present_a in_o hope_n to_o have_v more_o trouble_n afterward_o than_o the_o pleasure_n come_v to_o but_o especial_o no_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n in_o hope_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o afterward_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o such_o sin_n without_o restitution_n and_o it_o be_v perfect_a madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n in_o hope_n of_o restore_v it_o again_o for_o so_o he_o must_v do_v that_o true_o repent_v of_o such_o a_o sin_n but_o 2._o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o will_v certain_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n how_o quiet_o soever_o a_o sinner_n may_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n or_o out_o of_o it_o misery_n will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o in_o the_o next_o unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a misery_n arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sharp_a pain_n and_o those_o sad_o aggravate_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o future_a ease_n from_o a_o sad_a apprehension_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n upon_o his_o inestimable_a loss_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o miserable_a sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o wicked_a depart_v from_o i_o sinner_n be_v not_o now_o sensible_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o estimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o loss_n but_o this_o stupidity_n and_o insensibleness_n of_o sinner_n continue_v only_o during_o this_o present_a state_n which_o afford_v man_n variety_n of_o object_n and_o pleasure_n to_o divert_v and_o entertain_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n they_o will_v then_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n but_o the_o sad_a condition_n into_o which_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v plunge_v themselves_o they_o shall_v then_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n at_o once_o see_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o feel_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o torment_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o beside_o the_o apprehension_n of_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n they_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sore_a and_o sharp_a pain_n and_o how_o grievous_a those_o shall_v be_v we_o may_v conjecture_v by_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o they_o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a displeasure_n of_o anger_n and_o omnipotence_n meet_v together_o far_o great_a than_o can_v be_v describe_v by_o any_o pain_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n one_o will_v think_v this_o be_v misery_n enough_o and_o need_v no_o frather_o aggravation_n but_o yet_o it_o have_v two_o terrible_a one_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n make_v present_a suffering_n more_o sharp_a and_o sensible_a for_o as_o nothing_o commend_v pleasure_n more_o and_o give_v a_o quick_a relish_n to_o happiness_n than_o precedent_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n than_o in_o the_o sudden_a ease_n which_o a_o man_n find_v after_o a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o stone_n so_o nothing_o enrage_v affliction_n more_o and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o misery_n than_o to_o pass_v into_o great_a pain_n immediate_o out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n this_o be_v the_o sting_a aggravation_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n torment_n that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o have_v receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o have_v fair_v so_o delicious_o every_o day_n but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o all_o be_v the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o duration_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o such_o expression_n as_o do_v signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n matth._n 25._o and_o mark_v 9_o 43._o where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o in_o the_o revel_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o intermission_n and_o without_o end_n and_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o misery_n for_o a_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n and_o to_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o ever_o find_v the_o least_o ease_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v thing_n together_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o will_v certain_o overtake_v they_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o wise_a man_n choice_n and_o indeed_o the_o choice_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v strange_o forsake_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o blind_v by_o sense_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o will_v probable_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o there_o remain_v now_o only_a the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n suppose_v this_o choice_n to_o be_v reasonable_a to_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o make_v a_o quite_o contrary_a choice_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o wide_o mistake_v as_o to_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o conscience_n and_o religion_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o as_o brief_a a_o account_n as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n this_o wrong_a choice_n general_o proceed_v from_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o from_o want_n of_o consideration_n or_o of_o both_o 1._o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n be_v unbelief_n either_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o recompense_n of_o another_o life_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o man_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v he_o that_o think_v of_o be_v religious_a must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v infidel_n as_o to_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o great_a many_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o waver_a their_o faith_n be_v rather_o negative_a they_o do_v not_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o their_o faith_n be_v rather_o a_o opinion_n than_o a_o root_a and_o well_o ground_a persuasion_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a a_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o like_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o other_o worthy_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o where_o faith_n be_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n it_o will_v have_v proportionable_a effect_n upon_o the_o resolution_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o where_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a it_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o efficacy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o forsake_fw-mi religion_n and_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n choose_v rather_o to_o sin_n than_o to_o suffer_v and_o will_v rather_o quit_v the_o truth_n than_o endure_v persecution_n for_o it_o these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v who_o receive_v receive_v the_o
of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o enâ—â—â—ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n with_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o all_o those_o who_o continue_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o and_o why_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o commit_v any_o sin_n as_o if_o hell_n be_v naked_a before_o i_o and_o i_o see_v the_o astonish_a misery_n of_o the_o damn_a thus_o we_o shall_v by_o frequent_a meditation_n represent_v these_o great_a thing_n to_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v they_o near_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o oppose_v to_o the_o present_a temptation_n of_o sense_n the_o great_a and_o endless_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o thus_o exercise_v ourselves_o about_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o make_v eternity_n familiar_a to_o ourselves_o by_o a_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o little_o move_v with_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n we_o shall_v walk_v and_o live_v by_o faith_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n do_v by_o sense_n and_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o our_o great_a and_o everlasting_a interest_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n and_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n of_o this_o present_a and_o temporal_a life_n to_o secure_v a_o future_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 38._o but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o epistle_n whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v into_o be_v plain_o this_o to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v but_o new_o convert_v to_o christanity_n in_o the_o steadfast_a profession_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o to_o arm_v they_o against_o that_o temptation_n which_o christian_n be_v then_o expose_v to_o viz._n the_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n which_o threaten_v those_o of_o that_o profession_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o religion_n above_o any_o other_o former_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o revelatition_n itself_o which_o as_o it_o contain_v better_a and_o more_o perfect_a direction_n of_o a_o good_a life_n so_o likewise_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a motive_n thereto_o better_a promise_n and_o more_o terrible_a threaten_n than_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n or_o clear_o and_o certain_o discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n from_o these_o consideration_n he_o earnest_o persuade_v they_o all_o along_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n to_o continue_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n chap._n 2._o v._o 1._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v leave_v at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v and_o chap._n 4._o 1._o let_v we_o therefore_o fear_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o you_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o and_o verse_n 23._o of_o this_o chapter_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o constancy_n he_o set_v before_o they_o the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o recompense_n of_o the_o gospel_n verse_n 35._o cast_v not_o away_o therefore_o your_o confidence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d your_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o apostasy_n from_o this_o profession_n he_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o horrible_a danger_n of_o it_o here_o in_o the_o text_n but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o word_n and_o then_o prosecute_v that_o which_o i_o main_o intend_v in_o they_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o word_n with_o the_o forego_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n chap._n 2._o verse_n 3_o 4._o and_o they_o be_v cite_v by_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o lxx_o which_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o difference_n arise_v from_o the_o various_a reading_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o be_v render_v by_o the_o lxx_o to_o draw_v back_o but_o by_o the_o change_n of_o a_o letter_n signify_v to_o be_v lift_v up_o as_o we_o render_v it_o in_o the_o prophet_n but_o however_o that_o be_v the_o apostle_n follow_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o lxx_o and_o accommodate_v it_o to_o his_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o keep_v back_o to_o withdraw_v to_o sneak_v and_o slink_v away_o out_o of_o fear_n to_o fail_v or_o faint_v in_o any_o enterprise_n and_o thus_o this_o word_n be_v render_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n act_v 20._o 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o do_v not_o withhold_v or_o keep_v back_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o st._n peter_n gal._n 2._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o slink_v away_o or_o withdraw_v himself_o fear_v they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v by_o the_o lxx_o to_o draw_v back_o be_v elsewhere_o render_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v to_o fail_v or_o faint_v from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o by_o draw_v back_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v man_n quit_v their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o slink_a out_o of_o it_o for_o fear_v of_o suffer_v for_o it_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o these_o word_n be_v plain_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o less_o be_v say_v than_o be_v mean_v for_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v extreme_o displease_v with_o they_o and_o punish_v they_o very_o severe_o the_o like_a figure_n to_o this_o you_o have_v psal._n 5._o 4._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n which_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v explain_v by_o his_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o thou_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o apostasy_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n be_v a_o thing_n high_o provoke_v to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v most_o severe_o punish_v by_o he_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n ii_o the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o iv._o the_o great_a danger_n of_o it_o and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o and_o when_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o these_o i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o short_a exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n and_o it_o consist_v in_o forsake_v or_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o a_o open_a declaration_n in_o word_n or_o a_o virtual_a declaration_n of_o it_o by_o our_o action_n for_o it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o indeed_o that_o renounce_v religion_n by_o a_o open_a declaration_n in_o word_n offer_v the_o great_a and_o bold_a defiance_n to_o it_o but_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o apostate_n who_o silent_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o who_o quit_v it_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o for_o fear_n disow_v it_o and_o sneak_n out_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o own_o it_o thus_o demas_n be_v a_o apostate_n in_o quit_v christianity_n for_o some_o worldly_a interest_n demas_n have_v forsake_v we_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n say_v st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o and_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v mat._n 13._o 20_o 21._o who_o receive_v the_o word_n into_o stony_a ground_n be_v apostate_n out_o of_o fear_n they_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v
and_o honour_v he_o and_o that_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o our_o inward_a apprehension_n of_o he_o and_o affection_n towards_o he_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n our_o saviour_n intend_v in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o character_n of_o this_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v that_o he_o do_v sincere_o love_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o as_o do_v plain_o appear_v in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o our_o saviour_n for_o when_o philip_n invite_v he_o to_o come_v and_o see_v he_o he_o do_v not_o conceal_v the_o prejudice_n and_o objection_n he_o have_v against_o he_o ground_v upon_o a_o common_a but_o uncharitable_a proverb_n that_o out_o of_o nazareth_n arise_v no_o prophet_n but_o have_v a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n he_o be_v not_o so_o carry_v away_o by_o a_o popular_a prejudice_n as_o not_o to_o have_v patience_n to_o be_v better_o inform_v and_o therefore_o be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o go_v and_o see_v our_o saviour_n and_o to_o discourse_v with_o he_o himself_o and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o present_o own_v he_o for_o such_o call_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o because_o sincerity_n be_v the_o very_a heart_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n it_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v after_o this_o temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v know_v when_o we_o have_v it_o and_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v mention_v five_o or_o six_o property_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n by_o which_o man_n may_v sufficient_o know_v the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o god_n 1._o our_o piety_n be_v then_o sincere_a when_o the_o chief_a reason_n and_o predominant_a motive_n of_o it_o be_v religious_a and_o i_o call_v that_o a_o religious_a or_o rational_a motive_n which_o regard_v god_n and_o another_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o man_n and_o to_o our_o present_a temporal_a advantage_n when_o the_o principal_a and_o sway_a motive_n of_o our_o piety_n be_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n authority_n over_o we_o and_o of_o our_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o he_o a_o fear_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o threaten_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o obedience_n these_o motive_n be_v proper_o religious_a because_o they_o respect_v god_n and_o be_v the_o argument_n to_o obedience_n which_o he_o himself_o offer_v to_o we_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sincere_a piety_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o these_o consideration_n how_o unequal_o soever_o mix_v for_o even_o in_o the_o most_o of_o man_n fear_v do_v many_o time_n prevail_v more_o than_o love_n and_o in_o case_n of_o great_a temptation_n may_v preserve_v man_n from_o sin_n when_o perhaps_o no_o other_o consideration_n will_v do_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v a_o unsincere_a piety_n to_o which_o we_o be_v move_v mere_o by_o the_o regard_n of_o man_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o temporal_a advantage_n and_o when_o these_o have_v the_o chief_a influence_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o man_n to_o discern_v in_o himself_o for_o he_o that_o will_v careful_o observe_v himself_o can_v hardly_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a spring_n and_o motive_n of_o his_o own_o action_n but_o there_o be_v one_o sign_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o know_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a towards_o god_n and_o that_o be_v if_o when_o these_o motive_n be_v absent_a our_o piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v either_o cease_v or_o be_v sensible_o cool_v and_o abate_v as_o if_o impiety_n or_o popery_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v bad_a begin_v to_o be_v in_o fashion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o countenance_n of_o great_a example_n if_o those_o who_o we_o fear_v and_o upon_o who_o we_o depend_v do_v discover_v any_o inclination_n that_o way_n if_o the_o garb_n of_o religion_n cease_v to_o be_v for_o our_o interest_n or_o in_o the_o revolution_n of_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o if_o in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n we_o let_v fall_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o insincerity_n of_o our_o former_a piety_n 2._o a_o sincere_a piety_n must_v be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v a_o live_a principle_n within_o we_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o another_o case_n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n who_o be_v one_o outward_o but_o he_o who_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o without_o this_o all_o outward_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v hypocrisy_n a_o picture_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o 3._o a_o three_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v when_o man_n be_v religious_a in_o private_a and_o in_o secret_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a and_o in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o man_n he_o be_v true_o devout_a who_o be_v so_o in_o his_o family_n and_o in_o his_o closet_n where_o he_o have_v no_o witness_n but_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v a_o downright_a honest_a man_n who_o will_v make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o perform_v his_o promise_n when_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o no_o law_n compel_v he_o to_o it_o as_o ready_o as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o hundred_o witness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v sincere_o just_a who_o will_v not_o detain_v from_o another_o his_o right_n though_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o nor_o wrong_v any_o man_n though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o secrecy_n and_o safety_n in_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o another_o ignorance_n or_o unskilfulness_n though_o never_o so_o much_o to_o his_o own_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n he_o be_v true_o charitable_a who_o will_v not_o only_o as_o soon_o but_o rather_o soon_o give_v his_o alm_n in_o secret_a than_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o he_o be_v true_o grateful_a who_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n will_v acknowledge_v a_o kindness_n and_o requite_v a_o benefit_n to_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o decease_a friend_n though_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o memory_n of_o the_o obligation_n die_v with_o he_o and_o that_o none_o be_v conscious_a to_o it_o but_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o sincerity_n of_o which_o may_v not_o by_o this_o evidence_n be_v know_v to_o we_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o man_n may_v for_o certain_a conclude_v himself_o a_o hypocrite_n if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n 4._o another_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o piety_n in_o new_a convert_v which_o be_v many_o time_n very_o imperfect_a and_o such_o as_o afford_v little_a or_o no_o evidence_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n but_o in_o those_o who_o have_v make_v any_o considerable_a progress_n in_o goodness_n the_o habit_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n and_o the_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o even_o the_o single_a act_n of_o more_o heinous_a crime_n will_v bring_v in_o question_n our_o sincerity_n and_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v shelter_v under_o the_o name_n of_o infirmity_n for_o these_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o subdue_v and_o he_o be_v not_o sincere_o good_a who_o do_v not_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v and_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o all_o the_o purpose_n though_o not_o of_o a_o perfect_a yet_o of_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 5._o another_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v that_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a equal_o respect_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o it_o do_v not_o content_v itself_o with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o some_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n though_o never_o so_o
