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health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
convince_v god_n will_v be_v please_v withal_o and_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o place_n do_v instance_n in_o a_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a man_n shall_v conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v such_o and_o that_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o instance_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a man_n shall_v conceive_v themselves_o sufficient_o encourage_v thereto_o and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a enough_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v ground_v upon_o revelation_n for_o though_o it_o appear_v exceed_o probable_a to_o natural_a reason_n yet_o by_o the_o discourse_n of_o those_o man_n that_o want_v a_o revelation_n it_o appear_v withal_o that_o 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the_o belief_n hereof_o no_o man_n can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o virtue_n since_o the_o denial_n thereof_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o which_o a_o man_n can_v be_v accountable_a for_o his_o action_n but_o this_o thing_n i_o take_v to_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v no_o further_a necessity_n of_o insist_v upon_o it_o since_o then_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o will_v in_o this_o place_n be_v most_o adviseable_a to_o show_v upon_o what_o ground_n the_o belief_n of_o this_o most_o important_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o religion_n stand_v since_o all_o the_o consequence_n natural_o issue_v from_o it_o will_v have_v more_o or_o less_o power_n and_o efficacy_n with_o we_o according_a as_o we_o be_v more_o or_o less_o under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n now_o although_o the_o manifest_v of_o these_o reason_n upon_o which_o this_o belief_n be_v establish_v in_o humane_a nature_n the_o discover_v of_o that_o rock_n upon_o which_o this_o first_o stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n be_v lay_v shall_v be_v suppose_v never_o so_o needless_a in_o this_o congregation_n yet_o consider_v the_o great_a and_o general_a importance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v tedious_a to_o any_o hearer_n unless_o withal_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v there_o be_v any_o person_n here_o to_o who_o the_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n bring_v such_o evil_a tiding_n that_o they_o will_v glad_o embrace_v the_o most_o frivolous_a pretence_n to_o avoid_v they_o upon_o which_o supposition_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o needful_a than_o to_o wrest_v their_o vain_a and_o run_a hope_n away_o from_o they_o that_o possible_o there_o be_v no_o god_n by_o the_o force_n of_o that_o reason_n which_o show_v it_o to_o be_v eternal_o and_o immutable_o true_a that_o there_o be_v wherefore_o though_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v much_o of_o that_o pain_n which_o will_v be_v otherwise_o requisite_a by_o the_o care_n i_o have_v former_o take_v in_o particular_a discourse_n to_o guard_v this_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o in_o your_o mind_n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o observe_v that_o decorum_n of_o allot_v it_o as_o considerable_a a_o place_n in_o my_o sermon_n as_o it_o have_v in_o the_o text_n and_o as_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_n require_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a i._n e._n infinite_a in_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n which_o ever_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v and_o which_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v that_o notion_n of_o god_n to_o which_o natural_a reason_n lead_v we_o inasmuch_o as_o by_o that_o be_v which_o be_v call_v god_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n several_a there_o be_v which_o desire_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v beside_o that_o testimony_n which_o every_o man_n find_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o indeed_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n even_o of_o people_n who_o manner_n and_o religion_n be_v as_o distant_a as_o their_o habitation_n be_v remote_a show_v that_o they_o be_v never_o unite_v in_o this_o persuasion_n by_o compact_n or_o confederacy_n add_v to_o this_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o they_o who_o can_v only_o be_v suppose_v to_o invent_v this_o stratagem_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o a_o invention_n it_o be_v viz._n in_o philosopher_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o own_o fancy_n if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mystery_n of_o state_n to_o possess_v the_o people_n with_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n this_o i_o say_v so_o universal_a a_o confession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o pregnant_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o write_v in_o the_o very_a mind_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o interweave_v into_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o can_v possible_o be_v any_o other_o cause_n offer_v of_o so_o uniform_a and_o constant_a a_o effect_n to_o satisfy_v a_o reasonable_a man_n beside_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o be_v which_o all_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o and_o who_o have_v wrought_v into_o our_o soul_n when_o he_o make_v we_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n but_o although_o the_o urge_n of_o this_o argument_n of_o universal_a consent_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o a_o deity_n together_o with_o clear_a answer_n to_o all_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o weaken_v it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o most_o impartial_a judgement_n i_o can_v make_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v any_o but_o a_o unteachable_a mind_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o it_o be_v for_o its_o interest_n there_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o although_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o whereas_o indeed_o many_o there_o be_v who_o live_v like_o atheist_n yet_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o of_o they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o religion_n be_v it_o speak_v who_o deliberate_o die_v a_o atheist_n yet_o i_o confess_v this_o argument_n from_o universal_a consent_n do_v rather_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v a_o atheist_n than_o offer_v any_o unanswerable_a mean_n of_o conviction_n to_o he_o if_o such_o a_o creature_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v say_v to_o all_o this_o that_o the_o argument_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o viz._n that_o all_o man_n believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o some_o few_o monster_n there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o product_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v infer_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n than_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v bear_v with_o two_o head_n because_o a_o two-headed_a monster_n once_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o immodest_a and_o stubborn_a as_o to_o conclude_v against_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v mistake_v and_o he_o if_o alone_o he_o be_v be_v alone_o in_o the_o right_n have_v we_o then_o nothing_o leave_v to_o confute_v this_o wretched_a creature_n and_o by_o undeniable_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yes_o we_o have_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o must_v see_v and_o can_v inquire_v into_o and_o they_o
demonstrate_v the_o be_v of_o their_o maker_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a which_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v it_o be_v to_o deface_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v write_v within_o we_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o possible_a to_o blot_v out_o those_o testimony_n of_o his_o be_v which_o be_v leave_v without_o we_o most_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v ourselves_o in_o a_o world_n contrive_v into_o admirable_a beauty_n and_o order_n and_o furnish_v with_o that_o marvellous_a variety_n of_o thing_n excellent_a and_o ufeful_a that_o the_o whole_a scheme_n and_o fabric_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o dull_a observer_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o council_n i._n e._n of_o a_o understanding_n be_v nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o this_o world_n can_v not_o make_v itself_o nothing_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o a_o cause_v it_o must_v have_v if_o of_o any_o great_a effect_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o require_v the_o cause_n or_o at_o least_o to_o affirm_v that_o it_o have_v one_o whatever_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o can_v not_o make_v itself_o for_o that_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n by_o inevitable_a consequence_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o something_o there_o be_v which_o be_v so_o perfect_a it_o need_v no_o cause_n to_o produce_v it_o i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a everlasting_a be_v which_o be_v god_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o to_o pursue_v this_o argument_n in_o a_o more_o obvious_a but_o equal_o convince_a manner_n we_o ordinary_o distinguish_v between_o the_o work_v of_o art_n and_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o work_n of_o art_n we_o mean_v those_o effect_n that_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o skill_n of_o man_n by_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n those_o effect_n which_o be_v constant_o preserve_v and_o perform_v to_o our_o hand_n now_o that_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a skill_n as_o we_o confess_v the_o work_n of_o art_n be_v of_o human_a skill_n be_v demonstrable_a beyond_o all_o reasonable_a contradiction_n if_o i_o see_v a_o statue_n curious_o carve_v a_o picture_n elegant_o describe_v or_o a_o monument_n with_o a_o ingenious_a inscription_n engrave_v upon_o it_o i_o must_v so_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o the_o statuary_n the_o painter_n and_o the_o grave_a have_v be_v there_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v either_o affirm_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v by_o chance_n or_o be_v eternal_o what_o they_o be_v i_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v send_v to_o bedlam_n but_o this_o i_o will_v offer_v at_o any_o time_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o mean_a the_o most_o minute_n the_o most_o contemptible_a work_n of_o nature_n have_v real_o more_o beauty_n and_o uniformity_n more_o variety_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o else_o more_o wonder_n in_o they_o than_o the_o most_o exquisite_a and_o rich_a invention_n the_o most_o magnificent_a and_o ingenious_a contrivance_n of_o human_a art_n bring_v i_o the_o vile_a and_o poor_a insect_n that_o fly_v above_o the_o ground_n or_o crawl_v upon_o it_o bring_v i_o the_o simple_a flower_n the_o most_o common_a plant_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o in_o the_o field_n i_o will_v show_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o the_o beauty_n the_o proportion_n the_o part_n the_o growth_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o the_o most_o contemptible_a work_n of_o nature_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v all_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o rich_a humane_a fancy_n that_o the_o near_o we_o look_v into_o the_o work_n of_o art_n the_o more_o unpolished_a and_o rude_a they_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o he_o that_o will_v please_v himself_o with_o gaze_v on_o a_o picture_n must_v view_v it_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o if_o he_o come_v too_o near_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o the_o paint_n make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o ugly_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o the_o contrivance_n of_o human_a art_n but_o as_o all_o philosopher_n know_v the_o more_o minutely_o we_o search_v into_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o contemptible_a to_o see_v to_o and_o which_o vulgar_a eye_n pass_v by_o without_o observe_v if_o they_o be_v the_o snow_n that_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n the_o wing_n of_o the_o small_a fly_n or_o the_o mean_a animal_n that_o creep_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o more_o advantageous_o and_o minutely_o they_o be_v see_v the_o more_o uniformity_n smoothness_n beauty_n of_o colour_n and_o figure_n and_o variety_n of_o part_n discover_v themselves_o in_o they_o which_o plain_o show_v how_o much_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n transcend_v those_o of_o art_n now_o shall_v i_o who_o confess_v here_o be_v more_o of_o council_n wisdom_n and_o power_n see_v in_o these_o most_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n than_o in_o the_o best_a effect_n of_o human_a skill_n shall_v i_o be_v ashamed_a not_o to_o confess_v the_o art_n of_o man_n in_o these_o and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o those_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o great_a artist_n what_o shall_v i_o then_o say_v of_o the_o earth_n that_o bear_v i_o and_o nourish_v i_o of_o the_o air_n that_o be_v extend_v for_o i_o to_o breath_n in_o of_o the_o cloud_n that_o drop_v their_o fatness_n upon_o i_o of_o the_o heaven_n that_o cherish_v i_o of_o the_o sun_n that_o divide_v the_o day_n and_o night_n and_o give_v light_a and_o heat_n to_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o ornament_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o what_o of_o myself_o who_o be_o endue_v with_o a_o body_n of_o wonderful_a contrivance_n and_o with_o those_o great_a privilege_n of_o reason_n will_n and_o understanding_n be_v all_o these_o thing_n too_o without_o a_o artist_n that_o make_v they_o thus_o no_o madness_n be_v comparable_a to_o the_o but_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o must_v either_o want_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o soul_n he_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v what_o he_o see_v they_o effect_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n or_o he_o must_v affirm_v that_o such_o effect_n there_o may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n proportionable_a to_o they_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o something_o make_v itself_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v i.e._n he_o must_v affirm_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o hold_v contradiction_n to_o be_v true_a well_o then_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v know_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o those_o argument_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n i_o can_v see_v wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o demonstration_n though_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v not_o please_v to_o call_v they_o so_o and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v a_o obstinate_a atheist_n against_o they_o will_v also_o if_o it_o be_v for_o for_o his_o interest_n deny_v that_o three_o and_o three_o be_v six_o or_o contradict_v the_o plain_a proposition_n in_o mathematics_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o will_v rather_o choose_v if_o there_o be_v any_o choice_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o believe_v all_o the_o tale_n of_o the_o roman_a legend_n as_o my_o lord_n bacon_n observe_v and_o i_o add_v though_o transubstantiation_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o scale_n than_o believe_v that_o this_o great_a body_n be_v without_o a_o mind_n that_o inform_v it_o and_o thus_o at_o last_o i_o have_v say_v something_o more_o than_o i_o intend_v upon_o the_o first_o doctrine_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v true_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_a to_o be_v prove_v for_o we_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o revelation_n to_o a_o gainsayer_n since_o to_o attempt_v that_o way_n be_v to_o beg_v what_o we_o shall_v prove_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o revelation_n this_o be_v this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n conceive_v to_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o the_o next_o be_v in_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o be_v very_o evident_o consequent_a from_o the_o demonstration_n of_o this_o 2._o it_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o providence_n i._n e._n that_o god_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o world_n which_o
