forth_o it_o be_v the_o express_a condition_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o we_o can_v look_v for_o mercy_n pardon_v or_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a thing_n introduce_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n do_v require_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o second_o proof_n of_o its_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a now_o as_o it_o appear_v now_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a condition_n require_v of_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o st._n paul_n declare_v heb._n two_o nay_o before_o the_o law_n as_o appear_v from_o abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o count_v it_o to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n gen._n xv_o 6._o moreover_o faith_n be_v exact_v of_o man_n even_o before_o the_o fall_n while_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n for_o the_o two_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o life_n which_o god_n set_v apart_o in_o paradise_n and_o the_o interdiction_n of_o the_o first_o by_o that_o severe_a sanction_n in_o that_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v be_v to_o try_v and_o exercise_v man_n faith_n thus_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n before_o the_o fall_n and_o ever_o since_o before_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o gospel_n have_v always_o require_v faith_n as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n to_o the_o obtain_n god_n favour_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o certain_a and_o unalterable_a order_n and_o method_n of_o which_o oeconomy_n it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n say_v without_o 6._o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o though_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v secret_a and_o his_o method_n for_o the_o most_o part_n unaccountable_a yet_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o do_v appear_v from_o this_o that_o without_o faith_n in_o this_o present_a state_n we_o neither_o can_v acknowledge_v all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n nor_o yet_o worship_v he_o with_o all_o our_o faculty_n his_o veracity_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n can_v be_v own_v otherwise_o than_o by_o faith_n by_o believe_v his_o word_n assent_v to_o his_o declaration_n rely_v on_o his_o promise_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o threaten_n and_o as_o all_o those_o divine_a attribute_n can_v only_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v only_o by_o faith_n that_o we_o worship_v he_o with_o our_o understanding_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o we_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o whole_a man_n all_o our_o faculty_n ought_v to_o pay_v he_o homage_n but_o how_o can_v he_o have_v homage_n from_o our_o understanding_n unless_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v only_o by_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o declare_v the_o submission_n of_o our_o judgement_n to_o god_n for_o if_o we_o will_v admit_v or_o receive_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v demonstrable_a and_o what_o we_o can_v clear_o comprehend_v than_o we_o deny_v god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o refuse_v to_o own_o his_o reason_n to_o be_v above_o our_o own_o which_o be_v intolerable_a pride_n and_o insolence_n for_o this_o cause_n even_o to_o try_v our_o faith_n and_o to_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o pay_v he_o this_o due_a homage_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v that_o god_n propose_v to_o we_o mystery_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o he_o often_o abscond_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v he_o work_v not_o always_o in_o a_o godlike_a manner_n that_o be_v in_o a_o splendid_a glorious_a or_o such_o a_o visible_a way_n as_o may_v force_v acknowledgement_n from_o man_n but_o often_o after_o a_o secret_a and_o covert_a manner_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o divers_a sort_n that_o hereby_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v whether_o we_o believe_v he_o almighty_a and_o the_o wise_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o author_n of_o all_o event_n in_o the_o other_o world_n faith_n shall_v cease_v there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o it_o because_o there_o will_v be_v a_o present_a immediate_a intuition_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n but_o now_o that_o we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o as_o faith_n be_v require_v here_o so_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o i_o have_v also_o brief_o lay_v before_o you_o and_o as_o the_o text_n oblige_v we_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o so_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n be_v set_v up_o their_o head_n and_o some_o have_v the_o impudence_n in_o this_o licentious_a age_n to_o dispute_v both_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o what_o god_n have_v clear_o reveal_v as_o for_o you_o my_o belove_a i_o beseech_v you_o build_v yourselves_o up_o in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o let_v not_o