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power_n deny_v form_n godliness_n 5,889 5 9.5542 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A66108 The peril of the times displayed. Or the danger of mens taking up with a form of godliness, but denying the power of it Being the substance of several sermons preached: by Samuel Willard, teacher of a church in Boston, N.E· Willard, Samuel, 1640-1707. 1700 (1700) Wing W2289; ESTC R224076 64,870 172

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the_o peril_n of_o the_o time_n display_v or_o the_o danger_n of_o man_n take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o several_a sermon_n preach_v by_o samvel_n willard_n teacher_n of_o a_o church_n in_o boston_n n._n e._n sumenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la amura_fw-la salubria_fw-la aug._n boston_n print_v by_o b._n green_n &_o j._n allen._n sell_v by_o benjamin_n eliot_n 1700._o to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v pretender_n unto_o godliness_n who_o religion_n do_v chief_o consist_v in_o be_v of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a party_n of_o man_n make_v a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n if_o that_o be_v all_o their_o godliness_n suppose_v they_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o those_o that_o have_v most_o of_o truth_n in_o their_o more_o peculiar_a persuasion_n they_o have_v only_o the_o form_n without_o the_o power_n in_o our_o nation_n which_o have_v the_o name_n of_o protestant_n and_o reform_a some_o be_v of_o the_o episcopal_a other_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a other_o for_o the_o congregational_a other_o for_o the_o antipaedobaptist_n form_n these_o differ_v not_o in_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v among_o they_o all_z some_z with_o who_o godliness_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o yet_o some_o under_o all_o these_o denomination_n who_o have_v only_o the_o form_n that_o the_o church_n in_o new_a england_n which_o in_o their_o primitive_a constitution_n consist_v of_o the_o good_a old_a puritan_n nonconformist_n be_v famous_a for_o religion_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v nevertheless_o in_o our_o first_o and_o best_a time_n there_o be_v tare_n and_o chaff_n mix_v with_o the_o wheat_n that_o there_o be_v now_o a_o great_a decay_n among_o professor_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o land_n will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o among_o professor_n of_o our_o way_n in_o the_o 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apostasy_n in_o the_o word_n than_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o person_n describe_v in_o two_o part_n and_o these_o do_v contradict_v each_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o pretend_v to_o one_o thing_n and_o intend_v another_o to_o have_v the_o face_n one_o way_n and_o the_o heart_n quite_o contrary_a 1._o we_o have_v their_o pretention_n and_o outward_a carriage_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n what_o be_v intend_v by_o this_o will_v be_v afterward_o consider_v only_o observe_v that_o critickt_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o word_n form_n here_o use_v do_v not_o signify_v the_o essential_a but_o accidental_a form_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o hence_o some_o translate_v it_o a_o species_n or_o show_v 2._o we_o have_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o be_v and_o may_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o word_n
deny_v proper_o signifi_v that_o which_o be_v verbal_a but_o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o practise_v against_o a_o thing_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o form_n and_o the_o power_n be_v here_o oppose_v they_o have_v the_o one_o and_o be_v without_o the_o other_o the_o word_n may_v also_o be_v consider_v as_o mere_o negative_a viz._n a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n and_o both_o of_o these_o respect_n will_v after_o be_v consider_v hence_o doctrine_n the_o time_n be_v very_o dangerous_a when_o professor_n general_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o there_o be_v two_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n viz._n 1._o that_o sometime_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n do_v general_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o these_o time_n be_v very_o dangerous_a these_o may_v be_v distinct_o lay_v open_a proposition_n i._n that_o sometime_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n do_v general_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o our_o apostle_n not_o only_o presume_v that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o time_n but_o give_v warning_n about_o it_o and_o say_v that_o such_o time_n shall_v come_v under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v here_o inquire_v viz._n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v charge_v with_o thus_o do_v 2._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o people_n in_o general_n do_v come_v to_o do_v so_o 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v charge_v with_o thus_o do_v a._n that_o we_o may_v right_o take_v this_o up_o we_o must_v ask_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n a._n the_o word_n godliness_n here_o use_v signify_v right_o worship_n and_o be_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n restrain_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n both_o natural_a and_o institute_v both_o the_o manner_n and_o special_a time_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v synechdochrical_o for_o all_o religion_n and_o comprise_v under_o it_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n consider_v as_o do_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n or_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v here_o take_v it_o in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n and_o we_o before_o observe_v that_o the_o word_n form_n intend_v not_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a but_o accidental_a and_o indeed_o where_o there_o be_v the_o essential_a form_n it_o include_v the_o power_n in_o it_o for_o the_o essential_a form_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o our_o life_n for_o the_o operation_n of_o thing_n be_v according_a to_o their_o essential_a form_n but_o there_o be_v two_o other_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o greek_a language_n which_o may_v both_o come_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n as_o be_v separable_a from_o the_o power_n 1._o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o rule_n which_o a_o man_n profess_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o and_o pretend_v to_o follow_v in_o his_o action_n hence_o we_o read_v of_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n rom._n 2._o 20._o and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o sound_a creed_n we_o read_v of_o the_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n now_o there_o a_o form_n or_o a_o scheam_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o and_o when_o man_n do_v understand_v the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v those_o article_n and_o resolve_v to_o stand_v up_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o these_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n i._n e._n they_o have_v it_o in_o their_o head_n and_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o possible_o they_o make_v no_o little_a noise_n in_o stand_v up_o in_o defence_n of_o they_o against_o such_o as_o do_v profess_o set_v themselves_o to_o withstand_v and_o undermine_v they_o now_o this_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n but_o a_o thing_n necessary_a for_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v right_o to_o exert_v it_o in_o their_o conversation_n godliness_n be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n endow_v with_o the_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n rom._n 12._o 1._o how_o can_v we_o lead_v godly_a life_n unless_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o rule_n point_v of_o we_o thereunto_o and_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o rule_n for_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n of_o god_n of_o which_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n etc._n etc._n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o however_o this_o may_v be_v where_o the_o other_o be_v not_o man_n may_v know_v and_o yet_o not_o do_v they_o may_v make_v a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o yet_o lead_v a_o irregular_a conversation_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o such_o tit._n 1._o ult_n they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o 2._o sometime_o the_o word_n be_v use_v for_o a_o outward_a show_n or_o pretence_n for_o a_o mask_n or_o a_o vizard_n or_o a_o outward_a appearance_n when_o a_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v not_o and_o endeavour_n by_o his_o carriage_n before_o other_o to_o make_v a_o specious_a show_n as_o if_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o he_o be_v say_v to_o take_v such_o a_o form_n upon_o he_o thus_o when_o a_o man_n will_v fain_o persuade_v other_o that_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o use_v such_o word_n and_o action_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o impose_v upon_o their_o credit_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o he_o have_v not_o the_o root_n of_o piety_n in_o he_o but_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n he_o may_v then_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v jehu_n 2_o king_n 10._o 16._o 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n a._n to_o make_v this_o clear_a let_v we_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n comprehend_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o word_n power_n use_v in_o our_o text_n signify_v the_o virtue_n efficacy_n and_o force_v of_o a_o thing_n and_o also_o the_o faculty_n or_o principle_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v hence_o in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n there_o be_v contain_v 1●_n the_o inward_a principle_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o godliness_n in_o a_o christian_n the_o power_n of_o a_o thing_n consist_v in_o the_o internal_a virtue_n that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o now_o grace_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v any_o a_o godly_a man_n who_o have_v not_o this_o grace_n in_o he_o god_n always_o regard_v the_o heart_n and_o he_o know_v it_o and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v no_o man_n to_o be_v godly_a but_o he_o who_o heart_n be_v right_a that_o therefore_o be_v it_o which_o spoil_v all_o their_o fair_a pretence_n psal_n 78._o 37._o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v be_v a_o godly_a man_n because_o he_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o godliness_n in_o he_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a love_v god_n fear_v god_n delight_n in_o his_o law_n hate_v sin_n mourn_v for_o it_o and_o restles_o seek_v a_o deliverance_n from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o very_a disposition_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o 2._o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n this_o be_v metonymical_o call_v power_n because_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n flow_v from_o it_o and_o so_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o action_n the_o habit_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v and_o judge_v of_o hence_o according_a to_o the_o life_n of_o a_o professor_n according_o be_v this_o power_n evidence_v and_o hence_o we_o read_v of_o weak_a grace_n and_o strong_a grace_n when_o a_o christian_a live_v so_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o generation_n as_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o a_o zealous_a resolute_a pursuance_n of_o holiness_n and_o withstand_v of_o sin_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o will_v withstand_v or_o hinder_v he_o or_o discourage_v his_o pursuit_n of_o it_o he_o show_v this_o power_n and_o this_o power_n be_v oppose_v to_o weakness_n or_o infirmity_n peter_n have_v faith_n but_o he_o do_v not_o discover_v power_n in_o
it_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o sink_v mat._n 14._o 32._o o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n why_o do_v thou_o doubt_v abraham_n have_v not_o only_a faith_n but_o a_o powerful_a faith_n when_o he_o believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 4._o 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o both_o these_o respect_n may_v come_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o 2._o a_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v deny_v in_o two_o respect_n 1._o verbal_o and_o profess_o and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o it_o can_v be_v universal_o so_o understand_v here_o for_o for_o a_o man_n to_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n profess_o to_o deny_v it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n though_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n may_v profess_v a_o thing_n in_o the_o gross_a and_o yet_o deny_v it_o in_o some_o of_o the_o main_a part_n of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o nor_o yet_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v principal_o here_o design_v 2._o practical_o and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v very_o often_o use_v metaphorical_o when_o man_n live_v contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n they_o a●e_v say_v to_o deny_v it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a denial_n than_o this_o be_v and_o hence_o these_o two_o be_v set_v in_o direct_a opposition_n in_o the_o forecited_a tit._n 1._o ult_n now_o the_o thing_n here_o say_v to_o be_v deny_v be_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o which_o this_o consist_v answer_v to_o the_o two_o fore_n name_v respect_n in_o which_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n consist_v 1._o when_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v godly_a &_o yet_o by_o their_o life_n discover_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n too_o frequent_a there_o be_v indeed_o those_o hypocrite_n who_o deceive_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o act_v godliness_n so_o specious_o that_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v but_o there_o be_v other_o who_o for_o all_o their_o stickle_a and_o noise_n do_v yet_o express_v such_o vanity_n and_o want_v of_o any_o savour_n of_o piety_n in_o their_o life_n that_o give_v at_o least_o to_o discern_a christian_n if_o not_o to_o other_o just_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o in_o they_o such_o a_o one_o be_v simon_n magus_n unto_o who_o peter_n plumply_v say_v act_v 8._o 23._o i_o perceive_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n he_o that_o no_o have_v grace_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o he_o such_o then_o as_o lead_v unregenerate_a life_n say_v that_o they_o be_v such_o psal_n 36_o 1._o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v in_o my_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o yet_o such_o as_o these_o slatier_n themselves_o verse_n 2._o 2._o when_o man_n make_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o godliness_n and_o ●et_o there_o be_v very_o little_a of_o the_o life_n of_o it_o appear_v in_o their_o conversation_n these_o do_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o the_o other_o in_o discover_v themselves_o they_o do_v something_o in_o prosecution_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o godly_a man_n have_v charitable_a hope_n concern_v they_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v rather_o negative_a than_o positive_a because_o they_o act_v so_o faint_o and_o irresoulte_o in_o all_o they_o do_v if_o there_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o yet_o the_o activity_n of_o it_o be_v very_o little_a a_o small_a temptation_n allure_v they_o a_o little_a opposition_n dishearten_v they_o they_o give_v too_o much_o scope_n to_o themselves_o in_o thing_n which_o they_o plead_v a_o liberty_n for_o and_o every_o trial_n be_v ready_a to_o lay_v they_o open_a and_o discover_v their_o irresolution_n whereas_o if_o piety_n be_v powerful_a in_o they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o now_o it_o be_v the_o former_a of_o these_o which_o our_o text_n more_o immediate_o and_o direct_o aim_v at_o however_o we_o need_v not_o to_o exclude_v the_o latter_a and_o here_o we_o may_v take_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o this_o ill_a state_n or_o frame_n of_o professor_n do_v appear_v for_o our_o help_n to_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o there_o be_v then_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o symptom_n of_o man_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o make_v never_o so_o fair_a a_o profession_n of_o it_o 1._o when_o though_o man_n make_v never_o so_o fair_a a_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n yet_o they_o deny_v or_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o main_a article_n of_o it_o a_o sound_a belief_n of_o the_o evangelical_n truth_n necessary_o belong_v to_o godliness_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o theological_a truth_n but_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o be_v so_o far_o a_o come_v short_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v so_o essential_a to_o piety_n that_o the_o denial_n of_o they_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o put_v man_n off_o from_o the_o very_a foundation_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v those_o who_o glory_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o will_v be_v reckon_v among_o the_o best_a who_o hold_v such_o unhappy_a teneat_v as_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v none_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o another_o gospel_n which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d an●ther_n but_o only_o a_o pervert_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n gal_n 1_o 6_o 7._o and_o he_o refer_v it_o to_o those_o that_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o law_n over_o the_o head_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 11._o and_o all_o true_a godliness_n derive_v from_o he_o faith_n belong_v to_o godliness_n both_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o root_n of_o our_o acceptable_a obedience_n to_o he_o we_o be_v therefore_o tell_v heb._n 11._o 6._o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v our_o justification_n they_o therefore_o who_o deny_v the_o imputation_n of_o that_o to_o our_o justification_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o our_o righteousness_n but_o our_o sanctification_n too_o god_n have_v make_v he_o so_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o they_o therefore_o who_o hold_v a_o power_n in_o fall_v man_n by_o himself_o to_o perform_v true_a obedience_n to_o god_n and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o a_o new_a power_n and_o principle_n to_o be_v infuse_v into_o he_o for_o it_o deny_v godliness_n and_o christ_n require_v obedience_n of_o his_o people_n in_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n joh._n 14._o 15._o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n they_o therefore_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o discharge_n from_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o a_o rule_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o many_o other_o like_o thing_n may_v be_v instance_a in_o 2._o when_o all_o their_o religion_n resolve_v itself_o into_o mere_a form_n and_o they_o look_v no_o further_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o duty_n lie_v on_o man_n to_o perform_v service_n to_o god_n with_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o the_o whole_a man_n the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v engage_v for_o his_o glory_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 20_o they_o therefore_o who_o under_o a_o pretext_n of_o spiritual_a service_n reject_v all_o external_n religion_n be_v far_o from_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n however_o when_o man_n have_v take_v upon_o themselves_o a_o formality_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o religious_a in_o their_o attendance_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o neglect_v it_o at_o any_o time_n and_o show_n much_o of_o zeal_n during_o the_o season_n of_o perform_v it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v over_o their_o religion_n end_v and_o they_o mind_v it_o no_o more_o till_o the_o revolution_n of_o those_o formality_n come_v again_o these_o show_n themselves_o to_o be_v void_a of_o true_a godliness_n they_o do_v indeed_o lose_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o these_o formality_n because_o the_o design_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n be_v to_o promote_v a_o religious_a life_n and_o aught_o for_o that_o reason_n to_o influence_n the_o man_n whole_a conversation_n when_o man_n be_v zealous_a and_o earnest_a at_o prayer_n and_o no_o soon_o get_v off_o from_o their_o knee_n but_o they_o return_v to_o their_o vanity_n and_o folly_n they_o prove_v there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o