a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o from_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o arise_v a_o full_a obligation_n to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n our_o propensity_n to_o wickedness_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n that_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o other_o motive_n beside_o these_o in_o order_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o effect_n upon_o we_o we_o know_v we_o be_v sinner_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v our_o continuance_n in_o sin_n by_o pretend_v that_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n we_o know_v our_o best_a action_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o question_v whether_o god_n will_v accept_v what_o we_o can_v do_v and_o make_v that_o a_o pretence_n of_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o we_o may_v we_o know_v our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o shall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n deliver_v ourselves_o from_o all_o care_n of_o please_a god_n under_o colour_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perform_v it_o by_o humane_a endeavour_n we_o know_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n be_v present_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n better_o if_o we_o shall_v forego_v they_o when_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n require_v it_o it_o have_v please_v therefore_o the_o alwise_a and_o all-good_a god_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o sinner_n to_o remove_v all_o these_o hindrance_n and_o by_o revelation_n to_o supply_v all_o these_o defect_n and_o satisfy_v we_o concern_v all_o these_o doubt_n viz._n by_o add_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n these_o follow_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o those_o that_o repent_v 2._o that_o he_o will_v accept_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o 3._o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v assist_v we_o in_o they_o and_o 4._o that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o reward_v we_o for_o they_o all_o which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o make_v up_o the_o entire_a foundation_n of_o faith_n have_v all_o their_o dependence_n upon_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o three_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o i_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n those_o be_v such_o which_o be_v immediate_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_n or_o subvert_v of_o those_o doubt_n which_o will_v hinder_v man_n from_o the_o care_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n notwithstanding_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v this_o man_n lie_v under_o a_o very_a powerful_a obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o worship_n and_o virtue_n and_o if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o motive_n be_v not_o subvert_v by_o other_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o care_n to_o please_v god_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o man_n who_o believe_v thus_o much_o shall_v indeed_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o man_n be_v through_o the_o sad_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n extreme_o averse_a from_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o prone_a to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a even_o all_o mankind_n more_o or_o less_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n if_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o there_o be_v several_a question_n in_o religion_n which_o unless_o they_o be_v satisfy_v the_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v afford_v so_o many_o pretence_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o care_n to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o godly_a and_o that_o these_o question_n can_v be_v satisfy_v nor_o consequent_o the_o doubt_n remove_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o principle_n though_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a evil_a state_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o constrain_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o must_v be_v assist_v and_o strengthen_v by_o such_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o will_v whole_o remove_v all_o those_o pretence_n which_o will_v be_v allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o a_o ungodly_a vicious_a life_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o other_o displease_v to_o he_o that_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v become_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a because_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o without_o which_o it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o his_o advantage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o future_a clear_v it_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v a_o hater_n of_o sin_n but_o whether_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o freewill_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v necessary_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n almighty_a god_n have_v by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n i._n e._n one_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o may_v further_o be_v allege_v that_o though_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v he_o all_o his_o past_a sin_n upon_o his_o return_n to_o obedience_n yet_o he_o be_v ignorant_a what_o degree_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v please_v for_o the_o future_a a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n he_o know_v no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o arrive_v unto_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o whether_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v consider_v all_o our_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o can_v know_v unless_o he_o be_v please_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o will_v almighty_a god_n have_v therefore_o by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o a_o good_a life_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o consider_v the_o great_a temptatation_n we_o be_v beset_v withal_o the_o natural_a aversation_n in_o we_o to_o good_a and_o propensity_n to_o evil_n the_o bad_a example_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o custom_n the_o prevelancy_n of_o passion_n the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a questionable_a whether_o humane_a endeavour_n can_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n which_o may_v just_o be_v call_v sincerity_n in_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o righteousness_n be_v impossible_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n without_o which_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o there_o be_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o the_o belief_n that_o he_o will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o repentance_n and_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v but_o weak_a motive_n to_o those_o endeavour_n almighty_a god_n therefore_o to_o encourage_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o temptatation_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o manner_n and_o measure_n proportionable_a to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o
life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o subtle_a reason_n as_o in_o religious_a practice_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o sophister_n because_o they_o have_v that_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v above_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v entangle_v by_o any_o artificial_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o man_n find_v in_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n be_v always_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n that_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n 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in_o believe_v divine_a truth_n there_o be_v those_o joy_n in_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v thorough_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o till_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v solomon_n say_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understand_v this_o till_o we_o walk_v in_o they_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o find_v this_o reward_n but_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o other_o but_o as_o imperfect_o as_o the_o pencil_n do_v life_n and_o motion_n the_o best_a description_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o subject_n and_o if_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n we_o can_v full_o conceive_v it_o nay_o most_o common_o the_o 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and_o evil_a then_o have_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n method_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n only_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v this_o blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v procure_v to_o ourselves_o either_o by_o my_o discourse_n or_o by_o your_o hear_n what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v our_o saviour_n word_n no_o nor_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o illustration_n of_o they_o but_o only_o by_o put_v ourselves_o serious_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o this_o way_n by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o general_n hold_v good_a of_o this_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n method_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n can_v be_v thorough_o judge_v till_o we_o have_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o that_o have_v make_v trial_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v finis_fw-la
worship_n viz._n all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n fidelity_n and_o truth_n meekness_n and_o patience_n sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o it_o be_v true_a of_o these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o of_o worship_n that_o without_o faith_n they_o can_v be_v perform_v because_o they_o be_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o general_a that_o without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v the_o phrase_n of_o please_a god_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o viz._n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n more_o distinct_o thus_o without_o faith_n a_o man_n can_v love_v god_n or_o fear_v he_o or_o trust_v in_o he_o or_o obey_v he_o or_o honour_v he_o in_o his_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v righteous_a and_o charitable_a meek_n and_o humble_a sober_a and_o temperate_a or_o in_o a_o word_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v true_o religious_a in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v 2._o what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n let_v we_o look_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n again_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o faith_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v 1._o in_o general_n a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n or_o a_o assent_n thereunto_o that_o it_o be_v true_a for_o he_o say_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v therefore_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o faith_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v likewise_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o to_o believe_v therefore_o or_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o consequent_o by_o faith_n be_v here_o mean_v in_o general_a a_o persuasion_n concern_v any_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n that_o it_o be_v true_a 2._o by_o consequence_n also_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o will_v please_v god_n we_o find_v more_o particular_o that_o the_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v proper_a argument_n and_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v he_o he_o say_v also_o that_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o alike_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o rewarder_n be_v a_o reason_n or_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n or_o doctrine_n which_o be_v proper_a motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n beside_o those_o here_o mention_v that_o be_v proper_a motive_n to_o religion_n because_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v as_o i_o note_v before_o be_v to_o give_v 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believe_v the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n without_o this_o belief_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n necessary_a that_o the_o former_a be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o that_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v bare_o possible_a he_o may_v worship_n god_n upon_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o bare_a hope_n that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o woeful_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n we_o be_v under_o it_o be_v so_o utter_o improbable_a that_o without_o this_o belief_n man_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n that_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v rank_v with_o thing_n impossible_a so_o that_o i_o do_v thus_o understand_v the_o apostle_n as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o impossibility_n of_o please_a god_n without_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o also_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worker_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v also_o give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o thus_o i_o have_v by_o compare_v one_o part_n of_o the_o text_n with_o another_o give_v you_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o as_o i_o hope_v with_o great_a clearness_n of_o truth_n and_o plainness_n of_o word_n and_o according_a to_o this_o explanation_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n may_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o this_o paraphrase_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a motive_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v fear_v god_n and_o work_n righteousness_n for_o some_o doctrine_n there_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v himself_o oblige_v thereto_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n some_o doctrine_n also_o there_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n thereunto_o that_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o no_o man_n find_v himself_o encourage_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o he_o will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n without_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o if_o