the_o weak_a effort_n of_o insolent_a wit_n shake_v your_o faith_n stand_v up_o and_o strive_v vigorous_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n by_o such_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o if_o it_o be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n 3._o brethren_n say_v st._n paul_n lest_o there_o be_v 12._o in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n when_o we_o let_v go_v faith_n and_o entertain_v a_o heart_n of_o unbelief_n we_o depart_v from_o god_n lose_v the_o promise_n forfeit_a heaven_n render_v ourselves_o uncapable_a of_o mercy_n and_o give_v ourselves_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n here_o and_o to_o damnation_n hereafter_o he_o that_o lay_v aside_o faith_n may_v also_o put_v off_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o all_o the_o pretension_n which_o that_o name_n may_v give_v to_o blessing_n earthly_a or_o heavenly_a bodily_a or_o spiritual_a temporal_a or_o eternal_a for_o faith_n be_v necessary_o employ_v in_o that_o name_n and_o as_o requisite_a to_o he_o that_o will_v deserve_v it_o as_o the_o skill_n of_o law_n or_o physic_n to_o one_o that_o set_v up_o for_o a_o lawyer_n or_o physician_n or_o philosophy_n to_o a_o philosopher_n see_v therefore_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o we_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o so_o sacred_a a_o name_n let_v we_o evermore_o pray_v god_n with_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n say_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n and_o help_v our_o unbelief_n but_o now_o it_o may_v be_v very_o pertinent_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o faith_n be_v which_o be_v thus_o require_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o st._n paul_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o first_o and_o low_a act_n of_o faith_n when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v first_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o who_o diligent_o seek_v he_o we_o must_v begin_v with_o the_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o god_n existence_n power_n wisdom_n providence_n and_o what_o else_o reason_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v of_o he_o but_o then_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v perfect_a we_o must_v add_v to_o it_o knowledge_n and_o extend_v it_o to_o all_o the_o manifestation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o from_o time_n to_o time_n we_o must_v embrace_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o what_o they_o contain_v all_o the_o declaration_n law_n promise_n and_o threaten_n in_o god_n word_n be_v propose_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o faith_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v they_o that_o be_v we_o must_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a regard_n to_o they_o in_o all_o our_o action_n testify_v the_o firmness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o this_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n more_o particular_o our_o faith_n must_v respect_v the_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o action_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v receive_v he_o as_o the_o person_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o adam_n abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n prefigure_v by_o the_o law_n expect_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o wait_v for_o by_o the_o gentile_n we_o must_v receive_v he_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n we_o must_v embrace_v he_o as_o the_o person_n who_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o mediator_n by_o who_o and_o through_o who_o only_o we_o have_v access_n unto_o
say_v we_o will_v not_o consider_v this_o as_o any_o true_a motive_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o sufficient_a nor_o reasonable_a and_o he_o who_o embrace_v christ_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o this_o his_o religion_n be_v little_a to_o be_v value_v or_o regard_v neither_o be_v it_o matter_n of_o wonder_n that_o such_o a_o one_o yield_v to_o the_o prevail_a tentation_n of_o sin_n and_o refuse_v compliance_n with_o the_o precept_n of_o a_o strict_a and_o holy_a live_n especial_o when_o he_o perceive_v they_o fall_v into_o desuetude_n and_o that_o vice_n and_o ungodliness_n be_v more_o common_o practise_v for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o other_o reason_n or_o motive_n than_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n he_o live_v in_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v still_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o tide_n but_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o unworthy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n only_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n we_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n who_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o very_a slender_a and_o poor_a one_o when_o we_o have_v no_o other_o but_o that_o we_o be_v so_o educate_v and_o that_o this_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v profess_v and_o in_o fashion_n where_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o bred._n indeed_o it_o be_v