any_o in_o sincerity_n and_o reality_n but_o only_o for_o by-end_n and_o in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o this_o be_v certain_o false_a and_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o after_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n of_o what_o be_v real_o true_a and_o good_a nor_o do_v they_o affect_v to_o be_v mistake_v as_o wilful_o vicious_a man_n do_v be_v convince_v that_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o only_a source_n of_o felicity_n of_o life_n which_o leave_v not_o there_o but_o entire_o possess_v they_o with_o the_o most_o inward_a inclination_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o with_o the_o most_o ardent_a aspire_v to_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o it_o their_o nature_n can_v receive_v and_o be_v so_o uneasy_a under_o the_o delay_n hindrance_n and_o opposition_n they_o meet_v withal_o in_o this_o state_n that_o they_o have_v ofttimes_o much_o ado_n to_o secure_v their_o patience_n and_o dutiful_a behaviour_n to_o god_n almighty_a that_o against_o the_o pretend_a impossibility_n 2._o for_o the_o great_a difficulty_n pain_n and_o pain_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o frightful_a as_o be_v usual_o imagine_v for_o 1._o we_o be_v not_o alone_o and_o helpless_a far_o from_o it_o there_o be_v in_o this_o design_n and_o resolution_n of_o rescue_v ourselves_o from_o the_o dominion_n and_o slavery_n of_o that_o evil_a one_o of_o blind_a concupiscence_n contemptible_a appetite_n and_o pernicious_a lust_n and_o of_o return_v to_o our_o just_a obedience_n to_o god_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v i_o say_v one_o great_a for_o we_o than_o all_o that_o be_v against_o we_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o nay_o it_o be_v that_o which_o prevent_v we_o all_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o with_o good_a counsel_n and_o desire_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o begin_v to_o look_v the_o right-way_n to_o bethink_v ourselves_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o not_o to_o play_v the_o child_n all_o our_o life_n this_o if_o we_o cherish_v they_o be_v more_o at_o hand_n still_o and_o if_o conscious_a or_o suspicious_a of_o our_o own_o weakness_n we_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n implore_v it_o and_o by_o our_o endeavour_n concur_v with_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o such_o a_o supply_n which_o together_o with_o the_o divine_a providence_n dispose_v the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n will_v render_v the_o work_n much_o easy_a than_o be_v at_o first_o thought_n and_o in_o some_o time_n delightful_a the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o divine_a operation_n and_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o it_o make_v a_o considerable_a and_o in_o my_o opinion_n a_o very_a august_n part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n but_o 2_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o this_o difficulty_n of_o change_n from_o bad_a to_o good_a of_o withdraw_v from_o old_a but_o evil_a company_n and_o practice_n be_v principal_o at_o the_o beginning_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n thing_n be_v indeed_o by_o the_o divine_a disposition_n come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v sweat_n for_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o way_n to_o it_o at_o first_o be_v steep_a and_o rough_a but_o when_o the_o ascent_n be_v mount_v there_o open_v a_o spacious_a and_o smooth_a plain_n which_o make_v abundant_a recompense_n by_o its_o ease_n and_o delight_n the_o suit_n the_o progress_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a state_n of_o soul_n perpetual_o exercise_v itself_o in_o act_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n the_o most_o sincere_a penetrate_a constant_a and_o durable_a without_o any_o mixture_n remorse_n uncomfortable_a reflection_n suspicion_n or_o foreboding_n nay_o multiply_v by_o remembrance_n and_o hope_n which_o vice_n never_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o when_o the_o first_o brunt_n be_v over_o and_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n set_v right_a and_o restore_v to_o their_o primitive_a just_a and_o natural_a order_n and_o constitution_n for_o virtue_n be_v first_o vice_n super-induced_n the_o great_a pain_n and_o difficulty_n than_o will_v be_v to_o commit_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v a_o foolish_a or_o ill_a thing_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o ease_n the_o pleasure_n will_v be_v to_o acknowledge_v condemn_v and_o forsake_v it_o then_o the_o scale_n will_v be_v turn_v not_o gratify_v obey_v submit_v to_o a_o malapert_a appetite_n a_o insolent_a lust_n a_o blind_a passion_n but_o the_o denial_n command_n suppression_n steady_a government_n of_o all_o these_o by_o religion_n and_o reason_n will_v be_v our_o glory_n peace_n and_o intimate_a satisfaction_n they_o have_v be_v the_o heathen_n too_o who_o have_v say_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o of_o which_o sure_o many_o of_o these_o very_a wanderer_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a semita_fw-la certè_fw-la tranquillae_fw-la per_fw-la virtutem_fw-la patet_fw-la unica_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la much_o like_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a poet_n great_a peace_n have_v all_o they_o that_o keep_v thy_o law_n now_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v bad_a man_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o plea_n and_o much_o out_o in_o their_o reckon_n when_o they_o fright_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n by_o the_o painfulness_n of_o it_o for_o the_o tediousness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o whole_a journey_n such_o as_o our_o life_n be_v will_v be_v very_o childish_o estimate_v by_o the_o first_o mile_n or_o two_o and_o yet_o further_o 3_o i_o think_v it_o most_o certain_a that_o we_o may_v not_o shrink_v at_o the_o first_o onset_n that_o the_o very_o first_o step_n of_o change_n and_o conversion_n from_o bad_a manner_n to_o good_a some_o of_o the_o first_o act_n of_o repentance_n such_o as_o be_v self-condemnation_n indignation_n sorrow_n and_o contrition_n of_o heart_n for_o our_o most_o belove_a sin_n firm_a resolution_n utter_o to_o forsake_v they_o follow_v with_o watchfulness_n and_o endeavour_n earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o forgiveness_n i_o say_v even_o these_o have_v that_o secret_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n attend_v they_o which_o outweigh_v their_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n it_o be_v true_a to_o be_v disorder_v ashamed_a confound_v and_o vex_v at_o our_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_v ourselves_o to_o pull_v from_o our_o heart_n with_o a_o violent_a hand_n that_o which_o have_v have_v so_o long_o and_o kind_a a_o abode_n there_o and_o still_o make_v great_a resistance_n for_o all_o can_v be_v do_v at_o once_o this_o certain_o by_o itself_o be_v no_o desirable_a condition_n but_o than_o it_o be_v blend_v with_o or_o immediate_o follow_v by_o a_o strange_a secret_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n diffuse_v through_o the_o intimate_a recess_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o beginning_n recovery_n and_o reconvalescency_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o their_o restitution_n to_o their_o natural_a constitution_n at_o the_o first_o birth_n of_o soul_n of_o the_o assure_a reconciliation_n and_o favour_n of_o almighty_a god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o final_o of_o a_o hopeful_a nay_o safe_a condition_n to_o eternity_n so_o that_o take_v all_o together_o a_o man_n may_v with_o great_a assurance_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v or_o may_v be_v more_o of_o joy_n than_o sadness_n more_o of_o ease_n and_o comfort_n than_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n in_o repentance_n the_o sour_a diet_n a_o good_a man_n taste_v of_o and_o this_o proportion_n be_v still_o the_o great_a by_o how_o much_o the_o grief_n for_o sin_n be_v more_o penetrate_a and_o press_v as_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o its_o sincerity_n a_o penitent_a upon_o his_o knee_n sip_v in_o his_o briny_a tear_n as_o they_o trickle_v may_v take_v down_o a_o more_o delicious_a draught_n than_o he_o who_o quaff_v off_o his_o full_a bowl_n fill_v with_o the_o choice_a liquor_n sincere_a repentance_n be_v like_a relief_n under_o a_o heavy_a burden_n or_o the_o set_n a_o disjoint_v limb_n or_o the_o recover_n of_o good_a appetite_n clear_a health_n and_o vigorous_a sense_n by_o a_o bitter_a potion_n or_o two_o so_o be_v it_o i_o say_v even_o now_o find_v by_o experience_n as_o unhappy_a as_o our_o nature_n now_o be_v and_o those_o who_o be_v at_o present_a very_o hard_o to_o believe_v it_o will_v never_o i_o be_o sure_o employ_v their_o time_n better_o than_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o it_o themselves_o all_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v most_o remarkable_o verify_v in_o holy_a david_n one_o of_o the_o great_a soul_n that_o ever_o dwell_v in_o a_o earthly_a body_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v witness_n in_o several_a psalm_n and_o it_o may_v be_v often_o observe_v in_o other_o good_a man_n after_o such_o a_o performance_n who_o without_o any_o design_n never_o appear_v more_o easy_a and_o please_v in_o themselves_o and_o more_o innocent_o
