to_o exhort_v those_o who_o be_v in_o any_o capacity_n entrust_v with_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n that_o they_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n god_n and_o religion_n with_o their_o first_o love_n to_o improve_v in_o they_o those_o natural_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n honesty_n and_o thankfulness_n simplicity_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o very_a creation_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o resist_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o first_o insinuation_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o sin_n as_o of_o death_n to_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o great_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v they_o full_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o engage_v to_o perform_v and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o bring_v they_o with_o understanding_n and_o resolution_n with_o desire_n and_o zeal_n to_o receive_v at_o confirmation_n the_o consummation_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n and_o a_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o end_n 8._o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o question_n of_o dispute_n but_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a and_o practical_a direction_n by_o which_o one_o that_o design_n to_o be_v confirm_v who_o i_o always_o suppose_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n or_o one_o that_o be_v already_o confirm_v and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o lead_v a_o religious_a life_n may_v attain_v to_o that_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n 1._o first_o then_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v confirmation_n or_o to_o begin_v the_o great_a work_n of_o religion_n with_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o attain_v a_o real_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n that_o will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o design_n of_o a_o true_o religious_a life_n if_o we_o do_v real_o and_o firm_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n persuade_v that_o there_o will_v certain_o come_v a_o day_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a this_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o will_v assure_o overcome_v the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o belief_n which_o will_v certain_o baffle_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v mean_a and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n insipid_a in_o a_o word_n this_o will_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o a_o vigorous_a zeal_n as_o will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ease_n and_o contentment_n but_o with_o a_o mighty_a pleasure_n sacrifice_v all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n to_o the_o do_v the_o great_a good_a here_o and_o obtain_v the_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o but_o if_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o more_o for_o form_n and_o custom_n than_o upon_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v persevere_v in_o well-doing_n with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n the_o solicitation_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n will_v certain_o prevail_v over_o we_o and_o seduce_v we_o into_o sin_n nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a faith_n ground_v upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n and_o a_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v possible_o carry_v a_o man_n through_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o first_o principle_n of_o faith_n immovable_a as_o a_o rock_n will_v be_v able_a to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n with_o bravery_n and_o constancy_n and_o will_v attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o hope_n with_o triumph_n and_o joy_n 2._o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v either_o wicked_a and_o licentious_a or_o at_o least_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o profess_v to_o do_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n they_o in_o course_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n without_o have_v ever_o consider_v what_o christianity_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n for_o do_v man_n indeed_o as_o firm_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o character_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o world_n oblige_v they_o to_o pretend_v they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o strange_a to_o find_v a_o man_n who_o action_n shall_v give_v his_o word_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o life_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o his_o profession_n as_o to_o hear_v one_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o no_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o torment_v in_o the_o flame_n thereof_o for_o though_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v in_o good_a measure_n the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n will_v have_v when_o a_o temporal_a prince_n declare_v that_o whoever_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o such_o or_o such_o crime_n shall_v certain_o undergo_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a punishment_n such_o a_o declaration_n have_v general_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o all_o the_o subject_n concern_v as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o punishment_n already_o actual_o inflict_v upon_o the_o criminal_n when_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n declare_v to_o mankind_n his_o will_n which_o be_v their_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n by_o such_o threat_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v if_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o those_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n in_o other_o case_n general_o have_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a either_o that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v that_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_n be_v indeed_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n or_o else_o that_o they_o imagine_v that_o though_o he_o now_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o seem_v so_o severe_o to_o exact_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n yet_o at_o last_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n how_o come_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v lose_v that_o efficacy_n in_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n for_o which_o it_o be_v once_o so_o eminent_a even_o among_o its_o enemy_n themselves_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v how_o come_v that_o religion_n not_o to_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o can_v we_o hear_v man_n daily_o profane_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o impious_a and_o horrid_a oath_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o will_v avenge_v himself_o on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o can_v we_o see_v man_n cheat_v and_o cozen_v destroy_v and_o prey_n upon_o one_o another_o without_o the_o least_o scruple_n or_o appearance_n of_o remorse_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o severity_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o see_v man_n dally_v with_o eternity_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o empty_a and_o momentany_a gratification_n
deserve_o eminent_a seem_v to_o be_v that_o great_a rigour_n with_o which_o they_o insist_v upon_o man_n live_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o this_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o those_o who_o have_v be_v educate_v from_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v date_v be_v confirmation_n the_o time_n from_o their_o baptism_n be_v only_o their_o preparation_n or_o time_n of_o instruction_n but_o then_o for_o those_o who_o have_v neglect_v this_o great_a and_o solemn_a opportunity_n or_o have_v since_o fall_v into_o any_o great_a and_o wliful_a sin_n the_o only_a remain_a time_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n can_v be_v reckon_v be_v repentance_n i._n e._n the_o time_n since_o which_o they_o have_v so_o perfect_o have_v the_o conquest_n over_o all_o their_o temptation_n as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o they_o any_o more_o into_o any_o gross_a or_o wilful_a sin_n of_o baptism_n i_o have_v already_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a essay_n of_o confirmation_n i_o shall_v treat_v in_o this_o of_o repentance_n in_o the_o next_o 3._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n those_o who_o upon_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v by_o baptism_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o their_o admission_n complete_v or_o perfect_v afterward_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n when_o the_o samaritan_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n only_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o yet_o fall_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o we_o find_v that_o 73._o two_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o then_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 8._o 17._o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n stle_n to_o perfect_a or_o complete_a baptism_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o two_o thing_n be_v therefore_o lay_v down_o together_o among_o the_o principle_n or_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o be_v according_o practise_v joint_o by_o the_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n this_o custom_n say_v 73._o st._n cyprian_n be_v also_o descend_v to_o we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v bring_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v obtain_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v consummate_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o baptismo_fw-la tertullian_n after_o baptism_n the_o hand_n be_v impose_v by_o blessing_n call_v down_o and_o invite_v the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o that_o most_o holy_a spirit_n willing_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o body_n that_o be_v cleanse_v and_o bless_a 4._o but_o of_o this_o confirmation_n of_o person_n baptize_v at_o ripe_a year_n which_o be_v ancient_o administer_v immediate_o after_o baptism_n and_o be_v therefore_o by_o many_o not_o without_o reason_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptism_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o speak_v now_o more_o large_o that_o which_o i_o be_o at_o this_o time_n more_o especial_o to_o consider_v be_v that_o confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n whereby_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n perfect_v or_o make_v complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o design_n and_o use_v of_o confirm_v such_o person_n be_v plain_o this_o baptism_n be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o well_o certain_a condition_n promise_v to_o be_v perform_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n baptise_a as_o certain_a privilege_n assure_v to_o be_v confer_v on_o god_n part_n and_o infant_n though_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o promise_v or_o perform_v any_o condition_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o mean_n of_o certain_a surety_n who_o engage_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o their_o name_n at_o their_o baptism_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o these_o baptize_v infant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o continue_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v appropriate_v to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o must_v be_v willing_a also_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o god_n have_v indispensable_o require_v of_o all_o those_o member_n that_o they_o may_v enter_v therefore_o into_o these_o obligation_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o great_a solemnity_n and_o choice_n it_o have_v most_o wise_o be_v institute_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v in_o their_o name_n at_o their_o baptism_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o make_v a_o public_a declaration_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n of_o their_o take_n free_o upon_o themselves_o that_o vow_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n to_o live_v from_o thenceforward_o conformable_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o most_o solemn_a purpose_n of_o obedience_n they_o shall_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n have_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o baptism_n seal_v anew_o and_o secure_v to_o they_o 5._o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o more_o solemn_o and_o effectual_o so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o last_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o baptism_n have_v ancient_o among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o as_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n person_n convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v not_o before_o baptism_n admit_v as_o complete_a member_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v esteem_v only_o as_o candidate_n desirous_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o those_o who_o have_v now_o be_v only_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n shall_v before_o confirmation_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o by_o themselves_o too_o as_o no_o other_o than_o catechuman_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n before_o he_o be_v confirm_v and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o confirmation_n before_o he_o have_v attain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o resolution_n to_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o knowledge_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v certain_a solemn_a time_n appoint_v for_o baptism_n as_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n at_o which_o those_o who_o be_v before_o prepare_v by_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o catechise_v be_v admit_v with_o great_a solemnity_n into_o the_o complete_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o there_o be_v now_o such_o solemn_a season_n appoint_v against_o which_o minister_n of_o particular_a parish_n shall_v for_o some_o time_n beforehand_o diligent_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v those_o who_o be_v of_o age_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v confirm_v and_o above_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o whole_a process_n may_v be_v perform_v with_o so_o much_o reverence_n and_o solemnity_n that_o all_o the_o person_n confirm_v may_v understand_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o have_v all_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n seal_v and_o assure_v to_o they_o that_o they_o now_o receive_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o effectual_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o they_o now_o solemn_o undertake_v for_o themselves_o before_o god_n and_o the_o church_n what_o their_o surety_n promise_v for_o they_o before_o at_o baptism_n to_o live_v from_o henceforward_o in_o all_o holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o in_o constant_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n 6._o be_v this_o excellent_a institution_n thus_o solemn_o and_o religious_o observe_v exceed_v great_a will_v be_v the_o effect_n which_o we_o may_v just_o hope_v to_o see_v produce_v by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o effect_n that_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n have_v upon_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o indue_a they_o with_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n work_v miracle_n and_o the_o like_a and_o though_o these_o mighty_a
that_o convince_a proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v undeniable_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o have_v himself_o be_v there_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v man_n a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o state_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v thing_n not_o only_o most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o but_o they_o be_v moreover_o teach_v and_o inculcate_v by_o one_o who_o have_v give_v the_o most_o credible_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v desire_v of_o his_o be_v send_v immediate_o from_o god_n the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v be_v to_o his_o first_o disciple_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o a_o most_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o disciple_n be_v to_o we_o also_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n their_o have_v converse_v from_o the_o begin_n with_o our_o saviour_n himself_o their_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n their_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o have_v handle_v with_o their_o hand_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n as_o st._n john_n express_v it_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o make_v it_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n their_o suffering_n and_o death_n be_v invincible_a proof_n against_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o other_o they_o see_v all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n precise_o fulfil_v in_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n they_o see_v he_o confirm_v what_o he_o teach_v with_o such_o mighty_a work_n as_o his_o bitter_a and_o most_o malicious_a enemy_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v to_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n even_o while_o they_o be_v blaspheme_v that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o wrought_v they_o they_o see_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v such_o as_o to_o all_o unprejudiced_a beholder_n loud_o proclaim_v his_o divine_a commission_n they_o see_v he_o so_o constant_o despise_v all_o worldly_a greatness_n as_o once_o when_o the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v he_o a_o king_n even_o to_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o avoid_v that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o design_n of_o a_o impostor_n in_o fine_a they_o see_v he_o alive_a after_o 3_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o at_o last_o behold_v he_o ascend_v visible_o into_o heaven_n these_o be_v such_o demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o immediate_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o but_o the_o extreme_a malice_n and_o obstinacy_n can_v withstand_v they_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o these_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n the_o same_o reason_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v to_o believe_v they_o they_o confirm_v what_o they_o teach_v by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v though_o manifest_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o which_o no_o deceiver_n can_v ever_o do_v they_o die_v with_o all_o imaginable_a cheerfulness_n and_o joy_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o religion_n so_o that_o unless_o god_n shall_v work_v upon_o man_n by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o will_v not_o do_v nothing_o can_v be_v do_v more_o than_o have_v already_o be_v do_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o happiness_n it_o be_v true_a the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o such_o a_o ocular_a demonstration_n to_o after_o generation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o man_n who_o then_o live_v and_o see_v he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o but_o since_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v as_o clear_o prove_v to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n to_o be_v since_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o be_v as_o great_a and_o great_a than_o of_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n on_o which_o man_n venture_v the_o whole_a of_o their_o secular_a affair_n and_o on_o which_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n and_o pain_n since_o i_o say_v the_o case_n be_v thus_o he_o that_o will_v rather_o venture_v all_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v he_o that_o will_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o fall_v into_o eternal_a misery_n rather_o than_o believe_v the_o most_o credible_a and_o rational_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n mere_o because_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o with_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o that_o man_n do_v not_o disbelieve_v the_o thing_n because_o he_o think_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o not_o sufficient_o strong_a but_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o some_o particular_a interest_n of_o his_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n he_o may_v also_o have_v disbelieved_a it_o though_o he_o have_v see_v it_o himself_o 17._o this_o be_v in_o brief_a the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n in_o particular_a and_o he_o that_o will_v so_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a to_o the_o end_n must_v at_o least_o so_o far_o consider_v this_o evidence_n as_o before_o all_o thing_n to_o work_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n a_o firm_a settle_a and_o well-grounded_n belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n to_o produce_v which_o effect_n this_o evidence_n be_v most_o abundant_o sufficient_a for_o if_o in_o other_o case_n we_o assent_n to_o those_o thing_n as_o certain_a and_o demonstrate_v which_o if_o our_o faculty_n of_o judge_v and_o reason_v do_v not_o necessary_o deceive_v we_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a view_n appear_v clear_o and_o plain_o to_o be_v true_a there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o in_o moral_a and_o religious_a matter_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o those_o thing_n likewise_o to_o be_v certain_a and_o demonstrate_v which_o upon_o the_o exact_a and_o most_o deliberate_a judgement_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a or_o make_v do_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v as_o clear_o and_o as_o certain_o true_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o faculty_n do_v not_o necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o deceive_v we_o in_o all_o our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o proper_a happiness_n of_o man_n and_o concern_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o if_o in_o other_o case_n we_o always_o act_v without_o the_o least_o hesitation_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o good_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n and_o look_v upon_o that_o man_n as_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a who_o sustain_v great_a loss_n or_o le_fw-fr we_o slip_v great_a opportunity_n and_o advantage_n in_o business_n only_o by_o distrust_v the_o most_o credible_a and_o well-attested_n thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o unless_o our_o action_n be_v determine_v by_o some_o other_o thing_n than_o by_o reason_n and_o judgement_n the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n as_o if_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o we_o by_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v 18._o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o man_n who_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o act_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o reasonable_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o religion_n be_v yet_o apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o if_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v prove_v to_o they_o by_o some_o strong_a evidence_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o act_v otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v but_o if_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o these_o man_n act_v thus_o foolish_o be_v not_o because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o sufficient_o evidence_v but_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o some_o unruly_a passion_n
