a_o divine_a nature_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n and_o because_o the_o chief_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v here_o intend_v i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o this_o text_n to_o handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v frequent_o discourse_v of_o in_o divinity_n but_o not_o always_o so_o clear_o state_v and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o four_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o promise_n be_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o promise_v 2._o why_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o great_a and_o precious_a exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 3._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o tenor_n of_o these_o promise_n 4._o when_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o may_v apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o these_o four_o head_n will_v comprehend_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o argument_n 1._o what_o the_o promise_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o promise_v and_o no_o doubt_n the_o apostle_n here_o intend_v those_o great_a and_o excellent_a promise_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o this_o enquiry_n we_o need_v only_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 2._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n 3._o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o reward_v it_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o gospel_n have_v make_v full_a and_o clear_a promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o will_v forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o amend_v our_o wicked_a life_n all_o that_o be_v past_a shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o and_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o this_o end_n to_o obtain_v for_o we_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n give_v man_n good_a hope_n that_o upon_o their_o repentance_n god_n will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n from_o they_o but_o mankind_n be_v doubtful_a of_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o use_v expiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n the_o jewish_a religion_n allow_v of_o no_o expiation_n but_o for_o legal_a impurity_n and_o involuntary_a transgression_n such_o as_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n but_o not_o for_o sin_n of_o presumption_n and_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v with_o a_o bigh_a hand_n if_o man_n sin_v wilful_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v by_o the_o law_n for_o such_o sin_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n justify_v we_o from_o the_o great_a sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o jew_n act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v â—nto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v no_o general_a promise_n of_o pardon_n nor_o way_n of_o expiation_n under_o the_o law_n perfect_a remission_n of_o sin_n be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o ascertain_v to_o we_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n 2._o another_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n which_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v expect_v namely_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n whereby_o they_o be_v qualify_v to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o but_o now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v propagate_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v cease_v but_o yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v still_o concur_v with_o the_o gospel_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o excite_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o though_o this_o operation_n be_v very_o secret_a so_o as_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o this_o influence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n this_o proposition_n be_v universal_o true_a and_o in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o now_o work_v upon_o man_n in_o that_o sudden_a and_o sensible_a manner_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n because_o then_o man_n be_v strong_o possess_v with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o other_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o therefore_o as_o more_o outward_a mean_n of_o conviction_n be_v then_o necessary_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o powerful_a internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o conquer_v and_o bear_v down_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n but_o now_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n be_v more_o gradual_o instill_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o gentle_a degree_n of_o pious_a instruction_n and_o education_n and_o with_o these_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n concur_v in_o a_o more_o humane_a way_n which_o be_v more_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o men._n so_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v now_o make_v good_a to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o present_a state_n do_v require_v god_n do_v not_o use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o may_v be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o more_o ordinary_a way_n the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v still_o necessary_a to_o man_n to_o incline_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o degree_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a at_o first_o because_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n be_v not_o now_o so_o great_a and_o many_o of_o those_o advantage_n which_o be_v necessary_o want_v at_o first_o be_v now_o supply_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a now_o to_o expect_v the_o same_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n 3._o there_o be_v likewise_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o reward_n and_o crown_v our_o obedience_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o job_n 2._o 25._o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v prefer_v before_o the_o old_a covenant_n of_o the_o law_n because_o it_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n all_o the_o special_a and_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o temporal_a good_a thing_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a encouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o obedience_n under_o that_o imimperfect_a dispensation_n but_o now_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o the_o gospel_n have_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o a_o happy_a state_n of_o immortality_n after_o this_o life_n of_o which_o man_n have_v but_o very_o obscure_a and_o doubtful_a apprehension_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 10._o that_o it_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n jâ—sus_n christ_n who_o have_v abâ—lisbed_v death_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n
secure_v against_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o whereby_o they_o may_v discern_v truth_n from_o imposture_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o not_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o there_o be_v two_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o do_v not_o real_o come_v from_o he_o first_o to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n this_o mistake_v the_o jew_n frequent_o fall_v into_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o true_a prophet_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n send_v to_o they_o slight_v their_o message_n and_o persecute_v their_o person_n but_o they_o miscarry_v most_o fatal_o and_o remarkable_o in_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n that_o great_a prophet_n who_o they_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v and_o who_o god_n send_v at_o last_o to_o bring_v salvation_n to_o they_o but_o when_o he_o come_v they_o know_v he_o not_o nor_o will_v receive_v he_o but_o use_v he_o with_o all_o the_o despite_n and_o contempt_n imaginable_a not_o as_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n but_o as_o a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o reject_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o reject_v a_o divine_a message_n or_o revelation_n be_v to_o oppose_v god_n and_o fight_v against_o he_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o in_o despise_v he_o they_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v he_o second_o there_o be_v also_o another_o dangerous_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o this_o likewise_o the_o jew_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o in_o receive_v the_o false_a prophet_n which_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o send_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o truth_n greedy_o to_o swallow_v error_n and_o delusion_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o jew_n john_n 5._o 43._o i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v this_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o jew_n be_v full_o accomplish_v for_o after_o they_o have_v reject_v he_o who_o give_v such_o abundant_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n they_o receive_v other_o who_o real_o come_v in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o run_v after_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o be_v in_o great_a number_n destroy_v with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v very_o just_a with_o god_n that_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n noâ—_n these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n which_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o security_n to_o man_n against_o both_o those_o danger_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n i._o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o god_n providence_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o secure_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n these_o shall_v be_v the_o two_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o he_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n first_o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n no_o man_n be_v so_o likely_a to_o have_v clear_a and_o true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n as_o a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o have_v transcribe_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v himself_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n what_o