usual_o signify_v among_o we_o between_o god_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n or_o the_o most_o excellent_a angel_n be_v to_o give_v a_o very_a false_a idea_n of_o the_o case_n for_o to_o merit_v from_o any_o one_o be_v first_o to_o profit_n or_o advantage_v he_o some_o way_n and_o than_o it_o be_v to_o impart_v somewhat_o of_o his_o own_o and_o last_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o benefit_n be_v bind_v to_o requite_v it_o by_o some_o law_n without_o and_o superior_a to_o himself_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n for_o can_v a_o man_n profit_v his_o maker_n a_o master_n indeed_o may_v be_v benefit_v by_o the_o labour_n and_o service_n of_o his_o servant_n next_o the_o strength_n industry_n and_o fidelity_n of_o the_o servant_n be_v his_o own_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o master_n he_o never_o have_v any_o of_o this_o from_o he_o but_o what_o have_v we_o which_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o god_n our_o very_a be_v faculty_n liberty_n all_o kind_n of_o ability_n and_o capacity_n be_v they_o not_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o our_o great_a and_o good_a creator_n final_o what_o law_n be_v there_o superior_a to_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o will_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o any_o action_n who_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o say_v to_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o not_o so_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o irresistible_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o tyranny_n in_o heaven_n as_o his_o all_o comprehend_v wisdom_n his_o immutable_a righteousness_n and_o essential_a goodness_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o just_a and_o right_a eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a but_o it_o be_v therefore_o so_o because_o god_n be_v so_o it_o be_v eternal_o a_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v as_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o fit_a that_o which_o we_o call_v right_a fit_a just_a be_v a_o due_a relation_n or_o habitude_n of_o all_o will_n action_n power_n to_o its_o object_n which_o object_n be_v bonum_fw-la good_a and_o that_o the_o great_a too_o in_o respect_n of_o intention_n extension_n and_o duration_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o respect_n this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a due_a end_n and_o object_n i_o say_v of_o all_o will_n action_n and_o power_n whatsoever_o but_o this_o relation_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v therefore_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a only_o because_o god_n be_v so_o it_o can_v never_o have_v exi_v without_o a_o subject_a and_o that_o subject_a the_o divine_a will_n exist_v necessary_o the_o very_a be_v or_o existence_n therefore_o of_o any_o such_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n beside_o this_o relation_n which_o we_o call_v right_o and_o just_a be_v something_o wherefore_o it_o as_o all_o other_o something_n must_v have_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o active_a power_n or_o his_o nature_n for_o its_o cause_n but_o though_o right_a and_o just_o depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o its_o eternal_a existence_n yet_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o ever_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o without_o they_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v it_o a_o pure_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o attribute_v it_o to_o god_n a_o all-perfect_a be_v for_o a_o instance_n or_o application_n we_o say_v that_o the_o object_n of_o god_n will_n be_v always_o the_o universal_a good_a the_o good_a of_o all_o being_n the_o great_a good_a either_o fit_a or_o possible_a and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o he_o will_v benè_fw-la bonis_fw-la malè_fw-la malis_fw-la he_o justify_v the_o righteous_a and_o condemn_v the_o wicked_a he_o order_n and_o distribute_v respective_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a the_o quantity_n quality_n time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o no_o cause_n without_o the_o divine_a will_n itself_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o divine_a will_n thus_o to_o act_v there_o be_v no_o power_n or_o will_n to_o determine_v or_o constrain_v it_o god_n nature_n be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v he_o to_o will_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v just_a and_o right_a for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o reasonable_a being_n and_o yet_o most_o free_o because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o free_a than_o what_o be_v natural_a liberty_n in_o god_n be_v not_o a_o indifferency_n for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o imperfection_n but_o that_o infinite_a force_n and_o delight_n with_o which_o he_o act_v i_o have_v no_o better_a word_n to_o express_v my_o meaning_n by_o liberty_n and_o necessity_n therefore_o in_o god_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a but_o inseparable_a it_o be_v right_a and_o just_a for_o god_n to_o reward_v the_o good_a who_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o observe_v his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o instance_n of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o just_a but_o we_o must_v not_o say_v god_n be_v bind_v to_o it_o or_o that_o those_o who_o be_v good_a merit_n it_o from_o he_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o most_o receive_a sense_n and_o common_a usage_n because_o that_o import_v as_o if_o he_o must_v do_v it_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o and_o there_o be_v some_o law_n or_o person_n without_o or_o superior_a to_o himself_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o say_v that_o god_n most_o certain_o will_v do_v so_o because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n to_o do_v it_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n behold_v the_o upright_a it_o be_v true_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o not_o useless_a or_o very_o impertinent_a digression_n that_o worthy_a quality_n and_o action_n i._n e._n such_o as_o do_v effect_n or_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a that_o be_v useful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n do_v just_o entitle_v any_o person_n to_o a_o reward_n such_o as_o honour_n power_n wealth_n or_o pleasurable_a life_n because_o those_o same_o quality_n and_o action_n be_v thereby_o maintain_v increase_v and_o propagate_v and_o consequent_o the_o best_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o world_n further_v and_o advance_v every_o one_o in_o his_o place_n and_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o but_o especial_o all_o sort_n of_o governor_n and_o such_o quality_n have_v and_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n obtain_v the_o name_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o in_o its_o most_o common_a and_o receive_a sense_n for_o they_o be_v the_o property_n of_o those_o who_o possess_v they_o they_o never_o receive_v they_o from_o other_o man_n they_o be_v beneficial_a and_o useful_a to_o man_n and_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a law_n and_o power_n to_o oblige_v and_o compel_v man_n to_o reward_v they_o none_o of_o which_o can_v be_v say_v in_o respect_n to_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o congruous_a and_o reasonable_a thing_n as_o be_v above_o mention_v god_n always_o do_v and_o always_o will_v necessary_o from_o his_o own_o nature_n will_n and_o act_n in_o such_o manner_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o mean_v by_o merit_v than_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o merit_v from_o god_n too_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n heb._n 6._o 9_o and_o benceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n and_o not_o to_o i_o only_o but_o unto_o all_o they_o also_o that_o love_n his_o appear_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 8._o i_o e._n it_o be_v a_o congruous_a and_o fit_a thing_n of_o best_a effect_n certain_o in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o use_v by_o he_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o the_o long_a in_o this_o digression_n because_o i_o believe_v the_o whole_a controversy_n about_o merit_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n with_o his_o christian_n and_o between_o the_o pontifician_n and_o the_o protestant_n may_v by_o the_o little_a that_o have_v be_v here_o say_v be_v easy_o clear_v and_o decide_v at_o last_o we_o conclude_v then_o with_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o gospel-doctrine_n against_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o the_o legal_a doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v viz._n that_o we_o sinner_n be_v justify_v by_o god_n and_o more_o particular_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n pardon_v and_o save_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v not_o by_o any_o
imprimatur_fw-la carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la febr._n 12._o 1694_o 5._o six_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o late_a incomparable_a princess_z queen_n mary_n at_o whitehall_n with_o several_a addition_n and_o large_a annotation_n to_o the_o discourse_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n by_o george_n bright_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n asaph_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n h._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcv_o to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n sir_n this_o small_a volume_n be_v design_v humble_o to_o crave_v the_o acceptance_n of_o your_o late_a royal_a consort_n that_o most_o true_o excellent_a princess_n who_o not_o only_o hear_v but_o relish_v discourse_n proper_a for_o her_o edification_n these_o present_a one_o dare_v pretend_v only_o to_o a_o attempt_n and_o endeavour_v for_o such_o a_o purpose_n but_o she_o be_v for_o ever_o go_v from_o hence_o where_o her_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a soul_n have_v neither_o book_n nor_o company_n good_a enough_o for_o its_o entertainment_n may_v her_o just_a character_n be_v preserve_v fresh_a and_o fair_a to_o the_o last_o of_o time_n may_v her_o goodly_a presence_n strike_v the_o imagination_n of_o every_o one_o who_o enter_v into_o your_o royal_a palace_n that_o her_o exemplary_a virtue_n piety_n prudence_n and_o sweetness_n may_v never_o be_v forget_v there_o forgive_v i_o great_a sir_n if_o i_o for_o once_o light_o touch_v the_o wound_n not_o only_o of_o your_o own_o royal_a heart_n but_o also_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o your_o subject_n except_o here_o and_o there_o a_o self-interested_n weak_a and_o peevish_a thing_n or_o two_o in_o this_o matter_n whatever_o they_o may_v be_v elsewhere_o but_o as_o this_o severe_a providence_n have_v bring_v with_o