those_o prayer_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o may_v be_v charge_v on_o they_o isa_n 29._o 13._o with_o their_o lip_n do_v they_o honour_v i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o 3._o when_o all_o their_o zeal_n spend_v itself_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o they_o be_v careless_a in_o duty_n of_o righteousness_n the_o whole_a reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o godliness_n and_o for_o man_n to_o divide_v and_o take_v but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o neglect_v the_o rest_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o as_o there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o follow_v their_o calling_n and_o to_o do_v no_o man_n any_o wrong_n and_o to_o ●e_v strict_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o thing_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o these_o alone_o will_v not_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n so_o there_o be_v other_o who_o suppose_v that_o if_o they_o be_v but_o careful_a and_o constant_a in_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o natural_a and_o institute_v worship_n they_o be_v true_o godly_a if_o they_o read_v the_o word_n pray_v in_o their_o family_n attend_v on_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n house_n and_o do_v show_v life_n and_o forwardness_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o may_v bolster_v themselves_o on_o this_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n neglect_v the_o business_n of_o their_o call_v four_o steal_v oppress_v use_v deceit_n in_o their_o deal_n carry_v it_o very_o loose_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o sobriety_n and_o righteousness_n these_o be_v not_o godly_a but_o by_o thus_o do_v they_o deny_v it_o and_o say_v that_o their_o worship_n be_v hypocrisy_n that_o be_v a_o stand_a truth_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 20._o if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n 4._o when_o they_o use_v the_o pretension_n of_o godliness_n for_o a_o cloak_n to_o cover_v their_o iniquity_n though_o they_o talk_v of_o godliness_n yet_o they_o have_v perverse_a design_n to_o hide_v under_o it_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n charge_v heavy_o on_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n mat._n 23._o 14._o they_o devour_v widow_n house_n and_o for_o a_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n when_o jezebel_n have_v a_o design_n to_o perpetrate_v a_o horrible_a murder_n she_o direct_v to_o the_o call_n of_o a_o fast_a for_o a_o introduction_n to_o it_o 1_o king_n 21._o 9_o and_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o can_v pray_v and_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o then_o sin_n upon_o a_o new_a score_n and_o it_o may_v be_v then_o to_o their_o confession_n and_o prayer_n again_o and_o so_o in_o a_o round_a what_o pretence_n have_v that_o harlot_n for_o her_o insinuation_n into_o the_o simple_a young_a man_n prov._n 7._o 14._o i_o have_v peace_n offering_n with_o i_o this_o day_n i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n and_o herein_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o those_o jew_n be_v decipher_v by_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 7._o 9_o 10._o steal_v murder_n etc._n etc._n and_o come_v and_o stand_v before_o i_o in_o this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n and_o say_v we_o be_v deliver_v to_o do_v all_o these_o abomination_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v godliness_n a_o shelter_n for_o impiety_n than_o which_o what_o great_a contradiction_n can_v there_o be_v 5._o when_o they_o abuse_v their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o defend_v and_o encourage_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v a_o precious_a truth_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v a_o right_a for_o his_o people_n to_o these_o thing_n which_o no_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v claim_v they_o be_v all_o they_o for_o their_o use_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n withal_o but_o as_o there_o be_v a_o use_n so_o there_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o the_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v their_o happiness_n but_o also_o when_o they_o allow_v to_o themselves_o a_o incordinate_a use_n of_o they_o when_o they_o transcend_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o moderation_n which_o christ_n have_v limit_v the_o use_n of_o they_o unto_o and_o thereby_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n when_o meat_n drink_n apparel_n recreation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o excess_n and_o to_o the_o just_a scandal_n of_o serious_a christian_n when_o man_n insist_v upon_o lawfulness_n and_o never_o consider_v what_o be_v expedient_a hence_o there_o be_v caution_n give_v in_o the_o gospel_n about_o these_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 29_o 30_o 31._o rom._n 13_o 13._o 1_o pet._n 3_o 3._o all_o of_o which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o man_n take_v their_o liberty_n too_o far_o such_o licentiousness_n be_v a_o deny_v of_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o 6._o when_o they_o can_v accommodate_v themselves_o to_o man_n in_o all_o their_o humour_n there_o be_v a_o pretence_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o condescendency_n which_o man_n make_v and_o plead_v religion_n for_o it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v right_o limit_v it_o be_v good_a but_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o abuse_n that_o of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 23._o i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n they_o be_v like_o the_o planet_n mercury_n good_a with_o good_a and_o bad_a with_o bad_a when_o they_o be_v among_o serious_a christian_n who_o more_o religious_a and_o demure_a in_o their_o word_n and_o carriage_n than_o they_o be_v but_o when_o they_o get_v among_o loose_a company_n and_o carnal_a man_n they_o can_v present_o turn_v the_o table_n and_o be_v like_o picture_n that_o have_v the_o devil_n on_o one_o side_n and_o a_o saint_n on_o the_o other_o they_o can_v pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o they_o can_v drink_v and_o swear_v and_o game_n and_o health_n and_o what_o not_o with_o jewd_a man_n and_o be_v good_a companion_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o company_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 7._o when_o they_o be_v easy_o allure_v or_o discourage_v from_o the_o strict_a serve_v of_o god_n they_o set_v out_o brave_o in_o a_o profession_n but_o a_o little_a thing_n stop_v they_o and_o make_v they_o either_o to_o drive_v heavy_o or_o to_o stand_v still_o for_o when_o they_o go_v quite_o off_o they_o then_o lie_v aside_o the_o form_n too_o if_o a_o temptation_n of_o profit_n or_o credit_n among_o man_n offer_v itself_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o follow_v it_o and_o their_o zeal_n be_v damp_a or_o when_o difficulty_n or_o disgrace_n present_v themselves_o before_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o flinch_v and_o turn_v aside_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n at_o least_o that_o the_o power_n be_v decay_v if_o not_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o and_o to_o this_o head_n do_v those_o also_o belong_v who_o in_o time_n of_o apostasy_n let_v the_o vigour_n of_o their_o profession_n fall_v lose_v some_o thing_n altogether_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o other_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v as_o they_o be_v charge_v rev._n 3._o begin_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 2._o whence_o be_v it_o that_o a_o people_n in_o general_n come_v to_o do_v so_o a._n this_o will_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o man_n be_v natural_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o vigorous_a activity_n of_o it_o in_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n since_o the_o apostasy_n be_v a_o state_n of_o alienation_n from_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o true_a piety_n be_v not_o redscate_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o sallen_a man_n but_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o we_o in_o our_o regeneration_n till_o which_o we_o be_v full_a of_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o impiety_n we_o have_v a_o full_a description_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n give_v we_o in_o rom._n 3._o 10_o to_o 20._o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o godliness_n and_o yet_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o every_o child_n of_o adam_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o woeful_a fall_n of_o he_o and_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a man_n have_v it_o in_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o jew_n and_o gentile_a share_n alike_o in_o this_o rom._n 3._o 9_o they_o be_v all_o under_o sin_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o one_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o advantage_n to_o seek_v and_o obtain_v a_o deliverance_n from_o it_o
which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o 2._o man_n that_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o under_o gospel_n light_n have_v some_o common_a resentment_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v true_a the_o natural_a man_n have_v no_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o however_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o conviction_n in_o the_o rational_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n accompany_v with_o a_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o work_v with_o some_o force_n upon_o their_o affection_n so_o as_o to_o raise_v in_o they_o a_o esteem_n for_o these_o truth_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o stony_a ground_n hearer_n mat._n 13._o 20._o he_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o beside_o the_o force_n of_o a_o good_a and_o pious_a education_n together_o with_o the_o common_a credit_n and_o commendation_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v obtain_v among_o man_n that_o have_v take_v up_o a_o profession_n of_o it_o make_v man_n to_o stickle_v for_o it_o upon_o carnal_a principle_n and_o hereupon_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o love_v the_o life_n of_o it_o yet_o they_o be_v please_v with_o a_o form_n of_o it_o and_o draw_v to_o engage_v in_o the_o take_n of_o it_o up_o and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o it_o they_o covet_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n by_o those_o that_o they_o live_v among_o though_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a enmity_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n that_o make_v they_o not_o to_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o they_o can_v easy_o enough_o receive_v it_o in_o the_o form_n of_o it_o upon_o sinister_a end_n and_o because_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v advantage_n to_o nourish_v their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o many_o time_n promote_v their_o fleshly_a design_n screw_v themselves_o into_o credit_n and_o applause_n and_o because_o they_o count_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n when_o the_o show_n of_o it_o will_v gain_v they_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o content_v they_o but_o all_o this_o while_n there_o be_v a_o direct_a contrariety_n between_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o rule_n in_o sinner_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o strict_a godliness_n so_o that_o they_o can_v yield_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_a unto_o they_o for_z rom._n 8._o 7._o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o indeed_o can_v be_v true_a godliness_n will_v not_o suffer_v lust_n to_o reign_v in_o the_o man_n but_o will_v mortify_v it_o the_o man_n that_o will_v be_v godly_a must_v mortify_v himself_o renounce_v his_o darling_n sin_n cut_v off_o his_o right_a hand_n pluck_v out_o his_o right_a eye_n he_o must_v be_v sober_a righteous_a godly_a and_o that_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o he_o can_v in_o no_o way_n comport_v withal_o while_o sin_n bear_v rule_v in_o he_o this_o be_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o till_o he_o have_v a_o new_a principle_n put_v into_o he_o it_o will_v remain_v and_o keep_v he_o off_o from_o real_a piety_n 4._o this_o natural_a enmity_n while_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o force_n of_o a_o natural_a enlighten_v conscience_n make_v man_n to_o profess_v in_o hypocrisy_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v forcible_a impression_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n they_o dare_v not_o but_o to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v quiet_a and_o ease_v they_o because_o they_o will_v otherwise_o lead_v they_o a_o intolerable_a life_n herod_n though_o a_o ill_a man_n yet_o can_v not_o but_o do_v many_o thing_n because_o of_o the_o force_n that_o john_n ministry_n have_v upon_o he_o mark_v 6._o 20._o but_o still_o the_o malignity_n of_o the_o heart_n remain_v and_o that_o accompany_v with_o atheism_n which_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n psal_n 14._o 1._o make_v man_n take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n a_o show_n a_o pretence_n and_o they_o hope_v to_o put_v god_n off_o wi●h_v it_o as_o easy_o as_o to_o deceive_v man_n and_o bribe_v their_o own_o defile_a conscience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n in_o religion_n they_o dare_v not_o but_o to_o do_v something_o to_o prevent_v inward_a disturbance_n and_o yet_o do_v it_o not_o in_o love_n and_o like_n but_o on_o constraint_n 5._o and_o god_n do_v often_o judicial_o leave_v they_o to_o a_o false_a heart_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o god_n leave_v man_n to_o themselves_o they_o will_v apostatise_v and_o it_o be_v awful_o observable_a that_o when_o man_n live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o enjoy_v the_o clear_a and_o convince_a dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v not_o thereby_o wrought_v to_o a_o sincere_a embrace_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o form_n god_n in_o righteous_a judgement_n punish_v they_o with_o such_o a_o desertion_n if_o they_o only_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o love_v it_o they_o be_v sometime_o leave_v to_o believe_v a_o lie_n which_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o great_a apostasy_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 9_o 10._o and_o now_o every_o deceiver_n impose_v on_o they_o if_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n and_o mean_v while_o some_o lust_n or_o other_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o a_o utter_a renounce_n of_o sin_n and_o entire_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n he_o righteous_o deliver_v they_o over_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o they_o follow_v they_o to_o a_o notorious_a deny_v of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n awful_a be_v that_o remark_n of_o the_o psalmist_n concern_v israel_n in_o psal_n 81._o 11_o 12._o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n 6._o and_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o a_o grow_a apostasy_n when_o man_n be_v once_o leave_v of_o god_n and_o begin_v to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n who_o can_v tell_v whither_o it_o will_v grow_v at_o length_n one_o thing_n will_v fall_v to_o decay_v after_o another_o they_o may_v begin_v at_o thing_n more_o tolerable_a and_o less_o scandalous_a but_o that_o will_v make_v the_o way_n to_o introduce_v far_o great_a abomination_n and_o when_o man_n take_v one_o step_n in_o this_o way_n there_o will_v be_v no_o limit_n short_a of_o that_o which_o god_n restrain_v they_o from_o if_o they_o let_v go_v their_o hold_n they_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o fall_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o deny_v the_o power_n to_o the_o cast_v off_o of_o the_o form_n too_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o for_o evil_a man_n if_o leave_v of_o god_n will_v grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o and_o such_o a_o decline_a be_v very_o infectious_a and_o will_v not_o only_o hazard_v to_o take_v effectual_o with_o those_o who_o have_v no_o save_a principle_n of_o piety_n in_o they_o and_o who_o carnal_a reason_n which_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o outside_n profession_n not_o only_o fail_v they_o but_o be_v now_o every_o whit_n as_o cogent_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o stimulate_v they_o to_o run_v with_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a but_o will_v also_o be_v too_o influential_a on_o godly_a man_n themselves_o to_o damp_n their_o vigour_n yea_o possible_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o carnal_a compliance_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v lead_v to_o a_o neglect_n or_o perfunctory_a performance_n of_o many_o duty_n if_o not_o to_o the_o do_v of_o many_o thing_n derogatory_n to_o their_o profession_n proposition_n ii_o that_o these_o time_n be_v very_o dangerous_a when_o this_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o prevail_a distemper_n among_o a_o profess_v people_n it_o be_v sad_o symptomatical_a how_o and_o wherein_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n for_o man_n to_o enjoy_v the_o gospel_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o fall_v man_n have_v lose_v the_o way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o be_v get_v into_o the_o path_n of_o misery_n and_o destruction_n nor_o can_v he_o ever_o have_v recover_v himself_o again_o or_o so_o much_o as_o have_v know_v how_o it_o may_v have_v be_v bring_v about_o if_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n wise_a man_n have_v prove_v itself_o to_o be_v very_a foolishness_n on_o this_o account_n and_o all_o the_o contrivance_n which_o they_o have_v lay_v out_o with_o great_a curiosity_n for_o their_o compass_v of_o happiness_n have_v in_o the_o issue_n but_o entangle_v they_o the_o
