st._n john_n teach_v we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o it_o may_v appear_v necessary_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o than_o their_o wilful_a continuance_n in_o sin_n or_o manifest_a defection_n from_o the_o faith_n aught_o to_o be_v more_o grievous_a to_o we_o than_o death_n itself_o and_o alas_o how_o many_o such_o case_n as_o these_o do_v we_o see_v in_o our_o parish_n some_o who_o have_v be_v under_o our_o preach_v many_o year_n and_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v private_a instruction_n from_o we_o too_o be_v yet_o gross_o ignorant_a of_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o necessary_a principle_n of_o religion_n other_o who_o have_v improve_v more_o in_o knowledge_n be_v notwithstanding_o very_o loose_a and_o scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n some_o that_o can_v be_v much_o accuse_v either_o of_o ignorance_n or_o gross_a commission_n be_v very_o defective_a in_o their_o piety_n towards_o god_n charity_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n or_o those_o relative_n duty_n they_o be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o other_o that_o will_v seem_v it_o may_v be_v to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o all_o these_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sound_n and_o settle_a judgement_n in_o religion_n be_v easy_o impose_v on_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o draw_v away_o from_o our_o communion_n now_o can_v any_o thing_n more_o sensible_a grieve_v a_o faithful_a minister_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o those_o soul_n and_o have_v take_v much_o pain_n to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o see_v they_o thus_o despise_v or_o desert_v he_o and_o hazard_v their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n god_n have_v set_v we_o over_o our_o people_n as_o pastor_n over_o their_o flock_n yea_o as_o father_n over_o their_o child_n and_o can_v we_o be_v suppose_v the_o only_a shepherd_n that_o be_v indifferent_a what_o become_v of_o our_o flock_n or_o the_o only_a father_n that_o have_v no_o compassion_n for_o our_o child_n or_o concern_v for_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o care_n diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n do_v plain_o bespeak_v the_o contrary_n therefore_o though_o these_o unhappy_a man_n who_o thus_o frustrate_v our_o pain_n with_o they_o intend_v it_o not_o as_o a_o persecution_n to_o we_o yet_o the_o devil_n who_o tempt_v they_o to_o it_o do_v real_o intend_v this_o who_o know_v how_o much_o it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o discourage_v we_o in_o our_o great_a work_n and_o he_o can_v more_o effectual_o do_v it_o than_o by_o this_o mean_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a persecution_n which_o we_o suffer_v more_o than_o other_o christian_n but_o our_o holy_a office_n the_o honour_n of_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o than_o our_o life_n do_v at_o this_o day_n lie_v under_o a_o very_a great_a and_o almost_o general_a contempt_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o worst_a construction_n be_v so_o often_o put_v upon_o our_o word_n and_o action_n that_o many_o calumny_n be_v so_o easy_o cast_v upon_o we_o by_o some_o and_o so_o ready_o believe_v by_o other_o etc._n etc._n thus_o be_v we_o persecute_v even_o with_o sword_n though_o not_o in_o st._n augustin_n sense_n before_o mention_v yet_o in_o that_o of_o holy_a david_n who_o complain_v of_o the_o malicious_a speech_n of_o his_o enemy_n against_o he_o psal_n 59_o say_v that_o sword_n be_v in_o their_o li_n i_o may_v add_v to_o these_o thing_n the_o invasion_n of_o our_o sacred_a office_n by_o many_o who_o have_v neither_o gift_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o while_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v teacher_n do_v just_o fall_v under_o the_o apostle_n censure_v upon_o some_o such_o man_n at_o ephesus_n that_o they_o understand_v neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v i_o may_v mention_v also_o several_a other_o injury_n we_o often_o suffer_v as_o minister_n but_o it_o be_v time_n for_o i_o to_o come_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o my_o text_n and_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o and_o more_o particular_a upon_o this_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v not_o say_v for_o who_o do_v not_o know_v they_o but_o a_o serious_a sense_n of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o great_a step_n towards_o their_o cure_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o 2._o consider_v in_o speak_v to_o the_o precept_n in_o my_o text_n redeem_v the_o time_n or_o buy_v the_o season_n here_o therefore_o i_o must_v show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v our_o time_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_n be_v forementioned_a 1._o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n 2._o the_o evil_a of_o suffer_v first_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o here_o we_o must_v take_v care_n first_o to_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o it_o second_o to_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o remedy_n it_o first_o to_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o