apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o though_o we_o that_o be_v he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v i._o that_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o give_v in_o this_o epistle_n for_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o false_a apostle_n with_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v circumcision_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o impose_v upon_o christian_n the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o false_a teacher_n we_o find_v express_o act_v 15._o 1._o and_o certain_a man_n which_o come_v down_o from_o judea_n teach_v the_o brethren_n and_o say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n yâ—_n can_v be_v save_v and_o ver_fw-la 24._o in_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o church_n abroad_o there_o be_v this_o account_n give_v of_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o certain_a which_o go_v out_o from_o we_o have_v trouble_v you_o with_o word_n subvert_v your_o soul_n say_v you_o must_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o such_o commandment_n where_o you_o see_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o pernicious_a consequence_n tend_v to_o subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o here_o with_o one_o consent_n declare_v that_o they_o have_v give_v no_o such_o commandment_n that_o be_v have_v deliver_v no_o such_o doctrine_n as_o this_o nor_o put_v any_o such_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_n but_o on_o the_o con-contrary_a have_v declare_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n there_o be_v now_o no_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o be_v preach_v another_o gospel_n because_o it_o make_v a_o essential_a change_n in_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n which_o declare_v salvation_n unto_o man_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n and_o no_o other_o now_o to_o add_v any_o other_o term_n to_o these_o as_o of_o equal_a necessity_n with_o they_o be_v to_o alter_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n by_o declare_v other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n have_v declare_v which_o be_v to_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ii_o no_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorize_v and_o warrant_v the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n after_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v commissioned_n and_o inspire_a by_o he_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o all_o by_o the_o great_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a miracle_n that_o ever_o be_v no_o person_n whatever_o that_o bring_v any_o other_o doctrine_n and_o declare_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v what_o pretence_n soever_o he_o shall_v make_v to_o a_o divine_a commission_n or_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n the_o apostle_n make_v a_o supposition_n as_o high_a as_o can_v be_v though_o we_o say_v he_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v a_o anathema_n if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v divine_o commissioned_n and_o infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v afterward_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o it_o or_o declare_v any_o other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o those_o which_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v already_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o what_o claim_n soever_o any_o person_n may_v make_v to_o infallibility_n and_o what_o demonstration_n soever_o he_o may_v give_v of_o it_o we_o can_v possible_o believe_v he_o if_o he_o contradict_v himself_o and_o deliver_v doctrine_n which_o do_v plain_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o for_o if_o he_o speak_v true_a at_o first_o i_o can_v believe_v he_o declare_v the_o contrary_a afterward_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v true_a at_o first_o i_o can_v believe_v he_o at_o all_o because_o he_o can_v give_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o inspiration_n than_o he_o do_v at_o first_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v neither_o because_o he_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a credential_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n than_o those_o have_v who_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v publish_v before_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o to_o submit_v his_o faith_n to_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n against_o god_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v two_o revelation_n plain_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o obvious_a because_o every_o man_n do_v first_o and_o more_o firm_o believe_v this_o proposition_n or_o principle_n that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a than_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a than_o no_o revelation_n from_o god_n can_v signify_v any_o thing_n because_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v equal_o true_a and_o so_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o only_o make_v a_o supposition_n when_o he_o say_v though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o you_o but_o by_o this_o supposition_n he_o plain_o bar_v any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n from_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n any_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o practice_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o i_o say_v any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n whatever_o authority_n or_o infallibility_n they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o because_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o clear_a commission_n and_o great_a evidence_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n than_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n it_o may_v indeed_o bring_v in_o question_n that_o which_o they_o have_v preach_v before_o but_o can_v not_o give_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o any_o thing_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o iii_o christian_n may_v judge_v and_o discern_v when_o another_o gospel_n be_v preach_v when_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o practice_n not_o enjoin_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v impose_v upon_o christian_n this_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v every_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v every_o particular_a christian_a that_o be_v due_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o and_o to_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o
