the_o reason_n which_o the_o learned_a man_n give_v why_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v then_o forbear_v those_o practice_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v too_o near_o to_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o lest_o the_o heathen_a shall_v have_v take_v occasion_n to_o have_v justify_v themselves_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v practise_v among_o christian_n and_o they_o can_v now_o be_v ignorant_a what_o scandal_n they_o give_v by_o these_o practice_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o how_o much_o they_o alienate_v they_o from_o christianity_n by_o this_o scandal_n nor_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v sensible_a upon_o how_o great_a disadvantage_n they_o be_v in_o defend_v these_o practice_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n and_o that_o by_o all_o their_o blind_a distinction_n with_o which_o they_o raise_v such_o a_o cloud_n and_o dust_n they_o can_v hardly_o make_v any_o plausible_a and_o tolerable_a defence_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o charge_n insomuch_o that_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o people_n from_o discern_v their_o gild_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o that_o shameful_a shift_n of_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o their_o common_a catechism_n and_o manual_n lest_o the_o people_n see_v so_o plain_a a_o law_n of_o god_n against_o so_o common_a a_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n shall_v upon_o that_o discovery_n have_v break_v off_o from_o they_o 5._o nor_o be_v our_o religion_n encumber_a with_o such_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o superstitious_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n as_o they_o infiinte_o be_v even_o beyond_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n to_o the_o great_a burden_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divert_v of_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n a_o devout_a pastor_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o little_a observance_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o time_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v his_o mind_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n 6._o our_o religion_n be_v evident_o more_o charitable_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o we_o have_v do_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o discharge_v and_o damp_n our_o charity_n towards_o they_o and_o charity_n as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a so_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o best_a mark_n and_o ornament_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o methinks_v the_o want_n of_o charity_n in_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o no_o man_n to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o its_o communion_n 7._o our_o religion_n do_v not_o clash_n and_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o the_o great_a moral_a duty_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n stand_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o fidelity_n mercy_n and_o truth_n we_o do_v not_o teach_v man_n to_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n nor_o to_o destroy_v and_o extirpate_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n or_o any_o other_o artificial_a way_n of_o falsehood_n be_v either_o teach_v or_o maintain_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n or_o by_o the_o casuist_n of_o our_o church_n 8._o our_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o humane_a society_n we_o neither_o exempt_v the_o clergy_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o absolve_v subject_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o from_o allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n both_o which_o point_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o stiff_o maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o by_o private_a doctor_n but_o by_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n 9_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n whereas_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n with_o which_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v plain_o calculate_v to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n the_o pope_n kingdom_n be_v plain_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n of_o it_o like_v so_o many_o servant_n be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o for_o most_o of_o they_o do_v plain_o tend_v either_o to_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o authority_n or_o to_o the_o magnify_v of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a power_n over_o the_o conscienees_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v plain_o tend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o exempt_n the_o clergy_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o priest_n a_o great_a man_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v make_v god_n as_o they_o love_v to_o express_v it_o without_o all_o reason_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o like_a tendency_n be_v the_o communicate_v of_o the_o laity_n only_o in_o one_o kind_n thereby_o make_v it_o the_o sole_a privilege_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o the_o withhold_a the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o their_o teacher_n these_o do_v all_o direct_o tend_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o teacher_n so_o likewise_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o the_o save_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o doctrine_n the_o people_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n but_o above_o all_o their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a and_o private_a confession_n of_o all_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v and_o forgive_v by_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o fault_n scire_fw-la volunt_fw-la secreta_fw-la domus_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la timeri_fw-la or_o else_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n and_o the_o enrich_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n and_o their_o prayer_n and_o mass_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o more_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n plain_o do_v 10._o our_o religion_n be_v free_a from_o all_o disingenuous_a and_o dishonest_a art_n of_o maintain_v and_o support_v itself_o such_o be_v clip_v of_o ancient_a author_n nay_o and_o even_o the_o author_n and_o writer_n of_o their_o own_o church_n when_o they_o speak_v too_o free_o of_o any_o point_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o indices_fw-la expurgatorii_n which_o much_o against_o their_o will_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v these_o three_o gross_a forgery_n which_o lie_v all_o at_o their_o door_n and_o they_o can_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o 1._o the_o pretend_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o african_a church_n upon_o which_o they_o insist_v a_o great_a while_n very_o confident_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n 2._o constantine_n donation_n to_o the_o pope_n which_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n with_o till_o the_o forgery_n of_o it_o
jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n with_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o all_o those_o who_o continue_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o and_o why_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o commit_v any_o sin_n as_o if_o hell_n be_v naked_a before_o i_o and_o i_o see_v the_o astonish_a misery_n of_o the_o damn_a thus_o we_o shall_v by_o frequent_a meditation_n represent_v these_o great_a thing_n to_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v they_o near_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o oppose_v to_o the_o present_a temptation_n of_o sense_n the_o great_a and_o endless_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o thus_o exercise_v ourselves_o about_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o make_v eternity_n familiar_a to_o ourselves_o by_o a_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o little_o move_v with_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n we_o shall_v walk_v and_o live_v by_o faith_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n do_v by_o sense_n and_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o our_o great_a and_o everlasting_a interest_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n and_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n of_o this_o present_a and_o temporal_a life_n to_o secure_v a_o future_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 38._o but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o epistle_n whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v into_o be_v plain_o this_o to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v but_o new_o convert_v to_o christanity_n in_o the_o steadfast_a profession_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o to_o arm_v they_o against_o that_o temptation_n which_o christian_n be_v then_o expose_v to_o viz._n the_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n which_o threaten_v those_o of_o that_o profession_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o religion_n above_o any_o other_o former_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o revelatition_n itself_o which_o as_o it_o contain_v better_a and_o more_o perfect_a direction_n of_o a_o good_a life_n so_o likewise_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a motive_n thereto_o better_a promise_n and_o more_o terrible_a threaten_n than_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n or_o clear_o and_o certain_o discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n from_o these_o consideration_n he_o earnest_o persuade_v they_o all_o along_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n to_o continue_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n chap._n 2._o v._o 1._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v leave_v at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v and_o chap._n 4._o 1._o let_v we_o therefore_o fear_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o you_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o and_o verse_n 23._o of_o this_o chapter_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o constancy_n he_o set_v before_o they_o the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o recompense_n of_o the_o gospel_n verse_n 35._o cast_v not_o away_o therefore_o your_o confidence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d your_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o apostasy_n from_o this_o profession_n he_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o horrible_a danger_n of_o it_o here_o in_o the_o text_n but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o word_n and_o then_o prosecute_v that_o which_o i_o main_o intend_v in_o they_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o word_n with_o the_o forego_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n chap._n 2._o verse_n 3_o 4._o and_o they_o be_v cite_v by_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o lxx_o which_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o difference_n arise_v from_o the_o various_a reading_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o be_v render_v by_o the_o lxx_o to_o draw_v back_o but_o by_o the_o change_n of_o a_o letter_n signify_v to_o be_v lift_v up_o as_o we_o render_v it_o in_o the_o prophet_n but_o however_o that_o be_v the_o apostle_n follow_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o lxx_o and_o accommodate_v it_o to_o his_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o keep_v back_o to_o withdraw_v to_o sneak_v and_o slink_v away_o out_o of_o fear_n to_o fail_v or_o faint_v in_o any_o enterprise_n and_o thus_o this_o word_n be_v render_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n act_v 20._o 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o do_v not_o withhold_v or_o keep_v back_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o st._n peter_n gal._n 2._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o slink_v away_o or_o withdraw_v himself_o fear_v they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v by_o the_o lxx_o to_o draw_v back_o be_v elsewhere_o render_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v to_o fail_v or_o faint_v from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o by_o draw_v back_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v man_n quit_v their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o slink_a out_o of_o it_o for_o fear_v of_o suffer_v for_o it_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o these_o word_n be_v plain_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o less_o be_v say_v than_o be_v mean_v for_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v extreme_o displease_v with_o they_o and_o punish_v they_o very_o severe_o the_o like_a figure_n to_o this_o you_o have_v psal._n 5._o 4._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n which_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v explain_v by_o his_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o thou_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o apostasy_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n be_v a_o thing_n high_o provoke_v to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v most_o severe_o punish_v by_o he_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n ii_o the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o iv._o the_o great_a danger_n of_o it_o and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o and_o when_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o these_o i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o short_a exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n and_o it_o consist_v in_o forsake_v or_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o a_o open_a declaration_n in_o word_n or_o a_o virtual_a declaration_n of_o it_o by_o our_o action_n for_o it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o indeed_o that_o renounce_v religion_n by_o a_o open_a declaration_n in_o word_n offer_v the_o great_a and_o bold_a defiance_n to_o it_o but_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o apostate_n who_o silent_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o who_o quit_v it_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o for_o fear_n disow_v it_o and_o sneak_n out_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o own_o it_o thus_o demas_n be_v a_o apostate_n in_o quit_v christianity_n for_o some_o worldly_a interest_n demas_n have_v forsake_v we_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n say_v st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o and_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v mat._n 13._o 20_o 21._o who_o receive_v the_o word_n into_o stony_a ground_n be_v apostate_n out_o of_o fear_n they_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v
