of_o disobedience_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o require_v a_o more_o exceed_a righteousness_n than_o either_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o christian_a baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o regeneration_n whether_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n because_o they_o must_v become_v new_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v again_o by_o live_v up_o to_o those_o divine_a principle_n and_o holy_a rule_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o practise_v that_o piety_n and_o purity_n and_o charity_n in_o all_o their_o conversation_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o single_a person_n or_o of_o society_n in_o this_o world_n but_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o here_o be_v these_o cause_n of_o complaint_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o severe_a restraint_n lay_v upon_o our_o natural_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o often_o carry_v we_o as_o violent_o to_o those_o satisfaction_n which_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n forbid_v as_o to_o those_o which_o it_o allow_v there_o be_v in_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n the_o love_n either_o of_o pleasure_n or_o greatness_n or_o revenge_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o inclination_n for_o the_o most_o part_n stiffen_v by_o custom_n so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o self-denial_n and_o put_v himself_o to_o pain_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v so_o grievous_a that_o as_o jesus_n himself_o have_v describe_v it_o it_o may_v be_v like_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n 2._o his_o law_n have_v make_v no_o allowance_n for_o the_o prevail_a opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o common_a account_n to_o forgive_v one_o injury_n be_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o another_o to_o refuse_v a_o challenge_n be_v to_o be_v mark_v for_o a_o coward_n to_o use_v plain_a deal_n be_v the_o way_n to_o die_v a_o beggar_n and_o to_o neglect_v several_a opportunity_n of_o gain_n or_o pleasure_n though_o for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v to_o go_v for_o a_o fool._n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n to_o lie_v under_o contempt_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o consideration_n of_o this_o hard_a case_n have_v tie_v we_o up_o to_o contrary_a rule_n and_o express_o require_v we_o not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o world_n 3._o we_o must_v guard_v ourselves_o against_o innumerable_a temptation_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o lust_n covetousness_n envy_n ambition_n and_o the_o like_a inordinate_a affection_n to_o which_o a_o christian_a must_v by_o no_o mean_n consent_v the_o very_a opportunity_n of_o do_v ill_a be_v in_o some_o case_n hard_a to_o be_v refuse_v and_o moreover_o every_o sin_n have_v its_o proper_a incentives_n which_o beset_v we_o in_o all_o place_n and_o these_o be_v so_o busy_a and_o importunate_a that_o some_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v religious_a without_o retire_v from_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o what_o rest_n can_v there_o be_v in_o perpetual_a circumspection_n and_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o yet_o jesus_n himself_o think_v this_o necessary_a for_o we_o watch_n and_o pray_v say_v he_o that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n 4._o the_o law_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v to_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o overt_a action_n he_o that_o do_v not_o defile_v his_o neighbour_n bed_n may_v be_v a_o adulterer_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n if_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o forbear_v the_o action_n what_o pain_n must_v be_v take_v to_o conquer_v the_o desire_n to_o make_v it_o a_o obedient_a slave_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o so_o much_o as_o to_o dispute_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n neither_o body_n nor_o mind_n neither_o deed_n nor_o thought_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o terrible_a law_n but_o we_o must_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o suffer_v yet_o if_o need_n be_v we_o must_v take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v always_o in_o mind_n prepare_v to_o endure_v reproach_n the_o loss_n of_o good_n yea_o and_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o this_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o chastisement_n for_o the_o present_a be_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a so_o that_o in_o give_v up_o our_o name_n to_o christ_n we_o seem_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o a_o sea_n of_o trouble_n instead_o of_o make_v to_o a_o haven_n of_o rest_n he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v jesus_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v but_o that_o which_o make_v all_o more_o grievous_a be_v the_o second_o cause_n of_o complaint_n 2._o the_o penalty_n of_o disobedience_n for_o this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o exclusion_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o more_o intolerable_a sentence_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o those_o shall_v receive_v that_o never_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o by_o what_o rule_n the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_n shall_v be_v judge_v the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v you_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o now_o that_o we_o have_v hear_v these_o thing_n we_o may_v be_v exceed_o amaze_v as_o our_o lord_n first_o disciple_n be_v when_o they_o hear_v the_o like_a and_o say_v who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v or_o at_o least_o where_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v so_o hard_a and_o the_o consequence_n so_o terrible_a if_o we_o fail_v of_o the_o condition_n that_o the_o extreme_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n seem_v to_o create_v a_o new_a trouble_n not_o well_o consistent_a with_o the_o promise_a rest_n he_o be_v indeed_o true_a and_o faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v but_o whilst_o my_o soul_n be_v trouble_v how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v at_o rest_n how_o therefore_o shall_v we_o bring_v these_o thing_n together_o the_o truth_n be_v nothing_o have_v more_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n than_o to_o find_v out_o expedient_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o have_v that_o experience_n of_o human_a frailty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v on_o the_o other_o that_o i_o never_o lend_v my_o ear_n more_o willing_o than_o to_o he_o that_o show_v i_o a_o easy_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o attaque_v my_o affection_n to_o so_o much_o advantage_n that_o i_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o his_o way_n and_o nothing_o but_o evident_a want_n of_o truth_n can_v make_v i_o