and_o assist_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o have_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o require_v from_o man_n absolute_a submission_n to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o dictate_v without_o examination_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a scripture_n this_o be_v st._n paul_n constant_a custom_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o do_v not_o dictate_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o infallibility_n but_o reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o require_v their_o belief_n no_o further_o than_o what_o he_o say_v shall_v upon_o examination_n appear_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n so_o we_o find_v act_n 17._o 2_o 3._o and_o paul_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v go_v in_o unto_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o three_o sabbath_n day_n reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n open_v and_o allege_v that_o christ_n must_v needs_o have_v suffer_v and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o this_o jesus_n who_o i_o preach_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o chap._n 18._o 28._o he_o mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reprove_v they_o for_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a mind_n in_o the_o berean_o that_o they_o do_v not_o give_v full_a assent_n to_o his_o doctrine_n till_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n they_o be_v satisfy_v that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n chap._n 17._o 11_o 12._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o berean_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v that_o be_v because_o upon_o search_n they_o find_v what_o he_o deliver_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a but_o diligent_a and_o deliberate_a search_n they_o take_v time_n to_o examine_v thing_n thorough_o for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n st._n paul_n put_v the_o case_n that_o if_o he_o or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v who_o divine_a commission_n and_o assistance_n they_o be_v so_o full_o satisfy_v shall_v deliver_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v former_o preach_v they_o be_v to_o reject_v it_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n and_o this_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o liberty_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v deliver_v even_o by_o those_o who_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v infallible_o assist_v and_o a_o capacity_n to_o discern_v and_o judge_v whether_o what_o they_o say_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n at_o first_o deliver_v to_o they_o or_o not_o and_o after_o this_o shall_v any_o person_n or_o church_n what_o claim_v soever_o they_o may_v make_v to_o infallibility_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o authority_n to_o dictate_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o their_o dictate_v aught_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o a_o absolute_a submission_n and_o without_o liberty_n to_o examine_v whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o though_o they_o add_v new_a article_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o foot-step_n or_o intimation_n in_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o do_v plain_o impose_v upon_o christian_n the_o practice_n and_o belief_n of_o several_a thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n never_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o no_o body_n shall_v judge_v of_o this_o but_o every_o man_n ought_v without_o more_o ado_n to_o believe_v blindfold_a and_o to_o resign_v up_o his_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o this_o visible_a infallible_a judge_n but_o sure_o this_o be_v not_o the_o reasonable_a obedience_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o force_a submission_n of_o slave_n to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o master_n christian_n be_v express_o forbid_v to_o call_v any_o man_n father_n or_o master_n upon_o earth_n because_o we_o have_v one_o father_n and_o master_n in_o heaven_n now_o to_o make_v a_o absolute_a submission_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o any_o upon_o earth_n so_o as_o without_o examination_n to_o receive_v their_o dictate_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v sure_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v so_o to_o call_v such_o a_o person_n father_n and_o master_n because_o a_o great_a submission_n than_o this_o we_o can_v pay_v to_o our_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o six_o and_o last_o observation_n from_o the_o text_n that_o whosoever_o teach_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v beside_o what_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v make_v necessary_a do_v fall_v under_o the_o anathema_n here_o in_o the_o text_n because_o they_o that_o do_v so_o do_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o st._n paul_n pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o charge_v the_o false_a apostle_n with_o preach_v another_o gospel_n and_o those_o that_o be_v seduce_v by_o they_o as_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o they_o have_v change_v the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o add_v new_a article_n to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v by_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o because_o they_o teach_v so_o now_o st._n paul_n express_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v preach_v another_o gospel_n because_o they_o plain_o alter_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o whatever_o person_n or_o church_n do_v the_o same_o do_v incur_v the_o same_o guilt_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o anathema_n and_o censure_n here_o in_o the_o text_n yea_o though_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o bishop_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v pretend_v either_o to_o a_o equal_a authority_n or_o infallibility_n with_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v what_o st._n paul_n declare_v in_o this_o case_n and_o consider_v serious_o with_o what_o earnestness_n and_o vehemency_n he_o declare_v it_o though_o we_o say_v he_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o â—her_a gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o bâ—_n accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v st._n paul_n you_o see_v be_v very_a earnest_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o very_o peremptory_a and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o think_v this_o declaration_n of_o he_o to_o be_v more_o considerable_a and_o every_o way_n more_o worthy_a of_o our_o regard_n and_o dread_n than_o all_o the_o anathema_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o in_o direct_a affront_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o anathema_n of_o st._n paul_n have_v presume_v to_o add_v so_o many_o article_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o the_o counterfeit_a warrant_n of_o tradition_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n or_o warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n or_o from_o any_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o iv_o the_o compile_v out_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n by_o which_o council_n the_o pope_n only_o be_v authorize_v to_o interpret_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n and_o consequent_o his_o interpretation_n must_v be_v of_o equal_a force_n and_o authority_n with_o that_o of_o the_o council_n itself_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v put_v into_o â—is_n new_a creed_n for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n aught_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o â—ame_n pious_a affection_n and_o veneration_n as_o if_o the_o creed_n have_v be_v compile_v by_o the_o council_n itself_o