considerable_a and_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o breach_n or_o neglect_v of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o observe_v the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o overlook_v the_o other_o no_o nor_o with_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n one_o only_o except_v st._n james_n put_v this_o case_n and_o determine_v that_o he_o that_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n at_o odds_o and_o dash_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n against_o one_o another_o lest_z as_o st._n james_n say_v we_o break_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o i_o fear_v this_o be_v too_o common_a a_o fault_n even_o among_o those_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o obligation_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o respect_n our_o carriage_n and_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o man_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v law_n to_o we_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o we_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_a design_n that_o we_o shall_v honour_v he_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o one_o another_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o join_v with_o our_o humble_a and_o dutiful_a deportment_n towards_o himself_o the_o office_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o other_o mich._n 6._o 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a that_o many_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n be_v very_o defective_a in_o moral_a duty_n very_o unpeaceable_a and_o turbulent_a in_o their_o spirit_n very_o peevish_a and_o passionate_a very_a conceit_a and_o censorious_a as_o if_o their_o profession_n of_o godliness_n do_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o care_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n but_o we_o must_v not_o so_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o heaven_n as_o to_o forget_v that_o we_o walk_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o order_n of_o our_o step_n and_o conversation_n among_o man_n lest_o while_o we_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n we_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n of_o gross_a and_o foul_a immorality_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o man_n may_v be_v devout_a and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n very_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o because_o of_o their_o palpable_a defect_n in_o point_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n may_v be_v gross_a and_o odious_a hypocrite_n for_o man_n must_v not_o think_v for_o some_o act_n either_o of_o outward_a or_o inward_a piety_n to_o compound_v with_o god_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n or_o to_o demand_v it_o as_o a_o right_n from_o man_n to_o be_v excuse_v from_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o humane_a conversation_n or_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o they_o because_o they_o relate_v chief_o to_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o temporal_a happiness_n of_o man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o great_a devotion_n to_o give_v a_o licence_n to_o man_n to_o be_v peevish_a and_o froward_a sour_a and_o morose_n supercilious_a and_o censorious_a in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o other_o man_n must_v have_v a_o great_a care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o intent_n upon_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o inward_a and_o real_a goodness_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o neglect_v and_o lose_v the_o main_a end_n of_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o place_v all_o religion_n in_o fast_v and_o outward_a mortification_n for_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o their_o place_n if_o they_o be_v discreet_o manage_v and_o make_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o man_n have_v so_o unequal_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o fast_v and_o corporal_a severity_n those_o meager_a and_o lean_a duty_n of_o piety_n in_o comparison_n do_v like_o pharaoh_n lean_a cow_n devour_v and_o eat_v up_o almost_o all_o the_o goodly_a and_o well-favoured_a the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o therefore_o man_n must_v take_v great_a heed_n lest_o whilst_o they_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o mortify_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o mortify_v virtue_n and_o good_a nature_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n thing_n high_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o and_o amiable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v not_o only_o a_o mighty_a scandal_n to_o religion_n but_o of_o pernicious_a consequence_n many_o other_o way_n a_o fierce_a and_o ill_o govern_v a_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v necessary_o as_o they_o think_v to_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n have_v make_v many_o man_n do_v many_o unreasonable_a immoral_a and_o impious_a thing_n of_o which_o history_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o zealot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v too_o many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n among_o ourselves_o for_o man_n that_o be_v not_o sober_a and_o considerate_a in_o their_o religion_n but_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o blind_a prejudice_n and_o furious_a zeal_n do_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o strong_o fancy_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n hence_o some_o have_v proceed_v to_o that_o height_n of_o absurdity_n in_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n and_o church_n as_o to_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o commendable_a and_o meritorious_a to_o equivocate_v upon_o oath_n and_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v piety_n in_o some_o case_n to_o lie_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o kill_v man_n for_o god_n sake_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v approve_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o evidence_n to_o ourselves_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n we_o ought_v impartial_o to_o regard_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o with_o god_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o sincerity_n in_o scripture_n be_v often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n because_o it_o be_v integrate_v and_o make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 6._o the_o last_o evidence_n i_o shall_v mention_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v if_o it_o hold_v out_o against_o persecution_n and_o endure_v the_o fiery_a trial_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o bear_v the_o cross_n to_o be_v willing_a then_o to_o expose_v all_o our_o worldly_a interest_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o trial_n which_o god_n do_v not_o always_o call_v his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o but_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o mind_n this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o great_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n into_o good_a ground_n and_o be_v well_o root_v in_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v not_o shake_v by_o these_o fierce_a assault_n for_o many_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o have_v not_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o persecution_n or_o tribulation_n arise_v because_o of_o
can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n it_o be_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o goodness_n it_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v perfection_n and_o frequent_o join_v with_o it_o and_o throughout_o the_o bible_n there_o be_v the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n lay_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o religion_n only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n say_v joshua_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n jos._n 24._o 14._o god_n take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o it_o so_o david_n assure_v we_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 17._o i_o know_v my_o god_n that_o thou_o trye_v the_o heart_n and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o uprightness_n and_o again_o thou_o love_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n to_o this_o disposition_n of_o mind_n the_o promise_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o blessing_n be_v particular_o make_v psal._n 15._o 1_o 2._o lord_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n psal._n 32._o 2._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v no_o sin_n and_o in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o character_n of_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v of_o nathaniel_n be_v the_o only_a full_a and_o perfect_a commendation_n that_o we_o read_v be_v ever_o give_v by_o he_o of_o any_o particular_a person_n he_o commend_v some_o particular_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o other_o as_o st._n peter_n confession_n of_o he_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o centurion_n and_o of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v heal_v by_o touch_v the_o hem_v of_o his_o garment_n the_o charity_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o cast_v she_o two_o mite_n into_o the_o treasury_n and_o the_o bounty_n of_o that_o other_o devout_a woman_n who_o pour_v upon_o he_o a_o box_n of_o precious_a ointment_n but_o here_o he_o give_v the_o particular_a character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n when_o he_o say_v of_o nathaniel_n that_o he_o be_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guilford_n and_o the_o apostle_n mention_n this_o quality_n as_o the_o chief_a ingredient_n into_o the_o character_n of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guilford_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n second_o the_o rarity_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v a_o far_a commendation_n of_o it_o a_o sincere_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n without_o any_o guile_n or_o disguise_n be_v not_o a_o sight_n to_o be_v see_v every_o day_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o of_o special_a remark_n and_o observation_n and_o break_v out_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o wonder_n upon_o the_o occasion_n as_o if_o to_o see_v a_o man_n of_o perfect_a integrity_n and_o simplicity_n be_v a_o occurrence_n very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o our_o more_o especial_a attention_n and_o regard_n behold_v say_v he_o a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guil._n three_o the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n will_v quite_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n and_o acceptance_n of_o all_o our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n and_o certain_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o our_o external_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n if_o not_o animate_v by_o sincerity_n be_v like_o a_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o heart_n which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n four_o hypocrisy_n and_o insincerity_n be_v a_o very_a vain_a and_o foolish_a thing_n it_o be_v design_v to_o cheat_v other_o but_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o deceive_a of_o ourselves_o no_o man_n will_v flatter_v or_o dissemble_v do_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v see_v and_o discover_v a_o open_a knave_n be_v a_o great_a fool_n who_o destroy_v at_o once_o both_o his_o design_n and_o his_o reputation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o hypocrite_n all_o the_o disagreement_n which_o be_v between_o his_o tongue_n and_o his_o thought_n his_o action_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o that_o eye_n from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v for_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n may_v hide_v themselves_o five_o truth_n and_o reality_n have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o appearance_n and_o many_o more_o if_o the_o show_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a sincerity_n be_v better_a for_o why_o do_v any_o man_n dissemble_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o but_o because_o he_o think_v it_o good_a to_o have_v such_o a_o quality_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o for_o to_o counterfeit_v and_o dissemble_v be_v to_o put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o some_o real_a excellency_n now_o the_o best_a way_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n be_v real_o to_o be_v what_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v many_o time_n as_o troublesome_a to_o make_v good_a the_o pretence_n of_o a_o good_a quality_n as_o to_o have_v it_o and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v it_o not_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o he_o be_v discover_v to_o want_v it_o and_o then_o all_o his_o pain_n and_o labour_n to_o seem_v to_o have_v it_o be_v lose_v there_o be_v something_o unnatural_a in_o paint_v which_o a_o skilful_a eye_n will_v easy_o discern_v from_o native_a beauty_n and_o complexion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o personate_v and_o act_v a_o part_n long_o for_o where_o truth_n be_v not_o at_o the_o bottom_n nature_n will_v always_o be_v endeavour_v to_o return_v and_o will_v peep_v out_o and_o betray_v herself_o one_o time_n or_o other_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n think_v it_o convenient_a to_o seem_v good_a let_v he_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o then_o his_o goodness_n will_v appear_v to_o every_o body_n satisfaction_n for_o truth_n be_v convince_a and_o carry_v it_o be_v own_o light_n and_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o and_o will_v not_o only_o commend_v we_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n but_o which_o be_v much_o more_o to_o god_n who_o search_v and_o see_v our_o heart_n so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n sincerity_n be_v true_a wisdom_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n integrity_n have_v many_o advantage_n over_o all_o the_o fine_a and_o artificial_a way_n of_o dissimulation_n and_o deceit_n it_o be_v much_o the_o plain_o and_o easy_o much_o the_o safe_a and_o more_o secure_a way_n of_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v less_o of_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o entanglement_n and_o perplexity_n of_o danger_n and_o hazard_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o short_a and_o near_a way_n to_o our_o end_n carry_v we_o thither_o in_o a_o straight_a line_n and_o will_v hold_v out_o and_o last_o long_a the_o art_n of_o deceit_n and_o cunning_a do_v continual_o grow_v weak_a and_o less_o effectual_a and_o serviceable_a to_o they_o that_o use_v they_o whereas_o integrity_n gain_v strength_n by_o use_n and_o the_o more_o and_o long_o any_o man_n practise_v it_o the_o great_a service_n it_o do_v he_o by_o confirm_v his_o reputation_n and_o encourage_v those_o with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o repose_v the_o great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o the_o business_n and_o affair_n of_o life_n but_o a_o dissembler_n must_v always_o be_v upon_o his_o guard_n and_o watch_v himself_o careful_o that_o he_o do_v not_o contradict_v his_o own_o pretence_n for_o he_o act_v a_o unnatural_a part_n and_o therefore_o must_v put_v a_o continual_a force_n and_o restraint_n upon_o himself_o truth_n always_o lie_v uppermost_a and_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o careful_o attend_v he_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o bolt_n it_o out_o whereas_o he_o that_o act_v sincere_o have_v the_o easy_a task_n in_o the_o world_n because_o he_o follow_v nature_n and_o so_o be_v put_v to_o no_o trouble_n and_o care_n about_o his_o word_n and_o action_n he_o need_v not_o invent_v any_o pretence_n beforehand_o nor_o make_v excuse_n afterward_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v say_v or_o do_v but_o insincerity_n be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o manage_v a_o man_n have_v so_o many_o thing_n to_o attend_v to_o so_o many_o end_n to_o bring_v together_o as_o make_v his_o life_n a_o very_a perplex_a and_o intricate_a thing_n oportet_fw-la mendacem_fw-la esse_fw-la memorem_fw-la a_o liar_n have_v need_n have_v a_o good_a memory_n lest_o he_o contradict_v at_o one_o time_n what_o he_o say_v at_o
this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n than_o we_o do_v and_o must_v call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n 4._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v far_o that_o the_o high_a commendation_n that_o be_v give_v in_o scripture_n to_o any_o one_o faith_n be_v give_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o abraham_n faith_n be_v famous_a and_o make_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o generation_n because_o he_o reason_v himself_o into_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o he_o do_v not_o blind_o break_v through_o these_o objection_n and_o wink_v hard_a at_o they_o but_o he_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o give_v himself_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o the_o centurian's_n faith_n be_v commend_v by_o our_o saviour_n math._n 8._o 11._o because_o when_o his_o servant_n be_v sick_a he_o do_v not_o desire_v he_o to_o come_v to_o his_o house_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n only_o and_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v for_o he_o reason_v thus_o i_o be_o a_o man_n under_o authority_n have_v soldier_n under_o i_o and_o i_o say_v to_o this_o man_n go_v and_o he_o go_v and_o to_o another_o come_v and_o he_o come_v and_o to_o my_o servant_n do_v this_o and_o he_o do_v it_o now_o if_o he_o that_o be_v himself_o under_o authority_n can_v thus_o command_v those_o that_o be_v under_o he_o much_o more_o can_v he_o that_o have_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o commission_n do_v what_o he_o please_v by_o his_o word_n and_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reprehend_v he_o for_o reason_v himself_o into_o this_o belief_n that_o he_o admire_v his_o faith_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o v_o 10._o when_o jesus_n hear_v this_o he_o marvel_v and_o say_v to_o they_o that_o follow_v he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o have_v not_o find_v so_o great_a faith_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n inlike_a manner_n our_o saviour_n commend_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n faith_n because_o she_o enforce_v it_o so_o reasonable_o matthew_n 15._o 22._o she_o sue_v to_o he_o to_o help_v her_o daughter_n but_o he_o answer_v she_o not_o a_o word_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o mind_v she_o yet_o still_o the_o press_v he_o say_v lord_n help_v i_o and_o when_o he_o repulse_v she_o with_o this_o severe_a answer_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n and_o cast_v it_o to_o dog_n she_o make_v this_o quick_a and_o modest_a reply_n truth_n lord_n yet_o the_o dog_n eat_v of_o the_o crumb_n which_o fall_v from_o their_o master_n table_n she_o acknowledge_v she_o own_o unworthiness_n but_o yet_o believe_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o reject_v those_o who_o humble_o seek_v to_o he_o upon_o which_o he_o give_v she_o this_o testimony_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n the_o apostle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v because_o they_o inquire_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o belief_n before_o they_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o even_o by_o teacher_n that_o certain_o be_v infallible_a 5._o none_o be_v reprove_v in_o scripture_n for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o where_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o the_o israelite_n be_v general_o blame_v for_o their_o infidelity_n but_o than_o it_o be_v after_o such_o mighty_a wonder_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o their_o conviction_n the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v not_o condemn_v simple_o for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o for_o not_o believe_v when_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n offer_v to_o they_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o no_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n thomas_n indeed_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o unbelief_n because_o he_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o himself_o see_v last_o to_o show_v this_o yet_o more_o plain_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n of_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a prejudice_n to_o religion_n than_o to_o decline_v this_o trial_n to_o say_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o religion_n be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a indeed_o it_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o any_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o because_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o cogent_a reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o we_o say_v god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o or_o else_o we_o say_v nothing_o if_o we_o turn_v off_o reason_n here_o we_o level_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o wild_a and_o most_o absurd_a enthusiams_n and_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n much_o to_o give_v reason_n ill_a name_n to_o call_v it_o blind_a and_o carnal_a reason_n our_o best_a reason_n be_v but_o very_o short_a and_o imperfect_a but_o since_o it_o be_v no_o better_o we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o before_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o both_o the_o extreme_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o our_o church_n be_v general_o great_a declamer_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o find_v their_o account_n in_o it_o it_o be_v well_o for_o our_o part_n we_o apprehend_v no_o manner_n of_o inconvenience_n in_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n nor_o need_v we_o to_o desire_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o any_o man_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n than_o to_o hear_v he_o declare_v against_o reason_n and_o thereby_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v against_o he_o man_n may_v vilify_v reason_n as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v and_o though_o be_v revile_v she_o revile_v not_o again_o yet_o in_o a_o more_o still_a and_o gentle_a way_n she_o common_o have_v her_o full_a revenge_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o rail_v at_o she_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o people_n can_v with_o patience_n endure_v to_o hear_v their_o teacher_n and_o guide_n talk_v against_o reason_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o pay_v they_o the_o great_a submission_n and_o veneration_n for_o it_o one_o will_v think_v this_o but_o a_o odd_a way_n to_o gain_v authority_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o some_o skilful_a and_o design_v man_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a way_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o ignorant_a as_o nurse_n use_v to_o endear_v themselves_o to_o child_n by_o perpetual_a noise_n and_o nonsense_n iii_o i_o observe_v that_o god_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v plain_a and_o evident_a contradiction_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n abraham_n can_v not_o reasonable_o have_v believe_v this_o second_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v from_o god_n if_o he_o have_v not_o find_v some_o way_n to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o first_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o divine_a revelation_n 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 some_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o they_o oblige_v god_n mighty_o by_o believe_v plain_a contradiction_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o he_o that_o make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v take_v it_o kind_o from_o any_o man_n to_o debase_v his_o workmanship_n by_o make_v himself_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o as_o no_o service_n or_o obedience_n so_o no_o faith_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o may_v be_v confidence_n or_o presumption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v plain_a contradiction_n may_v believe_v any_o thing_n how_o absurd_a soever_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n believe_v nothing_o upon_o good_a ground_n because_o to_o he_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o 4._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o man_n obedience_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o command_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o firm_o as_o abraham_n believe_v god_n in_o this_o case_n what_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o as_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a as_o he_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v as_o