this_o evil_a and_o lead_v a_o conversation_n as_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v the_o ephesian_n to_o in_o many_o particular_n before_o my_o text_n and_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o intend_v it_o in_o this_o precept_n as_o much_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o there_o lie_v indeed_o very_o great_a obligation_n upon_o all_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o in_o a_o pious_a and_o useful_a conversation_n but_o especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o own_o stead_n not_o only_o to_o instruct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o also_o to_o lead_v they_o in_o by_o a_o holy_a example_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o be_v the_o more_o circumspect_a as_o sin_n be_v more_o common_a among_o we_o therefore_o if_o error_n and_o heresy_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v in_o this_o nation_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o diligent_a in_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n and_o constant_o adhere_v to_o it_o if_o other_o be_v so_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n it_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v the_o more_o sober_a and_o innocent_a to_o watch_v careful_o against_o temptation_n and_o to_o preserve_v ourselves_o not_o only_o from_o all_o gross_a commission_n but_o also_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil._n if_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n be_v strange_o neglect_v by_o many_o that_o will_v go_v for_o christian_n let_v we_o be_v the_o more_o zealous_a and_o constant_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o if_o a_o great_a indifferency_n in_o religion_n have_v obtain_v among_o all_o order_n of_o man_n and_o there_o remain_v but_o few_o spark_n of_o that_o holy_a fire_n of_o zeal_n and_o of_o devotion_n which_o make_v our_o service_n a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n let_v we_o by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_n to_o revive_v and_o cherish_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o make_v it_o the_o more_o intense_a by_o reason_n of_o that_o coldness_n with_o which_o we_o be_v encompass_v for_o in_o so_o general_a a_o defection_n from_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o desert_n it_o or_o be_v cold_a in_o it_o and_o what_o great_a judgement_n than_o any_o we_o have_v yet_o feel_v may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v for_o this_o apostasy_n if_o the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o life_n and_o sincere_a importunity_n of_o our_o prayer_n do_v not_o prevent_v they_o second_o we_o must_v do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o remedy_v this_o evil._n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n will_v do_v very_o much_o towards_o it_o for_o this_o will_v natural_o create_v a_o veneration_n for_o we_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o give_v we_o more_o authority_n in_o the_o use_n of_o other_o mean_n it_o will_v provoke_v they_o that_o have_v any_o remain_v of_o piety_n in_o their_o heart_n confirm_v such_o as_o be_v waver_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o half_o persuade_v those_o who_o be_v before_o averse_a to_o religion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o see_v have_v have_v so_o much_o power_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o produce_v such_o amiable_a fruit_n in_o our_o conversation_n for_o there_o be_v a_o beauty_n in_o holiness_n which_o every_o eye_n one_o will_v think_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n discern_v there_o be_v a_o greatness_n in_o self_n denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n which_o command_v admiration_n and_o there_o be_v those_o charm_n in_o humility_n and_o condescension_n in_o
the_o evil_n of_o our_o day_n with_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o a_o visitation_n at_o rothwell_n in_o northamptonshire_n octob._n 12._o 1697._o by_o john_n howard_n m._n a._n rector_n of_o marston_n trussel_n in_o the_o same_o county_n london_n print_v for_o john_n laurence_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1698._o a_o visitation-sermon_n ephes._n v._n 16._o redeem_v the_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a as_o all_o the_o church_n under_o st._n paul_n care_n be_v great_a instance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o ministry_n so_o none_o more_o than_o that_o of_o ephesus_n he_o have_v be_v resident_n with_o they_o about_o three_o year_n together_o and_o by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o his_o zealous_a and_o painful_a endeavour_n convert_v many_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n at_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o he_o leave_v timothy_n to_o be_v their_o bishop_n a_o man_n excellent_o qualify_v for_o that_o office_n and_o fit_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v so_o happy_o advance_v and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o the_o better_a he_o send_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o he_o not_o long_o after_o wherein_o he_o give_v he_o full_a instruction_n about_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o holy_a function_n yet_o