for_o reveal_v religion_n the_o only_a design_n of_o that_o be_v to_o revive_v and_o improve_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o our_o reason_n about_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_o gather_v by_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o vain_a and_o confident_a pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o if_o any_o doctrine_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o which_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n he_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o steady_a and_o sure_a notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perâ—ections_n and_o by_o those_o he_o will_v easy_o discern_v whether_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o he_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o a_o doctrine_n 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action_n demonstrate_v that_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o not_o any_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o he_o that_o be_v no_o falsehood_n or_o design_n to_o deceive_v for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v you_o may_v conclude_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v no_o deceiver_n or_o impostor_n and_o if_o any_o man_n sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o may_v by_o such_o mark_n and_o character_n as_o these_o judge_v of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n because_o he_o that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a thing_n second_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v and_o bias_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o lust_n for_o his_o great_a interest_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o he_o make_v all_o his_o other_o interest_n and_o concernment_n to_o stoop_v and_o yield_v to_o that_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v govern_v by_o any_o earthly_a interest_n or_o design_n he_o will_v measure_v all_o thing_n by_o that_o and_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o entertain_v any_o thing_n that_o cross_v it_o and_o to_o judge_v equal_o of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o his_o interest_n this_o our_o saviour_n give_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o great_a rabbi_n and_o teacher_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o believe_v and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o if_o man_n have_v any_o other_o design_n in_o religigion_n than_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o reject_v the_o most_o divine_a truth_n because_o these_o be_v calculate_v not_o to_o approve_v we_o to_o man_n but_o to_o god_n and_o as_o vainglory_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n so_o likewise_o do_v every_o other_o lust_n make_v a_o man_n partial_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o clap_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o his_o understanding_n which_o carry_v it_o off_o from_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o to_o lean_v towards_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o lust_n a_o vicious_a man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v those_o truth_n which_o will_v cross_v and_o check_v he_o in_o his_o course_n he_o have_v make_v the_o truth_n his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o 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truth_n for_o though_o it_o be_v absolute_o in_o no_o man_n power_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o will_v yet_o man_n life_n have_v many_o time_n a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o understanding_n to_o make_v assent_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o as_o we_o be_v forward_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o so_o be_v we_o very_o backward_o and_o slow_a in_o yield_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o cross_v our_o inclination_n man_n that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n will_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n which_o charge_v man_n so_o strict_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v always_o use_v to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o shine_v into_o they_o and_o certain_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o infidelity_n be_v to_o debauch_v they_o in_o their_o life_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o last_o time_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 12._o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n when_o man_n once_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n infidelity_n become_v their_o interest_n because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o defend_v and_o excuse_v a_o wicked_a life_n but_o by_o deny_v the_o truth_n which_o oppose_v it_o and_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o
seduce_v he_o or_o draw_v he_o aside_o in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n he_o have_v no_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v the_o truth_n and_o follow_v it_o he_o be_v inquire_v after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o he_o have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o a_o traveller_n which_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o go_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o for_o his_o concernment_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o such_o a_o indifferency_n of_o mind_n have_v every_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o stand_v ready_a to_o receive_v truth_n when_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o it_o because_o he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o concernment_n that_o the_o contrary_a proposition_n shall_v be_v true_a as_o in_o mathematics_n a_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n that_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v no_o inclination_n or_o affection_n to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n more_o than_o to_o the_o other_o all_o his_o design_n and_o concernment_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o side_n soever_o it_o lie_v and_o he_o be_v like_a to_o find_v it_o because_o he_o be_v so_o indifferent_a and_o impartial_a but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v biased_a by_o any_o lust_n and_o addict_v to_o any_o vicious_a practice_n he_o be_v then_o a_o interest_v person_n and_o concern_v to_o be_v partial_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o because_o whatever_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v he_o can_v but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n if_o the_o affection_n and_o interest_n of_o meâ—_n be_v as_o deep_o concern_v and_o as_o sensible_o touch_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o mathematical_a