man_n by_o it_o seek_v to_o hide_v a_o treacherous_a heart_n and_o pretend_v to_o put_v off_o the_o all_o see_v god_n with_o a_o outside_n and_o empty_a religion_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o have_v god_n so_o often_o testify_v against_o it_o in_o his_o word_n as_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v very_o much_o displease_v at_o see_v for_o this_o ezek._n 33._o 31._o they_o come_v as_o my_o people_n come_v etc._n etc._n but_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n isa_n 1._o 11_o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n 48._o 1._o they_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o not_o in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n 6._o hence_o when_o this_o grow_v general_a it_o must_v needs_o produce_v perilous_a time_n it_o be_v dangerous_a in_o regard_n of_o every_o individual_a professor_n that_o be_v act_v by_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o he_o not_o a_o little_a expose_v himself_o hereby_o to_o the_o righteous_a displeasure_n of_o god_n needs_o than_o must_v it_o have_v a_o common_a influence_n when_o it_o be_v a_o grow_a and_o prevail_a malady_n among_o a_o people_n and_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a in_o several_a particular_n 1._o such_o a_o people_n show_v that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n this_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o their_o profession_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o right_a principle_n all_o true_a obedience_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n call_v love_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o love_n be_v the_o root_n and_o spring_n of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o more_o distinguish_a note_n between_o sincerity_n and_o hypocrisy_n now_o the_o love_n which_o god_n require_v be_v a_o hearty_a love_n matth._n 22._o 37._o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o all_o thy_o soul_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o charge_n that_o god_n lay_v upon_o they_o in_o isa_n 29._o 13._o they_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o the_o want_n of_o this_o show_v that_o man_n have_v take_v up_o their_o profession_n for_o by_o and_o sinister_a end_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v not_o their_o bottom_n design_n in_o it_o for_o if_o they_o do_v indeed_o love_n god_n with_o their_o whole_a heart_n they_o can_v not_o be_v content_a in_o a_o mere_a form_n if_o they_o love_v god_n they_o can_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o the_o outside_n performance_n of_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o service_n itself_o and_o boast_v themselves_o mere_o in_o the_o duty_n do_v they_o will_v take_v no_o content_n in_o any_o ordinance_n or_o performance_n in_o which_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o god_n and_o enjoy_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o attend_v upon_o he_o who_o indeed_o love_v god_n will_v seek_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o glorify_v he_o as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o be_v and_o operation_n now_o god_n be_v not_o glorify_v by_o a_o mere_a form_n but_o so_o far_o as_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v deny_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o man_n do_v so_o far_o his_o name_n be_v dishonour_v and_o the_o more_o by_o there_o be_v a_o form_n because_o hereby_o their_o profession_n be_v contradict_v by_o their_o practice_n and_o a_o discovery_n be_v make_v that_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o concern_v for_o his_o honour_n but_o indeed_o do_v reproach_n he_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o dangerous_a 2._o scandalous_a sin_n will_v grow_v apace_o among_o such_o a_o people_n a_o mere_a form_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o fond_o insist_v on_o be_v no_o fence_n against_o the_o growth_n of_o iniquity_n but_o indeed_o a_o inlet_n and_o introduction_n to_o it_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v man_n take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o lest_o they_o shall_v offend_v that_o it_o be_v a_o cover_n under_o which_o they_o seek_v to_o hide_v their_o abomination_n it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o man_n which_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o sin_n themselves_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o do_v the_o utmost_a they_o can_v in_o their_o place_n to_o stop_v the_o break_n of_o it_o forth_o in_o other_o whereas_o a_o mere_a form_n make_v they_o cold_a and_o careless_a on_o these_o account_n and_o as_o they_o will_v take_v very_o little_a heed_n to_o themselves_o so_o other_o will_v grow_v bold_a upon_o it_o when_o they_o see_v that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a of_o zeal_n appear_v in_o their_o bear_a witness_n against_o they_o if_o professor_n be_v cold_a in_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n profane_a person_n will_v thereupon_o grow_v bold_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o exorbitance_n yea_o and_o professor_n themselves_o will_v grow_v drowsy_a and_o careless_a and_o take_v little_a heed_n to_o their_o life_n but_o grow_v licentious_a while_o they_o place_v their_o whole_a religion_n in_o their_o formality_n the_o abound_v of_o iniquity_n and_o grow_v cold_a of_o love_n be_v join_v together_o by_o our_o saviour_n as_o thing_n concomitant_a mat._n 24._o 12._o and_o indeed_o if_o strict_a enquiry_n be_v make_v into_o this_o affair_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o evermore_o apostasy_n have_v in_o this_o way_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n man_n have_v be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o maintain_n of_o their_o form_n and_o spend_v their_o heat_n there_o and_o so_o have_v grow_v lukewarm_a in_o their_o respect_n unto_o god_n and_o hearty_a love_n of_o he_o and_o think_v all_o be_v well_o because_o religion_n carry_v a_o fair_a outside_n among_o they_o and_o thereupon_o scandal_n have_v break_v forth_o and_o one_o sin_n after_o another_o have_v dare_v to_o look_v abroad_o bare-faced_n and_o when_o the_o first_o love_n have_v be_v lose_v the_o first_o work_n have_v be_v neglect_v 3._o they_o will_v by_o degree_n lose_v the_o form_n too_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_a engine_n and_o have_v no_o internal_a principle_n of_o life_n in_o they_o but_o be_v move_v by_o the_o external_a force_n of_o weight_n and_o spring_n will_v soon_o be_v down_o and_o then_o they_o will_v stand_v still_o how_o forcible_a soever_o their_o motion_n be_v before_o a_o strict_a formality_n at_o one_o time_n serve_v a_o worldly_a interest_n the_o man_n can_v carry_v on_o a_o carnal_a design_n by_o it_o and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o it_o have_v its_o weight_n to_o keep_v it_o go_v and_o it_o will_v move_v swift_o but_o the_o time_n may_v come_v when_o it_o will_v disserve_v that_o interest_n and_o cross_v the_o design_n of_o it_o and_o now_o the_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o knock_v off_o our_o saviour_n instance_v thus_o the_o stony_a ground_n hearer_n math._n 13._o 21._o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v and_o also_o in_o the_o thorny_a verse_n 22._o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n choke_v the_o word_n and_o he_o become_v unfruitful_a beside_o the_o strict_a outward_a attendance_n on_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o easy_a for_o the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o man_n to_o comport_v withal_o and_o the_o gratification_n of_o many_o fleshly_a lust_n be_v hinder_v by_o it_o the_o crave_n whereof_o be_v so_o eager_a that_o they_o will_v prompt_v the_o man_n to_o neglect_v sometime_o one_o and_o sometime_o another_o and_o if_o they_o can_v still_o but_o keep_v up_o some_o semblable_a show_n &_o quiet_v their_o mind_n with_o that_o they_o be_v well_o suffice_v therewithal_o strictness_n of_o discipline_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o they_o and_o they_o will_v fain_o have_v a_o latitude_n and_o elbow_n room_n and_o large_a allowance_n give_v they_o and_o so_o usual_o decay_v in_o religion_n begin_v there_o other_o must_v be_v bear_v withal_o that_o we_o may_v be_v indulge_v and_o we_o will_v connive_v at_o their_o scandal_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o measure_n from_o they_o constancy_n in_o secret_a duty_n of_o read_v the_o word_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n be_v too_o spiritual_a a_o business_n for_o they_o and_o because_o they_o be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o observation_n they_o can_v without_o open_a scandal_n neglect_v they_o and_o so_o they_o at_o first_o intermit_v and_o at_o length_n total_o omit_v they_o family_n worship_n be_v a_o cumber_v and_o it_o give_v they_o too_o much_o hindrance_n in_o their_o worldly_a business_n and_o their_o diversion_n among_o their_o companion_n which_o they_o must_v allow_v to_o themselves_o and_o if_o they_o do_v but_o attend_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n house_n careful_o they_o shall_v still_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o be_v in_o good_a repute_n and_o
so_o these_o shall_v be_v first_o flighty_o attend_v and_o soon_o dismiss_v with_o a_o short_a complomont_n and_o in_o fine_a utter_o neglect_v this_o may_v have_v be_v instance_a in_o many_o other_o thing_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v and_o thus_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v general_o leave_v off_o and_o quite_o lose_v among_o a_o profess_v people_n and_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o little_a better_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o that_o church_n in_o rev._n 3._o begin_v and_o these_o be_v fair_a or_o rather_o foul_a step_n to_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o 4._o their_o profession_n will_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o vile_a man_n and_o true_o there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v give_v more_o occasion_n for_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o than_o such_o as_o these_o there_o be_v those_o that_o hate_v all_o godliness_n and_o thereupon_o the_o very_a strict_a &_o formal_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v grievous_a to_o they_o and_o this_o make_v they_o to_o look_v with_o a_o evil_a and_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v so_o engage_v now_o when_o man_n make_v such_o high_a pretence_n to_o religion_n and_o in_o their_o life_n they_o contradict_v they_o ungodly_a one_o will_v soon_o catch_v it_o up_o and_o reflect_v it_o with_o bitter_a revile_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o preposterous_a way_n of_o argue_v to_o condemn_v the_o religion_n ordain_v by_o god_n himself_o which_o must_v needs_o therefore_o be_v holy_a and_o wise_a for_o the_o abuse_n which_o pretender_n to_o it_o do_v put_v upon_o it_o but_o wicked_a man_n be_v stranger_n to_o that_o and_o can_v rise_v no_o high_o in_o their_o judgement_n than_o by_o their_o observe_v how_o those_o who_o speak_v high_a of_o it_o do_v manage_v themselves_o with_o regard_n to_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v say_v these_o man_n talk_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o holiness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o real_a thing_n but_o they_o can_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o act_n of_o lewdness_n they_o can_v be_v very_o zealous_a when_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o their_o converse_n with_o man_n they_o can_v lie_v cheat_n dissemble_v they_o can_v be_v very_o demure_a when_o they_o be_v among_o their_o own_o company_n but_o when_o they_o get_v among_o we_o they_o can_v drink_v and_o health_n and_o game_n and_o swear_v and_o sit_v up_o till_o midnight_n in_o our_o company_n yea_o they_o can_v outdo_v we_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v so_o severe_o to_o rom._n 2._o 2._o 21_o etc._n etc._n thou_o which_o teach_v another_o teach_v thou_o not_o thyself_o etc._n etc._n and_o add_v that_o remark_n verse_n 24._o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o gentile_n through_o you_o they_o make_v nothing_o of_o these_o thing_n among_o themselves_o but_o excuse_v one_o another_o in_o they_o for_o they_o pretend_v to_o no_o better_a but_o in_o such_o as_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n they_o tax_v high_o and_o put_v all_o the_o aggravation_n they_o can_v to_o their_o reproach_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o horrible_a shame_n when_o these_o reproach_n be_v no_o slander_n 5._o those_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a will_v be_v expose_v to_o grievous_a persecution_n it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o frequent_a observation_n that_o such_o as_o have_v spend_v the_o heat_n of_o their_o zeal_n upon_o form_n have_v be_v most_o virulent_a against_o they_o that_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n christ_n himself_o have_v no_o such_o furious_a persecutor_n as_o be_v the_o soribe_n &_o pharisee_n these_o also_o be_v they_o who_o most_o bitter_o prosecute_v his_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o what_o a_o formalist_n he_o have_v be_v and_o how_o he_o have_v employ_v the_o zeal_n of_o it_o gal._n 1._o 13_o 14._o beyond_o measure_n 1_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o be_v more_o exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n and_o if_o man_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a patient_o to_o bear_v it_o in_o other_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v apostaty_n grow_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v safe_a for_o any_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o real_a holiness_n as_o the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o those_o time_n isa_n 59_o 15._o truth_n fail_v and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_n make_v himself_o a_o prey_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o if_o any_o will_v be_v more_o strict_a than_o his_o neighbour_n in_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n among_o man_n and_o be_v a_o nonconformist_n to_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n that_o he_o live_v in_o he_o shall_v be_v revile_v for_o it_o jeer_v at_o by_o his_o neighbour_n censure_v for_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o ridicule_v for_o a_o ●ender_a conscience_n and_o man_n will_v further_o show_v their_o spleen_n at_o they_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o hand_n this_o we_o have_v the_o psalmist_n make_v a_o bitter_a complaint_n about_o psal_n 69._o 9_o etc._n etc._n the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o and_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_v thou_o be_v fall_v upon_o i_o which_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v in_o divers_a particular_n and_o tongue_n persecution_n be_v not_o a_o little_a mischievous_a especial_o when_o it_o proceed_v from_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o christianity_n 6._o the_o rise_a generation_n be_v hereby_o woeful_o expose_v child_n be_v either_o the_o hope_n or_o fear_v of_o pious_a parent_n and_o by_o observation_n of_o their_o frame_n and_o inclination_n a_o shrewed_a conjecture_n may_v be_v make_v of_o what_o time_n be_v like_a to_o be_v when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v for_o this_o reason_n the_o duty_n of_o train_n up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o way_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o go_v in_o be_v so_o much_o urge_v and_o inculcate_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o duty_n of_o very_a great_a importance_n but_o if_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o present_a generation_n and_o religion_n among_o they_o be_v dwindle_v up_o to_o a_o empty_a formality_n there_o be_v no_o thing_n that_o do_v more_o fearful_o forebode_v the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o in_o those_o that_o follow_v child_n be_v apt_a to_o imitate_v their_o parent_n by_o a_o natural_a respect_n that_o they_o have_v for_o they_o and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a because_o of_o the_o sinful_a corruption_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o natural_o certain_o then_o if_o parent_n be_v formal_a loose_a heedless_a to_o themselves_o their_o child_n will_v most_o likely_a add_v to_o it_o and_o become_v a_o increase_n of_o sinful_a man_n yea_o and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o parent_n will_v become_v negligent_a of_o the_o careful_a education_n of_o their_o child_n and_o take_v little_a regard_n to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o so_o they_o will_v grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o ignorant_a generation_n that_o kniw_v not_o the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o not_o only_o for_o want_v of_o be_v well_o teach_v will_v they_o take_v liberty_n to_o rebel_v against_o parental_a government_n and_o it_o be_v just_a if_o they_o teach_v they_o not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o deny_v that_o honour_n to_o their_o parent_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n but_o also_o by_o their_o example_n they_o encourage_v their_o child_n for_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v if_o they_o take_v liberty_n to_o themselves_o if_o their_o child_n will_v do_v so_o too_o and_o justify_v themselves_o in_o it_o thus_o do_v they_o entertain_v the_o prophet_n with_o scorn_n jer._n 44._o 17._o we_o will_v certain_o do_v etc._n etc._n as_o we_o have_v do_v we_o and_o our_o father_n hence_o that_o 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of_o sickness_n famine_n and_o war_n on_o a_o profess_v people_n and_o they_o be_v waste_v and_o bring_v low_o by_o they_o we_o be_v according_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o allot_v this_o to_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o god_n be_v not_o angry_a without_o a_o cause_n amos_n 3._o 4._o will_v a_o lion_n roar_v in_o the_o forest_n when_o he_o have_v no_o prey_n now_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o displeasure_n which_o god_n have_v take_v at_o they_o be_v not_o for_o their_o profession_n itself_o or_o for_o their_o care_n to_o maintain_v the_o outward_a form_n and_o ordinance_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v the_o mean_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o hence_o that_o psal_n 5●_n 8._o i_o will_v not_o reprove_v thou_o for_o they_o sacrifice_n or_o thy_o burn_a offering_n to_o have_v be_v continual_o with_o i_o but_o it_o must_v be_v something_o that_o his_o holy_a and_o jealous_a eye_n see_v amiss_o in_o their_o serve_v of_o he_o and_o that_o must_v be_v something_o wherein_o they_o do_v to_o his_o observation_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o and_o because_o this_o may_v be_v and_o a_o people_n that_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v may_v be_v dead_a rev._n 3._o 1._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o but_o be_v a_o great_a call_n to_o they_o not_o so_o much_o to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o language_n of_o providence_n awful_o speak_v that_o but_o to_o search_v after_o it_o that_o they_o may_v find_v it_o out_o and_o seek_v to_o get_v it_o remove_v by_o true_a repentance_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o each_o other_o in_o their_o language_n lam_n 3_o 40._o let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o where_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o rule_n also_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n when_o judgement_n be_v remove_v viz_o by_o inquire_v whether_o the_o cause_n be_v take_v away_o and_o if_o not_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o only_o as_o a_o respite_n and_o space_n to_o repent_v which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o improve_v worse_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o a_o little_a time_n 4._o this_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o professor_n we_o must_v observe_v how_o their_o life_n agree_v with_o their_o profession_n it_o be_v true_a man_n may_v in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o procession_n carry_v it_o very_o fair_a and_o behave_v themselves_o so_o cunning_o in_o their_o visible_a conversation_n as_o to_o deceive_v the_o most_o judicious_a christian_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o frequent_a thing_n and_o god_n show_v his_o just_a and_o holy_a displeasure_n at_o man_n in_o suffer_v of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o that_o those_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n do_v in_o something_o or_o other_o notorious_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o not_o only_o do_v they_o sometime_o display_v too_o much_o of_o sinful_a folly_n and_o corruption_n for_o so_o may_v the_o best_a of_o man_n do_v while_o the_o law_n in_o their_o member_n have_v so_o much_o of_o power_n and_o influence_n in_o they_o but_o there_o be_v something_o wherein_o they_o do_v egregious_o discover_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o offer_v just_a ground_n to_o serious_a christian_n to_o suspect_v that_o all_o their_o formality_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o piece_n of_o pageantry_n jehu_n do_v this_o notwithstanding_o his_o great_a zeal_n in_o reform_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o baal_n 2_o king_n 10._o 29._o howbeit_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_n jehu_n depart_v not_o from_o after_o