why_o will_v he_o refuse_v a_o kingdom_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o with_o so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n of_o do_v so_o much_o good_a that_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v prevail_v with_o moses_n be_v this_o that_o he_o can_v not_o accept_v the_o offer_n without_o forsake_v god_n and_o renounce_v his_o religion_n for_o consider_v how_o strange_o the_o egyptian_n be_v addict_v to_o idolatry_n he_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v for_o heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n unless_o he_o will_v violate_v his_o conscience_n either_o by_o abandon_v or_o dissemble_v his_o religion_n and_o how_o unlikely_a it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n he_o may_v easy_o judge_v by_o the_o example_n of_o joseph_n who_o though_o he_o have_v so_o much_o authority_n and_o esteem_n among_o they_o by_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n to_o their_o nation_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o move_v they_o in_o the_o least_o in_o that_o matter_n now_o see_v he_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o attain_v or_o enjoy_v that_o dignity_n without_o sin_v grievous_o against_o god_n he_o will_v not_o purchase_v a_o kingdom_n at_o so_o unconscionable_a a_o price_n and_o as_o for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n he_o be_v content_a to_o trust_v the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o that_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o take_v a_o part_n in_o the_o affliction_n of_o god_n people_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o moses_n self-denial_n in_o prefer_v and_o choose_v a_o state_n of_o afflict_a piety_n before_o any_o sinful_a enjoyment_n whatsoever_o before_o the_o great_a earthly_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n when_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v and_o enjoy_v upon_o other_o term_n than_o of_o sin_v against_o god_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v those_o circumstance_n of_o this_o self-denial_n of_o moses_n which_o do_v very_o much_o commend_v and_o set_v off_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o prudence_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n in_o prefer_v a_o state_n of_o afflict_a piety_n and_o virtue_n before_o the_o great_a prosperity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n iv._o suppose_v this_o choice_n to_o be_v reasonable_a i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o make_v another_o choice_n i._o we_o will_v consider_v moses_n his_o self-denial_n in_o prefer_v a_o state_n of_o afflict_a piety_n before_o the_o great_a earthly_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n when_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v enjoy_v upon_o other_o term_n than_o of_o sin_v against_o god_n he_o be_v adopt_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o egypt_n one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o flourish_a kingdom_n then_o in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o can_v not_o hope_v to_o attain_v to_o this_o dignity_n and_o to_o secure_v himself_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o upon_o other_o term_n than_o of_o comply_v with_o that_o nation_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a religion_n and_o worship_n now_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o mother_n to_o who_o pharaoh_n daughter_n have_v commit_v he_o he_o can_v not_o without_o great_a violence_n to_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o education_n renounce_v the_o true_a god_n and_o fall_v off_o to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n than_o to_o have_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v without_o sin_n for_o so_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d than_o to_o have_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n so_o here_o be_v moses_n his_o self-denial_n that_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n than_o to_o gain_v a_o kingdom_n by_o the_o renounce_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n ii_o we_o will_v consider_v those_o circumstance_n of_o his_o self_n denial_n which_o do_v very_o much_o commend_v and_o set_v off_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n '_o s_o daughter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o flourish_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n a_o temptation_n so_o great_a that_o the_o devil_n himself_o can_v not_o find_v out_o one_o much_o great_a when_o he_o set_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o tempt_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o and_o when_o we_o consider_v for_o what_o inconsiderable_a thing_n some_o man_n sell_v their_o religion_n and_o their_o conscience_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o no_o small_a temptation_n which_o moses_n here_o resist_v si_fw-mi violandum_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o regnandi_fw-la causâ_fw-la violandum_fw-la est_fw-la if_o a_o man_n will_v do_v any_o unjust_a thing_n and_o violate_v his_o religion_n and_o conscience_n he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o for_o less_o than_o a_o kingdom_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a bargain_n even_o upon_o those_o term_n 2._o consider_v not_o only_o what_o he_o refuse_v but_o what_o he_o choose_v in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o a_o state_n of_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n have_v he_o refuse_v a_o kingdom_n and_o choose_v the_o quiet_a condition_n of_o a_o subject_a of_o middle_a rank_n beneath_o envy_n and_o above_o contempt_n his_o self-denial_n have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a nay_o perhaps_o he_o have_v make_v a_o wise_a choice_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wisee_a man_n in_o prefer_v a_o plentiful_a and_o quiet_a retirement_n before_o the_o care_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o the_o burden_n of_o public_a government_n but_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o will_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v oppress_v and_o persecute_v than_o to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o to_o have_v the_o sweet_a power_n to_o use_v other_o as_o he_o please_v 3._o consider_v how_o fair_a a_o prospect_n he_o have_v of_o enjoy_v this_o kingdom_n if_o he_o can_v but_o have_v come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o he_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o because_o he_o despair_v of_o attain_v it_o for_o he_o have_v all_o the_o right_a that_o a_o good_a title_n can_v give_v he_o be_v adopt_a heir_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o he_o refuse_v it_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o his_o breed_n be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o kindle_v ambitious_a thought_n in_o he_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o it_o exceed_v beautiful_a as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o and_o learn_v in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n than_o which_o no_o two_o quality_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o puff_n up_o and_o swell_v a_o man_n with_o big_a thought_n of_o himself_o they_o that_o be_v breed_v in_o a_o low_a condition_n never_o think_v of_o a_o kingdom_n man_n not_o be_v apt_a to_o aspire_v to_o thing_n which_o be_v remote_a and_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o but_o nothing_o be_v more_o rare_a in_o person_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a mind_n than_o such_o a_o self-denial_n as_o this_o 4._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o this_o be_v a_o deliberate_a choice_n not_o any_o rash_a and_o sudden_a determination_n make_v by_o he_o when_o he_o be_v of_o incompetent_a age_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o text_n as_o a_o very_a memorable_a circumstance_n that_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n and_o st._n stephen_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v full_o forty_o year_n old_a when_o he_o make_v this_o choice_n act_v 7._o 23._o when_o he_o be_v full_o forty_o year_n old_a it_o come_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o be_v of_o ripe_a judgement_n and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o prosperity_n and_o reputation_n he_o make_v this_o choice_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o that_o moses_n be_v learn_v in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n that_o be_v he_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o valour_n this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o other_o passage_n of_o his_o life_n which_o be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n history_n but_o relate_v at_o large_a by_o josephus_n out_o of_o historian_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n for_o he_o tell_v that_o when_o
the_o ethiopian_n have_v invade_v egypt_n and_o almost_o overrun_v it_o that_o pharaoh_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o oracle_n at_o memphis_n to_o make_v moses_n his_o general_n who_o by_o his_o extraordinary_a conduct_n and_o courage_n overthrow_v the_o ethiopian_n and_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n this_o moses_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o relate_v of_o himself_o but_o st._n stephen_n seem_v to_o allude_v to_o it_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v and_o when_o he_o be_v full_o forty_o year_n old_a it_o come_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v at_o full_a maturity_n of_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o prosperity_n and_o reputation_n he_o quit_v the_o court_n of_o egypt_n and_o go_v to_o visit_v his_o afflict_a brethren_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n than_o to_o accept_v those_o great_a offer_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o passage_n in_o josephus_n concern_v moses_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o the_o contempt_n which_o he_o show_v afterward_o of_o the_o crown_n of_o egypt_n that_o when_o moses_n be_v about_o three_o year_n old_a thermuthis_n the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n bring_v the_o child_n to_o he_o who_o take_v he_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o put_v his_o diadem_n upon_o his_o head_n but_o moses_n take_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o trample_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n this_o be_v but_o a_o childish_a act_n and_o they_o who_o see_v it_o will_v easy_o believe_v that_o for_o all_o his_o childish_a contempt_n of_o it_o then_o it_o it_o be_v put_v upon_o his_o head_n in_o good_a earnest_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o man_n he_o will_v hold_v it_o on_o fast_a and_o use_v it_o with_o more_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v some_o regard_n to_o this_o when_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n intimate_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o trample_v upon_o the_o diadem_n of_o pharaoh_n when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n but_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v better_a of_o those_o thing_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_a i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o reflect_v great_o upon_o the_o integrity_n of_o moses_n can_v we_o think_v he_o so_o very_o conscientious_a a_o man_n who_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o pretend_a god_n direction_n in_o the_o case_n to_o cheat_v the_o egyptian_n of_o their_o jewel_n under_o a_o fraudulent_a pretence_n of_o borrow_v they_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o appear_v and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o with_o your_o favourable_a attention_n and_o free_a from_o prejudice_n to_o vindicate_v moses_n clear_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v common_o and_o true_o say_v in_o this_o case_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o thing_n may_v transfer_v the_o right_n of_o man_n from_o one_o to_o another_o because_o the_o objection_n do_v not_o lie_v against_o god_n right_a to_o take_v away_o from_o any_o man_n what_o he_o have_v give_v he_o but_o against_o the_o fraudulent_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o which_o seem_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o command_v or_o encourage_v now_o this_o matter_n i_o think_v be_v capable_a of_o another_o and_o much_o clear_a answer_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o and_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n as_o we_o find_v it_o relate_v ex._n 12._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v it_o seem_v design_n by_o this_o way_n to_o make_v some_o reparation_n to_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o tyrannical_a usage_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o that_o first_o as_o the_o text_n express_o tell_v we_o in_o give_v they_o favour_n with_o the_o egyptian_n who_o in_o truth_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o such_o troublesome_a guest_n be_v dispose_v to_o lend_v they_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v thus_o far_o all_o be_v right_a here_o be_v nothing_o but_o fair_a borrow_n and_o lend_v and_o if_o the_o israelite_n acquire_v a_o right_a to_o those_o thing_n afterward_o there_o be_v then_o no_o obligation_n to_o restitution_n let_v we_o see_v then_o how_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n bring_v this_o about_o namely_o by_o permit_v the_o egyptian_n afterward_o without_o cause_n and_o after_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o depart_v to_o pursue_v they_o with_o a_o design_n to_o have_v destroy_v they_o by_o which_o hostility_n and_o perfidiousness_n they_o plain_o forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o what_o they_o have_v only_o lend_v before_o for_o this_o hostile_a attempt_n which_o will_v have_v warrant_v the_o israelite_n to_o have_v spoil_v they_o of_o their_o jewel_n if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o egyptian_n do_v certain_o warrant_v they_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o they_o have_v they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o become_v rightful_a possessor_n of_o what_o they_o have_v only_o by_o loan_n before_o and_o can_v not_o have_v detain_v without_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n if_o this_o hostility_n of_o the_o egyptian_n have_v not_o give_v they_o a_o new_a title_n and_o clear_a right_n to_o they_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o prudence_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v abstract_n from_o the_o particular_a case_n of_o moses_n and_o show_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a and_o reasonable_a thing_n to_o prefer_v even_o a_o afflict_a state_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n before_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o prosperity_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n upon_o account_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o the_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n consequent_a upon_o they_o 1._o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o this_o moses_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o make_v this_o choice_n for_o therefore_o he_o choose_v to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n because_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o though_o he_o have_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a discovery_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o future_a state_n yet_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v so_o much_o assurance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o firm_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n at_o the_o last_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o and_o we_o have_v no_o expectation_n beyond_o this_o world_n the_o wise_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v will_v be_v to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o the_o present_a contentment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o we_o can_v make_v ourselves_o master_n of_o but_o if_o we_o be_v design_v for_o immortality_n and_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a or_o intorable_o miserable_a in_o another_o world_n according_a as_o we_o have_v demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o life_n then_o certain_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o long_a duration_n and_o be_v content_a to_o dispense_v with_o some_o present_a inconvenience_n for_o a_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o labour_v and_o take_v pain_n for_o a_o little_a while_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a forever_o and_o this_o be_v account_v prudence_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n to_o part_v with_o a_o little_a in_o present_a for_o a_o far_o great_a future_a advantage_n but_o the_o disproportion_n betwixt_o time_n and_o eternity_n be_v so_o vast_a that_o do_v we_o but_o firm_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v too_o good_a to_o part_v withal_o or_o too_o grievous_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o upon_o this_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n beyond_o all_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v infinite_a gainer_n at_o the_o last_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v keep_v from_o sink_v under_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o fortify_v against_o all_o that_o the_o
malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o renounce_v his_o happiness_n but_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o great_a advantage_n and_o do_v wise_o consider_v his_o own_o best_a and_o and_o most_o last_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o first_o ii_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n attend_v and_o consequent_a upon_o they_o that_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o they_o be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o they_o be_v short_a and_o but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o as_o to_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consquence_n of_o they_o that_o they_o end_n in_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a a_o wicked_a man_n may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n but_o even_o in_o laughter_n his_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mirth_n be_v heaviness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a and_o sincere_a pleasure_n in_o any_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o outward_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n for_o where_o ever_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v there_o must_v be_v guilt_n and_o wherever_o guilt_n be_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v restless_a and_o unquiet_a for_o there_o be_v two_o very_a troublesome_a and_o torment_a passion_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o guilt_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v discover_v and_o fear_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v punish_v and_o these_o do_v continual_o haunt_v the_o sinner_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o inward_a horror_n and_o confusion_n in_o his_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o if_o sin_n be_v attend_v with_o no_o other_o trouble_n but_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o commit_v it_o if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o mind_n 2._o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o be_v but_o short_a upon_o this_o consideration_n moses_n set_v no_o great_a price_n and_o value_n upon_o they_o but_o prefer_v affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o good_a company_n and_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n before_o the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v perfect_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n in_o they_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abatement_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a a_o continuance_n the_o pleasure_n of_o most_o sin_n expire_v with_o the_o act_n of_o they_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v the_o delight_n vanish_v i_o can_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v several_a worldly_a advantage_n to_o be_v purchase_v by_o sin_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o riches_n and_o honour_n the_o common_a purchase_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o of_o that_o long_a train_n of_o inferior_a vice_n which_o attend_v upon_o they_o and_o minister_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o these_o enjoyment_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n of_o a_o uncertain_a continuance_n and_o much_o more_o uncertain_a for_o be_v purchase_v by_o indirect_a and_o ill_a mean_n but_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o our_o life_n yet_o how_o short_a a_o duration_n be_v that_o compare_v with_o eternity_n make_v the_o utmu_v allowance_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v yet_o we_o can_v but_o enjoy_v