god_n be_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n job_n 28._o 28._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a be_v understanding_n and_o psal_n 111._o 10._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n whereas_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n darken_v their_o reason_n and_o distort_v their_o understanding_n and_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o gross_a and_o sensual_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o thereby_o render_v man_n unfit_a to_o discern_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o tendency_n and_o altogether_o indispose_v to_o receive_v they_o for_o though_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n be_v proper_o seat_v in_o their_o will_n and_o do_v not_o possess_v their_o understanding_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o bad_a influence_n upon_o they_o as_o fume_n and_o vapour_n from_o the_o stomach_n be_v wont_a to_o affect_v the_o head_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o we_o may_v abuse_v our_o faculty_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o discern_a even_o of_o their_o proper_a object_n when_o man_n by_o wicked_a practice_n have_v render_v themselves_o unlike_a to_o god_n they_o will_v not_o love_v to_o retain_v the_o knowlenge_n of_o he_o in_o their_o mind_n but_o will_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n concern_v he_o what_o cloud_n and_o mist_n be_v to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o understanding_n they_o hinder_v it_o from_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n they_o be_v best_a qualify_v for_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n now_o according_a as_o a_o man_n notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o will_v be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v natural_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o in_o right_a conception_n and_o apprehension_n concern_v he_o and_o in_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o observance_n of_o he_o and_o in_o a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v imprint_v upon_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o obedience_n consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o a_o endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o suppose_v god_n to_o have_v make_v no_o external_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v his_o will_n but_o by_o consider_v his_o nature_n and_o our_o own_o and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o that_o resemble_v god_n most_o be_v like_a to_o understand_v he_o best_o because_o he_o find_v those_o perfection_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o contemplate_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o give_v a_o man_n so_o sure_a a_o notion_n of_o thing_n as_o practice_n and_o experience_n every_o good_a man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o feel_v that_o in_o himself_o which_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v in_o god_n so_o that_o this_o man_n do_v experience_n what_o other_o do_v but_o talk_v of_o he_o see_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o he_o from_o a_o inward_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o
sensible_a he_o can_v extend_v his_o fear_n so_o far_o as_o another_o world_n so_o long_o as_o he_o find_v himself_o well_o and_o at_o ease_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n if_o we_o will_v affect_v such_o a_o man_n we_o must_v offer_v to_o his_o consideration_n something_o that_o be_v fit_a to_o work_v upon_o he_o threaten_v he_o with_o break_v open_a his_o house_n and_o riâ—â—ing_v his_o coffer_n and_o carry_v away_o his_o full_a bag_n with_o question_v his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n or_o start_v a_o precedent_a mortgage_n or_o something_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v dreadful_a and_o terrible_a to_o he_o now_o you_o speak_v intelligible_o to_o he_o and_o he_o understand_v what_o you_o mean_v tell_v he_o of_o a_o good_a bargain_n or_o a_o advantageous_a purchase_n offer_v he_o decent_o a_o good_a bribe_n or_o give_v he_o notice_n of_o a_o young_a heir_n that_o may_v be_v circumvent_v and_o draw_v in_o than_o you_o say_v something_o to_o he_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o regard_n and_o attention_n the_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v by_o such_o offer_v and_o promise_v as_o these_o but_o discourse_n to_o he_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o mâ—â—_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o glory_n and_o happiness_n that_o shall_v neither_o have_v bound_n nor_o end_n and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o upon_o a_o instrument_n for_o he_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o he_o will_v not_o do_v they_o as_o the_o prophet_n express_v it_o ezek._n 33._o 32._o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o fine_a talk_n or_o a_o melodious_a â—ound_n that_o vanish_v into_o air_n but_o leave_v no_o impression_n behind_o it_o perhaps_o even_o these_o dull_a and_o stupid_a kind_n of_o man_n be_v affect_v a_o little_a for_o the_o present_a with_o the_o liveliness_n of_o the_o romance_n and_o the_o poetical_a vein_n of_o the_o preacher_n but_o these_o thing_n pass_v away_o like_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v but_o have_v no_o last_a effect_n upon_o they_o so_o effectual_o do_v covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n obstruct_v all_o those_o passage_n through_o which_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n shall_v enter_v into_o our_o mind_n second_o as_o covetousness_n hinder_v man_n from_o religion_n and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o a_o due_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o it_o many_o time_n tempt_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o the_o parent_n of_o most_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n he_o that_o will_v engage_v deep_a in_o the_o world_n must_v use_v much_o more_o guard_n and_o caution_n than_o most_o man_n do_v to_o do_v it_o without_o sin_n how_o many_o temptation_n be_v the_o covetous_a man_n expose_v to_o in_o the_o get_n and_o in_o the_o secure_n and_o in_o the_o spend_n and_o enjoy_v of_o a_o great_a estate_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o reckon_v they_o up_o and_o much_o more_o difficult_a to_o escape_v or_o resi_v they_o and_o yet_o each_o of_o these_o temptation_n bring_v he_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o great_a many_o sin_n for_o i._o in_o the_o get_n of_o a_o estate_n he_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o those_o vice_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o this_o design_n nothing_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o more_o and_o great_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n than_o covetousness_n and_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich._n it_o be_v solomon_n observation_n prov._n 28._o 20._o he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o he_o speak_v as_o if_o there_o be_v all_o the_o probability_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v in_o so_o much_o haste_n will_v almost_o unavoidable_o fall_v into_o a_o great_a many_o oversight_n and_o fault_n and_o the_o heathen_a poet_n make_v the_o very_a same_o observation_n in_o more_o word_n ind_n ferè_fw-la scelerum_fw-la causae_fw-la nec_fw-la plura_fw-la venena_fw-la miscuit_fw-la aut_fw-la ferro_fw-la grassatur_fw-la saepiùs_fw-la ullum_fw-la humanae_fw-la mentis_fw-la vitium_fw-la quam_fw-la saeva_fw-la cupido_fw-la immodici_fw-la censûs_fw-la nam_fw-la dive_v qui_fw-la fieri_fw-la vult_fw-la et_fw-la cito_fw-la vult_fw-la fieri_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la reverentia_fw-la legum_n quis_fw-la metus_fw-la aut_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la unquam_fw-la properantis_fw-la avari_fw-la this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o sin_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o vice_n of_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o more_o murder_n and_o poison_v than_o a_o furious_a desire_n of_o immoderate_a wealth_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a will_v make_v haste_n to_o be_v so_o and_o what_o reverence_n of_o law_n what_o fear_n or_o shame_n be_v ever_o see_v in_o any_o man_n that_o be_v in_o in_o haste_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n this_o peremptory_a resolution_n of_o be_v rich_a 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n if_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n once_o reign_v in_o we_o if_o we_o have_v once_o fix_v our_o end_n and_o set_v up_o this_o resolution_n with_o ourselves_o that_o we_o will_v be_v rich_a we_o shall_v then_o make_v every_o thing_n stoop_v and_o submit_v to_o this_o design_n a_o covetous_a man_n will_v make_v his_o principle_n and_o his_o conscience_n to_o bend_v to_o his_o resolution_n of_o be_v rich_a and_o to_o bow_v to_o that_o interest_n the_o eager_a desire_n of_o riches_n make_v man_n to_o pursue_v they_o in_o indirect_a and_o uncharitable_a way_n by_o falsehood_n and_o perjury_n by_o undermine_v and_o overreach_v by_o dissemble_v and_o flattery_n by_o corrupt_v and_o embase_v of_o commodity_n by_o false_a weight_n and_o measure_n by_o take_v fee_n with_o both_o hand_n by_o make_v use_n of_o their_o power_n and_o wit_n to_o oppress_v and_o defraud_v their_o brother_n by_o impose_v upon_o his_o ignorance_n and_o simplicity_n or_o by_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o his_o poverty_n and_o necessity_n covetousness_n many_o time_n make_v man_n cruel_a and_o unjust_a nay_o it_o make_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n for_o as_o one_o say_v well_o the_o covetous_a man_n oppress_v his_o neighbour_n not_o for_o any_o good_a to_o himself_o for_o he_o do_v not_o enjoy_v what_o he_o tear_n and_o rent_n from_o other_o so_o that_o he_o be_v of_o that_o most_o hateful_a kind_n of_o beast_n of_o prey_n that_o kill_v other_o creature_n not_o to_o eat_v they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o lie_v dead_a by_o they_o lion_n and_o wolf_n kill_v out_o of_o hunger_n but_o the_o covetous_a man_n like_o a_o serpent_n or_o scorpion_n sting_n and_o bite_v other_o to_o death_n not_o for_o his_o need_n but_o for_o his_o pleasure_n and_o recreation_n covetousness_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a sin_n because_o it_o fix_v a_o man_n in_o a_o resolution_n of_o get_v a_o estate_n by_o any_o mean_n if_o falseness_n and_o deceit_n violence_n and_o oppression_n will_v further_o this_o end_n the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o end_n tempt_v man_n to_o use_v any_o sort_n of_o mean_n whereby_o the_o end_n may_v be_v compass_v and_o though_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o averseness_n from_o they_o at_o first_o yet_o that_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o the_o strong_a desire_n of_o the_o end_n reconcile_v a_o man_n at_o last_o to_o the_o love_n and_o like_n of_o the_o mean_n how_o wicked_a and_o unwarrantable_a soever_o covetousness_n tempt_v achan_n to_o steal_v the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o gehazi_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o ahab_n to_o oppress_v and_o murder_n naboth_n nay_o a_o small_a sum_n tempt_v the_o covetous_a mind_n of_o judas_n to_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o his_o saviour_n and_o how_o do_v many_o man_n every_o day_n strain_v their_o conscience_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n and_o hazard_v their_o soul_n for_o money_n nay_o exchange_v their_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o a_o very_a small_a portion_n of_o it_o ii_o there_o be_v likewise_o many_o other_o temptation_n which_o