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practice_n virtue_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o rewardable_a by_o he_o nothing_o can_v effectual_o oblige_v he_o thereunto_o unless_o he_o believe_v the_o contrary_a to_o be_v evil_a displease_v and_o punishable_a no_o religious_a belief_n whatsoever_o can_v deter_v he_o from_o it_o so_o that_o to_o believe_v this_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n between_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o wherewith_o he_o be_v displease_v be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a and_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v
necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o life_n as_o bread_n etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o child_n we_o must_v understand_v all_o spiritual_a help_n necessary_a for_o our_o improvement_n in_o religion_n and_o virtue_n viz._n which_o hold_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o bread_n etc._n etc._n hold_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o body_n this_o upon_o our_o ask_n i._n e._n upon_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o we_o may_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o we_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o viz._n such_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a help_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o none_o of_o we_o less_o and_o he_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o expect_v more_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n himself_o will_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v we_o will_v help_v and_o support_v we_o will_v prosper_v and_o guard_v we_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o we_o have_v we_o such_o a_o patron_n and_o defender_n to_o overlook_v and_o care_n for_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_n of_o necessary_a help_n and_o yet_o can_v we_o be_v dishearten_v and_o dismay_v can_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n leave_v we_o can_v our_o heart_n sink_v within_o we_o when_o such_o powerful_a aid_n be_v near_o when_o such_o mighty_a encouragement_n be_v by_o we_o be_v it_o not_o from_o hence_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v fail_v of_o do_v those_o thing_n wherewith_o god_n will_v be_v please_v and_o his_o favour_n obtain_v but_o it_o must_v be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o not_o obtain_v by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n or_o in_o not_o improve_n by_o his_o good_a action_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o he_o may_v have_v arrive_v to_o a_o regenerate_v estate_n and_o persevere_v therein_o for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o feign_a but_o a_o sincere_a promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v and_o increase_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v real_a it_o can_v imply_v no_o less_o and_o it_o need_v not_o imply_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o our_o spiritual_a need_n and_o if_o that_o provision_n be_v not_o effectual_a in_o the_o event_n no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o ourselves_o the_o belief_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o be_v a_o motive_n of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n both_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v to_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v we_o against_o all_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o likewise_o because_o it_o can_v but_o show_v we_o what_o great_a aggravation_n our_o sin_n must_v receive_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o because_o thereby_o we_o resist_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 4._o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o point_n of_o belief_n be_v not_o knowable_a but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o be_v discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o pardon_v our_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n assist_v our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o give_v we_o any_o other_o confidence_n about_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o pardon_n and_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n which_o be_v excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v the_o high_a confidence_n we_o can_v arrive_v unto_o about_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o can_v amount_v reasonable_o to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o hereupon_o we_o shall_v be_v exempt_v and_o release_v from_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o our_o sin_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v pardon_v sinner_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o such_o excellent_a and_o useful_a law_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v recompense_v the_o obedience_n of_o they_o with_o a_o present_a reward_n and_o thereupon_o shall_v remit_v the_o penalty_n due_a to_o sin_n this_o must_v needs_o argue_v as_o great_a goodness_n in_o god_n as_o any_o sinner_n can_v with_o reason_n or_o modesty_n expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o towards_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v over_o and_o above_o requite_v our_o imperfect_a if_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o free_a and_o ample_a reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o those_o reward_n shall_v be_v the_o high_a and_o full_a which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o long_o as_o our_o being_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n than_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o righteousness_n than_o life_n everlasting_a than_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o angel_n than_o the_o glorious_a and_o happy_a employment_n of_o spirit_n make_v perfect_a than_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v such_o abundant_a benignity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o sinner_n that_o it_o can_v flow_v from_o nothing_o but_o self-moving_a goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o unsought_a kindness_n and_o benevolence_n this_o can_v never_o be_v know_v by_o we_o but_o by_o god_n almighty_n revelation_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v labour_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o with_o modesty_n can_v never_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o if_o the_o declare_a promise_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o have_v not_o give_v we_o confidence_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o want_v no_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n he_o who_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n call_v we_o to_o repentance_n promise_v pardon_n thereupon_o and_o acceptance_n and_o assistance_n have_v moreover_o by_o the_o same_o messenger_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n his_o secret_a and_o hide_a purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o sinner_n by_o he_o i_o say_v he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a into_o a_o state_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o heaven_n this_o also_o after_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v a_o pregnant_a and_o strong_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o as_o the_o rest_n show_v the_o possibility_n thereof_o so_o this_o satisfi_v we_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o we_o thereby_o since_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v our_o rewarder_n if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v he_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v make_v for_o our_o advantage_n to_o accept_v of_o god_n pardon_n and_o to_o study_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o future_a the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n will_v captivate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o leave_v we_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o since_o the_o bountiful_a and_o righteous_a god_n have_v bid_v a_o everlasting_a immense_a reward_n for_o our_o poor_a and_o to_o he_o unprofitable_a but_o to_o ourselves_o most_o beneficial_a service_n what_o can_v be_v say_v in_o our_o excuse_n if_o we_o undervalue_v so_o magnificent_a and_o free_a a_o gift_n such_o rich_a grace_n and_o bounty_n if_o this_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o that_o a_o true_o good_a man_n find_v there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n to_o do_v they_o what_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o prefer_v a_o moment_n before_o eternity_n and_o those_o advantage_n we_o see_v but_o which_o we_o
according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n for_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o for_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n stand_v that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v torment_v many_o of_o they_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o here_o say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v etc._n etc._n have_v also_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n also_o confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o deni_v i_o before_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.8_o 9_o so_o that_o although_o confess_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o enough_o for_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o necessary_a to_o it_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o that_o force_n that_o one_o may_v conclude_v nothing_o else_o be_v want_v and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o confess_v with_o great_a hazard_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o so_o exceed_o praiseworthy_a and_o signify_v all_o other_o necessary_a quality_n be_v because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o breach_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o when_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n require_v we_o to_o forbear_v in_o a_o word_n confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n assemble_v ourselves_o together_o for_o prayer_n baptism_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o every_o other_o part_n of_o outward_a religion_n in_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n stand_v be_v all_o of_o they_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o charity_n to_o man_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n do_v require_v it_o also_o 1._o the_o honour_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o require_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v by_o we_o i._n e._n confess_v praise_v and_o pray_v unto_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v not_o only_o in_o private_a single_o but_o in_o public_a joint_o unless_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o speech_n give_v to_o we_o for_o transact_v common_a affair_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o great_a viz._n those_o which_o concern_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n in_o the_o psalm_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n because_o he_o do_v therewith_o praise_n and_o confess_v and_o glorify_v god_n among_o man_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v not_o only_o exhort_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o our_o mind_n but_o with_o our_o mouth_n too_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a at_o first_o fight_n than_o that_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v as_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o we_o in_o charity_n be_v to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n than_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o although_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n yet_o as_o many_o other_o natural_a inclination_n may_v be_v strange_o weaken_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o common_a sense_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o this_o be_v every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o all_o man_n shall_v encourage_v and_o animate_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o single_a person_n withdraw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o so_o do_v he_o grow_v a_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o then_o 3._o above_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o in_o meet_v together_o also_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a instance_n of_o outward_a profession_n for_o when_o our_o lord_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v afterward_o gather_v man_n