because_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o no_o their_o want_n may_v be_v real_a notwithstanding_o that_o especial_o when_o their_o extremity_n seem_v great_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o stand_v upon_o too_o rigorous_a a_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v accept_v of_o a_o fair_a probability_n seven_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v strip_v of_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o great_a precedence_n in_o our_o charity_n to_o most_o other_o case_n and_o this_o of_o late_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o have_v flee_v hither_o for_o refuge_n from_o the_o tyranny_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o have_v be_v by_o a_o most_o extraordinary_a charity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n more_o than_o once_o extend_v to_o they_o most_o seasonable_o relieve_v but_o especial_o by_o the_o bounty_n of_o this_o great_a city_n who_o liberality_n upon_o these_o occasion_n have_v be_v beyond_o all_o example_n and_o even_o all_o belief_n and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o this_o very_a thing_n next_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n have_v have_v a_o particular_a influence_n upon_o our_o preservation_n and_o deliverance_n from_o those_o terrible_a calamity_n which_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o be_v we_o not_o so_o stupid_o insensible_a of_o this_o great_a deliverance_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v for_o we_o and_o so_o horrible_o unthankful_a to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o it_o may_v still_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o continue_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o and_o what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o thank_v god_n who_o have_v allot_v to_o we_o this_o more_o bless_a and_o more_o merciful_a part_n to_o give_v and_o not_o to_o receive_v to_o be_v free_a from_o persecution_n ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v give_v refuge_n and_o relief_n to_o those_o that_o be_v persecute_v iii_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o charity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translation_n render_v as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n other_o as_o we_o have_v ability_n so_o that_o this_o expression_n may_v refer_v either_o to_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o charity_n or_o to_o the_o season_n of_o it_o or_o to_o the_o proportion_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o may_v refer_v to_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o charity_n as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a that_o be_v according_a as_o the_o occasion_n of_o do_v good_a shall_v present_v themselves_o to_o we_o so_o often_o as_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v and_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o very_a good_a and_o charitable_a disposition_n glad_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o do_v good_a as_o it_o be_v to_o meet_v opportunity_n when_o they_o be_v a_o come_n towards_o we_o this_o forwardness_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o work_n of_o charity_n the_o apostle_n commend_v in_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 9.2_o i_o know_v the_o forwardness_n of_o your_o mind_n for_o which_o i_o boast_v of_o you_o to_o they_o of_o macedonia_n and_o this_o he_o require_v of_o all_o christian_n tit._n 3.10_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o 1_o tim._n 6.18_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v some_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o decline_v these_o opportunity_n and_o to_o get_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o they_o and_o when_o they_o thrust_v themselves_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o can_v avoid_v they_o they_o do_v what_o they_o do_v grudge_o and_o not_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n 2._o it_o may_v refer_v to_o the_o season_n of_o this_o duty_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d while_o we_o have_v time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whilst_o this_o life_n last_v so_o grotius_n do_v understand_v and_o interpret_v this_o phrase_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n do_v hereby_o intimate_v to_o they_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o life_n especial_o in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o this_o consideration_n hold_v in_o all_o time_n in_o some_o degree_n that_o our_o life_n be_v short_a and_o uncertain_a that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n in_o this_o kind_n namely_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n in_o this_o vale_n of_o misery_n and_o want_v in_o the_o next_o world_n there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n no_o opportunity_n for_o it_o we_o shall_v then_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o reap_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o receive_v that_o bless_a sentence_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o to_o eat_v etc._n etc._n and_o euge_fw-la bene_fw-la serve_v well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o a_o little_a and_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o much_o god_n will_v then_o declare_v his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o and_o open_v those_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v partake_v of_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o good_a which_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world_n or_o else_o 3._o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n it_o may_v refer_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o proportion_n to_o our_o ability_n and_o estate_n as_o we_o have_v ability_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o men._n and_o this_o the_o phrase_n will_v bear_v as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o take_v in_o this_o sense_n at_o least_o as_o part_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o either_o express_v or_o imply_v for_o without_o this_o we_o can_v exercise_v charity_n though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o occasion_n for_o it_o and_o then_o this_o precept_n will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n ecclus._n 35.10_o give_v unto_o the_o most_o high_a according_a as_o he_o have_v enrich_v thou_o and_o with_o that_o counsel_n tob._n 4.7_o give_v alm_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o thy_o substance_n and_o 8._o v._n if_o thou_o have_v abundance_n give_v alm_n according_o and_o this_o may_v be_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o we_o for_o wherever_o his_o providence_n give_v a_o man_n a_o estate_n it_o be_v but_o in_o trust_n for_o certain_a uses_n and_o purpose_v among_o which_o charity_n and_o alms_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o we_o must_v be_v accountable_a to_o he_o whether_o we_o have_v dispose_v it_o faithful_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o level_v man_n estate_n and_o to_o give_v every_o man_n a_o competency_n but_o he_o do_v on_o purpose_n suffer_v thing_n to_o be_v distribute_v so_o unequal_o to_o try_v and_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n of_o man_n in_o several_a way_n the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o contentedness_n of_o those_o in_o a_o middle_a condition_n the_o charity_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o rich._n and_o in_o truth_n wealth_n and_o riches_n that_o be_v a_o estate_n above_o what_o suffice_v our_o real_a occasion_n and_o necessity_n be_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n a_o blessing_n than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o opportunity_n put_v into_o our_o hand_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n of_o do_v more_o good_a and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o faithful_o employ_v it_o to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v but_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o the_o rust_n of_o our_o silver_n and_o our_o gold_n will_v be_v a_o witness_n against_o we_o and_o we_o do_v but_o heap_v up_o treasure_n together_o against_o the_o last_o day_n but_o what_o proportion_n our_o charity_n ought_v to_o bear_v to_o our_o estate_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v the_o circumstance_n of_o man_n have_v too_o much_o variety_n in_o they_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o certain_a rule_n some_o may_v do_v well_o and_o other_o may_v do_v better_a every_o man_n as_o god_n have_v put_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o according_a to_o his_o belief_n of_o the_o recompense_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v in_o general_a that_o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o free_a and_o willing_a mind_n that_o will_v make_v a_o man_n charitable_a to_o his_o power_n for_o the_o liberal_a man_n will_v devise_v liberal_a thing_n and_o we_o can_v propose_v a_o better_a pattern_n to_o ourselves_o in_o
be_v utter_o impossible_a now_o these_o be_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a perfection_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o declare_v his_o name_n that_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v govern_v all_o our_o reason_n about_o god_n as_o concern_v his_o decree_n and_o his_o concurrence_n with_o the_o free_a action_n of_o man_n and_o his_o particular_a providence_n which_o be_v thing_n more_o dark_a and_o obscure_a by_o what_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o in_o all_o these_o point_n holy_a man_n do_v constant_o appeal_v to_o these_o unquestionable_a and_o intelligible_a perfection_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a say_v abraham_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a we_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o god_n certain_o know_v who_o be_v wicked_a and_o who_o be_v righteous_a and_o he_o know_v how_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o save_v the_o righteous_a but_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v right_a thus_o moses_n satisfy_v himself_o and_o other_o concern_v the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n deut._n 32.3_o 4._o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he._n this_o we_o certain_o know_v of_o god_n so_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2.2_o thou_o be_v inexcusable_a o_o man_n whatsoever_o excuse_v man_n may_v pretend_v for_o their_o fault_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o principle_n we_o be_v sure_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n second_o let_v we_o always_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n and_o so_o as_o to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o one_o another_o do_v not_o consider_v god_n as_o mere_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n as_o mere_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n as_o mere_a justice_n and_o severity_n but_o as_o all_o these_o together_o and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o may_v make_v they_o consistent_a with_o one_o another_o the_o great_a mistake_n in_o religion_n be_v certain_o spring_v from_o this_o root_n from_o separate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o consider_v they_o single_o and_o frame_v such_o wide_a and_o large_a notion_n of_o one_o as_o to_o exclude_v another_o whereas_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n agree_v together_o and_o that_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a perfection_n which_o contradict_v any_o other_o perfection_n among_o man_n indeed_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o any_o one_o excellency_n do_v usual_o shut_v out_o some_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o power_n and_o moderation_n love_n and_o discretion_n do_v not_o often_o meet_v together_o that_o a_o great_a memory_n and_o a_o small_a judgement_n a_o good_a wit_n and_o a_o ill_a nature_n be_v many_o time_n find_v in_o conjunction_n but_o in_o infinite_a perfection_n all_o perfection_n do_v eminent_o meet_v and_o consist_v together_o and_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o one_o excellency_n shall_v be_v raise_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o another_o and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v well_o consider_v man_n will_v not_o by_o be_v too_o intent_n upon_o god_n sovereignty_n with_o neglect_n of_o his_o other_o perfection_n have_v speak_v those_o hard_a thing_n about_o predestination_n for_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n set_v he_o above_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v consider_v man_n will_v not_o by_o pore_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v so_o swallow_v up_o in_o despair_n for_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a but_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o penitent_a and_o have_v leave_v a_o retreat_n for_o the_o return_a sinner_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v check_v the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n by_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o a_o god_n all_o of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v therefore_o