end_n wherein_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v esteem_v the_o very_o worst_a superstitious_a cold_a and_o formal_a man_n by_o those_o that_o be_v zealous_a in_o some_o faction_n and_o know_v no_o religion_n but_o that_o zeal_n because_o such_o time_n as_o these_o may_v be_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o content_v ourselves_o in_o gain_v those_o reward_n and_o blessing_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o religion_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o life_n eternal_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 3._o and_o then_o last_o because_o hypocrisy_n be_v so_o deceitful_a and_o sly_a a_o sin_n as_o always_o serve_v worldly_a interest_n which_o be_v apt_a insensible_o to_o blind_v the_o eye_n and_o infatuate_a the_o mind_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o yet_o hide_v itself_o from_o they_o themselves_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o frequent_a and_o impartial_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o to_o weigh_v our_o counsel_n to_o try_v our_o end_n to_o prove_v our_o design_n in_o every_o action_n relate_v any_o way_n to_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o consider_v whether_o we_o indeed_o design_v it_o real_o intend_v to_o promote_v and_o practice_v it_o wherever_o we_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o then_o because_o that_o god_n alone_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o because_o his_o grace_n be_v most_o needful_a to_o discover_v ourselves_o unto_o ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o many_o sin_n and_o passion_n that_o may_v infatuate_a and_o beguile_v we_o let_v we_o earnest_o pray_v for_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o infatuation_n and_o all_o the_o seduction_n of_o our_o lust_n let_v we_o make_v the_o address_n which_o david_n do_v psal_n 139.22_o 24._o with_o who_o word_n i_o shall_v conclude_v search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a the_o eleven_o sermon_n john_n 14.1_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o the_o whole_a verse_n be_v thus_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o these_o word_n be_v a_o preface_n to_o a_o very_a large_a and_o kind_a discourse_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n unto_o his_o follower_n wherein_o he_o deliver_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o practice_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o begin_v it_o with_o such_o word_n as_o may_v effectual_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o give_v both_o attention_n and_o belief_n to_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v deliver_v in_o it_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o a_o concession_n or_o supposition_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o be_v you_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o what_o be_v consequent_a hereupon_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v trust_v and_o obey_v although_o some_o other_o read_v the_o word_n not_o as_o a_o declaration_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o as_o a_o command_n believe_v in_o god_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o depart_v from_o our_o own_o translation_n in_o this_o matter_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o precept_n also_o believe_v in_o i_o that_o be_v to_o say_v believe_v that_o i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n send_v by_o he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o therefore_o judge_v yourselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o i_o reveal_v and_o obey_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o now_o be_v that_o belief_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n i_o have_v now_o explain_v unto_o you_o be_v here_o require_v as_o a_o addition_n or_o further_a accession_n to_o the_o mere_a belief_n in_o god_n only_o as_o he_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o subject_n which_o the_o word_n before_o we_o offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n be_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n over_o and_o above_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n afford_v unto_o we_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o point_n 1._o i_o must_v first_o consider_v that_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o express_o require_v by_o god_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o such_o belief_n forbid_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o the_o utter_a loss_n of_o life_n eternal_a salvation_n be_v always_o promise_v to_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o have_v reveal_v it_o and_o become_v his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n to_o other_o person_n it_o be_v not_o promise_v as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o must_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lift_v up_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 3.14_o 15._o nor_o be_v it_o only_o promise_v to_o those_o and_o those_o only_a that_o so_o believe_v but_o deny_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o to_o they_o that_o refuse_v to_o yield_v their_o belief_n to_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o sanctify_v to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o again_o omit_v several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o signification_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st_n john_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 10._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n thrice_o do_v god_n bear_v this_o record_n and_o own_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v send_v by_o he_o by_o a_o express_a voice_n from_o heaven_n once_o at_o his_o baptism_n in_o these_o word_n matt._n 3.17_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v a_o second_o time_n at_o his_o transfiguration_n upon_o the_o mount_n with_o some_o addition_n to_o those_o word_n matt._n 15.