to_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o believer_n shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o a_o society_n as_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o man_n that_o live_v without_o christian_a communion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o without_o christian_a profession_n can_v right_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a but_o have_v rather_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n by_o declare_v in_o effect_n that_o although_o he_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o now_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o if_o the_o secret_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n will_v deserve_v very_o ill_o of_o christianity_n to_o conceal_v his_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v by_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v uphold_v in_o the_o world_n and_o propagate_v among_o those_o that_o do_v not_o yet_o receive_v it_o and_o he_o that_o dissemble_v his_o faith_n do_v therefore_o his_o part_n and_o give_v his_o consent_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n the_o gospel_n require_v that_o believer_n shall_v profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o worshipper_n that_o so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v that_o wickedness_n among_o man_n that_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o be_v ready_o entertain_v and_o there_o be_v that_o folly_n and_o superstition_n everywhere_o that_o so_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o take_v with_o most_o people_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n error_n and_o superstition_n be_v thing_n that_o man_n will_v run_v into_o of_o themselves_o when_o therefore_o our_o lord_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o way_n how_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o do_v therefore_o make_v his_o disciple_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o purity_n that_o his_o doctrine_n may_v spread_v in_o the_o world_n and_o keep_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o shall_v gain_v by_o every_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n for_o which_o reason_n origen_n think_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o rock_n every_o christian_a that_o shall_v do_v as_o st._n peter_n have_v do_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v make_v open_a confession_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o st._n peter_n confess_v because_o the_o profession_n of_o every_o christian_a do_v something_o to_o support_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a many_o more_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n a_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n stand_v upon_o plain_a command_n and_o plain_a reason_n nay_o so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o though_o it_o shall_v bring_v never_o so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n
he_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o he_o can_v conceive_v himself_o bind_v to_o worship_n god_n it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n be_v likely_a to_o worship_n god_n without_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o because_o if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o he_o can_v conceive_v himself_o encourage_v to_o be_v a_o worshipper_n and_o this_o be_v as_o evident_a in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n shall_v perform_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v if_o they_o believe_v not_o those_o doctrine_n whereby_o they_o be_v encourage_v to_o they_o in_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v thus_o explain_v several_a truth_n there_o be_v which_o lie_v couch_v beside_o those_o the_o suggest_v whereof_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text._n one_a of_o all_o it_o be_v plain_o imply_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n i._n e._n of_o worship_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o which_o please_v 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christian_n obedience_n to_o divine_a law_n because_o also_o it_o be_v his_o undeniable_a confession_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n a_o plain_a testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n how_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v and_o how_o good_a they_o render_v those_o person_n that_o observe_v they_o because_o it_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o christian_n true_a and_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n i_o will_v likewise_o show_v you_o that_o although_o god_n can_v be_v please_v with_o this_o honour_n do_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o creature_n because_o of_o any_o advantage_n he_o himself_o receive_v thereby_o yet_o he_o be_v please_v with_o it_o because_o of_o the_o advantage_n accrue_v thereby_o to_o we_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n in_o their_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n which_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o attain_v without_o the_o 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only_o the_o insinuation_n not_o the_o direct_a aim_n of_o the_o text._n 2._o these_o word_n do_v also_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o apostle_n plain_o speak_v of_o those_o doctrine_n we_o believe_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n when_o he_o say_v without_o believe_v god_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v come_v unto_o he_o he_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v worship_v he_o when_o he_o say_v without_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o seek_v he_o diligent_o he_o sufficient_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v such_o a_o rewarder_n because_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o seek_v he_o diligent_o in_o a_o word_n when_o he_o say_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n he_o plain_o enough_o intimate_v that_o therefore_o faith_n be_v necessary_a because_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v so_o i._n e._n that_o religious_a practice_n be_v necessary_a as_o the_o end_n and_o faith_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o that_o end_n i_o will_v here_o have_v show_v you_o what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o fundamental_o in_o religion_n be_v viz._n that_o only_o be_v fundamental_a in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o all_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o that_o end_n be_v fundamental_a doctrine_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v lay_v a_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o superstructure_n of_o religious_a practice_n of_o worship_n and_o virtue_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v erect_v but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v require_v what_o be_v fundamental_a i._n e._n necessary_a to_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o heaven_n that_o then_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n necessary_a for_o that_o end_n but_o that_o fundamental_o in_o doctrine_n be_v only_o those_o belief_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o righteousness_n and_o godly_a live_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v insist_v upon_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o vain_a pretence_n and_o frivolous_a hope_n of_o all_o orthodox_n believer_n that_o never_o yet_o learned_a to_o live_v orthodox_n live_v that_o have_v lay_v a_o specious_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n to_o no_o purpose_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o proclaim_v their_o own_o folly_n and_o madness_n in_o neglect_v all_o thought_n of_o build_v that_o superstructure_n of_o christian_a life_n and_o practice_n thereupon_o by_o which_o alone_o we_o can_v ascend_v to_o immortality_n of_o bliss_n in_o that_o house_n of_o god_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n but_o this_o also_o be_v no_o more_o than_o insinuate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o i_o shall_v insist_v no_o long_o upon_o it_o though_o so_o plain_o hint_v that_o i_o can_v not_o altogether_o pass_v it_o by_o 3._o these_o word_n do_v express_o declare_v that_o some_o doctrine_n there_o be_v which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o religion_n i._n e._n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o without_o the_o belief_n whereof_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v induce_v to_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v as_o full_o and_o distinct_o as_o i_o can_v show_v from_o the_o text_n what_o these_o fundamental_a doctrine_n be_v in_o the_o assent_n whereunto_o or_o the_o persuasion_n whereof_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v do_v consist_v according_a to_o the_o latitude_n of_o which_o doctrine_n the_o extent_n also_o of_o faith_n as_o to_o fundamental_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v according_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o which_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n the_o right_a use_n also_o the_o true_a purpose_n and_o design_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n themselves_o the_o necessity_n also_o and_o sufficiency_n of_o they_o to_o induce_v man_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o this_o will_v full_o answer_v my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o true_a nature_n the_o due_a extent_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o divine_a qualification_n and_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v fit_v for_o life_n eternal_a all_o that_o
or_o wish_v and_o propose_v to_o be_v better_o nor_o of_o external_a penance_n fruitless_a ceremony_n vain_a commutation_n purchase_v dispensation_n and_o buy_v indulgency_n not_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o put_v together_o be_v repentance_n any_o man_n that_o have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o repentance_n to_o which_o pardon_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v altogether_o as_o broad_a and_o as_o long_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n so_o that_o god_n almighty_n have_v not_o issue_v out_o his_o pardon_n to_o any_o one_o sinner_n in_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a term_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o good_a nature_n whether_o he_o will_v thank_v he_o for_o it_o or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v be_v kind_a and_o leave_v his_o sin_n or_o ungrateful_a and_o continue_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v very_o foolish_a who_o fancy_n themselves_o such_o darling_n of_o heaven_n that_o for_o their_o sake_n god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n in_o determine_v to_o pardon_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n now_o to_o prevent_v all_o such_o presumption_n and_o fond_a conceit_n it_o be_v as_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v not_o lose_v his_o right_n to_o our_o obedience_n as_o that_o he_o will_v forbear_v to_o use_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v forbear_v that_o no_o long_o when_o he_o see_v his_o goodness_n do_v not_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n the_o same_o divine_a revelation_n which_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n do_v likewise_o assure_v we_o he_o be_v so_o just_a and_o wise_a as_o to_o pardon_v he_o only_o upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o indeed_o to_o pardon_v the_o incorrigible_a be_v not_o mercy_n but_o weakness_n he_o only_o be_v in_o a_o compassionable_a condition_n that_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o see_v then_o repentance_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o that_o out_o pardon_v be_v infallible_o secure_a upon_o that_o condition_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o this_o there_o arise_v a_o most_o pregnant_a and_o forcible_a engagement_n to_o the_o great_a care_n we_o can_v exert_v of_o live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 2._o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n this_o likewise_o be_v only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n see_v if_o god_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o that_o original_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o require_v unsinning_a duty_n and_o according_a to_o which_o no_o sinner_n can_v be_v justify_v i.e._n he_o may_v have_v measure_v our_o repentance_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n by_o our_o amendment_n according_a to_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o law_n without_o make_v any_o abatement_n for_o human_a frailty_n for_o invincible_a ignorance_n for_o surprise_v and_o those_o undueness_n of_o passion_n and_o those_o inadvertency_n which_o be_v thing_n of_o daily_a incursion_n but_o have_v it_o be_v thus_o little_a comfort_n can_v we_o have_v have_v from_o the_o belief_n that_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a if_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o nothing_o for_o that_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v short_a of_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n to_o arrive_v unto_o for_o he_o that_o proffer_v a_o benefit_n upon_o term_n impossible_a to_o the_o receiver_n do_v but_o disquiet_v he_o the_o more_o take_v away_o with_o the_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o give_v with_o the_o other_o therefore_o almighty_a god_n further_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n have_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o pardon_v our_o former_a sin_n upon_o that_o condition_n but_o he_o have_v so_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n what_o that_o life_n be_v which_o for_o the_o future_a he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v please_v withal_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v deter_v from_o attempt_v his_o service_n by_o any_o jealousy_n of_o his_o austerity_n and_o rigour_n towards_o we_o that_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o service_n and_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v a_o natural_a emanation_n from_o and_o a_o real_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o love_n to_o he_o which_o be_v to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a that_o we_o may_v serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n now_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n i._n e._n to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o very_a possible_a and_o the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o obedience_n therefore_o must_v be_v so_o too_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o love_n to_o god_n that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o