that_o can_v deny_v themselves_o to_o dine_v with_o he_o in_o hope_n to_o make_v better_a meal_n upon_o his_o estate_n when_o he_o be_v go_v and_o if_o he_o be_v so_o penurious_a to_o himself_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o be_v not_o like_a to_o mouâ—_n he_o to_o be_v liberal_a i_o can_v but_o imagine_v one_o occasion_n that_o can_v tempt_v such_o a_o man_n to_o lay_v out_o what_o he_o have_v namely_o when_o one_o part_n of_o his_o estate_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o spend_v the_o other_o to_o secure_v it_o and_o yet_o even_o in_o that_o case_n if_o his_o cause_n be_v not_o very_o clear_a and_o good_a he_o will_v go_v nigh_o to_o lose_v it_o use_v it_o as_o he_o do_v himself_o that_o be_v by_o starve_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o than_o a_o man_n have_v as_o good_a be_v without_o a_o estate_n and_o save_v himself_o the_o trouble_n either_o of_o get_v it_o or_o secure_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v all_o go_v he_o may_v live_v as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v and_o that_o with_o half_a the_o care_n and_o pain_n second_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n consist_v in_o a_o state_n of_o freedom_n from_o evil._n now_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o in_o this_o world_n be_v such_o as_o be_v incident_a to_o they_o either_o in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n or_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n and_o riches_n do_v not_o contribute_v to_o man_n happiness_n by_o free_v they_o from_o either_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o several_o 1._o not_o from_o the_o evil_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o man_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n these_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n inward_a or_o outward_a 1._o inward_a evil_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v those_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o our_o great_a trouble_n be_v from_o within_o from_o the_o anxiety_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o will_n and_o the_o irregularity_n and_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n now_o riches_n be_v a_o admirable_a thing_n indeed_o and_o worth_a our_o covet_v if_o they_o will_v help_v to_o cure_v these_o distemper_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v the_o least_o fit_v for_o such_o a_o purpose_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o not_o he_o that_o have_v the_o great_a estate_n but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o few_o and_o most_o reasonable_a desire_n and_o the_o best_a govern_a passion_n and_o the_o most_o virtuous_a inclination_n be_v the_o happy_a man_n and_o dwell_v near_a to_o satisfaction_n nemo_fw-la malus_fw-la foelix_fw-la no_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v happy_a though_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n because_o he_o have_v that_o within_o he_o which_o fret_v and_o discontent_v he_o which_o gall_v his_o spirit_n and_o keep_v his_o mind_n restless_a and_o uneasy_a and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o enjoy_v himself_o can_v enjoy_v nothing_o else_o do_v but_o man_n know_v how_o much_o happiness_n have_v be_v enjoy_v by_o many_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o a_o mean_a fortune_n how_o quiet_a and_o easy_a their_o mind_n have_v be_v how_o much_o full_a of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n than_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o covetous_a worldling_n ever_o be_v in_o his_o most_o prosperous_a estate_n and_o when_o his_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n abound_v do_v we_o i_o say_v but_o know_v this_o we_o shall_v not_o envy_v the_o man_n of_o mighty_a fortune_n nam_fw-la neque_fw-la divitibus_fw-la contingunt_fw-la gaudia_fw-la solis_fw-la rich_a man_n be_v not_o the_o only_a happy_a people_n in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o good_a as_o well_o as_o rich_a happiness_n be_v a_o great_a stranger_n to_o their_o dwelling_n than_o to_o the_o cottage_n of_o poor_a men._n now_o riches_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v to_o make_v man_n good_a that_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o they_o in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v otherwise_o which_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v so_o very_o hard_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n because_o consider_v the_o powerful_a and_o almost_o irresistible_a temptation_n of_o a_o great_a estate_n and_o the_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o govern_v itself_o in_o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o be_v so_o good_a as_o he_o ought_v it_o require_v a_o great_a force_n and_o firmness_n of_o resolution_n a_o very_a solid_a and_o vigorous_a constitution_n of_o mind_n to_o bear_v a_o great_a fortune_n and_o not_o to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o it_o and_o a_o man_n have_v never_o more_o reason_n to_o implore_v god_n gracious_a help_n and_o assistance_n and_o to_o consult_v his_o own_o best_a and_o cool_v thought_n to_o know_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o demean_v himself_o than_o when_o the_o outward_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n flow_v in_o amain_o upon_o he_o felicitate_a corrumpimur_fw-la nothing_o soon_o debauch_v man_n than_o prosperity_n and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a happy_a man_n who_o wealth_n and_o a_o good_a fortune_n do_v not_o make_v licentious_a and_o dissolute_a because_o these_o tempt_v man_n with_o the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v all_o the_o ill_a that_o their_o wickeds_n heart_n can_v design_n or_o desire_v the_o temptation_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o power_n that_o go_v along_o with_o they_o be_v so_o forcible_a and_o prevalent_a that_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o sagacious_a spirit_n and_o have_v great_a and_o long_a experience_n in_o this_o kind_n when_o he_o be_v make_v the_o experiment_n whether_o christ_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n or_o the_o son_n of_o god_n reserve_v this_o for_o his_o last_o temptation_n resolve_v if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o try_v he_o no_o far_o after_o he_o have_v assault_v he_o in_o several_a kind_n he_o represent_v to_o he_o at_o last_o that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v surfeit_v two_o of_o the_o most_o insatiable_a desire_n of_o humane_a nature_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n even_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o in_o a_o moment_n or_o point_n of_o time_n he_o bring_v all_o the_o ray_n of_o this_o glory_n to_o one_o point_n that_o the_o temptation_n may_v kindle_v and_o take_v hold_v the_o soon_o and_o say_v to_o he_o all_o this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o he_o suppose_v with_o great_a probability_n that_o if_o he_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n the_o strong_a and_o most_o resolve_a mind_n will_v bend_v and_o yield_v to_o so_o dazzle_v a_o temptation_n as_o this_o but_o when_o he_o see_v that_o this_o temptation_n be_v reject_v he_o find_v himself_o baffle_v and_o give_v he_o over_o since_o this_o do_v not_o move_v he_o he_o conclude_v now_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n indeed_o and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o tempt_v he_o any_o far_o from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o riches_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v man_n virtuous_a that_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o virtue_n than_o a_o full_a condition_n if_o man_n have_v not_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o discretion_n to_o manage_v it_o solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n destroy_v they_o and_o yet_o how_o do_v most_o of_o we_o court_n this_o temptation_n and_o be_v forward_o to_o thrust_v and_o venture_v ourselves_o upon_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n in_o which_o most_o man_n make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o themselves_o and_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a for_o they_o every_o man_n will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o physician_n or_o a_o lawyer_n to_o prescribe_v medicine_n in_o dangerous_a case_n and_o to_o give_v counsel_n to_o man_n in_o knotty_a and_o difficult_a point_n about_o their_o estate_n but_o every_o man_n think_v himself_o fit_a enough_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o sufficient_o qualify_v to_o manage_v a_o great_a estate_n if_o he_o can_v but_o get_v it_o when_o perhaps_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o man_n be_v more_o insufficient_a for_o than_o to_o wield_v and_o govern_v a_o great_a fortune_n nor_o wherein_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n and_o miscarriage_n it_o be_v not_o every_o body_n talon_n to_o be_v wealthy_a and_o wise_a rich_a and_o innocent_a 2._o as_o for_o the_o outward_a evil_n of_o this_o life_n such_o as_o want_v and_o contempt_n bodily_a pain_n and_o disease_n unhappiness_n in_o friend_n and_o relation_n a_o great_a estate_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a security_n or_o remedy_n to_o a_o covetous_a man_n against_o these_o 1._o as_o for_o want_v and_o sure_o