it_o a_o mighty_a loss_n and_o not_o reparable_a to_o your_o majesty_n one_o way_n so_o have_v it_o give_v you_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n another_o for_o all_o the_o affection_n and_o hope_n which_o your_o people_n have_v divide_v between_o two_o be_v now_o public_o vest_v in_o and_o settle_v upon_o your_o majesty_n person_n alone_o and_o we_o hope_v and_o pray_v that_o as_o god_n will_v continue_v your_o own_o portion_n of_o his_o blessing_n to_o you_o so_o he_o will_v not_o withhold_v she_o from_o you_o so_o that_o now_o your_o force_n be_v double_v and_o unite_v too_o can_v probable_o be_v much_o long_o resist_v by_o your_o haughty_a and_o malicious_a though_o puissant_a enemy_n that_o god_n will_v continue_v and_o multiply_v his_o blessing_n upon_o your_o royal_a head_n fill_v your_o heart_n with_o piety_n wisdom_n and_o integrity_n in_o all_o your_o counsel_n prosper_v your_o arm_n for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o tyranny_n violence_n and_o injustice_n for_o the_o peace_n safety_n and_o universal_a happiness_n of_o your_o people_n and_o all_o europe_n be_v the_o constant_a 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confirmation_n of_o other_o and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o due_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n strange_a it_o be_v that_o the_o weak_a the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o peevish_a shall_v be_v treat_v with_o so_o much_o tenderness_n but_o these_o shall_v be_v rude_o put_v off_o with_o the_o wise_a application_n of_o not_o many_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n or_o perhaps_o with_o the_o reproach_n and_o backbite_v of_o indifferent_n and_o vnderminer_n of_o religion_n this_o way_n of_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v at_o all_o time_n just_a and_o of_o solid_a advantage_n to_o it_o so_o be_v it_o now_o become_v necessary_a there_o be_v very_o many_o in_o this_o age_n more_o than_o former_o inquisitive_a know_v use_v to_o a_o more_o accurate_a exercise_n of_o their_o understanding_n every_o where_n in_o divine_a matter_n as_o well_o 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worse_o than_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o our_o time_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o any_o wit_n or_o breed_n have_v not_o only_o rescue_v themselves_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o superstition_n and_o usurp_a authority_n but_o shake_v off_o even_o the_o natural_a reverence_n of_o mankind_n to_o true_a religion_n the_o sublimest_n perfection_n and_o glory_n of_o humane_a nature_n nay_o they_o have_v run_v further_o yet_o and_o pert_o take_v up_o a_o mean_a opinion_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o be_v nothing_o but_o craft_n or_o pedantry_n now_o these_o man_n must_v be_v knock_v down_o by_o weighty_a reason_n for_o they_o slight_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o expose_v to_o contempt_n themselves_o for_o gentle_a deal_v will_v not_o do_v it_o must_v be_v show_v that_o if_o they_o will_v make_v good_a their_o title_n to_o the_o man_n they_o must_v be_v religious_a and_o christian_n too_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o reasonable_a than_o a_o christian_n belief_n and_o nothing_o in_o his_o genuine_a religion_n not_o adulterate_v unbecoming_a of_o god_n and_o disagreeable_a to_o reason_n if_o right_o sense_v and_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v the_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n of_o its_o doctor_n and_o commentator_n and_o perhaps_o ever_o will_v be_v in_o some_o degree_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o appear_v or_o be_v represent_v otherwise_o and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v infinite_o to_o blame_v who_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o grudge_n and_o dissatisfaction_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n between_o religion_n and_o reason_n and_o even_o make_v irreconcilable_a quarrel_n between_o they_o which_o shall_v cohabit_v with_o constant_a and_o mutual_a endearment_n and_o assistance_n i_o hope_v and_o be_o apt_a believe_v that_o such_o will_v be_v the_o next_o turn_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o invisible_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o the_o holy_a write_n will_v every_o day_n
be_v to_o be_v honour_v but_o then_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v to_o direct_v and_o determine_v that_o power_n deserve_v it_o much_o more_o it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n without_o power_n be_v moveless_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n but_o then_o power_n without_o they_o may_v be_v most_o mischievous_a goodness_n without_o power_n if_o it_o can_v do_v no_o good_a yet_o it_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n but_o power_n without_o goodness_n may_v be_v use_v to_o make_v miserable_a if_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o cunning_a pride_n malice_n and_o ill-nature_n but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o person_n honourable_a and_o amiable_a where_o greatness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v in_o conjunction_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n with_o infinity_o the_o example_n of_o such_o work_n marvellous_a effect_n in_o their_o sphere_n and_o carry_v all_o before_o they_o they_o have_v great_a force_n to_o change_v the_o very_a inward_a spring_n and_o principle_n of_o man_n action_n their_o 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to_o convey_v it_o acceptable_o and_o particular_o with_o a_o seem_a heedlessness_n of_o what_o one_o be_v do_v when_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o main_a design_n to_o do_v it_o well_o like_v as_o the_o discreet_a physician_n may_v seem_v to_o his_o ungovernable_a patient_n to_o be_v do_v nothing_o of_o consequence_n when_o he_o design_v the_o administration_n of_o some_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o his_o disease_n 4._o the_o last_o cause_n we_o shall_v name_n be_v the_o most_o general_a corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v principal_o in_o prevail_a inclination_n to_o other_o object_n above_o those_o to_o religion_n virtue_n and_o wisdom_n the_o depravation_n and_o vitiosity_n of_o our_o active_a power_n be_v this_o that_o those_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o shall_v be_v moderate_a governable_a and_o subservient_fw-fr be_v the_o most_o violent_a ungovernable_a and_o command_a though_o this_o cause_n be_v very_o general_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o remote_a but_o near_o 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will_v never_o learn_v to_o be_v clean_o though_o in_o the_o midst_n â—f_n a_o verdant_a meadow_n cover_v with_o innocent_a sheep_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o puddle_n where_o we_o may_v wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n or_o like_o some_o natural_o clownish_a and_o slovenly_a people_n who_o will_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o decent_a carriage_n and_o manner_n though_o always_o in_o the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v gentile_a and_o well-bred_a oh_o the_o deplorable_a pravity_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n desperate_a and_o utter_o incurable_a without_o a_o merciful_a touch_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o the_o special_a powerful_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n prevent_v follow_a assist_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n without_o which_o the_o company_n of_o heaven_n itself_o will_v never_o mend_v they_o they_o will_v still_o retain_v the_o propension_n and_o inclination_n nay_o the_o action_n too_o if_o they_o can_v of_o devil_n and_o brute_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n these_o
well_o when_o he_o think_v himself_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o honour_n god_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o and_o other_o from_o the_o infection_n of_o bad_a example_n when_o their_o number_n confidence_n and_o security_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o wonder_v and_o despise_v and_o treat_v hardly_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o like_o themselves_o the_o more_o the_o misery_n and_o folly_n and_o impiety_n of_o the_o world_n increase_v he_o think_v himself_o the_o more_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v it_o by_o save_v himself_o at_o least_o if_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o it_o be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a and_o necessary_a then_o to_o be_v the_o best_a when_o the_o world_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o man_n be_v general_o run_v to_o their_o ruin_n such_o be_v the_o apostolical_a admonition_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v harmless_a and_o blameless_a the_o son_n 15._o ephes_n 2._o 15._o of_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n and_o to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n never_o more_o need_v of_o light_n than_o in_o a_o gross_a and_o general_a darkness_n nor_o of_o the_o mound_n and_o bank_n of_o resolute_a virtuous_a example_n than_o when_o the_o flood_n of_o vicious_a one_o threaten_v to_o drown_v all_o after_o all_o this_o we_o must_v not_o allow_v or_o grant_v too_o much_o to_o this_o plea_n and_o excuse_n for_o conformity_n to_o evil_a example_n and_o bad_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n though_o too_o few_o who_o commendation_n favour_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o by_o our_o retreat_n and_o separation_n from_o wicked_a practice_n though_o never_o so_o numerous_a and_o great_a and_o then_o ofttimes_o at_o least_o if_o our_o nonconformity_n be_v as_o discreet_a and_o prudent_a as_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o conscientious_a those_o very_a person_n who_o from_o the_o tooth_n outward_a reproach_n and_o slight_v we_o will_v silent_o in_o their_o own_o thought_n esteem_v and_o commend_v we_o or_o if_o at_o sometime_o when_o upon_o the_o rant_v and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n they_o may_v inward_o contemn_v and_o hate_v we_o too_o yet_o at_o other_o