they_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o let_v man_n be_v otherwise_o never_o so_o formal_a yet_o if_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o they_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o which_o be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o conscience_n and_o contradictory_n to_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v too_o manifest_a a_o sign_n that_o such_o a_o lust_n be_v not_o mortify_v in_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v one_o that_o be_v not_o so_o at_o all_o there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v so_o real_o and_o one_o such_o spot_n be_v enough_o to_o disgrace_v all_o the_o other_o fair_a colour_n of_o a_o specious_a profession_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o observe_v how_o a_o man_n carry_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n or_o in_o his_o attendance_n on_o the_o observable_a religious_a duty_n that_o be_v practise_v among_o god_n people_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v he_o to_o his_o other_o and_o ordinary_a conversation_n and_o observe_v his_o carriage_n in_o that_o how_o he_o behave_v himself_o in_o his_o particular_a relation_n among_o man_n and_o if_o these_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a that_o all_o be_v not_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o such_o a_o person_n our_o saviour_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o value_v the_o tree_n by_o its_o fair_a leaf_n and_o flourish_a blossom_n but_o to_o see_v what_o be_v the_o fruit_n it_o bear_v and_o by_o those_o we_o be_v to_o conclude_v concern_v they_o mat._n 7._o 16._o you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n use_v two_o let_v it_o be_v for_o trial_n and_o it_o may_v be_v apply_v both_o on_o a_o public_a and_o on_o a_o personal_a account_n 1._o on_o a_o public_a account_n and_o here_o let_v we_o make_v our_o remark_n on_o the_o present_a time_n by_o this_o rule_n and_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o this_o regard_n and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o symptom_n and_o of_o prognostic_n aend_v i_o think_v that_o we_o have_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o engage_v in_o this_o scrutiny_n at_o this_o day_n and_o therefore_o to_o move_v we_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o thorough_a in_o this_o examen_fw-la let_v we_o consider_v 1._o christ_n have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o know_v and_o discern_v the_o time_n the_o time_n be_v not_o always_o alike_o it_o be_v a_o world_n of_o change_n that_o we_o live_v in_o and_o as_o there_o be_v change_n of_o time_n which_o pass_v over_o the_o child_n of_o man_n so_o there_o be_v the_o symptom_n of_o they_o by_o which_o a_o rational_a and_o probable_a conjecture_n may_v be_v make_v about_o they_o before_o hand_n and_o we_o may_v by_o observation_n foresee_v what_o be_v like_a to_o come_v and_o it_o be_v the_o prudence_n of_o all_o such_o as_o live_v in_o this_o world_n to_o have_v a_o insight_n into_o these_o sign_n it_o be_v true_a the_o symptom_n of_o the_o time_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n viz._n natural_a which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o order_n and_o posture_n of_o second_o cause_n for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o contingency_n belong_v to_o these_o thing_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a eonnexion_n between_o such_o cause_n and_o such_o effect_n which_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n will_v be_v produce_v unless_o they_o be_v some_o way_n overrule_v and_o prevent_v when_o the_o kingdom_n be_v move_v one_o against_o another_o when_o animosity_n increase_v between_o they_o when_o there_o be_v tumult_n and_o disquietment_n these_o be_v the_o usual_a leader_n to_o miserable_a devastation_n &c_n &c_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v because_o god_n make_v use_v of_o second_o cause_n in_o accomplish_v his_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a thing_n there_o be_v therefore_o moral_a symptom_n and_o these_o be_v peculiarly_a to_o be_v mind_v in_o calculate_v whereof_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n dispense_n himself_o to_o a_o people_n as_o such_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o warning_n there_o give_v and_o in_o his_o wont_a course_n take_v with_o his_o people_n in_o such_o circumstance_n now_o by_o a_o right_a application_n of_o these_o the_o time_n may_v be_v discover_v whethey_a be_v good_a or_o evil_n safe_a or_o perilous_a and_o christ_n reprove_v they_o for_o want_v of_o skill_n and_o observation_n in_o this_o regard_n mat._n 16._o 3._o you_o hypocrite_n you_o can_v discern_v the_o face_n of_o the_o sky_n but_o can_v you_o not_o discern_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n 2._o it_o many_o way_n concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o know_v the_o peril_n of_o the_o time_n that_o we_o live_v in_o nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o do_v well_o without_o it_o for_z 1._o there_o be_v a_o special_a generation_n work_n lie_v upon_o every_o christian_n according_a as_o the_o time_n be_v it_o be_v true_a every_o child_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n
21._o begin_v the_o famine_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o saul_n slay_v the_o gibeonite_n 6._o hence_o without_o observation_n man_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o regard_n unless_o we_o know_v what_o be_v the_o provocation_n we_o shall_v not_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o instant_a duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o the_o sin_n must_v be_v find_v out_o before_o they_o can_v be_v particular_o provide_v against_o and_o be_v suitable_o repent_v of_o and_o turn_v from_o and_o so_o the_o proper_a mean_n be_v use_v for_o the_o put_n of_o they_o away_o and_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v but_o upon_o observation_n and_o search_n and_o that_o by_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o view_v the_o frame_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n general_o &_o compare_v they_o herewithal_o and_o hereupon_o want_v of_o consideration_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o god_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o stupidity_n on_o the_o account_n of_o it_o isa_n 1._o 3._o my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v jer._n 8._o 6._o no_o man_n repent_v of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o when_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o they_o he_o invite_v they_o to_o consideration_n hag._n 1._o 5._o now_o therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n consider_v your_o way_n 7._o formality_n attend_v with_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v the_o first_o bad_a symptom_n in_o a_o profess_v people_n we_o have_v observe_v that_o apostasy_n from_o a_o fair_a profession_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v all_o at_o once_o but_o it_o have_v its_o gradual_a step_n and_o may_v have_v many_o remove_n before_o it_o come_v to_o the_o height_n but_o all_o apostasy_n begin_v with_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o power_n and_o vigour_n of_o grace_n in_o man_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o discover_v man_n decline_v from_o what_o they_o sometime_o maintain_v 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and_o watchful_a christian_n who_o heart_n be_v true_o set_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o his_o interest_n and_o let_v it_o be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o all_o such_o that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o name_n in_o a_o degenerate_a sardis_n god_n do_v not_o overlook_v they_o nor_o will_v he_o forget_v they_o see_v how_o comfortable_o he_o speak_v to_o such_o rev._n 3._o 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a but_o if_o the_o other_o frame_n be_v grow_v too_o general_a and_o prevail_a the_o symptom_n be_v bad_a and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v many_o discovery_n which_o may_v be_v make_v of_o such_o a_o spirit_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o all_o find_v in_o every_o one_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v find_v distributive_o and_o spread_v general_o it_o will_v amount_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v inquire_v after_o when_o god_n charge_v a_o people_n in_o this_o regard_n he_o do_v not_o always_o say_v you_o be_v all_o thus_o &_o so_o but_o such_o be_v find_v in_o thou_o see_v ezek._n 22._o 7_o etc._n etc._n and_o be_v it_o not_o too_o much_o thus_o with_o we_o whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o that_o follow_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prevalency_n of_o so_o many_o immorality_n among_o professor_n i_o confess_v that_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o the_o best_a time_n and_o in_o place_n where_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v most_o flourish_a there_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n there_o be_v so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a reformation_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v expect_v that_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v mix_v with_o the_o godly_a and_o such_o as_o will_v dare_v to_o show_v their_o wickedness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o transgress_v in_o a_o land_n of_o uprightness_n but_o when_o such_o be_v not_o countenance_v but_o due_a testimony_n be_v bear_v against_o they_o when_o they_o be_v contemn_v in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v and_o a_o note_n of_o infamy_n and_o scandal_n be_v put_v upon_o they_o this_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o such_o a_o people_n for_o apostasy_n but_o when_o such_o sin_n grow_v frequent_a and_o those_o that_o have_v take_v on_o themselves_o a_o name_n of_o be_v religious_a begin_v to_o indulge_v themselves_o herein_o and_o man_n that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o reproach_v for_o it_o but_o be_v in_o as_o good_a credit_n as_o the_o best_a it_o than_o become_v a_o bad_a symptom_n and_o say_v that_o the_o time_n be_v decline_v and_o perilous_a much_o more_o when_o such_o as_o these_o will_v undertake_v to_o justify_v and_o patronize_v such_o thing_n and_o be_v there_o not_o sad_a complaint_n make_v on_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v here_o instance_n only_o in_o some_o that_o be_v more_o notorious_a be_v not_o god_n sabbath_n woeful_o neglect_v how_o little_a care_n be_v there_o use_v in_o make_v of_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o how_o woeful_o can_v such_o as_o will_v be_v esteem_v godly_a encroach_v upon_o holy_a time_n and_o be_v engage_v either_o in_o secular_a business_n or_o in_o vain_a company_n and_o possible_o in_o public_a house_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o home_n in_o their_o closet_n or_o with_o their_o family_n sanctify_v of_o god_n day_n and_o show_v of_o the_o honourable_a esteem_n they_o have_v for_o it_o and_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o where_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o god_n sabbath_n be_v lose_v there_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v go_v how_o much_o complaint_n be_v there_o make_v of_o woeful_a dishonesty_n in_o their_o deal_n practise_v by_o such_o as_o can_v talk_v high_a of_o their_o religion_n how_o many_o fallacious_a trick_n they_o can_v use_v in_o their_o commerce_n how_o deceitful_a in_o their_o labour_n how_o false_a to_o their_o word_n and_o promise_n as_o if_o dissemble_a and_o lie_v be_v not_o reproach_n to_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n how_o many_o intemperate_a church_n member_n be_v there_o report_v to_o be_v who_o spend_v their_o precious_a time_n in_o frequent_v public_a house_n and_o keep_v of_o loose_a and_o lewd_a company_n who_o can_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n on_o the_o sabbath_n and_o wrong_v themselves_o by_o excessive_a drink_v on_o the_o week_n day_n how_o much_o animosity_n contention_n and_o implacable_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n break_v forth_o in_o indecent_a word_n and_o carriage_n between_o
discourse_n or_o at_o best_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o one_o warm_v word_n about_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n and_o eternity_n it_o say_v that_o there_o want_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n if_o their_o treasure_n be_v in_o heaven_n their_o heart_n will_v be_v there_o too_o and_o if_o so_o they_o will_v delight_v to_o be_v talk_v of_o their_o own_o country_n and_o the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o such_o conference_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o let_v a_o serious_a christian_a begin_v they_o and_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o most_o to_o be_v silent_a about_o they_o and_o look_v as_o if_o they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o their_o element_n but_o if_o we_o divert_v to_o worldly_a affair_n or_o idle_a story_n and_o slander_n they_o be_v full_a of_o matter_n if_o godly_a communication_n be_v burdensome_a to_o we_o it_o plain_o say_v that_o our_o show_n of_o godliness_n be_v but_o a_o show_n and_o ha●h_v no_o life_n in_o it_o 9_o the_o bad_a symptom_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o rise_a generation_n it_o have_v be_v a_o frequent_a observation_n that_o if_o one_o generation_n begin_v to_o decline_v the_o next_o that_o follow_v usual_o grow_v worse_a and_o so_o on_o till_o god_n pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n again_o upon_o they_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n some_o desolate_v judgement_n intervene_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o israel_n soon_o after_o they_o come_v into_o canaan_n judg._n 2._o 10._o there_o arise_v another_o generation_n which_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o verse_n 14._o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v hot_a against_o israel_n etc._n etc._n the_o decay_n which_o we_o do_v already_o languish_v under_o be_v sad_a and_o what_o token_n be_v there_o on_o our_o child_n that_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v better_a hereafter_o we_o be_v go_v off_o and_o they_o be_v come_v apace_o on_o the_o stage_n and_o the_o management_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o religion_n will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v devolve_v upon_o they_o and_o what_o aspect_n have_v this_o upon_o it_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o serious_a soul_n god_n be_v thank_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o among_o they_o that_o promise_v well_o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o and_o great_o increase_v their_o number_n but_o alas_o how_o do_v vanity_n and_o a_o sondness_n after_o new_a thing_n abound_v among_o they_o how_o do_v young_a person_n grow_v weary_a of_o the_o strict_a profession_n of_o their_o father_n and_o become_v strong_a disputant_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o their_o progenitor_n forsake_v a_o pleasant_a land_n for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o that_o their_o posterity_n may_v be_v remove_v from_o the_o temptation_n of_o beside_o it_o be_v almost_o a_o general_a complaint_n of_o family_n governor_n that_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n be_v weary_a of_o the_o yoke_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v under_o their_o command_n or_o observe_v the_o good_a order_n in_o the_o family_n which_o they_o require_v they_o to_o attend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o combination_n one_o with_o another_o and_o do_v join_v hand_n in_o hand_n in_o refuse_v of_o that_o subjection_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o their_o superior_n and_o debauch_v of_o themselves_o with_o their_o night_n revel_n and_o meeting_n in_o bad_a house_n to_o drink_v and_o game_n they_o force_v the_o reins_o into_o their_o neck_n and_o will_v be_v no_o way_n curb_v in_o from_o their_o exorbitance_n and_o these_o also_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v careful_o and_o religious_o educate_v and_o many_o a_o time_n solemn_o charge_v with_o tear_n and_o earnest_a adjuration_n to_o serve_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o warn_v of_o his_o fearful_a departure_n from_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o how_o far_o this_o decay_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o neglect_n of_o family_n governor_n either_o in_o a_o prudent_a manage_n of_o their_o authority_n or_o in_o a_o careful_a set_n of_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a example_n before_o their_o family_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o awful_a consideration_n for_o certain_o they_o be_v sore_o afflict_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o aught_o to_o judge_v themselves_o upon_o th●_n account_n however_o this_o plain_o discover_v that_o the_o li●e_z of_o religion_n be_v pant_v and_o gasp_v among_o we_o 10._o the_o inefficaciousness_n of_o god_n severe_a judgement_n the_o judgement_n whi●h_n god_n bring_v upon_o a_o profess_v people_n be_v witness_n of_o great_a decay_n in_o godliness_n for_o that_o be_v even_o the_o controversy_n which_o he_o manage_v by_o they_o but_o when_o these_o judgement_n come_v upon_o a_o people_n and_o be_v o●ten_o repeat_v and_o god_n follow_v they_o with_o a_o long_a series_n thereof_o and_o they_o be_v bruise_v and_o break_v and_o bring_v exceed_o low_a by_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o work_v to_o the_o declare_a end_n of_o they_o which_o be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o lifelessness_n and_o to_o quicken_v they_o to_o express_v the_o vigour_n and_o power_n of_o grace_n but_o they_o be_v stupid_a and_o fottish_a child_n and_o do_v not_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o dispensation_n of_o he_o as_o he_o complain_v isa_n 42._o 25._o he_o pour_v on_o he_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o it_o have_v set_v he_o on_o fire_n round_o about_o yet_o he_o know_v not_o and_o it_o burn_v he_o yet_o he_o lay_v it_o not_o to_o heart_n yea_o when_o god_n complain_v as_o one_o that_o be_v weary_a of_o correct_v they_o and_o upon_o it_o threaten_v to_o leave_v off_o because_o it_o be_v fruitless_a and_o there_o be_v no_o good_a come_v of_o it_o as_o isa_n 1._o 5._o why_o shall_v you_o be_v smite_v any_o more_o you_o will_v revolt_v more_o and_o more_o hos_fw-la 4._o 17._o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o his_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o this_o be_v a_o token_n that_o the_o power_n be_v not_o only_o decay_v but_o expire_v and_o let_v we_o make_v diligent_a enquiry_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n harasle_v with_o judgement_n which_o have_v be_v bring_v upon_o we_o and_o waste_v we_o there_o have_v be_v many_o of_o they_o and_o they_o have_v be_v continue_v god_n have_v manifest_o witness_v his_o anger_n and_o our_o apostasy_n by_o they_o and_o he_o have_v wait_v long_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o judgement_n for_o our_o repentance_n and_o after_o all_o he_o have_v change_v the_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o we_o ward_n and_o have_v again_o restore_v we_o to_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o afford_v large_a measure_n of_o health_n among_o we_o but_o it_o be_v still_o a_o solemn_a enquiry_n to_o be_v make_v by_o we_o viz_o whether_o god_n hold_v back_o his_o correct_a hand_n &_o open_v of_o his_o bountiful_a hand_n to_o we_o be_v because_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o or_o because_o his_o patience_n be_v weary_v with_o our_o insensibleness_n of_o and_o stupidity_n under_o his_o judicial_a dispensation_n if_o it_o be_v the_o former_a all_o be_v well_o and_o we_o may_v abundant_o rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o latter_a there_o be_v then_o a_o sad_a prognostic_n in_o it_o well_o this_o may_v soon_o be_v determine_v what_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v recover_v among_o we_o by_o all_o this_o nay_o what_o outward_a reformation_n be_v there_o wrought_v by_o it_o or_o be_v we_o not_o more_o stupid_a and_o senseless_a under_o all_o let_v we_o not_o account_v these_o remark_n to_o be_v trifle_n or_o thing_n not_o worthy_a our_o inquire_v after_o but_o let_v we_o be_v serious_a in_o our_o observation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o live_v in_o perilous_a time_n and_o may_v by_o thus_o do_v obtain_v the_o character_n of_o prudent_a for_o we_o be_v tell_v prov._n 27._o 12._o the_o prudent_a forsee_v the_o evil_a 2._o let_v we_o make_v this_o trial_n upon_o a_o personal_a account_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o apart_o prove_v himself_o by_o this_o rule_n and_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o he_o in_o this_o regard_n whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n accompany_v or_o have_v only_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n or_o show_v of_o it_o and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n for_o consider_v 1._o it_o high_o concern_v every_o serious_a soul_n in_o perilous_a time_n to_o secure_v himself_o it_o be_v true_a every_o one_o as_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n aught_o to_o do_v his_o utmost_a for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o if_o the_o body_n safe_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o it_o which_o will_v be_v