no_o small_a happiness_n to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o among_o those_o who_o may_v educate_v we_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n because_o hereby_o we_o have_v a_o early_a occasion_n of_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o those_o great_a and_o important_a thing_n which_o concern_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v always_o good_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o these_o excellent_a advantage_n of_o our_o birth_n and_o education_n without_o which_o it_o be_v like_a we_o shall_v have_v never_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ._n but_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o a_o reasonable_a enquiry_n and_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n when_o we_o come_v to_o age_n and_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o our_o grand-mother_n sleeve_n we_o ought_v to_o fix_v it_o on_o a_o better_a bottom_n than_o mere_a education_n we_o shall_v search_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o of_o any_o other_o and_o shall_v labour_v to_o understand_v what_o obligation_n be_v upon_o we_o to_o choose_v christ_n and_o none_o other_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o unless_o we_o do_v this_o we_o do_v not_o act_v like_o man_n our_o faith_n be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o divine_a but_o unworthy_a both_o of_o man_n and_o christian_n and_o which_o will_v never_o endure_v the_o shock_n of_o any_o temptation_n that_o which_o shall_v chief_o persuade_v god_n we_o to_o profess_v christ_n and_o to_o become_v his_o disciple_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o his_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o a_o serious_a reflection_n on_o those_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o irrefragable_a testimony_n we_o have_v receive_v thereof_o jesus_n christ_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n god_n bare_a witness_n unto_o he_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n and_o several_a voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o divers_a other_o astonish_a sign_n he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n not_o only_o beyond_o humane_a reach_n but_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o nature_n itself_o and_o he_o give_v other_o power_n to_o do_v the_o like_a his_o death_n be_v accompany_v with_o many_o amaze_a wonder_n especial_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n so_o that_o the_o world_n be_v astonish_v at_o it_o for_o death_n have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o for_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o appear_v unto_o many_o and_o last_o of_o all_o be_v see_v to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v go_v what_o he_o foretell_v his_o disciple_n come_v to_o pass_v and_o as_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o so_o god_n give_v testimony_n unto_o they_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o follow_v they_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v constrain_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v their_o doctrine_n we_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n for_o these_o thing_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reason_v any_o man_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o christ_n be_v no_o impostor_n nor_o the_o gospel_n a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o a_o certain_a divine_a truth_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v high_o exalt_v jesus_n christ_n and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n 9_o that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n in_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n if_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n if_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o these_o reason_n and_o upon_o these_o ground_n otherwise_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o valid_a this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o true_a inducement_n obedience_n to_o the_o receive_v christ_n and_o if_o we_o embrace_v he_o and_o make_v he_o our_o lord_n for_o this_o reason_n because_o he_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o have_v receive_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n then_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v a_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o yield_v all_o obedience_n and_o service_n for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v he_o a_o titular_a lord_n he_o have_v not_o give_v he_o a_o name_n of_o dominion_n and_o power_n only_o but_o he_o have_v constitute_v he_o such_o a_o lord_n as_o must_v be_v serve_v and_o obey_v and_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v not_o nominal_a but_o real_a actual_a and_o effective_a and_o consequent_o the_o subjection_n which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v give_v he_o must_v be_v something_o else_o than_o word_n and_o compliment_n it_o must_v be_v more_o than_o a_o barren_a and_o empty_a profession_n it_o must_v be_v real_a deed_n faithful_a service_n and_o a_o impartial_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o command_n or_o else_o whatever_o we_o