they_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n it_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v stand_v before_o that_o high_a tribunal_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o in_o the_o least_o to_o have_v be_v prince_n and_o great_a man_n and_o judge_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o poor_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o this_o world_n will_v then_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o bige_a of_o we_o all_o for_o all_o mankind_n shall_v then_o stand_v upon_o a_o level_n and_o those_o civil_a distinction_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a of_o base_a and_o honourable_a which_o seem_v now_o so_o considerable_a and_o make_v such_o a_o glare_a difference_n among_o man_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v all_o then_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o moral_a difference_n shall_v only_o take_v place_n all_o the_o distinction_n which_o will_v then_o be_v make_v will_v be_v betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v real_o much_o great_a than_o ever_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o high_a and_o mean_a person_n in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v we_o value_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v only_o considerable_a and_o that_o only_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o vain_a man_n during_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n but_o bear_v no_o price_n at_o all_o in_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o or_o if_o they_o do_v we_o can_v carry_v they_o along_o with_o we_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o indeed_o will_v follow_v we_o with_o a_o vengeance_n the_o injustice_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a art_n we_o have_v use_v for_o the_o get_n or_o keep_v of_o they_o especial_o if_o at_o once_o we_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o we_o have_v change_v our_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v much_o worse_o if_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o have_v betray_v it_o and_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o for_o the_o gain_n or_o secure_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o sorrow_n that_o though_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n the_o guilt_n of_o it_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o but_o will_v stick_v close_o to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n which_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n many_o time_n in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o 1._o in_o this_o world_n the_o very_o best_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v be_v repentance_n and_o even_o this_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sensible_a pain_n and_o trouble_v in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v many_o time_n especial_o after_o great_a sin_n and_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o they_o accompany_v with_o much_o regret_n and_o horror_n with_o deep_a and_o pierce_a sorrow_n with_o dismal_a and_o despair_a thought_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o with_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a consequence_n of_o sin_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a no_o man_n that_o consider_v and_o calculate_v thing_n wise_o will_v purchase_v the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n at_o the_o price_n of_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o sorrow_n as_o a_o true_a and_o deep_a repentance_n will_v cost_v he_o especial_o since_o a_o true_a repentance_n do_v in_o many_o case_n oblige_v man_n to_o the_o restitution_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v gain_v by_o sin_n if_o it_o have_v be_v get_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o another_o and_o this_o consideration_n quite_o take_v away_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o a_o ill_a get_v estate_n better_o never_o to_o have_v have_v it_o than_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o refund_v it_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v forbear_v the_o most_o pleasant_a meat_n if_o he_o know_v beforehand_o that_o they_o will_v make_v he_o deadly_a sick_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v at_o ease_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o up_o again_o no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o world_n will_v ever_o sin_v but_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o retrieve_v all_o again_o by_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o commit_v any_o sin_n upon_o this_o hope_n for_o that_o be_v to_o please_v one_o self_n for_o the_o
word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o any_o man_n live_v so_o as_o no_o man_n that_o hearty_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v live_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v he_o do_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n than_o word_n there_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o man_n action_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o do_v best_a declare_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o man._n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v short_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o action_n to_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o eternal_o happy_a but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n or_o interest_n have_v desert_v the_o faith_n or_o live_v wicked_a life_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n i_o say_v be_v man_n firm_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o i'faith_o even_o in_o temporal_a matter_n be_v a_o mighty_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o will_v make_v man_n to_o attempt_v and_o undergo_v strange_a and_o difficult_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o operative_a and_o powerful_a because_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o it_o present_v to_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v tempt_v or_o terrify_v we_o withal_o will_v we_o but_o by_o faith_n make_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v we_o as_o very_o persuade_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o view_n how_o shall_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n and_o with_o what_o ease_n shall_v we_o resist_v and_o repel_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v seduce_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n or_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n which_o man_n fancy_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o most_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o another_o reason_n of_o this_o wrong_a choice_n be_v want_n of_o consideration_n for_o this_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n
they_o under_o a_o inconvenience_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v at_o age._n and_o can_v we_o think_v they_o of_o discretion_n sufficient_a at_o that_o time_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o other_o and_o which_o will_v concern_v they_o to_o all_o eternity_n namely_o to_o choose_v their_o religion_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o part_n of_o one_o religion_n which_o we_o all_o know_v which_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n be_v fit_a i_o do_v not_o say_v to_o judge_v of_o but_o to_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o and_o to_o practice_v to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o those_o of_o ripe_a year_n and_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v image_n to_o tell_v their_o bead_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o this_o they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o choose_v at_o that_o age_n than_o those_o who_o be_v of_o ripe_a and_o more_o improve_v understanding_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v it_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o they_o will_v not_o choose_v it_o afterward_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a law_n and_o such_o as_o perhaps_o be_v never_o think_v of_o before_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o much_o for_o child_n as_o for_o grow_v person_n who_o be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n of_o understanding_n and_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o other_o disadvantage_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o be_v in_o little_a or_o no_o probability_n of_o improve_n themselves_o these_o be_v always_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v real_o much_o wise_a and_o safe_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v than_o to_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o such_o person_n if_o they_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o know_v and_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o best_a light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v shall_v not_o miscarry_v mere_o for_o want_v of_o those_o far_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v no_o capacity_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o attain_v because_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unavoidable_a and_o god_n will_v require_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o will_v not_o call_v they_o to_o account_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o those_o talent_n which_o he_o never_o commit_v to_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o any_o dangerous_a error_n by_o the_o negligence_n or_o ill_a conduct_n of_o those_o under_o who_o care_n and_o 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certain_o very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o person_n shall_v examine_v their_o religion_n and_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o this_o must_v either_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v reasonable_a or_o else_o every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n to_o pitch_v upon_o when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n and_o make_v his_o free_a choice_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a principle_n that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n but_o take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o it_o then_o every_o man_n be_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o first_o light_n upon_o whether_o by_o choice_n or_o the_o chance_n of_o his_o education_n for_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o change_v but_o upon_o reason_n and_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v none_o unless_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o 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13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n 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be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v for_o when_o he_o be_v attempt_v he_o will_v either_o defend_v his_o religion_n or_o not_o if_o he_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o before_o he_o have_v examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o he_o make_v himself_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o crafty_a man_n that_o will_v set_v upon_o he_o he_o expose_v at_o once_o himself_o to_o danger_n and_o his_o religion_n to_o disgrace_n if_o he_o decline_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o that_o ignorant_a and_o obstinate_a principle_n that_o because_o he_o be_v of_o a_o infallible_a church_n and_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n therefore_o he_o never_o do_v nor_o will_v examine_v whether_o he_o be_v so_o or_o not_o but_o how_o be_v he_o or_o can_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a if_o 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not_o do_v it_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v well_o resolve_v of_o peter_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o 2._o another_o sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o which_o be_v common_o more_o powerful_a than_o example_n be_v worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a bait_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o apt_a to_o work_v very_o strong_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o and_o upon_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o other_o some_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o necessity_n which_o many_o time_n make_v they_o do_v ugly_a and_o reproachful_a thing_n and_o like_o esau_n for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n to_o sell_v their_o 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up_o the_o bowel_n of_o our_o compassion_n from_o our_o distress_a brethren_n god_n can_v easy_o change_v the_o scene_n and_o make_v our_o suffering_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n yet_o in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o equal_a to_o they_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v remember_v the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n and_o say_v as_o his_o brethren_n do_v when_o they_o fall_v into_o trouble_n we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o god_n alone_o know_v what_o storm_n the_o devil_n may_v yet_o raise_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n religion_n to_o consider_v well_o beforehand_o and_o to_o calculate_v the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n it_o may_v expose_v they_o to_o and_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n against_o the_o fierce_a assault_n of_o temptation_n consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o all_o temporal_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o they_o and_o the_o lightness_n of_o they_o too_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o another_o world_n to_o which_o every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o forsake_v god_n and_o renounce_v his_o truth_n and_o wound_n his_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n and_o though_o fear_v in_o many_o case_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o death_n and_o extreme_a suffer_v be_v a_o great_a excuse_n for_o several_a action_n because_o it_o may_v cadere_fw-la in_o constantem_fw-la virum_fw-la happen_v to_o a_o resolute_a man_n yet_o in_o
of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n then_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o run_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n upon_o more_o and_o great_a hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o such_o as_o by_o no_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o man_n in_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o prevent_v as_o for_o the_o easy_a term_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o man_n they_o signify_v nothing_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v they_o good_a which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o believe_v they_o can_v do_v that_o have_v read_v the_o bible_n and_o do_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n that_o after_o the_o long_a course_n of_o a_o most_o lewd_a and_o flagitious_a life_n a_o man_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n forgive_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n upon_o confession_n of_o they_o to_o the_o priest_n with_o that_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o contrition_n for_o they_o which_o they_o call_v attrition_n together_o with_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n now_o attrition_n be_v a_o trouble_n for_o sin_n mere_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o this_o together_o with_o confession_n and_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n without_o any_o hatred_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o evil_a and_o contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o the_o holy_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o without_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o love_n to_o god_n will_v do_v the_o sinner_n business_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n without_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o disposition_n for_o salvation_n but_o only_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v easy_a but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o 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we_o propose_v to_o man_n viz._n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n manifest_v in_o the_o tenure_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v not_o only_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a declaration_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o do_v likewise_o natural_o tend_v to_o engage_v man_n most_o effectual_o to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o therefore_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v such_o lavish_a offer_v of_o salvation_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o they_o for_o if_o after_o all_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v give_v of_o salvation_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n the_o sinner_n do_v real_o miscarry_v and_o miss_v of_o heaven_n it_o be_v but_o very_o ill_a comfort_n to_o he_o to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n for_o a_o minute_n or_o two_o before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o the_o next_o moment_n after_o to_o find_v himself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o particular_a i_o mention_v as_o imply_v in_o the_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v several_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n matth._n 24._o 4._o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o eph._n 4._o 14._o that_o you_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n signify_v the_o cunning_a of_o gamester_n at_o dice_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o chap._n 5._o 6._o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n col._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v by_o sophistry_n and_o vain_a reason_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n heb._n 13._o 9_o be_v not_o carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n and_o this_o caution_n be_v enforce_v by_o a_o express_a prediction_n of_o a_o great_a apostasy_n which_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o which_o many_o shall_v be_v seduce_v by_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n and_o by_o several_a art_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n this_o apostasy_n st._n paul_n express_o foretell_v 2_o thess._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n nor_o by_o word_n or_o message_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n for_o that_o day_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o there_o come_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v reveal_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o after_o a_o particular_a description_n of_o he_o he_o add_v v_o 9_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o in_o all_o deceitfulness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v v_o 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o kind_n of_o this_o apostasy_n the_o same_o apostle_n describe_v more_o full_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o now_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n i._n e._n under_o a_o great_a pretence_n of_o sanctity_n spread_v their_o pernicious_a error_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n this_o be_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o pat_o description_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v spread_v itself_o far_o and_o wide_o for_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v prevail_v under_o a_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o their_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n there_o marriage_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o meat_n be_v forbid_v to_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o men._n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o these_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o idolatry_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o do_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o inventor_n and_o great_a promoter_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v very_o much_o confirm_v by_o what_o we_o find_v add_v in_o some_o ancient_a greek_a copy_n in_o this_o text_n which_o run_v thus_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o shall_v worship_v the_o dead_a as_o some_o also_o in_o israel_n worship_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v
give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o the_o particular_a kind_n of_o idolatry_n into_o which_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v apostatise_v be_v here_o point_a at_o that_o they_o shall_v worship_v soul_n depart_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o dead_a man_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n into_o which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v frequent_o relapse_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v here_o foretell_v such_o a_o apostasy_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o fall_v into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n they_o shall_v be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o israelite_n also_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o dangerous_a seduction_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o charge_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n against_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_a spirit_n not_o but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o we_o be_v always_o to_o have_v a_o ear_n open_a to_o reason_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o hearken_v and_o to_o yield_v to_o that_o whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v but_o to_o be_v overreach_v and_o rook_v out_o of_o one_o religion_n by_o little_a sophistical_a art_n and_o trick_n be_v childish_a and_o silly_a after_o we_o be_v upon_o due_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n settle_v and_o establish_v in_o it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o by_o the_o groundless_a pretence_n of_o confident_a people_n to_o infallibility_n and_o to_o be_v practise_v upon_o by_o cunning_a man_n who_o lie_v at_o catch_n to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n this_o be_v to_o be_v like_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o 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be_v have_v and_o yet_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n but_o for_o these_o they_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n when_o they_o be_v in_o it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o damnable_a error_n and_o mistake_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o consider_v in_o what_o method_n they_o proceed_v with_o their_o intend_a proselyte_n they_o propose_v to_o he_o to_o change_v his_o church_n and_o his_o religion_n because_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o they_o will_v show_v he_o a_o better_a and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o and_o in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o persuade_v he_o hereto_o they_o offer_v he_o some_o reason_n and_o argument_n or_o give_v he_o book_n to_o read_v contain_v argument_n to_o move_v he_o to_o make_v this_o change_n to_o satisfy_v he_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o now_o by_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v and_o they_o can_v take_v no_o other_o they_o do_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o make_v the_o person_n who_o they_o be_v endeavour_v to_o convert_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o which_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v best_a that_o which_o they_o will_v have_v he_o embrace_v and_o come_v over_o to_o or_o that_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o forsake_v for_o to_o what_o end_n else_o do_v they_o offer_v he_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o leave_v our_o church_n and_o to_o come_v over_o to_o they_o but_o that_o he_o may_v consider_v the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o they_o and_o have_v consider_v they_o may_v judge_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o force_n 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himself_o this_o once_o which_o they_o do_v unwilling_o grant_v he_o and_o upon_o mere_a necessity_n he_o be_v for_o ever_o after_o to_o resign_v up_o his_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o though_o this_o liberty_n be_v allow_v pro_fw-la hâc_fw-la vice_fw-la and_o proper_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n i._n e._n in_o order_n to_o the_o change_n of_o his_o religion_n yet_o he_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v no_o fit_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n these_o he_o must_v all_o learn_v from_o the_o true_a church_n when_o he_o be_v in_o it_o and_o take_v they_o upon_o her_o authority_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v do_v very_o prudent_o because_o she_o be_v infallible_a and_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o he_o may_v but_o be_v there_o any_o sense_n in_o all_o this_o that_o