their_o heart_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a for_o it_o be_v not_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n final_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o forgive_v obstinate_a offender_n but_o want_v of_o prudence_n and_o good_a government_n three_o among_o different_a opinion_n concern_v god_n as_o there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o world_n choose_v those_o which_o be_v far_a from_o extremity_n because_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o virtue_n usual_o lie_v between_o the_o extreme_n and_o here_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o that_o controversy_n which_o have_v much_o disquiet_v the_o church_n almost_o in_o all_o age_n concern_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n about_o which_o there_o be_v two_o extreme_n the_o one_o that_o god_n peremptory_o decree_v the_o final_a condition_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v their_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n without_o any_o regard_n or_o consideration_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n of_o men._n the_o other_o that_o god_n decree_v nothing_o concern_v any_o particular_a person_n but_o only_o in_o general_a that_o man_n find_v under_o such_o and_o such_o qualification_n shall_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o own_o power_n to_o qualify_v themselves_o now_o he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o every_o man_n must_v be_v that_o understand_v the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n have_v best_o take_v up_o in_o the_o middle_a opinion_n that_o god_n decree_v the_o final_a condition_n of_o particular_a person_n with_o respect_n to_o certain_a qualification_n which_o speak_v absolute_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n but_o yet_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o for_o beside_o that_o this_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o truth_n there_o will_v be_v this_o advantage_n in_o it_o that_o he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o middle_n be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o moderate_a towards_o the_o dissenter_n on_o both_o side_n than_o either_o of_o they_o will_v be_v to_o one_o another_o because_o the_o middle_n be_v not_o so_o far_o from_o either_o extreme_a as_o the_o extreme_n be_v from_o one_o another_o at_o the_o worst_a he_o stand_v fair_a for_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o when_o he_o have_v satisfy_v himself_o where_o the_o truth_n lie_v he_o may_v more_o silent_o pass_v over_o to_o it_o without_o any_o great_a imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n which_o can_v but_o be_v remarkable_a in_o he_o who_o pass_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o four_o and_o last_o entertain_v no_o opinion_n concern_v god_n that_o do_v evident_o contradict_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o good_a life_n though_o never_o so_o specious_a and_o subtle_a argument_n may_v be_v use_v to_o persuade_v it_o truth_n be_v most_o easy_o see_v and_o discern_v in_o those_o reason_n and_o opinion_n which_o tend_v to_o practice_n because_o the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o they_o be_v soon_o discover_v whereas_o we_o can_v so_o certain_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o speculative_a man_n devise_v in_o their_o study_n without_o any_o consideration_n whether_o they_o serve_v any_o real_a purpose_n of_o life_n or_o not_o man_n indeed_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o form_v those_o notion_n which_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o common_a sense_n and_o use_v because_o more_o pain_n and_o wit_n be_v require_v to_o make_v they_o plausible_a but_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o make_v a_o wise_a man_n despise_v they_o than_o that_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o practice_n and_o to_o make_v man_n true_o better_a this_o be_v universal_o true_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n but_o most_o considerable_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n because_o that_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o great_a consideration_n we_o need_v not_o scruple_n to_o admit_v some_o thing_n not_o so_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n if_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o a_o high_a and_o more_o cogent_a reason_n as_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o say_v it_o this_o general_a reason_n may_v persuade_v we_o of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a reason_n but_o we_o may_v not_o admit_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o evident_o contradict_v and_o weaken_v the_o practice_n of_o
a_o holy_a life_n because_o this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o we_o know_v god_n only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o service_n and_o imitation_n of_o he_o let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o all_o knowledge_n that_o contradict_v practice_n as_o vain_a and_o false_a because_o it_o destroy_v its_o end_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o seem_v probable_a enough_o in_o speculation_n which_o yet_o we_o most_o pertinacious_o deny_v because_o they_o be_v not_o practicable_a and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a in_o speculation_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a dispute_n which_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v find_v true_a in_o practice_n and_o experience_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o idle_a reason_v of_o the_o stoic_n be_v a_o thing_n contemn_v by_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n as_o a_o vain_a and_o useless_a subtlety_n zeno_n pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o be_v no_o motion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o speculation_n but_o that_o man_n must_v stand_v still_o but_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v walk_v all_o the_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o persuade_v he_o that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o nor_o contribute_v any_o more_o to_o their_o own_o sanctification_n than_o stock_n or_o stone_n and_o upon_o scripture_n metaphor_n misunderstand_v as_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o create_v to_o good_a work_n graft_v notion_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o absurd_a in_o practice_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o man_n must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o religion_n never_o think_v of_o god_n nor_o pray_v to_o he_o nor_o read_v his_o word_n nor_o go_v to_o church_n but_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v whole_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o however_o this_o may_v seem_v plausible_a and_o man_n may_v think_v they_o add_v much_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n while_o they_o deny_v any_o power_n in_o the_o creature_n yet_o every_o considerate_a man_n will_v present_o apprehend_v that_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v because_o it_o contradict_v practice_n and_o make_v all_o the_o command_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n because_o it_o destroy_v religion_n and_o discourage_v the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n make_v they_o slothful_a and_o careless_a of_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v set_v a_o man_n far_o from_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o more_o immediate_o dispose_v he_o for_o ruin_n and_o upon_o some_o such_o false_a reason_v as_o this_o the_o slothful_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n and_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o account_v his_o excuse_n be_v not_o admit_v but_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n the_o two_o other_o particular_n namely_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n and_o likewise_o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o enjoin_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vi_o concern_v our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n matth_n v._o 48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v first_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v not_o only_o in_o those_o before_o mention_v of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o in_o all_o other_o excellency_n whatsoever_o second_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n i_o propound_v to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n i._o to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n ii_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n iii_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n iv._o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a the_o two_o first_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o these_o word_n do_v suppose_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v several_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o a_o creature_n as_o such_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o they_o these_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o independency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o selfsufficiency_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n the_o immensity_n and_o eternity_n of_o his_o be_v these_o and_o perhaps_o several_a other_o perfection_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unsufferable_a pride_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o high_a treason_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o sottish_a ignorance_n of_o the_o necessary_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o own_o state_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n to_o think_v to_o resemble_v god_n in_o these_o excellency_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v utter_o incapable_a this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o lucifer_n a_o ambition_n to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a so_o that_o in_o our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v within_o the_o station_n of_o creature_n not_o affect_v a_o independency_n and_o sovereignty_n like_o the_o most_o high_a and_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a as_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o arm_n like_o god_n and_o to_o thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o job_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v he_o pro_fw-la modulo_fw-la creaturae_fw-la according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o those_o divine_a quality_n and_o in_o such_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o our_o finite_a and_o dependent_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o more_o especial_o and_o chief_o in_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o and_o only_o these_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n not_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o those_o which_o i_o have_v name_v for_o with_o these_o and_o hardly_o with_o any_o other_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n join_v in_o scripture_n as_o holy_a and_o righteous_a holy_a and_o true_a etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n say_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a it_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o set_v he_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a impurity_n and_o sin_n for_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n more_o peculiar_o recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n of_o which_o his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v two_o eminent_a branch_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o mercy_n in_o spare_v those_o who_o have_v deserve_v punishment_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o and_o the_o