some_o year_n after_o this_o when_o he_o be_v prisoner_n at_o rome_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n fear_v lose_v his_o suffering_n may_v discourage_v the_o christian_n at_o ephesus_n and_o consider_v also_o what_o temptation_n they_o have_v at_o home_n to_o shake_v their_o faith_n that_o no_o mean_n may_v be_v want_v for_o their_o further_a confirmation_n and_o perseverance_n in_o it_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o for_o those_o end_n wherein_o he_o first_o praise_n god_n for_o those_o admirable_a privilege_n they_o enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n redemption_n and_o for_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o faith_n pray_v that_o they_o may_v increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n then_o he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a estate_n before_o conversion_n and_o of_o the_o rich_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o it_o to_o this_o he_o add_v a_o account_n of_o the_o particular_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o himself_o in_o call_v he_o to_o the_o ministry_n in_o make_v extraordinary_a revelation_n to_o he_o and_o send_v he_o to_o preach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n whereby_o not_o only_a man_n but_o the_o holy_a angel_n too_o will_v be_v further_o instruct_v in_o the_o mysterious_a effect_n of_o man_n redemption_n wherefore_o he_o exhort_v they_o not_o to_o faint_v at_o his_o tribulation_n for_o they_o and_o pray_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o spiritual_a strength_n their_o faith_n love_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o that_o they_o may_v he_o fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o have_v spend_v near_o half_a the_o epistle_n upon_o these_o subject_n which_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o confirm_v and_o encourage_v they_o he_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o it_o exhort_v they_o to_o those_o necessary_a duty_n which_o the_o privilege_n beforemention_v do_v call_v for_o beseech_v they_o first_o in_o the_o general_a to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o their_o vocation_n and_o then_o particular_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o among_o other_o excellent_a rule_n he_o give_v they_o many_o particular_a caution_n both_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o chapter_n against_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o age_n and_o place_n they_o live_v in_o argue_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o to_o their_o soul_n notwithstanding_o what_o some_o deceiver_n may_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a from_o that_o great_a and_o admirable_a change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o from_o the_o proper_a fruit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n their_o duty_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o reprove_v such_o thing_n and_o the_o shame_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o that_o they_o must_v by_o all_o mean_n avoid_v those_o sin_n and_o have_v now_o in_o many_o instance_n direct_v and_o warn_v they_o he_o seem_v to_o sum_n up_o all_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o and_o in_o that_o of_o my_o text_n see_v then_o that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d see_v therefore_o how_o circumspect_o diligent_o or_o exact_o you_o walk_v which_o word_n do_v imply_v see_v by_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n you_o be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o light_n from_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n infidelity_n and_o misery_n to_o that_o of_o a_o divine_a knowledge_n holiness_n and_o salvation_n since_o you_o enjoy_v the_o glorious_a privilege_n christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o you_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o comfort_n in_o your_o soul_n and_o security_n of_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n since_o you_o live_v among_o many_o adversary_n and_o great_a temptation_n to_o sin_n against_o god_n whereby_o you_o will_v forfeit_v his_o blessing_n and_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o walk_v with_o all_o that_o exactness_n and_o caution_n which_o these_o thing_n require_v in_o you_o as_o it_o become_v wise_a man_n to_o do_v which_o precept_n be_v yet_o more_o bries_o comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n redeem_v the_o time_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n add_v this_o one_o reason_n instead_o of_o many_o because_o the_o day_n be_v evil._n in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o show_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o how_o far_o they_o concern_v the_o ephesian_n and_o then_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o own_o case_n the_o precept_n here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v i_o think_v be_v more_o fit_o render_v buy_v the_o season_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o buy_v or_o purchase_v as_o well_o as_o to_o redeem_v and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o season_n or_o opportunity_n in_o which_o sense_n time_n be_v also_o sometime_o use_v this_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n take_v