more_o in_o ruin_n we_o be_v therefore_o tell_v how_o the_o way_n of_o man_n salvation_n come_v to_o be_v know_v 2_o tim._n 1_o 10._o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v not_o see_v meet_v to_o impart_v the_o gospel_n unto_o all_o nay_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n to_o who_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o be_v the_o privilege_n which_o they_o enjoy_v by_o it_o that_o salvation_n be_v come_v to_o their_o door_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o their_o peace_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o whereas_o other_o that_o have_v it_o not_o remain_z in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n according_a to_o that_o awful_a word_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v this_o therefore_o be_v mention_v as_o israel_n prerogative_n psal_n 147._o 19_o 20._o he_o give_v his_o law_n to_o jacob_n &c_n &c_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n for_o though_o there_o be_v many_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o will_v afford_v fall_v man_n any_o help_n to_o escape_v eternal_a misery_n under_o which_o all_o be_v hold_v by_o nature_n and_o to_o obtain_v eternal_a felicity_n which_o every_o one_o be_v grasp_a after_n this_o be_v the_o alone_a prerogative_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o singular_a kindness_n of_o god_n so_o to_o reveal_v this_o religion_n unto_o man_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v this_o then_o to_o consider_v the_o former_a head_n viz_o the_o singular_a privilege_n which_o be_v enjoy_v by_o it_o and_o the_o unavoidable_a misery_n of_o those_o that_o have_v it_o not_o but_o this_o will_v far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n owe_v it_o to_o none_o the_o salvation_n itself_o that_o be_v discover_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o none_o of_o the_o race_n of_o fall_v man_n deserve_v to_o be_v make_v to_o partake_v in_o it_o be_v god_n mere_a good_a will_n which_o provide_v it_o for_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v leave_v all_o adam_n posterity_n to_o have_v be_v for_o ever_o without_o it_o he_o have_v therein_o declare_v his_o justice_n and_o do_v they_o no_o wrong_n beside_o that_o all_o those_o to_o who_o he_o send_v these_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n and_o offer_v of_o salvation_n be_v in_o themselves_o no_o better_o than_o other_o who_o be_v leave_v without_o they_o nor_o can_v make_v a_o better_a claim_n to_o they_o than_o they_o he_o be_v under_o no_o great_a obligation_n to_o these_o than_o to_o those_o from_o who_o he_o have_v with_o hold_v they_o and_o so_o leave_v they_o to_o die_v without_o knowledge_n they_o be_v equal_o child_n of_o wrath_n with_o the_o other_o eph._n 2._o 3._o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o better_a dispose_v or_o incline_v to_o give_v entertainment_n to_o this_o salvation_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n nor_o can_v god_n foresee_v any_o better_a inclination_n in_o they_o to_o accept_v of_o this_o grace_n than_o what_o he_o purpose_v of_o himself_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v every_o way_n as_o bad_a thus_o the_o apostle_n remark_n tit._n 3._o 3_o 4._o we_o ourselves_o be_v sometime_o foolish_a disobedient_a etc._n etc._n but_o after_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o the_o great_a business_n which_o the_o gospel_n point_v to_o and_o call_v for_o of_o man_n be_v godliness_n what_o be_v intend_v by_o godliness_n have_v before_o be_v observe_v now_o this_o summary_o comprehend_v the_o aim_n of_o the_o gospel_n take_v it_o in_o the_o more_o large_a sense_n of_o it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o theoretical_a but_o practical_a it_o be_v call_v a_o rule_n and_o the_o use_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o guide_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o now_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o instruction_n and_o direction_n about_o be_v godliness_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a inst_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o world_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o it_o call_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o live_v a_o godly_a life_n and_o it_o show_v they_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o do_v so_o in_o all_o respect_n and_o point_v they_o whither_o to_o go_v that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v who_o of_o themselves_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v mic._n 6._o 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o oh_o man_n what_o be_v good_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v for_o this_o that_o god_n give_v his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n to_o man_n and_o in_o this_o it_o be_v that_o he_o command_v they_o thus_o to_o live_v when_o m●ses_n have_v give_v god_n statute_n and_o law_n unto_o israel_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o more_o dark_a and_o shade_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o reduce_v their_o duty_n upon_o it_o hither_o deut._n 10._o 12_o and_o now_o israel_n what_o do_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o to_o love_v he_o etc._n etc._n 4._o that_o true_a godliness_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o life_n and_o power_n it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o exercise_v of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o life_n exert_v itself_o and_o appear_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o christian_a conversation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v too_o often_o overcome_v with_o the_o remain_a corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v that_o which_o they_o will_v but_o this_o notwithstanding_o true_a godliness_n have_v always_o in_o it_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v extinguish_v grace_n be_v the_o root_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o live_a principle_n which_o be_v put_v into_o the_o man_n and_o where_o this_o life_n be_v there_o be_v power_n for_o life_n be_v a_o power_n of_o perform_v life_n act_n when_o god_n infuse_v a_o spirit_n of_o godliness_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o any_o he_o be_v say_v to_o quicken_v they_o eph._n 2_o 1._o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v who_o be_v dead_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v real_o godly_a but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o he_o by_o his_o grace_n efficacious_o enable_v he_o to_o serve_v and_o glorify_v god_n by_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o follow_v of_o holiness_n &_o where_o this_o great_a change_n have_v not_o pass_v upon_o the_o man_n he_o be_v not_o godly_a but_o remain_v under_o the_o powerful_a dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n 5._o hence_o where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n it_o contradict_v the_o very_a end_n or_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o by_o a_o form_n we_o only_o understand_v the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o several_a duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o christian_n in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o and_o if_o man_n allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o they_o do_v both_o despise_v god_n authority_n over_o they_o and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o hinder_v themselves_o of_o the_o power_n inasmuch_o as_o god_n have_v make_v this_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o save_a influence_n it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o god_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n that_o they_o live_v in_o outward_a conformity_n to_o his_o revealed_z will_n but_o if_o man_n rest_v here_o and_o look_v no_o far_o they_o take_v up_o with_o a_o outside_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o it_o much_o more_o if_o all_o their_o design_n be_v to_o make_v a_o show_n in_o formality_n and_o all_o their_o zeal_n expire_v in_o that_o they_o come_v short_a of_o what_o god_n require_v and_o expect_v of_o they_o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n tax_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n withal_o mat._n 23._o 23._o you_o this_fw-mi mint_n anise_v and_o cummin_n and_o have_v omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n god_n require_v inward_a sincerity_n in_o the_o serve_a of_o he_o psal_n 51._o 6._o thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n whereas_o this_o be_v only_o a_o cover_n of_o falsehood_n and_o deceit_n
degenerate_a generation_n when_o god_n leave_v man_n up_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o giddiness_n and_o heedlessness_n and_o licentiousness_n to_o grow_v loose_a in_o their_o principle_n and_o inconsiderate_a in_o their_o practice_n he_o therein_o plague_v they_o terribly●_n and_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a fruit_n and_o recompense_v of_o hypocrisy_n and_o atheistical_a content_v themselves_o and_o hope_v to_o put_v god_n off_o with_o a_o outside_n how_o awful_a be_v that_o prediction_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 9_o 10._o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o trnth_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n and_o we_o have_v such_o a_o account_n give_v of_o they_o psal_n 81._o 11_o 12._o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n god_n withdraw_v his_o spirit_n from_o such_o a_o people_n which_o before_o enlighten_v and_o re_fw-mi strain_v they_o and_o abandon_v they_o to_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o now_o iniquity_n break_v in_o as_o a_o torrent_n and_o bear_v all_o down_o before_o it_o now_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o god_n way_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o now_o the_o word_n harden_v instead_o of_o soften_a now_o wholesome_a doctrine_n be_v despise_v and_o close_a application_n be_v provoke_v to_o man_n they_o can_v bear_v to_o have_v their_o sore_n rub_v and_o must_v have_v none_o but_o smooth_a thing_n preach_v to_o they_o now_o a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n invade_v they_o and_o they_o be_v become_v insensible_a of_o their_o decay_n though_o never_o so_o great_a and_o this_o be_v a_o tremendous_a condition_n 2._o in_o temporal_a judgement_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o very_a frame_n among_o a_o people_n be_v that_o which_o open_v the_o gap_n to_o let_v in_o all_o those_o provocation_n which_o will_v pull_v down_o heaven_n vengeance_n upon_o they_o as_o long_o as_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v preserve_v among_o they_o such_o sin_n be_v keep_v out_o at_o least_o from_o bring_v of_o public_a guilt_n along_o with_o they_o because_o there_o be_v a_o suitable_a care_n take_v to_o prevent_v their_o break_n out_o and_o due_a testimony_n be_v bear_v against_o they_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o look_v abroad_o and_o endeavour_n be_v attend_v to_o suppress_v they_o but_o now_o they_o abound_v and_o become_v dare_v and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o god_n can_v no_o long_o withhold_v god_n tell_v they_o that_o all_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v be_v for_o the_o avenge_a of_o the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n leu._n 26_o 25._o and_o though_o many_o particular_a immorality_n usual_o forerun_v such_o calamity_n yet_o they_o flow_v from_o hence_o and_o the_o foundation_n of_o they_o be_v lay_v here_o god_n therefore_o threaten_v laodicea_n for_o her_o lukewarmness_n to_o sove_o her_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n rev._n 3._o 16_o and_o ephesus_z for_o the_o lose_n of_o her_o first_o love_n to_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n chap_n 2._o 4_o 5._o and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o through_o enquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v it_o which_o have_v lay_v waste_n populous_a place_n and_o blow_v up_o sometime_o famous_a church_n and_o make_v they_o a_o desolation_n sure_o then_o such_o be_v perilous_a time_n use_v i._n for_o information_n in_o a_o few_o thing_n 1._o we_o may_v hence_o learn_v that_o the_o best_a judgement_n that_o we_o can_v make_v of_o professor_n be_v but_o of_o charity_n there_o be_v a_o judgement_n which_o one_o christian_a lawful_o may_v and_o sometime_o aught_o to_o pass_v concern_v another_o and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n whenever_o we_o so_o do_v to_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n and_o that_o be_v such_o which_o answer_v the_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o word_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o censure_n that_o we_o pass_v one_o upon_o another_o now_o god_n have_v see_v it_o meet_v to_o reserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n immediate_o to_o himself_o &_o our_o judgement_n can_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n such_o be_v the_o difference_n express_v 1_o sam._n 16._o 7._o man_n look_v on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v very_o uncertain_a i_o can_v certain_o know_v another_o state_n to_o be_v good_a but_o by_o revelation_n though_o i_o may_v know_v the_o state_n of_o some_o to_o be_v bad_a by_o observation_n as_o he_o psa_n 36_o 1._o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v within_o my_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n the_o bond_n therefore_o of_o christian_a communion_n be_v charity_n which_o ought_v to_o think_v and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o another_o allow_v for_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o judge_v well_o of_o his_o honest_a and_o religious_a action_n and_o put_v the_o best_a and_o most_o fair_a interpretation_n upon_o his_o dubious_a carriage_n and_o there_o be_v a_o double_a charity_n here_o to_o be_v observe_v sometime_o that_o which_o be_v only_o negative_a be_v the_o far_a that_o we_o can_v safe_o proceed_v un●o_o viz._n we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v man_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n for_o such_o spot_n as_o god_n child_n may_v catch_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v be_v without_o some_o fear_n or_o jealousy_n about_o they_o when_o we_o see_v little_a or_o nothing_o positive_o to_o encourage_v we_o however_o we_o suspend_v our_o determinate_a judgement_n sometime_o we_o have_v room_n for_o a_o affirmative_a charity_n when_o we_o see_v that_o proceed_v from_o they_o which_o bespeak_v they_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v godly_a and_o zealous_a christian_n because_o of_o their_o good_a and_o excellent_a conversation_n now_o when_o our_o judgement_n proceed_v upon_o these_o ground_n it_o be_v a_o regular_a and_o therefore_o a_o righteous_a judgement_n and_o this_o may_v be_v right_a when_o we_o be_v mistake_v about_o man_n a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o yet_o i_o shall_v sin_v if_o i_o judge_v he_o to_o be_v so_o and_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v my_o duty_n to_o be_v suspicious_a about_o he_o and_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o this_o lie_v before_o we_o plain_a in_o our_o doctrine_n viz._n because_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o high_a and_o most_o commendable_a form_n of_o godliness_n and_o yet_o be_v utter_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o now_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v open_a and_o manifest_a it_o be_v expose_v to_o public_a view_n and_o every_o one_o may_v see_v it_o whereas_o the_o latter_a be_v secret_a and_o hide_a from_o man_n and_o know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o the_o man_n own_o conscience_n david_n have_v a_o excellent_a esteem_n for_o achitophel_n before_o he_o discover_v himself_o psal_n 55._o 13._o 14._o my_o equal_a my_o guide_n and_o my_o acquaintance_n we_o take_v sweet_a counsel_n together_o and_o walk_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o company_n and_o he_o do_v not_o amiss_o so_o to_o think_v of_o he_o the_o disciple_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o suspect_v each_o one_o himself_o than_o judas_n when_o christ_n tell_v they_o that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v betray_v he_o and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o paul_n be_v m●ch_o endear_v to_o demas_n and_o make_v use_v of_o he_o in_o his_o travel_n and_o ministry_n and_o it_o be_v right_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o all_o these_o be_v ungodly_a man_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v unsound_a all_o this_o while_n a_o man_n may_v carry_v it_o among_o man_n with_o great_a forwardness_n and_o constancy_n in_o outward_a performance_n follow_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o carry_v it_o very_o reverendly_a at_o they_o discourse_n very_o know_o and_o lofty_o about_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n pray_v like_o a_o angel_n high_o commend_v the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v very_o circumspect_a in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n exceed_v charitable_a and_o honest_a in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n diligent_a in_o the_o call_v that_o god_n have_v set_v he_o in_o and_o yet_o his_o heart_n all_o this_o while_n not_o righ_n with_o god_n but_o he_o may_v pursue_v it_o for_o by_o and_o sinister_a end_n and_o upon_o pitiful_o mean_a motive_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o discovery_n of_o this_o falseness_n to_o we_o or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o so_o contradict_v his_o profession_n as_o shall_v undermine_v our_o charity_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o look_v on_o he_o as_o any_o other_o than_o a_o saint_n when_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o devil_n or_o a_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n a_o mere_a hypocrite_n hence_o no_o wonder_n if_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v sometime_o force_v to_o change_v their_o