due_a love_n to_o god_n be_v consistent_a with_o sin_n of_o mere_a frailty_n of_o unaffected_a ignorance_n of_o unavoidable_a surprise_n because_o these_o sin_n neither_o proceed_v from_o a_o evil_a will_n nor_o be_v whole_o vincible_a in_o our_o present_a state_n but_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o due_a love_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v with_o deliberate_a much_o less_o with_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o can_v consist_v with_o wilful_a much_o less_o with_o customary_a transgression_n of_o know_a and_o open_a law_n it_o can_v consist_v with_o sin_n proceed_v from_o affect_a ignorance_n much_o less_o with_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n which_o it_o be_v in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o avoid_v it_o can_v consist_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n commit_v they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o forbear_v they_o but_o he_o that_o love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n will_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v accept_v by_o almighty_a god_n i._n e._n he_o be_v reckon_v by_o he_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o according_a to_o the_o moderation_n and_o gentleness_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n not_o account_v a_o sinner_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o do_v indeed_o stand_v as_o much_o condemn_v and_o will_v as_o as_o certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o original_a law_n or_o the_o first_o covenant_n if_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o by_o those_o measure_n for_o those_o sin_n i_o say_v they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n or_o the_o second_o covenant_n because_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v our_o highpriest_n and_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n through_o who_o intercession_n they_o be_v remit_v upon_o our_o keep_n from_o all_o wilful_a sin_n and_o our_o endeavour_n after_o perfection_n but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o sacrifice_n offer_v for_o we_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o make_v such_o sin_n consistent_a with_o a_o justifiable_a state_n no_o they_o must_v be_v actual_o repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v it_o be_v only_o upon_o those_o term_n that_o our_o sacrifice_n remain_v in_o force_n and_o power_n to_o obtain_v our_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n here_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o proceed_v upon_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o difference_n between_o sin_n of_o weakness_n and_o sin_n of_o wilfulness_n to_o show_v as_o exact_o as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v wherein_o lie_v that_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n which_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v and_o which_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o we_o for_o but_o this_o will_v be_v to_o slide_v into_o a_o argument_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o general_a
that_o disable_v we_o from_o cast_v our_o care_n upon_o he_o in_o god_n there_o be_v strong_a confidence_n but_o if_o our_o confidence_n in_o he_o be_v not_o strong_a it_o be_v not_o because_o his_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o truth_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o but_o because_o our_o gild_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o our_o evil_a conscience_n our_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n or_o something_o or_o other_o that_o estrange_v we_o from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o they_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o because_o they_o live_v without_o respect_n to_o his_o law_n but_o also_o because_o they_o live_v without_o any_o relief_n or_o benefit_n by_o his_o promise_n and_o because_o they_o live_v in_o this_o world_n without_o love_v and_o fear_v god_n they_o sustain_v the_o present_a punishment_n of_o live_v in_o this_o world_n without_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o i._n e._n without_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o life_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v the_o like_a wherefore_o beloved_n let_v we_o remember_v upon_o who_o this_o blessedness_n come_v and_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o lose_v our_o part_n in_o it_o to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v look_v back_o upon_o our_o past_a sin_n to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o look_v forward_o upon_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o our_o life_n with_o a_o unalterable_a resolution_n not_o to_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o worldly_a good_a or_o the_o avoid_n of_o any_o worldly_a evil_n which_o to_o do_v be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n because_o we_o know_v that_o if_o we_o love_v god_n and_o be_v call_v according_a to_o purpose_n i._n e._n as_o i_o explain_v it_o be_v true_a to_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n than_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a let_v we_o brethren_n lay_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n for_o the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o they_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v confirm_v in_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o they_o they_o will_v be_v a_o direction_n and_o a_o comfort_n to_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v nay_o and_o they_o will_v support_v we_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o then_o they_o have_v do_v all_o our_o work_n for_o we_o for_o the_o last_o enemy_n that_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v be_v death_n and_o death_n itself_o shall_v work_v the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o for_o we_o in_o deliver_v of_o we_o from_o this_o evil_a body_n which_o our_o saviour_n will_v change_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o glorious_a body_n according_a to_o his_o wonderful_a work_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n unto_o himself_o wherefore_o my_o belove_a be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o seven_o sermon_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o court_n eccles_n iii_o 15._o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v already_o have_v be_v and_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o text_n that_o which_o have_v be_v now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v already_o be_v be_v in_o sense_n the_o same_o with_o v._n 9_o ch_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n that_o be_v as_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n go_v on_o the_o same_o event_n come_v about_o again_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o god_n repuire_v that_o which_o be_v past_a seem_v to_o have_v this_o meaning_n that_o god_n still_o require_v the_o same_o behaviour_n from_o we_o that_o he_o have_v ever_o require_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o which_o two_o consideration_n be_v intend_v to_o promote_v the_o general_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n i._n e._n to_o make_v man_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n i_o intend_v to_o illustrate_v both_o and_o to_o show_v how_o useful_a they_o be_v for_o that_o purpose_n now_o these_o say_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o many_o other_o moral_a and_o proverbial_a say_n be_v where_o what_o be_v universal_o affirm_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n the_o meaning_n can_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o diversity_n of_o event_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o man_n life_n or_o in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o every_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o season_n and_o a_o time_n to_o every_o purpose_n under_o heaven_n a_o time_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o a_o time_n to_o die_v a_o time_n to_o plant_v and_o a_o time_n to_o pluck_v up_o that_o which_o be_v plant_v etc._n etc._n nor_o can_v the_o meaning_n be_v that_o nothing_o happen_v in_o one_o age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o have_v happen_v in_o every_o age._n for_o sometime_o god_n creat_v a_o new_a thing_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o come_v in_o our_o nature_n but_o once_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v age_n of_o miracle_n but_o we_o have_v see_v none_o for_o many_o age_n together_o such_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o these_o be_v not_o intend_v and_o as_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o diversity_n of_o event_n which_o befall_v mankind_n and_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o they_o undergo_v these_o variety_n be_v still_o so_o repeat_v in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a as_o the_o agreement_n in_o the_o main_a they_o be_v the_o fame_n though_o the_o circumstance_n be_v diverse_a just_o as_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n be_v the_o same_o in_o which_o nevertheless_o there_o may_v be_v great_a diversity_n of_o wether_n not_o always_o the_o like_a sunshine_n or_o rain_n fair_a or_o foul_a wether_n barren_a or_o fruitful_a season_n yet_o still_o the_o same_o spring_n summer_n winter_n and_o autumn_n do_v return_n in_o their_o course_n and_o as_o the_o case_n of_o all_o age_n be_v much_o alike_o as_o to_o the_o event_n that_o befall_v man_n so_o it_o be_v not_o much_o different_a as_o to_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o for_o in_o all_o time_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o moral_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o viz._n to_o fear_n god_n to_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a to_o man_n and_o to_o govern_v our_o passion_n by_o reason_n by_o the_o reverence_n of_o our_o maker_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o final_a account_n and_o god_n have_v once_o for_o all_o require_v some_o duty_n by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n by_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o and_o the_o circumstance_n which_o make_v the_o do_v of_o these_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o difficult_a be_v not_o new_a since_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a have_v frequent_o return_v heretofore_o and_o when_o we_o be_v go_v will_v be_v repeat_v again_o so_o that_o still_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a now_o because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o these_o consideration_n be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o strong_a impression_n i_o shall_v try_v to_o show_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o take_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o but_o that_o that_o which_o have_v be_v shall_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v already_o shall_v have_v be_v 1._o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o they_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o mankind_n be_v compound_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o world_n always_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o in_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a government_n in_o constant_a obedience_n to_o it_o in_o peace_n and_o security_n in_o prosperous_a undertake_n in_o have_v good_a parent_n and_o good_a child_n and_o good_a relation_n in_o a_o good_a name_n in_o competent_a maintenance_n in_o liberty_n and_o health_n and_o in_o agreeable_a conversation_n there_o be_v no_o new_a sort_n of_o happiness_n peculiar_a to_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o as_o desirable_a by_o another_o nor_o any_o kind_n of_o misery_n that_o one_o have_v suffer_v but_o another_o must_v feel_v the_o same_o uneasiness_n and_o pain_n under_o it_o when_o it_o happen_v and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o man_n which_o make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o history_n
give_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n many_o a_o time_n do_v he_o deliver_v they_o but_o all_o will_v not_o do_v they_o provoke_v he_o more_o and_o more_o till_o ten_o tribe_n be_v quite_o cast_v away_o and_o the_o other_o two_o send_v into_o captivity_n for_o seventy_o year_n after_o this_o indeed_o they_o be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n but_o they_o present_o fall_v to_o corrupt_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v the_o temple_n a_o sanctuary_n for_o ill_a manner_n how_o can_v we_o forbear_v deplore_a the_o wretched_a folly_n and_o unteachableness_n of_o man_n and_o admire_v the_o infinite_a patience_n of_o god_n at_o length_n god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v in_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n the_o certain_a assurance_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o constitute_v a_o society_n of_o believer_n to_o unite_v they_o by_o sacrament_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o faith_n upon_o miracle_n and_o divine_a demonstration_n this_o dispensation_n do_v indeed_o produce_v mighty_a effect_n and_o so_o many_o heroical_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o three_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o perhaps_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o about_o 4000_o year_n before_o be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o time_n able_a to_o show_v a_o equality_n to_o any_o one_o of_o those_o age_n but_o by_o degree_n the_o purity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a communion_n abate_v and_o though_o the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o worst_a time_n bring_v forth_o some_o son_n and_o daughter_n unto_o god_n some_o genuine_a child_n unto_o our_o heavenly_a father_n yet_o alas_o for_o human_a nature_n christendom_n have_v be_v a_o stage_n of_o as_o gross_a hypocrisy_n as_o scandalous_a error_n and_o as_o great_a sin_n and_o misery_n arise_v from_o those_o sin_n as_o ever_o any_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v time_n wear_v off_o the_o sense_n of_o extraordinary_a thing_n and_o we_o grow_v to_o be_v but_o indifferent_o affect_v with_o the_o noble_a work_n that_o god_n have_v do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n and_o by_o our_o stupidity_n we_o constrain_v providence_n to_o awaken_v we_o to_o consideration_n by_o new_a warning_n and_o to_o revive_v that_o sense_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o decay_v while_o we_o be_v let_v alone_o all_o which_o thing_n be_v consider_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o bless_v and_o praise_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o a_o testimony_n of_o himself_o