of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v perpetual_o ascend_v and_o climb_v up_o high_o still_o advance_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o goodness_n to_o another_o and_o continual_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o god_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a state_n whereas_o any_o equality_n with_o god_n even_o in_o the_o communicable_a attribute_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n but_o above_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n even_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o of_o the_o high_a angel_n in_o glory_n for_o their_o perfection_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o in_o comparison_n with_o our_o present_a state_n and_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o who_o continual_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o their_o father_n be_v still_o write_v after_o this_o copy_n which_o be_v here_o propound_v to_o we_o and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a still_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_o and_o more_o perfect_a resemblance_n of_o god_n who_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o and_o before_o that_o of_o any_o creature_n that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o approach_v near_o to_o it_o and_o yet_o never_o overtake_v it_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a ingredient_n and_o enhancement_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n that_o the_o holiness_n of_o good_a man_n which_o be_v the_o similitude_n of_o god_n be_v never_o at_o a_o stand_n nor_o at_o its_o full_a growth_n and_o period_n but_o that_o the_o glorify_a saint_n yea_o and_o bless_v angel_n too_o may_v be_v continual_o grow_v and_o improve_n and_o they_o themselves_o still_o become_v better_o and_o happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n and_o this_o in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v no_o undervalue_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a at_o first_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o because_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o good_a soul_n who_o be_v already_o in_o bliss_n shall_v be_v more_o perfect_a and_o complete_a at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o then_o be_v continual_o increase_v and_o be_v augment_v still_o more_o and_o more_o without_o any_o stint_n or_o final_a period_n of_o its_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o faint_v in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v but_o in_o the_o other_o state_n when_o man_n shall_v be_v strong_o bias_v to_o goodness_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o pull_v they_o back_o it_o will_v then_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trouble_n that_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n to_o the_o bless_a to_o find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o do_v good_a and_o become_a better_a for_o if_o conformity_n to_o god_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o happiness_n than_o our_o blessedness_n will_v advance_v proportionable_o as_o we_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o like_a to_o he_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o dismal_a consideration_n to_o think_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o relapse_n to_o go_v backward_o or_o fall_v from_o that_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n but_o this_o be_v a_o comfortable_a consideration_n that_o our_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n shall_v never_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n that_o it_o be_v secure_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v and_o that_o we_o can_v lose_v what_o we_o have_v once_o attain_v as_o we_o may_v do_v in_o this_o world_n this_o methinks_v shall_v be_v a_o trouble_n to_o no_o man_n that_o as_o good_a and_o happy_a as_o he_o be_v at_o first_o he_o shall_v still_o be_v better_a and_o better_o more_o and_o more_o happy_a without_o end_n but_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v and_o as_o god_n please_v for_o we_o do_v but_o talk_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o our_o future_a state_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o equality_n with_o god_n in_o any_o of_o his_o perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v by_o any_o creature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n but_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n require_v be_v a_o vigorous_a imitation_n of_o this_o pattern_n that_o we_o have_v this_o example_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n always_o before_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v continual_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o near_a resemblance_n of_o god_n that_o possible_o we_o can_v and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o sincere_a care_n and_o study_v we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o will_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o esteem_v we_o for_o his_o child_n and_o if_o there_o need_v a_o pardon_n for_o it_o that_o god_n will_v forgive_v wherein_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o pattern_n which_o we_o can_v never_o imitate_v to_o perfection_n and_o happy_a be_v it_o for_o we_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o fear_n and_o trouble_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v we_o must_v still_o fall_v much_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o duty_n therein_o lay_v upon_o we_o alas_o which_o of_o we_o do_v near_o so_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o neglect_n that_o he_o be_v so_o unlike_o his_o heavenly_a father_n in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o that_o he_o still_o partake_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o those_o not_o only_o unreasonable_a and_o brutish_a but_o even_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o impatience_n and_o implacable_a revenge_n and_o that_o these_o ungodlike_a quality_n do_v so_o frequent_o prevail_v upon_o we_o and_o have_v so_o much_o dominion_n over_o we_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o respect_n that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o what_o we_o may_v be_v if_o we_o will_v mind_v our_o duty_n with_o care_n and_o conscience_n and_o make_v it_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o subdue_v ourselves_o to_o a_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o to_o a_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n will_v we_o but_o often_o set_v god_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o those_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v so_o comfortable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o and_o to_o which_o we_o stand_v so_o infinite_o oblige_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v that_o we_o be_v not_o miserable_a past_o recovery_n that_o goodness_n and_o patience_n which_o he_o continual_o exercise_v towards_o we_o for_o we_o provoke_v he_o every_o day_n and_o exercise_v towards_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o endear_v those_o perfection_n to_o we_o from_o which_o we_o reap_v so_o much_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n that_o by_o the_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n itself_o and_o the_o example_n of_o he_o who_o be_v so_o much_o above_o we_o so_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o we_o nor_o tie_v by_o any_o interest_n to_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o and_o who_o be_v happy_a in_o himself_o neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n any_o thing_n from_o we_o i_o say_v by_o a_o example_n that_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n we_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o be_v so_o affect_v towards_o one_o another_o who_o have_v mutual_a obligation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o mutual_a expectation_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a one_o from_o another_o as_o we_o have_v always_o find_v god_n to_o be_v towards_o we_o and_o as_o we_o desire_v he_o shall_v still_o continue_v and_o miserable_a creature_n be_v we_o when_o ever_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v he_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o if_o this_o example_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o we_o do_v not_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o imitate_v those_o excellency_n which_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o approve_v and_o admire_v and_o be_v in_o love_n withal_o these_o consideration_n take_v both_o from_o ingenuity_n and_o interest_n shall_v awaken_v our_o sloth_n and_o stir_v up_o our_o most_o resolute_a and_o vigorous_a endeavour_n after_o that_o perfection_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v and_o make_v we_o ashamed_a of_o
our_o lazy_a complaint_n that_o our_o duty_n be_v set_v so_o high_a that_o the_o endeavour_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n can_v reach_v it_o when_o yet_o we_o have_v hardly_o make_v one_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o be_v so_o remiss_a and_o unconcern_v about_o it_o as_o if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o at_o any_o time_n with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o at_o a_o hour_n warning_n before_o we_o leave_v the_o world_n can_v fulfil_v this_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n of_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o yet_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o we_o be_v from_o resemble_v our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o some_o good_a degree_n and_o measure_n so_o far_o be_v we_o distant_a from_o heaven_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o bless_a so_o far_o be_v we_o utter_o unqualify_v for_o the_o blissful_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o like_o he_o we_o can_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v only_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o shall_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v dispatch_v the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o text_n namely_o how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o to_o give_v some_o rule_n to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o explain_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o vindicate_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o two_o i._o that_o the_o strong_a and_o sure_a reason_n in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n ii_o that_o the_o true_a and_o most_o substantial_a practice_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o god_n i._o that_o the_o strong_a and_o sure_a reason_n in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n so_o that_o even_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o do_v suppose_v these_o for_o its_o foundation_n and_o can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o unless_o these_o be_v first_o know_v and_o believe_v unless_o we_o be_v first_o persuade_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v make_v any_o revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v natural_o know_v to_o we_o that_o god_n be_v true_a what_o foundation_n be_v there_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n and_o what_o signify_v the_o law_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n unless_o natural_a light_n do_v first_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o faithfulness_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n nothing_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o plain_o contradict_v his_o essential_a perfection_n and_o consequent_o if_o any_o pretend_v divine_a revelation_n for_o this_o doctrine_n that_o god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n absolute_o decree_v the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o sin_n and_o demerit_n of_o man_n i_o be_o as_o certain_a that_o this_o doctrine_n can_v be_v of_o god_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o just_a because_o this_o grate_n upon_o the_o notion_n that_o mankind_n have_v of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n this_o be_v that_o which_o no_o good_a man_n will_v do_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v believe_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o apostle_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n teach_v any_o doctrine_n which_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v for_o every_o man_n have_v great_a assurance_n that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o just_a than_o he_o can_v have_v of_o any_o subtle_a speculation_n about_o predestination_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o can_v believe_v upon_o the_o pretend_a authority_n or_o infallibility_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v man_n understand_v their_o public_a prayer_n and_o the_o lesson_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v read_v to_o they_o a_o lesson_n not_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v nonsense_n a_o lesson_n be_v something_o to_o be_v learn_v which_o how_o it_o can_v be_v without_o be_v understand_v be_v hard_o to_o comprehend_v and_o as_o little_o can_v i_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o person_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o a_o design_n to_o have_v it_o hide_v and_o lock_v up_o from_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o much_o less_o can_v i_o believe_v which_o yet_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o the_o save_a efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o though_o people_n believe_v and_o live_v never_o so_o well_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v by_o sholes_n and_o whole_a parish_n together_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o be_v so_o wicked_a as_o not_o to_o intend_v to_o save_v they_o can_v any_o man_n believe_v this_o that_o have_v any_o tolerable_a notion_n of_o god_n goodness_n may_v we_o not_o in_o this_o case_n appeal_v as_o abraham_n do_v to_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o expostulate_v with_o great_a reason_n than_o he_o do_v much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n will_v thou_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a for_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o damn_v the_o righteous_a for_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o righteous_a people_n shall_v lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o wicked_a priest_n to_o be_v damn_v or_o save_v at_o his_o pleasure_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n than_o to_o imagine_v he_o shall_v deal_v with_o man_n after_o this_o manner_n