life_n of_o religious_a person_n high_a and_o honourablâ—_n thought_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o first_o entrance_n into_o a_o state_n of_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n have_v religion_n in_o contempt_n he_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n second_o caution_n to_o thâ—_n friend_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n first_o abuse_v not_o this_o doctrine_n to_o carelessness_n peradventure_o some_o may_v reason_v â—hus_o because_o ungodly_a man_n be_v forward_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o religion_n without_o cause_n therefore_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o they_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o they_o whether_o they_o please_v or_o offend_v they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n they_o will_v take_v occasion_n but_o you_o must_v not_o give_v it_o but_o rather_o follow_v the_o apostle_n pattern_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 12_o what_o i_o do_v that_o i_o will_v do_v that_o i_o may_v cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n religion_n command_v you_o not_o only_o to_o please_v god_n but_o other_o as_o far_o as_o you_o may_v rom._n 15.2_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n religion_n do_v not_o only_o forbid_v to_o offend_v god_n but_o man_n 1_o cor._n 10.32_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jewâ—_n nor_o to_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o require_v your_o special_a care_n and_o circumspection_n towards_o stranger_n or_o enemy_n col._n 4.5_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o â—hem_n that_o be_v without_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o blaspheme_v 1_o tim._n 6.1_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o dâ—vid's_n pious_a resolution_n psal._n 39.1_o i_o say_v i_o will_v take_v heed_n tâ—_n my_o way_n that_o i_o sin_v not_o with_o my_o tongue_n i_o will_v keep_v my_o mouth_n as_o with_o a_o bridle_n while_o the_o wicked_a be_v before_o i_o second_o learn_v hence_o to_o live_v above_o the_o censure_n of_o evil_a man_n be_v not_o discourage_v in_o or_o drive_v from_o any_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n by_o all_o their_o reproache_n and_o calumny_n you_o have_v see_v you_o must_v not_o necessary_o give_v they_o offence_n now_o you_o see_v you_o must_v not_o be_v rule_v and_o guide_v by_o their_o offence_n in_o short_a you_o must_v neither_o regard_v their_o offence_n too_o little_a nor_o too_o much_o the_o rule_n be_v this_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a you_o must_v be_v a_o willow_n and_o not_o aâ—_n oak_n do_v what_o lie_v in_o your_o power_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o to_o please_v and_o win_v they_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o evident_a duty_n you_o must_v be_v a_o oak_n and_o not_o a_o willow_n as_o lutherâ—xpresses_v â—xpresses_z it_o you_o must_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o thâ—_n pharisees_n be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o pass_v it_o by_o with_o contempt_n and_o this_o answer_n every_o plant_n which_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v root_v up_o let_v they_o alone_o they_o be_v blind_a leaderâ—_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n mat._n 15.13_o 14._o from_o whence_o divine_n have_v draw_v this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o scandal_n of_o proud_a pharisees_n be_v to_o be_v neglect_v if_o once_o it_o come_v to_o this_o dilemma_n that_o a_o man_n must_v offend_v god_n or_o man_n he_o need_v not_o takâ—_n day_n to_o consider_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o tell_v which_o to_o choose_v three_o learn_v hence_o to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n if_o wicked_a man_n mouth_n be_v open_a against_o it_o let_v not_o your_o mouth_n be_v shut_v but_o open_a for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o no_o less_o dangerous_a than_o common_a sin_n of_o be_v ashamed_a of_o religion_n remember_v that_o severe_a but_o righteous_a sentence_n of_o our_o saviour_n whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n mark_v 8.38_o and_o mat._n 12.30_o he_o that_o be_v not_o with_o i_o be_v against_o i_o and_o he_o that_o gather_v not_o with_o i_o scatter_v abroad_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o prophet_n charge_n against_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v not_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o earth_n jer._n 9.3_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o wear_v the_o devil_n livery_n