a_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o fit_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o that_o which_o they_o esteem_v the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o namely_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o of_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v whole_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o point_n be_v it_o so_o very_o prudent_a in_o all_o the_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n because_o she_o be_v infallible_a and_o not_o to_o trust_v his_o own_o judgement_n about_o they_o because_o he_o be_v fallible_a and_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o be_v it_o prudent_a likewise_o for_o this_o man_n to_o trust_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o main_a business_n of_o all_o namely_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v as_o fallible_a in_o his_o judgement_n and_o as_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v as_o in_o the_o particular_a point_n and_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o main_a point_n they_o must_v grant_v his_o mistake_n to_o be_v fatal_a because_o his_o sincerity_n as_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v upon_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n and_o riddle_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n shall_v have_v so_o sufficient_a a_o judgement_n as_o to_o this_o main_a and_o fundamental_a business_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o judgement_n at_o all_o about_o particular_a point_n fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a judgement_n and_o prudence_n quoad_fw-la hoc_fw-la and_o as_o if_o all_o man_n understanding_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o be_v very_o judicious_a and_o discern_a in_o this_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o be_v weak_a and_o dangerous_a and_o blind_a as_o to_o all_o particular_a point_n or_o as_o if_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o very_a good_a judgement_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o before_o he_o come_v into_o their_o church_n but_o from_o the_o very_a moment_n he_o enter_v into_o it_o his_o judgement_n be_v quite_o lose_v and_o good_a for_o nothing_o for_o this_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n they_o say_v when_o they_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v very_o able_a to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v discover_v and_o embrace_v that_o to_o have_v no_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o afterward_o of_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o and_o a_o very_a tempt_a argument_n it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n that_o have_v judgement_n to_o enter_v into_o that_o church_n 2._o another_o art_n they_o use_v with_o their_o intend_a proselyte_n in_o order_n to_o his_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o caution_n he_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v only_o the_o argument_n and_o book_n which_o be_v on_o one_o side_n but_o now_o admit_v their_o design_a proselyte_n to_o be_v just_o such_o a_o judge_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o will_v allow_v he_o to_o be_v and_o no_o far_o viz._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n but_o to_o have_v no_o fitness_n and_o ability_n at_o all_o to_o judge_v of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n yet_o methinks_v they_o put_v a_o very_a odd_a condition_n and_o untoward_a restraint_n upon_o this_o judge_n in_o tell_v he_o as_o they_o certain_o use_v to_o do_v those_o who_o they_o will_v pervert_v that_o he_o must_v have_v no_o discourse_n nor_o read_v any_o book_n but_o only_o on_o that_o side_n which_o they_o will_v gain_v he_o to_o because_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o perplex_v and_o confound_v he_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a judgement_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o will_v any_o man_n admit_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v in_o a_o temporal_a case_n this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o in_o a_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n the_o council_n on_o one_o side_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o judge_n that_o it_o be_v only_o fit_a to_o hear_v what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v in_o the_o case_n that_o he_o will_v open_v it_o very_o plain_o and_o state_n the_o matter_n in_o difference_n of_o clear_o and_o impartial_o and_o bring_v such_o strong_a reason_n and_o proof_n for_o what_o he_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o hear_v any_o thing_n on_o the_o other_o side_n but_o may_v proceed_v to_o judgement_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n but_o if_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v thus_o lay_v before_o he_o so_o plain_o and_o be_v even_o ripe_a for_o judgement_n he_o will_v trouble_v himself_o needless_o to_o hear_v the_o other_o side_n this_o will_v cast_v he_o back_o where_o they_o first_o begin_v and_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o endless_a wrangle_n and_o so_o confound_v and_o puzzle_v his_o understanding_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v any_o clear_a judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n what_o think_v we_o will_v a_o judge_n say_v to_o such_o a_o bold_a and_o senseless_a pleader_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o absurdity_n every_o whit_n as_o gross_a and_o palpable_a in_o press_v any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o infinite_o more_o concern_v he_o upon_o hear_v only_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n on_o one_o side_n 3._o another_o art_n which_o they_o use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n be_v to_o possess_v they_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v main_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o that_o be_v this_o since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v which_o that_o true_a church_n be_v and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v that_o out_o that_o will_v teach_v they_o in_o a_o most_o infallible_a way_n the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v by_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o single_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o vnum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v out_o this_o and_o be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o they_o need_v to_o inquire_v no_o far_o this_o church_n will_v full_o instruct_v and_o satisfy_v they_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o this_o i_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o very_a artificial_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o to_o serve_v their_o purpose_n very_o well_o for_o they_o have_v these_o two_o great_a advantage_n by_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o make_v the_o work_n short_a and_o save_v they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o labour_n by_o bring_v the_o whole_a business_n to_o one_o single_a enquiry_n and_o when_o they_o have_v gain_v this_o point_n that_o this_o single_a question_n be_v all_o that_o they_o need_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o then_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o ply_v and_o puzzle_v the_o man_n with_o their_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o mark_v of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o show_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v how_o these_o mark_n agree_v to_o their_o church_n and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o in_o no_o other_o and_o to_o set_v out_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o their_o church_n the_o miraculous_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o daily_o do_v in_o it_o and_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o their_o saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o if_o these_o general_a thing_n take_v and_o sink_v into_o they_o their_o work_n be_v in_o effect_n do_v 2._o another_o great_a advantage_n they_o have_v by_o it_o be_v that_o by_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o method_n they_o divert_v and_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o the_o many_o object_n against_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n namely_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n which_o we_o charge_v they_o withal_o for_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o to_o vindicate_v and_o make_v good_a their_o innovation_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n so_o plain_o in_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n of_o purgatory_n the_o pope_n supremacy_n
will_v not_o be_v prove_v without_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o difficulty_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o by_o the_o confident_a assertion_n of_o they_o by_o importunity_n and_o by_o any_o other_o fair_a mean_n to_o get_v they_o believe_v without_o proof_n of_o this_o stubborn_a sort_n of_o proposition_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o proof_n this_o be_v one_o that_o a_o part_n be_v the_o whole_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o thâ—â—_n the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n for_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o the_o best_a part_n neither_o but_o perhaps_o the_o very_o worst_a and_o most_o corrupt_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o prove_v and_o have_v be_v often_o do_v but_o now_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a society_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n these_o follow_v particular_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_o show_v and_o make_v out_o 1._o a_o plain_a constitution_n of_o our_o saviour_n whereby_o st._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n at_o rome_n be_v make_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o st._n peter_n first_o can_v they_o show_v any_o such_o constitution_n in_o the_o gospel_n or_o can_v they_o produce_v the_o least_o proof_n and_o evidence_n out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v acknowledge_v for_o such_o by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o be_v there_o not_o clear_a evidence_n there_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n st._n james_n the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v if_o not_o superior_a at_o least_o equal_a to_o he_o do_v st._n paul_n acknowledge_v any_o superiority_n of_o st._n peter_n over_o he_o nay_o do_v he_o not_o upon_o several_a occasion_n declare_v himself_o equal_a to_o the_o chief_a apostle_n even_o to_o st._n peter_n himself_o and_o be_v this_o consistent_a with_o a_o plain_a constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v st._n peter_n supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o suppose_v this_o to_o have_v be_v so_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v by_o any_o constitution_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o this_o authority_n be_v derive_v to_o his_o successor_n and_o if_o it_o be_v why_o to_o his_o successor_n at_o rome_n rather_o than_o at_o antioch_n where_o he_o be_v first_o and_o unquestionable_o bishop_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o when_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n he_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o then_o the_o style_n must_v have_v be_v the_o antiochian_a catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o the_o roman_n catholic_n but_o do_v they_o find_v any_o footstep_n of_o such_o a_o style_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n 2._o to_o make_v good_a this_o proposition_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v in_o consequence_n oblige_v to_o affirm_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o not_o keep_v easter_n as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o africa_n who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o same_o bishop_n upon_o the_o point_n of_o rebaptise_v heretic_n that_o all_o these_o by_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v also_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o from_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n themselves_o will_v not_o affirm_v and_o yet_o if_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v all_o one_o they_o must_v affirm_v it_o 3._o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o ought_v to_o hold_v that_o all_o baptism_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n be_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n for_o if_o it_o be_v good_a than_o it_o make_v the_o person_n baptize_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o then_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o all_o one_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n hold_v the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n to_o be_v good_a which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n neither_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o if_o she_o believe_v consistent_o can_v she_o think_v herself_o to_o be_v so_o 4._o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o proposition_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o yield_v subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o supremacy_n be_v no_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o do_v not_o only_o exclude_v those_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o eastern_a church_n i._n e._n four_o of_o the_o five_o patriarchal_a church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o take_v together_o be_v real_o great_a than_o those_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v affirm_v concern_v all_o those_o church_n and_o christian_n which_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n can_v have_v so_o little_a charity_n as_o this_o come_v to_o and_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n there_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a arrogant_a and_o uncharitable_a part_n of_o it_o five_o and_o last_o in_o consequence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o of_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o produce_v express_a mention_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o if_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n be_v true_a it_o be_v always_o so_o and_o always_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o and_o always_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o they_o pretend_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n shall_v never_o say_v so_o nor_o put_v a_o article_n of_o such_o consequence_n and_o importance_n in_o express_a word_n in_o their_o creed_n nor_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v use_v the_o style_n of_o roman_n catholic_n as_o familiar_o then_o as_o they_o do_v now_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o new_a style_n which_o they_o use_v when_o they_o give_v themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n and_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n know_v better_a than_o to_o call_v one_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o whole_a i_o be_o sure_a that_o aeneas_n silvius_n who_o be_v afterward_o pope_n pius_n the_o second_o say_v that_o before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a little_a respect_n be_v have_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o how_o do_v this_o consist_v with_o their_o present_a pretence_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v by_o christ_n appointment_n the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v believe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o yet_o little_a respect_n to_o be_v have_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n this_o indeed_o be_v say_v by_o aeneas_n silvius_n before_o he_o sit_v in_o the_o infallible_a chair_n but_o be_v never_o the_o less_o true_a for_o that_o 5_o the_o next_o step_n of_o their_o method_n be_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v infallible_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o heresy_n and_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n which_o we_o want_v in_o our_o
the_o reason_n which_o the_o learned_a man_n give_v why_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v then_o forbear_v those_o practice_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v too_o near_o to_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o lest_o the_o heathen_a shall_v have_v take_v occasion_n to_o have_v justify_v themselves_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v practise_v among_o christian_n and_o they_o can_v now_o be_v ignorant_a what_o scandal_n they_o give_v by_o these_o practice_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o how_o much_o they_o alienate_v they_o from_o christianity_n by_o this_o scandal_n nor_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v sensible_a upon_o how_o great_a disadvantage_n they_o be_v in_o defend_v these_o practice_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n and_o that_o by_o all_o their_o blind_a distinction_n with_o which_o they_o raise_v such_o a_o cloud_n and_o dust_n they_o can_v hardly_o make_v any_o plausible_a and_o tolerable_a defence_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o charge_n insomuch_o that_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o people_n from_o discern_v their_o gild_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o that_o shameful_a shift_n of_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o their_o common_a catechism_n and_o manual_n lest_o the_o people_n see_v so_o plain_a a_o law_n of_o god_n against_o so_o common_a a_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n shall_v upon_o that_o discovery_n have_v break_v off_o from_o they_o 5._o nor_o be_v our_o religion_n encumber_a with_o such_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o superstitious_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n as_o they_o infiinte_o be_v even_o beyond_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n to_o the_o great_a burden_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divert_v of_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n a_o devout_a pastor_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o little_a observance_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o time_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v his_o mind_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n 6._o our_o religion_n be_v evident_o more_o charitable_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o we_o have_v do_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o discharge_v and_o damp_n our_o charity_n towards_o they_o and_o charity_n as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a so_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o best_a mark_n and_o ornament_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o methinks_v the_o want_n of_o charity_n in_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o no_o man_n to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o its_o communion_n 7._o our_o religion_n do_v not_o clash_n and_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o the_o great_a moral_a duty_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n stand_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o fidelity_n mercy_n and_o truth_n we_o do_v not_o teach_v man_n to_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n nor_o to_o destroy_v and_o extirpate_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n or_o any_o other_o artificial_a way_n of_o falsehood_n be_v either_o teach_v or_o maintain_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n or_o by_o the_o casuist_n of_o our_o church_n 8._o our_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o humane_a society_n we_o neither_o exempt_v the_o clergy_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o absolve_v subject_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o from_o allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n both_o which_o point_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o stiff_o maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o by_o private_a doctor_n but_o by_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n 9_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n whereas_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n with_o which_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v plain_o calculate_v to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n the_o pope_n kingdom_n be_v plain_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n of_o it_o like_v so_o many_o servant_n be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o for_o most_o of_o they_o do_v plain_o tend_v either_o to_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o authority_n or_o to_o the_o magnify_v of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a power_n over_o the_o conscienees_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v plain_o tend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o exempt_n the_o clergy_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o priest_n a_o great_a man_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v make_v god_n as_o they_o love_v to_o express_v it_o without_o all_o reason_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o like_a tendency_n be_v the_o communicate_v of_o the_o laity_n only_o in_o one_o kind_n thereby_o make_v it_o the_o sole_a privilege_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o the_o withhold_a the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o their_o teacher_n these_o do_v all_o direct_o tend_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o teacher_n so_o likewise_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o the_o save_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o doctrine_n the_o people_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n but_o above_o all_o their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a and_o private_a confession_n of_o all_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v and_o forgive_v by_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o fault_n scire_fw-la volunt_fw-la secreta_fw-la domus_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la timeri_fw-la or_o else_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n and_o the_o enrich_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n and_o their_o prayer_n and_o mass_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o more_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n plain_o do_v 10._o our_o religion_n be_v free_a from_o all_o disingenuous_a and_o dishonest_a art_n of_o maintain_v and_o support_v itself_o such_o be_v clip_v of_o ancient_a author_n nay_o and_o even_o the_o author_n and_o writer_n of_o their_o own_o church_n when_o they_o speak_v too_o free_o of_o any_o point_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o indices_fw-la expurgatorii_n which_o much_o against_o their_o will_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v these_o three_o gross_a forgery_n which_o lie_v all_o at_o their_o door_n and_o they_o can_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o 1._o the_o pretend_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o african_a church_n upon_o which_o they_o insist_v a_o great_a while_n very_o confident_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n 2._o constantine_n donation_n to_o the_o pope_n which_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n with_o till_o the_o forgery_n of_o it_o