afraid_a to_o trust_v it_o some_o have_v say_v that_o christ_n himself_o have_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o our_o stead_n and_o that_o upon_o our_o faith_n his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o justification_n this_o i_o confess_v will_v cut_v the_o knot_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o untie_v for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o release_v i_o from_o punishment_n but_o from_o duty_n too_o but_o where_o have_v our_o lord_n or_o his_o apostle_n say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n indeed_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o save_v i_o from_o god_n angry_a justice_n and_o that_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n offer_v in_o my_o stead_n but_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o i_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o that_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o in_o my_o stead_n too_o nor_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o follow_v his_o example_n if_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o need_v not_o follow_v it_o so_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o become_v a_o new_a man_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o other_o merit_n can_v and_o these_o man_n not_o willing_a to_o trust_v their_o own_o invention_n
endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n whether_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o or_o promise_v those_o benefit_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o life_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o this_o very_a promise_n we_o have_v again_o repeat_v prov._n 3.32_o his_o secret_a be_v with_o the_o righteous_a it_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o but_o once_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o repeat_v it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o better_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o other_o in_o john_n 8._o the_o like_a promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o like_a condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v be_v annex_v ver_fw-la 12._o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n shall_v know_v all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o life_n eternal_a ver_fw-la 32._o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n ver_fw-la 33._o that_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n and_o john_n 14.21_o i_o will_v love_v and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o every_o one_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a promise_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o ground_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o best_a most_o auspicious_a entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n have_v good_a security_n that_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a from_o all_o these_o promise_v we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v secure_v his_o eternal_a life_n and_o even_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o angel_n attend_v we_o constant_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n and_o exciting_a good_a thought_n when_o our_o passion_n grow_v wild_a and_o we_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v infuse_v a_o great_a regard_n of_o all_o we_o do_v into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o happy_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o have_v he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o open_n our_o ear_n and_o seal_v instruction_n to_o we_o blessing_n our_o search_n into_o holy_a thing_n and_o accompany_v our_o meditation_n with_o a_o ready_a and_o prosperous_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v god_n will_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o advantage_n will_v appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v up_o wicked_a man_n to_o darkness_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o st._n paul_n show_v plain_o rom._n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o first_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v ver_fw-la 21._o so_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o reprobate_n i._n e._n a_o undiscerning_a mind_n which_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a warning_n in_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v and_o now_o they_o be_v in_o turkish_a darkness_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fulfil_v but_o why_o i_o beseech_v you_o shall_v that_o admonition_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o threaten_n there_o denounce_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n as_o well_o as_o of_o asia_n and_o to_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ephesus_n and_o see_v every_o one_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o hear_v therefore_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o severity_n as_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o deliver_v it_o up_o to_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o may_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o lie_a spirit_n and_o suffer_v seducer_n to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n nor_o discern_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o monstrous_a error_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n that_o reign_v among_o many_o wicked_a man_n be_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n their_o habitual_a vice_n have_v violate_v their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o raise_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o moreover_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v upon_o they_o give_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o vileness_n permit_v they_o to_o run_v on_o in_o wickedness_n without_o the_o check_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n and_o to_o defy_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n thereby_o fulfil_v that_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o none_o of_o the_o wich_v shall_v understand_v dan._n 12.10_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o sum_n be_v this_o if_o godliness_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o have_v moreover_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o unrighteous_a have_v not_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n ungodly_a man_n be_v under_o so_o many_o natural_a impediment_n that_o obstruct_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o moreover_o lie_v under_o such_o severe_a threaten_n of_o blindness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a have_v vast_a advantage_n yet_o above_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v though_o in_o other_o respect_v he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o superior_a to_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o be_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o power_n of_o good_a principle_n to_o fortify_v he_o against_o temptation_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n to_o render_v it_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o to_o moderate_v he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n and_o to_o support_v he_o in_o adversity_n and_o by_o all_o this_o he_o understand_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o true_a religion_n incomparable_o better_o than_o any_o man_n who_o can_v talk_v learned_o and_o argue_v dexterous_o about_o it_o but_o never_o feel_v the_o