and_o why_o shall_v you_o be_v ashamed_a to_o wear_v god_n i_o beseech_v you_o content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o own_v religion_n in_o your_o heart_n christ_n as_o he_o deserve_v so_o he_o expect_v your_o mouth_n and_o tongue_n also_o rom._n 10.9_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n thoâ—_n shall_v be_v save_v thus_o david_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n hide_v in_o his_o heart_n but_o say_v i_o will_v speak_v of_o thy_o testimony_n before_o king_n and_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a psal._n 119.46_o and_o which_o make_v the_o argument_n more_o forcible_a the_o king_n of_o his_o time_n be_v pagan_n both_o stranger_n and_o open_a enemy_n to_o religion_n four_o carry_v yourselves_o so_o circumspect_o that_o you_o may_v give_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n that_o you_o may_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o calumny_n so_o the_o apostle_n counsel_v we_o 1_o pet._n 3.16_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o whereas_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o you_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a that_o false_o accuse_v your_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n and_o again_o 1_o pâ—t_n 2.15_o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o wâ—â—h_v well_o do_v you_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n take_v heed_n especial_o of_o those_o practice_n which_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o ungodly_a man_n against_o religion_n particular_o these_o 1._o avoid_v all_o affect_a and_o unnecessary_a singularity_n in_o word_n gesture_n habit_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v one_o kind_a of_o singularity_n you_o must_v always_o maintain_v viz._n the_o singularity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n eph._n 4.17_o this_o i_o say_v therefore_o and_o testify_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o henceforth_o walk_v not_o as_o other_o gentile_n walk_v and_o exod._n 23.2_o thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a noah_n singularity_n be_v mention_v to_o his_o honour_n thou_o only_a have_v i_o see_v righteous_a before_o i_o in_o this_o generation_n and_o lot_n singularity_n whereby_o he_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sodomite_n be_v remember_v to_o his_o praise_n in_o both_o testament_n nay_o the_o very_a heathen_a seneca_n justify_v this_o singularity_n in_o his_o discourse_n de_fw-fr constantia_n sapientis_fw-la non_fw-la respicit_fw-la sapiens_fw-la quid_fw-la homines_fw-la turpe_fw-la judicent_fw-la auâ—_n miserum_fw-la non_fw-la it_o qua_fw-la populus_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la sidera_fw-la contrarium_fw-la mundo_fw-la iâ—er_fw-la intendunt_fw-la itâ—_n hic_fw-la adversus_fw-la opinionem_fw-la omnium_fw-la vadit_fw-la that_o be_v a_o wise_a or_o good_a man_n do_v not_o regard_v what_o man_n judge_v dishonourable_a or_o miserable_a he_o do_v not_o go_v in_o the_o common_a road_n but_o as_o the_o course_n of_o the_o star_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o low_a world_n so_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n worse_o therefore_o thâ—n_a heathen_n be_v they_o who_o dare_v open_a their_o mouth_n against_o this_o singularity_n and_o call_v it_o preciseness_n or_o peevishness_n or_o humour_n etc._n etc._n which_o indeed_o come_v from_o such_o mouth_n be_v rather_o title_n of_o honour_n than_o imputation_n of_o disgrace_n but_o the_o singularity_n that_o i_o warn_v you_o against_o be_v that_o which_o lie_v in_o little_a thing_n in_o the_o affectation_n of_o word_n phrase_n tonâ—â—_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n against_o which_o the_o same_o seneca_n speak_v pertinent_o and_o excellent_o ep._n 5._o intus_fw-la omne_fw-la sint_fw-la dissimilia_fw-la fronâ—_n nostra_fw-la populo_fw-la conveniat_fw-la id_fw-la agamus_fw-la ut_fw-la meliorem_fw-la vitam_fw-la seqâ—amâ—r_fw-la quam_fw-la vulgus_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la contrariam_fw-la alioqui_fw-la quoâ—_n emendare_fw-la volumus_fw-la â—ugâ—mus_fw-la temperetur_fw-la vitâ—_n iâ—ter_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v &_o publicos_fw-la suspiciant_fw-la omnes_fw-la vitam_fw-la nostram_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o agnoscant_fw-la let_v our_o inside_n be_v as_o unlike_o the_o people_n as_o may_v be_v and_o our_o outside_n as_o like_v to_o they_o let_v this_o be_v our_o care_n that_o our_o course_n of_o live_v be_v better_a than_o they_o