in_o their_o sober_a mood_n when_o they_o be_v most_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v of_o another_o opinion_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o text_n speak_v here_o only_o very_o general_o and_o that_o some_o even_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v strike_v and_o awaken_v by_o the_o light_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o innocent_a virtuous_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o inward_o move_v to_o esteem_v and_o admire_v they_o nay_o after_o some_o time_n some_o even_n of_o those_o who_o at_o first_o wonder_v at_o the_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n of_o their_o manner_n be_v so_o affect_v though_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o leave_v their_o own_o for_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o man_n may_v in_o some_o considerable_a degree_n approve_v esteem_v and_o love_n that_o in_o other_o which_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v themselves_o the_o one_o cost_v nothing_o the_o other_o much_o pain_n and_o solicitude_n and_o that_o therefore_o sincere_a piety_n and_o virtue_n have_v not_o so_o many_o and_o fierce_a enemy_n as_o from_o appearance_n may_v be_v think_v beside_o this_o excuse_n have_v no_o place_n when_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o our_o advantageous_a circumstance_n may_v be_v such_o as_o to_o command_v honour_n and_o imitation_n of_o we_o not_o to_o fear_v contempt_n or_o ill-usage_n for_o not_o imitate_v of_o other_o when_o it_o be_v think_v our_o part_n to_o give_v example_n not_o to_o follow_v but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v the_o last_o excuse_n of_o man_n for_o go_v along_o with_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o vicious_a namely_o the_o difficulty_n and_o painfulness_n of_o do_v otherwise_o that_o shall_v most_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n to_o follow_v a_o multitude_n be_v always_o jolly_a and_o pleasant_a but_o when_o our_o nature_n set_v we_o go_v too_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o necessary_a and_o the_o contrary_a impossible_a let_v we_o hear_v it_o at_o large_a 2._o they_o will_v then_o allege_v for_o themselves_o that_o virtue_n and_o sanctity_n to_o our_o nature_n such_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o long_a use_n and_o custom_n now_o make_v be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n difficult_a and_o laborious_a and_o consequent_o grievous_a and_o painful_a and_o next_o to_o impossible_a but_o vice_n be_v easy_a and_o thence_o delightful_a and_o pleasant_a and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o sure_a cause_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o inclination_n and_o action_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v first_o facility_n and_o then_o pleasure_n what_o be_v painful_a will_v either_o be_v never_o attempt_v or_o soon_o leave_v off_o to_o speak_v more_o distinct_o and_o proper_o we_o acknowledge_v say_v they_o some_o remainder_n of_o a_o appetite_n to_o virtue_n and_o moral_a good_a but_o we_o find_v a_o hundred_o other_o incomparable_o more_o forcible_a and_o strong_a now_o to_o exalt_v virtue_n to_o a_o universal_a supremacy_n and_o to_o preserve_v it_o there_o constant_o to_o bring_v all_o other_o appetite_n and_o passion_n down_o to_o its_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n so_o as_o to_o receive_v all_o their_o motion_n their_o very_a be_v end_n and_o measure_n from_o its_o direction_n and_o command_n tell_v we_o whether_o and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v do_v for_o the_o man_n void_a of_o all_o honour_n and_o love_n to_o god_n nay_o a_o hater_n of_o that_o most_o perfect_a and_o holy_a nature_n to_o be_v his_o devout_a adorer_n and_o imitator_n for_o the_o little_a selfish_a soul_n contract_v to_o a_o point_n to_o become_v great_a and_o widen_v itself_o to_o his_o country_n mankind_n or_o even_o the_o universe_n for_o the_o malicious_a and_o sour_a ill-nature_n to_o be_v sweeten_v into_o charity_n for_o the_o proud_a and_o covetous_a to_o desire_v and_o value_n no_o more_o of_o honour_n power_n and_o wealth_n than_o what_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o manage_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n his_o sovereign_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o his_o fellow_n subject_n and_o for_o that_o very_a end_n for_o the_o voluptuous_a and_o luxurious_a to_o scorn_v any_o bodily_a pleasure_n or_o sensual_a delight_n any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o our_o own_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v necessary_a or_o useful_a in_o this_o frail_a life_n of_o flesh_n to_o remove_v the_o hindrance_n or_o to_o procure_v the_o help_n of_o virtue_n and_o beneficence_n of_o be_v and_o do_v good_a thus_o to_o turn_v all_o the_o motion_n inclination_n and_o aversion_n of_o our_o soul_n upside_o down_o to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n 10._o eph._n 4._o 22_o 24._o col._n 3._o 9_o 10._o which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n as_o the_o scripture_n phrase_v it_o and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v create_v after_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n this_o this_o be_v a_o undertake_v most_o difficult_a irksome_a tedious_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v ever_o perform_v of_o which_o the_o small_a number_n of_o those_o who_o but_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o never_o think_v of_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n and_o may_v we_o not_o well_o wonder_v at_o the_o first_o who_o will_v adventure_v to_o turn_v head_n and_o with_o sore_a labour_n perpetual_o tug_v against_o the_o stream_n of_o nature_n and_o almost_o universal_a example_n may_v we_o not_o well_o excuse_v those_o who_o swim_v down_o easy_o with_o so_o violent_a a_o tide_n or_o permit_v themselves_o to_o be_v carry_v by_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o last_o plea_n and_o i_o think_v the_o best_a they_o have_v make_v use_v of_o by_o vicious_a and_o dissolute_a man_n for_o their_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o will_v undertake_v to_o be_v better_o and_o defence_n of_o those_o who_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o we_o shall_v return_v i_o hope_v no_o insufficient_a answer_n and_o that_o in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o reformation_n and_o conversion_n from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n from_o sin_n to_o sanctity_n however_o it_o be_v effect_v be_v not_o impossible_a needs_o no_o other_o evidence_n than_o the_o eminent_a example_n of_o some_o and_o the_o good_a one_o of_o many_o we_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o comparative_o yet_o in_o various_a instance_n and_o degree_n more_o than_o bad_a man_n be_v willing_a to_o allow_v who_o industrious_o diminish_v they_o and_o will_v sometime_o pretend_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o
be_v set_v apart_o for_o a_o long_o and_o more_o deliberate_a performance_n of_o this_o religious_a duty_n this_o be_v better_a sure_o than_o when_o our_o confession_n be_v thrust_v upon_o we_o by_o a_o persecute_v guilty_a conscience_n which_o we_o fly_v from_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v or_o when_o it_o be_v extort_a from_o we_o by_o the_o urge_n interrogatory_n or_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o our_o friend_n or_o enemy_n and_o then_o utter_v with_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n such_o be_v some_o of_o the_o direction_n or_o rule_n for_o our_o confession_n which_o be_v the_o second_o general_n head_n 3_o the_o three_o be_v some_o good_a for_o the_o frequent_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v many_o 1._o first_o by_o a_o serious_a affectionate_a and_o impartial_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o give_v god_n and_o his_o law_n their_o just_a honour_n at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o acknowledge_v and_o bewail_v our_o evil_a do_n in_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o transgress_a his_o law_n we_o proclaim_v the_o righteousness_n of_o both_o nay_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o punishment_n which_o god_n have_v or_o may_v inflict_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o accuse_v confess_v condemn_v ourselves_o we_o justify_v god_n in_o his_o nature_n command_n and_o deal_n towards_o we_o when_o we_o serious_o cry_v guilty_a confess_v what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o deserve_v we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n declare_v that_o god_n nature_n be_v holy_a his_o precept_n right_a and_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o his_o creature_n just_a and_o unblameable_a like_o that_o great_a example_n of_o penitent_n psalm_n 51._o against_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v and_o do_v this_o evil_a in_o thy_o sight_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v justify_v when_o thou_o speak_v and_o clear_v when_o thou_o judge_v 2_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o edify_v to_o other_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a when_o it_o be_v perform_v public_o or_o with_o other_o and_o own_v our_o duty_n in_o secret_a too_o we_o hereby_o do_v somewhat_o considerable_a towards_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o reformation_n of_o the_o bad_a the_o mischief_n we_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o by_o our_o naughty_a example_n we_o undo_v again_o in_o part_n by_o a_o free_a and_o serious_a confession_n we_o thereby_o tell_v the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o our_o discretion_n or_o commendation_n to_o have_v live_v and_o do_v as_o we_o have_v do_v former_o no_o it_o be_v our_o folly_n and_o shame_n we_o call_v now_o to_o they_o not_o to_o follow_v we_o or_o if_o they_o have_v adventure_v after_o we_o to_o retreat_v present_o if_o they_o have_v imitate_v we_o in_o sin_v they_o will_v do_v it_o now_o in_o confess_v and_o condemn_v themselves_o 4_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o good_a man_n nay_o i_o may_v say_v general_o to_o bad_a man_n too_o who_o have_v some_o kindness_n and_o good_a