to_o act_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v plain_a unless_o god_n shall_v irresistible_o compel_v they_o they_o may_v well_o continue_v to_o act_v as_o they_o do_v though_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v real_o great_a than_o it_o be_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o imagine_v that_o if_o they_o have_v live_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v his_o preach_v and_o see_v his_o miracle_n if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o behold_v those_o mighty_a work_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n as_o the_o jew_n than_o have_v they_o shall_v not_o like_v they_o have_v reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o 30._o themselves_o but_o with_o all_o cheerfulness_n have_v believe_v his_o doctrine_n and_o embrace_v his_o religion_n they_o fancy_n they_o shall_v immediate_o have_v become_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v will_v have_v have_v a_o most_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n and_o if_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v not_o set_v upon_o this_o world_n more_o than_o upon_o the_o next_o if_o they_o value_v not_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o sense_n above_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v most_o certain_o they_o will_v do_v the_o same_o now_o but_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o earthly_a thing_n and_o their_o passion_n be_v strong_a than_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o reason_n if_o they_o do_v indeed_o so_o love_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n now_o as_o that_o they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o by_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o religion_n to_o live_v like_o christian_n we_o need_v not_o question_v to_o affirm_v that_o they_o may_v very_o well_o have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n though_o they_o have_v live_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o jew_n be_v a_o notorious_a and_o stand_a instance_n how_o far_o prejudice_n and_o affection_n be_v able_a to_o prevail_v over_o the_o strong_a conviction_n when_o our_o saviour_n begin_v to_o preach_v that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n they_o require_v a_o sign_n of_o he_o and_o they_o will_v believe_v he_o but_o when_o he_o have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miracle_n that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v 25._o the_o book_n if_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v write_v they_o persist_v still_o in_o their_o infidelity_n when_o they_o see_v he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o think_v themselves_o secure_a of_o he_o they_o say_v let_v he_o now_o come_v down_o from_o the_o 42_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v he_o but_o when_o he_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a wherein_o he_o have_v lie_v three_o day_n which_o be_v a_o much_o great_a and_o more_o convince_a miracle_n they_o grow_v more_o harden_v and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o unbelief_n 19_o other_o there_o be_v who_o imagine_v that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o world_n by_o the_o appearance_n of_o one_o send_v direct_o from_o that_o unknown_a state_n they_o will_v immediate_o become_v new_a creature_n but_o if_o god_n shall_v satisfy_v their_o unreasonable_a demand_n by_o send_v one_o on_o purpose_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o convince_v they_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o as_o they_o listen_v not_o to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v by_o one_o rise_v 31._o from_o the_o dead_a they_o may_v indeed_o at_o first_o be_v surprise_v and_o terrify_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o so_o unusual_a and_o unexpected_a a_o messenger_n but_o as_o wicked_a man_n upon_o a_o bed_n of_o sickness_n at_o the_o amaze_a approach_n of_o death_n and_o eternity_n resolve_v in_o the_o utmost_a anguish_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n to_o amend_v their_o life_n and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o terror_n be_v over_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o death_n past_a return_v to_o their_o old_a habit_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n shall_v god_n send_v a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o present_a wickedness_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o fright_v be_v over_o and_o their_o present_a terrible_a apprehension_n cease_v it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n impossible_a that_o their_o old_a vicious_a habit_n and_o belove_a sin_n shall_v again_o by_o degree_n prevail_v over_o they_o many_o there_o be_v in_o our_o present_a age_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o be_v of_o spirit_n by_o the_o powerful_a demonstration_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v that_o their_o life_n be_v more_o remarkable_o eminent_a for_o exemplary_a piety_n than_o they_o who_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o less_o violent_a but_o more_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n go_v on_o in_o a_o sober_a constant_a and_o regular_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o righteousness_n 20._o in_o sum_n therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o upon_o the_o full_a view_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o exact_a and_o most_o deliberate_a judgement_n that_o we_o can_v possible_o make_v ought_v infinite_o to_o determine_v the_o action_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n consider_v that_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o upon_o the_o final_a upshot_n of_o thing_n if_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o deceit_n if_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v not_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v any_o good_a if_o there_o be_v any_o evil_n if_o there_o be_v any_o excellency_n if_o there_o be_v any_o happiness_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v true_a consider_v this_o i_o say_v thorough_o and_o then_o resolve_v deliberate_o and_o with_o full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n to_o act_v always_o suitable_o to_o this_o consideration_n and_o to_o put_v all_o upon_o this_o one_o issue_n and_o when_o temptation_n and_o melancholy_n shall_v succeed_v when_o vain_a scruple_n and_o unreasonable_a suspicion_n shall_v cloud_v the_o understanding_n and_o perplex_v the_o mind_n be_v sure_a to_o stick_v immovable_o to_o that_o resolution_n which_o have_v once_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o wise_a judgement_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n possible_a and_o when_o the_o present_a indisposition_n of_o mind_n shall_v be_v over_o thing_n will_v again_o appear_v in_o their_o true_a light_n and_o the_o first_o resolution_n will_v grow_v continual_o strong_a 21._o only_o in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o above_o all_o be_v sure_a to_o fix_v these_o thing_n deep_o upon_o the_o mind_n by_o frequent_a and_o serious_a meditation_n the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v strong_a and_o unless_o these_o also_o can_v by_o some_o mean_n be_v interest_v the_o bare_a conviction_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o govern_v constant_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n 95._o but_o we_o must_v by_o constant_a meditation_n fix_v and_o inculcate_v they_o upon_o the_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v move_v our_o passion_n and_o excite_v our_o affection_n be_v not_o content_a to_o believe_v slight_o the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o represent_v he_o frequent_o in_o your_o mind_n with_o the_o most_o lively_a character_n of_o glory_n and_o majesty_n consider_v he_o as_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v measure_v the_o water_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n and_o 12._o mete_v out_o heaven_n with_o the_o span_n and_o comprehend_v the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o measure_n and_o weigh_v the_o mountain_n in_o scale_n and_o the_o hill_n in_o a_o balance_n to_o who_o all_o nation_n be_v as_o a_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o be_v count_v as_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n consider_v he_o as_o that_o all-powerful_a be_v before_o who_o the_o pillar_n of_o heaven_n tremble_v 11._o and_o be_v astonish_v at_o his_o reproof_n before_o who_o all_o nation_n be_v as_o nothing_o and_o they_o be_v count_v to_o he_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n 17._o be_v not_o content_a to_o believe_v in_o general_a the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o think_v of_o he_o always_o as_o actual_o present_a observe_v all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n and_o understand_v even_o our_o thought_n afar_o off_o be_v not_o content_a 2._o to_o believe_v in_o general_a a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o frequent_o represent_v to_o yourself_o the_o solemnity_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o great_a day_n imagine_v our_o saviour_n sit_v in_o judgement_n as_o in_o that_o prophetical_a allusion_n with_o his_o throne_n like_o the_o
fiery_a flame_n 9_o and_o his_o wheel_n as_o burn_a fire_n a_o fiery_a stream_n issue_v and_o come_v forth_o from_o before_o he_o thousand_o thousand_o minister_a unto_o he_o and_o ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o stand_v before_o he_o the_o judgement_n set_v and_o the_o book_n open_v last_o be_v not_o content_a to_o believe_v slight_o and_o in_o general_a a_o state_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n for_o virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o meditate_v frequent_o on_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n 23._o of_o the_o first-born_a to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n consider_v the_o happiness_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v 10._o be_v make_v king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o who_o shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o 3._o other_o hand_n meditate_v serious_o on_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o 44._o quench_v and_o where_o they_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o 10._o ever_o 22._o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o head_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o because_o that_o 60._o slight_a careless_a and_o only_o customary_a assent_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o most_o man_n faith_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o thing_n of_o the_o utmost_a importance_n have_v so_o so_o small_a a_o effect_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o men._n there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v proceed_v just_a by_o those_o step_n which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o but_o whoever_o will_v indeed_o make_v religion_n the_o business_n of_o his_o life_n must_v by_o some_o like_a method_n work_v in_o his_o mind_n a_o firm_a and_o well-grounded_n belief_n of_o all_o its_o great_a doctrine_n and_o a_o deep_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o of_o right_a notion_n concern_v religion_n in_o general_n 1._o second_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v right_a nation_n concern_v religion_n in_o general_n next_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o frame_n right_a notion_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o when_o religion_n be_v represent_v as_o require_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o not_o possible_a or_o not_o necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v when_o it_o be_v represent_v as_o consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v either_o not_o worthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o profitable_a to_o man_n in_o a_o word_n when_o religion_n be_v so_o represent_v that_o man_n may_v hope_v to_o be_v religious_a without_o be_v virtuous_a and_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n for_o some_o outward_a performance_n without_o a_o holy_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n this_o cut_v the_o very_a sinew_n and_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n 2._o now_o therefore_o to_o attain_v right_a notion_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n a_o man_n ought_v firm_o to_o persuade_v himself_o of_o these_o follow_a consideration_n that_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o great_a moral_a virtue_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o temperance_n which_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n both_o true_o excellent_a and_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o prepare_v man_n for_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n true_o and_o sincere_o desire_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o virtue_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o recommend_v these_o virtue_n and_o to_o enforce_v their_o practice_n 3._o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o great_a moral_a virtue_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o temperance_n which_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n true_o noble_a and_o excellent_a be_v evident_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o verdict_n of_o all_o man_n conscience_n these_o virtue_n be_v the_o imitation_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o as_o no_o man_n be_v so_o brutish_a as_o not_o to_o admire_v the_o perfection_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n when_o he_o consider_v they_o abstract_o in_o god_n so_o he_o can_v but_o pay_v a_o proportionable_a respect_n to_o whatever_o he_o see_v carry_v their_o resemblance_n in_o men._n hence_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o lovely_a and_o venerable_a of_o all_o thing_n and_o approve_v itself_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n hence_o vice_n become_v true_o odious_a and_o however_o it_o may_v insinuate_v itself_o into_o the_o practice_n can_v never_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n hence_o even_o those_o very_a person_n who_o by_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o some_o interest_n or_o lust_n be_v themselves_o draw_v aside_o out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n 4._o can_v yet_o forbear_v to_o give_v it_o its_o true_a character_n and_o commendation_n in_o other_o thus_o the_o officer_n who_o be_v send_v by_o the_o pharisee_n to_o apprehend_v jesus_n can_v not_o forbear_v declare_v that_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o 46._o man_n speak_v and_o the_o roman_a governor_n when_o he_o give_v sentence_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v crucify_a can_v not_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n forbear_v open_o profess_v that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o man_n can_v 38._o choose_v but_o think_v well_o of_o that_o virtue_n which_o the_o dominion_n of_o their_o lust_n force_v they_o to_o desert_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o affair_n compel_v they_o to_o discourage_v they_o can_v but_o wish_v they_o be_v the_o man_n they_o be_v not_o and_o pray_v with_o balaam_n that_o though_o they_o imitate_v not_o the_o life_n yet_o at_o least_o they_o may_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o 10._o their_o last_o end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o though_o therefore_o virtuous_a man_n be_v frequent_o persecute_v in_o the_o world_n and_o sometime_o mere_o for_o their_o virtue_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o because_o virtue_n can_v ever_o be_v hate_v but_o because_o those_o from_o who_o they_o suffer_v mistake_v it_o to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o because_o know_v it_o to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v they_o be_v notwithstanding_o prevail_v upon_o by_o some_o private_a interest_n to_o persecute_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o will_v force_v they_o to_o honour_n and_o respect_v it_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o former_a case_n be_v all_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o be_v certain_a these_o man_n be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o suffer_v mere_o upon_o that_o account_n but_o then_o it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o those_o from_o who_o they_o suffer_v do_v not_o persecute_v they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o religious_a but_o because_o they_o mistake_v they_o not_o to_o be_v so_o they_o do_v not_o persecute_v they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o because_o they_o look_v on_o they_o as_o despiser_n of_o their_o false_a one_o they_o be_v so_o unhappy_o blind_v by_o prejudice_n and_o idolatry_n that_o they_o mistake_v religion_n for_o superstition_n and_o superstition_n for_o religion_n hence_o they_o implacable_o persecute_v that_o doctrine_n who_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n if_o they_o will_v have_v open_v their_o eye_n they_o can_v not_o have_v resist_v and_o endeavour_v to_o root_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n out_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o false_a one_o a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o latter_a case_n be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o be_v manifest_o innocent_a of_o the_o crime_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o pilate_n know_v he_o to_o be_v so_o but_o then_o it_o be_v also_o manifest_a that_o he_o do_v not_o condemn_v he_o because_o he_o be_v innocent_a but_o because_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v the_o jew_n a_o pleasure_n our_o saviour_n innocence_n 27._o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o judge_n and_o it_o be_v only_a interest_n that_o overpower_v the_o force_n of_o that_o conviction_n virtue_n therefore_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o wicked_a man_n even_o while_o they_o be_v persecute_v it_o can_v deny_v it_o to_o
the_o time_n before_o they_o and_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v yet_o seduce_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n consider_v these_o thing_n let_v they_o consider_v what_o a_o prize_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o let_v they_o be_v zealous_a that_o no_o man_n take_v their_o crown_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o god_n and_o angel_n rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o old_a and_o great_a sinner_n much_o more_o must_v they_o be_v please_v to_o see_v a_o young_a person_n amid_o the_o allure_a glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n brave_o resist_v all_o its_o temptation_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o that_o time_n which_o a_o die_a sinner_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a give_v million_o of_o world_n to_o redeem_v be_v now_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o may_v make_v a_o glorious_a use_n of_o it_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o clothe_v with_o the_o white_a robe_n of_o innocence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v careful_a never_o to_o defile_v that_o garment_n they_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o portion_n among_o those_o few_o who_o shall_v walk_v 4._o with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o zealous_o continue_v to_o maintain_v their_o innocence_n and_o their_o good_a work_n for_o a_o few_o year_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v almost_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o temptation_n they_o will_v escape_v the_o bitter_a pang_n of_o remorse_n and_o repentance_n they_o will_v be_v whole_o above_o that_o great_a of_o human_a misery_n the_o dread_a and_o horror_n of_o death_n and_o may_v not_o only_o without_o fear_n but_o even_o with_o exceed_a joy_n expect_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v last_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o rejoice_v of_o their_o hope_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v be_v entitle_v to_o all_o those_o great_a and_o inconceivable_a promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v overcome_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n rev._n 2._o 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n ver_fw-la 11._o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n and_o i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n rev._n 3._o 5._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v new_a jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o sit_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n v._o 21._o chap._n x._o of_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o three_o resolve_v to_o make_v religion_n the_o main_a scope_n of_o all_o your_o action_n and_o the_o principal_a business_n of_o your_o life_n one_o great_a reason_n why_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o reign_a principle_n that_o whole_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v now_o so_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v because_o those_o holy_a man_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n add_v unto_o they_o whereas_o now_o man_n make_v religion_n not_o their_o first_o but_o their_o last_o care_n and_o while_o their_o whole_a heart_n and_o affection_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o religious_a if_o they_o spend_v but_o some_o small_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n in_o the_o outward_a and_o ceremonious_a act_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n if_o the_o happiness_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v the_o same_o for_o which_o they_o so_o painful_o contend_v if_o our_o obligation_n except_v perhaps_o some_o few_o particular_a case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o this_o slight_a careless_a and_o superficial_a religion_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n he_o that_o will_v obtain_v that_o crown_n of_o immortality_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o must_v be_v effectual_o and_o substantial_o religious_a in_o the_o main_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v so_o true_o and_o sincere_o religious_a must_v make_v that_o religion_n his_o principal_a and_o his_o first_o care_n 2._o by_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a care_n and_o study_n of_o our_o life_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o man_n shall_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o business_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o spend_v their_o time_n anxious_o in_o read_v pray_v meditate_v &_o the_o like_a i_o hese_n thing_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a nor_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_n and_o notorious_a error_n to_o think_v that_o man_n can_v become_v more_o true_o religious_a by_o the_o continue_a exercise_n of_o a_o private_a retirement_n than_o by_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o the_o world_n the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n habitual_o possess_v with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o express_v at_o all_o proper_a opportunity_n our_o devotion_n to_o he_o and_o our_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n to_o endeavour_v constant_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v temperate_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n as_o those_o who_o expect_v their_o happiness_n not_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o these_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v make_v his_o principal_n nay_o even_o his_o whole_a care_n without_o any_o way_n neglect_v or_o in_o the_o least_o withdraw_a himself_o from_o his_o secular_a and_o worldly_a business_n there_o be_v no_o employment_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v always_o do_v something_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o business_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o make_v it_o his_o main_a care_n to_o act_v always_o like_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o christian_a there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o life_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o keep_v a_o constant_a eye_n upon_o a_o future_a state_n and_o so_o use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o that_o the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a scope_n of_o all_o his_o action_n may_v always_o respect_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 3._o and_o to_o make_v religion_n thus_o far_o the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n be_v absolute_o and_o indispensable_o necessary_a no_o man_n can_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o word_n no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o and_o effectual_o religious_a unless_o he_o steadfast_o propose_v to_o himself_o one_o great_a design_n of_o his_o life_n and_o endeavour_n to_o act_n always_o regular_o upon_o that_o design_n he_o must_v 72._o constant_o keep_v a_o eye_n upon_o his_o main_a end_n and_o in_o every_o thing_n he_o do_v must_v be_v careful_a always_o to_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o that_o every_o thing_n he_o undertake_v must_v be_v either_o direct_o conducive_a to_o that_o end_n or_o at_o least_o not_o contrary_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o in_o a_o word_n he_o must_v be_v true_a to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v resolute_a never_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v afterward_o wish_v undo_v for_o otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n act_v only_o uncertain_o according_a to_o the_o present_a appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o without_o any_o fix_a design_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o every_o violent_a temptation_n will_v either_o surprise_v or_o overpower_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n will_v be_v as_o inconstant_a as_o his_o resolution_n his_o life_n will_v be_v at_o best_a no_n other_o than_o a_o continue_a circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v and_o his_o end_n will_v be_v in_o