a_o seasonable_a apology_n for_o religion_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o two_o sermon_n late_o deliver_v in_o a_o auditory_a in_o london_n by_o matthew_n pool_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o london_n london_n print_v by_o i._n m._n for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n and_o at_o the_o bible_n on_o london-bridge_n under_o the_o gate_n mdclxxiii_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o true_o religious_a lady_n laetitia_n countess_n of_o donegal_n etc._n etc._n madam_n when_o i_o resolve_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o some_o worthy_a person_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o be_v not_o long_o in_o suspense_n about_o the_o dedication_n but_o be_v speedy_o determine_v therein_o by_o call_v to_o remembrance_n a_o former_a obligation_n to_o your_o honour_n under_o whicâ—_n i_o have_v just_o put_v myself_o only_o i_o fear_v lest_z instead_o of_o discharge_v a_o obligation_n i_o shall_v deserve_v a_o imputation_n of_o presumption_n and_o weakness_n in_o think_v to_o dissolve_v it_o by_o such_o a_o trifle_n but_o madam_n if_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o measure_n of_o my_o return_n from_o your_o merit_n and_o my_o duty_n peradventure_o i_o can_v not_o have_v satisfy_v justice_n without_o a_o volume_n as_o large_a as_o that_o which_o your_o honour_n and_o many_o other_o know_v i_o be_o engage_v in_o beside_o i_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o generosity_n which_o look_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a as_o the_o sincâ—erity_n of_o he_o that_o tender_v it_o and_o madam_n though_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o discourse_n be_v but_o small_a and_o my_o managery_n of_o it_o can_v add_v no_o greatness_n to_o it_o which_o i_o confess_v be_v such_o as_o needs_o the_o pardon_n of_o a_o critical_a reader_n yet_o i_o must_v aver_v that_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v true_o great_a religion_n which_o have_v the_o great_a god_n and_o the_o great_a saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o its_o object_n great_a promise_n for_o its_o encouragement_n great_a salvation_n for_o its_o reward_n and_o what_o galen_n say_v of_o physic_n be_v more_o true_a of_o religion_n non_fw-la datur_fw-la exiguum_fw-la there_o be_v nothing_o small_a and_o trivial_a in_o it_o and_o as_o religion_n be_v great_a in_o itself_o so_o i_o dare_v say_v it_o be_v in_o your_o honour_n eye_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o will_v not_o despise_v this_o small_a apology_n for_o it_o which_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o former_a time_n make_v necessary_a and_o the_o degeneration_n and_o malignity_n of_o the_o present_a make_v seasonable_a but_o i_o must_v remember_v i_o be_o write_v a_o epistle_n to_o a_o small_a discourse_n and_o i_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o make_v my_o gate_n too_o wide_o lest_o as_o he_o say_v the_o city_n shall_v run_v out_o of_o it_o your_o honour_n time_n be_v too_o precious_a for_o i_o to_o rob_v you_o of_o more_o of_o it_o and_o my_o occasion_n be_v so_o urgent_a that_o they_o will_v scarce_o allow_v i_o to_o perform_v civility_n i_o only_o add_v my_o own_o and_o beg_v you_o and_o other_o true_o religious_a person_n prayer_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v my_o poor_a endeavour_n if_o your_o honour_n name_n and_o interest_n engage_v other_o to_o read_v it_o to_o their_o good_a it_o will_v abundant_o answer_v the_o desire_n and_o compensate_a the_o pain_n of_o madam_n your_o honour_n most_o oblige_v and_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n especial_o in_o the_o concern_v of_o your_o soul_n m._n p._n a_o seasonable_a apology_n for_o religion_n matthew_n 11.19_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o verse_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n the_o particle_n but_o command_v your_o reflection_n upon_o the_o forego_n word_n and_o verse_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n describe_v the_o humour_n and_o manner_n of_o that_o generation_n which_o he_o do_v two_o way_n 1._o allegorical_o vers_fw-la 16_o 17._o but_o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n it_o be_v like_a unto_o child_n sit_v in_o the_o market_n and_o call_v unto_o their_o fellow_n and_o say_v we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o lament_v 2._o proper_o vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o wherein_o he_o represent_v their_o perverse_a and_o censorious_a humour_n they_o be_v so_o capricious_a that_o god_n himself_o can_v not_o please_v â—hem_fw-mi though_o he_o condescend_v so_o gracious_o as_o to_o use_v