like_n for_o virtue_n and_o piety_n but_o be_v so_o entangle_v and_o captivate_v in_o vicious_a course_n that_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o leave_v they_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n of_o which_o free_a and_o humble_a confession_n be_v a_o fair_a step_n and_o a_o great_a mark_n be_v certain_o the_o joy_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n nothing_o more_o melt_v than_o the_o hearty_a and_o unaflected_a confession_n of_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o so_o many_o amiable_a quality_n as_o sincere_a piety_n humility_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o good_a man_n can_v observe_v it_o without_o joy_n and_o even_o a_o bad_a man_n without_o some_o motion_n and_o tenderness_n it_o be_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a pleasure_n to_o hear_v a_o pious_a soul_n sigh_v out_o his_o confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o desire_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v before_o god_n when_o he_o think_v no_o body_n hear_v or_o be_v regardless_o whether_o they_o do_v or_o no._n 5_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a duty_n to_o we_o what_o calmness_n ease_n and_o secret_a comfort_n be_v diffuse_v through_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o devout_a man_n after_o he_o have_v open_v and_o disburden_v himself_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o humble_a confession_n to_o almighty_a god_n his_o conscience_n soft_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o in_o vain_a disclose_v his_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v not_o confess_v his_o fault_n to_o the_o deaf_a ear_n of_o too_o rigid_a a_o master_n or_o severe_a father_n that_o god_n as_o great_a and_o as_o high_a as_o he_o be_v regard_v the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o posture_n with_o great_a kindness_n and_o compassion_n and_o that_o now_o the_o offender_n may_v safe_o put_v himself_o into_o his_o hand_n if_o in_o our_o confession_n we_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o no_o hypocrisy_n or_o formality_n it_o create_v a_o humble_a confidence_n in_o god_n with_o a_o free_a resignation_n and_o submission_n of_o ourselves_o to_o he_o notwithstanding_o our_o former_a sin_n and_o contract_a guilt_n nor_o be_v this_o confidence_n vain_a for_o so_o far_o as_o our_o confession_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o exercise_v of_o real_a goodness_n and_o piety_n in_o we_o it_o do_v render_v we_o more_o capable_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o true_o acceptable_a to_o he_o 6_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n such_o as_o i_o have_v direct_v be_v a_o duty_n of_o devotion_n of_o great_a benefit_n to_o we_o and_o that_o many_o way_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o notable_a mean_n for_o preserve_v we_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n we_o may_v have_v attain_v to_o and_o of_o make_v further_o progress_n therein_o continual_o for_o as_o it_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n our_o former_a know_a sin_n nor_o be_v we_o only_o to_o confess_v new_a sin_n but_o old_a one_o and_o the_o same_o very_a often_o especial_o if_o more_o heinous_a nor_o even_o to_o forget_v they_o to_o our_o life_n end_n so_o it_o discover_v to_o we_o many_o before_o unknown_a before_o especial_o a_o more_o deliberate_a confession_n we_o be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o and_o examine_v ourselves_o careful_o and_o that_o will_v hardly_o be_v do_v without_o some_o further_a knowledge_n and_o discovery_n of_o our_o fault_n and_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n of_o their_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n and_o even_o in_o the_o time_n themselves_o of_o our_o devout_a confession_n usual_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v such_o that_o some_o sin_n than_o may_v first_o appear_v which_o before_o we_o have_v never_o observe_v or_o suspect_v now_o all_o this_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o amendment_n and_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o like_a again_o for_o how_o shall_v we_o avoid_v that_o which_o we_o never_o know_v or_o have_v forget_v add_v to_o this_o that_o every_o serious_a and_o hearty_a not_o customary_a confession_n impress_v upon_o we_o some_o more_o dislike_n and_o aversion_n from_o the_o sin_n confess_v insomuch_o that_o by_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o it_o we_o may_v at_o last_o become_v utter_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v our_o sin_n so_o often_o but_o not_o to_o forsake_v they_o to_o sin_v on_o in_o a_o round_a perpetual_o commit_v and_o confess_v the_o same_o sin_n by_o turn_n our_o conscience_n will_v be_v apt_a so_o to_o reproach_n that_o we_o shall_v leave_v off_o either_o to_o commit_v or_o confess_v thus_o as_o a_o hearty_a and_o unconstrained_a confession_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o generous_a dislike_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n so_o do_v it_o confirm_v heighten_v and_o increase_v it_o 2._o another_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o religious_a duty_n be_v a_o right_a understanding_n a_o true_a and_o just_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o to_o know_v what_o be_v bad_a and_o defective_a in_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a this_o be_v one_o principal_a branch_n of_o that_o most_o excellent_a grace_n humility_n which_o contain_v many_o other_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o world_n be_v on_o that_o hand_n to_o be_v arrogant_a and_o presumptuous_a foolish_a self-love_n render_v we_o wilful_o blind_a so_o as_o to_o see_v no_o fault_n spy_v no_o defect_n observe_v no_o sin_n in_o ourselves_o we_o deny_v all_o or_o excuse_v all_o or_o justify_v all_o we_o all_o know_v the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o publican_n in_o their_o devotion_n luke_o 18._o 9_o they_o both_o go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v the_o pharisee_n prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o confession_n that_o it_o be_v all_o boast_a god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n etc._n etc._n the_o publican_n contrary_a be_v all_o confession_n shame_n sorrow_n beg_v for_o mercy_n he_o stand_v a_o far_o off_o with_o a_o deject_a countenance_n he_o with_o a_o revengeful_a hand_n
beat_v his_o breast_n and_o sigh_n out_o o_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n i_o tell_v you_o this_o man_n go_v down_o rather_o justify_v than_o the_o other_o as_o the_o pharisee_n self-conceit_n and_o arrogance_n make_v he_o pray_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v so_o his_o prayer_n make_v he_o more_o arrogant_a still_o it_o can_v not_o but_o increase_v his_o presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o himself_o to_o reckon_v up_o and_o that_o before_o god_n himself_o all_o his_o religious_a quality_n and_o action_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o one_o small_a fault_n and_o to_o have_v compare_v himself_o with_o one_o so_o despicable_a in_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o poor_a publican_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v he_o go_v away_o big_a and_o stately_a from_o his_o prayer_n than_o he_o come_v to_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o publican_n behaviour_n posture_n and_o prayer_n proceed_v no_o doubt_n from_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o guilt_n and_o consequent_a humility_n so_o do_v it_o likewise_o dismiss_v and_o send_v he_o away_o with_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o he_o see_v that_o before_o in_o himself_o which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o with_o shame_n and_o indignation_n against_o himself_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o doubtless_o he_o see_v it_o yet_o more_o and_o with_o deep_a impression_n upon_o his_o heart_n for_o have_v make_v his_o short_a but_o most_o passionate_a confession_n 4._o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n make_v we_o less_o censorious_a and_o contemptuous_a of_o other_o more_o backward_o to_o publish_v their_o fault_n or_o to_o insult_v over_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o censure_v talk_v of_o despise_v other_o when_o we_o be_v accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o just_o and_o humble_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o at_o least_o bad_a enough_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o reproach_v other_o when_o we_o permit_v our_o own_o conscience_n to_o reproach_n ourselves_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o condemn_v at_o least_o to_o treat_v other_o with_o wrath_n and_o contempt_n when_o if_o we_o be_v impartial_a we_o see_v too_o much_o cause_n to_o do_v the_o like_a by_o ourselves_o no_o man_n so_o ready_a to_o proclaim_v and_o aggravate_v other_o man_n fault_n as_o those_o who_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o their_o own_o he_o who_o know_v his_o own_o defect_n and_o miscarriage_n as_o he_o pity_v himself_o so_o be_v he_o apt_a to_o do_v to_o other_o most_o man_n esteem_v and_o despise_v other_o comparative_o or_o as_o thy_o judge_n they_o superior_a or_o inferior_a to_o themselves_o in_o worthy_a and_o deserve_a quality_n and_o performance_n we_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o other_o from_o ourselves_o now_o he_o that_o observe_v most_o infirmity_n and_o fault_n in_o himself_o will_v think_v himself_o less_o above_o or_o more_o under_o man_n than_o he_o who_o though_o ignorance_n or_o self-conceit_n see_v no_o blemish_n nor_o blame_v in_o himself_o the_o former_a often_o despise_v himself_o comparative_o with_o other_o the_o latter_a foolish_o despise_v every_o one_o beside_o himself_o in_o the_o example_n just_o now_o allege_v how_o haughty_o do_v the_o pharisee_n hold_v up_o his_o head_n and_o with_o what_o contempt_n do_v he_o throw_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o publican_n this_o publican_n say_v he_o but_o we_o hear_v no_o such_o language_n from_o the_o publican_n who_o in_o truth_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o have_v deride_v the_o ignorant_a and_o hypocritical_a