profess_v or_o say_v he_o will_v never_o own_v or_o acknowledge_v we_o to_o be_v his_o true_a subject_n and_o servant_n a_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n 6._o and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o i_o then_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n if_o we_o do_v real_o acknowledge_v another_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n we_o must_v also_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o servant_n owe_v obedience_n therefore_o we_o reproach_v ourselves_o so_o often_o as_o we_o call_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o obey_v he_o our_o ingenuity_n in_o call_v he_o lord_n can_v never_o appear_v so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o hearty_o and_o ready_o obey_v he_o for_o as_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n offer_v it_o now_o unto_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n try_v i_o pray_v you_o and_o see_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v put_v off_o as_o thou_o think_v to_o put_v off_o christ_n when_o thou_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v he_o will_v any_o prince_n look_v upon_o those_o as_o good_a subject_n who_o pay_v he_o no_o homage_n and_o refuse_v he_o the_o act_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o allegiance_n will_v any_o master_n count_v he_o his_o servant_n who_o never_o mind_v his_o will_n but_o do_v his_o own_o and_o how_o unreasonable_a then_o be_v thou_o not_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o who_o thou_o call_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v thy_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o master_n if_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o receive_v he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v lest_o we_o be_v esteem_v rebel_n for_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n we_o ought_v also_o to_o believe_v and_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o obey_v he_o for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o not_o to_o
sum_v up_o in_o that_o short_a summary_n and_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o agenda_fw-la or_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o ten_o command_n give_v to_o moses_n that_o excellent_a commentary_n thereon_o we_o have_v in_o the_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o may_v be_v learn_v from_o his_o other_o discourse_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o in_o short_a teach_v we_o to_o forbear_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n discharge_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n both_o in_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a man_n and_o do_v require_v purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n they_o teach_v we_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o covetousness_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n to_o despise_v this_o present_a life_n and_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o the_o thing_n above_o they_o order_v the_o put_v off_o wrath_n malice_n anger_n envy_n and_o to_o put_v on_o bowel_n of_o charity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o our_o brethren_n to_o conclude_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o christ_n say_v to_o we_o for_o direct_v our_o moral_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o that_o be_v free_o and_o hearty_o renounce_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o dear_a than_o offend_v god_n that_o we_o shall_v take_v up_o our_o cross_n that_o be_v cheerful_o and_o willing_o patient_o and_o content_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o affliction_n god_n be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o and_o to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n which_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o sin_n and_o last_o that_o we_o follow_v he_o viz._n in_o the_o way_n of_o devotion_n zeal_n affiance_n and_o love_n towards_o god_n of_o humility_n meekness_n forbearance_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n in_o which_o he_o have_v go_v before_o we_o and_o that_o we_o labour_v careful_o to_o imitate_v that_o perfect_a example_n of_o lowliness_n and_o purity_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v unto_o we_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v say_v and_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v observe_v by_o all_o who_o call_v he_o lord._n but_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o together_o man_n have_v learned_a to_o put_v asunder_o god_n have_v unite_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n he_o have_v command_v that_o all_o who_o call_v and_o own_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n shall_v also_o careful_o do_v his_o will_n but_o this_o be_v not_o much_o look_v to_o these_o thing_n man_n separate_v from_o one_o another_o how_o contrary_a soever_o the_o same_o be_v to_o the_o divine_a institution_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n we_o read_v of_o some_o who_o real_o believe_v in_o he_o they_o be_v inward_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o profess_v he_o open_o for_o fear_n of_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n