o it_o may_v cost_v he_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n luke_n 14._o 28_o etc._n etc._n chap._n vi_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o confirmation_n of_o solemn_o renew_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n 1._o when_o a_o person_n be_v thus_o arrive_v to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n when_o he_o understand_v distinct_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v come_v to_o a_o settle_a resolution_n of_o conduct_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o become_v true_o meet_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v right_o prepare_v to_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o his_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ._n which_o the_o church_n have_v wise_o ordain_v shall_v be_v do_v public_o at_o confirmation_n where_o by_o ratify_v with_o our_o own_o mouth_n the_o vow_n make_v in_o our_o name_n by_o our_o surety_n we_o solemn_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o all_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o same_o baptismal_a covenant_n entitle_v we_o to_o receive_v 2._o first_o therefore_o at_o receive_v confirmation_n consider_v that_o you_o now_o solemn_o undertake_v for_o yourself_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o baptismal_a covenant_n oblige_v you_o to_o observe_v consider_v that_o you_o now_o confirm_v &_o ratify_v all_o that_o your_o surety_n promise_v and_o vow_v for_o you_o at_o your_o baptism_n consider_v that_o you_o now_o engage_v in_o your_o own_o person_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o you_o now_o engage_v to_o stand_v firm_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o never_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v or_o afraid_a to_o own_v yourself_o his_o disciple_n and_o that_o you_o now_o engage_v to_o obey_v from_o henceforward_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v
promote_v his_o religion_n 7._o this_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v of_o all_o its_o professor_n and_o that_o this_o disposition_n of_o mind_n can_v otherwise_o be_v attain_v and_o preserve_v than_o by_o work_v ourselves_o up_o to_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n by_o be_v very_o temperate_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o by_o withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o the_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v evident_a no_o man_n who_o have_v this_o world_n good_n can_v cheerful_o and_o bountiful_o bestow_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o retain_v a_o overfond_a affection_n for_o the_o splendour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v deny_v himself_o in_o any_o of_o its_o pleasure_n no_o man_n can_v set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o while_o he_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o thing_n here_o below_o nor_o have_v his_o conversation_n and_o his_o citizenship_n in_o heaven_n while_o his_o heart_n and_o desire_n be_v fix_v on_o earth_n in_o a_o word_n no_o man_n can_v love_v god_n as_o the_o supreme_a and_o only_a good_a and_o make_v religion_n hearty_o the_o usiness_n of_o his_o life_n while_o his_o affection_n be_v fond_o fasten_v on_o the_o pleasure_n of_o earth_n and_o the_o gratification_n of_o sense_n 8._o he_o that_o notwithstanding_o his_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o retain_v such_o a_o love_n for_o the_o world_n as_o that_o he_o can_v persuade_v himself_o without_o great_a regret_n to_o part_v with_o any_o present_a gratification_n and_o be_v solicitous_a not_o to_o be_v as_o religious_a and_o to_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o he_o can_v but_o to_o live_v as_o sensual_o and_o to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o pleasure_n as_o he_o think_v possible_o consistent_a with_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n such_o a_o one_o be_v divide_v affection_n and_o unmortified_a desire_n will_v certain_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o the_o governance_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o his_o unwillingness_n to_o part_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o no_o servant_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_n the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n luke_n 16._o 13._o the_o carnal_a or_o sensual_a mind_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v rom._n 8._o 7._o and_o in_o the_o one_a epistle_n of_o st._n john_n ch_z 2._o ver_fw-la 15._o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o the_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o acquire_v endless_a bliss_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a and_o trivial_a a_o matter_n as_o to_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o a_o few_o faint_a wish_n the_o work_n of_o a_o mind_n distract_v and_o as_o it_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o other_o care_n he_o that_o have_v propose_v to_o we_o this_o glorious_a reward_n have_v yet_o propose_v it_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o that_o we_o think_v it_o worth_a our_o care_v for_o he_o indispensable_o require_v that_o we_o fix_v our_o affection_n upon_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o though_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o world_n thankful_o as_o accommodation_n in_o our_o journey_n yet_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n the_o general_a design_n of_o our_o action_n be_v direct_v to_o this_o great_a end_n if_o therefore_o we_o suffer_v other_o thing_n so_o to_o interpose_v as_o to_o steal_v away_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n we_o can_v possible_o keep_v up_o this_o disposition_n man_n nature_n and_o operation_n be_v finite_a and_o what_o time_n and_o attention_n he_o bestow_v on_o one_o thing_n must_v necessary_o be_v subract_v from_o another_o if_o