pharisee_n 5_o and_o last_o this_o confession_n make_v we_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o dispose_v we_o to_o great_a gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o god_n the_o divine_a goodness_n may_v well_o be_v our_o wonder_n that_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n so_o provoke_v have_v not_o yet_o make_v we_o remarkable_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o displeasure_n nay_o that_o he_o have_v continue_v to_o we_o life_n health_n strength_n plenty_n power_n and_o the_o like_a favour_n which_o we_o ungrateful_a wretch_n have_v dishonour_v he_o with_o his_o lenity_n and_o long_a suffering_n can_v but_o be_v admire_v by_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v grow_v wanton_a and_o proud_a against_o he_o by_o his_o own_o benefit_n and_o his_o bounteous_a goodness_n which_o shall_v have_v high_o oblige_v we_o have_v make_v we_o careless_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o if_o we_o now_o want_v he_o no_o more_o and_o can_v stand_v upon_o our_o own_o leg_n but_o that_o which_o may_v just_o increase_v our_o wonder_n be_v that_o after_o all_o this_o upon_o our_o humble_a confession_n and_o actual_a change_n of_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o he_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v our_o great_a crime_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o all_o our_o transgression_n so_o great_a be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v we_o his_o pardon_n upon_o such_o a_o repentance_n than_o we_o be_v to_o ask_v it_o or_o by_o repentance_n to_o render_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o court_v our_o friendship_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n final_o there_o be_v something_o yet_o more_o which_o exceed_v wonder_n and_o that_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v so_o kind_o to_o accept_v our_o late_a repentance_n and_o obedience_n as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o no_o less_o than_o eternal_a life_n now_o the_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n give_v we_o a_o necessary_a occasion_n to_o observe_v and_o consider_v all_o this_o so_o certain_o the_o truth_n can_v but_o deep_o affect_v we_o with_o gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o the_o author_n of_o such_o unparalleled_a goodness_n and_o love_n express_v itself_o by_o all_o way_n possible_a our_o word_n service_n whole_a life_n of_o so_o great_a and_o much_o great_a spiritual_a benefit_n and_o profit_n be_v a_o true_a sincere_a serious_a affectionate_a and_o free_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o almighty_a god_n which_o be_v the_o five_o reason_n for_o the_o performance_n and_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o it_o and_o now_o if_o we_o put_v all_o these_o argument_n together_o the_o just_a honour_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n the_o edification_n and_o pleasure_n of_o other_o our_o own_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o great_a benefit_n one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o reasonable_a man_n guide_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o action_n by_o good_a understanding_n though_o we_o have_v no_o command_n from_o reveal_v religion_n not_o only_o to_o secure_v this_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n from_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n but_o especial_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o their_o frequent_a and_o serious_a practice_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a for_o no_o mortal_a so_o high_a who_o it_o do_v not_o exceed_o become_v and_o perhaps_o better_a than_o the_o mean_a for_o excellent_a and_o great_a quality_n sit_v best_a upon_o the_o great_a be_v most_o amiable_a in_o they_o and_o most_o just_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o true_a religion_n the_o right_a knowledge_n reasonable_a worship_n and_o resemblance_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o the_o universal_a parent_n be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o attainment_n of_o humane_a nature_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o in_o this_o life_n so_o holy_a and_o innocent_a take_v all_o our_o life_n together_o who_o have_v not_o great_a cause_n for_o and_o abundant_a need_n of_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n throne_n and_o shrine_n crown_n and_o glory_n sovereign_n and_o saint_n be_v with_o all_o just_a humility_n to_o lie_v at_o the_o footstool_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a father_n of_o his_o creature_n we_o may_v altogether_o send_v up_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n our_o common_a cry_n of_o confession_n of_o gild_n and_o petition_v for_o pardon_n without_o fear_n of_o offend_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o condition_n or_o sanctity_n of_o our_o profession_n none_o too_o great_a none_o too_o good_a to_o say_v with_o this_o great_a and_o good_a prince_n i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v forgive_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o pick_v out_o of_o it_o and_o put_v together_o a_o brief_a representation_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_a confessor_n in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o follow_v the_o sincere_a and_o deliberate_a penitent_n than_o be_v no_o negligent_a person_n of_o himself_o to_o let_v all_o thing_n go_v at_o random_n but_o be_v desirous_a to_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o trial_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n
answer_v that_o first_o i_o think_v we_o may_v without_o vanity_n challenge_v all_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o their_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o do_v its_o utmost_a let_v we_o see_v if_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_o ignorant_a and_o if_o we_o may_v have_v the_o leave_n or_o pardon_v of_o this_o royal_a audience_n to_o provoke_v they_o with_o a_o great_a but_o just_a reproach_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o both_o bold_a and_o blockish_a of_o which_o the_o second_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n will_v give_v some_o account_n 2_o and_o that_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v those_o intellectual_a object_n which_o be_v absolute_a such_o as_o be_v the_o property_n and_o action_n of_o god_n angel_n humane_a soul_n whence_o some_o have_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v mere_a word_n and_o talk_v or_o mistake_v for_o some_o corporeal_a nature_n such_o be_v those_o who_o first_o beginning_n at_o the_o substantiality_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n proceed_v to_o deny_v the_o providence_n the_o attribute_n and_o at_o last_o the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n impudent_o affirm_v nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o we_o but_o body_n and_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o it_o this_o miserable_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n confine_n the_o noble_a soul_n of_o man_n to_o the_o most_o ignoble_a and_o dead_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n deprive_v it_o of_o its_o great_a pleasure_n and_o perfection_n and_o debase_v it_o both_o in_o its_o knowledge_n and_o manner_n in_o its_o perceptive_a and_o active_a power_n the_o man_n who_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o it_o be_v those_o of_o much_o secular_a business_n and_o employment_n perpetual_o take_v up_o with_o observation_n and_o reason_n and_o plod_v about_o sensible_a object_n and_o affair_n of_o this_o bodily_a life_n and_o some_o there_o be_v run_v so_o far_o to_o the_o extreme_a of_o this_o side_n as_o to_o give_v little_a either_o encouragement_n or_o opportunity_n to_o any_o other_o knowledge_n or_o employment_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o mechanic_n trade_n and_o civil_a justice_n as_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v mere_a chimaera_n and_o unprofitable_a fruitless_a empty_a notion_n and_o nothing_o deserve_v our_o regard_n but_o only_o how_o to_o handle_v a_o tool_n well_o or_o to_o buy_v and_o sell_v or_o at_o the_o high_a to_o prevent_v or_o decide_v a_o controversy_n about_o a_o house_n field_n or_o fence_n and_o other_o little_a property_n which_o indeed_o be_v at_o present_a necessary_a and_o of_o great_a use_n for_o temporal_a plenty_n and_o peace_n but_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o good_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o hope_n acquisition_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o immortality_n in_o the_o heaven_n alas_o how_o little_a do_v such_o man_n understand_v or_o consider_v that_o if_o all_o the_o furniture_n of_o this_o momentany_a bodily_a life_n be_v not_o design_v by_o god_n and_o use_v by_o we_o for_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a thing_n it_o be_v scarce_o worth_a our_o come_n into_o be_v at_o all_o much_o less_o undergo_a the_o manifold_a uneasiness_n incommodity_n care_n and_o calamity_n of_o it_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o humour_n and_o genius_n in_o a_o nation_n to_o which_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a mankind_n be_v prone_a enough_o for_o some_o small_a time_n prevail_v seem_v to_o be_v profound_a ignorance_n and_o oblivion_n of_o intellectual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o increase_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n immorality_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o secular_a interest_n and_o restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o which_o one_o reason_n it_o seem_v high_o expedient_a or_o rather_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o set_v apart_o one_o order_n of_o man_n in_o considerable_a number_n with_o place_n and_o other_o proper_a and_o convenient_a circumstance_n to_o preserve_v and_o improve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n among_o man_n otherwise_o true_o in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v lose_v and_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v live_v like_o the_o fish_n and_o mole_n as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o privilege_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o