godly_a life_n because_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o clear_a and_o active_a thought_n and_o conversant_a in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o indeterminate_a persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a by_o experience_n that_o some_o such_o do_v retain_v the_o faith_n but_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n consist_v viz._n 3._o the_o permanence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o constancy_n of_o frequent_a consideration_n upon_o what_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a and_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o particular_o and_o with_o application_n to_o himself_o but_o likewise_o by_o very_a much_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o present_a and_o habitual_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v two_o advantage_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a man_n 1._o his_o persuasion_n or_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a to_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o most_o need_v it_o i.e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o though_o one_o believe_v all_o the_o awaken_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v busy_a with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o at_o the_o time_n as_o if_o he_o 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nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n 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to_o that_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o other_o mean_n do_v without_o this_o and_o indeed_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v ineffectual_a without_o it_o and_o they_o be_v then_o effectual_a when_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n that_o we_o make_v be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o their_o frequent_a return_n make_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n natural_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v good_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o our_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o godliness_n otherwise_o than_o by_o accustom_v of_o we_o to_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n good_a education_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o otherwise_o promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n than_o by_o awaken_n our_o consideration_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o renew_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n affliction_n and_o judgement_n the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n the_o amaze_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n can_v of_o themselves_o work_v the_o reformation_n of_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v by_o beginning_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o that_o consideration_n which_o they_o continue_v afterward_o till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o faith_n that_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o believe_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o just_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v but_o by_o a_o constant_a consideration_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o future_a thing_n after_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o main_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n believe_v that_o he_o shall_v gain_v his_o health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
design_n of_o that_o subject_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o will_v also_o draw_v out_o the_o discourse_n upon_o this_o head_n into_o a_o unfitting_a length_n to_o supply_v therefore_o the_o want_n of_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o those_o case_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v need_v do_v no_o more_o than_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o god_n will_v accept_v be_v that_o which_o proceed_v from_o a_o true_a love_n to_o god_n now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o defeat_v the_o purpose_n of_o this_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o obedience_n lie_v on_o this_o side_n lest_o man_n shall_v mistake_v that_o for_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o be_v not_o i._n e._n reckon_v those_o to_o be_v mere_a infirmity_n which_o be_v wilful_a sin_n and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o know_v vice_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o avoid_v they_o this_o danger_n may_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n prevent_v by_o exhort_v of_o you_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o those_o many_o strong_a and_o clear_a motive_n thereunto_o which_o every_o christian_a may_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o for_o he_o that_o true_o love_v god_n be_v under_o the_o constraint_n of_o a_o inward_a law_n though_o of_o the_o high_a liberty_n yet_o of_o the_o great_a necessity_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v his_o love_n to_o god_n while_o he_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v it_o in_o he_o will_v guard_v and_o secure_v he_o from_o all_o wilful_a sin_n most_o diligent_o and_o careful_o it_o will_v keep_v he_o far_o from_o the_o brink_n of_o danger_n and_o from_o any_o approach_n to_o presumption_n it_o need_v not_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o precise_a limit_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v too_o curious_a in_o do_v well_o to_o want_v the_o knowledge_n how_o far_o we_o may_v go_v without_o do_v ill_o love_n be_v the_o noble_a principle_n of_o well_o do_v it_o give_v large_o without_o pinch_v it_o obey_v liberal_o without_o grudge_v it_o study_v not_o what_o liberty_n may_v be_v take_v without_o displease_v so_o much_o as_o how_o to_o please_v abundant_o and_o in_o doubtful_a case_n it_o always_o determine_v on_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a side_n viz._n on_o that_o side_n where_o our_o love_n be_v a_o party_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n it_o be_v a_o safe_a it_o be_v a_o infallible_a principle_n of_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n now_o be_v not_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o hereby_o we_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o that_o our_o former_a sin_n shall_v not_o hinder_v our_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n but_o neither_o also_o shall_v our_o infirmity_n and_o frailty_n for_o the_o future_a separate_v we_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n how_o do_v this_o belief_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o fear_n of_o serve_v a_o rigorous_a and_o a_o austere_a master_n that_o will_v not_o consider_v our_o