other_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o great_a design_n and_o be_v no_o further_o mind_v by_o we_o than_o they_o real_o be_v so_o for_o that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a end_n will_v subdue_v all_o other_o thing_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o subjection_n to_o it_o and_o will_v reject_v they_o and_o throw_v they_o aside_o if_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o if_o heaven_n be_v our_o utmost_a aim_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o it_o be_v our_o great_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a this_o resolution_n and_o design_n sincere_o entertain_v will_v over-rule_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o make_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o stoop_v and_o give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o be_v our_o chief_a end_n the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o what_o by_o seek_v they_o first_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o plain_a rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o furtherance_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n first_o let_v we_o always_o live_v under_o a_o lively_a and_o powerful_a sense_n of_o another_o world_n that_o we_o be_v place_v here_o in_o this_o world_n but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o that_o whole_o in_o order_n to_o our_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o a_o happy_a life_n let_v this_o thought_n be_v often_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o eternity_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a duration_n and_o the_o next_o world_n the_o place_n of_o our_o everlasting_a abode_n where_o we_o must_v dwell_v and_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o our_o present_a state_n be_v but_o of_o little_a moment_n and_o consideration_n to_o we_o but_o only_o in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a and_o everlasting_a condition_n we_o may_v please_v ourselves_o here_o for_o a_o little_a while_n with_o toy_n and_o trifle_n with_o dream_n and_o shadow_n of_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o some_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n for_o a_o short_a space_n for_o a_o moment_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o all_o eternity_n but_o the_o substantial_a and_o durable_a happiness_n or_o misery_n remain_v for_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v their_o portion_n according_a as_o they_o have_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n now_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o put_v we_o upon_o vigorous_a preparation_n for_o another_o world_n and_o to_o make_v we_o whole_o intent_n upon_o our_o eternal_a concernment_n and_o to_o resolve_v whatever_o become_v of_o we_o in_o this_o world_n to_o take_v effectual_a care_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o he_o that_o firm_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o a_o life_n after_o death_n which_o will_v never_o have_v a_o end_n must_v needs_o take_v into_o consideration_n his_o whole_a duration_n and_o bend_v all_o his_o care_n and_o thought_n how_o he_o may_v avoid_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a misery_n and_o secure_a to_o himself_o a_o immortality_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n second_o let_v we_o be_v always_o under_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o that_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v the_o one_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n and_o qualification_n for_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n without_o endeavour_v after_o his_o righteousness_n there_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o connexion_n between_o they_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o be_v well_o and_o at_o ease_n without_o health_n as_o to_o be_v happy_a without_o holiness_n for_o this_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o our_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o order_n to_o our_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a blessedness_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o will_v effectual_o engage_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n three_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o righteousness_n be_v of_o a_o great_a extent_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o goodness_n it_o take_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o ingredient_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o a_o good_a man._n to_o denominate_v a_o man_n righteous_a all_o cause_n must_v concur_v all_o the_o essential_a principle_n and_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n must_v meet_v together_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n faith_n and_o good_a work_n right_a opinion_n and_o real_a virtue_n a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o do_v of_o righteousness_n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o unspotted_a manner_n godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o bridle_v of_o our_o tongue_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n charity_n which_o be_v the_o band_n of_o perfection_n for_o righteousness_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o unrighteousness_n and_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o it_o now_o this_o if_o it_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a will_v be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a equal_o respect_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o will_v not_o content_v itself_o with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o one_o or_o two_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n though_o never_o so_o considerable_a and_o then_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o neglect_n and_o violation_n of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o overlook_v the_o other_o no_o nor_o with_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n one_o only_o except_v st._n james_n have_v put_v this_o very_a case_n and_o determine_v it_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v only_o that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n our_o righteousness_n must_v be_v universal_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o must_v we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n in_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o action_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o any_o one_o reign_v sin_n and_o vice_n any_o gross_a and_o notorious_a defect_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n will_v spoil_v all_o our_o righteousness_n and_o will_v effectual_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n four_o let_v we_o wise_o subordinate_a the_o several_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o intrinsical_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v mind_v every_o part_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o signify_v nothing_o unless_o they_o produce_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o prayer_n and_o fast_v diligent_a read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reverent_a and_o devout_a receive_v of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v of_o less_o account_n and_o value_n than_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o inward_o and_o real_o good_a and_o fruitful_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o use_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o these_o end_n without_o which_o they_o be_v mere_a formalility_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o instead_o of_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n they_o be_v a_o
thing_n be_v without_o we_o they_o neither_o constitute_v our_o be_v nor_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o happiness_n but_o our_o soul_n be_v ourselves_o and_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o be_v our_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o with_o equal_a care_n and_o concernment_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v rescue_v from_o eternal_a misery_n and_o everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n and_o can_v we_o be_v at_o too_o much_o cost_n and_o pain_n upon_o such_o a_o design_n to_o escape_v so_o dismal_a a_o condition_n so_o dreadful_a a_o ruin_n as_o that_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n can_v any_o man_n be_v concern_v enough_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o great_a a_o good_a to_o himself_o or_o can_v he_o purchase_v it_o too_o dear_a whatever_o he_o give_v or_o part_v with_o for_o it_o a_o good_a so_o desirable_a and_o so_o durable_a as_o our_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o when_o we_o purchase_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o time_n and_o care_n and_o trouble_v we_o pay_v dear_a for_o trifle_n and_o fancy_n but_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o jewel_n of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o price_n that_o a_o wise_a merchant_n will_v have_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v it_o of_o such_o value_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o next_o to_o it_o be_v righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o means_n whereby_o this_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o we_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o earnestness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o a_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n and_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o end_n and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v valuable_a next_o to_o the_o end_n and_o almost_o equal_o with_o it_o and_o such_o be_v righteousness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o it_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o qualify_v we_o and_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a ingredient_n into_o it_o and_o that_o which_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n constitute_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n for_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n to_o god_n which_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n bring_v we_o to_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n we_o have_v now_o of_o it_o be_v the_o very_a formal_a cause_n and_o essence_n of_o our_o blessedness_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o that_o be_v we_o do_v not_o now_o distinct_o understand_v wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n consist_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o