then_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n entertain_v and_o busy_v we_o they_o must_v unavoidable_o interrupt_v our_o attendance_n on_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o when_o we_o begin_v to_o look_v upon_o these_o deceitful_a thing_n as_o our_o proper_a happiness_n our_o esteem_n will_v in_o proportion_n decrease_v to_o those_o which_o real_o be_v so_o hence_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n be_v say_v to_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a matth._n 13._o 22._o compare_v with_o luke_n 8._o 14._o and_o st_n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o that_o they_o who_o will_v be_v rich_a that_o be_v they_o who_o desire_n be_v eager_o bend_v upon_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n 9_o and_o that_o this_o overfond_a love_n of_o the_o present_a world_n this_o solicitous_a desire_n after_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o principal_a scope_n of_o several_a of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n luke_n 16._o be_v evident_o intend_v to_o this_o purpose_n he_o be_v describe_v to_o have_v be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o to_o have_v fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o when_o in_o hell_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n and_o see_v abraham_n afar_o off_o and_o cry_v to_o he_o to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o send_v lazarus_n that_o he_o may_v dip_v the_o tip_n of_o his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o cool_v his_o tongue_n the_o answer_v he_o receive_v be_v this_o son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life-time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o he_o have_v spend_v his_o substance_n in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o he_o have_v deserve_v this_o punishment_n for_o his_o cruelty_n and_o uncharitableness_n but_o only_o that_o he_o have_v live_v delicate_o and_o fare_v sumptuous_o that_o he_o have_v already_o receive_v his_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o plentiful_a share_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o value_v they_o as_o his_o portion_n and_o his_o happiness_n and_o that_o therefore_o now_o there_o remain_v nothing_o for_o he_o but_o to_o be_v torment_v 10._o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o condemn_v riot_v and_o extravagancy_n drunkenness_n and_o excess_n be_v evident_a for_o have_v that_o only_o be_v the_o design_n of_o it_o the_o rich_a man_n will_v have_v be_v plain_o describe_v to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o those_o vice_n but_o since_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o direct_o lay_v those_o thing_n to_o his_o charge_n neither_o must_v we_o do_v it_o the_o parable_n say_v he_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o as_o his_o station_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v he_o may_v fair_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v so_o without_o the_o imputation_n of_o excess_n as_o god_n have_v place_v man_n in_o different_a station_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o make_v very_o different_a distribution_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n among_o they_o so_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o good_a thing_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o according_a to_o every_o man_n quality_n and_o condition_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v certain_o collect_v from_o the_o rich_a man_n fare_v sumptuous_o that_o he_o waste_v his_o substance_n in_o riotous_a live_n as_o the_o prodigal_n be_v describe_v to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n for_o he_o will_v certain_o in_o this_o place_n have_v be_v direct_o accuse_v of_o do_v so_o if_o the_o parable_n have_v be_v level_v against_o nothing_o less_o than_o riot_v and_o excess_n 11._o again_o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o condemn_v uncharitableness_n and_o cruelty_n be_v also_o evident_a for_o though_o it_o represent_v the_o rich_a man_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o poor_a man_n lie_v at_o his_o gate_n full_a of_o sore_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o crumb_n that_o fall_v from_o the_o rich_a man_n table_n yet_o it_o contain_v only_o this_o description_n of_o the_o poor_a
i_o shall_v not_o now_o nice_o dispute_v certain_v it_o be_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o those_o who_o place_n their_o happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n shall_v come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o we_o all_o know_v how_o short_a and_o transitory_a the_o present_a life_n be_v and_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v stranger_n and_o sojourner_n in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v now_o only_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o travel_v as_o it_o be_v through_o a_o strange_a country_n to_o our_o proper_a home_n whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 6._o and_o here_o we_o have_v no_o continue_a city_n but_o we_o seek_v one_o to_o come_v heb._n 13._o 14._o now_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v stop_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o journey_n and_o make_v their_o inn_n their_o home_n if_o they_o will_v place_v their_o happiness_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o only_o as_o convenience_n for_o their_o present_a state_n what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v assign_v they_o their_o portion_n in_o those_o thing_n man_n soul_n be_v spiritual_a and_o immortal_a and_o by_o the_o nobleness_n of_o its_o nature_n exalt_v above_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o though_o by_o be_v immerse_v in_o body_n it_o be_v necessitate_v to_o converse_v with_o sensible_a and_o corporeal_a thing_n yet_o do_v it_o thirst_v after_o more_o pure_a and_o refine_a object_n it_o can_v