considerable_a and_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o breach_n or_o neglect_v of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o observe_v 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 put_v this_o case_n and_o determine_v that_o he_o that_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n at_o odds_o and_o dash_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n against_o one_o another_o lest_z as_o st._n james_n say_v we_o break_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o i_o fear_v this_o be_v too_o common_a a_o fault_n even_o among_o those_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o obligation_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o respect_n our_o carriage_n and_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o man_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v law_n to_o we_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o we_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_a design_n that_o we_o shall_v honour_v he_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o one_o another_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o join_v with_o our_o humble_a and_o dutiful_a deportment_n towards_o himself_o the_o office_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o other_o mich._n 6._o 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a that_o many_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n be_v very_o defective_a in_o moral_a duty_n very_o unpeaceable_a and_o turbulent_a in_o their_o spirit_n very_o peevish_a and_o passionate_a very_a conceit_a and_o censorious_a as_o if_o their_o profession_n of_o godliness_n do_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o care_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n but_o we_o must_v not_o so_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o heaven_n as_o to_o forget_v that_o we_o walk_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o order_n of_o our_o step_n and_o conversation_n among_o man_n lest_o while_o we_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n we_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n of_o gross_a and_o foul_a immorality_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o man_n may_v be_v devout_a and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n very_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o because_o of_o their_o palpable_a defect_n in_o point_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n may_v be_v gross_a and_o odious_a hypocrite_n for_o man_n must_v not_o think_v for_o some_o act_n either_o of_o outward_a or_o inward_a piety_n to_o compound_v with_o god_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n or_o to_o demand_v it_o as_o a_o right_n from_o man_n to_o be_v excuse_v from_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o humane_a conversation_n or_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o they_o because_o they_o relate_v chief_o to_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o temporal_a happiness_n of_o man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o great_a devotion_n to_o give_v a_o licence_n to_o man_n to_o be_v peevish_a and_o froward_a sour_a and_o morose_n supercilious_a and_o censorious_a in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o other_o man_n must_v have_v a_o great_a care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o intent_n upon_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o inward_a and_o real_a goodness_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o neglect_v and_o lose_v the_o main_a end_n of_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o place_v all_o religion_n in_o fast_v and_o outward_a mortification_n for_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o their_o place_n if_o they_o be_v discreet_o manage_v and_o make_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o man_n have_v so_o unequal_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o fast_v and_o corporal_a severity_n those_o meager_a and_o lean_a duty_n of_o piety_n in_o comparison_n do_v like_o pharaoh_n lean_a cow_n devour_v and_o eat_v up_o almost_o all_o the_o goodly_a and_o well-favoured_a the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o therefore_o man_n must_v take_v great_a heed_n lest_o whilst_o they_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o mortify_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o mortify_v virtue_n and_o good_a nature_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n thing_n high_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o and_o amiable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v not_o only_o a_o mighty_a scandal_n to_o religion_n but_o of_o pernicious_a consequence_n many_o other_o way_n a_o fierce_a and_o ill_o govern_v a_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v necessary_o as_o they_o think_v to_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n have_v make_v many_o man_n do_v many_o unreasonable_a immoral_a and_o impious_a thing_n of_o which_o history_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o zealot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v too_o many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n among_o ourselves_o for_o man_n that_o be_v not_o sober_a and_o considerate_a in_o their_o religion_n but_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o blind_a prejudice_n and_o furious_a zeal_n do_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o strong_o fancy_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n hence_o some_o have_v proceed_v to_o that_o height_n of_o absurdity_n in_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n and_o church_n as_o to_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o commendable_a and_o meritorious_a to_o equivocate_v upon_o oath_n and_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v piety_n in_o some_o case_n to_o lie_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o kill_v man_n for_o god_n sake_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v approve_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o evidence_n to_o ourselves_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n we_o ought_v impartial_o to_o regard_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o with_o god_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o sincerity_n in_o scripture_n be_v often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n because_o it_o be_v integrate_v and_o make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 6._o the_o last_o evidence_n i_o shall_v mention_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v if_o it_o hold_v out_o against_o persecution_n and_o endure_v the_o fiery_a trial_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o bear_v the_o cross_n to_o be_v willing_a then_o to_o expose_v all_o our_o worldly_a interest_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o trial_n which_o god_n do_v not_o always_o call_v his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o but_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o mind_n this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o great_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n into_o good_a ground_n and_o be_v well_o root_v in_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v not_o shake_v by_o these_o fierce_a assault_n for_o many_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o have_v not_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o persecution_n or_o tribulation_n arise_v because_o of_o