proposition_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o a_o proposition_n stand_v in_o their_o way_n and_o lay_v cross_a to_o their_o interest_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_o demonstrate_v yet_o they_o will_v raise_v a_o dust_n about_o it_o and_o make_v a_o thousand_o cavil_n and_o fence_v even_o against_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o demonstration_n they_o will_v palliate_v their_o error_n with_o all_o the_o skill_n and_o art_n they_o can_v and_o though_o the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o palpable_a yet_o they_o will_v hold_v it_o fast_o against_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o face_n down_o mankind_n in_o the_o obstinate_a defence_n of_o it_o for_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o who_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v believe_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o see_v will_v if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n and_o passion_n to_o sway_v they_o in_o the_o case_n believe_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o world_n signify_v nothing_o whereas_o he_o that_o be_v bias_v by_o no_o passion_n or_o interest_n but_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v it_o be_v likely_a to_o judge_v very_o impartial_o concern_v any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deceive_v himself_o in_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v good_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a he_o have_v no_o interest_n or_o inclination_n to_o reject_v they_o for_o it_o be_v his_o great_a design_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o be_v glad_a of_o all_o opportunity_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v secure_a man_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o such_o person_n be_v hereby_o better_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o divine_a thing_n both_o because_o they_o have_v true_a and_o sure_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o their_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o first_o account_n second_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o great_a security_n in_o discern_a truth_n from_o error_n be_v because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o preserve_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n when_o man_n be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n god_n love_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o they_o and_o such_o be_v a_o humble_a and_o obedient_a frame_n of_o mind_n psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o that_o which_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v be_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v happy_a only_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v take_v effectual_a care_n to_o secure_v such_o a_o one_o against_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o know_v it_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n he_o be_v undoubted_o a_o man_n of_o a_o very_a honest_a mind_n he_o have_v entertain_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o be_v breed_v in_o it_o and_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a reverence_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o teacher_n who_o reject_v christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n he_o likewise_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v they_o with_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n and_o a_o honest_a intention_n be_v very_o persuade_v as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n he_o be_v under_o a_o great_a prejudice_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o education_n and_o according_a to_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o natural_a temper_n transport_v with_o great_a passion_n but_o because_o he_o do_v what_o he_o do_v ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n god_n be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o he_o and_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o persecute_v he_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n will_v rather_o work_v a_o miracle_n for_o his_o conversion_n than_o suffer_v he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o so_o fatal_a a_o mistake_n concern_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v concern_v itself_o to_o secure_v good_a man_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o by_o a_o just_a judgement_n he_o give_v up_o those_o who_o allow_v themselves_o in_o vicious_a practice_n to_o error_n and_o infidelity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n esa_n ch._n 6._o 10._o so_o often_o cite_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o jew_n of_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n fat_a and_o their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o close_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o shall_v understand_v and_o be_v convert_v so_o again_o isa_n 66._o 3_o 4._o god_n threaten_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o abominable_a in_o their_o life_n he_o will_v abandon_v they_o and_o give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n they_o have_v choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n i_o also_o will_v choose_v their_o delusion_n god_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v those_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o he_o permit_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o so_o rom._n 1._o 28._o
heaven_n every_o man_n have_v time_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n every_o day_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o his_o preservation_n and_o support_n and_o to_o thank_v he_o hearty_o for_o all_o his_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n and_o a_o little_a time_n serious_o employ_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v have_v the_o same_o acceptance_n with_o god_n as_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o long_a devotion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n for_o they_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o time_n to_o serve_v god_n upon_o his_o own_o day_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o whole_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o care_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o when_o all_o be_v say_v be_v the_o case_n but_o of_o very_a few_o most_o of_o we_o have_v no_o colour_n for_o this_o complaint_n non_fw-la inopes_fw-la temporis_fw-la sed_fw-la prodigi_fw-la sumus_fw-la as_o seneca_n say_v we_o be_v not_o poor_a but_o prodigal_a of_o our_o time_n and_o lavish_a it_o away_o profuse_o upon_o folly_n and_o vanity_n our_o vice_n and_o lust_n our_o pleasure_n and_o diversion_n consume_v and_o divert_v those_o precious_a hour_n which_o shall_v be_v employ_v to_o these_o better_a purpose_n nay_o many_o time_n time_n oppress_v we_o and_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o we_o and_o lie_v upon_o our_o hand_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o let_v it_o run_v waste_n than_o to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n insomuch_o that_o