but_o now_o the_o scene_n be_v alter_v and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n in_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o christ_n so_o many_o avowed_o do_v it_o yet_o withal_o they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v he_o they_o own_o his_o name_n but_o never_o mind_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o confident_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n but_o the_o do_v what_o he_o say_v be_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n in_o these_o day_n christ_n want_v not_o follower_n he_o have_v disciple_n enough_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o small_a but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v so_o only_a nomine_fw-la tenus_fw-la only_o by_o name_n and_o profession_n unless_o that_o they_o say_v so_o it_o can_v not_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unless_o they_o be_v sometime_o see_v in_o the_o church_n and_o hear_v to_o cry_v lord_n lord_n they_o may_v ready_o be_v take_v for_o turk_n pagan_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ._n now_o the_o church_n be_v indeed_o pretty_a numerous_a but_o if_o the_o secret_a atheist_n and_o the_o open_o profane_a if_o the_o impious_a scorner_n and_o sneak_a hypocrite_n if_o the_o glutton_n and_o drunkard_n the_o fornicator_n and_o adulterer_n the_o covetous_a unjust_a and_o dishonest_a person_n the_o malicious_a revengeful_a and_o common_a swearer_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o careless_a and_o indifferent_a and_o such_o person_n be_v remove_v as_o be_v destitute_a of_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n and_o such_o who_o be_v ordinary_o guilty_a of_o gross_a scandalous_a crime_n which_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o fear_v the_o remainder_n will_v then_o be_v but_o few_o and_o the_o church_n will_v become_v as_o thin_a as_o now_o it_o use_v to_o be_v throng_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o peremptory_a as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v scarce_o be_v so_o many_o behind_o in_o every_o parish_n city_n and_o congregation_n as_o abraham_n desire_v to_o find_v righteous_a person_n in_o sodom_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o the_o number_n will_v be_v very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a now_o that_o they_o who_o life_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o who_o in_o their_o work_n deny_v christ_n shall_v yet_o profess_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o confident_o pretend_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o true_a disciple_n be_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a for_o whatever_o do_v persuade_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n do_v also_o oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v he_o that_o which_o bind_v to_o the_o one_o make_v the_o other_o also_o necessary_a and_o if_o our_o obedience_n may_v be_v any_o way_n dispense_v with_o it_o matter_n little_a whether_o or_o not_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v to_o we_o plain_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o text_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v which_o word_n may_v be_v understand_v either_o by_o way_n of_o question_n or_o as_o a_o expostulation_n i_o intend_v to_o consider_v they_o both_o way_n and_o first_o as_o it_o seem_v a_o question_n and_o question_n take_v it_o so_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o mean_v you_o by_o profess_v my_o name_n and_o give_v i_o out_o to_o be_v your_o master_n when_o you_o do_v not_o my_o will_n neither_o offer_n to_o keep_v my_o commandment_n what_o end_n do_v you_o propose_v to_o yourselves_o in_o this_o what_o advantage_n do_v you_o expect_v thereby_o can_v you_o show_v any_o reason_n for_o this_o behaviour_n of_o you_o if_o you_o be_v not_o ingenuous_a when_o you_o call_v i_o lord_n what_o make_v you_o flatter_v i_o and_o if_o you_o real_o think_v i_o be_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n why_o be_v not_o your_o practice_n suitable_a and_o consonant_a to_o your_o belief_n and_o profession_n consider_v i_o pray_v you_o and_o think_v with_o yourselves_o and_o see_v if_o you_o can_v give_v any_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o this_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n he_o of_o the_o text_n when_o we_o construe_v it_o as_o a_o interrogatory_n the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o christ_n without_o accompany_v that_o profession_n with_o a_o suitable_a practice_n see_v whatever_o do_v induce_v we_o to_o the_o one_o do_v also_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o other_o we_o have_v the_o same_o obligation_n to_o both_o and_o that_o this_o may_v more_o clear_o appear_v we_o will_v consider_v a_o little_a the_o true_a and_o reasonable_a motive_n which_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o embrace_v of_o christ_n and_o shall_v show_v that_o if_o we_o be_v ingenuous_a in_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o they_o can_v but_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o pay_v he_o all_o due_a and_o holy_a obedience_n but_o in_o reckon_v up_o these_o motive_n men._n we_o do_v