three_o practical_a essay_n viz._n on_o baptism_n confirmation_n repentance_n contain_v instruction_n for_o a_o holy_a life_n with_o earnest_a exhortation_n especial_o to_o young_a person_n draw_v from_o the_o considerarion_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o samuel_n clark_n m._n a._n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n bishop_n of_o norwich_n and_o fellow_n of_o cain_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o james_n knapton_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1699._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n bishop_n of_o norwich_n my_o lord_n as_o the_o many_o undeserved_a favour_n with_o which_o your_o lordship_n have_v already_o be_v please_v to_o honour_v i_o oblige_v i_o not_o to_o omit_v any_o opportunity_n of_o testify_v public_o the_o grateful_a sense_n which_o i_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v of_o your_o lordship_n kindness_n so_o they_o encourage_v i_o to_o presume_v further_o upon_o your_o lordship_n candour_n in_o publish_v these_o short_a discourse_n under_o the_o patronage_n of_o your_o lordship_n name_n the_o singular_a zeal_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v show_v in_o make_v frequent_a confirmation_n give_v we_o reason_n to_o hope_v that_o if_o the_o direction_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v former_o give_v for_o the_o prepare_v person_n to_o be_v confirm_v be_v as_o strict_o observe_v as_o the_o regular_a and_o pious_a use_n of_o that_o excellent_a institution_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o most_o probable_a mean_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n and_o holiness_n that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o god_n have_v place_v your_o lordship_n may_v become_v exemplary_o eminent_a for_o the_o restore_a of_o primitive_a piety_n and_o order_n to_o which_o state_n that_o it_o may_v effectual_o arrive_v and_o that_o your_o lordship_n may_v long_o see_v it_o continue_v therein_o and_o that_o these_o short_a discourse_n may_v contribute_v their_o mite_n towards_o the_o promote_a so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o design_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o dutiful_a chaplain_n and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n s._n clarke_n the_o preface_n st_n chrysostom_n observe_v concern_v the_o ancient_a heretic_n that_o though_o their_o opinion_n be_v never_o so_o wide_o different_a both_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o each_o other_o yet_o every_o one_o pretend_a that_o his_o particular_a opinion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o found_v in_o it_o and_o that_o all_o different_a opinion_n be_v discountenance_v by_o it_o and_o may_v be_v confute_v out_o of_o it_o he_o observe_v also_o further_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o their_o confidence_n be_v because_o every_o one_o pick_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n all_o those_o passage_n which_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o favour_v his_o particular_a opinion_n without_o at_o all_o regard_v their_o cohaerence_n and_o connexion_n or_o the_o occasion_n and_o design_n of_o their_o be_v write_v thus_o from_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o christ_n as_o a_o man_n and_o in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n some_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o collect_v that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n and_o so_o deny_v his_o divinity_n other_o on_o the_o contrary_a from_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o god_n and_o in_o his_o state_n of_o exaltation_n do_v as_o weak_o take_v occasion_n to_o deny_v his_o humanity_n assert_v that_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v whole_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o divine_a i_o wish_v the_o same_o observation_n may_v not_o too_o true_o be_v make_v of_o most_o of_o the_o late_a dispute_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o christian_n in_o our_o day_n for_o thus_o i_o believe_v if_o we_o search_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o many_o of_o those_o man_n assertion_n who_o love_n to_o aggravate_v the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o natural_a misery_n of_o mankind_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o apply_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o whole_a bulk_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v evident_o and_o express_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o reason_n why_o other_o have_v so_o magnify_v the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n as_o to_o diminish_v and_o detract_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v because_o they_o apply_v those_o text_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n which_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o the_o most_o perfect_a christian_n again_o the_o foundation_n of_o those_o man_n opinion_n who_o have_v extol_v some_o one_o particular_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o or_o as_o a_o equivalent_a for_o all_o other_o duty_n be_v their_o have_v interpret_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v some_o one_o particular_a virtue_n which_o be_v plain_o mean_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o other_o have_v think_v no_o moral_a virtue_n at_o all_o necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o believer_n be_v because_o they_o have_v apply_v those_o text_n to_o the_o most_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v intend_v only_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a performance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o thus_o to_o come_v to_o the_o subject_n of_o our_o present_a discourse_n in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n have_v attribute_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n conversion_n to_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o uncertain_a grace_n of_o god_n as_o have_v give_v man_n occasion_n to_o sit_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n in_o expectation_n of_o the_o time_n when_o this_o extraordinary_a grace_n shall_v be_v pour_v down_o upon_o they_o be_v because_o they_o have_v fix_v that_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o a_o uncertain_a period_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v constant_o annex_v to_o his_o ordinance_n and_o which_o he_o certain_o bestow_v upon_o man_n at_o their_o baptism_n or_o at_o their_o solemn_a take_n upon_o themselves_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o other_o have_v make_v repentance_n so_o short_a and_o so_o easy_a a_o business_n be_v because_o they_o have_v too_o large_o apply_v those_o great_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o circular_a and_o repeat_v repentence_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n confine_v to_o the_o great_a repentance_n or_o conversion_n of_o unbeliever_n my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v to_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o set_v this_o great_a and_o most_o important_a matter_n in_o its_o true_a light_n from_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o show_v that_o at_o baptism_n god_n always_o bestow_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v man_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o to_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n this_o grace_n be_v seal_v and_o assure_v at_o confirmation_n that_o from_o henceforward_o man_n be_v bind_v with_o that_o assistance_n to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o their_o know_a duty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v except_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n any_o extraordinary_a much_o less_o irresistible_a grace_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n or_o to_o convert_v they_o from_o sin_n that_o if_o after_o this_o they_o fall_v into_o any_o great_a wickedness_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o proportionable_o great_a and_o particular_a repentance_n and_o that_o as_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o such_o repentance_n be_v accept_v to_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v all_o true_a penitent_n so_o it_o have_v sufficient_o show_v the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n and_o the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o it_o when_o late_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o delay_v it_o when_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o necessity_n and_o from_o add_v to_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o hope_v to_o have_v they_o forgive_v there_o be_v nothing_o with_o which_o the_o devil_n more_o effectual_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n than_o with_o false_a notion_n of_o repentance_n and_o if_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v too_o severe_a in_o their_o apprehension_n concern_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v many_o more_o in_o our_o day_n not_o severe_a enough_o at_o least_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o just_a apprehension_n of_o the_o vast_a concern_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o will_v be_v much_o more_o desirous_a to_o know_v the_o utmost_a strictness_n of_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o so_o mighty_a a_o stake_n depend_v
so_o appropriate_v but_o apply_v promiscuous_o to_o all_o christian_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o the_o apostle_n letter_n in_o which_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n be_v call_v elect_a sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a and_o most_o evident_o from_o st._n john_n who_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o whosoever_o say_v he_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n i._n e._n every_o christian_a there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o in_o those_o time_n who_o be_v not_o indeed_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o elect_a person_n and_o as_o christian_n who_o then_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o their_o profession_n be_v style_v regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a so_o they_o who_o continue_v to_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o the_o end_n be_v say_v to_o persevere_v and_o of_o such_o only_a be_v it_o say_v that_o they_o persevere_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o after_o their_o baptism_n lapse_v into_o any_o notorious_a transgression_n for_o one_o that_o have_v thus_o lapse_v they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o he_o shall_v repeat_v his_o crime_n no_o more_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o baptismal_a remission_n but_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o 23._o a_o long_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n to_o endeavour_v to_o wash_v out_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n nay_o and_o even_o this_o course_n also_o they_o allow_v of_o but_o 4._o once_o not_o that_o true_a repentance_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n but_o as_o a_o ambrose_n ancient_a writer_n express_v it_o that_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a remain_a remedy_n may_v not_o by_o be_v make_v too_o easy_a grow_v contemptible_a and_o ineflectual_a 6._o and_o now_o let_v we_o think_v upon_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n who_o i_o do_v not_o say_v after_o baptism_n and_o the_o solemn_a take_n upon_o ourselves_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o frequent_a purpose_n and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n after_o repeat_v vow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n nay_o perhaps_o after_o confirm_v all_o these_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v yet_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o defer_v our_o repentance_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v themselves_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o their_o death_n and_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n we_o still_o continue_v under_o the_o weak_a excuse_n of_o infirmity_n and_o inadvertency_n to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n do_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o or_o have_v god_n establish_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o upon_o slight_a term_n and_o entail_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o upon_o easy_a condition_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a christian_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o say_v st._n john_n he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a 1_o john_n 3._o 7._o it_o be_v true_a the_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o we_o live_v in_o christian_a nation_n and_o under_o christian_a government_n where_o there_o be_v no_o pagan_n to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v after_o their_o repentance_n and_o with_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o mind_n and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n there_o be_v very_o few_o so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o any_o sin_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n and_o complete_a conviction_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o etc._n in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o can_v but_o require_v some_o time_n perfect_o to_o overcome_v a_o vicious_a disposition_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n but_o may_v we_o therefore_o spend_v our_o whole_a life_n in_o little_a and_o weak_a struggle_n against_o sin_n without_o ever_o arrive_v at_o that_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v ancient_o think_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v a_o man_n for_o baptism_n may_v we_o therefore_o be_v excuse_v from_o ever_o become_v perfect_a christian_n because_o we_o be_v all_o along_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v never_o convert_v by_o any_o sudden_a conviction_n when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o that_o state_n describe_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o seven_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n that_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o great_a and_o know_v sin_n and_o set_v his_o mind_n to_o resist_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o through_o the_o viciousness_n of_o his_o inclination_n or_o the_o force_n of_o evil_a habit_n he_o frequent_o relapse_n and_o be_v entangle_v in_o they_o again_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n indeed_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o yet_o harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v hope_n that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o may_v at_o length_n prevail_v and_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n but_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o overcome_v he_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a nor_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v so_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_o get_v above_o all_o the_o temptation_n to_o know_v sin_n and_o assure_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o any_o more_o to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o arrive_v and_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o arrive_v at_o it_o timely_a that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n so_o wicked_a who_o do_v not_o design_n to_o repent_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o before_o he_o die_v and_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o in_o his_o gospel_n make_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o repentance_n that_o he_o have_v to_o innocence_n and_o continue_a obedience_n but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o by_o a_o fatal_a error_n the_o repentance_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v such_o large_a promise_n be_v not_o the_o late_a repentance_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o the_o timely_a repentance_n of_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a at_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o than_o baptism_n itself_o indeed_o if_o a_o christian_a by_o a_o unhappy_a education_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o sin_n and_o habituate_v to_o wickedness_n whenever_o he_o come_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v then_o in_o the_o same_o state_n that_o a_o heathen_a convert_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v at_o his_o baptism_n and_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o both_o but_o when_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n do_v notwitstanding_n that_o continue_v wilful_o all_o his_o life_n in_o sin_n our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o assure_v he_o that_o god_n and_o angel_n will_v rejoice_v at_o his_o conversion_n if_o when_o he_o grow_v old_a he_o leave_v off_o sin_v because_o he_o can_v sin_v no_o more_o that_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o such_o a_o repentance_n shall_v be_v accept_v at_o all_o we_o must_v therefore_o so_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n as_o to_o attain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o to_o live_v in_o they_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o this_o our_o saviour_n will_v accept_v and_o tryph._n he_o that_o after_o such_o a_o repentance_n live_v constant_o virtuous_a shall_v certain_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v always_o be_v innocent_a but_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o renew_a obedience_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v possible_o extend_v itself_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o our_o repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v chap._n v._o of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n 1._o as_o those_o who_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n have_v be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n be_v baptize_v at_o ripe_a year_n upon_o their_o public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o their_o repentance_n so_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n
operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v afterward_o by_o degree_n cease_v yet_o the_o constant_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n confer_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n express_v and_o show_v forth_o itself_o in_o great_a and_o very_o remarkable_a effect_n it_o fill_v man_n with_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a strength_n it_o endue_v they_o with_o courage_n and_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n to_o confess_v bold_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o to_o promote_v zealous_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n it_o wrought_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o continual_a joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o perfect_a purity_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n a_o boundless_a charity_n towards_o all_o mankind_n and_o a_o infinite_a desire_n of_o do_v good_a in_o their_o generation_n and_o be_v young_a person_n teach_v now_o to_o receive_v confirmation_n with_o the_o same_o preparation_n with_o the_o same_o reverence_n and_o with_o the_o same_o expectation_n that_o they_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o may_v yet_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v annex_v the_o same_o inward_a blessing_n to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o same_o external_n mean_v be_v none_o esteem_v perfect_a christian_n or_o look_v upon_o as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o confirmation_n parent_n and_o surety_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v child_n in_o order_n to_o be_v confirm_v and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o perfect_a christian_n and_o faithful_a member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o ever_o know_v how_o or_o upon_o what_o condition_n they_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o be_v none_o admit_v to_o confirmation_n who_o have_v not_o first_o pass_v through_o such_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o catechise_v as_o to_o understand_v perfect_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o perform_v it_o this_o will_v breed_v in_o young_a person_n a_o great_a reverence_n and_o esteem_n for_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a zeal_n in_o prepare_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o complete_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o its_o high_a mystery_n by_o this_o mean_n child_n will_v be_v full_o and_o distinct_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v man_n live_v all_o their_o life_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o participation_n of_o its_o sacrament_n without_o ever_o understand_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o promise_v at_o baptism_n by_o this_o mean_v that_o gross_a ignorance_n in_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o christian_n live_v and_o die_v will_v in_o great_a measure_n be_v prevent_v and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v child_n for_o want_n of_o instruction_n so_o soon_o possess_v and_o corrupt_v by_o vice_n as_o to_o lie_v and_o swear_v to_o be_v disobedient_a and_o ill_a nature_a to_o be_v vain_a and_o idle_a in_o that_o tender_a age_n wherein_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v form_v to_o all_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n with_o the_o same_o advantage_n of_o prejudice_n and_o first_o possession_n be_v none_o receive_v to_o confirmation_n who_o do_v not_o express_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o live_v from_o thenceforward_o according_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o godly_a conversation_n or_o who_o do_v not_o with_o free_a choice_n and_o a_o zealous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n desire_v to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o to_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o whole_a church_n this_o will_v give_v a_o mighty_a reputation_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v prevent_v that_o goldness_n and_o deadness_n in_o religion_n which_o proceed_v from_o man_n take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o course_n without_o due_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n this_o will_v make_v man_n earnest_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o solicitous_a not_o to_o contradict_v their_o profession_n by_o their_o life_n such_o a_o solemn_a renuntiation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n such_o a_o vow_n solemn_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v by_o our_o personal_a protestation_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o congregation_n can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o mighty_a bridle_n to_o restrain_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o a_o mighty_a spur_n to_o provoke_v man_n to_o good_a work_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o man_n in_o who_o presence_n so_o sacred_a a_o obligation_n be_v enter_v into_o can_v not_o but_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o bind_v man_n to_o live_v worthy_a of_o this_o great_a vocation_n that_o they_o may_v answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o not_o become_v a_o blemish_n and_o dishonour_n to_o their_o religion_n last_o be_v none_o admit_v to_o confirmation_n without_o be_v first_o full_o persuade_v that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v the_o perfection_n and_o strength_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v domini_fw-la the_o seal_n of_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o be_v separate_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v from_o henceforward_o continue_v with_o they_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n we_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n so_o now_o also_o these_o external_n ordinance_n will_v be_v accompany_v with_o such_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o inward_a and_o sanctify_a grace_n as_o will_v have_v a_o visible_a effect_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n the_o time_n be_v when_o the_o professor_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v challenge_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n to_o give_v they_o a_o lustful_a malicious_a passionate_a revengeful_a man_n and_o they_o will_v by_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o confirmation_n transform_v he_o into_o the_o pure_a the_o meek_a and_o the_o gentle_a spirit_n upon_o earth_n and_o since_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v always_o with_o the_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o confirmation_n of_o baptise_a person_n if_o it_o be_v celebrate_v by_o we_o with_o the_o same_o preparation_n and_o reverence_n as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o ancient_n may_v not_o be_v as_o effectual_a now_o to_o confirm_v man_n in_o virtue_n as_o it_o be_v then_o to_o transform_v they_o from_o vice_n and_o have_v as_o proportionable_o great_a a_o effect_n upon_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o our_o life_n as_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o church_n will_v be_v again_o restore_v to_o its_o ancient_a regular_a constitution_n by_o these_o mean_v many_o perplex_v scruple_n about_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n will_v in_o great_a measure_n be_v remove_v no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n without_o have_v be_v first_o confirm_v and_o no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v confirm_v without_o have_v first_o pass_v through_o such_o preparation_n as_o will_v sit_v he_o for_o the_o communion_n last_o by_o these_o mean_n if_o any_o one_o after_o confirmation_n lapse_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n a_o fair_a opportunity_n will_v offer_v itself_o of_o restore_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o ancient_a discipline_n the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v so_o just_o lament_v by_o the_o church_n this_o solemn_a preparation_n by_o which_o i_o suppose_v person_n fit_v for_o confirmation_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o work_v in_o man_n mind_n such_o a_o dread_a of_o sin_n to_o be_v commit_v afterward_o as_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o and_o to_o profit_v under_o discipline_n 7._o these_o be_v the_o exceed_a great_a benefit_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o such_o a_o solemn_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o confirmation_n but_o till_o this_o excellent_a institution_n can_v be_v restore_v to_o its_o ancient_a solemnity_n and_o reverence_n which_o as_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v so_o in_o the_o present_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v hope_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v earnest_o
be_v enemy_n of_o god_n and_o hater_n of_o his_o religion_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o righteous_a and_o good_a god_n have_v any_o regard_n to_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n there_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n wherein_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v dispense_v impartial_o to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n 8._o thus_o as_o certain_a as_o be_v our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n so_o certain_a may_v we_o be_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n yet_o by_o experience_n it_o have_v be_v find_v that_o these_o consideration_n however_o in_o themselves_o strong_a and_o conclude_a have_v notwithstanding_o be_v insufficient_a so_o to_o convince_v man_n judgement_n and_o overrule_a their_o passion_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o constant_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n before_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o amaze_a instance_n of_o this_o they_o quick_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o impure_a spirit_n and_o be_v thereupon_o give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n 19_o they_o be_v by_o degree_n entangle_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o wicked_a practice_n till_o their_o very_a mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v and_o 15._o so_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o run_v into_o all_o excess_n of_o riot_n that_o even_o their_o most_o sacred_a and_o religious_a performance_n become_v at_o length_n the_o very_o extreme_a abomination_n and_o though_o there_o always_o be_v among_o they_o some_o philosopher_n who_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n yet_o they_o never_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v together_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n who_o can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o even_o that_o happiness_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n they_o be_v so_o little_o settle_v in_o their_o apprehension_n about_o that_o st._n austin_n somewhere_o out_o of_o varro_n reckon_v up_o no_o less_o than_o 280_o opinion_n concern_v the_o chief_a good_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v this_o happiness_n namely_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o morality_n they_o agree_v indeed_o pretty_a well_o in_o but_o their_o understanding_n they_o complain_v be_v so_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a their_o will_n so_o bias_v and_o incline_v to_o evil_a their_o passion_n so_o outrageous_a and_o rebel_a against_o reason_n that_o those_o rule_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o hardly_o practicable_a in_o a_o word_n they_o confess_v that_o humane_a nature_n be_v strange_o corrupt_v and_o they_o complain_v of_o this_o corruption_n as_o a_o disease_n whereof_o they_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o can_v not_o find_v out_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n so_o that_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o they_o as_o matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o dispute_n rather_o than_o practice_n and_o not_o so_o much_o urge_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o propose_v to_o the_o admiration_n of_o those_o who_o think_v they_o scarce_o possible_a to_o be_v effectual_o attain_v to_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n last_o the_o method_n by_o which_o those_o who_o have_v err_v from_o the_o right_a way_n and_o have_v offend_v god_n may_v yet_o again_o restore_v themselves_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n the_o philosopher_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n absolute_o ignorant_a of_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercifulness_n of_o god_n they_o do_v indeed_o reasonable_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v show_v himself_o placable_a to_o sinner_n and_o may_v be_v some_o way_n reconcile_v but_o what_o propitiation_n he_o will_v accept_v and_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o reconciliation_n must_v be_v make_v here_o nature_n stop_v and_o expect_v with_o impatience_n the_o aid_n of_o some_o particular_a revelation_n that_o god_n will_v receive_v return_v sinner_n and_o accept_v of_o repentance_n instead_o of_o perfect_a obedience_n they_o can_v certain_o know_v to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o for_o though_o this_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o only_a mean_n of_o reconciliation_n that_o nature_n suggest_v yet_o whether_o this_o will_v be_v alone_o sufficient_a or_o whether_o he_o require_v something_o further_a before_o he_o will_v restore_v man_n to_o the_o privilege_n they_o have_v forfeit_v they_o can_v be_v satisfactory_o assure_v there_o arise_v therefore_o from_o nature_n no_o sufficient_a comfort_n to_o sinner_n but_o a_o endless_a and_o anxious_a solicitude_n about_o the_o mean_n of_o appease_v the_o deity_n hence_o those_o diverse_a way_n of_o sacrifice_v and_o numberless_a superstition_n which_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n but_o be_v so_o little_a satisfactory_a to_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n even_o in_o those_o time_n of_o darkness_n that_o the_o philosopher_n can_v not_o sometime_o forbear_v declare_v that_o they_o think_v those_o rite_n can_v avail_v little_a or_o nothing_o towards_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o a_o provoke_v god_n or_o make_v their_o prayer_n acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n insomuch_o that_o fin_n plato_n in_o the_o person_n of_o socrates_n speak_v out_o that_o since_o they_o know_v not_o in_o what_o manner_n to_o apply_v themselves_o acceptable_o unto_o god_n he_o expect_v and_o do_v assure_v himself_o that_o in_o due_a time_n some_o person_n will_v be_v send_v from_o god_n who_o shall_v declare_v to_o they_o his_o will_n in_o that_o particular_a 9_o and_o now_o if_o these_o wise_a of_o philosopher_n be_v thus_o puzzle_v about_o that_o which_o be_v their_o high_a concern_v how_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o our_o age_n certain_a that_o if_o themselves_o have_v live_v without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v have_v make_v such_o a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n as_o to_o have_v discover_v the_o truth_n exact_o without_o be_v any_o way_n lead_v aside_o by_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n if_o their_o lot_n have_v be_v among_o the_o vulgar_a how_o be_v they_o sure_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o happy_a or_o so_o considerate_a as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v involve_v in_o that_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o overspread_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o philosopher_n which_o sect_n will_v they_o have_v choose_v to_o have_v follow_v and_o what_o book_n will_v they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o to_o be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n or_o if_o they_o will_v have_v set_v up_o for_o themselves_o how_o be_v they_o certain_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v skilful_a and_o unprejudiced_a enough_o to_o have_v deduce_v the_o several_a branch_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o several_a case_n of_o life_n by_o argumentation_n and_o dint_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o see_v that_o those_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o be_v beforehand_o plain_o and_o particular_o lay_v before_o we_o be_v perfect_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o find_v out_o those_o rule_n mere_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n without_o their_o have_v first_o be_v any_o otherwise_o make_v know_v we_o see_v that_o even_o many_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o govern_v their_o life_n by_o the_o plain_a write_a rule_n of_o a_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n be_v yet_o most_o miserable_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v sure_a he_o shall_v have_v make_v so_o good_a improvement_n of_o his_o reason_n as_o to_o have_v understand_v it_o perfect_o in_o all_o its_o part_n without_o any_o such_o help_n we_o see_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v firm_o that_o great_a and_o everlasting_a happiness_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o that_o great_a and_o eternal_a misery_n which_o christ_n have_v threaten_v to_o disobedience_n be_v yet_o hurry_v away_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n to_o transgress_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o which_o these_o promise_n and_o these_o threaten_n be_v annex_v and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v sure_a he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overcome_v those_o great_a temptation_n if_o these_o mighty_a motive_n be_v less_o distinct_o know_v or_o less_o powerful_o enforce_v but_o suppose_v he_o can_v and_o that_o by_o strength_n of_o reason_n he_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o himself_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o clearness_n and_o distinctness_n yet_o can_v all_o man_n do_v so_o assure_o all_o man_n be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o be_v philosopher_n though_o all_o man_n be_v
institution_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v no_o other_o duty_n than_o what_o be_v perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n and_o manifest_o perfective_a of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n have_v already_o the_o mark_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o and_o can_v possible_o but_o come_v from_o he_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o law_n be_v also_o unchangeable_a whoever_o therefore_o preach_v and_o institutes_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o lead_v man_n to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o god_n may_v without_o any_o other_o testimonial_n be_v admit_v as_o a_o preacher_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o that_o religion_n which_o stand_v on_o such_o a_o foundation_n be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_o recommend_v to_o the_o belief_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o wise_a men._n now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o a_o institution_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o its_o great_a adversary_n have_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n fear_v and_o adoration_n which_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o god_n be_v so_o manifest_o incumbent_a upon_o we_o on_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellent_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n that_o no_o man_n who_o consider_v can_v break_v loose_a from_o the_o obligation_n which_o our_o religion_n lay_v upon_o he_o to_o practice_v these_o duty_n without_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n and_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o duty_n of_o justice_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n command_v we_o to_o exercise_v towards_o man_n be_v so_o apparent_o reasonable_a and_o so_o direct_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o even_o those_o man_n who_o have_v break_v through_o all_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o virtue_n have_v yet_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o society_n and_o the_o well-being_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o duty_n shall_v be_v enforce_v by_o the_o penalty_n of_o humane_a law_n the_o duty_n of_o sobriety_n temperance_n and_o contentment_n which_o our_o religion_n enjoin_v we_o to_o practice_v in_o ourselves_o be_v so_o undeniable_o agreeable_a to_o the_o inward_a constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o so_o perfective_a of_o it_o that_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o all_o true_a philosophy_n be_v to_o recommend_v and_o set_v off_o these_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n though_o as_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o confess_v it_o never_o be_v able_a to_o work_v man_n up_o to_o that_o pitch_n of_o cheerful_a and_o generous_a obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o these_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o primitive_a and_o pure_a state_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v do_v and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v now_o believe_v and_o practise_v as_o it_o then_o be_v it_o must_v still_o do_v last_o even_o those_o positive_a and_o external_a observance_n such_o as_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o mean_n and_o assistance_n to_o keep_v man_n steadfast_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o great_a and_o moral_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o free_a from_o all_o appearance_n of_o superstition_n and_o vanity_n and_o so_o wise_o fit_v to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v that_o many_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v yet_o be_v force_v to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o institution_n 14._o again_o the_o principal_a motive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n therein_o to_o be_v dispense_v be_v thing_n so_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o unprejudiced_a reason_n to_o the_o natural_a apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v their_o truth_n and_o reality_n confirm_v by_o no_o other_o argument_n or_o external_a proof_n yet_o be_v they_o sufficient_a to_o influence_n the_o practice_n and_o regulate_v the_o action_n of_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a and_o shall_v survive_v after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o corruptible_a body_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o have_v always_o be_v think_v demonstrable_a from_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n capable_a of_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o consequent_o of_o give_v account_n of_o his_o action_n and_o be_v judge_v for_o they_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o therefore_o in_o a_o future_a state_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o time_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v of_o god_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n have_v be_v collect_v by_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o considerate_a part_n of_o man_n among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n have_v indeed_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o most_o of_o the_o philosopher_n as_o a_o thing_n utter_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a but_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v no_o express_a revelation_n of_o that_o matter_n do_v yet_o believe_v it_o upon_o a_o constant_a tradition_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o their_o write_n and_o particular_o from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n which_o according_a to_o the_o seventy_o run_v thus_o so_o job_n die_v be_v old_a and_o full_a of_o day_n ult_n but_o it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o with_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o 15._o further_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n with_o which_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v enlarge_v and_o enforce_v be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o most_o wise_o perfective_a of_o it_o for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o to_o have_v those_o duty_n which_o nature_n hint_n at_o only_a in_o general_n explain_v full_o and_o large_o and_o urge_v in_o particular_a and_o inculcate_v upon_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o exemplify_v in_o the_o live_v of_o holy_a person_n propose_v as_o pattern_n for_o man_n imitation_n what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o to_o have_v those_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n which_o nature_n only_o obscure_o point_v at_o describe_v to_o we_o most_o plain_o affectionate_o and_o lively_o what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o to_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o atone_v for_o sin_n which_o nature_n discover_v only_o the_o want_n of_o plain_o declare_v and_o exhibit_v to_o we_o what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n as_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o fine_a what_o can_v more_o effectual_o perfect_v the_o religion_n of_o nature_n than_o the_o gatber_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n into_o one_o body_n the_o unite_n they_o by_o certain_a positive_a rite_n in_o one_o common_a communion_n for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o improvement_n and_o the_o establish_v a_o certain_a order_n of_o man_n who_o business_n may_v be_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n by_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o by_o admonish_v the_o wicked_a 16._o last_o beside_o all_o these_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n god_n have_v moreover_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o most_o undeniable_a external_a evidence_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v thing_n not_o only_o most_o probable_a and_o most_o credible_a in_o themselves_o but_o god_n have_v moreover_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o by_o most_o clear_a testimony_n which_o be_v a_o proof_n suit_v to_o all_o capacity_n and_o have_v most_o strong_o urge_v upon_o man_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o exhortation_n of_o one_o who_o by_o