look_v beyond_o this_o world_n to_o its_o native_a country_n and_o know_v that_o its_o proper_a happiness_n be_v by_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o god_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n now_o if_o man_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o will_v take_v up_o with_o sensual_a and_o earthly_a enjoyment_n if_o they_o will_v clog_v the_o flight_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o stake_v it_o down_o to_o these_o ignoble_a object_n if_o they_o will_v set_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n on_o these_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o as_o matter_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n what_o can_v be_v more_o just_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o satiate_v themselves_o with_o their_o belove_a pleasure_n and_o deny_v they_o those_o noble_a one_o which_o they_o so_o little_o esteem_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o blessing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v talent_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n which_o god_n expect_v we_o shall_v lay_v out_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v many_o of_o they_o of_o he_o he_o will_v require_v the_o more_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v do_v what_o good_a we_o can_v with_o they_o which_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n give_v out_o our_o money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n that_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v he_o may_v receive_v his_o own_o with_o usury_n now_o if_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n whole_o ourselves_o and_o employ_v they_o only_o to_o the_o serve_v our_o own_o worldly_a design_n what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v our_o portion_n and_o reward_n the_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v notorious_o covetous_a and_o worldly_a mind_v do_v even_o their_o act_n of_o charity_n mere_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o our_o saviour_n repeat_v it_o no_o less_o than_o thrice_o in_o the_o six_o of_o st._n matthew_n that_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n the_o rich_a jew_n also_o make_v general_o no_o other_o use_v of_o their_o riches_n than_o to_o live_v in_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o gaiety_n and_o splendour_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o consolation_n 21._o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n and_o they_o who_o will_v 35._o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o obtain_v that_o world_n and_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a must_v be_v content_a not_o to_o live_v a_o soft_a and_o easy_a a_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n but_o to_o labour_v diligent_o and_o to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a our_o saviour_n compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n which_o when_o a_o merchantman_n find_v 46._o he_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o and_o whoever_o have_v worthy_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o can_v never_o think_v any_o thing_n 23._o hard_a to_o purchase_v so_o great_a a_o treasure_n st._n paul_n compare_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n to_o a_o crown_n for_o which_o they_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n run_v all_o but_o one_o receive_v 24._o the_o prize_n and_o if_o they_o who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v be_v careful_a to_o prepare_v their_o body_n beforehand_o for_o the_o race_n that_o they_o may_v run_v not_o uncertain_o but_o so_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n and_o by_o temperance_n prepare_v it_o for_o the_o christian_a warfare_n who_o be_v to_o strive_v for_o a_o incorruptible_a and_o never-fading_a crown_n 22._o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o example_n as_o of_o a_o life_n not_o morose_a and_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n so_o of_o a_o life_n very_o far_o from_o be_v sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a he_o utter_o despise_v all_o the_o grandeur_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o willing_o endure_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o obstinate_a and_o malicious_a man_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v the_o worship_n and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a make_v that_o the_o 38._o whole_a business_n of_o his_o life_n and_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o undergo_v any_o hardship_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v the_o ignorant_a or_o relieve_v the_o distress_a and_o if_o we_o hope_v at_o last_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n we_o must_v resolve_v now_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o imitate_v his_o life_n who_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o 21._o saint_n of_o god_n who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o be_v eminent_a example_n not_o of_o ease_n and_o softness_n but_o either_o of_o great_a suffering_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n or_o of_o great_a zeal_n and_o pain_n in_o it_o the_o patriarch_n who_o live_v before_o our_o saviour_n and_o see_v the_o promise_v only_o afar_o off_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o 13._o their_o hope_n be_v fix_v upon_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a and_o all_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o first_o follow_v our_o saviour_n and_o see_v the_o promise_v fulfil_v do_v either_o through_o persecution_n become_v naked_a destitute_a and_o afflict_a or_o by_o their_o boundless_a charity_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n do_v almost_o make_v themselves_o so_o and_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o have_v our_o portion_n among_o