this_o we_o know_v in_o general_a that_o it_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o hope_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o press_v you_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v by_o tell_v you_o what_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v universal_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o this_o bless_a state_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o than_o goodness_n any_o thing_n more_o desirable_a than_o a_o happiness_n which_o haâ—h_v no_o bound_n nor_o no_o end_n do_v not_o mind_v they_o nor_o look_v after_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o certain_o these_o aâ—e_a worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n second_o another_o consideration_n that_o shall_v very_o much_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o diligence_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o obtain_v they_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v no_o encouragement_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o whet_v our_o industry_n in_o seek_v these_o thing_n when_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n use_v to_o quicken_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o eternal_a life_n mat._n 7._o 14._o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o luke_n 13._o 24._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a seek_v here_o in_o opposition_n to_o strive_v be_v a_o faint_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n which_o will_v not_o carry_v we_o through_o this_o narrow_a and_o difficult_a passage_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o miscarry_v who_o make_v some_o attempt_n towards_o heaven_n but_o they_o do_v not_o strive_v they_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o any_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o get_v thither_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v eternal_a happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o hard_a to_o attain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o attain_v his_o righteousness_n as_o desirable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v very_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n to_o raise_v himself_o to_o that_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n so_o to_o subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o govern_v his_o passion_n to_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n and_o order_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v he_o for_o happiness_n and_o to_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o difficulty_n be_v chief_o in_o ourselves_o but_o great_o increase_v by_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o without_o chief_o i_o say_v in_o ourselves_o from_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o our_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o the_o strong_a power_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o custom_n which_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v inveterate_a do_v tyrannize_v over_o we_o and_o make_v we_o perfect_a slave_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_n at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o that_o our_o nature_n must_v be_v quite_o change_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o we_o must_v be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v new_o mould_v and_o fashion_v we_o must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v create_v and_o bear_v again_o before_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v positive_a and_o peremptory_a joh._n 3._o 3._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o difficulty_n indeed_o be_v great_a at_o first_o but_o it_o be_v considerable_a afterward_o till_o a_o through_o change_n be_v make_v and_o new_a inclination_n plant_v in_o we_o and_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v super-induced_n and_o that_o which_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n be_v outward_a temptation_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n which_o to_o withstand_v and_o resist_v require_v great_a courage_n and_o resolution_n great_a watchfulness_n and_o guard_n over_o ourselves_o but_o yet_o for_o our_o comfort_n these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o insuperable_a to_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n and_o to_o so_o good_a a_o purposeâ—_n great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v matter_n of_o great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o though_o the_o difficulty_n â—f_n work_v out_o our_o salvation_n be_v great_a yet_o if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n set_v about_o it_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o second_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v we_o with_o his_o gracious_a favour_n and_o to_o further_o we_o with_o his_o continual_a aid_n that_o
it_o too_o well_o to_o part_v with_o it_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o which_o always_o prove_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n and_o for_o the_o little_a sweetness_n which_o they_o yield_v leave_v a_o terrible_a sting_n behind_o they_o thus_o have_v i_o brief_o represent_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o of_o a_o vast_a influence_n and_o extent_n it_o reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n the_o happiness_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o to_o our_o whole_a duration_n the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o for_o godliness_n that_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o piety_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o now_o where_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o full_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v such_o real_a effect_n as_o do_v in_o any_o measure_n bear_v a_o proportion_n to_o the_o power_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o nothing_o certain_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a in_o its_o definition_n than_o true_a religion_n be_v but_o alas_o how_o imperfect_a be_v it_o in_o the_o subject_a i_o mean_v in_o we_o who_o ought_v to_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o action_n of_o our_o life_n the_o best_a demonstration_n of_o the_o excellent_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n what_o a_o conflict_n and_o struggle_a do_v the_o best_a man_n find_v between_o their_o inclination_n and_o their_o duty_n how_o hard_o to_o reconcile_v our_o practice_n and_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o make_v our_o life_n to_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n how_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n in_o this_o dangerous_a and_o imperfect_a state_n to_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n either_o so_o wise_a or_o so_o good_a as_o he_o ought_v how_o rare_a be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nature_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v without_o be_v often_o betray_v into_o some_o weakness_n and_o sinful_a compliance_n especial_o in_o the_o bad_a company_n of_o our_o better_n how_o next_o to_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o be_v strict_a and_o severe_a in_o our_o life_n without_o be_v sour_a to_o govern_v our_o life_n with_o that_o perpetual_a caution_n and_o to_o maintain_v that_o evenness_n of_o temper_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sometime_o peevish_a and_o passionate_a and_o when_o we_o be_v so_o not_o to_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o jonah_n we_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a there_o be_v two_o precept_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o nice_a of_o all_o other_o and_o hard_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n one_o be_v that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o innocent_a as_o dove_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o hit_v upon_o the_o just_a temper_n of_o wisdom_n and_o innocency_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o hurt_v no_o body_n to_o be_v innocent_a without_o be_v silly_a the_o other_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v angry_a and_o sin_v not_o how_o difficult_a be_v this_o never_o to_o be_v angry_a but_o upon_o just_a cause_n and_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o anger_n be_v just_a not_o to_o be_v transport_v beyond_o due_a bound_n either_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o anger_n or_o as_o to_o the_o duration_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v so_o very_o nice_a a_o matter_n that_o one_o will_v be_v almost_o tempt_v to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o prohibition_n of_o anger_n in_o any_o case_n be_v you_o angry_a and_o sin_v not_o be_v you_o so_o if_o you_o can_v without_o sin_n i_o believe_v whosoever_o observe_v it_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o suppress_v this_o passion_n at_o any_o time_n as_o to_o give_v way_n to_o it_o without_o offend_v in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n be_v it_o to_o be_v much_o in_o company_n and_o free_a in_o conversation_n and_o not_o to_o be_v infect_v by_o it_o to_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n and_o yet_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o the_o vice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v temperate_a in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n please_v so_o as_o neither_o to_o injure_v our_o health_n nor_o to_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n nor_o to_o offend_v against_o conscience_n to_o fast_o often_o without_o be_v conceit_v of_o it_o and_o bargain_v as_o it_o be_v with_o god_n for_o some_o great_a liberty_n in_o another_o kind_n and_o without_o censure_v those_o who_o do_v not_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o our_o strict_a rule_n either_o of_o piety_n or_o abstinence_n when_o perhaps_o they_o have_v neither_o the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o nor_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o that_o we_o have_v nay_o perhaps_o have_v a_o much_o better_a reason_n for_o not_o do_v just_a as_o we_o do_v for_o no_o man_n be_v to_o prescribe_v to_o other_o his_o own_o private_a method_n either_o of_o fast_v or_o of_o devotion_n as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o his_o example_n a_o kind_n of_o proclamation_n enjoin_v all_o his_o neighbour_n the_o same_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n which_o he_o himself_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o think_v fit_a to_o observe_v and_o