be_v so_o 4._o again_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o great_a moral_a virtue_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o temperance_n be_v a_o thing_n indispensable_o necessary_a to_o prepare_v man_n for_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o religion_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o happiness_n the_o happiness_n which_o religion_n promise_v to_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o bless_a society_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o that_o 23._o with_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v that_o satisfaction_n which_o must_v necessary_o arise_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o from_o the_o 〈…〉_z of_o his_o favour_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n than_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o prepare_v man_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o happiness_n for_o what_o agreement_n can_v there_o be_v between_o a_o sensual_a spiteful_a or_o malicious_a soul_n and_o the_o pure_a society_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a we_o see_v even_o in_o this_o life_n how_o ungrateful_a the_o society_n of_o good_a man_n be_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o so_o doubtless_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n those_o soul_n which_o have_v be_v whole_o immerse_v in_o sense_n and_o give_v up_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n can_v never_o be_v fit_a company_n for_o those_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a mind_n who_o desire_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v as_o far_o exalt_v above_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o sensual_a as_o heaven_n be_v above_o earth_n and_o those_o malicious_a spirit_n who_o delight_n upon_o earth_n be_v in_o nothing_o but_o hatred_n envy_n and_o revenge_n can_v never_o converse_v in_o heaven_n with_o those_o divine_a soul_n who_o feed_v and_o live_v upon_o no_o other_o pleasure_n but_o those_o of_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o love_n in_o like_a manner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o earthly_a and_o wicked_a soul_n to_o be_v make_v happy_a by_o the_o vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n to_o see_v god_n be_v to_o behold_v and_o contemplate_v those_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n purity_n and_o truth_n and_o to_o enjoy_v god_n be_v so_o to_o love_n and_o adore_v those_o amiable_a perfection_n as_o to_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n and_o resemblance_n of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o wicked_a soul_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o happiness_n tell_v a_o covetous_a worldling_n of_o a_o treasure_n lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n where_o neither_o 20._o moth_n nor_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n do_v not_o break_v through_o and_o steal_v tell_v he_o of_o a_o never-fading_a inheritance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v or_o of_o a_o city_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v 10._o god_n tell_v a_o ambitious_a aspire_a mind_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v hereafter_o 18._o or_o a_o voluptuous_a person_n of_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a pleasure_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v they_o 9_o and_o will_v they_o have_v any_o relish_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v they_o not_o be_v much_o more_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o glory_n of_o earth_n and_o the_o gratification_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o suppose_v god_n shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n for_o these_o man_n and_o when_o he_o remove_v they_o into_o another_o world_n shall_v transform_v they_o also_o into_o new_a creature_n it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n than_o for_o body_n to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o spirit_n or_o for_o darkness_n to_o have_v communion_n and_o agreement_n with_o light_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o if_o god_n shall_v transplant_v these_o man_n into_o heaven_n he_o can_v not_o make_v they_o happy_a there_o but_o while_o they_o be_v so_o exceed_o indispose_v for_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o he_o never_o will_n the_o exercise_n therefore_o of_o virtue_n be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o happiness_n and_o in_o proportion_n as_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n so_o do_v we_o to_o the_o fountain_n and_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n the_o great_a degree_n of_o virtue_n any_o be_v be_v endue_v with_o so_o much_o the_o high_a rank_n do_v it_o obtain_v in_o the_o order_n of_o creature_n the_o high_a angel_n so_o much_o as_o they_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n more_o entire_o and_o imitate_v the_o divine_a life_n more_o perfect_o than_o man_n do_v so_o much_o be_v they_o exalt_v above_o man_n and_o have_v a_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o by_o how_o much_o one_o man_n in_o this_o life_n obtain_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n than_o another_o so_o much_o a_o more_o excellent_a degree_n of_o happiness_a be_v he_o prepare_v to_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 5._o and_o that_o god_n agreeable_o to_o this_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n do_v true_o and_o sincere_o desire_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o reveal_v declaration_n of_o his_o will._n god_n who_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o who_o create_v all_o thing_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o communicate_v to_o they_o his_o perfection_n and_o his_o happiness_n can_v possible_o but_o make_v every_o man_n as_o happy_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o his_o virtue_n make_v he_o capable_a to_o be_v and_o that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o he_o have_v moreover_o assure_v we_o by_o most_o express_a and_o repeat_v declaration_n he_o declare_v that_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o that_o he_o rejoice_v over_o they_o for_o good_a he_o invite_v man_n with_o all_o the_o tender_a promise_n of_o a_o compassionate_a father_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o swear_v by_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o earnest_o desire_v that_o they_o shall_v return_v and_o live_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v secret_o make_v any_o determination_n which_o may_v be_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v so_o open_o and_o express_o reveal_v what_o sort_n of_o man_n he_o have_v decree_v to_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a he_o have_v clear_o and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o other_o decree_n than_o this_o if_o he_o have_v at_o all_o make_v any_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v sufficient_a it_o be_v for_o we_o that_o as_o sure_a as_o god_n and_o his_o scripture_n be_v true_a so_o sure_o be_v we_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o that_o god_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v decree_v any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o true_o religious_a man_n may_v be_v exclude_v from_o happiness_n or_o a_o sincere_a man_n from_o the_o possibility_n of_o become_v true_o religious_a 6._o since_o therefore_o god_n true_o and_o sincere_o desire_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o since_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o happiness_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o great_a moral_a duty_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o temperance_n which_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n as_o have_v already_o be_v show_v it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o recommend_v these_o virtue_n and_o to_o enforce_v their_o practice_n other_o thing_n may_v be_v help_n and_o assistance_n of_o religion_n many_o external_n observance_n may_v for_o wise_a reason_n be_v positive_o command_v and_o may_v be_v of_o exceed_v great_a use_n as_o mean_n to_o promote_v devotion_n and_o piety_n but_o the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n else_o must_v terminate_v can_v possible_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o great_a and_o eternal_a duty_n 7._o in_o natural_a religion_n this_o be_v very_o evident_a for_o the_o foundation_n of_o its_o obligation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o
obey_v it_o 12._o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o disannul_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v appoint_v only_o for_o a_o time_n but_o he_o have_v thereby_o more_o firm_o establish_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o judaizer_n who_o think_v that_o christ_n have_v not_o abrogate_a any_o part_n of_o the_o law_n so_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o impious_a than_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o gentilizer_n who_o contend_v that_o he_o have_v destroy_v it_o all_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o purchase_v for_o we_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o pardon_n be_v grant_v to_o past_a sin_n upon_o repentance_n but_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o be_v for_o the_o future_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 10_o he_o have_v indeed_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n and_o open_v to_o we_o a_o abundant_a entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n 11_o of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o any_o unrenewed_a nature_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o those_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a reward_n but_o that_o those_o who_o have_v break_v 27._o off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o their_o iniquity_n by_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a may_v through_o his_o merit_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o but_o it_o be_v express_o upon_o condition_n that_o we_o rescue_v ourselves_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o this_o he_o have_v make_v a_o most_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o obey_v it_o according_a to_o that_o discovery_n he_o have_v beat_v off_o our_o chain_n and_o open_v we_o a_o way_n to_o retreat_v out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o 21._o haâ—_n pay_v the_o price_n and_o redeem_v we_o out_o of_o captivity_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o still_o continue_v in_o sin_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n and_o extreme_a folly_n here_o and_o will_v be_v our_o condemnation_n and_o misery_n hereafter_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o we_o will_v yet_o sit_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o at_o last_o fall_n into_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v indeed_o so_o far_o available_a to_o those_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n as_o that_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o imperfect_a righteousness_n by_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v according_a to_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v acceptable_a before_o god_n through_o faith_n in_o he_o unto_o justification_n but_o for_o one_o who_o use_v no_o endeavour_n to_o be_v righteous_a himself_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o external_a imputation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v make_v whole_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o another_o health_n or_o for_o a_o miserable_a man_n to_o be_v make_v happy_a mere_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o another_o man_n felicity_n righteousness_n be_v not_o a_o outward_a imaginary_a quality_n but_o a_o inward_a and_o real_a disposition_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n which_o must_v show_v forth_o itself_o in_o real_a and_o substantial_a act_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n little_a child_n say_v st._n john_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a 1_o john_n 3._o 7._o last_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o promise_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v most_o express_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o obey_v it_o also_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matt._n 5._o 21._o without_o this_o obedience_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n can_v stand_v a_o man_n in_o any_o stead_n his_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n will_v avail_v he_o nothing_o his_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n will_v profit_v he_o nothing_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v religious_a 26._o and_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a for_o though_o he_o can_v speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v all_o 2._o faith_n so_o that_o he_o can_v remove_v mountain_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v not_o holy_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n it_o will_v profit_v he_o nothing_o many_o will_v plead_v before_o our_o saviour_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n but_o also_o have_v teach_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o name_n do_v many_o 26._o wonderful_a work_n that_o be_v have_v have_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n even_o of_o work_a miracle_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n he_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o chap._n iu._n a_o digression_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o work_n deliver_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o that_o to_o the_o galatian_n 1._o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n be_v urge_v against_o this_o notion_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o work_n deliver_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o that_o to_o the_o galatian_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v misinterpret_v to_o countenance_v the_o most_o pernicious_a error_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n by_o way_n of_o digression_n endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o write_v these_o two_o epistle_n and_o to_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v therein_o 2._o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o jew_n we_o know_v be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n select_v out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o be_v the_o people_n among_o who_o god_n will_v choose_v to_o place_v his_o name_n to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o to_o they_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n who_o be_v the_o father_n and_o out_o of_o who_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n christ_n come_v who_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o rome_n 9_o 4_o &_o 5._o that_o be_v with_o they_o be_v entrust_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophecy_n to_o they_o be_v grant_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n and_o privilege_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v the_o son_n or_o people_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v according_o under_o the_o more_o 8._o peculiar_a care_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n among_o they_o be_v the_o ark_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n the_o shecinah_n or_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o judah_n be_v god_n know_v his_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n in_o salem_n also_o be_v his_o tabernalce_a and_o his_o dwell_a place_n in_o zion_n with_o they_o god_n enter_v solemn_o into_o covenant_n that_o he_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n and_o confirm_v this_o covenant_n with_o the_o sacramental_a seal_n of_o circumcision_n and_o with_o sprinkle_v of_o blood_n to_o they_o god_n himself_o prescribe_v a_o law_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n in_o a_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o their_o polity_n also_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o appointment_n god_n show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o do_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o other_o nation_n neither_o have_v the_o heathen_a knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n last_o they_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o those_o patriarch_n to_o who_o god_n have_v so_o often_o promise_v and_o swear_v by_o himself_o that_o in_o their_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n
almost_o whole_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a respect_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n external_a and_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v they_o carnal_a ordinance_n respect_v chief_o the_o outward_a purification_n of_o the_o body_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o christian_a religion_n spirit_n and_o the_o jewish_a religion_n flesh._n thus_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n ch_z 8._o ver_fw-la 3_o &_o 4._o for_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o for_o sin_n condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v whereas_o the_o jewish_a religion_n because_o of_o its_o outward_a and_o carnal_a ordinance_n be_v weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o make_v man_n true_o righteous_a god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a man_n to_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o purify_n thorough_o the_o whole_a heart_n and_o mind_n and_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n may_v through_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n avail_n to_o justify_v man_n from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n thus_o also_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n ch_n 3._o ver_fw-la 3._o be_v you_o so_o foolish_a have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v you_o now_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v be_v you_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v that_o after_o you_o have_v embrace_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n you_o can_v become_v yet_o more_o perfect_a by_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n 8._o these_o be_v the_o term_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v the_o christian_a and_o jewish_a religion_n by_o in_o these_o epistle_n and_o according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n the_o substance_n of_o both_o these_o epistle_n may_v clear_o be_v resolve_v into_o certain_a argument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n plain_o and_o strong_o prove_v against_o the_o judaize_v believer_n that_o obedience_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n without_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a 9_o his_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v prove_v insufficient_a to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a as_o the_o natural_a religion_n have_v before_o do_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o set_v up_o another_o institution_n of_o religion_n which_o may_v be_v more_o available_a and_o effectual_a to_o that_o end_n now_o the_o set_n up_o a_o new_a institution_n of_o religion_n necessary_o imply_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o old_a it_o follow_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v add_v to_o judaisme_n but_o that_o judaisme_n be_v to_o be_v change_v into_o christianity_n that_o be_v that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v from_o thenceforward_o to_o cease_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o succeed_v in_o its_o room_n this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n insist_o upon_o in_o the_o one_a 2d_o 5_o 6_o and_o seven_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o one_a and_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o galatian_n in_o the_o one_a and_o 2d_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n he_o show_v that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v prove_v insufficient_a to_o make_v man_n true_o holy_a as_o natural_a religion_n have_v also_o do_v in_o the_o 5_o and_o 6_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o one_a to_o the_o galatian_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o more_o available_a to_o that_o end_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n he_o show_v that_o this_o new_a institution_n of_o religion_n necessary_o imply_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o old_a one_o and_o this_o he_o do_v from_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o woman_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n to_o her_o husband_n so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v but_o if_o her_o husband_n be_v dead_a she_o be_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o her_o husband_n which_o similitude_n he_o apply_v ver_fw-la 4._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n you_o also_o be_v become_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n by_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v marry_v to_o another_o even_o to_o he_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o galatian_n he_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n from_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o young_a heir_n be_v under_o governor_n or_o tutor_n ver_fw-la 1._o i_o say_v that_o the_o heir_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v a_o child_n differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o servant_n though_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o but_o be_v under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n until_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o when_o we_o be_v child_n be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o element_n of_o the_o world_n but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n that_o be_v the_o jewish_a law_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o religion_n adapt_v by_o god_n in_o great_a condescension_n to_o the_o weak_a apprehension_n of_o that_o people_n but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o institute_v a_o more_o perfect_a form_n of_o religion_n after_o the_o settlement_n of_o which_o in_o the_o world_n the_o former_a dispensation_n be_v to_o be_v disannul_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n thereof_o 10._o the_o second_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v a_o man_n without_o mix_v therewith_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o jewish_a be_v this_o the_o sum_n and_o essence_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o god_n since_o therefore_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v institute_v only_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n that_o they_o may_v promote_v this_o great_a end_n and_o prepare_v man_n heart_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o more_o perfect_a institution_n of_o religion_n wherein_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o obey_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o when_o this_o more_o perfect_a institution_n of_o religion_n be_v settle_v the_o former_a which_o be_v design_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v a_o preparatory_a to_o this_o must_v be_v abolish_v this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n insist_o on_o in_o the_o 2d_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o 3d_o to_o the_o galatian_n in_o the_o 2d_o to_o the_o roman_n he_o show_v that_o every_o institution_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o the_o jewish_a be_v no_o otherwise_o of_o any_o esteem_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n than_o as_o it_o promote_v that_o great_a end_n of_o obedience_n to_o his_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n for_o circumcision_n say_v he_o very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n therefore_o if_o the_o uncircumcision_n keep_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o his_o uncircumcision_n be_v count_v for_o circumcision_n and_o shall_v not_o uncircumcision_n which_o be_v by_o nature_n if_o it_o keep_v the_o law_n judge_v thou_o who_o by_o the_o letter_n and_o circumcision_n do_v transgress_v the_o law_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_o neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n v_o 25._o to_o the_o end_n in_o the_o 3d_o to_o the_o galatian_n he_o argue_v that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v be_v thus_o institute_v only_o to_o prepare_v man_n for_o that_o obedience_n to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o follow_v that_o when_o this_o latter_a and_o more_o perfect_a institution_n take_v place_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o continue_v the_o former_a the_o law_n say_v he_o be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n till_o the_o seed_n shall_v