superior_a world_n infinite_o the_o vast_a and_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o they_o be_v of_o we_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a some_o man_n may_v be_v content_a with_o it_o but_o sure_o they_o will_v be_v so_o humane_a and_o charitable_a as_o not_o to_o hinder_v but_o to_o help_v those_o which_o be_v not_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o two_o great_a difference_n between_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v call_v barbarous_a and_o that_o which_o be_v civil_a be_v intellectuality_n and_o charity_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o lose_v either_o we_o return_v again_o to_o barbarism_n 3_o another_o most_o frequent_a and_o lamentable_a cause_n indeed_o of_o infidelity_n be_v licentiousness_n man_n will_v live_v as_o they_o listen_v and_o gratify_v and_o indulge_v their_o lust_n to_o the_o full_a without_o any_o fear_n restraint_n or_o allay_v and_o because_o their_o conscience_n be_v at_o first_o more_o or_o less_o troublesome_a they_o endeavour_v to_o bribe_v corrupt_a and_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o their_o party_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o honest_o too_o follow_v such_o course_n for_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_o believe_v say_v they_o and_o talk_v of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o difference_n of_o action_n except_o only_o from_o agreeableness_n and_o present_a pleasure_n of_o god_n his_o sanctity_n and_o justice_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n of_o reckon_n and_o recompense_n hereafter_o be_v but_o imagination_n and_o talk_n or_o false_a or_o at_o least_o dubious_a thing_n these_o man_n do_v the_o work_n thorough_o of_o debauch_v and_o eternal_o ruine_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hire_v their_o conscience_n to_o be_v silent_a or_o stand_v neuter_n but_o to_o give_v their_o lust_n all_o possible_a assistance_n and_o encouragement_n like_o some_o who_o have_v fight_v desperate_o in_o a_o bad_a cause_n not_o without_o conscience_n but_o with_o one_o as_o bad_a as_o their_o cause_n and_o here_o these_o person_n who_o will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o abuse_v by_o their_o lust_n ought_v timely_o to_o be_v aware_a in_o what_o great_a danger_n they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o but_o also_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v they_o with_o all_o religion_n that_o ever_o reason_n and_o nature_n have_v teach_v and_o consequent_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o they_o 4._o in_o man_n of_o a_o haughty_a spirit_n that_o very_a temper_n of_o they_o be_v a_o frequent_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n they_o will_v needs_o be_v uncontrollable_a by_o any_o and_o not_o endure_v any_o bound_n to_o their_o desire_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o what_o they_o please_v to_o set_v themselves_o it_o be_v for_o ordinary_a and_o low_a spirit_n and_o not_o for_o such_o great_a mind_n as_o they_o be_v so_o say_v their_o flatterer_n and_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o any_o law_n of_o nature_n reason_n or_o religion_n or_o to_o depend_v upon_o any_o be_v whatsoever_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hope_v or_o fear_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n man_n who_o speak_v as_o big_a as_o pharaoh_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o shall_v obey_v he_o exod._n 5._o 2._o poor_a creature_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o a_o jot_n wise_a or_o better_o and_o true_o comparative_o very_o little_o great_a than_o other_o mean_a mortal_n yet_o they_o will_v aspire_v to_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n their_o creator_n to_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o essential_a sanctity_n immutable_a justice_n all_o comprehend_v wisdom_n and_o almighty_a power_n it_o only_o belong_v to_o know_v no_o other_o law_n but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will_n and_o to_o court_v no_o power_n superior_a to_o his_o own_o 5_o we_o may_v add_v to_o these_o a_o certain_a gayness_n of_o spirit_n in_o some_o man_n these_o hate_n all_o care_n attention_n reflection_n and_o foresight_n which_o contract_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o gather_v itself_o together_o and_o consequent_o they_o like_v not_o to_o hear_v of_o or_o believe_v nay_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o disbelieve_v every_o thing_n which_o may_v disturb_v the_o security_n or_o confine_v the_o liberty_n or_o darken_v the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o mind_n it_o be_v plain_a if_o we_o entertain_v and_o settle_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o great_a practical_a truth_n of_o reveal_v and_o natural_a religion_n they_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o prudence_n and_o attention_n to_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o certain_a rule_n to_o a_o certain_a
with_o what_o be_v false_a and_o light_n it_o be_v also_o probity_n of_o mind_n they_o want_v who_o be_v licentious_o give_v and_o no_o great_a friend_n to_o any_o religion_n or_o truth_n either_o which_o may_v lay_v any_o restraint_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n glad_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o they_o that_o man_n look_v upon_o all_o profess_v religion_n and_o conscience_n to_o be_v ignorant_a superstitious_a or_o cunning_a so_o that_o their_o example_n or_o reason_n be_v of_o no_o authority_n with_o they_o neither_o do_v this_o humour_n stop_v among_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v soon_o convey_v into_o the_o vulgar_a too_o who_o soon_o learn_v to_o contemn_v religion_n and_o the_o priest_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o liberty_n wherefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v advise_v and_o sincere_o religious_a man_n wise_a and_o honest_a who_o hearty_o desire_v the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n will_v so_o do_v that_o we_o be_v first_o assure_v 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of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o general_n head_n 2_o to_o propose_v some_o remedy_n proper_a to_o prevent_v or_o repress_v the_o influence_n of_o these_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n whereof_o some_o be_v more_o general_a some_o more_o particular_o relate_v to_o some_o cause_n and_o circumstance_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v one_a to_o advise_v and_o assist_v man_n to_o improve_v and_o advance_v their_o knowledge_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o for_o it_o seem_v just_a to_o deal_v so_o upright_o and_o plain_o with_o the_o world_n as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mere_a authority_n instead_o of_o understanding_n and_o reason_n where_o man_n be_v true_o capable_a and_o honest_a though_o where_o they_o be_v ignorant_a but_o yet_o conceit_v self-willed_a or_o dishonest_a in_o thing_n of_o importance_n and_o consequence_n authority_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o interpose_v for_o their_o own_o and_o the_o public_a good_a which_o otherwise_o will_v great_o suffer_v let_v therefore_o man_n know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o examine_v these_o great_a verity_n with_o the_o great_a severity_n assure_o the_o more_o they_o know_v the_o more_o reason_n they_o will_v see_v to_o believe_v they_o serious_o and_o resolute_o to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n john_n 5._o 39_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o all_o his_o character_n there_o do_v agree_v so_o say_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n nature_n itself_o and_o reason_n too_o for_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o all_o these_o great_a truth_n but_o then_o search_v they_o thorough_o examine_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n see_v clear_o reason_n careful_o and_o just_o weigh_v all_o thing_n with_o indifferency_n and_o impartiality_n which_o will_v be_v present_o a_o direction_n by_o itself_o otherwise_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v erroneous_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o conclude_v from_o they_o so_o may_v man_n here_o through_o want_n of_o patience_n and_o attention_n and_o apprehension_n err_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o conclusion_n concern_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o morality_n and_o all_o religion_n we_o hearty_o desire_v that_o man_n faith_n and_o belief_n may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o plain_a serious_a and_o deliberate_a conviction_n more_o than_o of_o custom_n where_o it_o may_v be_v and_o true_o then_o as_o well_o as_o when_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v another_o cause_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n great_a be_v its_o power_n and_o forcible_a its_o operation_n and_o life_n itself_o be_v at_o its_o devotion_n and_o service_n such_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o particular_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n mention_v of_o saint_n thomas_n and_o saint_n peter_n when_o one_o cry_n out_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n and_o the_o other_o lord_z whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n let_v that_o then_o be_v the_o first_o remedy_n against_o infidelity_n viz._n the_o utmost_a improvement_n and_o best_a exercise_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n 2_o possess_v we_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o zealous_a honesty_n and_o probity_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o strong_a habitual_a propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o just_a this_o will_v have_v three_o effect_n very_o proper_a to_o beget_v or_o confirm_v a_o right_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o in_o it_o the_o first_o a_o fervent_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o second_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n of_o it_o wherever_o we_o discover_v it_o be_v it_o for_o we_o or_o be_v it_o against_o we_o three_o a_o desire_n to_o act_v suitable_a and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o i_o say_v a_o sincere_a and_o resolute_a probity_n have_v these_o effect_n for_o sure_o never_o any_o honest_a man_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v material_a more_o fit_a and_o just_a of_o better_a effect_n for_o a_o good_a man_n who_o will_v make_v good_a use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o be_v know_v rather_o than_o ignorant_a or_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n rather_o than_o a_o lie_n in_o order_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o all_o his_o inward_a motion_n and_o outward_a action_n without_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o search_v or_o find_v the_o truth_n without_o the_o second_o when_o we_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v either_o not_o believe_v or_o deny_v it_o if_o possible_a or_o if_o by_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n we_o can_v do_v that_o yet_o we_o shall_v turn_v our_o mind_n away_o from_o it_o final_o without_o the_o three_o we_o shall_v little_o esteem_v or_o