these_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a in_o that_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a in_o that_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a 23._o god_n we_o must_v in_o some_o proportion_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o their_o zeal_n their_o labour_n and_o their_o patience_n and_o not_o be_v whole_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n of_o a_o careless_a and_o corrupt_a age._n they_o general_o part_v with_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o certain_o we_o be_v at_o least_o bind_v not_o to_o fasten_v our_o affection_n so_o strong_o upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o hardly_o to_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v ourselves_o any_o thing_n their_o temperance_n their_o abstinence_n and_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n be_v almost_o incredible_a and_o excessive_a and_o assure_o we_o can_v with_o the_o same_o hope_n spend_v our_o whole_a life_n in_o nothing_o but_o softness_n gallantry_n and_o pleasure_n in_o fine_a their_o charity_n be_v wonderful_a and_o boundless_a extend_v itself_o even_o to_o 1._o such_o instance_n as_o we_o can_v hardly_o think_v credible_a and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v at_o lest_o something_o and_o to_o take_v some_o pain_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n 23._o last_o if_o these_o thing_n seem_v hard_a and_o tend_v to_o entrench_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n consider_v the_o conclusion_n and_o final_a upshot_n of_o thing_n consider_v what_o opinion_n we_o
shall_v have_v of_o thing_n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o our_o life_n when_o death_n and_o judgement_n approach_v and_o let_v we_o view_v thing_n now_o in_o the_o same_o light_n as_o we_o know_v certain_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o do_v then_o we_o know_v we_o shall_v then_o lament_v the_o loss_n of_o every_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a which_o we_o have_v omit_v and_o shall_v grutch_v every_o minute_n of_o folly_n and_o vanity_n which_o may_v have_v be_v employ_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o portion_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n we_o know_v we_o shall_v then_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o past_a pleasure_n of_o life_n as_o emptiness_n and_o nothing_o and_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n but_o in_o true_a virtue_n and_o no_o fruit_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o have_v do_v much_o good_a and_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o know_v this_o what_o can_v be_v more_o miserable_o and_o more_o inexcusable_o foolish_a than_o not_o to_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o thing_n now_o as_o we_o know_v assure_o we_o shall_v do_v afterward_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n die_v full_a of_o fear_n and_o uncertainty_n full_a of_o dark_a suspicion_n and_o confuse_a doubt_n be_v because_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v live_v careless_o and_o indifferent_o without_o have_v take_v any_o pain_n either_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n or_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o without_o have_v use_v any_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o overcome_v the_o present_a world_n or_o to_o obtain_v the_o future_a but_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v thing_n in_o time_n if_o they_o will_v pass_v true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o act_v according_o with_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n they_o may_v then_o know_v certain_o their_o own_o state_n and_o may_v live_v with_o comfort_n and_o die_v with_o assurance_n chap._n xii_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o be_v particular_o careful_a to_o avoid_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v tempt_v 1._o five_o be_v particular_o careful_a to_o resist_v and_o avoid_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o either_o your_o constitution_n company_n or_o employment_n make_v you_o most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v tempt_v this_o be_v the_o great_a trial_n of_o every_o man_n sincerity_n and_o of_o his_o growth_n in_o virtue_n he_o that_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n can_v mortify_v and_o deny_v his_o most_o darling_a lust_n can_v quell_v and_o keep_v under_o his_o most_o natural_a passion_n can_v resist_v and_o constant_o overcome_v those_o temptation_n by_o which_o he_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v seduce_v into_o sin_n such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o be_v very_o near_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o instance_n wherein_o a_o man_n habitual_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n or_o indulge_v a_o lust_n a_o passion_n a_o sinful_a desire_n it_o be_v certain_a whatever_o other_o virtue_n he_o may_v be_v endue_v with_o that_o he_o either_o act_n upon_o wrong_a principle_n and_o be_v not_o sincere_a or_o that_o his_o resolution_n be_v hitherto_o too_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o religion_n here_o or_o to_o the_o assurance_n of_o happiness_n hereafter_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o either_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o body_n or_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o employment_n or_o the_o humour_n of_o his_o company_n do_v not_o make_v obnoxious_a to_o some_o particular_a sort_n of_o temptation_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o and_o in_o this_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v something_o of_o sincerity_n and_o will_v not_o with_o other_o run_v into_o all_o excess_n of_o riot_n do_v yet_o make_v shift_n to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o they_o think_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o