variety_n of_o mean_n and_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n to_o comply_v even_o with_o their_o humour_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v to_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v save_v some_o first_o he_o send_v john_n neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v which_o you_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v simple_o as_o if_o as_o they_o fable_n of_o the_o chameleon_n he_o do_v live_v upon_o air_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v he_o do_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v intemperate_o he_o do_v both_o restrain_v himself_o from_o unlawful_a and_o moderate_v himself_o in_o lawful_a thing_n for_o quantity_n what_o he_o do_v eat_v be_v little_a next_o to_o nothing_o for_o quality_n it_o be_v locust_n and_o wild_a honey_n his_o garment_n also_o be_v as_o unpleasing_a to_o other_o as_o his_o meat_n to_o himself_o and_o all_o this_o be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o austerity_n of_o john_n life_n join_v with_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n may_v awaken_v that_o secure_a generation_n to_o repentance_n whereby_o they_o may_v divert_v god_n judgement_n and_o prevent_v their_o own_o ruin_n but_o all_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o it_o produce_v quite_o contrary_a effect_n even_o a_o censure_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n instead_o of_o compliance_n with_o they_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n man_n they_o consider_v be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n and_o because_o he_o much_o avoid_v converse_n with_o man_n and_o choose_v solitude_n they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a observation_n that_o every_o solitary_a person_n be_v either_o a_o god_n or_o a_o angel_n or_o a_o devil_n they_o pretend_v they_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o john_n doctrine_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n or_o suggest_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o in_o refuse_v his_o doctrine_n and_o baptism_n when_o this_o prove_v ineffectual_a god_n contrive_v another_o way_n and_o send_v a_o ambassador_n in_o another_o garb_n vers_fw-la 19_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v eat_v and_o drink_v i._n e._n free_o converse_v with_o other_o man_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o the_o worst_a of_o they_o publican_n and_o sinner_n accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o custom_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v but_o this_o also_o succeed_v as_o ill_a as_o the_o former_a attempt_n they_o be_v still_o strike_v upon_o the_o same_o string_n and_o vent_v their_o censorious_a humour_n they_o say_v behold_v a_o man_n gluttonous_a and_o a_o wine-bibber_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n his_o gentleness_n to_o sinner_n they_o call_v approbation_n of_o their_o sin_n his_o conversable_a disposition_n looseness_n and_o luxury_n thus_o far_o you_o have_v their_o censure_n my_o text_n contain_v our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n in_o which_o word_n three_o thing_n need_v explication_n quest._n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o wisdom_n answ._n in_o scripture_n use_v as_o sin_n be_v oft_o call_v folly_n so_o religion_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v call_v wisdom_n job._n 28.28_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o scripture_n language_n be_v but_o two_o expression_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n psal._n 36.3_o he_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o do_v good_a where_o the_o last_o word_n expound_v the_o former_a more_o particular_o wisdom_n in_o this_o place_n be_v that_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n reject_v and_o that_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v call_v wisdom_n prov._n 8._o and_o who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n salvation_n through_o christ._n this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o reject_v and_o the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n justify_v quest._n 2._o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n answ._n the_o true_a disciple_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v a_o phrase_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n whereby_o man_n devote_v or_o addict_v to_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n be_v call_v his_o or_o its_o child_n