then_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o be_v cheerful_a without_o be_v vain_a and_o grave_a and_o serious_a without_o be_v morose_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o instructive_a to_o other_o in_o our_o conversation_n and_o discourse_n without_o assume_v too_o much_o authority_n to_o ourselves_o which_o be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o do_v good_a to_o other_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o have_v rather_o take_v a_o hint_n and_o intimation_n from_o another_o to_o advise_v himself_o and_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o imitate_v the_o silent_a good_a example_n which_o they_o see_v in_o another_o than_o to_o have_v either_o his_o advice_n or_o his_o example_n impose_v upon_o they_o how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n equal_a to_o every_o condition_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o mean_a and_o moderate_a thing_n to_o be_v patient_n in_o adversity_n and_o humble_a in_o prosperity_n and_o meek_a upon_o sudden_a and_o violent_a provocation_n to_o keep_v our_o passion_n free_a from_o get_v head_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o zeal_n from_o out-running_a our_o knowledge_n to_o have_v a_o will_v perfect_o submit_v and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o when_o it_o lie_v cross_a and_o thwart_a to_o we_o so_o that_o whatever_o please_v god_n shall_v please_v we_o to_o be_v resolute_a when_o our_o duty_n happen_v to_o be_v difficult_a and_o dangerous_a or_o even_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n though_o it_o certain_o be_v so_o which_o be_v very_o inconvenient_a for_o we_o to_o do_v to_o hold_v out_o and_o be_v unwearied_a in_o well-doing_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v our_o life_n and_o yet_o upon_o a_o great_a occasion_n and_o whenever_o god_n call_v for_o they_o to_o be_v content_a to_o lay_v they_o down_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o innocent_a man_n in_o understanding_n and_o yet_o in_o malice_n child_n to_o have_v many_o great_a virtue_n and_o not_o to_o want_v that_o which_o give_v the_o great_a lustre_n to_o they_o all_o i_o mean_v real_a and_o unaffected_a modesty_n and_o humility_n in_o short_a how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o have_v regard_n to_o â—ll_a god_n commandment_n and_o to_o hate_v every_o evil_a and_o false_a way_n to_o have_v our_o duty_n continual_o in_o our_o eye_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n upon_o every_o proper_a occasion_n to_o have_v god_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n always_o before_o we_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o operative_a upon_o our_o practice_n to_o live_v as_o those_o that_o know_v they_o must_v die_v and_o to_o have_v our_o thought_n perpetual_o awake_a and_o intent_n upon_o the_o great_a and_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n these_o be_v great_a thing_n indeed_o easy_a to_o be_v talk_v of_o but_o hard_o to_o be_v do_v nay_o not_o to_o be_v do_v at_o all_o without_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o the_o continual_a aid_n and_o supply_n of_o his_o grace_n not_o without_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n on_o our_o part_n a_o vigorous_a resistance_n of_o temptation_n and_o many_o a_o sore_a conflict_n with_o our_o own_o perverse_a will_n and_o sensual_a inclination_n not_o without_o a_o perpetual_a guard_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o our_o life_n and_o our_o unruly_a appetite_n and_o passion_n little_o do_v
we_o and_o when_o man_n find_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o they_o will_v without_o any_o great_a persuasion_n take_v comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o but_o till_o they_o discern_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o himself_o for_o till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v he_o have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n than_o if_o such_o a_o promise_n have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o no_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o do_v otherwise_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a trouble_n which_o perplex_v many_o people_n that_o they_o can_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o whereas_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o their_o trouble_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o they_o will_v apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o other_o be_v a_o endless_a trouble_n let_v they_o but_o look_v to_o the_o condition_n and_o the_o promise_n will_v apply_v itself_o i_o speak_v all_o this_o on_o purpose_n to_o free_a man_n from_o those_o perplexity_n wherewith_o many_o have_v entangle_v themselves_o by_o false_a apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n either_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o we_o upon_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o or_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v comfortable_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v make_v such_o promise_n for_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a or_o expect_v thing_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v they_o may_v trouble_v themselves_o eternal_o and_o all_o the_o world_n can_v help_v it_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o thing_n viz._n what_o influence_n these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o 2_o peter_n i_o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v the_o promise_n here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n second_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v do_v with_o and_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n not_o that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o some_o have_v blasphemous_o affirm_v pretend_v in_o their_o cant_a and_o senseless_a language_n to_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o chri_v with_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o will_v be_v for_o man_n to_o become_v god_n and_o to_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o state_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n signify_v a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o have_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n rectify_v and_o purge_v from_o all_o sinful_a lust_n and_o irregular_a passion_n and_o from_o all_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n so_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o explain_v it_o these_o two_o way_n by_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o corruption_n or_o defilement_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o by_o a_o diligent_a endeavour_n after_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n faith_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o a_o universal_a charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o all_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o uncleanness_n and_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n such_o as_o wrath_n envy_n malice_n hatred_n strife_n revenge_n cruelty_n pride_n and_o the_o like_a perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v continual_o aspire_v still_o more_o and_o more_o after_o further_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o by_o practise_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n we_o shall_v by_o degree_n raise_v and_o advance_v ourselves_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n imitate_v in_o all_o our_o action_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o term_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v partake_v of_o a_o divine_a nature_n or_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n express_v it_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a this_o the_o gospel_n design_n to_o raise_v we_o to_o and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o this_o be_v effect_v be_v those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o and_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o effect_v it_o these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o second_o by_o way_n of_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n both_o these_o way_n some_o or_o other_o of_o these_o promise_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v to_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o this_o influence_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o gracious_a help_n and_o assistance_n thereof_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n incline_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n and_o commiseration_n of_o that_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n which_o we_o have_v contract_v in_o that_o degenerate_a and_o deprave_a condition_n into_o which_o mankind_n be_v sink_v to_o help_v we_o who_o be_v without_o strength_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o that_o evil_a and_o miserable_a state_n into_o which_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o be_v fall_v to_o quicken_v we_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o condition_n of_o unregenerate_a person_n to_o raise_v â—s_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o cherish_v this_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v common_o weak_a at_o first_o and_o to_o carry_v it_o through_o alldiscouragement_n and_o opposition_n to_o