frailty_n nor_o make_v abatement_n for_o the_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o no_o god_n be_v very_o earnest_o desirous_a of_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n he_o will_v not_o only_o pardon_v they_o but_o he_o will_v not_o impose_v impossible_a or_o grievous_a task_n upon_o they_o he_o consider_v we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o make_v allowance_n for_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n he_o require_v no_o more_o of_o we_o than_o what_o such_o creature_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o indeed_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o justifiable_a before_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n how_o cheerful_o therefore_o shall_v we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v he_o who_o charity_n to_o we_o be_v so_o large_a who_o government_n over_o we_o be_v so_o gentle_a who_o yoke_n be_v so_o easy_a and_o light_a how_o resolute_o shall_v we_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o that_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o although_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o many_o imperfection_n yet_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sincere_a disposition_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n will_v certain_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o that_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o to_o be_v own_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o belove_v to_o be_v justify_v and_o commend_v be_v the_o high_a glory_n that_o a_o creature_n can_v aspire_v unto_o 3._o the_o three_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o our_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n to_o please_v he_o though_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o god_n pardon_v sin_n upon_o repentance_n though_o he_o believe_v that_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o sincerity_n which_o though_o it_o exclude_v wilful_a sin_n yet_o it_o exclude_v not_o imperfection_n and_o humane_a frailty_n yet_o if_o he_o believe_v this_o very_a sincerity_n be_v above_o a_o human_a attainment_n and_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v universal_o good_a so_o as_o to_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n this_o will_v very_o much_o discourage_v he_o from_o endeavour_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n the_o truth_n be_v consider_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o strength_n of_o our_o passion_n the_o unreadiness_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o importunity_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o vigilance_n of_o evil_a spirit_n if_o man_n be_v leave_v mere_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v for_o the_o cherish_n and_o maintain_v good_a principle_n and_o good_a affection_n in_o man_n than_o it_o be_v about_o any_o other_o matter_n the_o happy_a temper_a man_n will_v make_v but_o very_o inconsiderable_a improvement_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n if_o any_o at_o all_o and_o the_o general_a inability_n of_o man_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v not_o only_o testify_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o may_v be_v collect_v by_o experience_n now_o what_o can_v more_o effectual_o remove_v the_o discouragement_n arise_v from_o this_o consideration_n than_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o set_v ourselves_o honest_o and_o uprighte_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o our_o way_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v be_v concern_v for_o we_o in_o so_o special_a a_o manner_n that_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o crown_v our_o endeavour_n with_o success_n and_o perseverance_n i._n e._n such_o divine_a help_n as_o shall_v answer_v our_o need_n and_o bear_v a_o full_a proportion_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o must_v go_v through_o with_o that_o god_n will_v do_v this_o for_o we_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v promise_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o promise_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o unperceptible_o as_o that_o his_o motion_n can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o viz._n our_o good_a purpose_n and_o practice_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v assist_v good_a man_n in_o a_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o one_o man_n can_v persuade_v another_o man_n or_o convey_v his_o own_o thought_n into_o another_o mind_n but_o by_o make_v way_n by_o his_o sense_n yet_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v inform_v and_o persuade_v we_o by_o immediate_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n without_o make_v use_n of_o our_o sense_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o belong_v to_o our_o bodily_a frame_n now_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n for_o all_o those_o purpose_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n and_o happiness_n be_v plain_o understand_v by_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a thing_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o now_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o earthly_a parent_n be_v there_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o impart_v to_o their_o child_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o
regard_n to_o each_o consideration_n under_o these_o several_a head_n and_o 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a now_o by_o all_o thing_n we_o may_v understand_v 1._o all_o that_o happen_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n which_o interpretation_n will_v be_v sufficient_o justify_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o two_o former_a verse_n likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v for_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o any_o affliction_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o to_o be_v deliver_v or_o to_o continue_v as_o we_o be_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o wisdom_n and_o whatever_o our_o particular_a desire_n be_v to_o wish_v in_o the_o general_n what_o god_n see_v be_v best_a for_o we_o which_o we_o can_v utter_v in_o particular_a because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a what_o that_o be_v but_o god_n know_v it_o and_o withal_o he_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o see_v that_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o be_v whole_o dispose_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o choice_n and_o then_o he_o add_v and_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v in_o particular_a what_o god_n will_v choose_v for_o we_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o whatever_o our_o lot_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o life_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o best_a so_o that_o by_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o understand_v all_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o thus_o they_o take_v in_o the_o prosperous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o