not_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o count_v that_o as_o one_o which_o yet_o perhaps_o be_v the_o most_o common_a and_o general_a inducement_n i_o mean_v the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o country_n the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o only_o because_o christ_n be_v believe_v and_o profess_v in_o those_o country_n where_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o they_o do_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o other_o do_v mahumetanism_n and_o paganism_n because_o this_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o that_o general_o those_o about_o they_o do_v the_o like_a so_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v their_o luck_n to_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o another_o country_n and_o under_o another_o climate_n they_o will_v have_v own_v another_o lord_n and_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n i_o
to_o christ_n and_o instead_o of_o do_v his_o will_n do_v the_o contrary_a obey_v sin_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i_o say_v this_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o interest_n and_o obstruct_v the_o advancement_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n it_o do_v both_o keep_v it_o from_o be_v further_o extend_v and_o also_o from_o arrive_v to_o its_o true_a height_n where_o it_o be_v establish_v evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n and_o one_o wicked_a perverse_a servant_n may_v debauch_v the_o rest_n draw_v they_o from_o their_o service_n and_o the_o faithful_a and_o punctual_a attendance_n upon_o their_o master_n so_o a_o very_a few_o person_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o careless_a to_o do_v his_o will_n may_v have_v a_o very_a bad_a influence_n upon_o other_o disciple_n this_o tend_v to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o may_v belong_v to_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v wed_v to_o the_o world_n slave_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o drown_v in_o sensual_a delight_n ever_o since_o the_o church_n doares_n become_v so_o patent_n that_o one_o may_v have_v the_o name_n and_o rank_n of_o a_o christian_a without_o give_v proof_n of_o a_o sincere_a conversion_n or_o show_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o upright_a life_n all_o zeal_n and_o care_n for_o serve_v of_o god_n have_v be_v very_o much_o cool_v and_o slacken_v and_o ever_o since_o too_o religion_n have_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o make_v no_o further_a progress_n in_o the_o world_n while_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n make_v their_o light_n to_o shine_v before_o man_n whilst_o their_o good_a work_n and_o holy_a life_n be_v clear_o see_v many_o embrace_v our_o holy_a faith_n and_o glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n the_o holy_a and_o innocent_a life_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o take_v that_o it_o allure_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n ambitious_a and_o desirous_a to_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o teach_v and_o enable_v people_n to_o live_v so_o well_o but_o now_o that_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o mean_a and_o sordid_a so_o corrupt_a and_o profane_a no_o body_n inquire_v after_o our_o religion_n they_o search_v not_o into_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o they_o neither_o concern_v themselves_o about_o its_o author_n nor_o do_v they_o inquire_v what_o advantage_n it_o offer_v beyond_o the_o other_o religion_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wickedness_n of_o christian_n have_v draw_v a_o bar_n upon_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n by_o raise_v and_o nourish_v such_o prejudices_fw-la in_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o a_o very_a rare_a thing_n to_o see_v one_o leave_v his_o native_a superstition_n and_o come_v over_o to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o his_o worship_n perhaps_o there_o be_v more_o apostate_n and_o renegado_n from_o christianity_n than_o there_o be_v convert_v to_o it_o and_o however_o the_o one_o be_v as_o ordinary_a as_o the_o other_o and_o now_o have_v see_v what_o evil_n flow_v all_o from_o a_o bare_a barren_a profession_n and_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o the_o precept_n and_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n how_o insolent_a it_o be_v in_o itself_o what_o dishonour_v it_o bring_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o what_o a_o prejudice_n it_o be_v to_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n i_o say_v when_o we_o consider_v this_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v why_o he_o shall_v so_o sharp_o reprove_v and_o inveigh_v against_o it_o as_o he_o do_v here_o in_o our_o text_n certain_o he_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o and_o we_o his_o minister_n can_v be_v answerable_a if_o we_o neglect_v to_o expostulate_v with_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o fault_n and_o o_o how_o few_o among_o we_o can_v plead_v not_o guilty_a let_v i_o use_v a_o little_a freedom_n with_o you_o be_v not_o angry_a if_o i_o ask_v will_v to_o god_n you_o will_v serious_o ask_v yourselves_o