many_o good_a and_o virtuous_a quality_n they_o hate_v profaneness_n and_o profess_a enormous_a impiety_n they_o know_v themselves_o innocent_a of_o many_o great_a sin_n which_o they_o see_v other_o continual_o commit_v but_o something_o to_o which_o they_o be_v particular_o tempt_v they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o and_o the_o fatal_a mischief_n be_v that_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o see_v other_o commit_v and_o to_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o violent_o tempt_v seem_v most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v themselves_o addict_v they_o think_v to_o be_v either_o so_o small_a as_o not_o to_o be_v of_o any_o very_a evil_a consequence_n or_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v resist_v as_o to_o be_v allow_v for_o among_o the_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n of_o nature_n thus_o to_o many_o who_o have_v little_a or_o no_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n the_o sin_n of_o fraud_n injustice_n deceit_n over_o reach_v and_o the_o like_a seem_v very_o heinous_a base_a and_o unreasonable_a while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o habitual_a intemperances_n and_o impurity_n as_o either_o harmless_a vice_n or_o almost_o insuperable_a weakness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o less_o a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n intemperate_a debauch_a drunkard_n reveler_n and_o the_o like_a while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o look_v upon_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n trick_v and_o overreach_a as_o the_o necessary_a art_n and_o mystery_n of_o business_n 3._o but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o a_o very_a fatal_a cheat._n no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o true_a and_o solid_a peace_n in_o himself_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o just_a confidence_n in_o his_o address_n to_o god_n no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n here_o much_o less_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o reward_n of_o it_o hereafter_o before_o his_o obedience_n be_v if_o not_o perfect_a yet_o at_o least_o universal_a god_n will_v not_o share_v with_o any_o impiety_n nor_o ever_o accept_v of_o any_o man_n obedience_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o accurse_a thing_n if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n that_o we_o can_v hardly_o part_v with_o if_o there_o be_v any_o lust_n that_o be_v like_o a_o right_a hand_n or_o a_o right_a eye_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v propose_v to_o we_o to_o conquer_v this_o be_v the_o good_a epicteâ—_n fight_n which_o we_o must_v fight_v through_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n to_o which_o heaven_n be_v propose_v for_o this_o we_o must_v gather_v together_o all_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n for_o this_o we_o must_v strengthen_v ourselves_o by_o prayer_n and_o consideration_n in_o this_o warfare_n we_o must_v resolve_v strong_o persevere_v obstinate_o and_o though_o we_o be_v conquer_v yet_o resolve_v to_o overcome_v always_o remember_v that_o this_o be_v the_o stake_n for_o life_n or_o death_n happiness_n or_o misery_n heaven_n or_o hell_n 4._o here_o therefore_o let_v every_o man_n consider_v with_o himself_o and_o let_v he_o well_o observe_v his_o own_o temptation_n and_o his_o own_o strength_n let_v he_o consider_v not_o how_o many_o sin_n he_o can_v easy_o avoid_v but_o by_o what_o temptation_n he_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v seduce_v and_o let_v he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o guard_v himself_o there_o let_v those_o who_o be_v young_a and_o not_o yet_o enter_v into_o the_o hurry_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n not_o value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o be_v innocent_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n of_o covetousness_n and_o extortion_n or_o the_o like_a for_o that_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v without_o any_o pain_n and_o without_o overcome_v any_o powerful_a temptation_n but_o let_v they_o try_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v firm_a against_o the_o temptation_n of_o vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o heat_n and_o passion_n of_o intemperance_n and_o impurity_n and_o let_v they_o judge_v of_o themselves_o by_o their_o behaviour_n in_o these_o instance_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o obnoxious_a let_v they_o consider_v that_o their_o peculiar_a task_n be_v to_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 13._o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n to_o conquer_v and_o get_v above_o 23_o those_o pleasure_n which_o sensualize_v the_o soul_n and_o enslave_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o body_n and_o thereby_o bring_v it_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n and_o in_o fine_a to_o strive_v continual_o to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n ibid._n not_o only_o of_o body_n but_o even_o of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v by_o baptism_n dedicate_v to_o the_o