such_o as_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o strong_a evangelicalty_n to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o meek_o to_o bear_v with_o each_o other_o infirmity_n how_o much_o raise_n spread_a and_o receive_v of_o slander_n and_o defamation_n one_o of_o another_o contrary_a to_o that_o charity_n which_o ought_v to_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n these_o and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o like_a nature_n which_o may_v have_v be_v add_v so_o far_o as_o they_o spread_v and_o prevail_v and_o begin_v to_o grow_v common_a be_v a_o ill_a omen_n for_o they_o be_v indisputable_a denial_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n at_o least_o in_o the_o vigour_n of_o it_o in_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o for_o that_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a 2._o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a success_n of_o the_o gospel_n notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a dilpensation_n of_o it_o that_o be_v enjoy_v among_o we_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n which_o god_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o make_v use_n of_o both_o for_o the_o sow_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o conversion_n and_o for_o the_o strengthen_n &_o establish_v of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v already_o sow_o &_o this_o efficacy_n it_o will_v have_v when_o it_o become_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n in_o man_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v it_o be_v in_o all_o that_o believe_v rom_n 1._o 16._o true_a godliness_n discover_v itself_o in_o a_o cordial_a compliance_n with_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o design_n which_o be_v these_o and_o when_o these_o fail_n and_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o edification_n be_v at_o a_o stay_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o piety_n be_v go_v to_o decay_v and_o the_o more_o plenty_n god_n afford_v to_o a_o people_n of_o these_o mean_n and_o ●he_v more_o of_o light_n and_o life_n they_o be_v dispense_v withal_o the_o more_o notorious_a be_v this_o symptom_n what_o there_o have_v be_v enjoy_v among_o we_o upon_o this_o account_n god_n know_v and_o this_o people_n also_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o know_v that_o there_o have_v be_v prophet_n among_o they_o how_o few_o through_o conversion_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v how_o scarce_o and_o seldom_o man_n go_v from_o ordinance_n to_o ordinance_n and_o that_o from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v sometime_o a_o little_a touch_v awaken_v affect_v and_o make_v some_o stir_n for_o a_o while_n but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o be_v effectual_o and_o thorough_o turn_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v of_o this_o work_n of_o god_n be_v secret_a and_o in_o some_o it_o be_v wrought_v without_o a_o noise_n however_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a observation_n which_o may_v safe_o be_v make_v that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a conversion_n charity_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o proceed_v upon_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a one_o for_o be_v the_o heart_n save_o change_v that_o will_v influence_n and_o alter_v the_o life_n yea_o be_v man_n but_o prick_v at_o their_o heart_n under_o the_o ordinance_n that_o they_o frequent_a they_o will_v cry_v out_o for_o help_n and_o direction_n and_o we_o shall_v hear_v of_o they_o so_o that_o if_o m●n_z take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o delight_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v content_a without_o settle_v a_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v present_v and_o offer_v to_o they_o therein_o it_o say_v that_o they_o be_v se●ed_v on_o a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a complaint_n which_o the_o church_n make_v in_o isa_n 64_o 7._o there_o be_v none_o that_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n that_o stir_v himself_o up_o to_o take_v hold_n on_o thou_o and_o may_v not_o there_o be_v find_v just_a reason_n to_o revive_v it_o in_o this_o day_n and_o how_o little_a be_v there_o to_o be_v discern_v of_o a_o grow_a grace_n in_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o 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light_a and_o it_o be_v certain_o so_o to_o all_o those_o in_o who_o there_o be_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 3._o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a nay_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v so_o that_o david_n cry_v ou●_n psal_n 119._o 97._o oh_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v burdensome_a only_o to_o the_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a part_n in_o man_n and_o when_o it_o become_v intolerable_a to_o any_o this_o say_v that_o they_o be_v whole_o corrupt_a that_o which_o be_v connatural_a will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a and_o love_n will_v make_v every_o thing_n which_o it_o embrace_v easy_a christ_n have_v take_v off_o the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n of_o which_o peter_n say_v act_v 15._o 10._o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o but_o he_o have_v not_o discharge_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n from_o duty_n and_o subjection_n gospel_n liberty_n be_v far_o 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family_n consecrate_v to_o god_n as_o to_o prayer_n it_o be_v of_o itself_o a_o piece_n of_o natural_a worship_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o moer_n heathen_a teach_v they_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o who_o they_o account_v god_n but_o to_o perform_v it_o in_o and_o with_o their_o family_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o worship_n in_o their_o house_n be_v full_o testify_v in_o pagan_a antiquity_n for_o this_o reason_n there_o be_v such_o a_o imprecation_n use_v against_o the_o heathen_a family_n that_o call_v not_o on_o god_n name_n jer._n 10._o 21._o and_o it_o show_v they_o to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_v against_o the_o law_n give_v to_o man_n at_o first_o else_o this_o neglect_n will_v not_o have_v lay_v they_o open_a to_o such_o a_o curse_n and_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o family_n which_o be_v without_o their_o daily_a joint_a prayer_n unto_o god_n be_v a_o irreligious_a family_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o dreadful_a vengeance_n of_o heaven_n and_o for_o man_n who_o god_n have_v betrust_v with_o the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o family_n to_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n without_o prayer_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o atheism_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v lamentable_a complaint_n of_o this_o neglect_n even_o in_o this_o place_n where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o conviction_n offer_v unto_o man_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o how_o many_o have_v there_o be_v who_o when_o god_n have_v open_v their_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o thing_n have_v bitter_o lament_v themselves_o that_o they_o ha●e_v live_v in_o prayerless_a family_n and_o that_o which_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o more_o doleful_a be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v the_o family_n of_o such_o as_o have_v make_v no_o profession_n but_o be_v open_o profane_a but_o of_o such_o as_o have_v make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o engagement_n to_o god_n and_o have_v before_o man_n espouse_v the_o gospel_n covenant_n and_o make_v promise_n to_o god_n that_o they_o will_v observe_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o there_o be_v some_o who_o pray_v not_o at_o all_o with_o their_o family_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o year_n to_o the_o other_o other_o who_o it_o may_v be_v on_o a_o sabbath_n day_n find_v a_o time_n to_o pray_v for_o all_o the_o week_n if_o godliness_n have_v any_o power_n in_o they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o their_o sense_n of_o the_o need_n of_o god_n blessing_n upon_o their_o family_n affair_n their_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v of_o he_o to_o preserve_v their_o house_n from_o desolation_n their_o substance_n from_o casualty_n their_o ●_z from_o mischief_n their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o need_n which_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n have_v of_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o lose_v the_o very_a face_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o neglect_v as_o these_o yea_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n indignation_n for_o such_o contempt_n offer_v he_o will_v make_v they_o afraid_a of_o live_v in_o the_o frequent_a much_o more_o the_o constant_a omission_n of_o this_o duty_n if_o this_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o common_a distemper_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o it_o say_v we_o be_v depart_v from_o god_n and_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o look_v for_o some_o fearful_a departure_n of_o he_o from_o we_o 7._o the_o woeful_a ignorance_n that_o prevail_v among_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o way_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o help_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n frequent_o express_v true_a piety_n by_o the_o know_n of_o god_n and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v often_o stigmatise_v with_o that_o title_n such_o as_o know_v not_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o mention_v as_o a_o great_a blessing_n when_o god_n bestow_v upon_o a_o people_n the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v help_v in_o obtain_v of_o this_o knowledge_n jer_n 3_o 15_o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n according_a to_o my_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v you_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n when_o therefore_o a_o people_n enjoy_v plenty_n of_o mean_n and_o have_v the_o clear_a gospel_n dispensation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o all_o manner_n of_o advantage_n to_o store_n themselves_o with_o a_o treasure_n of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o ignorance_n abound_v and_o increase_v among_o they_o and_o that_o grow_v to_o be_v too_o general_a a_o fault_n with_o they_o which_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o withal_o heb._n 5._o 12._o when_o for_o the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v that_o one_o teach_v you_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n it_o say_v that_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n be_v much_o decay_v among_o they_o if_o there_o be_v that_o love_n for_o god_n which_o man_n will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v in_o they_o they_o can_v not_o but_o earnest_o desire_v to_o have_v acquaintance_n with_o he_o and_o that_o will_v encourage_v they_o yea_o and_o stimulate_v they_o thankful_o and_o industrious_o to_o husband_n such_o rich_a opportunity_n as_o be_v afford_v they_o for_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o some_o who_o tell_v god_n they_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n job_n 21._o 14._o and_o will_v we_o know_v who_o they_o be_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v the_o wicked_a verse_n 7._o and_o i_o fear_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a many_o such_o wicked_a one_o find_v upon_o search_n who_o have_v but_o a_o little_a distinct_a knowledge_n in_o the_o very_a fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o do_v they_o seek_v after_o it_o but_o be_v very_o well_o content_v to_o live_v without_o it_o nor_o be_v indeed_o able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o find_v doctrine_n and_o pernicious_a error_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o this_o will_v be_v as_o fearful_a a_o indictment_n against_o this_o land_n as_o any_o place_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n because_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o light_n shine_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o well_o may_v god_n expostulate_v with_o we_o as_o prov._n 17._o 16._o wherefore_o be_v there_o a_o price_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n to_o get_v wisdom_n see_v he_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v righteous_a with_o he_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v away_o this_o light_n from_o we_o because_o we_o no_o better_o improve_v it_o 8._o the_o little_a favour_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o private_a conversation_n of_o christian_n if_o there_o be_v a_o powerful_a activity_n of_o grace_n within_o it_o will_v certain_o break_v out_o in_o the_o life_n and_o the_o tongue_n which_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n give_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n withal_o will_v ready_o make_v discovery_n of_o it_o what_o say_v he_o psal_n 45._o 1._o i_o heart_n be_v indite_v of_o good_a matter_n my_o tongue_n be_v as_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n and_o where_o will_v this_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o discover_v itself_o than_o in_o the_o converse_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o these_o have_v one_o heart_n and_o be_v all_o bind_v one_o way_n the_o heart_n that_o be_v full_a of_o god_n will_v be_v like_o a_o vessel_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o new_a wine_n which_o must_v have_v vent_n david_n can_v not_o hold_v long_o in_o though_o in_o wicked_a company_n psal_n 39_o 2_o 3._o i_o be_v dumb_a etc._n etc._n my_o heart_n wax_v hot_a etc._n etc._n then_o speak_v i_o with_o my_o tongue_n but_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n david_n say_v in_o psal_n 119_o 63._o i_o be_o a_o companion_n of_o all_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o these_o psal_n 16._o 3_o and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o they_o be_v suitable_a for_o that_o communication_n which_o his_o heart_n breathe_v after_o what_o make_v he_o so_o to_o love_n achitophel_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v godly_a he_o tell_v we_o psal_n 55._o 14._o we_o take_v sweet_a counsel_n together_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v mal._n 3._o 16._o that_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n speak_v often_o together_o and_o what_o do_v we_o think_v it_o be_v that_o they_o discourse_v about_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o grace_n be_v then_o in_o its_o element_n when_o the_o man_n be_v discourse_v about_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o that_o hence_o we_o have_v that_o advice_n eph._n 5._o 18_o 19_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n &c_n &c_n when_o therefore_o prosessor_n either_o shun_v the_o company_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o seek_v intimacy_n with_o vain_a person_n or_o when_o they_o come_v together_o spend_v their_o t●me_n either_o in_o vain_a foolish_a and_o hurtful_a
grievous_a yea_o and_o will_v be_v peculiar_o so_o to_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v it_o and_o we_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o have_v more_o or_o less_o of_o advantage_n in_o his_o place_n to_o do_v something_o that_o way_n but_o yet_o sometime_o all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v will_v not_o avail_v iniquity_n will_v abound_v and_o peril_n will_v grow_v on_o apace_o now_o there_o be_v a_o prudence_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o use_v in_o seek_v to_o save_v himself_o and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o take_v ●he_v observation_n of_o the_o hazard_n which_o the_o public_a be_v expose_v to_o to_o awaken_v he_o to_o this_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o forecited_a prov._n 27._o 13._o the_o prudent_a forsee_v the_o evil_a and_o hide_v himself_o it_o be_v noah_n great_a wisdom_n that_o he_o take_v the_o warning_n of_o the_o approach_a flood_n and_o provide_v himself_o with_o a_o ark_n against_o it_o come_v whereby_o he_o be_v save_v when_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v in_o a_o deluge_n heb._n 11._o 7._o god_n therefore_o invite_v his_o peculiar_a one_o to_o get_v into_o their_o chamber_n before_o such_o a_o time_n isa_n 26._o 20._o come_v my_o people_n enter_v thou_o into_o thy_o chamber_n hide_v thyself_o till_o the_o indignation_n be_v over_o past_a 2_o the_o apostasy_n which_o denote_v the_o time_n to_o be_v perilous_a be_v lay_v in_o individual_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n decay_v in_o any_o place_n be_v because_o it_o do_v so_o in_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o particular_a person_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o be_v general_o so_o so_o that_o if_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a will_v careful_o see_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v upright_o with_o god_n and_o put_v away_o his_o own_o sin_n there_o will_v be_v a_o general_a reformation_n and_o religion_n will_v again_o flourish_v in_o the_o vital_n of_o it_o he_o then_o who_o will_v keep_v himself_o free_a and_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o contribute_v to_o the_o public_a stock_n and_o fill_v up_o of_o the_o ephah_n must_v take_v care_n of_o himself_o and_o let_v other_o do_v as_o they_o will_v he_o must_v se●_n to_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o th●_n sin_n of_o the_o time_n which_o render_v they_o perilous_a and_o he_o have_v the_o more_o nee●_n of_o caution_n and_o resolution_n on_o this_o account_n when_o such_o sin_n grow_v commo●_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o of_o evil_a example_n that_o invite_v he_o to_o a_o complaisance_n on_o this_o account_n we_o have_v tha●_n precept_n exod._n 23._o 2._o thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a 3._o there_o be_v a_o common_a interest_n i●_n public_a calamity_n which_o such_o time_n bring_v which_o be_v unavoidable_a every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o have_v his_o outward_a concern_v in_o thi●_n life_n involve_v with_o they_o can_v but_o b●_n touch_v and_o afflict_v with_o the_o evi●_n which_o come_v upon_o the_o place_n they_o liu●_n in_o and_o will_v without_o doubt_n feel_v muc●_n of_o the_o smart_n of_o they_o and_o god_n be_v no●_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o wrong_n deal_n in_o h●●_n providence_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o because_o herein_o he_o treat_v with_o they_o as_o a_o community_n than_o which_o manner_n of_o treatment_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o agreeable_a to_o th●_n common_a sentiment_n of_o humane_a reason_n ●nd_n be_v therefore_o practise_v and_o justify_v among_o man_n if_o war_n sickness_n famine_n break_v in_o upon_o a_o people_n the_o good_a as_o well_o ●s_v the_o bad_a will_v feel_v the_o trouble_n of_o it_o ●he_v think_v whereof_o be_v a_o good_a incentive_a ●o_o we_o all_o to_o do_v our_o best_a to_o prevent_v they_o ●nd_v if_o they_o come_v it_o shall_v engage_v we_o to_o ●e_v humble_a under_o they_o hence_o how_o do_v ●he_n prophet_n resent_v such_o a_o time_n jer._n 4._o 19_o my_o bowel_n my_o ●bowels_n i_o be_o pain_v at_o ●ny_a heart_n etc._n etc._n 4_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o way_n to_o keep_v clear_a of_o ●he_n sin_n of_o the_o time_n which_o provoke_v god_n to_o ●ring_v such_o calamity_n &_o out_o of_o doubt_v every_o child_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o think_v of_o ●nd_v endeavour_v it_o there_o will_v be_v a_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o soul_n or_o inward_a man_n between_o be_v accuse_v by_o our_o conscience_n in_o this_o regard_n that_o we_o have_v contribute_v to_o they_o and_o have_v a_o witness_n with●n_o that_o we_o have_v maintain_v our_o integrity_n ●n_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a example_n &_o ●_z offer_v we_o to_o allure_v we_o from_o ●●_o that_o we_o have_v stand_v our_o ground_n when_o uther_n have_v quit_v their_o post_n certain●y_o a_o sedate_a spirit_n then_o will_v help_v we_o to_o ●ear_v up_o under_o all_o that_o we_o encounter_v with_o great_a tranquillity_n it_o be_v the_o psalmist_n demand_v psal_n 11._o 3._o if_o the_o foundation_n be_v whole_o overthrow_v what_o have_v the_o righteous_a man_n do_v so_o some_o translation_n read_v it_o q._n d._n he_o have_v keep_v himself_o from_o the_o blame_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a inward_a relief_n to_o those_o pious_a one_o who_o can_v in_o a_o dismal_o dark_a time_n make_v that_o appeal_n psal_n 44._o 17_o 18._o all_o this_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o forget_v thou_o neither_o have_v we_o deal_v false_o in_o thy_o covenant_n our_o heart_n be_v not_o turn_v back_o neither_o have_v our_o step_n decline_v from_o thy_o way_n sure_o then_o every_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o study_v his_o own_o best_a interest_n will_v take_v heed_n to_o himself_o in_o this_o regard_n 5._o and_o god_n have_v some_o special_a favour_n in_o reserve_n for_o they_o that_o thus_o do_v though_o they_o may_v meet_v with_o much_o of_o trouble_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o distinguish_a dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o these_o at_o such_o a_o time_n though_o there_o be_v much_o of_o his_o holy_a sovereignty_n act_v in_o it_o &_o the_o difference_n which_o he_o put_v between_o these_o and_o those_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o apostasy_n do_v not_o always_o appear_v to_o the_o common_a view_n sometime_o god_n strange_o preserve_v they_o in_o time_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n be_v dispense_v among_o their_o people_n those_o great_a privilege_n engage_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n mention_v in_o psal_n 91._o do_v belong_v to_o such_o as_o these_o and_o when_o it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o they_o shall_v experience_n they_o we_o find_v that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o astonish_a destruction_n which_o god_n will_v bring_v upon_o jerusalem_n there_o must_v be_v a_o mark_n for_o preservation_n set_v upon_o some_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v who_o they_o be_v and_o what_o a_o charge_n be_v give_v concern_v it_o ezek._n 9_o 4._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o go_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o set_v a_o mark_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o the_o man_n that_o sigh_v and_o that_o cry_v for_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o we_o have_v according_o special_a promise_n make_v to_o such_o to_o baruch_n jer._n 45._o 5._o thy_o life_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o for_o a_o prey_n to_o ebedmelech_n chap._n 39_o 16_o 17_o 18._o sometime_o god_n merciful_o take_v they_o away_o from_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v come_v and_o they_o be_v lodge_v safe_a in_o heaven_n before_o hand_n isa_n 57_o 1._o the_o righteous_a be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v and_o thus_o god_n accomplish_v his_o promise_n to_o godly_a josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34._o 28._o thou_o shall_v be_v gather_v to_o t●●_n father_n in_o peace_n neither_o shall_v thy_o eye_n behold_v the_o evil_a that_o i_o will_v bring_v upon_o this_o place_n and_o sometime_o yea_o very_o often_o he_o reserve_v special_a favour_n for_o the_o child_n and_o posterity_n of_o such_o they_o shall_v have_v some_o remarkable_a blessing_n bestow_v upon_o they_o thus_o god_n promise_v to_o jeremiah_n jer._n 15._o 11._o verily_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o thy_o remnant_n we_o find_v that_o god_n threaten_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o posterity_n of_o and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o such_o as_o be_v ringleader_n in_o apostasy_n see_v jer._n 29._o 32._o he_o shall_v not_o have_v a_o man_n to_o dwell_v among_o this_o people_n whereas_o we_o have_v singular_a favour_n promise_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o those_o that_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n in_o time_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o godliness_n see_v for_o ●is_n ezek._n 44._o 11._o 48._o 11._o 6._o hence_o it_o great_o concern_v