if_o this_o be_v to_o do_v right_a there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o do_v wrong_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o last_o supper_n do_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n give_v away_o his_o own_o natural_a body_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o give_v his_o blood_n shed_v before_o it_o be_v shed_v that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v main_o rely_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n the_o assurance_n of_o which_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n and_o yet_o that_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o that_o doctrine_n shall_v overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n i_o can_v never_o while_o i_o live_v believe_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o last_o thing_n our_o saviour_n do_v before_o his_o death_n shall_v be_v to_o teach_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n as_o he_o must_v do_v if_o he_o teach_v they_o transubstantiation_n and_o that_o the_o very_o first_o thing_n he_o do_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v to_o teach_v they_o the_o quite_o contrary_a by_o appeal_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o when_o they_o doubt_v of_o his_o resurrection_n luke_n 24.38_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o be_v you_o trouble_v and_o why_o do_v thought_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n behold_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n that_o it_o be_v i_o myself_o handle_v i_o and_o see_v for_o a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v a_o real_a body_n which_o they_o see_v because_o they_o see_v and_o feel_v flesh_n and_o bone_n be_v it_o not_o as_o good_a a_o argument_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o what_o they_o see_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o his_o real_a and_o natural_a body_n because_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o handle_v flesh_n and_o bone_n so_o that_o i_o can_v believe_v transubstantiation_n unless_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o truth_n itself_o can_v contradict_v and_o destroy_v itself_o you_o see_v of_o what_o use_v it_o be_v to_o have_v right_a and_o steady_a apprehension_n of_o the_o
divine_a perfection_n that_o these_o be_v lay_v for_o a_o foundation_n we_o may_v upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n and_o reason_n in_o religion_n about_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n by_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o ii_o inference_n be_v that_o the_o true_a and_o most_o substantial_a practice_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n especial_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n and_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o imitate_v god_n in_o these_o be_v true_a religion_n or_o as_o st._n james_n express_v it_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o flaw_n or_o blemish_n allude_v to_o precious_a stone_n the_o great_a commendation_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o without_o flaw_n religio_fw-la est_fw-la imitari_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la this_o be_v religion_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o we_o worship_v this_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v discover_v to_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o best_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o be_v like_o god_n pythagoras_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o we_o honour_n god_n most_o when_o we_o be_v most_o like_o he_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o plato_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n be_v to_o resemble_v god_n as_o near_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o we_o resemble_v god_n in_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a so_o likewise_o hierocles_n that_o a_o good_a man_n imitate_v god_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n who_o hate_v no_o man_n and_o extend_v his_o benignity_n to_o all_o mankind_n plutarch_n have_v a_o excellent_a discourse_n about_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n and_o give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v not_o present_o punish_v offender_n that_o he_o may_v give_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n and_o check_v the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n in_o revenge_a injury_n upon_o one_o another_o which_o nothing_o will_v do_v more_o effectual_o than_o to_o consider_v that_o gentleness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o then_o he_o cite_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o plato_n that_o god_n manifest_v himself_o and_o display_v his_o perfection_n in_o the_o world_n for_o our_o imitation_n true_a virtue_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a benefit_n man_n can_v receive_v from_o god_n hand_n than_o to_o become_v virtuous_a by_o the_o imitation_n and_o pursuit_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n seneca_n likewise_o have_v many_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n inter_fw-la viros_fw-la bonos_fw-es ac_fw-la deum_fw-la amicitia_fw-la est_fw-la imo_fw-la etiam_fw-la necessitudo_fw-la &_o similitudo_fw-la between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o friendship_n yea_o and_o a_o intimacy_n and_o likeness_n and_o that_o a_o virtuous_a man_n be_v discipulus_fw-la aemulatorque_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la progeny_n dei_fw-la a_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n and_o the_o very_a genuine_a offspring_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o place_v the_o perfection_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o every_o where_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n to_o consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o transcript_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n our_o sanctification_n and_o our_o sanctification_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o holiness_n that_o be_v to_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o 16._o as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n because_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o also_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n so_o that_o the_o holiness_n the_o gospel_n design_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o partake_v of_o but_o by_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_v to_o we_o by_o the_o term_n of_o regeneration_n the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a state_n and_o reclaim_v to_o goodness_n be_v say_v to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n ephes_n 4.23_o to_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v we_o coloss_n 3.10_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n to_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v god_n in_o our_o disposition_n and_o manner_n ephes_n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imitator_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n philip._n 2.15_o that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a and_o sincere_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n 1_o john_n 3.10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n there_o have_v be_v great_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n and_o that_o which_o in_o effect_n comprehend_v all_o other_o our_o imitation_n and_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o those_o perfection_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o and_o in_o this_o main_o consist_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o natural_a religion_n and_o of_o true_a christianity_n but_o do_v not_o religion_n consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o constant_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o meditate_v upon_o god_n word_n in_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o keep_v our_o body_n in_o subjection_n to_o our_o spirit_n and_o in_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o religion_n do_v consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v in_o we_o such_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v we_o most_o like_a to_o god_n and_o for_o the_o production_n of_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o our_o life_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o these_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v but_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o all_o these_o do_v but_o serve_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o where_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o end_n and_o be_v perform_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n only_o and_o we_o rest_v in_o they_o without_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n far_o they_o lose_v their_o nature_n because_o they_o be_v not_o use_v as_o mean_n but_o rest_v in_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v many_o which_o fall_v into_o this_o fatal_a mistake_n about_o religion_n and_o think_v that_o if_o
they_o do_v but_o serve_v god_n in_o their_o family_n and_o go_v to_o church_n and_o behave_v themselves_o there_o with_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n and_o at_o certain_a season_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o very_o good_a christian_n when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o improve_v themselves_o in_o real_a goodness_n by_o a_o inward_a conformity_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o the_o real_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n by_o mortify_v their_o lust_n and_o subdue_a their_o appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n by_o put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n bowel_n of_o kindness_n by_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a righteous_a and_o just_a patient_a and_o merciful_a as_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v so_o and_o by_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o provocation_n and_o forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o by_o purify_n themselves_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v they_o be_v holy_a when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v as_o covetous_a and_o earthly_a mind_v and_o to_o serve_v their_o covetousness_n will_v strain_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n or_o justice_n and_o hardly_o do_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n in_o their_o whole_a life_n but_o what_o be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o mere_a importunity_n or_o some_o such_o urgent_a necessity_n in_o point_n of_o decency_n and_o reputation_n that_o for_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o avoid_v it_o when_o their_o passion_n be_v as_o fierce_a and_o ungoverned_a their_o heart_n as_o full_a of_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n their_o tongue_n of_o slander_n and_o evil_n speak_v their_o humour_n as_o proud_a and_o surly_a and_o censorious_a as_o they_o can_v be_v who_o be_v open_o profane_a and_o seem_v to_o neglect_v and_o despise_v all_o religion_n and_o yet_o because_o they_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o make_v a_o external_a appearance_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v good_a churchman_n and_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o think_v they_o have_v discharge_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n admirable_o well_o and_o be_v very_o good_a child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o whereas_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o these_o mean_n separate_v from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n the_o conformity_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v so_o far_o from_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o so_o god_n every_o where_o declare_v in_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o disdain_v to_o be_v praise_v by_o man_n of_o unhallowed_a lip_n and_o life_n and_o that_o unless_o with_o the_o praise_n we_o offer_v to_o he_o we_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n with_o what_o contempt_n do_v he_o speak_v of_o this_o formal_a and_o external_a religion_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n be_v not_o this_o the_o fast_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o break_v the_o band_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o let_v the_o oppress_v go_v free_a to_o deal_v thy_o bread_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o that_o thou_o bring_v the_o poor_a that_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o thy_o house_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o naked_a that_o thou_o cover_v he_o and_o that_o thou_o hide_v not_o thyself_o from_o thy_o own_o flesh_n nor_o be_v it_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n that_o will_v avail_v we_o unless_o we_o be_v doer_n of_o it_o bless_a be_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n nor_o will_v bare_v receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n recommend_v we_o to_o god_n but_o perform_v the_o obligation_n which_o thereby_o we_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o obstain_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n