creature_n and_o offspring_n final_o god_n omnipotent_a who_o can_v have_v do_v himself_o right_a every_o moment_n crush_v this_o pitiful_a worm_n to_o dirt_n turn_v he_o out_o of_o be_v or_o into_o eternal_a misery_n man_n who_o can_v at_o his_o worst_a but_o have_v wriggle_v turn_v up_o his_o blasphemous_a mouth_n and_o contemptible_a head_n against_o heaven_n not_o without_o its_o permission_n neither_o and_o final_o perish_v in_o his_o inveterate_a enmity_n against_o it_o it_o be_v this_o god_n i_o say_v who_o begin_v and_o still_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o this_o contemptible_a and_o perverse_a enemy_n man_n even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o beseech_v he_o to_o be_v friend_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o verse_n after_o the_o text._n now_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v for_o god_n for_o it_o be_v add_v as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n how_o can_v thou_o hear_v such_o word_n o_o man_n and_o not_o present_o fall_v down_o upon_o thy_o knee_n endeavour_v to_o prevent_v in_o appearance_n such_o a_o indecent_a condescension_n and_o do_v thou_o o_o heavenly_a father_n beseech_v i_o be_v it_o not_o below_o thy_o infinite_a majesty_n to_o be_v a_o suitor_n to_o a_o mean_a and_o sinful_a creature_n shall_v a_o prodigal_a and_o rebellious_a child_n suffer_v his_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n to_o beg_v reconciliation_n at_o his_o hand_n nay_o sure_o that_o part_n be_v i_o and_o only_o become_v i_o st._n peter_n be_v so_o surprise_v with_o the_o humility_n of_o jesus_n when_o he_o will_v wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n and_o so_o offend_v at_o it_o that_o he_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v he_o shall_v never_o wash_v he_o till_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v he_o into_o a_o submission_n john_n 13._o 8._o in_o like_a manner_n a_o good_a man_n due_o sensible_a of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o himself_o and_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v may_v at_o first_o sight_n be_v tempt_v to_o think_v so_o great_a a_o condescension_n of_o god_n as_o entreaty_n for_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o man_n somewhat_o undecent_a and_o unbecoming_a if_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o express_o tell_v we_o otherwise_o and_o lay_v his_o command_n upon_o we_o not_o to_o dispute_v his_o wisdom_n but_o upon_o a_o little_a enquiry_n he_o will_v soon_o find_v it_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a for_o alas_o as_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v fall_v into_o profound_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v enemy_n in_o their_o mind_n by_o wicked_a work_n by_o their_o degenerate_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v know_v he_o and_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o they_o as_o we_o through_o his_o great_a mercy_n do_v yet_o through_o perverseness_n pride_n haughtiness_n and_o licentiousness_n natural_a and_o affect_a delight_n in_o evil_a temper_n and_o practice_n they_o will_v have_v refuse_v his_o kind_n offer_v and_o not_o have_v give_v he_o the_o hear_n like_o the_o barbarous_a of_o mankind_n who_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o civil_a life_n but_o choose_v to_o continue_v in_o nastiness_n rudeness_n and_o brutality_n mortal_o hate_v all_o those_o who_o will_v persuade_v they_o to_o change_v their_o manner_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_n of_o the_o most_o merciful_a author_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v his_o proposal_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o treaty_n with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o 2_o d._n thing_n observable_a in_o the_o word_n the_o author_n of_o this_o reconciliation_n god_n god_n be_v in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n iii_o the_o three_o be_v the_o party_n to_o be_v reconcile_v god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o here_o we_o can_v omit_v particular_o to_o observe_v two_o thing_n 1_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n again_o 2_o his_o condescension_n or_o as_o i_o think_v i_o may_v be_v bold_a true_o to_o call_v it_o his_o humility_n 1._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o be_v reconcile_v at_o all_o that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o take_v any_o course_n to_o remove_v the_o enmity_n between_o himself_o and_o sinner_n that_o he_o will_v contrive_v and_o prosecute_v to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n such_o a_o design_n that_o man_n first_o may_v have_v no_o unjust_a enmity_n in_o his_o nature_n against_o he_o and_o then_o that_o there_o may_v be_v none_o in_o he_o against_o man_n and_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o sanctity_n justice_n and_o even_o universal_a goodness_n itself_o to_o use_v he_o as_o a_o enemy_n that_o there_o may_v be_v settle_v and_o preserve_v a_o hearty_a amity_n and_o correspondence_n between_o god_n and_o man._n but_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v here_o most_o proper_a be_v god_n gracious_a condescension_n or_o even_o humility_n condescension_n to_o the_o low_a act_n of_o goodness_n and_o charity_n where_o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v great_a as_o it_o do_v not_o in_o god_n who_o be_v always_o sufficient_a for_o all_o kind_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o together_o be_v one_o branch_n of_o humility_n and_o therefore_o god_n may_v be_v say_v in_o a_o most_o proper_a sense_n to_o be_v humble_a the_o high_a do_v not_o think_v any_o office_n of_o goodness_n below_o he_o because_o it_o be_v low_a as_o ofttimes_o proud_a man_n do_v he_o feed_v the_o very_a young_a raven_n when_o they_o cry_v and_o clothe_v the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n but_o there_o be_v another_o more_o general_a notion_n of_o humility_n which_o may_v most_o true_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o be_v not_o to_o esteem_v or_o use_v any_o power_n ultimate_o for_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v fear_v or_o honour_v for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o true_a general_a notion_n of_o humility_n and_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o true_o say_v than_o that_o god_n be_v the_o most_o humble_a of_o all_o being_n he_o do_v nothing_o mere_o and_o ultimate_o for_o the_o ostentation_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n he_o value_v his_o power_n only_o as_o direct_v by_o his_o wisdom_n for_o the_o end_n of_o goodness_n as_o their_o instrument_n of_o do_v good_a his_o power_n over_o all_o his_o creature_n be_v necessary_a for_o their_o government_n and_o for_o the_o most_o happy_a state_n of_o they_o all_o if_o god_n can_v not_o control_v angel_n and_o man_n reward_n and_o punish_v the_o good_a and_o bad_a as_o he_o please_v the_o world_n will_v be_v all_o misery_n and_o confusion_n but_o contrariwise_a pride_n the_o opposite_a to_o humility_n which_o be_v to_o love_n and_o desire_v power_n for_o itself_o a_o affectation_n to_o do_v what_o one_o list_n good_a or_o evil_a to_o have_v all_o other_o will_n and_o action_n at_o our_o command_n to_o strut_v and_o swell_v with_o it_o to_o make_v all_o know_v it_o which_o may_v be_v in_o do_v mischief_n as_o well_o as_o good_a all_o this_o i_o say_v have_v no_o place_n in_o heaven_n it_o dwell_v only_o in_o earth_n and_o hell_n the_o good_a angel_n imitate_v their_o maker_n and_o these_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a spirit_n be_v so_o humble_a as_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o good_a man_n here_o below_o whence_o we_o mortal_n may_v be_v advise_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o humility_n in_o general_n as_o mean_v a_o thing_n as_o it_o may_v sound_v or_o seem_v and_o that_o branch_n particular_o of_o condescension_n to_o the_o low_a act_n of_o charity_n and_o goodness_n where_o it_o hinder_v not_o great_a be_v a_o imitation_n not_o only_o of_o angel_n but_o of_o god_n almighty_a himself_o but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o observation_n this_o gracious_a condescension_n of_o god_n may_v be_v if_o we_o please_v just_o raise_v by_o the_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o three_o thing_n 1_o that_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o own_o creature_n there_o be_v infinite_o great_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o the_o noble_a of_o his_o creature_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o great_a emperor_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o most_o despicable_a beggar_n upon_o the_o dunghill_n 2_o to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o that_o be_v man._n it_o may_v seem_v more_o decent_a to_o do_v it_o to_o angel_n but_o to_o such_o a_o contemptible_a thing_n as_o man_n be_v great_a indeed_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v so_o mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o thus_o vifite_a he_o psal_n 8._o 4._o and_o 3_o to_o man_n so_o mean_v a_o creature_n and_o yet_o so_o proud_a and_o wilful_a a_o sinner_n as_o some_o be_v at_o least_o