i_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v with_o their_o time_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o spend_v it_o they_o will_v not_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o most_o necessary_a for_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o very_o best_a use_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o time_n to_o prepare_v and_o 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life_n can_v be_v crowd_v into_o so_o narrow_a a_o corner_n of_o it_o that_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n nay_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n well_o employ_v to_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v sufficient_a alas_o what_o can_v we_o then_o do_v that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v either_o acceptable_a to_o god_n or_o available_a for_o ourselves_o when_o we_o have_v not_o sense_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o dispose_v of_o our_o temporal_a concernment_n and_o to_o make_v our_o will_n do_v we_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o repent_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n every_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o have_v saul_n fortune_n who_o when_o he_o be_v weary_v with_o seek_v his_o father_n ass_n meet_v with_o a_o kingdom_n we_o must_v not_o think_v when_o we_o be_v tire_v with_o pursue_v the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n to_o retire_v into_o heaven_n and_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v take_v care_n to_o caution_n we_o against_o this_o desperate_a folly_n by_o a_o parable_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o have_v trifle_v away_o their_o time_n till_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v come_v and_o neglect_v to_o get_v oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o those_o good_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n i_o say_v have_v neglect_v their_o opportutunity_n of_o get_v this_o oil_n while_o they_o be_v look_v after_o it_o too_o late_a the_o door_n be_v shut_v against_o they_o they_o think_v to_o have_v repair_v all_o at_o last_o by_o borrow_v of_o other_o and_o supply_v themselves_o that_o way_n and_o thus_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o hope_v to_o be_v supply_v out_o of_o another_o store_n when_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o out_o of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o redundant_fw-la merit_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o their_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n of_o which_o some_o believe_v i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a stock_n which_o the_o pope_n may_v dispose_v of_o to_o supply_v those_o who_o have_v take_v no_o care_n to_o get_v oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n but_o i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n work_v of_o supererrogation_n be_v suppose_v the_o wise_a virgin_n know_v not_o of_o any_o merit_n they_o have_v to_o spare_v it_o be_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n only_o that_o entertain_v this_o senseless_a conceit_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o parable_n insinuate_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a person_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o wise_a virgin_n have_v nothing_o to_o spare_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o other_o who_o have_v be_v careless_a of_o their_o soul_n the_o foolish_a say_v unto_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o but_o the_o wise_a answer_v say_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o but_o go_v you_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v for_o yourselves_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v no_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n that_o they_o know_v of_o but_o they_o do_v ironical_o send_v they_o to_o a_o market_n that_o be_v set_v up_o somewhere_o and_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v sell_v but_o how_o they_o speed_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o parable_n tell_v we_o that_o whilst_o they_o be_v run_v about_o in_o great_a haste_n to_o make_v this_o purchase_n of_o the_o merit_n and_o good_a work_n of_o other_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o the_o wise_a virgin_n that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v shut_v out_o and_o there_o be_v those_o likewise_o among_o ourselves_o who_o have_v be_v careless_a to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n hope_v to_o be_v supply_v out_o of_o the_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o christ_n merit_n but_o this_o also_o be_v a_o vain_a hope_n for_o though_o there_o be_v merit_n enough_o in_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n to_o save_v all_o mankind_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v lay_v claim_n thereto_o who_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o think_v by_o send_v for_o the_o minister_n when_o the_o physician_n have_v give_v they_o over_o to_o receive_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n such_o advice_n and_o direction_n as_o will_v do_v their_o business_n as_o effectual_o as_o if_o they_o have_v mind_v religion_n all_o their_o life_n long_o and_o that_o a_o few_o devout_a prayer_n say_v over_o they_o when_o they_o be_v just_o embarking_a for_o another_o world_n will_n like_o a_o magical_a wind_n immediate_o waft_v they_o over_o into_o the_o region_n of_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o we_o may_v defer_v the_o business_n so_o long_o till_o we_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o our_o late_a application_n to_o god_n and_o cry_v to_o he_o lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o but_o that_o severe_a answer_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v if_o we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o our_o doom_n let_v we_o first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o so_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n a_o sermon_n on_o psal._n cxix_o 96._o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a this_o psalm_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o
violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o final_a miscarriage_n after_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o suffering_n in_o a_o religious_a course_n by_o be_v overbear_v at_o last_o by_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o very_a violent_a and_o powerful_a temptation_n not_o but_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o have_v a_o prudent_a distrust_n of_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o security_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o counsel_n be_v not_o high_a mind_v but_o fear_v and_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v because_o till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o possibility_n of_o fall_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o may_v hope_v by_o the_o sincerity_n and_o firmness_n of_o our_o resolution_n under_o the_o usual_a influence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o acquit_v ourselves_o like_o man_n in_o ordinary_a case_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v represent_v to_o ourselves_o those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o good_a man_n and_o his_o merciful_a providence_n which_o continual_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o steer_v their_o course_n for_o they_o in_o this_o world_n among_o those_o many_o rock_n which_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o split_v upon_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o fall_v and_o to_o present_v we_o faultless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o hâ—s_n glory_n with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forsake_v he_o and_o forfeit_v his_o care_n and_o protection_n he_o will_v keep_v we_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n either_o by_o his_o merciful_a foresight_n and_o prevention_n of_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v probable_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o or_o if_o he_o think_v fit_a they_o shall_v befall_v we_o by_o support_v we_o under_o they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o best_a man_n do_v own_o their_o security_n and_o perseverance_n in_o goodness_n much_o more_o to_o the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n prevent_v the_o assault_n of_o violent_a and_o dangerous_a temptation_n than_o to_o the_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o own_o resolution_n for_o there_o be_v very_o few_o person_n of_o so_o firm_a and_o resolute_a virtue_n but_o that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o a_o temptation_n may_v assault_v they_o upon_o such_o a_o disadvantage_n as_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n not_o only_o stagger_v they_o but_o bear_v they_o down_o now_o herein_o thâ—â—â—ovidence_n of_o god_n towards_o good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o remarkable_a in_o secuâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d â—rom_n those_o temptation_n which_o 〈◊〉_d â—oo_o strong_a for_o they_o to_o grapple_v wiâ—â—al_a like_o a_o kind_n and_o tender_a father_n who_o if_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o dutiful_a disposition_n of_o his_o child_n towards_o he_o will_v not_o try_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o utmost_a nor_o permit_v too_o strong_a a_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o come_v in_o his_o way_n so_o the_o psalmist_n represent_v god_n tender_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o child_n psal_n 103._o 13_o 14._o like_a as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o for_o he_o know_v our_o frame_n he_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v dust_n that_o be_v he_o consider_v we_o as_o man_n and_o deal_v with_o we_o according_o provide_v we_o be_v sincere_a he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o temptation_n that_o be_v too_o big_a for_o we_o andtherefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o that_o excellent_a prayer_n which_o he_o have_v recommend_v to_o we_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n that_o be_v we_o shall_v every_o day_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o his_o providence_n will_v keep_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a temptation_n as_o know_v that_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o than_o any_o strength_n and_o resolution_n of_o our_o own_o second_o or_o in_o case_n of_o such_o violent_a and_o extraordinary_a temptation_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o bear_v we_o up_o under_o they_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v take_v care_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o do_v afford_v comfort_n to_o they_o under_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n but_o god_n never_o make_v so_o express_v and_o general_a a_o promise_n of_o this_o to_o all_o good_a man_n as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n never_o be_v so_o constant_a a_o presence_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n vouchsafe_v and_o assure_v to_o man_n under_o any_o dispensation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o that_o sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o reside_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n but_o of_o support_n and_o comfort_n under_o the_o heavy_a pressure_n and_o suffering_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n say_v to_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o any_o other_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v ever_o make_v to_o mankind_n we_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o be_v very_o much_o dishearten_v and_o cast_v down_o at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o great_a suffering_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o frailty_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v st._n paul_n use_v very_o high_a expression_n about_o this_o matter_n eph._n 1._o 19_o that_o you_o may_v know_v say_v he_o speak_v to_o all_o christian_n what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v accord_v to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v endow_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n be_v able_a as_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o to_o do_v and_o to_o endure_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v he_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o powerful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n reside_v in_o every_o true_a christian_a that_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v we_o up_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n overcome_v the_o world_n for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a principle_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n and_o patience_n under_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o suffering_n than_o that_o evil_a spirit_n which_o rule_v in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o set_v on_o the_o malice_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o world_n against_o we_o you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n he_o speak_v this_o to_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a christian_n you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n and_o have_v overcome_v because_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o malice_n and_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o great_a but_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n good_a man_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v bear_v up_o and_o comfort_v in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a manner_n under_o the_o great_a tribulation_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a signal_n and_o remarkable_a manner_n afford_v to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o those_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n to_o which_o they_o be_v expose_v and_o this_o may_v still_o be_v expect_v in_o like_a case_n of_o extraordinary_a suffering_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n truth_n if_o you_o be_v reproach_v say_v st._n peter_n in_o this_o four_o