in_o well-doing_n the_o assurance_n of_o enjoy_v unspeakable_a and_o endless_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n and_o of_o escape_v extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n be_v a_o consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n as_o one_o will_v think_v can_v not_o fail_v of_o its_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o to_o put_v all_o temptation_n to_o sin_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o bear_v down_o before_o we_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o if_o this_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o we_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n with_o we_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v any_o other_o argument_n which_o in_o comparison_n of_o this_o be_v but_o as_o the_o very_a small_a dust_n upon_o the_o balance_n for_o if_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o hope_n of_o perfect_a comfort_n and_o joy_n and_o felicity_n perpetual_a in_o duration_n and_o vast_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n such_o as_o â—ye_z have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o dread_a of_o the_o terrible_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n together_o with_o the_o insupportable_a torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o perpetual_a sting_n of_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o anguish_n for_o the_o wilful_a folly_n of_o our_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o rage_n of_o horrible_a despair_n of_o ever_o get_v out_o of_o so_o miserable_a a_o state_n if_o neither_o of_o these_o consideration_n if_o both_o of_o they_o will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v obtain_v one_o of_o these_o condition_n and_o may_v escape_v the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o any_o word_n that_o can_v be_v use_v any_o argument_n and_o consideration_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v shall_v work_v upon_o we_o or_o take_v place_n with_o we_o he_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v by_o such_o hope_n nor_o to_o be_v terrify_v by_o such_o fear_n be_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o force_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o the_o influence_n they_o be_v apt_a and_o aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o to_o raise_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v our_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n first_o of_o all_o if_o we_o expect_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o be_v indispensable_o require_v on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o that_o our_o part_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o rely_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o good_a though_o we_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v only_o a_o declaration_n of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o we_o without_o any_o expectation_n of_o duty_n from_o we_o this_o be_v a_o error_n which_o one_o can_v hardly_o think_v can_v ever_o enter_v into_o any_o who_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o do_v attend_v to_o what_o they_o read_v and_o find_v there_o the_o three_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o very_o express_o contain_v in_o our_o saviour_n first_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n there_o we_o find_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n often_o repeat_v but_o never_o absolute_o make_v but_o upon_o certain_a condition_n and_o plain_o require_v on_o our_o part_n as_o repentance_n humility_n righteousness_n mercy_n peaceableness_n meekness_n patience_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v likewise_o promise_v but_o only_o to_o those_o that_o make_v a_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o and_o ask_v forgiveness_n for_o they_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o grant_v that_o forgiveness_n to_o other_o which_o they_o beg_v of_o god_n for_o themselves_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v likewise_o there_o promise_v but_o it_o be_v upon_o condition_n of_o our_o earnest_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n to_o god_n the_o gospel_n be_v every_o where_o full_a of_o precept_n enjoin_v duty_n and_o obedience_n on_o our_o part_n as_o well_o as_o of_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n assure_v blessing_n to_o we_o nay_o of_o terrible_a threaten_n also_o if_o we_o disobey_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n paul_n give_v we_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o very_a few_o and_o plain_a word_n declare_v upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o all_o man_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purisie_n unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o he_o add_v these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n intimate_v that_o though_o man_n be_v very_o averse_a to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v inculcate_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o earnestness_n and_o those_o who_o oppose_v and_o despise_v it_o to_o be_v severe_o rebuke_v and_o with_o great_a reason_n because_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n do_v most_o effectual_o undermine_v and_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n second_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o if_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n and_o because_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v his_o part_n if_o we_o do_v not_o fail_v in_o we_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n where_o they_o put_v no_o bar_n and_o obstacle_n to_o it_o but_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n bless_a spirit_n and_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o obstinate_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n god_n will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o they_o the_o gospel_n will_v raise_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o renew_v we_o after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o goodness_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o suffer_v these_o promise_n to_o have_v their_o due_a influence_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o we_o wilful_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o we_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o and_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o and_o by_o reject_v and_o despise_v his_o promise_n we_o provoke_v he_o to_o execute_v his_o threaten_n upon_o we_o three_o and_o last_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o work_v this_o great_a effect_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o so_o near_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o make_v we_o good_a and_o just_o and_o merciful_a and_o patient_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o how_o do_v this_o
no_o express_v and_o direct_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o common_a sense_n because_o the_o admit_v of_o transubstantiation_n do_v undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v more_o immediate_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o yea_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o reason_n and_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a animosity_n and_o indignation_n at_o confident_a nonsense_n a_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o generous_a mind_n will_v as_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o declare_v or_o swear_v that_o twice_o two_o do_v not_o make_v four_o but_o five_o as_o to_o profess_v his_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n yet_o all_o truth_n be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o truth_n at_o all_o time_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o deny_v or_o renounce_v any_o truth_n nor_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n or_o error_n for_o it_o be_v mere_o because_o of_o the_o intrinsical_a evil_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v it_o worth_a his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n so_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o joh._n 18._o 37._o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o these_o plain_a instance_n to_o which_o most_o other_z case_n may_v be_v reduce_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o truth_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o or_o three_o case_n wherein_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o can_v true_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o first_o when_o man_n rash_o expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n and_o run_v upon_o suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n thus_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n voluntary_o expose_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v in_o question_n and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n offer_v themselves_o to_o martyrdom_n when_o none_o inquire_v after_o they_o this_o in_o the_o gracious_a interpretation_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o zeal_n be_v please_v to_o overlook_v the_o indiscreet_a forwardness_n and_o rashness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v justify_v so_o aâ—_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n and_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o excuse_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a zeal_n yet_o he_o can_v approve_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suffer_v cheerful_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n when_o he_o call_v we_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o resist_v unto_o blood_n and_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o strait_a that_o we_o must_v either_o die_v for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n or_o deny_v they_o to_o suffer_v i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n with_o courage_n and_o patience_n be_v one_o of_o the_o noble_a of_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n but_o to_o be_v perfect_a volunteer_n and_o to_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o suffering_n when_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o they_o look_v rather_o like_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n which_o though_o god_n may_v merciful_o excuse_v and_o pardon_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o action_n for_o the_o good_a mean_v of_o it_o yet_o he_o can_v never_o perfect_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o it_o but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v little_a need_n nowa-day_n to_o caution_n man_n against_o this_o rashness_n it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o second_o nor_o can_v man_n be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v not_o for_o their_o faith_n but_o their_o fancy_n and_o for_o the_o wilful_a and_o affect_a error_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n as_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o in_o heat_n and_o passion_n they_o call_v superstition_n and_o idoltary_a and_o for_o their_o own_o false_a opinion_n in_o religion_n which_o they_o mistake_v for_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o this_o case_n their_o mistake_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o turn_v their_o suffering_n into_o martyrdom_n and_o yet_o many_o man_n have_v certain_o suffer_v for_o their_o own_o mistake_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n when_o they_o kill_v his_o faithful_a servant_n so_o likewise_o may_v they_o be_v so_o far_o deceive_v as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o their_o own_o culpable_a error_n and_o mistake_v but_o this_o be_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_v not_o the_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o