than_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n always_o hear_v the_o petition_n which_o we_o put_v up_o to_o he_o and_o so_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o who_o we_o put_v they_o up_o to_o the_o father_n because_o he_o also_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o but_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n hear_v our_o prayer_n because_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v neither_o omniscient_a nor_o omnipresent_v and_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a nor_o probable_o certain_a that_o our_o prayer_n be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o any_o other_o way_n there_o be_v no_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o and_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a but_o that_o prayer_n be_v part_n of_o the_o 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never_o come_v into_o his_o mind_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o matter_n to_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o needless_a at_o the_o best_a this_o more_o than_o half_a part_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v and_o how_o safe_o it_o may_v be_v let_v alone_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v from_o scripture_n they_o be_v the_o danger_n be_v infinite_o great_a on_o that_o side_n for_o than_o they_o oppose_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o appoint_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v receive_v in_o both_o kind_n and_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o idolatry_n and_o our_o common_a christianity_n in_o the_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o it_o and_o this_o without_o any_o necessity_n since_o god_n have_v require_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o after_o all_o the_o bustle_n which_o have_v be_v make_v about_o they_o the_o utmost_a they_o pretend_v which_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v good_a be_v that_o these_o thing_n may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o enjoin_v they_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o so_o pertinacious_o to_o insist_v upon_o thing_n so_o hard_o i_o may_v say_v impossible_a to_o be_v defend_v or_o excuse_v and_o which_o by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n and_o necessity_n in_o which_o we_o be_v certain_o safe_a in_o not_o do_v they_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v lawful_a but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v so_o they_o be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a condition_n so_o that_o here_o be_v certain_a safety_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n on_o the_o other_o which_o be_v as_o great_a odds_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o they_o must_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n because_o they_o be_v infallible_a and_o can_v be_v mistake_v they_o must_v prove_v that_o point_n a_o great_a deal_n better_o than_o they_o have_v yet_o do_v before_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n either_o to_o our_o satisfaction_n or_o their_o safety_n i_o may_v have_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n any_o one_o of_o which_o be_v of_o weight_n to_o incline_v a_o man_n to_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v such_o a_o advantage_n on_o its_o side_n but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o make_v so_o powerful_a a_o argument_n to_o a_o unprejudiced_a person_n as_o must_v almost_o irresistable_o determine_v his_o choice_n for_o most_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o they_o can_v upon_o the_o very_a mention_n and_o proposal_n of_o they_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v clear_a advantage_n on_o our_o side_n and_o now_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n i_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o you_o stand_v that_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o which_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v by_o law_n establish_v in_o this_o nation_n be_v the_o true_a ancient_n christianity_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o which_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o evangelist_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n remember_v therefore_o how_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o encouragement_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o establish_v strengthen_v and_o settle_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o under_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n and_o to_o seal_v we_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v our_o constancy_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n with_o a_o crown_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o glory_n wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o let_v we_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n which_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n and_o glory_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o day_n approach_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o belief_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n not_o according_a to_o the_o imperious_a and_o uncharitable_a dictate_v of_o any_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n which_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n keep_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n a_o sermon_n 2_o cor._n v._o 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o apostle_n declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o great_a support_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o befall_v they_o viz._n the_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o another_o life_n verse_n 14._o know_v that_o he_o which_o raise_v up_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v raise_v up_o we_o also_o by_o jesus_n for_o which_o cause_n say_v he_o verse_n 16._o we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o be_v though_o our_o body_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o undergo_v be_v continual_o decay_v and_o decline_v yet_o our_o mind_n grow_v every_o day_n more_o healthful_a and_o vigorous_a and_o gain_v new_a strength_n and_o resolution_n by_o contemplate_v the_o glory_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v feed_v upon_o
a_o much_o clear_a revelation_n and_o much_o great_a assurance_n than_o former_a age_n and_o generation_n have_v and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o of_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o incur_v the_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n this_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o so_o much_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n expose_v they_o to_o under_o the_o former_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n though_o good_a man_n receive_v good_a hope_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o the_o great_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n be_v temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o promise_n of_o long_a life_n and_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o prosperity_n in_o that_o good_a land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o the_o threaten_n of_o war_n and_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o be_v deliver_v into_o captivity_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n and_o the_o great_a argument_n that_o bear_v sway_n with_o christian_n be_v the_o promise_v of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o be_v now_o the_o great_a principle_n that_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o good_a man_n for_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v that_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o as_o they_o do_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v fare_v with_o they_o in_o the_o other_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o observation_n namely_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o we_o never_o see_v they_o and_o consequent_o can_v possible_o have_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n which_o those_o have_v who_o enjoy_v the_o one_o and_o endure_v the_o other_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o they_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n be_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o be_v so_o firm_a and_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o utmost_a pretence_n of_o a_o rational_a demonstration_n man_n will_v trust_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n against_o any_o subtlety_n of_o reason_n whatsoever_o but_o there_o be_v inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n as_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o person_n every_o way_n credible_a and_o this_o assurance_n we_o have_v in_o this_o state_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n we_o believe_v with_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o which_o be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o evidence_n in_o itself_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reasonable_a assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v that_o god_n have_v testify_v these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n which_o thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n to_o deny_v that_o this_o fall_v very_o much_o short_a of_o that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n which_o those_o person_n have_v concern_v these_o thing_n who_o be_v now_o in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o intimate_v here_o in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o opposition_n of_o faith_n and_o sight_n but_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 10._o we_o know_v now_o but_o in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o that_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o this_o life_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o comparison_n to_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o and_o verse_n 12._o we_o now_o see_v as_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o a_o riddle_n in_o which_o there_o be_v always_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o obscurity_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v certain_o intend_v by_o way_n of_o abatement_n and_o diminution_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n or_o imperfect_a the_o apostle_n mean_v faith_n and_o hope_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o shall_v cease_v when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a meaning_n vision_n and_o sight_n be_v come_v we_o see_v likewise_o in_o experience_n that_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o this_o life_n be_v accompany_v with_o doubt_v concern_v these_o thing_n and_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o degree_n of_o uncertainty_n but_o those_o bless_a soul_n who_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n who_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n can_v possible_o if_o they_o will_v have_v any_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o however_o contentious_a man_n may_v dispute_v against_o common_a sense_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o will_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o state_n to_o expect_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n which_o the_o sight_n and_o sensible_a experience_n of_o they_o will_v give_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o and_o 2._o if_o it_o will_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v have_v it_o 1._o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v have_v that_o sensible_a experiment_n and_o trial_n how_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o other_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o and_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o can_v have_v any_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o they_o till_o we_o ourselves_o enter_v into_o that_o state_n those_o who_o be_v already_o past_a into_o it_o know_v how_o thing_n be_v those_o happy_a soul_n who_o live_v in_o the_o revive_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o those_o joy_n which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a assurance_n concern_v they_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spirit_n who_o feel_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o horror_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n do_v believe_v upon_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o state_n and_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n of_o it_o than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 2._o if_o our_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o such_o a_o overpower_v evidence_n will_v quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o obedience_n put_v the_o case_n that_o every_o man_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n be_v permit_v to_o visit_v the_o other_o world_n to_o assure_v he_o how_o thing_n be_v there_o to_o view_v the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o to_o survey_v the_o dark_a and_o loathsome_a prison_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o hear_v the_o lamentable_a outcry_n of_o miserable_a and_o despair_v soul_n and_o to_o see_v the_o inconceivable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n they_o be_v in_o after_o this_o what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n he_o that_o have_v be_v there_o and_o see_v they_o can_v not_o disbelieve_v they_o if_o he_o will_v faith_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o be_v virtue_n but_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pronounce_v
they_o bless_v who_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o forcible_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v they_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v not_o praise_n no_o reward_n belong_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o so_o violent_a and_o irresistible_a a_o evidence_n it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o improbable_a but_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n at_o all_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v because_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o dispute_n no_o objection_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o shake_v our_o assent_n unless_o we_o will_v run_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o scepticism_n for_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o we_o must_v yield_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n this_o do_v so_o violent_o enforce_v our_o assent_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o as_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o will_v very_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n who_o have_v see_v the_o bless_a condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o sinner_n shall_v ever_o after_o be_v tempt_v know_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v deprive_v he_o of_o that_o happiness_n or_o bring_v he_o into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n such_o a_o sight_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o affect_v a_o man_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v and_o leave_v such_o impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n that_o we_o may_v soon_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v conspire_v to_o kill_v one_o another_o than_o that_o such_o a_o man_n by_o consent_v to_o any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n shall_v wilful_o throw_v himself_o into_o those_o flame_n no_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v continual_o haunt_v with_o those_o fury_n he_o have_v see_v torment_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o fearful_a shriek_n and_o outcry_n of_o miserable_a soul_n will_v be_v perpetual_o ring_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o man_n will_v have_v so_o lively_a and_o terrible_a a_o imagination_n of_o the_o danger_n he_o be_v run_v himself_o upon_o that_o no_o temptation_n will_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o conquer_v his_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o careless_a of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n after_o he_o have_v once_o see_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n obedience_n will_v be_v so_o violent_a that_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o must_v be_v very_o little_a for_o what_o praise_n be_v due_a to_o any_o man_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o a_o perfect_a mad_a man_n will_v do_v for_o certain_o that_o man_n must_v be_v beside_o himself_o that_o can_v by_o any_o temptation_n be_v seduce_v to_o live_v a_o wicked_a life_n after_o he_o have_v see_v the_o state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o dismal_a event_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o sinful_a course_n god_n have_v design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o there_o will_v hardly_o be_v any_o place_n for_o this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n for_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o see_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o what_o argument_n will_v it_o be_v of_o any_o man_n virtue_n to_o forbear_v sin_v after_o he_o have_v be_v in_o hell_n and_o see_v the_o miserable_a end_n of_o sinner_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o observation_n namely_o that_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assent_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n now_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n may_v have_v its_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o of_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a it_o will_v not_o move_v we_o at_o all_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v good_a nor_o for_o the_o avoid_n and_o prevent_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o if_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o we_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o slight_v it_o as_o not_o worth_a our_o regard_n but_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o our_o faith_n be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o our_o mind_n both_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o concernment_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v well_o capable_a of_o in_o this_o state_n concern_v thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o have_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n argue_v we_o into_o this_o persuasion_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v equal_o distribute_v we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o reason_n be_v true_a we_o have_v a_o most_o credible_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n from_o heaven_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o visible_a aseension_n into_o heaven_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o evidence_n want_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o only_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a in_o this_o present_a state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o all_o this_o but_o what_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o uncertainty_n which_o do_v not_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o which_o we_o ourselves_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o considerable_a interest_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o make_v they_o hesitate_n about_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o at_o last_o there_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n our_o condition_n after_o death_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n because_o all_o will_v be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n but_o if_o thing_n fall_v out_o otherwise_o as_o most_o undoubted_o they_o will_v and_o our_o soul_n after_o this_o life_n do_v pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o our_o great_a interest_n plain_o lie_v in_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o this_o state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o secure_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o by_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o govern_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n by_o this_o belief_n for_o as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o life_n they_o be_v but_o short_a and_o transitory_a and_o consequent_o of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o set_v aside_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o promote_v and_o pursue_v to_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o a_o far_o great_a by_o he_o that_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o live_v according_o than_o by_o any_o other_o person_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o as_o all_o vice_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a
virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v both_o to_o the_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o weigh_v very_o much_o with_o we_o be_v that_o we_o have_v abundant_o more_o assurance_n of_o the_o recompense_n of_o another_o world_n than_o we_o have_v of_o many_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o action_n and_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a men._n man_n general_o hazard_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n upon_o term_n of_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o another_o world_n man_n venture_v to_o take_v physic_n upon_o probable_a ground_n of_o the_o integrity_n and_o skill_n of_o their_o physician_n and_o yet_o the_o want_n of_o either_o of_o these_o may_v hazard_v their_o life_n and_o man_n take_v physic_n upon_o great_a odds_o for_o it_o certain_o cause_v pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o do_v but_o uncertain_o procure_v and_o recover_v health_n the_o patient_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v make_v sick_a but_o not_o certain_a to_o be_v make_v well_o and_o yet_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v worse_o if_o not_o of_o die_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o success_n and_o recovery_n on_o the_o other_o make_v this_o hazard_n and_o trouble_v reasonable_a man_n venture_v their_o whole_a estate_n to_o place_n which_o they_o never_o see_v and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n they_o have_v only_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n and_o agreement_n of_o man_n nay_o perhaps_o have_v only_o speak_v with_o they_o that_o have_v speak_v with_o those_o that_o have_v be_v there_o no_o merchant_n ever_o insist_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o east_n and_o west-indies_n before_o he_o will_v venture_v to_o trade_n thither_o and_o yet_o this_o assurance_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v the_o world_n of_o a_o state_n beyond_o the_o grave_a and_o of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o life_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o so_o slender_a evidence_n so_o small_a a_o degree_n of_o assurance_n will_v serve_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n and_o yet_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o put_v they_o effectual_o upon_o look_v after_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o considerable_a no_o other_o reason_n of_o this_o can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o man_n be_v partial_a in_o their_o affection_n towards_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o love_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o this_o world_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o assurance_n will_v engage_v they_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o reason_n be_v much_o strong_a on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o the_o great_a the_o benefit_n and_o good_a be_v which_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o eager_a to_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o venture_v upon_o less_o probability_n upon_o excessive_a odds_o a_o man_n will_v venture_v upon_o very_o small_a hope_n for_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n a_o man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o run_v a_o great_a hazard_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o pain_n upon_o little_a assurance_n where_o a_o man_n life_n be_v concern_v every_o suspicion_n of_o danger_n will_v make_v a_o man_n careful_a to_o avoid_v it_o and_o will_v nothing_o affright_v man_n from_o hell_n unless_o god_n carry_v they_o thither_o and_o show_v they_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o that_o fire_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v quench_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o abundant_a evidence_n i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o have_v but_o to_o convince_v man_n how_o unreasonable_a and_o cruel_o partial_a they_o be_v about_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o suppose_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v real_a and_o certain_a they_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n to_o we_o for_o what_o can_v concern_v we_o more_o than_o that_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n in_o which_o we_o must_v be_v fix_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o if_o so_o vast_a a_o concern_v will_v not_o move_v we_o and_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n we_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n what_o consideration_n can_v be_v set_v before_o man_n who_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o that_o of_o our_o happy_a or_o miserable_a be_v to_o all_o eternity_n can_v we_o be_v so_o solicitous_a and_o careful_a about_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o few_o day_n and_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o we_o what_o become_v of_o we_o for_o ever_o be_v we_o so_o tender_o concern_v to_o avoid_v poverty_n and_o disgrace_n persecution_n and_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o much_o more_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o endeavour_v to_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n be_v the_o slight_a and_o transitory_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n worth_a so_o much_o thought_n and_o care_n and_o be_v a_o eternal_a inheritance_n in_o the_o heaven_n not_o worth_a the_o look_v after_o as_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n betwixt_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v temporal_a and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a so_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v infinite_o more_o concern_v for_o the_o one_o than_o for_o the_o other_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o strengthen_v in_o ourselves_o this_o great_a principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n by_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o all_o those_o argument_n and_o consideration_n which_o may_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o persuasion_n the_o more_o reasonable_a our_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o sure_a ground_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o more_o firm_a it_o will_v abide_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n against_o all_o the_o impression_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n of_o persecution_n if_o our_o faith_n of_o another_o world_n be_v only_o a_o strong_a imagination_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o soon_o as_o tribulation_n arise_v it_o will_v wither_v because_o it_o have_v no_o root_n in_o itself_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n so_o often_o exhort_v christian_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o when_o persecution_n come_v they_o may_v continue_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a the_o firmness_n of_o our_o belief_n will_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n if_o we_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o our_o persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n join_v these_o together_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o what_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n which_o the_o more_o firm_o any_o man_n believe_v the_o more_o active_a and_o industrious_a will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v have_v a_o constant_a and_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v frequent_o revolve_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o of_o that_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o shall_v short_o launch_v into_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n be_v this_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o and_o not_o sensible_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o they_o present_v and_o sensible_a thing_n weigh_v down_o all_o other_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o to_o balance_v this_o disadvantage_n we_o shall_v often_o have_v these_o thought_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o inculcate_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o will_v certain_o be_v why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o they_o be_v actual_o present_a why_o shall_v not_o i_o always_o live_v as_o if_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o my_o view_n and_o i_o see_v
it_o but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o fall_v off_o and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n when_o some_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v whereby_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n be_v overthrow_v of_o this_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o err_v concern_v the_o truth_n say_v that_o tbe_n resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o and_o thereby_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 17_o 18._o that_o be_v they_o turn_v the_o resurrection_n into_o a_o allegory_n and_o do_v thereby_o real_o destroy_v a_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o apostate_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v solemn_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n and_o declare_v christianity_n to_o be_v false_a there_o be_v several_a other_o way_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v bring_v himself_o under_o this_o guilt_n as_o by_o a_o silent_a quit_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o withdraw_a himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o by_o deny_v a_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o undermine_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o teach_v doctrine_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o encourage_v man_n in_o impenitence_n and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n nay_o to_o authorize_v all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n in_o tell_v man_n that_o whatever_o they_o do_v they_o can_v sin_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v look_v upon_o the_o gnostic_n as_o no_o better_a than_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n and_o though_o they_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v true_o and_o real_o so_o and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_n religion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v under_o the_o ii_o head_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o several_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v of_o christianity_n or_o of_o some_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o virtual_a apostafie_n from_o it_o but_o there_o be_v several_a tendency_n towards_o this_o which_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n as_o 1._o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o want_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o concernment_n for_o it_o when_o a_o man_n though_o he_o never_o quit_v his_o religion_n yet_o be_v so_o little_o concern_v for_o it_o that_o a_o very_a small_a occasion_n or_o temptation_n will_v make_v he_o do_v it_o he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n and_o he_o find_v no_o great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o but_o be_v so_o indifferent_a in_o his_o mind_n about_o it_o like_a gallio_n who_o mind_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v turn_v himself_o into_o any_o other_o shape_n when_o his_o interest_n require_v it_o so_o that_o though_o he_o never_o actual_o desert_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v 2_o kind_n of_o apostate_n in_o the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o to_o such_o person_n that_o title_n which_o solomon_n give_v to_o some_o may_v fit_o enough_o be_v apply_v they_o be_v backslider_n in_o heart_n 2._o another_o tendency_n to_o this_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a mark_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n by_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o those_o for_o fear_v of_o danger_n or_o suffer_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o denial_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o persecution_n grow_v hot_a and_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n dangerous_a to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n many_o appear_v not_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v observe_v and_o bring_v into_o trouble_n for_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n tax_v some_o for_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o let_v go_v our_o profession_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o desert_v of_o christianity_n v_o 23_o 35._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v quit_v their_o profession_n but_o they_o have_v but_o a_o loose_a hold_n of_o it_o and_o be_v silent_o steal_v away_o from_o it_o 3._o a_o light_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o easy_o receive_v impression_n from_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n when_o man_n be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o religion_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v inveigle_v by_o the_o crafty_a insinuation_n of_o seducer_n to_o be_v move_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v easy_o shake_v in_o mind_n by_o every_o trifle_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n that_o be_v confident_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o for_o a_o weighty_a argument_n now_o this_o be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o dispose_v man_n to_o apostasy_n and_o render_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o one_o that_o take_v a_o pleasure_n and_o a_o pride_n in_o make_v proselyte_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o have_v a_o mind_n ready_a to_o entertain_v truth_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v and_o lie_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n that_o every_o man_n may_v discern_v they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v once_o entertain_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o they_o and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v whiffle_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o insignificant_a noise_n about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n much_o less_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o man_n uncharitableness_n and_o positiveness_n in_o damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o very_o plain_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o no_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n no_o pretend_a authority_n or_o even_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n aught_o to_o stagger_v we_o in_o the_o least_o about_o they_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o or_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o understand_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o appoint_v it_o that_o be_v in_o both_o kind_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v our_o duty_n nor_o lawful_a to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o upon_o any_o one_o of_o these_o point_n a_o man_n will_v fix_v his_o foot_n and_o stand_v alone_o against_o the_o whole_a world_n 4._o another_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n be_v a_o departure_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n in_o a_o gross_a and_o notorious_a manner_n this_o be_v a_o partial_a though_o not_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o this_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n namely_o such_o as_o though_o they_o retain_v and_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n yet_o have_v great_o pervert_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o superinduce_v and_o add_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o gross_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n and_o impose_v upon_o man_n the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o these_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o st._n paul_n be_v my_o warrant_n for_o this_o censure_n who_o charge_v those_o who_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o thereby_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o guilty_a in_o some_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n for_o he_o call_v it_o preach_v another_o gospel_n gal._n 1._o 7_o 8._o there_o be_v some_o that_o trouble_v
to_o turn_v they_o into_o jest_n and_o raillery_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o renounce_v of_o christianity_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v but_o even_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o the_o principle_n and_o notion_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n this_o be_v a_o impiety_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o not_o to_o be_v mention_v without_o grief_n and_o horror_n and_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v have_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o i_o pray_v god_n it_o do_v not_o draw_v down_o still_o more_o and_o great_a judgement_n upon_o this_o nation_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v none_o here_o that_o need_v to_o be_v caution_v against_o this_o horrible_a impiety_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o which_o people_n be_v much_o more_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n so_o happy_o recover_v by_o a_o regular_a reformation_n and_o establish_v among_o we_o by_o all_o the_o authority_n that_o law_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a can_v give_v it_o and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a christianity_n i_o say_v a_o defection_n from_o this_o to_o those_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n which_o the_o reformation_n have_v pair_v off_o and_o free_v we_o from_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o partial_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o and_o that_o those_o who_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n fall_v off_o from_o it_o into_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n be_v highe_o guilty_a before_o god_n and_o their_o condition_n certain_o worse_o and_o more_o dangerous_a than_o of_o those_o who_o where_o bring_v up_o in_o those_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o never_o know_v better_o for_o there_o be_v terrible_a threaten_n in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o once_o embrace_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o god_n consider_v every_o man_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o disadvantage_n likewise_o and_o make_v all_o reasonable_a allowance_n for_o they_o and_o for_o man_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o error_n they_o have_v be_v always_o bring_v up_o in_o or_o which_o come_v much_o to_o one_o in_o error_n which_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o by_o principle_n early_o infuse_v into_o they_o before_o they_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n competent_a judge_n of_o those_o matter_n i_o say_v for_o such_o person_n to_o continue_v in_o these_o error_n and_o to_o oppose_v and_o reject_v the_o contrary_a truth_n against_o which_o by_o their_o education_n they_o have_v receive_v so_o strong_a and_o violent_a a_o prejudice_n this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n excusable_a and_o find_v pardon_n with_o god_n upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n both_o know_v and_o unknown_a and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o charge_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n but_o not_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v entertain_v and_o profess_v it_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v it_o have_v no_o excuse_n i_o will_v not_o be_v rash_a in_o condemn_v particular_a person_n of_o any_o society_n or_o communion_n of_o christian_n provide_v they_o be_v sincere_o devout_a and_o just_a and_o sober_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n i_o have_v much_o rather_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v great_a than_o to_o pass_v a_o uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o they_o as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o where_o the_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n be_v afford_v to_o man_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v for_o they_o who_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v their_o master_n will_n be_v answerable_a to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v it_o because_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v gross_o negligent_a and_o want_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v have_v know_v it_o and_o this_o i_o fear_n be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o year_n of_o consideration_n and_o choice_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o forsake_v it_o because_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o there_o be_v invincible_a objection_n against_o it_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n because_o every_o one_o among_o we_o know_v or_o may_v know_v upon_o very_o little_a enquiry_n that_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o into_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v baptize_v that_o we_o inculcate_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o of_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o perfect_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v follow_v with_o real_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v by_o any_o device_n whatsoever_o now_o what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o question_v whether_o he_o may_v be_v save_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o save_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o by_o believe_v the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n though_o he_o can_v swallow_v the_o twelve_o article_n which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iu._n every_o one_o of_o which_o beside_o many_o and_o great_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o many_o and_o invincible_a objection_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o i_o can_v particular_o show_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v already_o do_v in_o so_o many_o learned_a treatise_n upon_o this_o argument_n what_o be_v there_o then_o that_o shall_v move_v any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o to_o quit_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n chief_o with_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o amuse_v and_o affright_v weak_a mind_n 1._o a_o great_a noise_n of_o infallibility_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o mean_n to_o determine_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o difference_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_a object_n this_o prejudice_n that_o there_o be_v not_o wide_o and_o hot_a difference_n among_o we_o about_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o than_o be_v among_o they_o about_o this_o admirable_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o difference_n as_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v feat_v that_o man_n may_v know_v how_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n 2._o they_o endeavour_v to_o fright_v man_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n but_o every_o man_n know_v that_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n lie_v at_o their_o door_n who_o impose_v sinful_a article_n of_o communion_n and_o not_o upon_o they_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n can_v submit_v to_o those_o article_n which_o we_o have_v do_v and_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o make_v good_a to_o be_v the_o case_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o 3._o the_o terrible_a engine_n of_o all_o be_v their_o positive_a and_o confident_a damn_v of_o all_o that_o live_v and_o die_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n this_o i_o have_v full_o speak_v to_o upon_o another_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o say_v at_o present_a that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v better_a thought_n of_o god_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o delighteh_n not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o such_o uncharitable_a man_n as_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v man_n for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n condemn_v no_o man._n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o no_o man_n to_o run_v into_o its_o communion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n ver_fw-la 23._o of_o this_o chapter_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o day_n approach_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o faith_n