obedience_n and_o self-denial_n he_o begin_v with_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o flood_n but_o insist_o chief_o upon_o the_o example_n of_o two_o eminent_a person_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o near_o to_o they_o and_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n the_o one_o the_o father_n of_o their_o nation_n the_o other_o their_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o both_o of_o they_o the_o great_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o self-denial_n that_o the_o history_n of_o all_o former_a age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v afford_v i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n by_o god_n assistance_n treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n the_o constancy_n of_o who_o faith_n and_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o who_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o difficult_a case_n be_v so_o remarkable_a above_o all_o the_o other_o example_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o leave_v his_o kindred_n and_o his_o country_n not_o know_v whither_o he_o shall_v go_v by_o which_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v whole_o at_o god_n disposal_n and_o ready_a to_o follow_v he_o but_o this_o be_v no_o trial_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o here_o in_o my_o text_n when_o god_n command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n but_o such_o be_v the_o immutable_a steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o perfect_a submission_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o make_v the_o least_o check_n at_o it_o but_o out_o of_o perfect_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n he_o go_v about_o it_o as_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o as_o if_o god_n have_v bid_v he_o do_v some_o small_a thing_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o word_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_n second_o the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_a it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v tempt_v that_o be_v god_n intend_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v gen._n 22._o 1._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n do_v tempt_v abraham_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v now_o thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n now_o there_o be_v two_o difficulty_n concern_v this_o matter_n it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n that_o god_n shall_v tempt_v any_o man_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o god_n who_o know_v what_o every_o man_n will_v do_v need_v not_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o any_o man_n faith_n or_o obedience_n first_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n which_o say_v god_n tempt_v no_o man_n and_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o he_o may_v try_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o great_a difficulty_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o illustrious_a thus_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o he_o permit_v job_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v second_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o reason_n that_o god_n who_o know_v what_o any_o man_n will_v do_v in_o any_o circumstance_n shall_v go_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o it_o but_o god_n do_v not_o try_v man_n for_o his_o own_o information_n but_o to_o give_v a_o illustrious_a proof_n and_o example_n to_o other_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o though_o after_o this_o trial_n of_o abraham_n god_n say_v to_o he_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o love_v i_o because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o as_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o god_n elsewhere_o speak_v to_o abraham_n concern_v sodom_n i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v altogether_o aecord_v to_o the_o cry_n which_o be_v come_v up_o unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n god_n accept_v of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o because_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o part_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v perform_v the_o rest_n if_o god_n have_v not_o countermand_v he_o and_o this_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o abraham_n will_v appear_v the_o more_o illustrious_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o second_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o resolution_n notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o hard_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o objection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o case_n enough_o to_o shake_v a_o very_a strong_a faith_n there_o be_v three_o great_a objection_n against_o this_o command_n and_o such_o as_o may_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n doubtful_a whether_o this_o command_n be_v from_o god_n the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v the_o grievous_a scandal_n that_o may_v seem_v almost_o unavoidable_o to_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o former_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n void_a first_o the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v which_o be_v for_o a_o father_n to_o kill_v his_o own_o child_n this_o must_v needs_o appear_v very_o barbarous_a and_o unnatural_a and_o look_v like_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o a_o idol_n than_o to_o the_o true_a god_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o kindness_n and_o affection_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o there_o be_v no_o affection_n more_o natutural_a and_o strong_a than_o this_o for_o there_o be_v many_o person_n that_o will_v redeem_v the_o life_n of_o their_o child_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o now_o that_o god_n have_v plant_v such_o a_o affection_n in_o nature_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n that_o increase_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o fact_n that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n first_o that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a it_o will_v grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o any_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o undutiful_a and_o disobedient_a so_o passionate_o be_v david_n affect_v with_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n absolom_n as_o to_o wish_v he_o have_v die_v for_o he_o though_o he_o die_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o though_o the_o save_n of_o his_o life_n have_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o government_n how_o deep_o then_o must_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o innocent_a son_n to_o death_n and_o such_o a_o son_n be_v isaac_n for_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n god_n himself_o give_v he_o this_o testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n who_o his_o father_n love_v and_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o this_o can_v not_o but_o appear_v 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