adverse_a part_n of_o our_o life_n now_o because_o there_o be_v dangerous_a temptation_n in_o prosperity_n which_o do_v often_o prove_v hurtful_a to_o man_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o small_a privilege_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o his_o piety_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n do_v not_o only_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o harm_n which_o may_v come_v of_o a_o plentiful_a enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a blessing_n but_o also_o make_v they_o true_o serviceable_a to_o he_o and_o to_o work_v for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o god_n will_v continue_v he_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o long_o as_o he_o see_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o but_o then_o 2._o although_o this_o meaning_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v exclude_v yet_o the_o principal_a sense_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o even_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v natural_o afraid_a of_o and_o will_v willing_o escape_v that_o be_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o support_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v under_o the_o trouble_v they_o endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o this_o meaning_n be_v chief_o intend_v so_o it_o represent_v a_o truth_n which_o will_v be_v most_o desire_v for_o 1._o relief_n be_v needful_a only_o against_o cause_n of_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n such_o as_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o here_o it_o be_v give_v the_o best_a man_n common_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n for_o their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n but_o we_o think_v that_o the_o prosperous_a part_n will_v take_v care_n of_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o other_o only_o that_o call_v for_o assistance_n and_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o all_o will_v grant_v that_o this_o divine_a truth_n give_v security_n where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o security_n and_o administer_v ease_v and_o help_v in_o every_o case_n that_o require_v it_o and_o then_o 2._o because_o we_o lie_v open_a to_o innumerable_a accident_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o misfortune_n to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v particular_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n make_v our_o comfort_n and_o security_n equal_a to_o our_o danger_n for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o can_v dismay_v we_o where_o without_o exception_n to_o any_o one_o provision_n be_v make_v against_a all_o where_o the_o remedy_n will_v not_o fail_v not_o only_o if_o any_o one_o but_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a and_o 3._o because_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o alike_o grievous_a to_o every_o man_n because_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o tenderness_n in_o every_o part_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o one_o thing_n affect_v this_o man_n with_o more_o grief_n and_o smart_n and_o another_o be_v more_o sensible_o wound_v by_o other_o adversity_n therefore_o the_o consolation_n afford_v by_o this_o truth_n be_v still_o more_o desirable_a inasmuch_o as_o it_o bring_v remedy_n in_o this_o case_n also_o for_o where_o all_o evil_n be_v say_v the_o worst_a be_v not_o except_v and_o last_o because_o the_o affirmation_n be_v general_a it_o be_v a_o equal_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a and_o against_o the_o bitterness_n of_o sorrow_n when_o it_o happen_v it_o suffer_v not_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n to_o be_v kill_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o future_a and_o it_o supply_v we_o with_o hope_n and_o patience_n when_o evil_a be_v present_a so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n it_o be_v a_o very_a rich_a promise_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text_n since_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v need_v comfort_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o it_o to_o satisfy_v he_o for_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a 2._o we_o be_v likewise_o to_o consider_v the_o manner_n whereby_o these_o evil_n of_o life_n produce_v good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o expression_n of_o work_v together_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n for_o here_o be_v these_o two_o particular_n to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a tendency_n in_o these_o evil_n themselves_o to_o procure_v we_o some_o good_a 2._o that_o nevertheless_o there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o other_o cause_n to_o effect_v it_o 1._o that_o they_o themselves_o do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v say_v to_o work_v for_o good_a not_o only_o that_o good_a be_v wrought_v out_o from_o they_o but_o that_o they_o work_v it_o for_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o improper_a and_o unfit_a mean_n for_o this_o end_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n afflict_v any_o good_a man_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o pain_n which_o he_o suffer_v no_o nor_o do_v he_o afflict_v he_o mere_o to_o show_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o he_o nay_o not_o always_o so_o much_o as_o to_o show_v how_o by_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o can_v make_v thing_n produce_v effect_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o he_o do_v in_o his_o wisdom_n see_v that_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v will_v natural_o lead_v towards_o a_o good_a end_n and_o we_o know_v it_o by_o undeniable_a experience_n that_o a_o uninterrupted_a prosperity_n in_o this_o life_n be_v that_o which_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n can_v bear_v as_o little_o as_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o for_o we_o than_o that_o mixture_n of_o one_o and_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o common_a portion_n of_o mankind_n now_o therefore_o because_o in_o choose_v our_o condition_n god_n have_v still_o a_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o be_v for_o our_o good_a every_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n under_o distress_n may_v not_o only_o conclude_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o be_v afflict_v but_o likewise_o in_o particular_a that_o that_o affliction_n which_o he_o be_v under_o be_v more_o for_o his_o good_a than_o another_o will_v have_v be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o his_o improvement_n and_o the_o procure_n of_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v most_o needful_a for_o he_o therefore_o also_o if_o more_o burden_n than_o one_o be_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o if_o one_o follow_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o that_o none_o of_o