come_v to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v v_o 19_o and_o v_o 23._o before_o faith_n come_v we_o be_v keep_v under_o the_o law_n shut_v up_o unto_o the_o faith_n which_o shall_v afterward_o be_v reveal_v wherefore_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o faith_n but_o after_o that_o faith_n be_v come_v we_o be_v no_o long_o under_o a_o schoolmaster_n 11._o the_o three_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o bind_v any_o long_a to_o observe_v the_o jewish_a be_v this_o the_o religion_n of_o abraham_n be_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o available_a to_o justification_n but_o now_o the_o religion_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v only_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v before_o unto_o abraham_n and_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v reckon_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n when_o he_o be_v not_o in_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o righteousness_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n large_o and_o strong_o insist_o upon_o in_o the_o whole_a four_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o 3d_o to_o the_o galatian_n as_o you_o may_v there_o read_v at_o large_a 12._o the_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n without_o retain_v the_o jewish_a be_v this_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o elect_a and_o the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v not_o mean_v strict_o those_o who_o descend_v from_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n shall_v be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o gentile_n also_o which_o believe_v have_v attain_v to_o righteousness_n even_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o be_v those_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o well_o gentile_n as_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o religion_n of_o abraham_n shall_v be_v justify_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n insist_o upon_o in_o the_o 9th_o 10_o and_o 11_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o four_o to_o the_o galatian_n 13._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o in_o these_o two_o epistle_n to_o prove_v against_o the_o judaize_v christian_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o retain_v the_o jewish_a religion_n together_o with_o the_o christian._n and_o from_o the_o largeness_n clearness_n and_o strength_n of_o these_o argument_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o question_n be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o epistle_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v most_o strong_o and_o large_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o real_o the_o design_n of_o his_o discourse_n or_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o shall_v make_v a_o thing_n the_o profess_a subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o yet_o prove_v it_o by_o such_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a argument_n as_o the_o wise_a and_o cunning_a of_o man_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v either_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o with_o themselves_o 14._o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o so_o understand_v any_o passage_n in_o these_o epistle_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o magnify_v one_o christian_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v set_v forth_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a thus_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o work_n we_o must_v not_o interpret_v it_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a for_o so_o the_o apostle_n himself_o most_o express_o explain_v it_o gal._n 5._o 6_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n that_o be_v it_o matter_n not_o whether_o a_o man_n observe_v the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n or_o no_o if_o he_o maintain_v but_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o christian._n but_o as_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o same_o apostle_n every_o where_o urge_v their_o necessity_n and_o particular_o the_o five_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o most_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o be_v fruitful_a therein_o 15._o from_o which_o it_o follow_v most_o evident_o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n when_o the_o one_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o work_n and_o the_o other_o say_v that_o faith_n without_o work_n can_v justify_v for_o the_o one_o speak_v profess_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v avail_v to_o justify_v a_o man_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o it_o can_v do_v so_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o st._n james_n the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n that_o be_v his_o faith_n be_v accept_v without_o circumcision_n and_o without_o observe_v the_o external_a rite_n of_o the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v by_o work_n say_v st._n james_n that_o abraham_n our_o father_n be_v justify_v that_o be_v it_o be_v by_o real_a 1._o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v now_o require_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v make_v available_a to_o justification_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o great_a apostle_n than_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n without_o obey_v the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o without_o obey_v the_o christian._n 16._o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n concern_v faith_n and_o work_n deliver_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n concern_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n namely_o that_o the_o essence_n and_o end_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o do_v more_o clear_o and_o more_o strong_o confirm_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o particular_a 1._o three_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o understand_v in_o general_n wherein_o true_a religion_n consist_v and_o to_o have_v right_a notion_n concern_v its_o obligation_n in_o general_a but_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v the_o particular_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o view_v they_o distinct_o under_o some_o proper_a head_n many_o there_o be_v who_o have_v right_a and_o true_a notion_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n who_o understand_v well_o enough_o and_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v accept_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v holiness_n of_o life_n and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n who_o yet_o 60_o content_v themselves_o with_o this_o slight_a general_a and_o superficial_a knowledge_n and_o never_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o meditate_v serious_o on_o the_o several_a particular_a branch_n of_o their_o
duty_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o with_o a_o partial_a obedience_n and_o while_o they_o satisfy_v their_o own_o mind_n with_o some_o loose_a and_o general_a consideration_n that_o their_o life_n be_v religious_a in_o the_o main_a that_o they_o have_v a_o general_a esteem_n for_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o hate_v profaneness_n and_o profess_a irreligion_n they_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o some_o important_a duty_n 2._o my_o design_n be_v not_o in_o this_o short_a essay_n to_o make_v a_o large_a and_o particular_a deduction_n of_o all_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n this_o have_v already_o be_v full_o and_o excellent_o do_v 2._o by_o some_o of_o our_o own_o writer_n i_o shall_v only_o lay_v down_o the_o chief_a particular_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o some_o brief_a head_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o remember_v and_o carry_v constant_o in_o mind_n as_o perpetual_a memorial_n of_o what_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o must_v remember_v ourselves_o to_o be_v absolute_o and_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o 3._o first_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o devout_a towards_o god_n with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n of_o mind_n possible_a and_o to_o seek_v all_o opportunity_n of_o express_v that_o devotion_n by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v faith_n in_o god_n trust_v and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o submission_n and_o resignedness_n to_o his_o will_n fear_v and_o love_n of_o he_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n prayer_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o and_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n witchcraft_n and_o consult_v with_o such_o as_o be_v repute_v to_o have_v skill_n in_o any_o evil_a art_n perjury_n and_o vain_a swear_v unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n want_v of_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n unthankfulness_n and_o neglect_v of_o prayer_n carelessness_n in_o religion_n and_o neglect_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a worship_n 4._o second_o that_o we_o ought_v constant_o to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o men._n by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v honour_n and_o reverence_n fidelity_n and_o obedience_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v our_o superior_n goodness_n and_o kindness_n affability_n and_o courteousness_n justice_n and_o honesty_n gentleness_n and_o candour_n meekness_n and_o peaceableness_n forgiveness_n of_o injury_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o do_v all_o possible_a kindness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o equal_n pity_v and_o succour_n mercifulness_n and_o compassion_n alm_n and_o beneficence_n instruction_n and_o assistance_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o help_n and_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o 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purity_n contentment_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n patience_n and_o watchfulness_n mortification_n and_o self-denial_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o humility_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o fornication_n uncleanness_n and_o lasciviousness_n voluptuousness_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n idleness_n and_o softness_n impatience_n and_o discontent_n 6._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o every_o one_o who_o will_v in_o earnest_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o serious_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n must_v resolve_v to_o perform_v whoever_o will_v bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o christ_n must_v first_o consider_v whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o impious_a and_o profane_a man_n and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n rather_o than_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o his_o god_n he_o must_v consider_v whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o sacrifice_v his_o dear_a interest_n to_o conquer_v his_o most_o natural_a passion_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o must_v ask_v himself_o whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o temperance_n and_o purity_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o mortify_v his_o most_o darling_a lust_n and_o as_o a_o resolute_a follower_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n contemn_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n for_o unless_o he_o can_v peremptory_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v all_o this_o his_o profession_n of_o religion_n will_v certain_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o he_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n which_o of_o you_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o lest_o haply_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v it_o all_o that_o behold_v it_o begin_v to_o mock_v he_o say_v this_o man_n begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v who_o do_v not_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n whatever_o it_o may_v cost_v he_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n luke_n 14._o 28_o etc._n etc._n chap._n vi_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o confirmation_n of_o solemn_o renew_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n 1._o when_o a_o person_n be_v thus_o arrive_v to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n when_o he_o understand_v distinct_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v come_v to_o a_o settle_a resolution_n of_o conduct_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o become_v true_o meet_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v right_o prepare_v to_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o his_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ._n which_o the_o church_n have_v wise_o ordain_v shall_v be_v do_v public_o at_o confirmation_n where_o by_o ratify_v with_o our_o own_o mouth_n the_o vow_n make_v in_o our_o name_n by_o our_o surety_n we_o solemn_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o all_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o same_o baptismal_a covenant_n entitle_v we_o to_o receive_v 2._o first_o therefore_o at_o receive_v confirmation_n consider_v that_o you_o now_o solemn_o undertake_v for_o yourself_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o baptismal_a covenant_n oblige_v you_o to_o observe_v consider_v that_o you_o now_o confirm_v &_o ratify_v all_o that_o your_o surety_n promise_v and_o vow_v for_o you_o at_o your_o baptism_n consider_v that_o you_o now_o engage_v in_o your_o own_o person_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o you_o now_o engage_v to_o stand_v firm_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o never_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v or_o afraid_a to_o own_v yourself_o his_o disciple_n and_o that_o you_o now_o engage_v to_o obey_v from_o henceforward_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v
to_o live_v with_o all_o the_o strictness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o duty_n of_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o set_v down_o the_o head_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n 3._o and_o consider_v that_o you_o promise_v all_o this_o most_o solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n consider_v that_o you_o enter_v into_o this_o promise_n with_o such_o solemnity_n as_o lay_v upon_o you_o the_o strong_a possible_a obligation_n to_o virtue_n consider_v that_o you_o so_o enter_v into_o this_o promise_n with_o knowledge_n and_o deliberation_n that_o if_o you_o shall_v afterward_o fall_v into_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n in_o contempt_n of_o such_o repeat_v obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o gild_n thereof_o will_v be_v extreme_o increase_v and_o that_o therefore_o you_o ought_v now_o to_o affect_v your_o mind_n deep_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o strengthen_v mighty_o your_o good_a resolution_n ancient_o every_o one_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v teach_v to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o enter_v into_o so_o solemn_a a_o obligation_n of_o religion_n that_o if_o after_o that_o great_a and_o sacred_a vow_n he_o shall_v fall_v into_o any_o wilful_a and_o know_a sin_n it_o can_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o but_o upon_o a_o proportionable_o great_a and_o long_a repentance_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v now_o why_o every_o one_o that_o by_o confirmation_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n shall_v look_v upon_o himself_o as_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o solemn_a obligation_n as_o shall_v make_v he_o exceed_o fearful_a of_o fall_v for_o the_o future_a into_o any_o great_a sin_n the_o gild_n of_o which_o will_v be_v extreme_o increase_v by_o be_v commit_v after_o such_o repeat_v vow_n and_o promise_v to_o the_o contrary_n 4._o 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religious_a and_o many_o in_o our_o day_n because_o they_o think_v sin_n will_v be_v more_o heinous_a after_o so_o solemn_a a_o obligation_n do_v therefore_o defer_v receive_v the_o communion_n all_o their_o life_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a these_o man_n run_v into_o a_o very_a great_a error_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o sin_n after_o repeat_v obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a become_v more_o heinous_a be_v because_o it_o be_v commit_v with_o great_a deliberation_n &_o against_o clear_a conviction_n when_o therefore_o a_o man_n who_o believe_v religion_n and_o understand_v its_o obligation_n omit_v these_o duty_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o he_o may_v sin_v as_o he_o think_v with_o less_o danger_n his_o sin_n be_v then_o equal_o deliberate_a and_o against_o equal_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o he_o moreover_o add_v to_o they_o a_o contemptuous_a neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o become_v more_o religious_a chap._n vii_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 1._o second_o consider_v that_o you_o come_v now_o to_o have_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o you_o all_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o baptismal_a covenant_n entitle_v you_o to_o receive_v at_o baptism_n we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o at_o confirmation_n this_o grace_n be_v seal_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o by_o the_o external_a sign_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n when_o therefore_o you_o come_v in_o this_o solemn_a manner_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o your_o religion_n and_o to_o dedicate_v yourself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v sure_a to_o come_v with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o a_o long_a soul_n with_o firm_a faith_n and_o a_o well-assured_n hope_n with_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o mind_n prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o pour_v down_o upon_o you_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o give_v you_o strength_n from_o thenceforward_o to_o overcome_v both_o the_o inward_a corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o the_o outward_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o continue_v firm_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o command_n to_o preserve_v you_o always_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v you_o safe_a unto_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o be_v annex_v constant_o to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n if_o we_o imagine_v that_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o utter_o corrupt_v that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o do_v or_o will_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a than_o a_o dead_a body_n can_v move_v or_o bring_v itself_o to_o life_n till_o we_o be_v act_v by_o such_o a_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n as_o nothing_o that_o we_o can_v do_v can_v in_o the_o least_o prepare_v we_o to_o receive_v if_o we_o imagine_v that_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o we_o can_v possible_o overcome_v they_o without_o such_o a_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o god_n have_v not_o annex_v to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o ordinance_n or_o mean_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o imagine_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v so_o impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v that_o after_o all_o we_o can_v do_v we_o must_v sit_v still_o in_o expectation_n of_o be_v convert_v sudden_o by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n this_o must_v needs_o make_v all_o our_o endeavour_n weak_a and_o faint_a dead_a and_o without_o heart_n and_o we_o shall_v certain_o never_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v our_o temptation_n and_o to_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a 3._o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o â—_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v real_o so_o great_a that_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v real_o so_o strong_a that_o we_o can_v never_o mere_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v and_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v broad_a that_o by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v by_o our_o own_o power_n we_o can_v never_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o then_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o this_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o have_v break_v all_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n if_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v purchase_v this_o grace_n for_o we_o that_o upon_o our_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v god_n will_v as_o certain_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o sufficient_a 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return_v to_o your_o duty_n for_o if_o your_o resolution_n when_o firm_a be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v much_o less_o will_v they_o do_v it_o when_o they_o have_v once_o be_v break_v if_o you_o can_v withstand_v the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o at_o a_o distance_n much_o less_o will_v you_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o when_o it_o have_v interest_v your_o passion_n and_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o your_o affection_n if_o you_o can_v maintain_v your_o ground_n while_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a constant_o to_o assist_v you_o much_o less_o will_v you_o do_v it_o when_o he_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o you_o but_o resolve_v brave_o now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n while_o you_o have_v time_n and_o may_v do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o make_v your_o religion_n easy_a and_o your_o happiness_n secure_a set_v out_o with_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v despise_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o 3._o again_o while_o one_o who_o have_v early_o enter_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n maintain_v his_o integrity_n and_o stand_v firm_a against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n he_o carry_v with_o he_o not_o only_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n and_o a_o undisturbed_a mind_n but_o such_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o enable_v he_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n not_o only_o willing_o but_o cheerful_o and_o to_o despise_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o vanity_n and_o nothing_o but_o when_o once_o he_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o sin_n in_o any_o gross_a and_o notorious_a instance_n then_o fear_n and_o doubt_n 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contempt_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n to_o part_v actual_o with_o all_o our_o temporal_a good_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o keep_v they_o with_o such_o indifferency_n as_o if_o we_o enjoy_v they_o not_o those_o person_n therefore_o who_o enter_v early_o into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n when_o their_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v most_o numerous_a and_o most_o powerful_a continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o virtue_n unmoved_a amid_o the_o perpetual_a allurement_n of_o pleasure_n the_o dazzle_a vanity_n of_o worldly_a glory_n and_o the_o manifold_a deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_n look_v upon_o with_o 9_o no_o less_o esteem_n than_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o as_o great_a a_o reward_n 6._o let_v those_o who_o have_v still_o