from_o merchant_n who_o will_v deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v great_a care_n and_o pain_n especial_o in_o a_o difficult_a time_n to_o purchase_v good_n to_o their_o best_a advantage_n so_o the_o ephesian_n be_v here_o exhort_v to_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a caution_n and_o exactness_n that_o as_o wise_a merchant_n they_o may_v purchase_v that_o treasure_n the_o valuable_a season_n which_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v it_o their_o own_o by_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o pious_a improvement_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o day_n be_v evil._n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o time_n evil_a namely_o sin_n and_o suffer_v and_o for_o both_o these_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a time_n when_o st._n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n especial_o at_o ephesus_n there_o the_o gentile_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o zealous_a for_o their_o vain_a superstition_n chief_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o diana_n there_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o heathen_n too_o general_o live_v in_o do_v very_o much_o abound_v and_o against_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v particular_o warn_v the_o ephesian_n in_o this_o epistle_n here_o in_o some_o of_o their_o feast_n they_o murder_v all_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o street_n and_o at_o last_o put_v timothy_n to_o death_n as_o photius_n tell_v we_o because_o he_o forbid_v they_o yea_o here_o as_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a seat_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n be_v very_o many_o of_o his_o most_o profess_a disciple_n magician_n or_o sorcerer_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o great_a number_n of_o they_o st._n paul_n have_v convert_v the_o price_n of_o who_o book_n be_v fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n act_v 19.19_o beside_o here_o be_v already_o many_o false_a teacher_n as_o the_o follower_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o nicolaitan_n and_o about_o this_o time_n or_o soon_o after_o the_o ebionite_n and_o cerinthian_o who_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o their_o pestilent_a heresy_n yea_o from_o among_o themselves_o arise_v some_o seducer_n too_o as_o hymeneus_n alexander_n philetus_n and_o other_o mention_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n which_o thing_n be_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n prediction_n act_v 20.29_o 30._o where_o speak_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n he_o say_v i_o know_v this_o that_o after_o my_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n also_o of_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v
man_n arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o so_o evil_a be_v the_o day_n wherein_o these_o ephesian_n live_v in_o respect_n of_o sin_n therefore_o the_o church_n can_v not_o be_v secure_a from_o the_o other_o evil_n of_o suffer_v but_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o secret_a temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n in_o every_o time_n and_o place_n though_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v most_o violent_a where_o that_o enemy_n have_v such_o a_o interest_n to_o lose_v and_o in_o so_o great_a danger_n as_o at_z ephesus_z to_o pass_v by_o many_o other_o trouble_v which_o almost_o constant_o attend_v a_o sincere_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o the_o disciple_n be_v always_o liable_a to_o persecution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o blind_a heathen_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o more_o obdurate_a jew_n on_o the_o other_o here_o as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a st._n paul_n and_o his_o companion_n meet_v with_o those_o great_a trouble_n which_o he_o complain_v of_o 2_o cor._n 1.8_o which_o press_v they_o out_o of_o measure_n above_o strength_n insomuch_o that_o they_o despair_v even_o of_o life_n and_o have_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v in_o danger_n at_o ephesus_n of_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o theatre_n act._n 19.29_o 30._o to_o be_v devour_v there_o as_o we_o may_v suppose_v by_o wild_a beast_n keep_v for_o the_o execution_n of_o malefactor_n and_o to_o which_o christian_n afterward_o be_v sometime_o expose_v therefore_o he_o say_v that_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o man_n or_o so_o far_o as_o be_v in_o man_n power_n he_o fight_v with_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n 1_o cor._n 15.32_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o the_o church_n must_v be_v always_o in_o a_o suffer_a state_n and_o receive_v daily_o affront_v from_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o such_o enemy_n among_o who_o they_o live_v though_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o direct_o mention_v it_o in_o this_o epistle_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v lest_o it_o may_v have_v exasperateed_o their_o enemy_n the_o more_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o give_v only_o such_o general_a hint_n to_o it_o as_o this_o in_o the_o text._n