both_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o footstep_n of_o his_o continue_a and_o unwearied_a providence_n over_o we_o for_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o if_o notwithstanding_o plain_a instruction_n convince_a example_n clear_a warning_n and_o undeniable_a testimony_n mankind_n be_v still_o so_o apt_a to_o forget_v god_n and_o to_o run_v into_o all_o miscarriage_n then_o how_o insupportable_a have_v the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o revelation_n no_o providence_n no_o faith_n or_o religion_n no_o fear_n of_o god_n at_o all_o if_o he_o have_v leave_v mankind_n to_o themselves_o without_o his_o check_n and_o restraint_n his_o control_n and_o government_n undoubted_o the_o earth_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o violence_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n our_o reason_n and_o freewill_n have_v make_v we_o but_o the_o more_o dangerous_a brute_n to_o one_o another_o and_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v long_o since_o dissolve_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v this_o that_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v the_o same_o too_o and_o therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n that_o mankind_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v former_a instruction_n and_o to_o need_v the_o like_a warning_n that_o their_o forefather_n have_v which_o therefore_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n repeat_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o since_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mould_n with_o those_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o and_o with_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o we_o and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o wise_a providence_n over_o all_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o like_a variety_n of_o event_n must_v still_o come_v about_o again_o and_o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v already_o have_v be_v among_o other_o good_a use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o this_o certain_o be_v one_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o dispose_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n be_v it_o better_o or_o be_v it_o worse_o with_o as_o much_o moderation_n and_o equality_n of_o temper_n as_o we_o can_v if_o thou_o be_v prosperous_a and_o thy_o affair_n succeed_v according_a to_o thy_o desire_n do_v not_o for_o this_o cherish_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o vain_a opinion_n of_o thyself_o as_o if_o thou_o only_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v regard_v other_o have_v be_v as_o fortunate_a as_o thyself_o and_o yet_o example_n of_o this_o world_n inconstancy_n and_o perhaps_o too_o they_o think_v as_o high_o of_o themselves_o and_o be_v as_o mean_o think_v of_o be_v thou_o in_o adversity_n this_o also_o have_v be_v a_o common_a case_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o repine_v at_o providence_n evil_a man_n have_v be_v punish_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o good_a man_n try_v by_o affliction_n we_o as_o well_o as_o other_o before_o we_o carry_v the_o cause_n and_o seed_n of_o much_o trouble_n in_o our_o frame_n and_o constitution_n and_o we_o can_v prevent_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o evil_n that_o come_v by_o the_o freewill_n of_o other_o nor_o hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o providence_n which_o govern_v all_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o suffer_v our_o affection_n violent_o to_o run_v after_o any_o of_o the_o desirable_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o take_v the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v and_o then_o make_v the_o best_a on_o it_o according_a to_o the_o wise_a man_n advice_n in_o this_o chapter_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o turn_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o thing_n i_o know_v say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o all_o his_o labour_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v deny_v himself_o a_o supply_n of_o his_o reasonable_a need_n and_o desire_n whilst_o he_o have_v wherewithal_o and_o that_o upon_o no_o pretence_n whatsoever_o he_o shall_v excuse_v himself_o from_o do_v good_a to_o other_o whilst_o it_o 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all_o along_o that_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o be_v to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a that_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n that_o man_n shall_v fear_v before_o he_o for_o therefore_o do_v god_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o his_o providence_n bring_v about_o the_o same_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v the_o same_o end_n which_o he_o design_n from_o first_o to_o last_o viz._n to_o teach_v we_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n this_o he_o have_v require_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v do_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o from_o first_o to_o
that_o under_o the_o same_o motive_n and_o obligation_n without_o any_o difference_n so_o considerable_a as_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o let_v the_o world_n go_v which_o way_n it_o will_v a_o impious_a man_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o a_o wretch_n and_o the_o righteous_a man_n be_v happy_a and_o wise_a for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o certain_o that_o be_v a_o very_a good_a condition_n and_o a_o good_a world_n for_o thou_o in_o which_o thou_o may_v be_v as_o good_a as_o thou_o please_v to_o be_v what_o condition_n can_v be_v better_o for_o a_o man_n than_o that_o which_o put_v he_o under_o the_o immediate_a protection_n and_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o disposer_n of_o long_a life_n and_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o security_n but_o of_o a_o great_a thing_n than_o all_o these_o and_o that_o be_v a_o content_a and_o cheerful_a mind_n nay_o if_o thou_o will_v go_v and_o learn_v thorough_o all_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o good_a christian_a some_o of_o they_o as_o thou_o will_v find_v will_v guard_v thou_o against_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o other_o other_o will_v conciliate_v their_o friendship_n and_o good_a will_n and_o all_o together_o will_v breed_v reverence_n and_o high_a esteem_n and_o thou_o will_v find_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o st._n peter_n say_v of_o his_o time_n who_o will_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a let_v it_o be_v once_o plain_a that_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o good_a but_o especial_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o the_o miserable_a and_o all_o man_n will_v rise_v up_o and_o call_v thou_o bless_v and_o if_o need_n be_v thou_o shall_v be_v assist_v by_o those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o heart_n to_o do_v such_o thing_n themselves_o and_o shall_v feel_v the_o benefit_n of_o what_o humanity_n they_o have_v if_o they_o have_v any_o leave_v let_v it_o it_o be_v once_o plain_a that_o thou_o be_v averse_a from_o do_v the_o least_o injury_n but_o can_v forgive_v the_o great_a and_o do_v seasonable_a good_a turn_n to_o all_o person_n upon_o occasion_n that_o thou_o be_v candid_a in_o thy_o censure_n and_o discreet_a in_o reproof_n and_o that_o the_o affectation_n of_o seem_v wise_a and_o better_a than_o other_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o thy_o wisdom_n and_o in_o thy_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n this_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o make_v a_o bad_a man_n ashamed_a to_o be_v thy_o enemy_n so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o abuse_v that_o man_n name_n who_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o yet_o be_v tender_a of_o another_o man_n nor_o do_v ill_a office_n to_o one_o who_o be_v know_v to_o do_v none_o but_o good_a one_o every_o one_o will_v probable_o show_v himself_o a_o friend_n to_o he_o that_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o all_o final_o let_v thy_o devotion_n to_o god_n be_v inartificial_a and_o unaffected_a let_v it_o be_v express_v by_o all_o decent_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o seriousness_n without_o ostentation_n and_o withal_o let_v it_o be_v show_v by_o a_o universal_a regard_n of_o thy_o action_n as_o do_v in_o his_o presence_n let_v it_o infuse_v manliness_n into_o all_o thy_o mirth_n and_o guard_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o pleasure_n from_o any_o approach_n to_o intemperance_n and_o a_o brutish_a sensuality_n let_v it_o be_v see_v in_o govern_v thy_o passion_n in_o temper_v thy_o discourse_n in_o model_v thy_o behaviour_n in_o make_v thou_o a_o good_a man_n or_o woman_n in_o all_o thy_o conversation_n and_o then_o thou_o may_v venture_v thyself_o abroad_o in_o a_o ill-natured_a world_n and_o in_o a_o degenerate_a age_n and_o the_o odds_o be_v very_o great_a on_o thy_o side_n that_o though_o other_o may_v be_v flatter_v thou_o shall_v be_v reverence_v and_o that_o even_o those_o who_o will_v not_o afford_v to_o give_v thou_o a_o good_a word_n will_v be_v more_o unwilling_a to_o give_v thou_o a_o bad_a one_o if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v you_o any_o good_a yet_o that_o they_o will_v do_v you_o no_o harm_n all_o which_o be_v not_o only_o probable_a in_o the_o speculation_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n verify_v by_o experience_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o shall_v seem_v that_o god_n lay_v no_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o one_o than_o another_o but_o that_o he_o still_o require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a but_o suppose_v thing_n shall_v not_o always_o happen_v according_a to_o common_a rule_n but_o sometime_o leave_v their_o ordinary_a course_n as_o suppose_v a_o righteous_a man_n must_v suffer_v for_o his_o righteousness_n then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o world_n and_o go_v to_o that_o of_o a_o better_a and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o suppose_v that_o so_o incomparable_a a_o state_n of_o blessing_n reserve_v for_o a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o just_o esteem_v and_o earnest_o desire_v by_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o make_v all_o present_a inconvenience_n very_a light_n but_o in_o comparison_n none_o at_o all_o most_o certain_o the_o blessedness_n of_o a_o everlasting_a state_n do_v in_o itself_o infinite_o outweigh_v all_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o live_v according_o they_o will_v outweigh_v they_o in_o our_o esteem_n and_o affection_n and_o then_o inward_a peace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o the_o best_a happiness_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v here_o though_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v worldly_a prosperity_n and_o it_o do_v indeed_o make_v i_o very_o happy_a though_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v i_o to_o honour_n if_o it_o do_v but_o teach_v i_o humility_n though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v i_o wealthy_a if_o it_o do_v but_o make_v i_o content_v though_o it_o do_v not_o give_v i_o the_o abundance_n of_o outward_a pleasure_n nor_o free_v i_o from_o injury_n and_o wrong_n if_o it_o do_v but_o bless_v i_o with_o a_o quiet_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o a_o steady_a government_n of_o my_o passion_n with_o meekness_n and_o easiness_n to_o forgive_v with_o the_o sweet_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n which_o when_o all_o be_v do_v be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o serene_a enjoyment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o this_o now_o these_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o good_a man_n have_v build_v their_o resolution_n and_o their_o practice_n of_o virtue_n for_o they_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n not_o because_o they_o expect_v the_o riches_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o justice_n not_o that_o they_o think_v their_o virtue_n will_v be_v a_o fence_n about_o all_o they_o have_v to_o secure_v their_o good_n from_o rapine_n their_o name_n from_o reproach_n their_o person_n from_o affront_v and_o injury_n and_o this_o course_n of_o life_n from_o common_a or_o uncommon_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n they_o do_v not_o hope_v to_o make_v a_o gainful_a traffic_n with_o heaven_n by_o their_o prayer_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v often_o blessed_v good_a man_n with_o strange_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o be_v not_o their_o end_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will._n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o wrought_v righteousness_n i._n e._n they_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v because_o they_o expect_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o though_o not_o always_o with_o the_o idolised_a pleasure_n and_o greatness_n no_o not_o always_o with_o the_o ease_n and_o quiet_a of_o this_o life_n yet_o without_o fail_n with_o those_o pure_a and_o ravish_a joy_n of_o a_o better_a world_n which_o will_v short_o begin_v and_o never_o end_n so_o that_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v the_o same_o and_o whether_o the_o temptation_n be_v exact_o the_o same_o or_o not_o which_o make_v our_o duty_n any_o thing_n difficult_a yet_o the_o motive_n and_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o which_o take_v away_o the_o difficulty_n and_o make_v it_o equal_o easy_a again_o and_o if_o as_o to_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o do_v well_o and_o the_o encouragement_n which_o good_a man_n always_o find_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n we_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o all_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v be_v very_o well_o content_a that_o we_o be_v as_o liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o