but_o not_o contrary_a lest_o otherwise_o we_o drive_v away_o those_o who_o we_o will_v reclaim_v let_v we_o steer_v our_o course_n bâ—â—â—een_v that_o conversation_n which_o be_v best_a and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o in_o use_n let_v our_o manner_n of_o life_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v reverence_v it_o but_o yet_o such_o also_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v it_o i_o can_v therefore_o approve_v of_o any_o uncooth_n gesture_n or_o tone_n or_o other_o affect_a singularity_n in_o any_o christian_n and_o least_o of_o all_o in_o minister_n yet_o thus_o much_o i_o must_v say_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v despise_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o such_o circumstantial_a and_o trivial_a indecency_n or_o refuse_v their_o food_n because_o it_o be_v not_o serve_v up_o in_o a_o lordly_a dish_n nor_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a or_o unreasonable_a if_o such_o as_o have_v a_o inward_a passion_n for_o religion_n discover_v it_o in_o their_o outward_a man_n by_o some_o unusual_a signification_n i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v i_o can_v but_o esteem_v it_o another_o token_n of_o man_n malevolence_n against_o religion_n that_o they_o can_v dispense_v with_o these_o very_a thing_n or_o more_o indecent_a posture_n from_o person_n transport_v with_o love_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n which_o they_o so_o severe_o censure_v in_o person_n that_o be_v fire_v with_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o because_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o they_o conclude_v there_o be_v none_o in_o other_o also_o and_o judge_v all_o to_o bâ—_n but_o hypocritical_a fiction_n but_o although_o such_o censurer_n be_v never_o the_o better_a yet_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v prevail_v with_o all_o serious_a minister_n and_o christian_n to_o watch_v against_o such_o thing_n to_o strive_v with_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o to_o redeem_v themselves_o from_o such_o ill_a habiâ—â—_n and_o custom_n which_o some_o peradventure_o have_v contract_v i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o 1._o religion_n do_v not_o oblige_v you_o to_o they_o that_o consist_v not_o in_o meatâ—_n and_o drink_n and_o phraseâ—_n and_o gesture_n but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o religion_n oblige_v you_o against_o they_o the_o grâ—at_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o we_o must_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n practiâ—e_v 1_o cor._n 9_o â—2_n become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n we_o may_v save_v some_o and_o let_v i_o add_v what_o christian_n happy_o do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o special_a care_n of_o those_o who_o they_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v i_o mean_v of_o ungodly_a man_n who_o such_o affectation_n do_v fill_v with_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n as_o the_o physician_n chief_a care_n lie_v towards_o those_o that_o be_v most_o disease_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a and_o necessary_a work_n than_o the_o edification_n of_o saint_n christian_n shall_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o part_n and_o kind_n of_o conversation_n so_o demean_v themselves_o as_o they_o may_v not_o prejudice_v any_o against_o but_o rather_o win_v they_o to_o the_o love_n and_o way_n of_o god_n 2._o take_v heed_n of_o injustice_n fraud_n or_o falseness_n in_o your_o word_n trade_n and_o action_n this_o be_v that_o which_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o man_n wide_a against_o religion_n and_o woe_n to_o they_o that_o give_v the_o occasion_n but_o let_v such_o vain_a pretender_n to_o religion_n know_v that_o godliness_n be_v nothing_o worth_a which_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o righteousness_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o as_o well_o as_o godly_o in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o be_v true_o good_a will_v not_o only_o make_v conscience_n of_o serve_v god_n but_o will_v also_o provide_v thing_n honest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n rom._n 12.17_o so_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v be_v you_o so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n as_o not_o to_o understand_v so_o plain_a and_o important_a a_o truâ—h_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v clear_a 1_o thes._n 4.6_o that_o no_o man_n go_v beyond_o or_o defraud_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n because_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o avenger_n of_o all_o such_o there_o be_v a_o vulgar_a