otherwise_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o profane_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v sanctify_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unholy_a thing_n can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o to_o be_v religion_n which_o have_v no_o effect_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n which_o do_v not_o teach_v they_o to_o govern_v their_o word_n and_o action_n who_o read_v those_o plain_a word_n of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n when_o religion_n produce_v these_o real_a effect_n than_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n do_v true_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o we_o be_v not_o only_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v bless_v in_o our_o deed_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v with_o great_a care_n and_o conscience_n so_o we_o shall_v chief_o mind_v that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n especial_o in_o those_o amiable_a and_o excellent_a quality_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n his_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n these_o because_o they_o be_v the_o primary_n perfection_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a duty_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o of_o a_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n because_o they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a and_o all_o positive_a institution_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o these_o be_v to_o stoop_v and_o vail_v to_o they_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n especial_o those_o of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o charity_n be_v so_o strong_o bind_v upon_o we_o that_o nothing_o in_o any_o reveal_v religion_n can_v cancel_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o or_o justify_v the_o violation_n of_o these_o great_a and_o indispensable_a law_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o religion_n have_v declare_v nothing_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v straighten_a our_o obligation_n to_o they_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o so_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o hate_v man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n &_o by_o kill_v one_o another_o to_o do_v he_o good_a service_n who_o to_o advance_v his_o cause_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n will_v break_v through_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a society_n undermine_v government_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o by_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o religion_n design_n to_o alter_v the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o lessen_v and_o diminish_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n or_o to_o set_v man_n loose_a from_o allegiance_n to_o they_o or_o to_o make_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n bloody_a war_n and_o barbarous_a massacre_n lawful_a for_o the_o propagate_a of_o his_o faith_n he_o have_v as_o any_o one_o will_v imagine_v as_o much_o power_n as_o the_o pope_n but_o yet_o he_o depose_v no_o prince_n nor_o excommunicate_v and_o discharge_v their_o subject_n from_o their_o fidelity_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o for_o their_o opposition_n to_o his_o religion_n he_o have_v assume_v no_o such_o power_n to_o himself_o by_o what_o authority_n then_o do_v his_o vicar_n do_v these_o thing_n and_o
who_o give_v he_o this_o authority_n our_o lord_n tell_v we_o plain_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o without_o any_o distinction_n of_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la and_o therefore_o he_o wrest_v no_o prince_n kingdom_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n nor_o seize_v it_o as_o forfeit_v to_o himself_o but_o this_o power_n the_o pope_n claim_v to_o himself_o and_o have_v exercise_v it_o many_o a_o time_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o nation_n and_o exercise_v the_o most_o barbarous_a cruelty_n in_o the_o world_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o if_o because_o religion_n be_v so_o very_o good_a a_o thing_n in_o itself_o it_o will_v warrant_v man_n to_o do_v the_o very_o worst_a thing_n for_o its_o sake_n which_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o render_v religion_n contemptible_a and_o odious_a and_o to_o make_v two_o of_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n god_n and_o religion_n good_a for_o nothing_o if_o we_o will_v preserve_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n any_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v for_o religion_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o undermine_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o follow_v divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o church_n that_o can_v err_v for_o every_o church_n do_v certain_o err_v that_o teach_v any_o thing_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o dictate_v â—f_o natural_a religion_n and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n which_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o eternal_a truth_n and_o natural_o know_v but_o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o religion_n prompt_v man_n to_o sedition_n and_o cruelty_n do_v represent_v god_n as_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n and_o not_o of_o order_n therefore_o whatever_o man_n may_v through_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n or_o for_o ambitious_a end_n pretend_v to_o be_v religion_n let_v we_o place_v it_o in_o that_o which_o be_v unquestionable_a the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o let_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n meekness_n long-suffering_a and_o above_o all_o let_v we_o put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o perfection_n the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o rather_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n be_v love_n so_o st._n john_n speak_v god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o and_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o in_o these_o very_a quality_n of_o charity_n and_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n which_o we_o peculiar_o call_v humanity_n we_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o divinity_n itself_o and_o that_o the_o contrary_a disposition_n do_v transform_v we_o into_o wild_a beast_n and_o devil_n and_o yet_o as_o severe_o as_o i_o speak_v against_o these_o principle_n and_o practice_n i_o have_v a_o hearty_a pity_n and_o compassion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o so_o great_a a_o delusion_n and_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v make_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v seduce_v from_o humanity_n itself_o and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n by_o these_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v hardly_o leave_v to_o be_v man_n be_v blind_v and_o lead_v by_o the_o blind_a they_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o foul_a immorality_n such_o as_o be_v plain_o enough_o condemn_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o there_o be_v no_o bible_n in_o the_o world_n not_o but_o that_o we_o protestant_n have_v our_o fault_n and_o our_o folly_n too_o and_o those_o god_n know_v too_o many_o and_o too_o visible_a we_o possess_v more_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v little_a peace_n among_o we_o and_o yet_o god_n be_v as_o well_o and_o as_o often_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n as_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o great_a light_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v wanton_a and_o to_o quarrel_n and_o fall_v out_o we_o be_v full_a of_o heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n we_o have_v not_o know_v god_n grant_v that_o at_o last_o in_o this_o our_o day_n when_o it_o concern_v we_o so_o much_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n you_o see_v in_o what_o thing_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n main_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n and_o resemblance_n of_o he_o in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o without_o this_o we_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o happiness_n we_o can_v see_v god_n unless_o we_o be_v like_o he_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n can_v administer_v no_o pleasure_n no_o felicity_n to_o we_o till_o we_o be_v change_v into_o his_o image_n till_o we_o come_v to_o this_o temper_n to_o hate_v sin_n and_o delight_n in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n we_o can_v have_v no_o delightful_a communion_n with_o the_o holy_a god_n till_o our_o passion_n be_v subdue_v and_o our_o soul_n dispossess_v of_o those_o devilish_a and_o ungodlike_a quality_n of_o hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o revenge_n and_o impatience_n and_o till_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o universal_a goodness_n and_o charity_n we_o be_v not_o fit_a company_n for_o our_o heavenly_a father_n we_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o dwell_v with_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o dwell_v in_o love_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o these_o divine_a quality_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o temper_n of_o happiness_n there_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o eternal_a opposition_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o good_a god_n and_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o till_o this_o opposition_n be_v remove_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v find_v any_o felicity_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v and_o unchangeable_a god_n can_v recede_v from_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v quit_v our_o sin_n thou_o can_v not_o change_v god_n therefore_o change_v thyself_o and_o rather_o think_v of_o put_v off_o thy_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v change_v than_o of_o alter_v the_o divine_a nature_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v god_n condescend_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o will_v not_o put_v off_o his_o own_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a sermon_n iii_o vi_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n 1_o tim_n 1.11_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o according_a to_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o my_o trust_n since_o all_o man_n natural_o desire_v happiness_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o methinks_v we_o shall_v all_o desire_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o we_o in_o that_o degree_n in_o which_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o what_o job_n say_v of_o wisdom_n may_v be_v say_v also_o of_o happiness_n god_n understand_v the_o way_n thereof_o and_o he_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o he_o only_o who_o be_v perfect_o possess_v of_o it_o himself_o know_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ingredient_n of_o it_o so_o that_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o happiness_n the_o best_a way_n will_v be_v to_o contemplate_v and_o consider_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o idea_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o original_a spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o felicity_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n of_o bessedness_n or_o happiness_n to_o god_n the_o bless_a god_n and_o though_o this_o be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n as_o any_o other_o of_o that_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o god_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o i_o no_o where_o find_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o attribute_n of_o happiness_n give_v to_o god_n but_o only_o twice_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o title_n of_o blessedness_n be_v frequent_o give_v both_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o in_o another_o sense_n and_o in_o a_o quite_o different_a notion_n as_o mark_v 14.61_o where_o the_o highpriest_n ask_v our_o