now_o because_o they_o endure_v these_o and_o some_o follow_a persecution_n with_o a_o true_a christian_a courage_n and_o patience_n our_o saviour_n mention_n this_o to_o their_o honour_n rev._n 2.3_o thou_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o taint_v thus_o it_o appear_v these_o ephesian_n live_v in_o a_o evil_a time_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o suffer_v and_o it_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o these_o especial_o that_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v the_o best_a merchandise_n of_o the_o present_a season_n by_o behave_v themselves_o with_o that_o wisdom_n and_o circumspection_n which_o such_o evil_a time_n do_v especial_o require_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o will_v best_o agree_v with_o what_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o same_o exhortation_n to_o the_o colossian_n chap._n 4.5_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v without_o redeem_v the_o time_n that_o be_v use_v that_o prudence_n in_o your_o conversation_n towards_o unbeliever_n that_o you_o may_v preserve_v yourselves_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o suffer_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o gain_v upon_o they_o if_o possible_a in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n now_o this_o exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n by_o which_o it_o be_v enforce_v do_v near_o concern_v all_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n but_o especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o time_n as_o indeed_o they_o usual_o feel_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o and_o who_o have_v a_o more_o considerable_a and_o difficult_a part_n to_o act_v with_o relation_n to_o it_o than_o other_o therefore_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o shall_v chief_o confine_v myself_o to_o they_o and_o because_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v first_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o present_a day_n and_o then_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o redeem_v the_o time_n with_o respect_n to_o it_o first_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o day_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o suffering_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o here_o i_o have_v a_o very_a melancholy_a scene_n before_o i_o and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v rather_o secret_o lament_v than_o describe_v to_o you_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v know_v and_o consider_v this_o dreadful_a evil_n in_o order_n to_o its_o cure_n if_o it_o be_v not_o past_a remedy_n we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n and_o nation_n wherein_o too_o many_o be_v monstrous_o corrupt_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o manner_n some_o be_v sink_v so_o far_o below_o the_o common_a reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o certainty_n of_o his_o existence_n than_o their_o own_o other_o will_v own_v no_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v natural_a because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v those_o mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o so_o they_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o some_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n of_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o attain_v perfection_n and_o happiness_n by_o that_o mean_n other_o contend_v for_o a_o chimerical_a faith_n that_o have_v neither_o ground_n nor_o effect_n as_o sufficient_a for_o salvation_n how_o bad_a soever_o man_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o make_v our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o a_o patron_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n a_o pretence_n for_o the_o vile_a practice_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o popery_n that_o hydra_n of_o error_n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o baffle_v and_o yet_o they_o live_v though_o one_o will_v think_v if_o the_o man_n of_o that_o religion_n will_v serious_o consult_v either_o faith_n or_o reason_n and_o that_o law_n of_o kindness_n which_o be_v natural_o write_v in_o our_o heart_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o gross_a idolatry_n of_o the_o many_o contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o that_o cruelty_n practise_v in_o their_o church_n towards_o all_o man_n that_o dare_v be_v wise_a than_o themselves_o to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v the_o dream_n and_o fancy_n of_o many_o enthusiast_n among_o we_o who_o conceive_v such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n towards_o he_o as_o be_v unworthy_a of_o his_o be_v and_o so_o far_o below_o those_o excellent_a discovery_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o their_o own_o reason_n as_o imperfect_a as_o it_o be_v will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n correct_v these_o mistake_n if_o they_o will_v but_o attend_v to_o it_o now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o error_n in_o man_n mind_n but_o a_o corruption_n also_o in_o their_o conversation_n which_o indeed_o be_v very_o great_a and_o common_a among_o we_o what_o horrid_a oath_n and_o blasphemy_n what_o