reproach_n professor_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o swear_v but_o they_o will_v lie_v loud_o will_v they_o so_o then_o set_v a_o mark_n upon_o they_o that_o man_n that_o will_v lie_v or_o cheat_v or_o falsify_v his_o word_n and_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o usual_a practice_n of_o these_o thing_n let_v he_o know_v and_o let_v other_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o his_o religion_n be_v in_o vain_a nor_o â—s_a religion_n concern_v in_o his_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o see_v what_o necessity_n there_o lie_v upon_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n to_o avoid_v such_o wicked_a practice_n 3._o take_v heed_n of_o scandalous_a sin_n you_o must_v indeed_o make_v conscience_n of_o avoid_v all_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o every_o true_o good_a man_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o secret_a where_o none_o but_o god_n see_v that_o he_o be_v before_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o in_o especial_a manner_n you_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o notorious_a siâ—s_n for_o hereby_o god_n be_v public_o dishonour_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o infinite_o wound_v and_o religion_n high_o disgrace_v he_o that_o be_v not_o deep_o affect_v with_o these_o consideration_n i_o may_v say_v have_v not_o one_o dram_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o he_o 4._o take_v heed_n of_o relative_a sin_n it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o religion_n when_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o carry_v themselves_o well_o in_o all_o their_o relation_n when_o religious_a person_n be_v the_o best_a husband_n the_o best_a wife_n the_o best_a master_n the_o best_a servant_n and_o let_v i_o add_v the_o best_a neighbour_n and_o friend_n for_o do_v not_o think_v religion_n do_v either_o require_v you_o or_o allow_v you_o to_o be_v unneighbourly_o or_o unsociable_a it_o be_v true_a there_o needs_o caution_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o a_o man_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o that_o he_o do_v not_o maintain_v intimate_a or_o unnecessary_a familiarity_n with_o gross_o vicious_a person_n but_o in_o other_o case_n religion_n command_v courtesy_n and_o kindness_n be_v pitiful_a be_v courteous_a 1_o pet._n â—_o 8_o unspeakable_a be_v the_o hurt_n which_o that_o silly_a sect_n among_o we_o do_v in_o this_o respect_n by_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o religion_n teach_v they_o ill_a manner_n 5._o take_v heed_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n i_o join_v they_o together_o because_o they_o usual_o go_v together_o only_o by_o pride_n come_v contention_n prov._n 13.10_o these_o sin_n be_v odious_a in_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o in_o person_n profess_v godliness_n because_o it_o direct_o contradict_v the_o great_a command_n and_o example_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a 6._o take_v heed_n of_o indiscreet_a zeal_n without_o due_a respect_n to_o person_n or_o place_n or_o thing_n hereby_o many_o man_n have_v do_v great_a mischief_n to_o religion_n even_o when_o they_o have_v design_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n as_o well_o as_o innocent_a as_o dove_n and_o christian_n have_v great_a need_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o wisdom_n not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o safe_a conduct_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o also_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o these_o dishonour_n which_o they_o may_v bring_v upon_o religion_n by_o their_o folly_n and_o imprudence_n 3._o caution_n to_o all_o i_o beseech_v you_o do_v religion_n and_o yourselves_o that_o right_n not_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o by_o the_o censure_n and_o calumny_n of_o evil_a mind_a man_n remember_v though_o they_o shall_v answer_v for_o their_o wickedness_n you_o shall_v not_o go_v free_a if_o by_o their_o false_a suggestion_n you_o be_v induce_v to_o any_o contempt_n or_o dislike_n of_o religion_n you_o shall_v assure_o perish_v and_o your_o blood_n will_v be_v upon_o your_o own_o head_n if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n consider_v also_o you_o have_v be_v forewarn_v of_o this_o mistake_n and_o your_o own_o reason_n must_v needs_o allow_v this_o inference_n that_o if_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v by_o the_o life_n of_o good_a man_n because_o they_o come_v