by_o thy_o head_n and_o by_o thy_o life_n and_o consequent_o by_o thy_o hope_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o to_o swear_v by_o he_o upon_o who_o thou_o depende_v for_o thy_o life_n and_o who_o only_o have_v all_o power_n to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v so_o that_o the_o general_a reason_n why_o these_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v be_v because_o they_o be_v equivalent_a to_o formal_a swear_v by_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n bring_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o he_o that_o use_v they_o with_o swear_v downright_o by_o our_o maker_n now_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o swear_v direct_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o where_o that_o be_v use_v be_v not_o lawful_a in_o their_o ordinary_a occasion_n of_o speak_v our_o saviour_n proceed_v upon_o this_o supposition_n and_o infer_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o use_v those_o other_o oath_n upon_o those_o occasion_n because_o they_o imply_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o justice_n and_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o prohibition_n contain_v in_o this_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o the_o precept_n but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o it_o need_v no_o far_a inquiry_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o they_o already_o appear_v to_o be_v this_o content_v yourselves_o with_o bare_a affirm_v and_o deny_v whatever_o you_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o without_o add_v thereto_o any_o kind_n of_o oath_n and_o imprecation_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o law_n itself_o which_o one_o will_v think_v be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v practise_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o certain_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v need_v much_o persuasion_n to_o keep_v it_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o we_o do_v not_o want_v argument_n clear_a and_o strong_a enough_o to_o prevail_v with_o any_o consider_a person_n and_o these_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o sanction_n of_o this_o law_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o and_o which_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o be_v found_v 1._o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o upon_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o 1._o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o establish_v this_o law_n by_o these_o word_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o such_o express_a prohibition_n of_o swear_v in_o ordinary_a conversation_n as_o this_o before_o our_o saviour_n time_n not_o but_o that_o i_o think_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o here_o he_o abridge_v his_o disciple_n of_o may_v by_o good_a consequence_n be_v infer_v from_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o what_o need_v we_o look_v for_o any_o other_o rule_n in_o this_o matter_n beside_o this_o which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v and_o which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o can_v now_o be_v no_o dispute_n whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o swear_v in_o those_o case_n wherein_o a_o oath_n be_v needless_a for_o our_o lord_n command_n be_v so_o full_a against_o it_o that_o a_o question_n have_v be_v make_v though_o upon_o no_o just_a ground_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o swear_v at_o all_o now_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n authority_n can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o govern_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n where_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o will_n be_v so_o easy_a and_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v not_o reward_v by_o any_o gain_n or_o pleasure_n nor_o solicit_v by_o any_o temptation_n that_o can_v fasten_v upon_o our_o sensual_a lust_n and_o appetite_n nor_o can_v be_v resolve_v easy_o into_o any_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o may_v make_v we_o astonish_v that_o in_o a_o age_n pretend_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o nation_n form_v into_o a_o christian_a church_n so_o many_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o almost_o all_o quality_n and_o degree_n who_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o refuse_v to_o make_v so_o small_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o as_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o law_n so_o easy_a as_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v thus_o put_v into_o our_o discourse_n a_o peculiar_a character_n to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n though_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n lest_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v observe_v by_o our_o practice_n that_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o discover_v it_o by_o our_o language_n that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o those_o who_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o rule_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o certain_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o conclude_v we_o he_o that_o shall_v want_v a_o far_a obligation_n deserve_v to_o be_v rank_v with_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n and_o yet_o the_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o forbid_v be_v evil_a in_o itself_o too_o and_o contain_v many_o foul_a and_o detestable_a immorality_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o common_a swearer_n sin_n how_o enormous_a must_v it_o needs_o be_v who_o refuse_v to_o do_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o guilt_n that_o the_o heinousness_n whereof_o may_v yet_o far_o appear_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n under_o this_o head_n viz._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o the_o plainness_n of_o affirmation_n and_o denial_n in_o common_a discourse_n come_v of_o evil_a i_o will_v therefore_o endeavour_v these_o two_o follow_a thing_n 1._o to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o those_o evil_a disposition_n be_v which_o this_o practice_n imply_v 2._o to_o examine_v the_o pretence_n that_o be_v only_o possible_a to_o be_v allege_v in_o excuse_n of_o it_o now_o if_o man_n be_v lead_v to_o it_o by_o no_o good_a principle_n if_o the_o disposition_n thereunto_o be_v whole_o evil_a if_o evil_a be_v imply_v in_o the_o very_a pretence_n bring_v to_o excuse_v it_o nothing_o can_v be_v far_o desire_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o immorality_n to_o swear_v in_o our_o communication_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o that_o simplicity_n of_o language_n which_o our_o saviour_n rule_n confine_v we_o to_o come_v of_o evil_a the_o true_a principle_n and_o cause_n incline_v man_n to_o this_o practice_n be_v these_o 1._o want_v of_o reverence_n towards_o god_n 2._o carelessness_n of_o avoid_v the_o crime_n of_o perjury_n 3._o immodesty_n and_o pride_n 4._o lightness_n and_o vanity_n of_o mind_n and_o indeed_o there_o must_v be_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o