each_o of_o we_o to_o try_v ourselves_o how_o far_o we_o be_v personal_o guilty_a of_o or_o free_a from_o this_o sin_n if_o we_o be_v not_o careful_a on_o this_o account_n we_o may_v deceive_v ourselves_o there_o be_v many_o way_n in_o which_o we_o may_v contract_v gild_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o how_o deep_o shall_v it_o abase_v we_o when_o it_o be_v so_o and_o if_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v be_v preserve_v it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o inward_a consolation_n under_o the_o great_a trouble_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v this_o but_o by_o a_o diligent_a self_n search_v let_v we_o then_o at_o such_o a_o day_n as_o this_o be_v be_v very_o industrious_a and_o curious_a about_o it_o and_o here_o let_v we_o in_o general_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o time_n and_o make_v a_o great_a many_o of_o pathetical_a complaint_n about_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o age_n and_o the_o 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neglect_v a_o suitable_a express_v of_o ourselves_o in_o our_o word_n when_o we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n a_o decorum_n to_o be_v use_v in_o every_o service_n that_o we_o engage_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o but_o still_o this_o be_v the_o least_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v in_o it_o but_o if_o we_o make_v this_o our_o all_o or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a care_n that_o we_o concern_v ourselves_o about_o &_o we_o think_v we_o have_v do_v enough_o if_o we_o have_v be_v accurate_a in_o this_o it_o argue_v hypocrisy_n if_o when_o we_o come_v to_o a_o ordinance_n our_o utmost_a concern_n be_v to_o lift_v up_o our_o hand_n or_o turn_v up_o our_o eye_n or_o frame_v ourselves_o to_o a_o outward_a reverential_a gesture_n or_o if_o when_o we_o pray_v all_o our_o business_n be_v to_o put_v our_o confession_n or_o petition_n or_o thanksgiving_n into_o handsome_a word_n or_o expression_n or_o curious_a language_n or_o lay_v out_o our_o gift_n and_o 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have_v a_o active_a lively_a sense_n of_o our_o spiritual_a want_n and_o that_o our_o faith_n be_v in_o a_o suitable_a exercise_n david_n in_o this_o regard_n first_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o heart_n psal_n 57_o 7._o my_o heart_n be_v fix_v o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v fix_v i_o will_v sing_v and_o give_v praise_n 3._o do_v we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o do_v of_o religious_a duty_n or_o do_v we_o insatiable_o seek_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o several_a duty_n which_o he_o
have_v command_v in_o it_o to_o be_v a_o medium_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o this_o life_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o real_a save_a benefit_n or_o advantage_n that_o accrue_v to_o we_o by_o they_o but_o so_o far_o as_o this_o fellowship_n be_v enjoy_v there_o be_v much_o of_o bodily_a exercise_n in_o these_o service_n but_o it_o profit_v little_a if_o godliness_n do_v not_o influence_n it_o god_n indeed_o have_v reserve_v immediate_a communion_n with_o he_o for_o another_o life_n when_o there_o will_v no_o more_o need_n of_o or_o occasion_n for_o these_o thing_n but_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v any_o with_o he_o here_o it_o must_v be_v in_o way_n of_o the_o mean_v enjoin_v but_o if_o we_o intend_v nothing_o else_o in_o all_o this_o labour_n that_o we_o be_v at_o but_o only_o to_o do_v the_o service_n themselves_o and_o count_v they_o as_o our_o task_n which_o if_o we_o can_v get_v through_o we_o be_v content_v and_o think_v that_o we_o have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n if_o we_o 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thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n if_o we_o miss_v he_o there_o we_o be_v exercise_v with_o trouble_n and_o can_v rest_v till_o we_o find_v he_o again_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a spirit_n of_o real_a godliness_n 4._o do_v we_o conform_v or_o careful_o live_v contrary_a to_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n we_o before_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n decay_v among_o a_o people_n there_o be_v many_o sin_n that_o will_v thereupon_o grow_v into_o common_a practice_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o it_o become_v a_o reproach_n to_o they_o that_o will_v not_o run_v in_o the_o stream_n or_o who_o dare_v not_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o they_o now_o here_o be_v a_o notable_a trial_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o hold_v its_o own_o here_o it_o be_v powerful_a indeed_o there_o be_v no_o such_o ill_a practice_n introduce_v but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o lawful_a liberty_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v censure_v as_o be_v needless_o nice_a that_o boggle_v at_o they_o or_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o their_o join_n in_o with_o they_o as_o if_o the_o custom_n of_o a_o evil_a thing_n take_v the_o evil_a from_o it_o and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v good_a be_v cause_n it_o be_v come_v in_o fashion_n how_o be_v it_o now_o be_v you_o afraid_a of_o cross_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o generation_n be_v you_o ashamed_a of_o stand_v alone_o be_v you_o affright_v at_o the_o bug_n bear_v harange_a of_o singularity_n and_o can_v you_o thereupon_o allow_v yourselves_o practical_o to_o comply_v with_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v customary_a and_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n make_v no_o bone_n of_o they_o though_o you_o find_v your_o own_o mind_n uneasy_a about_o they_o and_o something_o within_o that_o tell_v you_o these_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v this_o may_v convince_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o want_v a_o great_a 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they_o return_v unto_o thou_o but_o do_v not_o thou_o return_v unto_o they_o 5._o do_v we_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o reclaim_v other_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o time_n and_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o apostasy_n which_o the_o present_a generation_n be_v fall_v into_o though_o this_o also_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v with_o a_o due_a resentment_n on_o our_o heart_n but_o god_n many_o time_n put_v advantage_n into_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o prevent_v the_o break_n forth_o of_o such_o sin_n or_o of_o bear_v a_o full_a testimony_n against_o they_o if_o they_o do_v appear_v some_o have_v large_a opportunity_n than_o other_o upon_o this_o account_n magistrate_n in_o their_o station_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o they_o but_o more_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o without_o a_o price_n in_o their_o hand_n neither_o and_o though_o the_o blessing_n of_o endeavour_n depend_v on_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 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have_v that_o command_n on_o this_o account_n eph._n 5._o 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o 6._o do_v we_o cordial_o and_o serious_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n sometime_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v do_v little_a else_o but_o grieve_v at_o the_o iniquity_n which_o they_o see_v this_o indeed_o be_v not_o enough_o when_o we_o may_v do_v more_o but_o many_o time_n it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o more_o endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o suppress_v the_o evil_n of_o the_o time_n the_o more_o do_v iniquity_n abound_v and_o man_n be_v harden_v in_o their_o wicked_a way_n and_o grow_v beyond_o all_o counsel_n or_o restraint_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o it_o increase_v the_o grief_n of_o serious_a soul_n they_o do_v herein_o see_v how_o much_o god_n name_n be_v dishonour_v which_o be_v very_o bitter_a to_o they_o herein_o also_o they_o discover_v the_o misery_n that_o be_v upon_o sinner_n &_o the_o fearful_a calamity_n that_o be_v bode_v by_o this_o frame_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o tender_a pity_n which_o they_o have_v in_o they_o for_o their_o people_n and_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n thus_o expose_v to_o eternal_a ruin_n fill_v they_o with_o sorrow_n so_o we_o have_v the_o psalmist_n express_v of_o himself_o psal_n 119._o 136._o river_n of_o tear_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n and_o verse_n 158._o i_o behold_v the_o transgressor_n and_o be_v grieve_v thus_o the_o prophet_n express_v his_o resolution_n jer._n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v it_o my_o soul_n shall_v
weep_v in_o secret_a place_n for_o your_o pride_n and_o my_o eye_n shall_v weep_v sore_o and_o run_v down_o with_o tear_n thus_o good_a lot_n integrity_n be_v express_v 2_o pet._n 2._o 8._o this_o righteous_a man_n dwell_v among_o they_o in_o see_v and_o hear_v vex_v his_o righteous_a soul_n from_o day_n to_o day_n with_o their_o unlawful_a deed_n and_o how_o acceptable_a this_o spirit_n be_v to_o god_n appear_v by_o the_o care_n that_o he_o take_v of_o such_o in_o a_o evil_a day_n ezek._n 9_o 4._o and_o this_o mourning_n if_o it_o be_v right_a will_v drive_v you_o to_o importunate_a prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o hard_a wrestle_n with_o he_o for_o such_o a_o people_n and_o for_o such_o person_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n and_o spare_v they_o how_o be_v it_o then_o with_o you_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v it_o thus_o be_v yond_o secret_o affect_v with_o all_o the_o decay_v you_o see_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o 7._o be_v we_o constant_a in_o maintain_v close_a 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for_o exhortation_n and_o that_o 1._o in_o general_a to_o we_o all_o for_o we_o be_v all_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v several_a lesson_n of_o advice_n which_o it_o will_v afford_v we_o especial_o these_o 1._o beware_v that_o you_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o external_a part_n of_o godliness_n on_o this_o pretence_n there_o be_v a_o unhappy_a generation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o will_v fain_o persuade_v other_o to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v arrive_v at_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n than_o their_o neighbour_n and_o among_o other_o their_o egregious_a folly_n this_o be_v one_o because_o god_n condemn_v the_o form_n which_o be_v without_o the_o power_n they_o thereupon_o cast_v off_o all_o form_n and_o call_v all_o external_a worship_n so_o and_o because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o require_v of_o they_o that_o worship_n he_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n they_o upon_o this_o restrain_v all_o worship_n to_o that_o which_o be_v internal_a and_o reject_v all_o that_o be_v bodily_a to_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o legal_a dispensation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v antiquate_v now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereupon_o they_o pronounce_v all_o those_o to_o be_v carnal_a who_o plead_v for_o or_o practise_v it_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o score_n that_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o sabbath_n or_o separate_v time_n that_o be_v make_v holy_a by_o god_n so_o separate_v of_o it_o for_o the_o holy_a service_n of_o his_o people_n give_v out_o that_o all_o time_n be_v now_o holy_a to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o every_o day_n a_o sabbath_n to_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a they_o will_v have_v no_o humane_a preach_v because_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o they_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o anoint_v whereby_o they_o need_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v teach_v they_o they_o despise_v the_o gospel_n sacrament_n as_o carnal_a thing_n and_o spare_v not_o to_o mock_v at_o they_o and_o plead_v they_o have_v already_o receive_v that_o which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a design_n of_o they_o &_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n superfluous_a in_o such_o as_o they_o any_o further_a to_o make_v use_n thereof_o yea_o they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o ridicule_n of_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o and_o of_o the_o element_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o they_o yea_o to_o that_o height_n of_o spiritual_a frenzy_n be_v they_o arrive_v that_o they_o cast_v contempt_n on_o the_o very_a write_a word_n of_o god_n &_o they_o call_v it_o a_o dead_a letter_n paper_n divinity_n and_o strenuous_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o say_v that_o all_o those_o that_o bound_v themselves_o to_o it_o &_o take_v it_o for_o their_o directory_n be_v guilty_a of_o despise_v the_o spirit_n and_o his_o teach_n this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o such_o like_a stuff_n they_o seek_v to_o infect_v man_n mind_n withal_o but_o these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_o spiritual_a that_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o avoid_v they_o as_o felthy_a dreamer_n here_o then_o to_o establish_v you_o in_o this_o point_n consider_v 1._o there_o be_v a_o external_a part_n of_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n god_n indeed_o require_v the_o heart_n and_o without_o it_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v not_o be_v accept_v but_o he_o require_v not_o that_o only_a but_o the_o body_n too_o man_n consist_v of_o these_o two_o part_n &_o he_o be_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o they_o both_o be_v both_o buy_v with_o a_o price_n for_o that_o very_a end_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 19_o 20._o the_o body_n be_v the_o soul_n organ_n and_o it_o be_v to_o perform_v its_o imperate_a act_n in_o and_o with_o it_o and_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v right_o set_v the_o whole_a man_n will_v follow_v after_o it_o for_o this_o reason_n god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n external_a duty_n to_o his_o people_n and_o require_v of_o they_o a_o conformity_n thereunto_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o dispenser_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o afcension_n gift_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4._o 10_o etc._n etc._n these_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2._o tim._n 4._o 2._o &_o what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v hearer_n christ_n have_v appoint_v sacrament_n to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o till_o he_o come_v they_o be_v therefore_o to_o continue_v of_o use_n until_o then_o yea_o all_o the_o part_n of_o outward_a worship_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o and_o christian_n be_v warn_v not_o to_o neglect_v the_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o heb._n 10._o 25_o and_o to_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a chap._n 3._o 13._o sure_o then_o we_o can_v omit_v or_o neglect_v much_o more_o reject_v these_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n without_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o guilt_n of_o neglect_v his_o command_n 2._o hence_o true_a inward_a godliness_n will_v make_v man_n to_o be_v conscientious_a of_o attend_v on_o these_o duty_n godliness_n teach_v man_n to_o worship_n fear_v and_o reverence_n god_n and_o this_o fear_n if_o genuine_a will_v exert_v itself_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n they_o be_v put_v together_o eccle._n 12._o 13._o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o godliness_n be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v sanctify_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o its_o work_n and_o that_o belong_v to_o it_o