name_n sake_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o self-denial_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o a_o readiness_n and_o willingness_n when_o ever_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o to_o quit_v all_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o the_o dear_a of_o all_o other_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o precept_n here_o in_o the_o text._n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v and_o renounce_v they_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n he_o must_v be_v my_o disciple_n in_o this_o manner_n he_o must_v follow_v i_o and_o in_o the_o text_n i_o mention_v before_o he_o declare_v again_o that_o he_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o quit_v all_o his_o relation_n and_o even_a life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o any_o temporal_a suffering_n we_o shall_v renounce_v and_o deny_v he_o he_o threaten_v to_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n i._n e._n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o sentence_n we_o to_o everlasting_a misery_n matth._n 10._o 32._o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o mark_v 8._o 38._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o that_o judgement_n for_o that_o by_o his_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o he_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o go_v before_o v._o 26_o 27._o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o than_o it_o follow_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n but_o because_o some_o have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o require_v thus_o much_o of_o christian_n but_o all_o that_o he_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o our_o heart_n but_o not_o to_o make_v any_o outward_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n when_o the_o magistrate_n forbid_v it_o and_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o suffer_v for_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o examine_v what_o be_v pretend_v for_o so_o strange_a a_o assertion_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v the_o leviathan_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o not_o bind_v to_o confess_v christ_n but_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o deny_v he_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n require_v we_o so_o to_o do_v his_o word_n be_v these_o what_o if_o the_o sovereign_n forbid_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o answer_v such_o forbid_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n because_o belief_n and_o unbelief_n never_o follow_v man_n command_n but_o what_o say_v he_o if_o we_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a prince_n to_o say_v with_o our_o tongue_n we_o believe_v not_o must_v we_o obey_v such_o command_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o profession_n with_o the_o tongue_n be_v but_o a_o external_n thing_n and_o no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o gesture_n whereby_o we_o signify_v our_o obedience_n and_o wherein_o a_o christian_a hold_v firm_o in_o his_o heart_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n which_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n allow_v to_o naaman_n but_o what_o then_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o answer_v to_o our_o saviour_n say_v whosoever_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n his_o answer_n be_v this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o whatsoever_o a_o subject_a be_v compel_v to_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n and_o do_v it_o not_o in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n the_o action_n be_v not_o he_o but_o his_o sovereign_n nor_o be_v it_o he_o that_o in_o this_o case_n deny_v christ_n before_o man_n but_o his_o governor_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n but_o can_v any_o man_n that_o in_o good_a earnest_n pay_v any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n think_v to_o baffle_v such_o plain_a word_n by_o so_o frivolous_a a_o answer_n there_o be_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v man_n to_o deny_v christ_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n how_o will_v this_o excuse_v he_o that_o deny_v christ_n or_o break_v any_o other_o commandment_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o deny_v he_o though_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v they_o to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o confess_v or_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o put_v this_o very_a case_n of_o their_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n for_o confess_v he_o matth._n 10._o 17._o beware_v say_v he_o of_o man_n for_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o council_n and_o they_o will_v scourge_v you_o in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n but_o what_o testimony_n will_v this_o be_v against_o they_o if_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o deny_v christ_n at_o their_o command_n but_o our_o saviour_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n v_o 19_o but_o when_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o take_v you_o no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o very_a hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v but_o what_o need_v of_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a assistance_n in_o the_o case_n if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o deny_v he_o when_o they_o be_v require_v by_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v it_o and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n he_o bid_v they_o v_o 28._o not_o to_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v that_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v he_o for_o fear_v of_o any_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o suffer_v the_o magistrate_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o upon_o this_o discourse_n our_o saviour_n conclude_v v_o 32_o 33._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o now_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v confession_n of_o he_o before_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v do_v
to_o they_o but_o let_v we_o inquire_v a_o little_a far_o and_o see_v how_o the_o apostle_n who_o receive_v this_o precept_n from_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v understand_v it_o act_n 4._o 14._o we_o find_v peter_n and_o john_n summon_v before_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n who_o strict_o command_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v at_o all_o nor_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o peter_n and_o john_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o and_o when_o they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o course_n notwithstanding_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v call_v again_o before_o the_o council_n ch._n 5._o 28._o and_o the_o high_a priest_n ask_v they_o say_v do_v we_o not_o strait_o command_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o teach_v in_o this_o name_n and_o behold_v you_o have_v fill_v jerusalem_n with_o your_o doctrine_n they_o return_v they_o again_o the_o same_o answer_n v_o 29._o then_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n answer_v and_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o let_v any_o man_n now_o judge_n whether_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o confess_v he_o even_o before_o magistrate_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o rather_o than_o men._n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n think_v that_o the_o great_a king_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v invest_v any_o man_n with_o a_o power_n to_o control_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o disobey_v and_o renounce_v he_o by_o who_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o unreasonable_a that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o thing_n but_o downright_a malice_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n can_v prompt_v any_o man_n to_o advance_v such_o a_o assertion_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o application_n of_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n a_o sermon_n on_o matth_n xvi_o 24._o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o than_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o former_a discourse_n with_o they_o concern_v his_o approach_a passion_n and_o that_o he_o must_v short_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o they_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o that_o be_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o religion_n he_o must_v do_v it_o upon_o these_o term_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o i_o consider_v the_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n and_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o his_o religion_n he_o offer_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o fair_o propose_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n and_o choice_n tell_v they_o plain_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o like_v they_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o well_o if_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o follow_v he_o any_o long_o for_o they_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o to_o use_v any_o other_o way_n than_o this_o to_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o religion_n be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o free_a choice_n can_v be_v religion_n second_o i_o explain_v his_o duty_n or_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n express_v in_o these_o word_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n which_o phrase_n of_o take_v up_o one_o cross_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o roman_a custom_n which_o be_v that_o the_o malefactor_n that_o be_v to_o be_v crucify_a be_v to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n now_o for_o our_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n but_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o intendment_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n remove_v several_a thing_n which_o be_v instance_a in_o by_o some_o as_o intend_v and_o require_v by_o this_o precept_n as_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o i_o show_v to_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v or_o will_v believe_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o see_v we_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n there_o be_v no_o great_a than_o that_o of_o sense_n beside_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n be_v less_o clear_a and_o certain_a than_o that_o of_o sense_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n which_o be_v always_o sway_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n so_o that_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n 2._o other_o will_v comprehend_v under_o this_o precept_n the_o deny_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o the_o next_o degree_n of_o absurdity_n to_o the_o other_o because_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n but_o upon_o some_o reason_n or_o other_o and_o to_o believe_v without_o any_o reason_n or_o against_o reason_n be_v to_o make_v faith_n unreasonable_a and_o infidelity_n reasonable_a 3._o other_o pretend_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o precept_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v content_a to_o renounce_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o brethren_n but_o this_o i_o show_v can_v be_v a_o duty_n for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o if_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o argument_n leave_v powerful_a enough_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o two_o scripture_n instance_n allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n moses_n his_o wish_n of_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o temporal_a death_n and_o st._n paul_n of_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n be_v only_o a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n of_o his_o great_a passion_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o countryman_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o expression_n such_o as_o be_v common_o use_v to_o usher_v in_o a_o hyperbole_n i_o can_v wish_v and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o show_v positive_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n be_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n this_o be_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o then_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o bear_v any_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffer_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o be_v to_o take_v up_o our_o cross._n and_o this_o i_o show_v from_o the_o instance_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o self-denial_n whenever_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o discourse_v of_o it_o three_o i_o consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n without_o this_o disposition_n and_o resolution_n of_o mind_n we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o will_v also_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o confession_n of_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o make_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o command_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v of_o no_o force_n against_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v there_o remain_v only_o
the_o iv._o and_o last_o particular_a which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a and_o this_o precept_n can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o he_o who_o require_v this_o of_o we_o have_v himself_o give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o great_a in_o itself_o in_o that_o he_o deny_v himself_o more_o and_o suffer_v more_o grievous_a thing_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o do_v and_o such_o a_o example_n as_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n ii_o if_o we_o cosider_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o therein_o iii_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o of_o a_o glorious_a reward_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o self-denial_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o degree_n and_o duration_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i._o if_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o unwelcome_a this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v must_v needs_o be_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o how_o hardly_o this_o precept_n will_v go_v down_o with_o they_o to_o sweeten_v it_o a_o little_a and_o take_v off_o the_o harshness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v their_o mind_n the_o better_a for_o it_o he_o tell_v they_o first_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n that_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n reconcile_v their_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o they_o see_v that_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o what_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o undergo_v himself_o and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o example_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n v._o 21._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n begin_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o disciple_n how_o that_o he_o must_v go_v unto_o jerusalem_n and_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief-priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o be_v kill_v then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v immediate_o upon_o this_o discourse_n of_o his_o own_o suffering_n as_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o it_o he_o take_v the_o opportunity_n to_o tell_v they_o plain_o of_o their_o own_o suffering_n and_o that_o unless_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o resolve_v to_o deny_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o persecution_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v let_v he_o reckon_v and_o resolve_v upon_o follow_v that_o example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o which_o i_o will_v go_v before_o he_o now_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o have_v great_a force_n in_o it_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o this_o difficult_a duty_n and_o to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o have_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o 2._o such_o a_o example_n as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n 1._o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o have_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o that_o he_o deny_v himself_o more_o and_o suffer_v more_o grievous_a thing_n than_o any_o of_o we_o can_v do_v he_o bear_v the_o insupportable_a load_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n due_a to_o they_o never_o be_v sorrow_n like_a to_o his_o sorrow_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n afflict_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n his_o visage_n be_v mar_v more_o than_o any_o man_n and_o his_o form_n more_o than_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i._n e._n he_o undergo_v more_o affliction_n and_o have_v more_o contempt_n pour_v upon_o he_o than_o ever_o be_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o he_o endure_v all_o this_o with_o incredible_a patience_n and_o meekness_n with_o the_o great_a evenness_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o the_o most_o perfect_a submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o animate_v we_o with_o the_o like_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o lesser_a danger_n and_o difficulty_n to_o see_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n go_v before_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o on_o so_o brave_o and_o make_v perfect_a by_o great_a suffering_n than_o we_o can_v ever_o be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v any_o way_n able_a to_o undergo_v be_v no_o small_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unknown_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o great_a as_o we_o can_v well_o conceive_v of_o they_o shall_v make_v all_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o easy_a to_o we_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n animate_v christian_n to_o patience_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n that_o attend_v it_o heb._n 12._o 2._o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o consider_v he_o who_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o also_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n and_o this_o example_n be_v more_o powerful_a for_o our_o encouragement_n because_o therein_o we_o see_v the_o world_n conquer_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o baffle_v and_o subdue_v and_o thereby_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a victory_n over_o it_o obtain_v for_o we_o by_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n endeavour_v to_o inspire_v his_o disciple_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o courage_n in_o this_o great_a conflict_n john_n 16._o 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n 2._o this_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v such_o as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n in_o pity_n and_o kindness_n to_o we_o and_o whole_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v their_o example_n in_o great_a regard_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a kindness_n and_o mighty_a benefit_n this_o pattern_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v which_o our_o religion_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o esteem_n and_o love_n and_o imitate_v above_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o sure_o such_o a_o example_n must_v needs_o carry_v authority_n with_o it_o and_o command_v our_o imitation_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n of_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o seal_v his_o love_n to_o we_o with_o his_o dear_a blood_n and_o even_o when_o we_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n
this_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n mat._n 5._o 10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o small_a value_n for_o thing_n infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a to_o forego_v the_o transient_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o imperfect_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o solid_a and_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a happiness_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o to_o exchange_v a_o short_a and_o miserable_a life_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o blessedness_n in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v drive_v home_o to_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o this_o world_n into_o our_o own_o native_a country_n and_o to_o be_v violent_o thrust_v out_o of_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n into_o those_o region_n of_o bliss_n where_o be_v joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n this_o consideration_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o support_v the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o their_o sharp_a and_o heavy_a suffering_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 16._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o we_o faint_v not_o because_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o 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his_o matter_n and_o without_o propound_v any_o reward_n to_o we_o so_o vast_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o he_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o right_n the_o most_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v infinite_o gainer_n by_o our_o obedience_n to_o they_o if_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o be_v consider_v for_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a not_o only_o far_o beyond_o what_o it_o can_v deserve_v but_o beyond_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o imagine_v for_o this_o perish_a life_n and_o the_o transitory_a trifle_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o uncorruptible_a crown_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n for_o these_o be_v faithful_a say_n and_o we_o shall_v infallible_o find_v they_o 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