the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n fail_v not_o mat._n 3.6_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o change_v not_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o title_n of_o the_o live_a god_n be_v so_o frequent_o attribute_v to_o he_o and_o he_o swear_v by_o this_o as_o denote_v not_o only_a his_o eternity_n but_o his_o unchangeableness_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n hither_o likewise_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n where_o he_o be_v call_v the_o incorruptible_a god_n rom._n 1.23_o the_o immortal_a king_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o and_o be_v say_v only_o to_o have_v immortality_n 1_o tim._n 1.16_o and_o he_o be_v immutable_a likewise_o in_o his_o perfection_n hence_o it_o be_v so_o often_o say_v in_o the_o psalm_n that_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o his_o righteousness_n likewise_o be_v say_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o psal_n 111.3_o and_o psal_n 36.6_o to_o be_v like_o the_o great_a mountain_n not_o only_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a but_o firm_a and_o immovable_a and_o the_o same_o likewise_o be_v say_v of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n psal_n 117.2_o his_o truth_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o of_o his_o power_n esa·_n 26.4_o in_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o decree_n and_o purpose_n and_o promise_n psal_n 33.11_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n stand_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o all_o generation_n esa_n 14.24_o sure_o as_o i_o have_v think_v so_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o as_o i_o have_v purpose_v so_o shall_v it_o stand_v numb_a 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v or_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v not_o he_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v if_o he_o have_v make_v any_o promise_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n with_o we_o it_o be_v firm_a and_o immutable_a psal_n 89.33_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v his_o covenant_n will_v he_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o lip_n his_o covenant_n and_o his_o promise_n be_v in_o themselves_o immutable_a but_o for_o our_o further_a assurance_n god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o oath_n the_o high_a sign_n of_o immutability_n so_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o chap._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n viz_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o oath_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n who_o be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o lie_v against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v from_o the_o mention_n so_o often_o make_v in_o scripture_n of_o god_n repent_v himself_o as_o gen._n 6.6_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o repent_v god_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n 1_o sam._n 15.11_o that_o he_o repent_v that_o he_o have_v make_v saul_n king_n and_o 2_o sam._n 24.16_o when_o the_o angel_n have_v stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o jerusalem_n to_o destroy_v it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o psal_n 135.14_o the_o lord_n say_v there_o that_o he_o will_v repent_v himself_o concern_v his_o servant_n to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o expression_n of_o god_n repent_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v as_o many_o other_o in_o scripture_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o as_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n and_o accommodation_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o capacity_n and_o not_o as_o cast_v any_o imputation_n of_o mutability_n and_o inconstancy_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o out_o of_o levity_n or_o for_o want_n of_o foresight_n he_o do_v alter_v his_o mind_n but_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v that_o he_o make_v man_n or_o that_o he_o make_v saul_n king_n the_o change_n be_v not_o in_o he_o but_o they_o and_o it_o signify_v not_o that_o god_n be_v absolute_o deceive_v in_o his_o expectation_n but_o that_o thing_n have_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o all_o reasonable_a expectation_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n clothes_v god_n with_o the_o humane_a passion_n of_o repent_v and_o grieve_v for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v as_o man_n use_v to_o do_v when_o they_o be_v great_o disappoint_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o expectation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o instance_n wherein_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v he_o of_o evil_n threaten_v the_o expression_n only_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n do_v not_o execute_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v his_o peremptory_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n that_o be_v he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o his_o threaten_n seem_v open_o to_o express_v because_o of_o some_o tacit_n condition_n employ_v in_o it_o which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o derogate_a from_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n for_o when_o god_n do_v threaten_v he_o speak_v what_o he_o do_v real_o purpose_n and_o intend_v if_o something_o do_v not_o intervene_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v upon_o which_o he_o be_v resolve_v at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o threaten_v to_o be_v take_v off_o and_o to_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o in_o thus_o do_v god_n do_v not_o mutare_fw-la consilium_fw-la sed_fw-la sententiam_fw-la he_o do_v not_o change_v his_o inward_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n but_o take_v off_o the_o sentence_n which_o be_v pass_v with_o reserve_a condition_n and_o unknown_a to_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o urge_v we_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o god_n usual_o reserve_v such_o condition_n not_o only_o in_o his_o threaten_n but_o sometime_o also_o in_o his_o promise_n appear_v from_o that_o remarkable_a text_n jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o the_o evil_a i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n than_o i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o and_o from_o this_o very_a consideration_n the_o same_o prophet_n encourage_v the_o people_n to_o repenpentance_n jer._n 26.13_o therefore_o now_o amend_v your_o way_n and_o your_o do_n and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v pronounce_v against_o you_o and_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o case_n of_o niniveh_n the_o destruction_n whereof_o within_o forty_o day_n after_o god_n have_v open_o proclaim_v by_o his_o prophet_n yet_o he_o stop_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n upon_o their_o repentance_n jonah_n 3.10_o the_o man_n of_o niniveh_n turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o the_o lord_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_n he_o say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o several_a good_a purpose_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o bad_a and_o good_a men._n first_o in_o regard_n to_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a men._n and_o 1_o st_z the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o great_a terror_n to_o wicked_a men._n let_v but_o the_o sinner_n consider_v what_o god_n be_v and_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o unchangeable_a nature_n must_v need_v terrify_v he_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n and_o of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n hab._n 1.12_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n psal_n 5.4_o 5._o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o just_a god_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a nor_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a exod._n 34.7_o he_o be_v also_o omnipotent_a and_o able_a to_o execute_v the_o vengeance_n threaten_v against_o sinner_n who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n psal_n 90.11_o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n when_o once_o
minister_n of_o god_n say_v he_o must_v be_v without_o house_n and_o harbour_n and_o worldly_a accommodation_n must_v be_v arm_v with_o such_o patience_n for_o the_o great_a suffering_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o stone_n and_o devoid_a of_o sense_n he_o must_v be_v a_o spectacle_n of_o misery_n and_o contempt_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o two_o wise_a heathen_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o improper_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o they_o serve_v a_o further_a end_n which_o they_o do_v not_o dream_v of_o the_o satisfy_n of_o divine_a justice_n second_o his_o exaltation_n the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o sit_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v eminent_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o perfect_a and_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o design_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o he_o deliver_v rom._n 1.4_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a this_o great_a miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v determine_v the_o controversy_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o question_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o his_o ascension_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n this_o give_v we_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o make_v we_o dead_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n than_o the_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o then_o the_o consequent_n of_o his_o exaltation_n they_o do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o our_o recovery_n the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o sanctify_v we_o to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o comfort_v we_o under_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o behalf_n and_o his_o return_n to_o judgement_n the_o expectation_n whereof_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n act_n 17.30_o 31._o and_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o redemption_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o design_n of_o admirable_a wisdom_n the_o use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o uunreasonableness_n of_o unbelief_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o impenitency_n first_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o unbelief_n the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wise_a counsel_n and_o dispensation_n of_o god_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o unbelieve_a pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n luke_n 7.30_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o a_o design_n so_o reasonable_a and_o full_a of_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o can_v disbelieve_v it_o be_v desperate_a person_n devote_v to_o ruin_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n carry_v so_o much_o light_n and_o evidence_n in_o it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o any_o but_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o lust_n he_o that_o will_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n and_o look_v narrow_o into_o this_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o god_n shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o it_o nay_o shall_v discover_v in_o it_o the_o great_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o believe_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v for_o our_o advantage_n now_o this_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o do_v at_o once_o high_o gratify_v our_o understanding_n and_o satisfy_v our_o interest_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o believe_v and_o entertain_v it_o i._o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reasonable_a and_o gratify_v our_o understanding_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o gospel_n have_v incomparable_a advantage_n above_o any_o other_o religion_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o advance_v piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o real_a goodness_n among_o man_n and_o the_o more_o any_o religion_n advance_v these_o the_o more_o reasonable_a it_o be_v now_o the_o great_a incitement_n and_o argument_n to_o piety_n be_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o reward_n now_o the_o gospel_n represent_v all_o these_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n 1._o it_o represent_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n especial_o those_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o promotion_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n 1._o his_o justice_n the_o gospel_n represent_v it_o inflexible_a in_o its_o right_n and_o inexorable_a and_o that_o will_v not_o in_o any_o case_n let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a the_o impartiality_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n appear_v in_o this_o dispensation_n that_o when_o god_n pardon_v the_o sinner_n yet_o he_o will_v punish_v sin_n so_o severe_o in_o his_o own_o son_n who_o be_v the_o surety_n now_o what_o can_v more_o tend_v to_o discountenance_v sin_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o it_o 2._o his_o mercy_n this_o dispensation_n be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o in_o save_v we_o by_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_v he_o john_n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n rom._n 5.8_o but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o 1_o john_n 4.9_o 10._o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n now_o this_o representation_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o melt_v our_o heart_n into_o love_n to_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n to_o piety_n be_v fear_n of_o punishment_n the_o gospel_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o have_v make_v clear_a and_o terrible_a discovery_n of_o those_o torment_n which_o attend_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o have_v open_v to_o we_o the_o treasure_n of_o god_n wrath_n so_o that_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n hell_n be_v naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n have_v no_o cover_n and_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o gospel_n so_o powerful_a a_o engine_n to_o destroy_v sin_n rom._n 1.16_o 18._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n 3._o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o reward_n and_o this_o add_v to_o the_o former_a render_v the_o gospel_n the_o most_o powerful_a instrument_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v man_n from_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v once_o awaken_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n be_v hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o way_n to_o encourage_v obedience_n for_o the_o future_a be_v hope_n of_o