service_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v by_o confirmation_n assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o their_o body_n be_v 2._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o if_o they_o keep_v here_o in_o temperance_n and_o purity_n in_o sanctification_n and_o honour_n they_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v with_o they_o in_o glory_n but_o 5._o if_o they_o abuse_v they_o by_o any_o intimperance_n or_o defile_v they_o with_o any_o lust_n they_o drive_v away_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o shall_v forfeit_v their_o life_n again_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o age_n or_o temper_v or_o company_n or_o business_n place_n they_o beyond_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o youth_n and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o those_o temptation_n with_o which_o other_o be_v hurry_v away_o continual_o must_v not_o esteem_v of_o themselves_o by_o their_o not_o run_v into_o those_o excess_n of_o riot_n to_o which_o perhaps_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o temptation_n but_o must_v examine_v whether_o they_o be_v exact_o just_a in_o the_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o whether_o they_o be_v true_o useful_a and_o charitable_a according_a to_o their_o ability_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v sincere_o careful_a to_o resist_v those_o temptation_n to_o which_o their_o particular_a circumstance_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v more_o especial_o expose_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a trial_n of_o every_o man_n sincerity_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a rule_n by_o which_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v of_o his_o own_o state_n chap._n xiii_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o of_o perfection_n 1._o last_o strive_v continual_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o house_n of_o clay_n encompass_v perpetual_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o shall_v all_o offend_v indeed_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n yet_o unless_o we_o strive_v and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n we_o shall_v never_o make_v any_o tolerable_a progress_n he_o that_o have_v no_o more_o zeal_n for_o religion_n than_o to_o desire_v just_a to_o keep_v within_o the_o border_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v deceive_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o find_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o that_o those_o who_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a be_v but_o 17._o wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o shall_v have_v no_o portion_n among_o they_o that_o be_v array_v in_o fine_a linen_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n and_o the_o good_a work_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o who_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o true_o zealous_a desire_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n will_v with_o st._n paul_n never_o think_v he_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a enough_o but_o forget_v those_o ihing_n which_o be_v behind_o 1â—_n and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o will_v always_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o will_v never_o think_v himself_o good_a and_o holy_a enough_o but_o get_v continual_o a_o more_o complete_a victory_n over_o his_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n will_v go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n in_o the_o improvement_n 7_o of_o virtue_n here_o till_o he_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o glory_n hereafter_o 2._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v once_o attain_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o frame_v hearty_a resolution_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o begin_v to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o those_o resolution_n that_o you_o be_v present_o in_o a_o perfect_a and_o confirm_a state_n of_o virtue_n you_o must_v frequent_o 16._o review_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o particular_n of_o your_o duty_n you_o must_v frequent_o renew_v and_o strengthen_v your_o good_a resolution_n and_o you_o must_v always_o be_v correct_v and_o amend_v your_o practice_n till_o that_o which_o be_v well_o resolve_v upon_o and_o brave_o begin_v arrive_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o diligent_a and_o perpetual_a improvement_n to_o a_o confirm_a habit_n and_o settle_a temper_n of_o mind_n 3._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v perform_v your_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o common_a measure_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o vulgar_o repute_a bound_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n and_o when_o you_o be_v 60._o by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o good_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o you_o be_v now_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o such_o a_o life_n as_o be_v now_o look_v upon_o as_o very_o good_a and_o creditable_a will_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n have_v be_v think_v if_o not_o scandalous_a yet_o at_o best_a very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v be_v 23._o above_o all_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o opinion_n and_o must_v not_o limit_v his_o purity_n of_o mind_n his_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o desire_n of_o do_v good_a to_o any_o degree_n or_o rule_n but_o must_v exalt_v they_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o hope_n of_o happiness_n 4._o further_o think_v not_o when_o upon_o a_o loose_a and_o general_a view_n of_o your_o life_n your_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v you_o of_o any_o scandalous_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n that_o therefore_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o virtue_n there_o be_v many_o sin_n with_o which_o man_n easy_o impose_v upon_o their_o own_o mind_n much_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o coldness_n of_o devotion_n many_o omission_n of_o duty_n and_o neglect_v of_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a many_o fault_n of_o surprise_n and_o indecency_n of_o passion_n much_o sensuality_n and_o overfond_a love_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n many_o excess_n and_o small_a degree_n of_o intemperance_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o overcome_v without_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o