to_o make_v up_o a_o common_a swearer_n for_o if_o he_o either_o have_v reverend_a thought_n of_o god_n or_o fear_v to_o be_v forswear_v or_o if_o he_o have_v but_o a_o little_a modesty_n and_o good_a manner_n or_o any_o tolearable_a measure_n of_o a_o steady_a and_o serious_a spirit_n any_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v secure_v he_o 1._o customary_a swear_v betray_v great_a irreverence_n towards_o god_n for_o unless_o a_o man_n have_v very_o mean_a and_o dishonourable_a thought_n of_o god_n how_o dare_v he_o make_v so_o bold_a with_o he_o as_o to_o affirm_v nothing_o so_o silly_a and_o transact_v nothing_o so_o trivial_a and_o mean_a but_o he_o must_v summon_v god_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n reverence_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v always_o express_v by_o separate_v holy_a thing_n from_o vile_a and_o common_a use_n and_o because_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o be_v great_a rudeness_n to_o press_v it_o to_o unnecessary_a service_n than_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o mean_a of_o people_n to_o call_v the_o king_n out_o of_o his_o throne_n to_o hear_v every_o idle_a tale_n they_o bring_v against_o one_o another_o if_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o holy_a thing_n let_v we_o use_v it_o as_o we_o do_v those_o holy_a place_n which_o we_o do_v not_o put_v to_o all_o employment_n but_o reserve_v they_o for_o their_o peculiar_a use_n what_o a_o contempt_n of_o religion_n will_v it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o bring_v their_o market_n into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o pretend_v to_o sanctify_v their_o worldly_a affair_n and_o pleasure_n by_o transact_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o worship_n i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o
tongue_n in_o his_o head_n to_o use_v they_o as_o occasion_n serve_v which_o experience_n show_v may_v be_v do_v without_o any_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o rule_n of_o art_n 2._o it_o be_v sometime_o pretend_a by_o common_a swearer_n though_o i_o think_v but_o rare_o that_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v they_o without_o a_o oath_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o confess_v they_o have_v be_v so_o notorious_o give_v to_o lie_v that_o no_o body_n dare_v trust_v they_o upon_o their_o bear_n word_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v know_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o speak_v the_o truth_n find_v no_o difficulty_n of_o create_v a_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o say_v among_o any_o of_o his_o friend_n without_o make_v any_o appeal_n to_o god_n beside_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o common_a swearer_n give_v indeed_o but_o very_o little_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v if_o i_o know_v a_o man_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o oath_n his_o oath_n shall_v satisfy_v i_o beyond_o any_o other_o testimony_n that_o he_o can_v give_v and_o upon_o the_o oath_n of_o such_o a_o man_n a_o court_n of_o judicature_n may_v proceed_v with_o confidence_n but_o what_o regard_n can_v reasonable_o be_v have_v to_o his_o oath_n above_o his_o simple_a and_o bare_a word_n as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v who_o be_v know_v to_o swear_v upon_o all_o occasion_n if_o he_o do_v not_o lie_v it_o be_v well_o but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v no_o peculiar_a assurance_n by_o his_o oath_n because_o it_o be_v as_o ordinary_a with_o he_o to_o swear_v as_o to_o speak_v and_o therefore_o in_o athens_n a_o common_a swearer_n oath_n be_v not_o allow_v nor_o accept_v of_o in_o their_o court_n and_o sometime_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o man_n of_o know_a probity_n and_o honour_n be_v admit_v without_o it_o this_o last_o seem_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o law_n which_o suppose_v the_o asseveration_n of_o a_o peer_n to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o another_o man_n and_o therefore_o for_o another_o man_n to_o swear_v needless_o be_v to_o disparage_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o fidelity_n but_o for_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n to_o do_v so_o be_v to_o renounce_v his_o privilege_n and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v thus_o be_v not_o only_o to_o bring_v the_o honesty_n of_o his_o word_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o oath_n also_o into_o question_n 3._o the_o most_o usual_a excuse_v frame_v for_o the_o extenuation_n of_o this_o impiety_n be_v that_o of_o sudden_a passion_n thus_o when_o some_o man_n be_v a_o little_a provoke_v or_o when_o they_o be_v surprise_v with_o some_o unexpected_a good_a fortune_n or_o any_o unlooked-for_a misadventure_n befall_v they_o either_o their_o rage_n or_o their_o joy_n burst_v out_o present_o into_o oath_n and_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v help_v it_o for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discharge_v their_o mind_n and_o give_v vent_v to_o their_o passion_n but_o by_o curse_v and_o swear_v now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plain_a confession_n that_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o government_n of_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o rule_n over_o their_o own_o spirit_n so_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n while_o they_o be_v frame_v a_o excuse_n for_o one_o sin_n to_o betray_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o another_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v light_o be_v give_v of_o a_o impotent_a mind_n than_o that_o every_o petty_a accident_n be_v able_a to_o bereave_v one_o of_o all_o consideration_n and_o make_v he_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o own_o man_n till_o the_o fit_n be_v over_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o passion_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o mitigate_v the_o business_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o any_o trifle_a occasion_n be_v able_a to_o set_v these_o man_n a_o swear_v that_o make_v this_o excuse_n for_o themselves_o when_o provocation_n be_v allege_v to_o mollify_v this_o crime_n one_o will_v think_v it_o must_v arise_v from_o no_o less_o a_o cause_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v find_v his_o house_n in_o flame_n or_o his_o friend_n attempt_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o bed_n but_o upon_o examination_n this_o same_o emotion_n and_o heat_n of_o spirit_n be_v plead_v for_o the_o beg_n of_o your_o pardon_n when_o a_o man_n swear_v upon_o the_o most_o trifle_a and_o inconsiderable_a occasion_n and_o what_o can_v excuse_v that_o childishness_n and_o impotency_n of_o mind_n to_o which_o these_o man_n have_v thus_o give_v themselves_o over_o but_o let_v never_o such_o extraordinary_a cause_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n or_o anger_n happen_v it_o be_v a_o unmanly_a thing_n to_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o these_o passion_n and_o they_o