be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o bear_v and_o if_o another_o man_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o something_o that_o be_v thou_o detain_v thy_o right_n from_o thou_o and_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o considerable_a then_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o relieve_v thyself_o but_o by_o law_n thou_o shall_v not_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o run_v present_o to_o counsel_n and_o commence_v a_o suit_n but_o bear_v such_o lesser_a injury_n with_o silence_n and_o patience_n so_o that_o a_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o go_v to_o law_n for_o small_a matter_n not_o only_a when_o his_o right_n be_v uncertain_a but_o when_o it_o be_v clear_a not_o only_o where_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o invite_v such_o another_o injury_n as_o he_o bear_v at_o present_a but_o where_o there_o be_v and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v as_o plain_a to_o that_o purpose_n as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o nothing_o less_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o they_o the_o three_o instance_n be_v this_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v compel_v thou_o to_o go_v a_o mile_n go_v with_o he_o twain_o and_o under_o this_o instance_n be_v contain_v all_o little_a infringement_n of_o our_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n which_o some_o man_n be_v exceed_o tender_a of_o and_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o make_v a_o great_a combustion_n rather_o than_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v invade_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o if_o the_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o press_v man_n for_o public_a carriage_n shall_v compel_v thou_o to_o go_v a_o mile_n unjust_o that_o be_v one_o four_o part_n above_o the_o ordinary_a stage_n that_o the_o law_n appoint_v which_o be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v a_o quarrel_n about_o it_o though_o thy_o patience_n may_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o his_o compel_v thou_o the_o next_o time_n to_o go_v two_o mile_n more_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o so_o likewise_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o our_o freedom_n and_o immunity_n be_v light_o invade_v if_o too_o much_o service_n be_v require_v if_o a_o office_n be_v put_v upon_o a_o man_n which_o be_v some_o breach_n upon_o his_o privilege_n though_o he_o may_v sustain_v it_o without_o great_a inconveniency_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n it_o be_v the_o plain_a command_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v no_o public_a complaint_n nor_o prosecute_v the_o person_n at_o law_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o our_o privilege_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o true_a account_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o instance_n the_o manner_n of_o our_o saviour_n expression_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o discourse_n in_o that_o time_n but_o the_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v be_v a_o rule_n for_o all_o time_n and_o place_n and_o oblige_v every_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n i._n e._n altogether_o to_o remit_v tolerable_a and_o small_a injury_n whether_o against_o body_n or_o reputation_n as_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n or_o estate_n and_o possession_n as_o in_o the_o second_o or_o freedom_n and_o privilege_n as_o in_o the_o three_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o the_o limitation_n of_o the_o rule_n belong_v to_o the_o general_a prohibition_n resist_v not_o evil_a and_o that_o 1._o because_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v mean_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o injury_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o add_v any_o particular_a instance_n of_o evil_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v 2._o if_o the_o great_a as_o well_o as_o the_o least_o injury_n be_v not_o to_o be_v redress_v by_o course_n of_o law_n then_o see_v our_o saviour_n be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o under_o what_o injury_n in_o particular_a he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o he_o will_v have_v instance_a in_o the_o great_a for_o all_o man_n be_v certain_o more_o unwilling_a to_o bear_v a_o great_a than_o a_o less_o wrong_n if_o therefore_o no_o kind_n of_o evil_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v if_o this_o have_v be_v his_o meaning_n he_o will_v have_v say_v if_o thy_o enemy_n seek_v to_o take_v away_o thy_o life_n or_o to_o ruin_v thy_o estate_n or_o to_o deprive_v thou_o of_o thy_o liberty_n thou_o shall_v not_o guard_v thyself_o against_o he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o thy_o country_n and_o then_o these_o instance_n have_v certain_o show_v that_o the_o general_a prohibition_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v without_o any_o limitation_n at_o all_o for_o this_o be_v a_o true_a conclusion_n i_o must_v bear_v the_o great_a injury_n without_o complaint_n therefore_o i_o must_v bear_v the_o less_o but_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v i_o must_v bear_v the_o less_o therefore_o i_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o great_a wherefore_o i_o say_v since_o it_o have_v be_v our_o saviour_n intention_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o right_v ourselves_o against_o any_o injury_n by_o course_n of_o law_n the_o instance_n mention_v do_v not_o come_v home_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v therefore_o plain_a that_o be_v not_o his_o meaning_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o will_v now_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o represent_v from_o our_o saviour_n rule_n what_o a_o christian_a may_v and_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v when_o he_o be_v provoke_v by_o the_o rudeness_n or_o injure_v by_o the_o malice_n or_o any_o way_n usurp_v upon_o by_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o all_o private_a revenge_n whether_o of_o great_a or_o lesser_a wrong_n be_v utter_o unlawful_a and_o the_o truth_n be_v for_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o right_v themselves_o any_o other_o way_n after_o a_o injury_n receive_v than_o by_o course_n of_o law_n that_o need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o it_o be_v unlawful_a before_o and_o it_o be_v unjust_a in_o every_o man_n though_o much_o more_o unbecoming_a a_o christian_n than_o any_o one_o else_o since_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o set_v a_o example_n of_o that_o forgiveness_n and_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n as_o for_o some_o injury_n to_o seek_v no_o redress_n at_o all_o no_o not_o by_o legal_a proceed_n how_o strange_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o then_o that_o the_o way_n of_o personal_a revenge_n shall_v grow_v into_o fashion_n and_o credit_n among_o christian_n a_o way_n of_o revenge_n so_o direct_o contrary_a not_o only_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n religion_n but_o to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o justice_n for_o let_v but_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o admit_v let_v it_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o world_n that_o every_o man_n may_v right_v himself_o his_o own_o way_n when_o he_o be_v injure_v by_o another_o and_o what_o horrible_a consequence_n must_v it_o need_v produce_v for_o when_o one_o man_n have_v wrong_v and_o abuse_v another_o to_o allow_v the_o injure_a party_n to_o right_v himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o personal_a revenge_n be_v to_o provoke_v the_o wrongdoer_n to_o a_o new_a attempt_n against_o he_o and_o by_o consequence_n to_o prolong_v and_o continue_v the_o quarrel_n till_o it_o be_v end_v in_o the_o destruction_n either_o of_o the_o one_o of_o the_o other_o what_o a_o woeful_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o if_o once_o a_o injury_n be_v do_v and_o contention_n be_v begin_v between_o two_o man_n to_o conclude_v that_o they_o must_v never_o be_v reconcile_v but_o proceed_v to_o mischief_n each_o other_o till_o one_o of_o they_o be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o private_a revenge_n which_o therefore_o no_o man_n shall_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o that_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o humanity_n beside_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unjust_a thing_n to_o do_v evil_a to_o another_o because_o i_o have_v receive_v injury_n from_o he_o for_o a_o man_n can_v just_o be_v both_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o party_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n as_o every_o man_n be_v who_o presume_v to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o wrong_n he_o that_o complain_v be_v not_o to_o give_v sentence_n and_o then_o to_o execute_v it_o but_o to_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o indifferent_a person_n or_o to_o common_a justice_n that_o the_o redress_n may_v be_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o law_n but_o if_o he_o take_v revenge_n for_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o power_n to_o be_v so_o whatever_o evil_a he_o determine_v to_o inflict_v upon_o his_o enemy_n he_o be_v unjust_o resolve_v upon_o and_o if_o he_o succeed_v it_o be_v unjust_o do_v for_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o to_o punish_v his_o adversary_n vengeance_n be_v god_n only_a and_o
seem_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a yet_o he_o repeat_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o for_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v you_o your_o trespass_n but_o then_o with_o what_o face_n can_v they_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n with_o what_o quiet_a can_v they_o think_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n who_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o do_n of_o injury_n and_o wrong_n who_o be_v as_o forward_o to_o trespass_v against_o their_o brother_n as_o they_o be_v backward_o to_o forgive_v their_o brother_n trespass_n if_o i_o be_v to_o describe_v what_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v by_o take_v some_o one_o point_n of_o christian_a duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o do_v in_o all_o reasonable_a construction_n imply_v all_o the_o rest_n it_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o will_v not_o for_o the_o world_n do_v the_o least_o injury_n but_o can_v forgive_v the_o great_a and_o god_n grant_v that_o this_o may_v be_v our_o practice_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n the_o nine_o sermon_n a_o assize_n sermon_n matth_n 5.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o come_v of_o evil_a that_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v principle_n suppose_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v from_o hence_o evident_a that_o in_o great_a part_n the_o process_n of_o our_o court_n depend_v upon_o testimony_n give_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o though_o the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n there_o be_v require_v by_o humane_a authority_n yet_o the_o peculiar_a obligation_n it_o lay_v upon_o we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a law_n be_v found_v original_o upon_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n wherefore_o though_o a_o oath_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o civil_a act_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o reason_n whereby_o it_o oblige_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v high_o conducible_a to_o the_o end_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o maintain_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o it_o must_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o make_v they_o observe_v those_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v plain_o design_v to_o secure_v the_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o a_o oath_n and_o to_o keep_v man_n at_o a_o wide_a distance_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o perjury_n such_o be_v that_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o which_o therefore_o do_v not_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n than_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n and_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o who_o consider_v what_o a_o vast_a influence_n the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n have_v upon_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n this_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o confide_v in_o one_o another_o about_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o our_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v so_o often_o necessary_a to_o secure_v our_o property_n to_o save_v we_o from_o wrong_n and_o to_o make_v even_o our_o enemy_n to_o do_v we_o right_o it_o be_v this_o which_o all_o process_n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v govern_v by_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o all_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o give_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v be_v no_o otherways_o decide_v it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v either_o direct_v or_o misguide_v the_o wise_a magistrate_n and_o make_v their_o sentence_n itself_o either_o right_a or_o wrong_n and_o by_o which_o we_o be_v either_o strong_o guard_v against_o injury_n or_o almost_o inevitable_o expose_v to_o it_o of_o how_o great_a consequence_n therefore_o must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n to_o have_v the_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n secure_v and_o to_o make_v every_o man_n tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o perjury_n since_o the_o world_n can_v be_v well-governed_a nor_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n go_v forward_o without_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v better_o be_v without_o they_o in_o as_o many_o case_n as_o there_o be_v wherein_o man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o be_v forswear_v and_o yet_o alas_o it_o be_v the_o daily_a complaint_n of_o our_o age_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v almost_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o although_o it_o be_v real_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o dreadful_a to_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o call_v he_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o our_o lie_n than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o play_v before_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o canon_n while_o it_o be_v fire_v yet_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o report_n which_o be_v sometime_o make_v from_o court_n of_o judicature_n there_o be_v very_o few_o peasant_n so_o pusillanimous_a but_o they_o be_v hardy_a enough_o to_o swear_v to_o any_o thing_n and_o with_o equal_a confidence_n to_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n and_o when_o under_o a_o equal_a obligation_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o dreadful_a name_n of_o god_n now_o if_o we_o will_v inquire_v how_o the_o sacredness_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v grow_v into_o such_o contempt_n i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o the_o common_a