but_o that_o which_o come_v from_o beneath_o and_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v heat_n without_o light_n three_o and_o last_o nor_o can_v man_n true_o be_v say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o defence_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a truth_n yet_o he_o be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v to_o deny_v they_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v either_o to_o declare_v or_o defend_v they_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o peace_n at_o other_o time_n and_o be_v silent_a about_o they_o especial_o when_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o they_o will_v probable_o do_v no_o good_a to_o other_o and_o will_v certain_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v such_o truth_n will_v be_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_v of_o erasmus_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v he_o mean_v it_o of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a adeo_fw-la invisâ—_n sunt_fw-la mihi_fw-la discordiâ—_n ut_fw-la veritas_fw-la etiam_fw-la contentiosa_fw-la displiceat_fw-la i_o be_o say_v he_o so_o perfect_a a_o hater_n of_o discord_n that_o i_o be_o even_o displease_v with_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o contention_n as_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o deny_v truth_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o if_o he_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n he_o can_v justify_v it_o to_o his_o own_o prudence_n nor_o have_v comfort_n in_o such_o suffering_n because_o he_o bring_v they_o needless_o upon_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n but_o in_o suffer_v for_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o when_o man_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o how_o far_o man_n may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o provide_v we_o do_v what_o become_v we_o and_o be_v our_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o cause_n one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n first_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n or_o second_o in_o case_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o a_o temporary_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o by_o repentance_n and_o a_o great_a resolution_n and_o constancy_n under_o suffering_n i_o shall_v speak_v several_o to_o these_o 1._o either_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o
miscarry_v for_o promise_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o we_o and_o understand_v as_o we_o do_v our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o peter_n before_o his_o fall_n that_o his_o faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v final_o but_o though_o he_o fall_v through_o too_o much_o confidence_n in_o himself_o he_o shall_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v he_o be_v enable_v to_o recover_v by_o repentance_n three_o the_o sincerity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v because_o we_o do_v not_o see_v into_o man_n heart_n but_o he_o who_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o a_o balance_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o where_o man_n be_v not_o sincere_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o hinder_v they_o from_o discover_v themselves_o and_o the_o fall_v of_o such_o person_n be_v no_o reflection_n upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a enough_o to_o presume_v that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o not_o a_o few_o and_o that_o like_a simon_n mâ—gus_n after_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a solemn_a profession_n of_o christianity_n their_o heart_n may_v not_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n four_o if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n at_o the_o hard_a that_o some_o that_o be_v very_o sincere_a after_o they_o have_v hâ—ld_v out_o a_o great_a while_n under_o the_o extremity_n of_o torment_n have_v at_o last_o faint_v under_o they_o and_o yield_v to_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o in_o this_o amazement_n and_o distraction_n have_v not_o long_o after_o expire_v without_o any_o testimony_n of_o their_o repentance_n in_o this_o case_n both_o reason_n and_o charity_n ought_v to_o restrain_v we_o from_o pass_v any_o very_a positive_a and_o severe_a sentence_n upon_o the_o state_n of_o such_o person_n for_o what_o do_v we_o know_v but_o god_n who_o goodness_n will_v certain_o make_v all_o the_o allowance_n to_o human_a frailty_n that_o reason_n can_v require_v for_o he_o know_v whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n he_o merciful_o consider_v every_o man_n case_n and_o weigh_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o in_o a_o exact_a balance_n i_o say_v who_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v god_n may_v gracious_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o constant_a suffer_v of_o great_a torment_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n for_o a_o true_a martyrdom_n and_o not_o expect_v a_o more_o than_o humane_a patience_n and_o resolution_n where_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o afford_v more_o than_o humane_a strength_n and_o support_n and_o whether_o he_o may_v not_o look_v upon_o their_o fail_n and_o miscarriage_n at_o last_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o the_o indeliberate_a action_n of_o man_n in_o a_o frenzy_n and_o beside_o themselves_o and_o thus_o god_n may_v be_v say_v with_o the_o temptation_n to_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v or_o to_o give_v a_o happy_a issue_n to_o it_o since_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o bear_v it_o till_o be_v distract_v by_o their_o torment_n their_o understanding_n werâ—_n throw_v off_o the_o hinge_n and_o incapable_a of_o exercise_v any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o reason_n and_o without_o some_o such_o equitable_a consideration_n of_o the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v some_o appearance_n of_o thing_n with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n however_o it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o uncharitable_a and_o peremptory_a censure_n of_o the_o final_a estate_n of_o such_o person_n especial_o till_o we_o ourselves_o have_v give_v great_a and_o better_a testimony_n of_o our_o constancy_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o merciful_a sentence_n of_o their_o master_n and_o we_o to_o who_o judgement_n we_o must_v all_o stand_v or_o fall_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v very_o ill_o become_v those_o who_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v escape_v those_o suffering_n and_o be_v at_o present_a out_o of_o danger_n themselves_o to_o â—it_a in_o judgement_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v leave_v to_o endure_v this_o terrible_a conflict_n and_o have_v perhaps_o hold_v out_o as_o long_o or_o long_o than_o they_o themselves_o will_v have_v do_v in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n let_v we_o rather_o earnest_o beg_v of_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o patience_n that_o he_o will_v endue_v we_o with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n if_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o call_v we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o which_o we_o lawful_o may_v after_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o if_o it_o be_v his_o will_n he_o will_v let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o we_o and_o not_o try_v we_o with_o the_o like_a suffering_n lest_o we_o also_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o enquiry_n which_o i_o propose_v what_o ground_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o good_a man_n to_o expect_v the_o more_o peculiar_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o case_n of_o such_o suffering_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n but_o he_o exercise_v a_o more_o particular_a providence_n towards_o mankind_n and_o more_o peculiar_a yet_o towards_o those_o who_o study_v to_o please_v he_o by_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o do_v his_o will._n he_o that_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o he_o love_v god_n and_o will_v do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n love_v he_o and_o be_v concern_v for_o his_o happiness_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o afraid_a of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o by_o the_o wilful_a breach_n of_o his_o law_n have_v put_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o care_n of_o his_o providence_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o our_o heart_n give_v we_o this_o testimony_n that_o we_o have_v make_v it_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o we_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o have_v good_a assurance_n and_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o we_o this_o comfort_n the_o mind_n of_o every_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v he_o from_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o god_n but_o to_o free_v we_o from_o all_o doubt_n in_o this_o matter_n god_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o so_o and_o give_v we_o plentiful_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o his_o word_n psal_n 11._o 7._o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v favourable_a unto_o they_o psal_n 33._o 18._o behold_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n the_o eye_n of_o god_n signify_v his_o watchful_a care_n and_o providence_n over_o good_a men._n so_o that_o beside_o the_o sure_a and_o wellgrounded_n reason_v from_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n in_o â—the_v express_v declaration_n of_o god_n word_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o great_a temptation_n and_o suffering_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o vain_a wait_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n mâ—ny_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o all_o the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o delight_v in_o his_o way_n though_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v not_o utter_o be_v cast_v down_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v their_o help_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n the_o same_o promise_v we_o find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o your_o faith_n without_o waver_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o bath_n promise_v viz._n to_o