strict_a particular_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o our_o action_n and_o make_v repeat_v resolution_n and_o use_v constant_a unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o correct_v whatever_o upon_o such_o strict_a search_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v amiss_o 5._o many_o there_o have_v be_v and_o some_o even_o among_o aurea_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o have_v every_o night_n strict_o examine_v into_o the_o action_n of_o the_o past_a day_n that_o if_o they_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o can_v reprove_v themselves_o they_o may_v resolve_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o that_o particular_a for_o the_o future_a and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o have_v in_o all_o point_v perform_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v confirm_v and_o encourage_v themselves_o to_o continue_v to_o perform_v it_o other_o have_v do_v this_o yet_o more_o frequent_o and_o habitual_o never_o go_v about_o any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a thought_n how_o they_o may_v best_o act_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o never_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a reflection_n whether_o they_o have_v act_v so_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o great_a ends._n 6._o these_o indeed_o be_v thing_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n by_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o such_o as_o must_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o each_o one_o prudence_n or_o zeal_n only_o in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o frequent_o a_o man_n examine_v the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o strict_o he_o observe_v his_o small_a failures_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o particular_o he_o resolve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o correct_v they_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o will_v his_o religion_n be_v uniform_a and_o his_o obedience_n perfect_a he_o that_o use_v himself_o often_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o recollect_v the_o particular_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v perform_v many_o thing_n which_o other_o know_v indeed_o and_o understand_v in_o general_a but_o 95._o through_o habitual_a careless_a and_o inconsiderateness_n omit_v and_o he_o that_o often_o search_v strict_o into_o the_o small_a error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o resolve_v
yet_o he_o may_v retain_v such_o a_o affection_n to_o it_o such_o a_o readiness_n to_o return_v to_o it_o in_o his_o former_a circumstance_n or_o at_o least_o may_v have_v so_o little_a hatred_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o as_o may_v make_v he_o very_o far_o from_o a_o true_a penitent_n in_o all_o such_o case_n therefore_o where_o a_o man_n may_v break_v off_o a_o sin_n upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n than_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o evidence_a the_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o preserve_v he_o from_o impose_v upon_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o testify_v his_o sincerity_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o change_n of_o mind_n by_o some_o such_o afflictive_a laborious_a or_o expensive_a duty_n as_o will_v prove_v he_o to_o have_v indeed_o attain_v such_o a_o religious_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v he_o in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n from_o return_v again_o to_o the_o same_o or_o to_o any_o other_o the_o like_o wilful_a sin_n be_v this_o right_o consider_v man_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o sin_v on_o secure_o at_o present_a and_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n of_o grow_v better_a afterward_o with_o less_o pain_n when_o some_o particular_a alteration_n of_o their_o circumstance_n of_o life_n or_o perhaps_o age_n and_o sickness_n shall_v have_v remove_v their_o temptation_n 3._o but_o second_o when_o amendment_n of_o life_n do_v alone_o sufficient_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o repentance_n as_o general_o and_o in_o most_o case_n it_o do_v yet_o ought_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v to_o do_v something_o to_o testify_v their_o sorrow_n for_o past_a offence_n and_o to_o judge_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v 31._o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n they_o ought_v to_o take_v 2._o shame_n to_o themselves_o that_o after_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v they_o shall_v again_o have_v return_v to_o sin_n and_o folly_n they_o ought_v to_o consider_v with_o confusion_n of_o face_n the_o ingratitude_n of_o have_v again_o commit_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o hateful_a to_o god_n that_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o continuance_n in_o they_o with_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o will_v not_o once_o pardon_v they_o under_o a_o less_o ransom_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o work_v in_o they_o that_o carefulness_n that_o indignation_n that_o fear_v that_o vehement_a desire_n that_o zeal_n and_o 10._o that_o revenge_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o consist_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o work_v repentance_n to_o salvation_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o 4._o thus_o when_o st._n peter_n have_v thrice_o deny_v his_o master_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shamefulness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v he_o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o weep_v bitter_o thus_o when_o david_n have_v commit_v those_o cry_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o foulness_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o fact_n