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will_v have_v be_v plain_o describe_v to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o those_o vice_n but_o since_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o direct_o lay_v those_o thing_n to_o his_o charge_n neither_o must_v we_o do_v it_o the_o parable_n say_v he_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o as_o his_o station_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v he_o may_v fair_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v so_o without_o the_o imputation_n of_o excess_n as_o god_n have_v place_v man_n in_o different_a station_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o make_v very_o different_a distribution_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n among_o they_o so_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o good_a thing_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o according_a to_o every_o man_n quality_n and_o condition_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v certain_o collect_v from_o the_o rich_a man_n fare_v sumptuous_o that_o he_o waste_v his_o substance_n in_o riotous_a live_n as_o the_o prodigal_n be_v describe_v to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n for_o he_o will_v certain_o in_o this_o place_n have_v be_v direct_o accuse_v of_o do_v so_o if_o the_o parable_n have_v be_v level_v against_o nothing_o less_o than_o riot_v and_o excess_n 11._o again_o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o condemn_v uncharitableness_n and_o cruelty_n be_v also_o evident_a for_o though_o it_o represent_v the_o rich_a man_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o poor_a man_n lie_v at_o his_o gate_n full_a of_o sore_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o crumb_n that_o fall_v from_o the_o rich_a man_n table_n yet_o it_o contain_v only_o this_o description_n of_o the_o poor_a
i_o shall_v not_o now_o nice_o dispute_v certain_v it_o be_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o those_o who_o place_n their_o happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n shall_v come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o we_o all_o know_v how_o short_a and_o transitory_a the_o present_a life_n be_v and_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v stranger_n and_o sojourner_n in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v now_o only_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o travel_v as_o it_o be_v through_o a_o strange_a country_n to_o our_o proper_a home_n whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 6._o and_o here_o we_o have_v no_o continue_a city_n but_o we_o seek_v one_o to_o come_v heb._n 13._o 14._o now_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v stop_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o journey_n and_o make_v their_o inn_n their_o home_n if_o they_o will_v place_v their_o happiness_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o only_o as_o convenience_n for_o their_o present_a state_n what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v assign_v they_o their_o portion_n in_o those_o thing_n man_n soul_n be_v spiritual_a and_o immortal_a and_o by_o the_o nobleness_n of_o its_o nature_n exalt_v above_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o though_o by_o be_v immerse_v in_o body_n it_o be_v necessitate_v to_o converse_v with_o sensible_a and_o corporeal_a thing_n yet_o do_v it_o thirst_v after_o more_o pure_a and_o refine_a object_n it_o can_v look_v beyond_o this_o world_n to_o its_o native_a country_n and_o know_v that_o its_o proper_a happiness_n be_v by_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o god_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n now_o if_o man_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o will_v take_v up_o with_o sensual_a and_o earthly_a enjoyment_n if_o they_o will_v clog_v the_o flight_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o stake_v it_o down_o to_o these_o ignoble_a object_n if_o they_o will_v set_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n on_o these_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o as_o matter_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n what_o can_v be_v more_o just_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o satiate_v themselves_o with_o their_o belove_a pleasure_n and_o deny_v they_o those_o noble_a one_o which_o they_o so_o little_o esteem_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o blessing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v talent_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n which_o god_n expect_v we_o shall_v lay_v out_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v many_o of_o they_o of_o he_o he_o will_v require_v the_o more_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v do_v what_o good_a we_o can_v with_o they_o which_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n give_v out_o our_o money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n that_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v he_o may_v receive_v his_o own_o with_o usury_n now_o if_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n whole_o ourselves_o and_o employ_v they_o only_o to_o the_o serve_v our_o own_o worldly_a design_n what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v our_o portion_n and_o reward_n the_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v notorious_o covetous_a and_o worldly_a mind_v do_v even_o their_o act_n of_o charity_n mere_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o our_o saviour_n repeat_v it_o no_o less_o than_o thrice_o in_o the_o six_o of_o st._n matthew_n that_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n the_o rich_a jew_n also_o make_v general_o no_o other_o use_v of_o their_o riches_n than_o to_o live_v in_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o gaiety_n and_o splendour_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o consolation_n 21._o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n and_o they_o who_o will_v 35._o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o obtain_v that_o world_n and_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a must_v be_v content_a not_o to_o live_v a_o soft_a and_o easy_a a_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n but_o to_o labour_v diligent_o and_o to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a our_o saviour_n compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n which_o when_o a_o merchantman_n find_v 46._o he_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o and_o whoever_o have_v worthy_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o can_v never_o think_v any_o thing_n 23._o hard_a to_o purchase_v so_o great_a a_o treasure_n st._n paul_n compare_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n to_o a_o crown_n for_o which_o they_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n run_v all_o but_o one_o receive_v 24._o the_o prize_n and_o if_o they_o who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v be_v careful_a to_o prepare_v their_o body_n beforehand_o for_o the_o race_n that_o they_o may_v run_v not_o uncertain_o but_o so_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n and_o by_o temperance_n prepare_v it_o for_o the_o christian_a warfare_n who_o be_v to_o strive_v for_o a_o incorruptible_a and_o never-fading_a crown_n 22._o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o example_n as_o of_o a_o life_n not_o morose_a and_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n so_o of_o a_o life_n very_o far_o from_o be_v sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a he_o utter_o despise_v all_o the_o grandeur_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o willing_o endure_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o obstinate_a and_o malicious_a man_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v the_o worship_n and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a make_v that_o the_o 38._o whole_a business_n of_o his_o life_n and_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o undergo_v any_o hardship_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v the_o ignorant_a or_o relieve_v the_o distress_a and_o if_o we_o hope_v at_o last_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n we_o must_v resolve_v now_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o imitate_v his_o life_n who_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o 21._o saint_n of_o god_n who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o be_v eminent_a example_n not_o of_o ease_n and_o softness_n but_o either_o of_o great_a suffering_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n or_o of_o great_a zeal_n and_o pain_n in_o it_o the_o patriarch_n who_o live_v before_o our_o saviour_n and_o see_v the_o promise_v only_o afar_o off_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o 13._o their_o hope_n be_v fix_v upon_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a and_o all_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o first_o follow_v our_o saviour_n and_o see_v the_o promise_v fulfil_v do_v either_o through_o persecution_n become_v naked_a destitute_a and_o afflict_a or_o by_o their_o boundless_a charity_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n do_v almost_o make_v themselves_o so_o and_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o have_v our_o portion_n among_o these_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a in_o that_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a in_o that_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a 23._o god_n we_o must_v in_o some_o proportion_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o their_o zeal_n their_o labour_n and_o their_o patience_n and_o not_o be_v whole_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n of_o a_o careless_a and_o corrupt_a age._n they_o general_o part_v with_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o certain_o we_o be_v at_o least_o bind_v not_o to_o fasten_v our_o affection_n so_o strong_o upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o hardly_o to_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v ourselves_o any_o thing_n their_o temperance_n their_o abstinence_n and_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n be_v almost_o incredible_a and_o excessive_a and_o assure_o we_o can_v with_o the_o same_o hope_n spend_v our_o whole_a life_n in_o nothing_o but_o softness_n gallantry_n and_o pleasure_n in_o fine_a their_o charity_n be_v wonderful_a and_o boundless_a extend_v itself_o even_o to_o 1._o such_o instance_n as_o we_o can_v hardly_o think_v credible_a and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v at_o lest_o something_o and_o to_o take_v some_o pain_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n 23._o last_o if_o these_o thing_n seem_v hard_a and_o tend_v to_o entrench_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n consider_v the_o conclusion_n and_o final_a upshot_n of_o thing_n consider_v what_o opinion_n we_o
service_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v by_o confirmation_n assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o their_o body_n be_v 2._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o if_o they_o keep_v here_o in_o temperance_n and_o purity_n in_o sanctification_n and_o honour_n they_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v with_o they_o in_o glory_n but_o 5._o if_o they_o abuse_v they_o by_o any_o intimperance_n or_o defile_v they_o with_o any_o lust_n they_o drive_v away_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o shall_v forfeit_v their_o life_n again_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o age_n or_o temper_v or_o company_n or_o business_n place_n they_o beyond_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o youth_n and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o those_o temptation_n with_o which_o other_o be_v hurry_v away_o continual_o must_v not_o esteem_v of_o themselves_o by_o their_o not_o run_v into_o those_o excess_n of_o riot_n to_o which_o perhaps_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o temptation_n but_o must_v examine_v whether_o they_o be_v exact_o just_a in_o the_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o whether_o they_o be_v true_o useful_a and_o charitable_a according_a to_o their_o ability_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v sincere_o careful_a to_o resist_v those_o temptation_n to_o which_o their_o particular_a circumstance_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v more_o especial_o expose_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a trial_n of_o every_o man_n sincerity_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a rule_n by_o which_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v of_o his_o own_o state_n chap._n xiii_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o of_o perfection_n 1._o last_o strive_v continual_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o house_n of_o clay_n encompass_v perpetual_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o shall_v all_o offend_v indeed_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n yet_o unless_o we_o strive_v and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n we_o shall_v never_o make_v any_o tolerable_a progress_n he_o that_o have_v no_o more_o zeal_n for_o religion_n than_o to_o desire_v just_a to_o keep_v within_o the_o border_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v deceive_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o find_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o that_o those_o who_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a be_v but_o 17._o wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o shall_v have_v no_o portion_n among_o they_o that_o be_v array_v in_o fine_a linen_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n and_o the_o good_a work_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o who_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o true_o zealous_a desire_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n will_v with_o st._n paul_n never_o think_v he_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a enough_o but_o forget_v those_o ihing_n which_o be_v behind_o 1â—_n and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o will_v always_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o will_v never_o think_v himself_o good_a and_o holy_a enough_o but_o get_v continual_o a_o more_o complete_a victory_n over_o his_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n will_v go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n in_o the_o improvement_n 7_o of_o virtue_n here_o till_o he_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o glory_n hereafter_o 2._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v once_o attain_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o frame_v hearty_a resolution_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o begin_v to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o those_o resolution_n that_o you_o be_v present_o in_o a_o perfect_a and_o confirm_a state_n of_o virtue_n you_o must_v frequent_o 16._o review_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o particular_n of_o your_o duty_n you_o must_v frequent_o renew_v and_o strengthen_v your_o good_a resolution_n and_o you_o must_v always_o be_v correct_v and_o amend_v your_o practice_n till_o that_o which_o be_v well_o resolve_v upon_o and_o brave_o begin_v arrive_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o diligent_a and_o perpetual_a improvement_n to_o a_o confirm_a habit_n and_o settle_a temper_n of_o mind_n 3._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v perform_v your_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o common_a measure_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o vulgar_o repute_a bound_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n and_o when_o you_o be_v 60._o by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o good_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o you_o be_v now_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o such_o a_o life_n as_o be_v now_o look_v upon_o as_o very_o good_a and_o creditable_a will_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n have_v be_v think_v if_o not_o scandalous_a yet_o at_o best_a very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v be_v 23._o above_o all_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o opinion_n and_o must_v not_o limit_v his_o purity_n of_o mind_n his_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o desire_n of_o do_v good_a to_o any_o degree_n or_o rule_n but_o must_v exalt_v they_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o hope_n of_o happiness_n 4._o further_o think_v not_o when_o upon_o a_o loose_a and_o general_a view_n of_o your_o life_n your_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v you_o of_o any_o scandalous_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n that_o therefore_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o virtue_n there_o be_v many_o sin_n with_o which_o man_n easy_o impose_v upon_o their_o own_o mind_n much_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o coldness_n of_o devotion_n many_o omission_n of_o duty_n and_o neglect_v of_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a many_o fault_n of_o surprise_n and_o indecency_n of_o passion_n much_o sensuality_n and_o overfond_a love_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n many_o excess_n and_o small_a degree_n of_o intemperance_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o overcome_v without_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o strict_a particular_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o our_o action_n and_o make_v repeat_v resolution_n and_o use_v constant_a unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o correct_v whatever_o upon_o such_o strict_a search_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v amiss_o 5._o many_o there_o have_v be_v and_o some_o even_o among_o aurea_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o have_v every_o night_n strict_o examine_v into_o the_o action_n of_o the_o past_a day_n that_o if_o they_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o can_v reprove_v themselves_o they_o may_v resolve_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o that_o particular_a for_o the_o future_a and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o have_v in_o all_o point_v perform_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v confirm_v and_o encourage_v themselves_o to_o continue_v to_o perform_v it_o other_o have_v do_v this_o yet_o more_o frequent_o and_o habitual_o never_o go_v about_o any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a thought_n how_o they_o may_v best_o act_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o never_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a reflection_n whether_o they_o have_v act_v so_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o great_a ends._n 6._o these_o indeed_o be_v thing_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n by_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o such_o as_o must_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o each_o one_o prudence_n or_o zeal_n only_o in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o frequent_o a_o man_n examine_v the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o strict_o he_o observe_v his_o small_a failures_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o particular_o he_o resolve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o correct_v they_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o will_v his_o religion_n be_v uniform_a and_o his_o obedience_n perfect_a he_o that_o use_v himself_o often_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o recollect_v the_o particular_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v perform_v many_o thing_n which_o other_o know_v indeed_o and_o understand_v in_o general_a but_o 95._o through_o habitual_a careless_a and_o inconsiderateness_n omit_v and_o he_o that_o often_o search_v strict_o into_o the_o small_a error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o resolve_v