what_o you_o be_v what_o you_o profess_v in_o who_o you_o do_v believe_v i_o know_v what_o the_o answer_n will_v be_v all_o will_v say_v we_o be_v christian_n we_o profess_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o i_o pray_v how_o do_v you_o show_v it_o what_o sign_n and_o proof_n give_v you_o thereof_o can_v you_o make_v out_o this_o by_o the_o work_v of_o obedience_n be_v it_o evident_a that_o you_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v if_o so_o you_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o you_o speak_v but_o the_o truth_n when_o you_o call_v yourselves_o his_o disciple_n but_o not_o otherwise_o be_v not_o deceive_v think_v not_o external_a baptism_n frequent_v the_o church_n hear_v sermon_n or_o make_v prayer_n be_v sufficient_a for_o hold_v the_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_n or_o for_o lay_v claim_n and_o title_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n indeed_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n who_o can_v show_v these_o but_o they_o may_v have_v they_o and_o yet_o not_o belong_v unto_o christ_n the_o very_a hypocrite_n may_v go_v thus_o far_o and_o such_o as_o christ_n will_v never_o own_o in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o appearance_n for_o certain_o he_o will_v reckon_v none_o his_o disciple_n nor_o will_v he_o reward_v any_o as_o such_o but_o those_o who_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o obey_v he_o i_o know_v my_o sheep_n say_v he_o 27._o and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v they_o too_o he_o tell_v who_o they_o be_v my_o sheep_n say_v he_o hear_v my_o voice_n and_o they_o follow_v i_o now_o can_v you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v hearken_v sincere_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o this_o shepherd_n have_v you_o follow_v whither_o he_o lead_v you_o have_v you_o indeed_o perform_v the_o commandment_n of_o this_o your_o lord_n o_o that_o you_o can_v all_o answer_v affirmative_o but_o then_o as_o samuel_n say_v to_o saul_n what_o mean_v this_o bleat_a of_o the_o sheep_n in_o my_o ear_n and_o the_o low_v of_o the_o ox_n which_o i_o hear_v what_o mean_v the_o ridicul_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o mean_v the_o taunt_n and_o scoff_v cast_v upon_o its_o precept_n how_o come_v sin_n and_o iniquity_n to_o abound_v so_o much_o why_o do_v lust_n so_o much_o reign_v and_o prevail_v what_o mean_v your_o oath_n and_o your_o curse_n your_o rash_a and_o idle_a speech_n your_o slander_v and_o your_o backbiting_a your_o wrath_n malice_n and_o bitter_a envy_n your_o covetousness_n and_o uncharitableness_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o whoredom_n and_o uncleanness_n gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n pride_n and_o wantonness_n falsehood_n and_o dishonesty_n abound_v so_o much_o and_o be_v so_o frequent_a have_v you_o thus_o corrupt_v yourselves_o and_o do_v you_o yet_o presume_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v you_o not_o that_o 19_o every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n must_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n or_o do_v you_o think_v these_o but_o the_o spot_n of_o child_n you_o be_v mistake_v they_o be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o child_n they_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o sincere_a belief_n and_o profession_n of_o christ_n they_o who_o love_v he_o will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o for_o they_o bewray_v a_o contempt_n of_o he_o and_o his_o gospel_n and_o occasion_n it_o to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o by_o other_o it_o be_v zeal_n for_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o men._n it_o be_v self-denial_n and_o innocency_n purity_n and_o a_o universal_a holiness_n it_o be_v fruitfulness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n which_o only_o can_v show_v we_o to_o be_v true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n these_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n who_o put_v on_o these_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o but_o he_o who_o lack_v and_o despise_v these_o he_o who_o have_v neither_o love_n nor_o regard_n unto_o they_o may_v as_o well_o renounce_v his_o profession_n let_v i_o entreat_v you_o therefore_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v your_o heart_n and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v that_o declare_v your_o sentiment_n and_o resolution_n why_o do_v you_o halt_v and_o hover_v so_o much_o speak_v your_o mind_n free_o be_v plain_a and_o ingenuous_a be_v you_o for_o god_n will_v you_o accept_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v your_o lord_n and_o master_n declare_v it_o and_o let_v it_o be_v see_v by_o your_o work_n and_o conversation_n if_o you_o think_v he_o a_o hard_a master_n one_o who_o impose_v a_o burden_n you_o can_v endure_v if_o you_o think_v his_o law_n grievous_a rigid_a and_o severe_a i_o pray_v you_o renounce_v your_o covenant_n with_o he_o quit_v his_o service_n and_o go_v serve_v some_o other_o lord_n for_o why_o do_v you_o stay_v with_o he_o you_o can_v serve_v why_o do_v you_o own_v he_o you_o resolve_v not_o to_o obey_v why_o do_v you_o call_v he_o master_n who_o you_o