make_v he_o every_o night_n wash_v his_o bed_n and_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o his_o tear_n and_o extort_a from_o he_o those_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o penitential_a psalm_n be_v make_v up_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n who_o ever_o fall_v into_o any_o notorious_a sin_n be_v very_o 9_o severe_a in_o their_o humiliation_n earnest_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o their_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 5._o for_o this_o reason_n st._n james_n advise_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v to_o be_v afflict_v and_o mourn_v and_o weep_v to_o let_v their_o laughter_n be_v turn_v to_o mourn_v and_o their_o joy_n to_o heaviness_n and_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v lift_v they_o up_o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n always_o teach_v that_o pentecost_n sin_v commit_v wilful_o after_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v do_v away_o with_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n that_o such_o sin_n 7._o be_v not_o immediate_o forgive_v upon_o a_o man_n beginning_n to_o repent_v but_o after_o he_o have_v afflict_v his_o soul_n and_o humble_v himself_o deep_o and_o undergo_v many_o trouble_n that_o the_o lapsis_fw-la afflictive_a duty_n of_o repentance_n ought_v to_o bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o the_o penitent_a aught_o to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o watch_v fast_v pray_v and_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o that_o poenit._n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o severe_o he_o judge_v himself_o here_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o may_v he_o hope_v god_n will_v spare_v he_o and_o be_v merciful_a to_o he_o hereafter_o 6._o it_o be_v true_a the_o sin_n which_o the_o ancient_n particular_o respect_v when_o they_o preach_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o severe_a repentance_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o deny_v our_o saviour_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n impartial_o what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o between_o renounce_v christianity_n and_o live_v in_o a_o open_a and_o profane_a contempt_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o manifest_a injustice_n fraud_n and_o oppression_n or_o in_o notorious_a and_o habitual_a intemperance_n only_o put_fw-mi they_o who_o deny_v christ_n do_v it_o be_v compel_v by_o great_a and_o long_a torment_n but_o these_o other_o vice_n be_v commit_v wilful_o and_o of_o choice_n 7._o very_o great_a reason_n therefore_o there_o be_v why_o those_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n shall_v enjoin_v themselves_o a_o great_a and_o remarkable_a repentance_n but_o yet_o because_o after_o all_o the_o end_n and_o design_n the_o whole_a sum_n and_o life_n of_o repentance_n be_v reformation_n therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o impose_v upon_o himself_o any_o other_o penitential_a severity_n than_o such_o as_o be_v direct_o conducive_a to_o this_o main_a end_n ridiculous_a and_o foolish_a be_v the_o penance_n enjoin_v man_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o more_o ignorant_a age_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o neither_o tend_v to_o improve_v the_o virtue_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n nor_o to_o make_v man_n more_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o but_o such_o penitential_a exercise_n as_o direct_o mortify_v man_n lust_n and_o passion_n or_o lead_v they_o to_o be_v more_o charitable_a and_o do_v more_o good_a in_o the_o world_n in_o these_o by_o how_o much_o the_o penitent_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o constant_a by_o so_o much_o be_v he_o more_o secure_a of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o pardon_n 8._o the_o best_a therefore_o and_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o effectual_a repentance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o exercise_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a in_o mortify_v his_o vice_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a in_o improve_n all_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a by_o how_o much_o he_o have_v former_o be_v more_o faulty_a in_o any_o particular_a and_o to_o resolve_v by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o hope_v to_o have_v forgive_v he_o to_o love_n so_o much_o the_o more_o let_v he_o if_o he_o have_v be_v vanquish_v by_o any_o temptation_n lapsis_fw-la resolve_v to_o strengthen_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o against_o it_o and_o to_o become_v for_o the_o future_a the_o more_o heroical_o virtuous_a he_o that_o thus_o endeavour_n to_o appease_v god_n and_o by_o the_o repentance_n and_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n of_o his_o past_a fault_n be_v spur_v on_o to_o exercise_v great_a faith_n and_o virtue_n and_o courage_n such_o a_o one_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n may_v become_v a_o joy_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o before_o make_v sorrowful_a and_o shall_v obtain_v not_o only_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 9_o particular_o a_o penitent_a aught_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o endeavour_v after_o a_o great_a and_o fervent_a charity_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o 13._o all_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n think_v to_o have_v a_o especial_a efficacy_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o very_o great_a be_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o it_o in_o scripture_n alm_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin_n ecclus._n 3._o 30._o and_o charity_n say_v st._n peter_n shall_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 8._o and_o the_o merciful_a say_v our_o saviour_n