be_v never_o less_o unbridled_a than_o when_o we_o make_v such_o undue_a expression_n of_o they_o as_o oath_n and_o curse_n be_v st._n james_n give_v we_o this_o rule_n above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n neither_o by_o the_o earth_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o oath_n james_n 5.12_o but_o the_o particular_a case_n wherein_o he_o think_v this_o rule_n be_v useful_a be_v that_o of_o affliction_n for_o he_o have_v before_o exhort_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o take_v the_o prophet_n for_o a_o example_n of_o suffer_a affliction_n and_o of_o patience_n and_o particular_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o meekness_n and_o patience_n of_o job_n for_o their_o imitation_n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o but_o if_o they_o can_v not_o perfect_o equal_v such_o great_a example_n as_o those_o be_v yet_o at_o least_o he_o strict_o enjoin_v they_o not_o to_o be_v transport_v so_o far_o into_o anger_n and_o impatience_n as_o to_o break_v forth_o into_o oath_n but_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o but_o keep_v yourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o modest_a and_o christian_a language_n and_o that_o they_o may_v see_v that_o he_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v far_o from_o think_v it_o a_o virtue_n to_o be_v stupid_a and_o dull_a and_o unconcern_v about_o either_o the_o comfort_n or_o the_o calamity_n of_o human_a life_n he_o direct_v they_o how_o they_o may_v convert_v the_o passion_n which_o be_v thereby_o excite_v to_o a_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a use_n be_v any_o man_n among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n ver_fw-la 13_o 15._o if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v with_o worldly_a misery_n let_v he_o turn_v himself_o to_o more_o devout_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v either_o remove_v his_o burden_n or_o give_v he_o patience_n under_o it_o if_o he_o be_v surprise_v with_o some_o new_a blessing_n let_v he_o break_v forth_o into_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o who_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n he_o stand_v oblige_v for_o it_o thus_o to_o improve_v the_o excitation_n of_o joy_n and_o grief_n within_o we_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o our_o passion_n have_v not_o overwhelm_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o leave_v we_o the_o free_a use_n of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v what_o become_v we_o as_o man_n and_o christian_n but_o in_o either_o case_n to_o lash_v out_o into_o oath_n be_v a_o plain_a token_n of_o a_o impotent_a mind_n that_o have_v no_o rule_n over_o itself_o but_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o intemperate_a passion_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o so_o much_o shame_n to_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o much_o more_o to_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v blush_v to_o confess_v so_o much_o evil_n against_o ourselves_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o excuse_n of_o any_o other_o sin_n 4._o if_o swear_v be_v excuse_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o other_o man_n who_o be_v our_o friend_n and_o companion_n this_o pretence_n indeed_o carry_v a_o show_n of_o civility_n and_o kind_a nature_n but_o for_o all_o that_o be_v the_o silly_a that_o can_v ready_o be_v think_v of_o and_o the_o make_n of_o it_o argue_v a_o mean_a and_o degenerate_a mind_n for_o although_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a nature_n it_o be_v commendable_a for_o man_n to_o remit_v of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o humour_n and_o to_o suit_n themselves_o to_o the_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o who_o they_o converse_v with_o yet_o to_o be_v complaisant_a in_o all_o thing_n without_o exception_n be_v the_o way_n to_o grow_v as_o profligate_v and_o vile_a as_o the_o devil_n will_v wish_v any_o man_n to_o be_v for_o what_o wickedness_n can_v want_v authority_n if_o this_o pretence_n be_v once_o admit_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o proclaim_v that_o a_o man_n have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o judge_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_o in_o all_o our_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o man_n will_v fain_o believe_v that_o their_o care_n in_o one_o part_n shall_v supply_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o in_o good_a stead_n although_o they_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o concern_v for_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o be_v to_o come_v up_o thorough_o to_o that_o which_o religion_n require_v and_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o difficulty_n i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v as_o difficult_a but_o more_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o become_v mere_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n than_o even_o bad_a man_n have_v make_v it_o to_o become_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o natural_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v downright_a atheist_n or_o even_a unbeliever_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n easy_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_n without_o any_o relief_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v some_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o consistent_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o a_o diligent_a profession_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n take_v together_o viz._n the_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o other_o that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v many_o person_n take_v up_o this_o false_a way_n of_o comfort_v themselves_o but_o have_v also_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v divers_a error_n which_o help_v to_o support_v this_o to_o expect_v spiritual_a relief_n from_o thing_n blessed_v by_o man_n without_o any_o appointment_n from_o god_n and_o to_o place_n religion_n in_o thing_n which_o have_v neither_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o divine_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o valuable_a certain_o if_o it_o be_v either_o easy_a for_o mankind_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o can_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n on_o the_o other_o it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o hard_a thing_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n than_o experience_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v conscience_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o will_v be_v while_o the_o world_n endure_v and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v lust_n and_o passion_n vice_n and_o wickedness_n more_o or_o less_o among_o man_n so_o long_o also_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n that_o promise_v security_n without_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o more_o mistake_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n