of_o this_o and_o all_o former_a age_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o devil_n rage_n and_o malice_n his_o great_a design_n be_v to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o this_o end_n he_o raise_v calumny_n and_o persecution_n and_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o and_o tempt_v religious_a man_n to_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v dishonour_v it_o the_o devil_n carry_v himself_o quiet_o towards_o ungodly_a man_n comply_v with_o their_o inclination_n present_v convenient_a object_n and_o occasion_n to_o they_o give_v they_o all_o furtherance_n in_o their_o evil_a design_n but_o when_o any_o man_n gin_v serious_o to_o think_v of_o religion_n than_o the_o devil_n bestir_v himself_o sometime_o roar_v like_o a_o lion_n sometime_o deceive_v like_o a_o serpent_n then_o he_o stir_v up_o friend_n to_o flatter_v and_o seduce_v enemy_n to_o threaten_v and_o rage_n other_o to_o slander_n and_o reproach_n and_o wherefore_o be_v all_o this_o what_o do_v this_o teach_v we_o even_o that_o which_o be_v say_v concern_v nero_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o excellent_a thing_n which_o so_o envious_a and_o malicious_a a_o spirit_n so_o fierce_o oppose_v in_o brief_a thus_o man_n interest_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v direct_o opposite_a and_o therefore_o you_o may_v safe_o conclude_v whatsoever_o promote_v his_o interest_n destroy_v you_o he_o hearty_o grudge_v to_o man_n his_o restauration_n to_o that_o happiness_n which_o himself_o have_v irrecoverable_o lose_v and_o therefore_o he_o set_v himself_o against_o religion_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v the_o only_a restorative_n to_o lose_a man_n the_o only_a way_n to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o devil_n power_n and_o from_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o to_o instate_v he_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o true_a and_o endless_a bliss_n 4_o you_o will_v never_o repent_v of_o the_o justification_n of_o religion_n once_o justify_v religion_n and_o you_o will_v never_o condemn_v it_o ungodly_a man_n be_v changeling_n in_o religion_n their_o religion_n vary_v with_o their_o humour_n and_o with_o the_o season_n they_o have_v one_o religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o youth_n and_o jollity_n another_o in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a age_n and_o trouble_v one_o religion_n when_o the_o man_n rule_v in_o they_o another_o when_o the_o beast_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a employment_n of_o the_o poor_a sinner_n be_v all_o his_o day_n to_o do_v and_o undo_v to_o build_v with_o one_o hand_n and_o to_o pull_v down_o with_o another_o to_o erect_v in_o health_n and_o demolish_v in_o sickness_n how_o full_a the_o world_n be_v of_o sickbed_n repentance_n be_v common_o observe_v how_o true_a they_o be_v be_v another_o question_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n that_o sinner_n be_v then_o clear_o convince_v than_o they_o condemn_v themselves_o and_o their_o former_a way_n and_o caution_n their_o friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o iniquity_n it_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o see_v that_o they_o dare_v stand_v to_o their_o former_a bargain_n at_o that_o time_n but_o he_o that_o justify_v religion_n once_o will_v justify_v it_o for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v steady_a and_o fix_v as_o his_o practice_n be_v regular_a and_o constant_a he_o justify_v religion_n in_o prosperity_n and_o he_o do_v no_o less_o in_o adversity_n when_o he_o sufferâ—_n with_o it_o yea_o though_o he_o suffer_v by_o it_o he_o justify_v it_o in_o health_n and_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o do_v so_o in_o sickness_n too_o i_o dare_v challenge_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o person_n do_v you_o ever_o hear_v a_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n upon_o a_o die_a bed_n complain_v that_o he_o have_v be_v too_o religious_a or_o condemn_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v slight_v the_o concernment_n of_o the_o present_a world_n in_o comparison_n of_o it_o i_o trow_v not_o no_o then_o religion_n appear_v with_o the_o most_o beautiful_a face_n than_o a_o man_n find_v unexpressible_a sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o then_o a_o smile_n of_o god_n face_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o a_o thousand_o world_n when_o a_o man_n can_v say_v with_o good_a hezekiah_n remember_v o_o lord_n how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n esa._n 38.21_o or_o with_o saint_n paul_n i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v