particular_o and_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o avoid_v and_o overcome_v many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n 7._o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o a_o man_n arrive_v near_a to_o this_o perfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n so_o will_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a reward_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o settle_a joy_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n one_o who_o life_n be_v void_a of_o great_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n but_o otherwise_o not_o strict_a and_o diligent_a will_v be_v free_a indeed_o from_o the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o because_o he_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n considerable_a for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n his_o mind_n will_v yet_o be_v disturb_v with_o many_o scrupulous_a doubt_n and_o uncertain_a fear_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v true_o diligent_a to_o improve_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a and_o have_v with_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o attain_v to_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o assurance_n which_o wise_a man_n have_v compare_v to_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o 36._o some_o have_v find_v upon_o the_o careful_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o one_o past_a day_n action_n have_v be_v very_o great_a but_o that_o complete_a assurance_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o strictness_n and_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o pleasure_n infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n be_v indeed_o a_o fore-taste_a of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o rejoice_v beforehand_o in_o christ_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o a_o 8._o one_o as_o have_v arrive_v to_o this_o pitch_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o die_v with_o assurance_n and_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v be_v present_v fault_n less_o before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o 24._o exceed_v joy_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o three_o of_o repentance_n chap._n i._o of_o repentance_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o plain_a and_o express_a condition_n upon_o which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n be_v obedience_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o time_n from_o which_o this_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v be_v either_o baptism_n or_o confirmation_n that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o those_o who_o be_v either_o at_o ripe_a year_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v from_o their_o infancy_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o from_o this_o period_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o persevere_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a and_o sincere_a though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n the_o gospel_n plain_o declare_v to_o we_o and_o that_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v at_o all_o promise_v to_o so_o small_a a_o service_n as_o the_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o weak_a sinful_a degenerate_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v be_v the_o purchase_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o christ._n have_v god_n therefore_o to_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v once_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o 6._o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v allow_v no_o more_o remission_n for_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o accept_v those_o only_a who_o have_v once_o wash_v their_o garment_n 14._o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n shall_v from_o thenceforward_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a yet_o have_v his_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o great_a than_o sinful_a man_n can_v have_v deserve_v or_o expect_v but_o such_o be_v the_o earnestness_n of_o god_n desire_n to_o make_v his_o creature_n happy_a and_o such_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o grace_n make_v know_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o even_o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v already_o admit_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o easy_a and_o most_o reasonable_a obedience_n and_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v notwithstanding_o relapse_n after_o all_o this_o into_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n even_o to_o these_o i_o say_v he_o have_v yet_o further_o grant_v that_o if_o by_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n they_o shall_v again_o unfeigned_o renew_v their_o obedience_n and_o from_o that_o period_n persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n or_o as_o man_n escape_v upon_o a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n 2._o by_o repentance_n therefore_o i_o will_v all_o along_o in_o this_o essay_n be_v understand_v to_o mean_v not_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v indeed_o continual_o bind_v to_o repent_v in_o general_n of_o all_o those_o slip_v and_o infirmity_n those_o defect_n and_o surprise_v which_o by_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v most_o ready_o pardon_v for_o this_o repentance_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o new_a period_n or_o beginning_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o continue_a part_n of_o that_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o man_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o perform_v and_o which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v always_o accept_v instead_o of_o perfect_a innocence_n but_o by_o repentance_n i_o here_o understand_v that_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n a_o turn_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o wilful_a and_o deadly_a sin_n have_v leave_v their_o first_o estate_n and_o forfeit_v their_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v to_o begin_v anew_o their_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v perplex_v with_o vain_a scruple_n and_o unreasonable_a fear_n this_o repentance_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n of_o blasphemy_n perjury_n open_a profaneness_n or_o contempt_n of_o religion_n of_o murder_n sedition_n theft_n manifest_a and_o design_a injustice_n hatred_n fraud_n wrong_v or_o oppression_n of_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n or_o habitual_a drunkenness_n and_o intemperance_n or_o of_o some_o other_o sin_n either_o malicious_o wilful_a or_o notorious_o habitual_a chap._n ii_o that_o god_n allow_v repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 1._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v novatian_n a_o sect_n of_o man_n who_o upon_o a_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n contend_v that_o there_o be_v 59_o no_o more_o place_n of_o repentance_n allow_v to_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o of_o these_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n they_o teach_v that_o in_o baptism_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n whatsoever_o be_v forgive_v man_n absolute_o and_o wash_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o if_o after_o that_o great_a remission_n they_o sin_v again_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o they_o can_v no_o more_o obtain_v any_o further_a pardon_n than_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n that_o great_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n can_v be_v repeat_v and_o that_o therefore_o however_o they_o shall_v sincere_o repent_v yet_o there_o now_o remain_v nothing_o 27._o more_o for_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o that_o god_n do_v admit_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n to_o forgiveness_n and_o pardon_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n
yet_o he_o may_v retain_v such_o a_o affection_n to_o it_o such_o a_o readiness_n to_o return_v to_o it_o in_o his_o former_a circumstance_n or_o at_o least_o may_v have_v so_o little_a hatred_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o as_o may_v make_v he_o very_o far_o from_o a_o true_a penitent_n in_o all_o such_o case_n therefore_o where_o a_o man_n may_v break_v off_o a_o sin_n upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n than_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o evidence_a the_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o preserve_v he_o from_o impose_v upon_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o testify_v his_o sincerity_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o change_n of_o mind_n by_o some_o such_o afflictive_a laborious_a or_o expensive_a duty_n as_o will_v prove_v he_o to_o have_v indeed_o attain_v such_o a_o religious_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v he_o in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n from_o return_v again_o to_o the_o same_o or_o to_o any_o other_o the_o like_o wilful_a sin_n be_v this_o right_o consider_v man_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o sin_v on_o secure_o at_o present_a and_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n of_o grow_v better_a afterward_o with_o less_o pain_n when_o some_o particular_a alteration_n of_o their_o circumstance_n of_o life_n or_o perhaps_o age_n and_o sickness_n shall_v have_v remove_v their_o temptation_n 3._o but_o second_o when_o amendment_n of_o life_n do_v alone_o sufficient_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o repentance_n as_o general_o and_o in_o most_o case_n it_o do_v yet_o ought_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v to_o do_v something_o to_o testify_v their_o sorrow_n for_o past_a offence_n and_o to_o judge_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v 31._o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n they_o ought_v to_o take_v 2._o shame_n to_o themselves_o that_o after_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v they_o shall_v again_o have_v return_v to_o sin_n and_o folly_n they_o ought_v to_o consider_v with_o confusion_n of_o face_n the_o ingratitude_n of_o have_v again_o commit_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o hateful_a to_o god_n that_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o continuance_n in_o they_o with_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o will_v not_o once_o pardon_v they_o under_o a_o less_o ransom_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o work_v in_o they_o that_o carefulness_n that_o indignation_n that_o fear_v that_o vehement_a desire_n that_o zeal_n and_o 10._o that_o revenge_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o consist_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o work_v repentance_n to_o salvation_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o 4._o thus_o when_o st._n peter_n have_v thrice_o deny_v his_o master_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shamefulness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v he_o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o weep_v bitter_o thus_o when_o david_n have_v commit_v those_o cry_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o foulness_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o fact_n make_v he_o every_o night_n wash_v his_o bed_n and_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o his_o tear_n and_o extort_a from_o he_o those_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o penitential_a psalm_n be_v make_v up_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n who_o ever_o fall_v into_o any_o notorious_a sin_n be_v very_o 9_o severe_a in_o their_o humiliation_n earnest_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o their_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 5._o for_o this_o reason_n st._n james_n advise_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v to_o be_v afflict_v and_o mourn_v and_o weep_v to_o let_v their_o laughter_n be_v turn_v to_o mourn_v and_o their_o joy_n to_o heaviness_n and_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v lift_v they_o up_o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n always_o teach_v that_o pentecost_n sin_v commit_v wilful_o after_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v do_v away_o with_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n that_o such_o sin_n 7._o be_v not_o immediate_o forgive_v upon_o a_o man_n beginning_n to_o repent_v but_o after_o he_o have_v afflict_v his_o soul_n and_o humble_v himself_o deep_o and_o undergo_v many_o trouble_n that_o the_o lapsis_fw-la afflictive_a duty_n of_o repentance_n ought_v to_o bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o the_o penitent_a aught_o to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o watch_v fast_v pray_v and_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o that_o poenit._n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o severe_o he_o judge_v himself_o here_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o may_v he_o hope_v god_n will_v spare_v he_o and_o be_v merciful_a to_o he_o hereafter_o 6._o it_o be_v true_a the_o sin_n which_o the_o ancient_n particular_o respect_v when_o they_o preach_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o severe_a repentance_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o deny_v our_o saviour_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n impartial_o what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o between_o renounce_v christianity_n and_o live_v in_o a_o open_a and_o profane_a contempt_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o manifest_a injustice_n fraud_n and_o oppression_n or_o in_o notorious_a and_o habitual_a intemperance_n only_o put_fw-mi they_o who_o deny_v christ_n do_v it_o be_v compel_v by_o great_a and_o long_a torment_n but_o these_o other_o vice_n be_v commit_v wilful_o and_o of_o choice_n 7._o very_o great_a reason_n therefore_o there_o be_v why_o those_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n shall_v enjoin_v themselves_o a_o great_a and_o remarkable_a repentance_n but_o yet_o because_o after_o all_o the_o end_n and_o design_n the_o whole_a sum_n and_o life_n of_o repentance_n be_v reformation_n therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o impose_v upon_o himself_o any_o other_o penitential_a severity_n than_o such_o as_o be_v direct_o conducive_a to_o this_o main_a end_n ridiculous_a and_o foolish_a be_v the_o penance_n enjoin_v man_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o more_o ignorant_a age_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o neither_o tend_v to_o improve_v the_o virtue_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n nor_o to_o make_v man_n more_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o but_o such_o penitential_a exercise_n as_o direct_o mortify_v man_n lust_n and_o passion_n or_o lead_v they_o to_o be_v more_o charitable_a and_o do_v more_o good_a in_o the_o world_n in_o these_o by_o how_o much_o the_o penitent_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o constant_a by_o so_o much_o be_v he_o more_o secure_a of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o pardon_n 8._o the_o best_a therefore_o and_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o effectual_a repentance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o exercise_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a in_o mortify_v his_o vice_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a in_o improve_n all_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a by_o how_o much_o he_o have_v former_o be_v more_o faulty_a in_o any_o particular_a and_o to_o resolve_v by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o hope_v to_o have_v forgive_v he_o to_o love_n so_o much_o the_o more_o let_v he_o if_o he_o have_v be_v vanquish_v by_o any_o temptation_n lapsis_fw-la resolve_v to_o strengthen_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o against_o it_o and_o to_o become_v for_o the_o future_a the_o more_o heroical_o virtuous_a he_o that_o thus_o endeavour_n to_o appease_v god_n and_o by_o the_o repentance_n and_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n of_o his_o past_a fault_n be_v spur_v on_o to_o exercise_v great_a faith_n and_o virtue_n and_o courage_n such_o a_o one_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n may_v become_v a_o joy_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o before_o make_v sorrowful_a and_o shall_v obtain_v not_o only_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 9_o particular_o a_o penitent_a aught_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o endeavour_v after_o a_o great_a and_o fervent_a charity_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o 13._o all_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n think_v to_o have_v a_o especial_a efficacy_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o very_o great_a be_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o it_o in_o scripture_n alm_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin_n ecclus._n 3._o 30._o and_o charity_n say_v st._n peter_n shall_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 8._o and_o the_o merciful_a say_v our_o saviour_n
be_v through_o carelessness_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v astonish_v and_o cut_v to_o the_o heart_n to_o hear_v they_o curse_v we_o and_o say_v have_v those_o who_o shall_v have_v instruct_v we_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o willing_a to_o have_v learn_v it_o we_o have_v never_o come_v into_o this_o miserable_a condition_n and_o how_o will_v it_o double_v the_o torment_n even_o of_o hell_n itself_o to_o have_v the_o punishment_n not_o only_o of_o our_o own_o sin_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v undo_v by_o our_o neglect_n inflict_v upon_o we_o 5._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o slight_a and_o trivial_a matter_n to_o be_v surety_n for_o child_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o their_o name_n at_o the_o font_n but_o we_o be_v bind_v afterward_o to_o perform_v conscientious_o what_o we_o there_o solemn_o promise_v for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n as_o a_o duty_n wherein_o their_o soul_n and_o our_o own_o and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v high_o concern_v tertullian_n think_v it_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o use_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o baptismo_fw-la the_o surety_n be_v there_o oblige_v to_o promise_n what_o they_o be_v not_o sure_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o perform_v and_o what_o if_o they_o do_v live_v they_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o persuade_v the_o baptize_v person_n to_o take_v upon_o himself_o he_o never_o once_o think_v that_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n may_v be_v wilful_o betray_v or_o so_o solemn_a a_o promise_n careless_o neglect_v which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o much_o strong_a objection_n what_o will_v he_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o this_o great_a charge_n without_o ever_o design_v to_o think_v more_o of_o it_o 6._o let_v those_o man_n consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o promise_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n what_o they_o never_o design_v to_o think_v upon_o after_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o answer_v ready_o for_o a_o child_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o great_a distance_n they_o have_v no_o probability_n of_o ever_o see_v more_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o when_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o a_o child_n deliver_v it_o immediate_o to_o its_o parent_n as_o if_o they_o be_v by_o that_o mockery_n release_v from_o their_o promise_n and_o god_n delude_v as_o easy_o as_o man_n last_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o testify_v their_o love_n to_o a_o child_n who_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o by_o some_o little_a and_o trifle_a mark_n of_o kindness_n while_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o inhumane_o and_o unchristian_o cruel_a to_o it_o by_o neglect_v that_o one_o great_a kindness_n which_o they_o have_v promise_v and_o vow_v to_o do_v for_o it_o 7._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o notorious_a neglect_n of_o this_o important_a duty_n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o shameless_a wickedness_n of_o our_o present_a age._n for_o while_o parent_n and_o surety_n be_v careless_a to_o instruct_v child_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n vicious_a inclination_n prevail_v upon_o they_o and_o insensible_o grow_v into_o vicious_a habit_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o happiness_n annex_v to_o it_o whereas_o be_v surety_n according_a to_o their_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n conscientious_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o those_o for_o who_o they_o have_v undertake_v be_v timely_a and_o diligent_o instruct_v religion_n will_v have_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o innocent_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n child_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o different_o according_a to_o their_o different_a temper_n be_v early_o wrought_v upon_o to_o admire_v the_o beauty_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n to_o thirst_v after_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o confirmation_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o profess_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o renew_v their_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o with_o a_o full_a resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o profession_n and_o those_o renew_a promise_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o second_o of_o confirmation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o use_v of_o confirmation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n at_o which_o every_o man_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a begin_v to_o be_v so_o and_o from_o which_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n may_v true_o be_v date_v be_v evident_a but_o of_o what_o use_v the_o know_v and_o fix_v this_o period_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n may_v be_v be_v general_o very_o little_o consider_v for_o whilst_o some_o have_v groundless_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o every_o good_a man_n conversion_n after_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v away_o into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n and_o whilst_o other_o have_v weak_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o conversion_n after_o which_o though_o a_o man_n do_v fall_v into_o great_a wickedness_n yet_o he_o can_v fall_v final_o from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n most_o other_o have_v think_v that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o inquire_v at_o all_o into_o the_o exact_a time_n when_o the_o religious_a life_n begin_v or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v it_o since_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o by_o a_o sudden_a conversion_n but_o by_o a_o gradual_a progress_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n yet_o may_v a_o man_n nevertheless_o certain_o fix_v to_o himself_o the_o period_n from_o whence_o to_o date_n the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n for_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v only_o from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o constant_a sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o accompany_v with_o many_o frailty_n inadvertency_n and_o surprise_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o holiness_n he_o have_v be_v all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v from_o a_o course_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n to_o a_o victory_n or_o conquest_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v reckon_v his_o religious_a life_n from_o no_o long_o a_o time_n notwithstanding_o any_o pious_a interval_n and_o struggle_n which_o he_o may_v have_v have_v with_o his_o habitual_a temptation_n than_o from_o that_o period_n since_o which_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o know_a and_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o use_v of_o a_o man_n fix_v within_o himself_o such_o a_o period_n will_v be_v that_o more_o assure_v and_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o the_o distinct_a and_o clear_a view_n of_o a_o well_o examine_v course_n of_o past_a holiness_n that_o effectual_a bar_n against_o fall_v into_o the_o act_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n which_o will_v be_v put_v by_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o by_o such_o a_o act_n he_o must_v lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o past_a virtue_n and_o be_v force_v to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n again_o from_o a_o new_a period_n and_o above_o all_o that_o mighty_a dread_n of_o go_v on_o in_o a_o circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v repent_v and_o sin_v into_o which_o man_n will_v be_v rouse_v by_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v clear_o that_o such_o a_o course_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o this_o period_n from_o which_o i_o suppose_v a_o christian_n to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n must_v be_v either_o baptism_n confirmation_n or_o repentance_n in_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n to_o that_o of_o christianity_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o begin_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o strict_a piety_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o