that_o overtake_v a_o sinful_a people_n you_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v for_o your_o sake_n that_o the_o land_n mourn_v you_o be_v very_o forward_o to_o charge_v drunkard_n whoremaster_n swearer_n and_o mocker_n at_o religion_n for_o be_v the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n but_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o you_o have_v as_o deep_a a_o hand_n in_o the_o provocation_n as_o any_o of_o they_o and_o god_n have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o uncircumcised_a in_o flesh_n jer._n 9_o 25_o 26._o 5._o you_o lay_v yourselves_o open_a to_o be_v peculiar_a monument_n of_o god_n judgement_n in_o such_o time_n not_o only_o be_v you_o to_o expect_v the_o common_a calamity_n of_o the_o time_n but_o also_o to_o have_v some_o peculiar_a brand_n set_v upon_o you_o in_o such_o a_o day_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n always_o do_v so_o by_o man_n in_o this_o world_n for_o some_o man_n sin_n go_v before_o hand_n to_o judgement_n and_o other_o follow_v after_o and_o god_n do_v arbitrary_o on_o this_o account_n but_o that_o you_o do_v give_v he_o special_a provocation_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o you_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o rash_o to_o judge_v of_o other_o by_o the_o providence_n which_o pass_v over_o they_o but_o to_o be_v very_o sober_a in_o our_o censure_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v strange_o visit_v yet_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n when_o god_n hand_n so_o lie_v upon_o they_o and_o how_o often_o may_v they_o be_v able_a to_o lay_v their_o finger_n on_o this_o sore_a 3._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v unreasonable_a of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n the_o formalist_n act_v the_o most_o irrational_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a sentiment_n of_o common_a reason_n and_o if_o you_o will_v but_o ponder_v on_o the_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v afford_v you_o sufficient_a conviction_n of_o your_o egregious_a folly_n either_o the_o religion_n which_o you_o thus_o formal_o profess_v be_v worthy_a of_o your_o cordial_a embrace_v of_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o why_o then_o do_v you_o take_v up_o so_o much_o as_o a_o form_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v why_o then_o no_o more_o but_o a_o form_n out_o of_o your_o own_o mouth_n you_o will_v be_v one_o day_n judge_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o godliness_n be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n it_o require_v your_o cordial_a &_o sincere_a profession_n of_o it_o if_o it_o have_v nothing_o of_o save_v good_a in_o it_o nor_o will_v profit_v you_o for_o happiness_n why_o will_v you_o by_o a_o formality_n hinder_v yourselves_o of_o that_o which_o you_o think_v will_v do_v you_o good_a the_o lewd_a sinner_n who_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o more_o but_o to_o seek_v his_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n and_o expect_v it_o from_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thereupon_o give_v scope_n to_o himself_o to_o take_v all_o the_o carnal_a satisfaction_n in_o it_o which_o he_o can_v extract_v out_o of_o it_o act_n more_o according_a to_o principle_n than_o you_o he_o that_o can_v give_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v through_o and_o upright_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n can_v give_v one_o why_o he_o shall_v take_v up_o a_o form_n of_o it_o and_o if_o you_o conceive_v a_o excellency_n in_o the_o form_n reason_n shall_v tell_v you_o how_o much_o more_o excellent_a the_o power_n of_o it_o must_v be_v let_v i_o then_o say_v as_o he_o 1._o king_n 18._o 21._o how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o 2._o to_o those_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v you_o exhort_v to_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o time_n wherein_o there_o be_v little_a of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v and_o to_o move_v you_o hereto_o consider_v 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v now_o peculiar_o concern_v in_o your_o so_o do_v when_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o that_o seek_v his_o honour_n it_o be_v a_o special_a call_n to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v true_o godly_a to_o stand_v up_o and_o appear_v for_o it_o certain_o if_o you_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o real_a goodness_n in_o you_o if_o you_o prefer_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n above_o all_o and_o do_v cordial_o desire_v that_o all_o man_n will_v seek_v it_o it_o can_v but_o put_v you_o upon_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o yourselves_o about_o it_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v but_o a_o few_o friend_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o dishonour_v he_o they_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o friend_n be_v loud_o call_v upon_o the_o more_o eminent_o to_o appear_v so_o and_o you_o can_v otherwise_o show_v yourselves_o true_a and_o faithful_a to_o he_o when_o ●●ere_o be_v a_o great_a many_o pretended_a disciple_n that_o desert_a christ_n and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o he_o put_v that_o close_a question_n to_o the_o twelve_o joh._n 6._o 67._o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o when_o the_o ten_o tribe_n revolt_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v aside_o to_o jeroboam'_v superstition_n and_o idolatry_n god_n give_v that_o admonition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n hos_n 4._o 15._o though_o thou_o israel_n play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o let_v not_o judah_n offend_v and_o when_o the_o body_n of_o that_o people_n have_v turn_v from_o god_n and_o make_v they_o a_o golden_a calf_n and_o prostrate_v themselves_o to_o that_o moses_n call_v aloud_o to_o the_o people_n as_o exod._n 32._o 26._o who_o be_v on_o the_o lord_n side_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o we_o find_v that_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n present_o appear_v and_o they_o obtain_v a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o hereby_o be_v a_o special_a advantage_n afford_v you_o to_o approve_v yourselves_o sincere_a and_o upright_o in_o heart_n and_o to_o bring_v much_o glory_n to_o god_n 2._o your_o own_o comfort_n in_o all_o change_n will_v be_v great_o help_v by_o it_o we_o have_v observe_v that_o the_o best_a must_v look_v to_o meet_v with_o trouble_n when_o god_n come_v to_o visit_v a_o people_n for_o these_o thing_n nor_o can_v they_o tell_v how_o deep_o they_o may_v personal_o suffer_v in_o such_o time_n however_o there_o be_v a_o way_n by_o which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v come_v to_o have_v much_o inward_a tranquillity_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v able_a to_o commit_v themselves_o to_o god_n with_o a_o sedate_n spirit_n when_o the_o storm_n of_o judgement_n be_v most_o furious_a and_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a and_o fearfulness_n surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o this_o be_v worth_a our_o utmost_a endeavour_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o will_v make_v full_a amends_o for_o all_o the_o labour_n we_o can_v use_v about_o it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o will_v more_o large_o contribute_v hereto_o than_o this_o viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o our_o sincerity_n in_o stand_v by_o and_o uphold_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o most_o degenerate_a time_n this_o will_v give_v rejoice_v in_o the_o great_a affliction_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o paul_n set_v a_o probatum_fw-la est_fw-la upon_o this_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n this_o will_v help_v to_o fix_v our_o heart_n in_o time_n when_o the_o most_o threaten_a symptom_n of_o evil_a appear_v and_o the_o cloud_n be_v gather_v thick_a and_o fast_o so_o it_o be_v with_o he_o who_o be_v upright_o psal_n 112._o 7_o 8._o he_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n his_o heart_n be_v establish_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a whereas_o the_o want_n of_o this_o integrity_n or_o some_o notorious_a defect_n in_o it_o touch_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v it_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o man_n will_v offer_v more_o inward_a molestation_n and_o heart_n disquietment_n than_o all_o the_o outward_a trouble_n which_o he_o can_v encounter_v withal_o 3._o you_o will_v meet_v with_o great_a temptation_n which_o will_v offer_v to_o discourage_v you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n what_o they_o be_v have_v be_v before_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o let_v godly_a one_o who_o have_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o beware_v of_o despise_v this_o warning_n or_o think_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o these_o temptation_n godly_a man_n have_v
a_o corrupt_a part_n remain_v within_o they_o which_o they_o do_v find_v work_n enough_o to_o suppress_v at_o any_o time_n and_o it_o will_v certain_o take_v advantage_n to_o urge_v hard_a when_o it_o have_v motive_n from_o without_o to_o back_v its_o suggestion_n withal_o nor_o will_v all_o your_o confidence_n secure_v you_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o you_o if_o you_o be_v not_o very_a headful_n to_o yourselves_o you_o have_v awful_a instance_n of_o this_o to_o give_v you_o warning_n peter_n for_o all_o his_o resolution_n and_o repeat_v purpose_n be_v yet_o fearful_o over_o come_v when_o the_o trial_n be_v upon_o he_o matth._n 26._o barnabas_n be_v draw_v into_o a_o scandalous_a dissimulation_n when_o peter_n have_v begin_v gal._n 2._o 12._o you_o have_v need_n to_o be_v well_o provide_v if_o you_o will_v stem_v the_o stream_n of_o the_o time_n and_o hold_v out_o against_o all_o that_o will_v allure_v you_o from_o your_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n when_o you_o may_v be_v call_v to_o part_v with_o every_o thing_n else_o though_o never_o so_o dear_a to_o you_o if_o you_o will_v preserve_v your_o integrity_n immaculate_a and_o for_o your_o help_n on_o this_o account_n 1._o see_v to_o your_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v right_a in_o all_o that_o you_o do_v in_o your_o profession_n if_o god_n main_o regard_v the_o heart_n it_o concern_v all_o that_o will_v approve_v themselves_o to_o he_o to_o do_v so_o too_o if_o you_o can_v once_o get_v they_o to_o be_v right_a your_o main_a business_n be_v do_v and_o till_o you_o have_v make_v this_o sure_a you_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n well_o see_v then_o to_o your_o through_o conversion_n that_o indeed_o be_v not_o all_o that_o you_o have_v to_o do_v but_o it_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n because_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v do_v right_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o unconverted_a heart_n shall_v be_v a_o sincere_a heart_n in_o god_n account_n and_o acceptance_n till_o you_o have_v get_v a_o new_a heart_n you_o can_v never_o go_v beyond_o formality_n in_o any_o thing_n you_o do_v and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v such_o a_o heart_n as_o this_o you_o must_v go_v to_o god_n for_o it_o it_o be_v he_o alone_o who_o can_v give_v it_o to_o you_o and_o you_o must_v ask_v it_o of_o he_o ezek_n 36._o 26._o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o you_o must_v also_o call_v for_o your_o heart_n every_o time_n that_o you_o go_v about_o any_o duty_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o take_v it_o along_o with_o you_o if_o you_o will_v be_v cordial_a in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v away_o if_o you_o do_v not_o heedful_o look_v after_o it_o and_o too_o often_o do_v a_o godly_a man_n perform_v this_o and_o that_o service_n in_o formality_n because_o of_o his_o inadvertency_n in_o this_o regard_n or_o because_o he_o trust_v his_o heart_n too_o much_o which_o as_o often_o as_o he_o do_v so_o deceive_v he_o how_o careful_a be_v david_n in_o this_o respect_n psal_n 57_o 8._o awake_v my_o glory_n awake_v psaltery_a and_o harp_n i_o myself_o will_v awake_v early_o 2._o set_a yourselves_o ever_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o of_o one_o who_o see_v and_o hate_v hypocrisy_n we_o be_v indeed_o forbid_v to_o do_v eye-service_n to_o man_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o false_a heart_n but_o eye-service_n to_o god_n be_v every_o where_o approve_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o awful_a consideration_n on_o our_o mind_n to_o make_v we_o afraid_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o hypocrisy_n than_o to_o think_v of_o those_o two_o thing_n and_o always_o carry_v the_o deep_a impression_n of_o they_o upon_o our_o heart_n viz._n that_o god_n stand_v by_o and_o look_v on_o and_o that_o he_o can_v abide_v dissimulation_n for_o he_o be_v our_o law_n giver_n and_o our_o judge_n who_o will_v call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n and_o he_o will_v judge_v righteous_a judgement_n and_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o hence_o holy_a man_n on_o scripture_n record_n have_v always_o be_v wary_a of_o this_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o right_a frame_n and_o make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o a_o caution_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o sincerity_n thus_o do_v job_n chap._n 31._o 4._o do_v not_o he_o see_v my_o way_n and_o count_v all_o my_o step_n and_o david_n say_v psal_n 16._o 8._o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o character_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o they_o think_v not_o of_o god_n psal_n 10._o 4._o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o they_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v unconcern_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v ezek._n 8._o 12._o they_o say_v the_o lord_n see_v we_o not_o the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v the_o earth_n 3._o maintain_v and_o strengthen_v your_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n see_v that_o you_o have_v this_o principle_n in_o you_o where_o this_o love_n be_v not_o the_o best_a that_o you_o do_v will_v be_v but_o formality_n and_o you_o have_v need_v to_o be_v always_o nourish_v this_o principle_n in_o you_o and_o get_v of_o it_o coroborate_v you_o will_v meet_v with_o many_o thing_n that_o will_v offer_v to_o damp_n it_o if_o you_o can_v but_o attain_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o true_a love_n to_o god_n delight_v in_o his_o way_n and_o desire_v his_o glory_n above_o all_o thing_n this_o will_v be_v the_o best_a help_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n upright_o this_o will_v make_v you_o see_v to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n and_o principle_n and_o end_n that_o all_o be_v accommodate_v to_o evangelical_n direction_n and_o design_n and_o according_a to_o the_o strength_n and_o activity_n of_o this_o love_n in_o you_o such_o will_v be_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n appear_v in_o your_o life_n if_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v that_o virtue_n and_o sweetness_n with_o you_o thar_z it_o have_v with_o david_n who_o can_v say_v psal_n 19_o 10._o more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o gold_n than_o much_o refine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n this_o will_v cause_v you_o to_o lay_v yourselves_o out_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o he_o and_o that_o will_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o 4._o labour_n to_o experience_n communion_n with_o god_n in_o your_o serve_v of_o he_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n which_o godly_a man_n have_v with_o god_n in_o this_o life_n he_o can_v say_v 1_o joh._n 1._o 3_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v it_o which_o a_o sincere_a christian_a have_v a_o aim_n at_o in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v content_v he_o without_o it_o now_o this_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n if_o you_o can_v do_v duty_n content_o without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o &_o if_o this_o be_v your_o constant_a guise_n you_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o if_o you_o restles_o seek_v it_o and_o he_o afford_v it_o you_o make_v much_o of_o it_o prize_v it_o above_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n endeavour_v to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v of_o it_o as_o he_o psal_n 84._o 10._o a_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o and_o this_o will_v certain_o put_v you_o upon_o longing_n for_o more_o of_o it_o and_o make_v you_o to_o say_v as_o psal_n 63._o 1_o 2._o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o to_o see_v thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n as_o i_o have_v see_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v carry_v out_o your_o heart_n more_o intense_o after_o the_o express_a sincerity_n in_o your_o service_n than_o the_o value_n you_o have_v for_o this_o and_o the_o fresh_a apprehension_n of_o the_o delight_n which_o you_o have_v find_v in_o it_o 5._o despise_v all_o the_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n of_o carnal_a and_o formal_a man_n you_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o enough_o of_o it_o from_o man_n of_o such_o a_o spirit_n if_o you_o will_v go_v one_o step_n before_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o if_o you_o be_v so_o nice_a and_o delicate_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o blast_n of_o they_o you_o will_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n many_o a_o time_n and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n avoid_v it_o you_o must_v live_v among_o they_o and_o have_v some_o unavoidable_a conversation_n with_o they_o and_o they_o can_v forbear_v you_o must_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v your_o lord_n christ_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 12._o 2._o that_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o remember_v what_o christ_n have_v warn_v you_o on_o this_o account_n mark_v 8._o 8._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n 6._o seek_v to_o and_o depend_v upon_o christ_n to_o preserve_v you_o in_o your_o integrity_n and_o there_o be_v beside_o the_o keep_n of_o grace_n alive_a in_o you_o which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n the_o uphold_v of_o the_o lively_a efficacy_n of_o it_o in_o exercise_n to_o be_v seek_v of_o he_o else_o you_o may_v fall_v under_o those_o decay_n which_o will_v grievous_o wound_v you_o and_o bring_v sorrow_n upon_o you_o this_o be_v the_o psalmist_n request_v unto_o god_n psal_n 25._o 21._o let_v integrity_n and_o uprightness_n preserve_v i_o and_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o this_o prayer_n psal_n 41._o 12._o as_o for_o i_o thou_o upholde_v i_o in_o my_o integrity_n be_v therefore_o ever_o jealous_a of_o yourselves_o sensible_a of_o your_o own_o insufficiency_n and_o renounce_v trust_v in_o your_o own_o grace_n and_o let_v that_o keep_v you_o in_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o christ_n 7._o pray_v to_o god_n to_o revive_v die_v religion_n true_o you_o can_v keep_v up_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o yourselves_o without_o this_o your_o heart_n can_v but_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o be_v god_n only_o who_o can_v and_o he_o can_v revive_v it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o day_n and_o if_o you_o either_o love_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o seek_v the_o weal_n of_o zion_n you_o can_v be_v silent_a see_v for_o this_o isa_n 62._o 1_o 6_o 7._o for_o zions_n sake_n i_o will_v not_o hold_v my_o peace_n etc._n etc._n you_o that_o make_v mention_n of_o god_n keep_v not_o silence_n and_o give_v he_o no_o rest_n till_o he_o establish_v and_o till_o he_o make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n pray_v that_o he_o will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o dry_a place_n and_o turn_v the_o wilderness_n into_o a_o fruitful_a firld_v and_o thus_o shall_v you_o prove_v yourselves_o to_o be_v israelites_n indeed_o 8._o keep_v upon_o your_o thought_n a_o expectation_n of_o the_o hasten_a account_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v call_v unto_o if_o ungodly_a sinner_n who_o please_v themselves_o with_o their_o outside_n pretence_n do_v real_o believe_v and_o meditate_v more_o upon_o this_o how_o will_v it_o help_v to_o awaken_v they_o and_o if_o the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v be_v more_o conversant_a with_o and_o realize_v of_o this_o day_n to_o themselves_o it_o will_v put_v they_o upon_o the_o more_o solemn_a preparation_n for_o it_o and_o if_o we_o can_v be_v always_o help_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o we_o engage_v in_o with_o such_o a_o respect_n and_o caution_n that_o it_o will_v short_o be_v call_v over_o before_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o action_n itself_o but_o the_o spirit_n with_o which_o it_o be_v do_v how_o will_v it_o be_v a_o continual_a guard_n against_o empty_a formality_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o endeavour_n to_o express_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o it_o will_v make_v we_o to_o answer_v every_o temptation_n that_o will_v draw_v we_o away_o from_o our_o sincerity_n with_o his_o reflection_n job_n 31._o 14._o what_o then_o shall_v i_o do_v when_o god_n rise_v up_o and_o when_o he_o visit_v what_o shall_v i_o answer_v he_o finis_fw-la