and_o the_o time_n of_o my_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o sor_n i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 4.6_o 7_o 8._o nay_o a_o religious_a man_n carry_v his_o principle_n along_o with_o he_o into_o another_o world_n he_o that_o justify_v religion_n now_o will_v justify_v it_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o for_o ever_o then_o he_o will_v rejoice_v in_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o direct_v he_o to_o his_o â—ormer_a choice_n when_o the_o miserable_a sinner_n shall_v make_v â—_o formal_a recantation_n of_o all_o his_o hard_a speech_n and_o bitter_a reflection_n upon_o religion_n and_o its_o professor_n and_o will_v say_v as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o that_o apocryphal_a book_n call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n ch_n 5._o this_o be_v â—e_v who_o we_o have_v sometime_o in_o derision_n and_o a_o proverb_n of_o reproach_n we_o fool_v account_v his_o life_n madness_n and_o his_o end_n to_o be_v without_o honour_n how_o be_v he_o number_v among_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o his_o lot_n be_v among_o the_o saint_n we_o weary_v ourselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n and_o destruction_n yea_o we_o have_v go_v through_o desert_n where_o there_o lie_v no_o way_n but_o as_o for_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o have_v not_o know_v it_o what_o have_v pride_n profit_v we_o or_o what_o good_a have_v riches_n with_o our_o vaunt_a bring_v we_o etc._n etc._n 5._o religion_n be_v high_o justify_v by_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o irreligion_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n not_o consist_v of_o empty_a word_n but_o deduce_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v most_o true_a carendo_fw-la magis_fw-la quam_fw-la fruendo_fw-la sentiuntur_fw-la bona_fw-la the_o excellency_n of_o thing_n be_v better_o understand_v by_o the_o want_n than_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o the_o darkness_n and_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o night_n commend_v to_o we_o the_o use_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o day_n light_n consider_v with_o i_o i_o beseech_v you_o the_o doleful_a estate_n of_o this_o degenerate_a age_n and_o nation_n how_o be_v man_n not_o by_o poetical_a fiction_n but_o too_o true_o transform_v into_o swine_n and_o goat_n and_o serpent_n and_o tiger_n nay_o in_o truth_n i_o wrong_v the_o beast_n by_o the_o comparison_n man_n be_v much_o the_o worse_a bruit_n of_o the_o two_o they_o far_o outdo_v they_o in_o filthiness_n deceit_n perfidiousness_n fierceness_n and_o rage_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o man_n do_v so_o waste_v their_o conscience_n with_o hideous_a crime_n blast_v their_o reputation_n and_o render_v themselves_o the_o scorn_n of_o all_o serious_a and_o prudent_a man_n fill_v their_o body_n with_o loathsome_a disease_n reduce_v their_o estate_n to_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n be_v it_o not_o for_o want_v of_o religion_n which_o where_o it_o be_v observe_v be_v a_o effectual_a fence_n to_o all_o these_o whence_o be_v that_o proverb_n verify_v that_o one_o man_n be_v a_o wolf_n a_o devil_n to_o another_o but_o for_o want_v of_o religion_n to_o control_v their_o unmanly_a unchristian_a unruly_a passion_n look_v into_o many_o family_n whence_o be_v all_o the_o breach_n contention_n and_o division_n there_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o husband_n and_o wife_n be_v so_o false_a so_o unnatural_a and_o unkind_a one_o to_o another_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o manifest_a command_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o oath_n and_o sacred_a tie_n which_o god_n have_v bind_v upon_o they_o which_o their_o own_o express_a consent_n have_v make_v indissoluble_a but_o by_o death_n that_o they_o do_v so_o easy_o so_o unnecessary_o and_o so_o frequent_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o child_n be_v so_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a that_o servant_n be_v so_o froward_a unfaithful_a and_o 〈◊〉_d but_o because_o they_o want_v religion_n to_o teach_v anâ—_n enforce_v their_o several_a duty_n whence_o be_v the_o disorder_n in_o kingdom_n that_o superior_n do_v not_o rule_v well_o that_o inferior_n do_v not_o obey_v well_o that_o all_o do_v not_o live_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o amity_n what_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n not_o religion_n as_o be_v false_o pretend_v but_o irreligion_n witness_n jam._n 4.1_o from_o whence_o come_v