reward_n now_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o retreat_n and_o draw_v back_o from_o sin_n the_o gospel_n promise_v pardon_n and_o indemnity_n to_o we_o and_o as_o a_o incitement_n to_o holiness_n the_o gospel_n open_v heaven_n to_o we_o and_o set_v before_o we_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reasonable_a in_o that_o it_o do_v eminent_o and_o direct_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n ii_o this_o dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v beneficial_a to_o we_o and_o satisfy_v our_o interest_n and_o this_o add_v to_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o our_o unbelief_n this_o design_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o desirable_a to_o we_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o of_o the_o eminent_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o we_o by_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o deliver_v from_o the_o gild_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n to_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o image_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o by_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o real_a advantage_n which_o be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o this_o be_v it_o not_o desirable_a to_o every_o man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o way_n whereby_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n may_v be_v quiet_v and_o appease_v whereby_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n be_v it_o not_o desirable_a to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o rescue_v from_o the_o tyranny_n and_o power_n of_o the_o great_a destroyer_n of_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o desirable_a to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n who_o be_v the_o best_a friend_n and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n and_o to_o be_v secure_v that_o when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a for_o ever_o now_o the_o gospel_n convey_v these_o benefit_n to_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o reasonable_a and_o exceed_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o averse_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o why_o shall_v unbelief_n be_v count_v a_o piece_n of_o wit_n be_v it_o wit_n to_o set_v ourselves_o against_o reason_n and_o to_o oppose_v our_o best_a interest_n it_o be_v wickedness_n and_o prejudice_n and_o inconsiderateness_n which_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n those_o who_o do_v consider_v thing_n welcome_v this_o good_a news_n and_o embrace_v these_o glad_a tiding_n wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n to_o they_o who_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o willing_a to_o accept_v of_o reasonable_a evidence_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a say_n but_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n second_o this_o do_v convince_v man_n of_o the_o madness_n and_o folly_n of_o impenitency_n now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v contrive_v such_o a_o way_n of_o our_o recovery_n and_o by_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n have_v give_v we_o such_o argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o by_o discover_v a_o way_n of_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n have_v give_v we_o such_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n how_o great_a must_v the_o folly_n of_o impenitency_n be_v for_o consider_v 1._o that_o impenitency_n direct_o set_v itself_o against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n if_o after_o all_o this_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n we_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o we_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o charge_n that_o with_o folly_n and_o we_o do_v it_o against_o ourselves_o to_o our_o own_o injury_n and_o ruin_n if_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o cherish_v our_o lust_n we_o direct_o oppose_v the_o end_n of_o our_o redemtion_n we_o contradict_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o contemn_v the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o god_n wisdom_n who_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o destroy_v sin_n for_o we_o uphold_v that_o which_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v 1_o john_n 3.5_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o our_o sin_n now_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o we_o know_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o sin_n god_n can_v but_o take_v it_o very_o ill_a at_o our_o hand_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o this_o design_n for_o we_o to_o go_v about_o to_o defeat_v he_o in_o it_o this_o be_v at_o once_o to_o be_v unthankful_a to_o god_n and_o injurious_a to_o ourselves_o it_o be_v such_o a_o madness_n as_o if_o a_o condemn_a man_n shall_v despise_v a_o pardon_n as_o if_o a_o prisoner_n shall_v be_v fond_a of_o his_o fetter_n and_o refuse_v deliverance_n as_o if_o a_o man_n desperate_o sick_a shall_v fight_v with_o his_o physician_n and_o put_v away_o health_n from_o he_o if_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o have_v contrive_v our_o recovery_n we_o forsake_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o neglect_v a_o great_a salvation_n we_o love_v death_n and_o hate_v our_o own_o soul_n prov._n 8.14_o 15_o 16._o 2._o consider_v we_o can_v expect_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o our_o recovery_n than_o have_v be_v already_o do_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v not_o try_v any_o further_a mean_n mat._n 21.37_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v his_o son_n if_o we_o despise_v this_o way_n if_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n there_o will_v remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n heb._n 10.26_o 29._o what_o can_v expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o what_o shall_v take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n what_o shall_v sanctify_v we_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v ineffectual_a we_o resist_v our_o last_o remedy_n and_o make_v void_a the_o best_a mean_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v devise_v for_o our_o recovery_n if_o after_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n 3._o if_o we_o frustrate_v this_o design_n of_o god_n wisdom_n for_o our_o recovery_n our_o ruin_n will_v be_v the_o more_o dreadful_a and_o certain_a impenitency_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v increase_v our_o misery_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o come_v we_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o now_o have_v but_o now_o our_o sin_n remain_v and_o there_o be_v no_o cloak_n for_o our_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o preface_n any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o excuse_n or_o apology_n for_o our_o impenitency_n what_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n when_o that_o shall_v condemn_v we_o who_o reject_v his_o wisdom_n which_o will_v have_v save_v we_o we_o will_v all_o be_v save_v but_o we_o will_v be_v save_v without_o repentance_n now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v not_o find_v out_o any_o other_o way_n to_o save_v we_o from_o hell_n but_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o thou_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o method_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n take_v thy_o course_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o thou_o will_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o dreadful_a word_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n pronounce_v against_o those_o that_o despise_v she_o and_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o her_o voice_n prov._n 1.24_o 25_o 26._o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o naught_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v they_o who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o their_o happiness_n they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o condition_n which_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o themselves_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n sermon_n x._o vi_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n gen._n xviii_o 25_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a in_o treat_v of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n i_o have_v consider_v those_o
like_a to_o it_o and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o say_v our_o saviour_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o like_v to_o it_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o equal_a to_o it_o in_o the_o necessary_a obligation_n of_o it_o for_o this_o commandment_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o epist_n chap._n 4._o v._n 21_o we_o have_v from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o the_o first_o commandment_n indeed_o excel_v in_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n because_o it_o enjoin_v the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o the_o second_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o advantage_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o our_o acknowledgement_n and_o honour_n of_o he_o but_o our_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o he_o we_o can_v do_v he_o no_o real_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o our_o love_n to_o man_n be_v real_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n god_n be_v content_v in_o many_o case_n that_o the_o external_a honour_n and_o worship_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o by_o his_o positive_a command_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o natural_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n say_v god_n in_o the_o prophet_n amos_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a a_o value_n god_n put_v upon_o this_o duty_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o very_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v reject_v all_o our_o other_o profession_n and_o testimony_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o false_a and_o insincere_a who_o so_o have_v this_o world_n good_a say_v st._n john_n 1_o epist_n 3.17_o and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o again_o chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 20._o if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v you_o see_v the_o duty_n here_o recommend_v both_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o let_v we_o do_v good_a i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n the_o extent_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n which_o be_v all_o mankind_n but_o more_o especial_o christian_n those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n especial_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o the_o object_n about_o which_o this_o duty_n be_v conversant_a be_v very_o large_a and_o take_v in_o all_o mankind_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n the_o jew_n confine_v their_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o their_o own_o kindred_n and_o nation_n and_o because_o they_o be_v prohibit_v familiarity_n with_o idolatrous_a nation_n and_o be_v enjoin_v to_o maintain_v a_o perpetual_a enmity_n with_o amalek_n and_o the_o seven_o nation_n of_o canaan_n who_o god_n have_v cast_v out_o before_o they_o and_o devote_v to_o ruin_n they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o perfect_o discharge_v from_o all_o obligation_n of_o kindness_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v express_o enjoin_v by_o their_o law_n to_o be_v kind_a to_o stranger_n because_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v stranger_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o our_o saviour_n have_v restore_v this_o law_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o its_o natural_a and_o original_a extent_n and_o have_v declare_v every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o ourselves_o to_o be_v our_o neighbour_n and_o our_o brother_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v treat_v by_o we_o according_o when_o ever_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o kindness_n and_o help_n and_o to_o show_v that_o none_o be_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o charity_n he_o have_v express_o command_v we_o to_o extend_v it_o to_o those_o who_o