and_o frequent_a use_n of_o swear_v in_o our_o ordinary_a conversation_n will_v be_v find_v at_o least_o accessary_a to_o that_o dishonour_n which_o be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o that_o mischief_n to_o man_n by_o the_o so_o frequent_a perjury_n of_o our_o age._n oath_n be_v grow_v so_o familiar_a with_o we_o that_o man_n have_v forget_v the_o nature_n and_o true_a use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o they_o call_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o themselves_o if_o their_o testimony_n be_v not_o exact_o true_a they_o have_v be_v prostitute_v to_o the_o mean_a service_n and_o profane_v by_o common_a use_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o sacred_a obligation_n peculiar_a to_o they_o be_v forget_v when_o they_o be_v use_v in_o those_o special_a case_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v reserve_v therefore_o if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o recover_v the_o fear_n of_o a_o oath_n among_o our_o countryman_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o by_o mean_n contrary_a to_o those_o whereby_o it_o have_v be_v so_o general_o lose_v that_o be_v by_o abstain_v ourselves_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o by_o dissuade_v and_o restrain_v other_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v from_o that_o familiar_a and_o fashionable_a swear_v which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o our_o age_n to_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n and_o reason_n of_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o they_o i_o shall_v consider_v 1._o the_o law_n itself_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o 2._o the_o sanction_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o law_n viz._n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o come_v of_o evil_a in_o the_o law_n itself_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o prohibition_n and_o the_o precept_n 1._o the_o prohibition_n which_o contain_v 1._o a_o general_a rule_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o some_o particular_a instance_n whereto_o the_o rule_n extend_v neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o earth_n nor_o by_o jerusalem_n nor_o by_o thy_o head_n 3._o the_o reason_n why_o the_o rule_n extend_v to_o these_o instance_n not_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n not_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n not_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n not_o by_o thy_o head_n for_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o from_o which_o word_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n have_v contend_v that_o a_o oath_n or_o a_o appeal_n to_o god_n that_o what_o we_o say_v be_v true_a be_v in_o no_o case_n lawful_a i_o shall_v here_o show_v the_o contrary_a and_o prove_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_o in_o all_o our_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o man_n will_v fain_o believe_v that_o their_o care_n in_o one_o part_n shall_v supply_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o in_o good_a stead_n although_o they_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o concern_v for_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o be_v to_o come_v up_o thorough_o to_o that_o which_o religion_n require_v and_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o difficulty_n i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v as_o difficult_a but_o more_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o become_v mere_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n than_o even_o bad_a man_n have_v make_v it_o to_o become_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o natural_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v downright_a atheist_n or_o even_a unbeliever_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n easy_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_n without_o any_o relief_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v some_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o consistent_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o a_o diligent_a profession_n 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and_o their_o part_n quick_a than_o those_o of_o the_o sincere_a and_o godly_a and_o moreover_o that_o some_o wicked_a man_n have_v arrive_v to_o great_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n than_o thousand_o of_o religious_a person_n ever_o have_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o equality_n of_o other_o mean_n and_o ability_n he_o that_o be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n have_v many_o advantage_n above_o a_o wicked_a man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n to_o which_o the_o wicked_a may_v possible_o arrive_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n proper_a to_o the_o godly_a which_o the_o other_o continue_v as_o he_o be_v can_v never_o gain_v now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v possible_o to_o both_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o attain_v by_o the_o good_a man_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a in_o other_o respect_n to_o the_o wicked_a if_o there_o be_v something_o also_o that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a 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we_o shall_v know_v they_o that_o labour_n among_o we_o and_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v we_o be_v a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n in_o christendom_n pretend_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n be_v it_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o argue_v from_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o command_n of_o try_v their_o doctrine_n who_o pretend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o revelation_n be_v it_o of_o any_o use_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o ancient_a church_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_v by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o always_o suppose_v a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o sincerity_n give_v a_o prosperous_a influence_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o diligent_a and_o learned_a whereas_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n do_v mix_v itself_o with_o the_o study_n of_o man_n and_o infect_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a disloyalty_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o do_v most_o common_o blast_v their_o endeavour_n through_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o end_n make_v they_o bend_v their_o wit_n not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v include_v in_o this_o 2._o the_o obedient_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v peculiar_o fit_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n of_o the_o untractable_a to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n accommodate_v his_o instruction_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o willing_a but_o when_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o captious_a pharisee_n he_o return_v they_o answer_n like_o their_o question_n design_v rather_o to_o silence_v their_o arrogance_n than_o to_o inform_v they_o and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o he_o perceive_v all_o that_o labour_n be_v lose_v upon_o man_n of_o their_o perverse_a mind_n which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v those_o there_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o modest_a and_o disintere_v thus_o after_o they_o have_v be_v cavil_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o ask_v they_o who_o son_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v they_o say_v david_n if_o david_n then_o say_v he_o call_v he_o lord_n how_o be_v he_o his_o son_n where_o he_o leave_v they_o speechless_a without_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n for_o he_o know_v reason_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o so_o when_o they_o ask_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v and_o this_o after_o they_o they_o have_v know_v his_o wonderful_a work_n he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v they_o a_o direct_a answer_n but_o reply_n to_o their_o question_n with_o another_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n he_o know_v they_o will_v say_v they_o can_v not_o tell_v neither_o tell_v i_o you_o say_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n i_o do_v these_o thing_n how_o evident_a and_o reasonable_a soever_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o be_v not_o deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v certain_o prevail_v against_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v satisfy_v all_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o follow_v it_o hereby_o god_n have_v make_v great_a distinction_n between_o the_o humble_a and_o honest_a on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o proud_a and_o insincere_a on_o the_o other_o while_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v easy_a and_o ready_a to_o the_o former_a but_o in_o comparison_n hard_a to_o the_o latter_a 3._o due_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o god_n word_n be_v itself_o apt_a to_o promote_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o good_a man_n have_v above_o all_o other_o what_o a_o man_n admire_v and_o delight_n in_o engage_v his_o whole_a soul_n and_o make_v it_o all_o attention_n and_o in_o that_o posture_n the_o mind_n apprehend_v more_o ready_o and_o clear_o on_o the_o other_o side_n no_o man_n make_v a_o good_a proficiency_n in_o that_o which_o he_o study_v with_o a_o alienate_v mind_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v since_o he_o do_v not_o put_v his_o strength_n to_o the_o work_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v hardly_o present_a with_o the_o business_n he_o be_v about_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v we_o give_v why_o man_n that_o be_v accurate_a at_o one_o sort_n of_o business_n be_v heavy_a and_o inapprehensive_a at_o other_o for_o the_o soul_n in_o itself_o have_v a_o capacity_n equal_o open_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o all_o reason_n that_o therefore_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n must_v be_v their_o value_n of_o and_o delight_n in_o one_o subject_n and_o their_o aversion_n from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o david_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o be_v wise_a than_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n themselves_o for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o the_o
endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n whether_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o or_o promise_v those_o benefit_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o life_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o this_o very_a promise_n we_o have_v again_o repeat_v prov._n 3.32_o his_o secret_a be_v with_o the_o righteous_a it_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o but_o once_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o repeat_v it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o better_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o other_o in_o john_n 8._o the_o like_a promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o like_a condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v be_v annex_v ver_fw-la 12._o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n shall_v know_v all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o life_n eternal_a ver_fw-la 32._o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n ver_fw-la 33._o that_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n and_o john_n 14.21_o i_o will_v love_v and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o every_o one_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a promise_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o ground_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o best_a most_o auspicious_a entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n have_v good_a security_n that_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a from_o all_o these_o promise_v we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v secure_v his_o eternal_a life_n and_o even_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o angel_n attend_v we_o constant_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n and_o exciting_a good_a thought_n when_o our_o passion_n grow_v wild_a and_o we_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v infuse_v a_o great_a regard_n of_o all_o we_o do_v into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o happy_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o have_v he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o open_n our_o ear_n and_o seal_v instruction_n to_o we_o blessing_n our_o search_n into_o holy_a thing_n and_o accompany_v our_o meditation_n with_o a_o ready_a and_o prosperous_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v god_n will_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o advantage_n will_v appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v up_o wicked_a man_n to_o darkness_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o st._n paul_n show_v plain_o rom._n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o first_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v ver_fw-la 21._o so_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o reprobate_n i._n e._n a_o undiscerning_a mind_n which_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a warning_n in_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v and_o now_o they_o be_v in_o turkish_a darkness_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fulfil_v but_o why_o i_o beseech_v you_o shall_v that_o admonition_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o threaten_n there_o denounce_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n as_o well_o as_o of_o asia_n and_o to_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ephesus_n and_o see_v every_o one_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o hear_v 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mean_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o have_v moreover_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o unrighteous_a have_v not_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n ungodly_a man_n be_v under_o so_o many_o natural_a impediment_n that_o obstruct_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o moreover_o lie_v under_o such_o severe_a threaten_n of_o blindness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a have_v vast_a advantage_n yet_o above_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v though_o in_o other_o 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