scoff_v at_o religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a professer_n of_o it_o be_v hear_v in_o many_o place_n how_o be_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n his_o ordinance_n and_o providence_n despise_v how_o be_v his_o holy_a word_n and_o minister_n ridicule_v and_o make_v subject_n for_o the_o profane_a wit_n and_o raillery_n of_o those_o senseless_a man_n who_o thus_o abuse_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o do_v not_o profaneness_n in_o some_o measure_n enter_v into_o our_o very_a church_n too_o for_o even_o there_o we_o often_o observe_v a_o behaviour_n in_o man_n very_o unsuitable_a to_o those_o place_n and_o the_o holy_a duty_n perform_v in_o they_o what_o irreverence_n be_v use_v in_o prayer_n what_o indifferency_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o what_o drowsiness_n be_v indulge_v by_o some_o and_o what_o levities_n practise_v by_o other_o while_o they_o be_v present_a at_o these_o ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o sacred_a right_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o violate_v by_o sinful_a man_n it_o be_v the_o less_o wonder_n they_o shall_v also_o invade_v those_o of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o that_o we_o so_o often_o hear_v of_o contention_n murder_n adultery_n theft_n oppression_n false-witness_n malicious_a slander_n revile_n etc._n etc._n and_o
meekness_n and_o compassion_n in_o a_o civil_a and_o courteous_a behaviour_n towards_o all_o man_n that_o must_v needs_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o most_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o win_v very_o much_o upon_o those_o that_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o they_o yea_o they_o will_v give_v we_o such_o a_o interest_n in_o their_o affection_n as_o will_v make_v they_o more_o apt_a to_o consider_v and_o receive_v good_a instruction_n from_o we_o and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o this_o our_o faithfulness_n to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o holy_a conversation_n will_v qualify_v we_o for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o endeavour_n we_o use_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o the_o other_o mean_v necessary_a to_o remedy_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n be_v especial_o these_o follow_v 1._o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a 2._o we_o must_v warn_v and_o instruct_v other_o 3._o we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o these_o thing_n 1._o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a 1._o to_o use_v the_o fit_a argument_n with_o such_o as_o err_v in_o judgement_n 2._o to_o reprove_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o sin_n 3._o to_o show_v kindness_n both_o to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n 1._o to_o use_v the_o fit_a argument_n with_o such_o as_o err_v in_o judgement_n the_o principal_a of_o these_o if_o he_o be_v proper_o reckon_v among_o they_o be_v the_o atheist_n but_o i_o think_v his_o error_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o will_n some_o man_n if_o they_o deserve_v that_o name_n have_v so_o much_o improve_v their_o natural_a affection_n to_o sin_n by_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o it_o that_o they_o can_v with_o any_o comfort_n think_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o will_v judge_v and_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o deed_n and_o therefore_o hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o psalmist_n meaning_n when_o he_o say_v psal_n 14.1_o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v in_o the_o desire_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o in_o the_o next_o word_n tell_v we_o whence_o this_o atheism_n proceed_v they_o be_v corrupt_v they_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n and_o therefore_o while_o they_o talk_v as_o if_o atheism_n be_v their_o belief_n it_o may_v be_v these_o bold_a effort_n against_o heaven_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o some_o excuse_n of_o their_o wicked_a life_n for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o have_v the_o least_o remain_v of_o reason_n in_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o god_n existence_n while_o they_o open_v their_o eye_n they_o see_v as_o many_o proof_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v being_n in_o their_o view_n or_o motion_n and_o property_n in_o those_o being_n and_o if_o they_o shut_v they_o every_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o that_o one_o will_v think_v a_o man_n must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o from_o himself_o too_o before_o he_o can_v be_v altogether_o insensible_a of_o the_o divine_a existence_n but_o if_o his_o mind_n can_v be_v so_o far_o besot_v with_o sensuality_n as_o to_o lose_v all_o sense_n of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v any_o rational_a argument_n to_o convince_v he_o some_o indeed_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o answer_v this_o fool_n according_a to_o his_o folly_n in_o show_v the_o inconsistence_n of_o his_o dream_n and_o fancy_n it_o may_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o that_o rule_n prov._n 26.5_o that_o he_o may_v be_v no_o long_o wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n and_o have_v excellent_o set_v before_o he_o the_o most_o considerable_a argument_n of_o god_n be_v and_o providence_n but_o he_o that_o can_v shut_v his_o eye_n against_o all_o the_o visible_a testimony_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v probable_o have_v very_o little_a sense_n of_o the_o force_n of_o their_o argument_n yea_o it_o be_v like_a this_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o he_o will_v make_v he_o but_o the_o more_o conceit_a of_o himself_o for_o while_o he_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o man_n of_o reason_n he_o will_v take_v encouragement_n to_o shuffle_v off_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o his_o principle_n and_o there_o be_v little_a question_n but_o he_o will_v find_v as_o good_a pretence_n for_o it_o as_o for_o his_o former_a unbelief_n but_o i_o confess_v these_o discourse_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o other_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n and_o assist_v they_o upon_o every_o observation_n of_o those_o thing_n from_o whence_o the_o author_n argument_n be_v take_v to_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o and_o of_o the_o dominion_n he_o exercise_v in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v the_o most_o proper_a argument_n to_o work_v upon_o this_o sensualist_n if_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o will_v be_v from_o the_o delight_n and_o safety_n of_o true_a religion_n who_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n of_o which_o if_o the_o little_a reason_n he_o have_v leave_v will_v not_o convince_v he_o he_o may_v at_o least_o make_v trial_n and_o preser_fw-ge that_fw-mi course_n which_o he_o find_v to_o be_v best_a but_o why_o do_v i_o speak_v of_o argue_v with_o a_o beast_n for_o if_o it_o be_v religion_n which_o distinguish_v man_n from_o the_o brute_n creature_n as_o some_o great_a author_n have_v resolve_v the_o atheist_n who_o be_v fall_v from_o it_o must_v be_v reckon_v among_o they_o and_o i_o think_v the_o wise_a man_n do_v direct_v the_o proper_a method_n of_o deal_n with_o he_o when_o he_o say_v a_o whip_n for_o the_o horse_n and_o a_o bridle_n for_o the_o ass_n and_o a_o rod_n for_o the_o fool_n back_o prov._n 26.3_o it_o be_v sense_n through_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o have_v betray_v he_o to_o this_o error_n and_o it_o must_v be_v sense_n through_o the_o smart_n of_o suffer_v that_o will_v cure_v he_o of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o magistrate_n work_v chief_o to_o convert_v this_o apostate_n and_o we_o can_v sufficient_o lament_v it_o that_o while_o humane_a law_n be_v so_o jealous_a of_o every_o invasion_n of_o our_o own_o right_n and_o so_o severe_o execute_v upon_o they_o the_o most_o bold_a and_o dreadful_a impiety_n against_o god_n who_o cause_n we_o shall_v prefer_v a_o thousand_o time_n before_o our_o own_o do_v escape_v punishment_n the_o next_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v the_o socinian_o who_o have_v show_v so_o much_o confidence_n of_o late_a in_o publish_v and_o defend_v their_o notion_n as_o if_o they_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o justice_n of_o they_o these_o man_n seem_v to_o own_o revelation_n in_o the_o general_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n assert_v such_o principle_n as_o overthrow_v it_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v owe_v most_o to_o their_o reason_n or_o their_o piety_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o themselves_o to_o determine_v some_o among_o we_o who_o i_o believe_v have_v be_v far_o from_o their_o opinion_n have_v notwithstanding_o pay_v a_o great_a deference_n no_o their_o reason_n but_o though_o they_o themselves_o have_v set_v up_o this_o idol_n in_o opposition_n to_o almighty_a god_n to_o judge_v of_o his_o deep_a and_o holy_a mystery_n it_o be_v pity_n and_o other_o shall_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_n it_o and_o have_v these_o man_n but_o careful_o examine_v what_o they_o have_v blind_o adore_v they_o will_v have_v be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a opinion_n the_o fit_a way_n i_o think_v to_o deal_v with_o these_o adversary_n be_v instead_o of_o magnife_v their_o reason_n to_o show_v they_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o do_v if_o they_o have_v but_o humility_n enough_o to_o think_v it_o fallible_a for_o when_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o several_a book_n of_o scripture_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o they_o shall_v receive_v some_o of_o these_o and_o reject_v other_o if_o they_o can_v deny_v there_o be_v unaccountable_a mystery_n in_o the_o connection_n and_o divisibility_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n in_o motion_n in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n who_o existence_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o with_o what_o reason_n do_v they_o deny_v these_o in_o religion_n which_o have_v for_o its_o object_n a_o infinite_a god_n all_o who_o attribute_n must_v needs_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o sinite_fw-la being_n and_o the_o whole_a intercourse_n between_o he_o and_o our_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o