of_o all_o other_o can_v least_o pretend_v to_o it_o even_o our_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o charity_n in_o general_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o negative_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o hate_v or_o bear_v ill-will_n to_o any_o man_n or_o do_v he_o any_o harm_n or_o mischief_n love_n work_v no_o evil_a to_o his_o neighbour_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 13.10_o and_o this_o negative_a charity_n every_o man_n may_v exercise_v towards_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o that_o equal_o because_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v any_o positive_a act_n but_o only_o that_o we_o abstain_v from_o enmity_n and_o hatred_n from_o injury_n and_o revenge_n which_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o due_a care_n and_o government_n of_o himself_o to_o do_v 2._o positive_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v bear_v a_o universal_a goodwill_n to_o all_o man_n and_o wish_v every_o man_n happiness_n and_o pray_v for_o it_o as_o sincere_o as_o we_o wish_v and_o pray_v for_o our_o own_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o our_o wish_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o our_o endeavour_n to_o procure_v and_o promote_v it_o but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o the_o real_a expression_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o do_v good_a to_o other_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n here_o mean_v in_o the_o text_n and_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o do_v more_o particular_o relate_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n be_v because_o no_o man_n can_v do_v good_a to_o all_o in_o this_o kind_n if_o he_o will_v it_o not_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o man_n necessity_n and_o distress_n and_o if_o he_o can_v no_o man_n ability_n can_v possible_o reach_v to_o the_o supply_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o all_o man_n want_n and_o indeed_o this_o limitation_n the_o text_n give_v to_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n say_v the_o apostle_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n which_o either_o signify_v as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v or_o as_o we_o have_v ability_n of_o do_v or_o both_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o exercise_v this_o charity_n to_o all_o man_n that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o to_o use_v prudence_n and_o discretion_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a object_n we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o want_v of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o knowledge_n do_v of_o necessity_n limit_v our_o charity_n within_o a_o certain_a compass_n and_o of_o those_o who_o we_o do_v know_v we_o can_v relieve_v but_o a_o small_a part_n for_o want_v of_o ability_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o charitable_o dispose_v yet_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n set_v some_o rule_n to_o himself_o for_o the_o management_n of_o his_o charity_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n what_o those_o rule_n be_v can_v minutely_o and_o nice_o be_v determine_v when_o all_o be_v do_v much_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n prudence_n and_o discretion_n upon_o a_o full_a view_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o case_n before_o he_o and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o such_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v give_v as_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o most_o case_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n every_o man_n prudence_n as_o well_o as_o it_o can_v must_v determine_v the_o matter_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v shall_v be_v these_o first_o case_n of_o extremity_n ought_v to_o take_v the_o first_o place_n and_o do_v for_o that_o time_n challenge_v precedence_n of_o all_o other_o consideration_n if_o a_o person_n be_v in_o great_a and_o present_a distress_n and_o his_o necessity_n so_o urgent_a that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o immediate_o relieve_v he_o must_v perish_v this_o be_v so_o violent_a a_o case_n and_o call_v so_o loud_a for_o present_a help_n that_o there_o be_v no_o resist_v of_o it_o whatever_o the_o person_n be_v though_o a_o perfect_a stranger_n to_o we_o though_o most_o unworthy_a though_o the_o great_a enemy_n we_o have_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o distress_n do_v so_o strong_o plead_v
goodness_n of_o god_n be_v then_o great_a when_o it_o be_v exercise_v towards_o the_o evil_a and_o unthankful_a those_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_v it_o that_o they_o have_v give_v great_a and_o just_a provocation_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o this_o affection_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a in_o god_n towards_o the_o unworthy_a and_o unthankful_a son_n of_o man_n our_o saviour_n recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n here_o in_o the_o text._n be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v you_o therefore_o this_o particle_n of_o inference_n therefore_o have_v a_o plain_a relation_n to_o something_o speak_v before_o and_o if_o we_o look_v back_o to_o v_o 44._o we_o shall_v find_v our_o saviour_n there_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o love_v their_o enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v they_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v they_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o and_o persecute_v they_o and_o by_o what_o other_o argument_n do_v he_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n but_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n to_o be_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o unthankful_a v_o 45._o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a god_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o exercise_v great_a mercy_n and_o patitience_n even_o towards_o the_o evil_a and_o unjust_a and_o then_o he_o conclude_v that_o if_o perfection_n itself_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o pattern_n we_o shall_v labour_v after_o these_o quality_n be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a so_o that_o though_o the_o universal_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v here_o suppose_v yet_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v here_o particular_o point_v at_o and_o propound_v to_o we_o for_o our_o pattern_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o perfection_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v discoursâ—â—â—_n of_o before_o viz._n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v undoubted_o so_o be_v evident_a from_o st._n luke_n render_v this_o precept_n ch._n 6.36_o be_v you_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d benefici_fw-la ready_a to_o do_v good_a full_a of_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a that_o be_v endeavour_v you_o to_o be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v god_n to_o be_v and_o this_o st._n matthew_n call_v perfection_n because_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v his_o great_a perfection_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o which_o reflect_v a_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n upon_o all_o his_o other_o attribute_n and_o take_v off_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a what_o those_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o particular_o recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o iv._o and_o last_o place_n to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o require_v and_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o say_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v please_v to_o consider_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o imitation_n of_o god_n be_v certain_o restrain_v to_o the_o communicable_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o for_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o affect_v or_o attempt_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o his_o peculiar_a perfection_n that_o it_o be_v probable_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o apostate_n angel_n 2._o our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v communicable_a to_o creature_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o such_o degree_n of_o these_o perfection_n as_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o no_o creature_n can_v ever_o be_v so_o perfect_o good_a as_o god_n be_v nor_o partake_v of_o any_o other_o excellency_n in_o that_o transcendent_a degree_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v possess_v of_o it_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconvenience_n in_o have_v a_o pattern_n propound_v to_o we_o of_o so_o great_a perfection_n as_o be_v above_o our_o reach_n to_o attain_v to_o and_o there_o may_v be_v great_a advantage_n in_o it_o the_o way_n to_o excel_v in_o any_o kind_n be_v optima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la exempla_fw-la ad_fw-la imitandum_fw-la proponere_fw-la to_o propose_v the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a example_n to_o our_o imitation_n no_o man_n can_v write_v after_o too_o perfect_a and_o good_a a_o copy_n and_o though_o he_o can_v never_o reach_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o yet_o he_o be_v like_a to_o learn_v more_o than_o by_o one_o less_o perfect_a he_o that_o aim_v at_o the_o heaven_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o come_v short_a of_o be_v like_a to_o shoot_v high_a than_o he_o that_o aim_v at_o a_o mark_n within_o his_o reach_n beside_o that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o pattern_n as_o it_o leave_v room_n for_o continual_a improvement_n so_o it_o kindle_v ambition_n and_o make_v man_n strain_v and_o contend_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o do_v better_o and_o though_o he_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v the_o example_n before_o he_o yet_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o come_v as_o near_o it_o as_o he_o can_v so_o that_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n be_v no_o hindrance_n but_o a_o advantage_n rather_o to_o our_o improvement_n in_o any_o kind_n 4._o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n which_o be_v absolute_o beyond_o our_o power_n a_o precept_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v instanced_a in_o because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o we_o do_v our_o best_a and_o be_v continnual_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n though_o we_o can_v never_o reach_v it_o yet_o we_o do_v very_o commendable_o and_o whatever_o the_o law_n may_v require_v to_o try_v and_o raise_v our_o obedience_n yet_o in_o all_o equitable_a interpretation_n such_o a_o will_n and_o endeavour_n will_v be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n for_o the_o deed._n for_o if_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n do_v real_o exceed_v our_o ability_n and_o be_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o our_o performance_n the_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o god_n goodness_n will_v sufficient_o secure_v we_o from_o any_o danger_n and_o prejudice_n upon_o on_o that_o account_n and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o to_o do_v all_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o precept_n will_v be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o as_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o as_o if_o our_o power_n have_v be_v great_a and_o we_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v it_o if_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o try_v the_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o our_o obedience_n bid_v we_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v we_o can_v do_v though_o we_o can_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v be_v very_o well_o please_v when_o he_o see_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v and_o we_o may_v in_o this_o case_n reason_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v if_o we_o that_o be_v evil_a will_v deal_v thus_o with_o our_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o heavenly_a father_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n signify_v very_o little_a if_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v this_o that_o in_o any_o instance_n of_o real_a and_o unquestionable_a goodness_n god_n be_v much_o better_a than_o any_o father_n upon_o earth_n however_o at_o the_o worst_a that_o wherein_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v supply_v on_o our_o part_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n and_o on_o god_n part_n by_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n this_o be_v the_o least_o benefit_n we_o can_v expect_v in_o this_o case_n from_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o and_o last_o which_o will_v full_o clear_v this_o matter_n this_o precept_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o come_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a equality_n with_o the_o pattern_n propound_v to_o we_o but_o only_o import_v a_o vigorous_a imitation_n