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o and_o yet_o again_o a_o three_o time_n a_o little_a before_o our_o saviour_n passion_n when_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o these_o word_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n he_o be_v answer_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v i_o have_v both_o glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o again_o john_n 12.28_o to_o all_o which_o clear_a and_o express_v testimony_n give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o his_o son_n i_o may_v first_o add_v the_o glorious_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n during_o his_o life_n than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n send_v by_o he_o and_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o and_o all_o his_o other_o follower_n also_o which_o be_v evident_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a son_n of_o god_n and_o send_v by_o he_o to_o save_v the_o world_n high_o aggravate_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o infidelity_n and_o unbelief_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o forbear_v to_o wonder_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o death_n eternal_a and_o that_o christ_n himself_o shall_v thus_o pronounce_v mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v 2._o but_o than_o second_o lest_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n mere_o because_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o further_a end_n in_o the_o truth_n therein_o reveal_v unto_o we_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o only_o i_o further_o add_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o truth_n be_v great_o necessary_a to_o several_a end_n of_o infinite_a moment_n and_o importance_n 1._o for_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v from_o we_o 2._o for_o the_o like_a knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a motion_n to_o those_o duty_n 3._o for_o our_o better_a support_n under_o all_o our_o trial_n fear_n and_o danger_n 1._o the_o belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v from_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o several_a consideration_n namely_o 1_o because_o that_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o improve_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n direct_v we_o to_o very_a many_o of_o they_o yet_o
can_v we_o hope_v that_o we_o shall_v preserve_v it_o unless_o there_o be_v zeal_n oppose_v to_o zeal_n unless_o we_o be_v concern_v for_o truth_n as_o they_o concern_v themselves_o against_o it_o can_v we_o reasonable_o judge_v we_o can_v secure_v it_o no_o if_o they_o find_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o show_v no_o hearty_a affection_n for_o it_o that_o we_o value_v our_o ease_n love_v our_o pleasure_n esteem_v the_o small_a concern_v and_o interest_n more_o than_o we_o prize_v and_o value_n that_o may_v they_o not_o then_o just_o conclude_v that_o we_o shall_v easy_o part_v with_o it_o and_o will_v not_o this_o excite_v their_o diligence_n and_o encourage_v attempt_n to_o take_v it_o from_o we_o may_v i_o speak_v what_o i_o very_o think_v be_v true_a it_o be_v our_o indifference_n in_o our_o religion_n the_o gross_a neglect_n that_o very_o many_o and_o the_o foul_a contempt_n that_o some_o other_o have_v clear_o show_v unto_o this_o profession_n that_o have_v give_v encouragement_n to_o our_o enemy_n to_o design_n and_o attempt_v its_o extirpation_n if_o they_o can_v say_v and_o i_o wish_v they_o may_v not_o they_o have_v no_o concernment_n for_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v no_o regard_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o they_o neglect_v they_o despise_v it_o in_o life_n and_o practice_n many_o of_o they_o very_o seldom_o appear_v in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n very_o few_o frequent_a that_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o solemn_a profession_n of_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o they_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o any_o zeal_n or_o affection_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v part_v with_o it_o upon_o very_o cheap_a and_o easy_a term_n bring_v their_o estate_n or_o ease_n and_o safety_n bring_v the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n into_o a_o competition_n with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v abandon_v and_o quit_v the_o one_o that_o they_o may_v quiet_o enjoy_v the_o other_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o enjoy_v their_o estate_n ease_n and_o safety_n without_o their_o religion_n than_o their_o religion_n without_o these_o if_o we_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o design_v the_o extirpation_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v these_o thought_n in_o they_o and_o that_o these_o have_v encourage_v that_o design_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v resist_v than_o by_o let_v they_o know_v they_o be_v deceive_v that_o we_o have_v as_o great_a and_o warm_a a_o zeal_n for_o the_o preserve_a our_o religion_n as_o they_o for_o its_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n 2._o to_o this_o zeal_n we_o must_v add_v endeavour_n it_o be_v not_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o cause_n that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o defend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o just_a and_o reasonable_a it_o must_v be_v evidence_v so_o to_o be_v and_o endeavour_v use_v for_o its_o defence_n if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v so_o much_o fit_a to_o be_v plead_v if_o it_o be_v just_a it_o be_v just_a to_o appear_v and_o labour_n for_o it_o it_o do_v still_o so_o much_o the_o more_o deserve_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o every_o private_a prosessor_n of_o it_o the_o use_n of_o authority_n in_o every_o magistrate_n for_o its_o advancement_n and_o preservation_n the_o wise_a law_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o best_a religion_n if_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o secure_v they_o can_v neither_o plead_v nor_o execute_v themselves_o they_o rather_o excite_v contempt_n and_o scorn_n and_o irritate_fw-la enemy_n to_o opposition_n where_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o without_o any_o countenance_n from_o the_o magistrate_n now_o therefore_o it_o will_v still_o retain_v the_o reform_a religion_n reform_v i_o say_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o pain_n of_o our_o forefather_n and_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o very_a blood_n of_o many_o of_o they_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o deliver_v it_o down_o to_o our_o posterity_n as_o they_o transmit_v it_o unto_o we_o we_o must_v upon_o every_o fair_a occasion_n profess_v our_o hearty_a belief_n of_o it_o profess_v our_o zeal_n for_o its_o defence_n maintain_v its_o truth_n against_o opposer_n give_v no_o occasion_n to_o they_o to_o think_v that_o fraud_n or_o force_n hope_n or_o fear_n reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v ever_o chase_v or_o remove_v we_o from_o it_o and_o may_v not_o the_o diligence_n of_o our_o enemy_n for_o the_o subversion_n of_o our_o faith_n awake_v our_o mind_n excite_v our_o diligence_n to_o maintain_v it_o if_o they_o insinuate_v and_o intrude_v into_o all_o society_n all_o place_n all_o degree_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o skill_n to_o seduce_v they_o and_o impose_v upon_o they_o to_o move_v they_o both_o by_o hope_n and_o fear_n to_o embrace_v their_o error_n and_o delusion_n shall_v we_o be_v idle_a or_o remiss_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o the_o secure_n of_o real_a truth_n have_v they_o so_o much_o of_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o mere_a vanity_n and_o superstition_n and_o have_v we_o none_o for_o real_a piety_n be_v they_o so_o active_a as_o that_o they_o compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v man_n proselyte_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v we_o no_o care_n to_o secure_v ourselves_o at_o least_o at_o home_n do_v they_o neglect_v no_o opportunity_n do_v they_o omit_v no_o endeavour_n no_o not_o the_o foul_a and_o most_o unlawful_a to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v their_o religion_n and_o be_v we_o asleep_a be_v we_o in_o a_o maze_n be_v we_o in_o a_o dream_n while_o we_o shall_v defend_v and_o secure_v we_o awake_v we_o then_o from_o that_o security_n and_o from_o that_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n from_o that_o remissness_n and_o neglect_n which_o give_v encouragement_n to_o our_o enemy_n to_o attempt_v the_o destruction_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o may_v if_o not_o in_o time_n reform_v exceed_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o deliver_v we_o up_o into_o their_o hand_n 3._o let_v we_o all_o awake_a while_o it_o be_v day_n and_o unite_v ourselves_o in_o joint_a endeavour_n the_o three_o particular_a i_o propose_v to_o defend_v and_o propagate_v our_o religion_n let_v we_o join_v together_o in_o the_o clear_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o let_v we_o coustant_o attend_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n where_o the_o religion_n be_v profess_v let_v we_o frequent_o join_v in_o the_o celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o communion_n with_o christ_n our_o head_n but_o the_o apt_a and_o clear_a signification_n of_o our_o communion_n each_o with_o other_o let_v we_o mutual_o counsel_n and_o advise_v let_v we_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o our_o adversary_n 4._o which_o be_v the_o four_o of_o these_o method_n which_o our_o apostle_n here_o propound_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v that_o which_o we_o profess_v our_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v to_o man_n he_o confirm_v it_o by_o many_o mighty_a miracle_n he_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n he_o rise_v again_o he_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n he_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o holy_a fellow_n to_o preach_v and_o propagate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n these_o and_o several_a after_o they_o for_o divers_a age_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o its_o defence_n and_o make_v it_o victorious_a in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n make_v against_o it_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o fear_v the_o wit_n or_o malice_n the_o craft_n or_o strength_n that_o any_o enemy_n can_v use_v against_o it_o if_o we_o will_v be_v faithful_a ourselves_o to_o it_o we_o can_v at_o most_o but_o die_v for_o it_o and_o have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o encourage_v we_o so_o to_o do_v if_o ever_o the_o time_n which_o god_n forbid_v shall_v call_v for_o that_o what_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o this_o case_n luk._n 12.4_o 5._o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v forewarn_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o fear_v god_n and_o nothing_o but_o god_n only_o fear_v he_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fear_v any_o other_o thing_n but_o he_o only_o he_o can_v discover_v the_o
to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o to_o the_o animosity_n which_o they_o have_v against_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n to_o brand_v they_o with_o opprobrious_a name_n to_o pour_v contempt_n and_o scorn_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v religion_n so_o to_o do_v i_o think_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o beware_v of_o such_o a_o dangerous_a vice_n as_o this_o which_o turn_v a_o sin_n into_o religion_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n make_v religion_n a_o contradiction_n unto_o itself_o 3._o one_o thing_n more_o i_o must_v further_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o this_o point_n which_o be_v the_o delight_n that_o a_o man_n may_v take_v either_o in_o the_o oppose_a or_o deride_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o person_n and_o the_o great_a opinion_n which_o he_o may_v have_v of_o himself_o for_o this_o which_o yet_o can_v give_v he_o no_o assurance_n that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o so_o do_v i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o sharp_a and_o eager_a strife_n be_v raise_v about_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n i_o need_v not_o show_v what_o fierce_a debate_n what_o hot_a contention_n there_o be_v about_o it_o and_o have_v be_v in_o all_o former_a age_n these_o be_v know_v and_o evident_a thing_n but_o that_o which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o the_o zeal_n that_o many_o man_n have_v in_o these_o dispute_v be_v rather_o to_o destroy_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v profess_v by_o other_o person_n than_o set_v up_o another_o instead_o thereof_o it_o be_v to_o subvert_v and_o not_o to_o reform_v it_o be_v to_o overthrow_v and_o not_o amend_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v it_o be_v concern_v about_o religion_n and_o be_v it_o have_v a_o mighty_a passion_n in_o this_o concern_n it_o pass_v for_o religion_n itself_o so_o apt_a be_v man_n to_o mistake_v they_o to_o embrace_v a_o shadow_n instead_o of_o truth_n and_o to_o judge_v themselves_o to_o be_v religious_a for_o a_o negative_a not_o a_o positive_a thing_n for_o be_v against_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o rather_o than_o for_o any_o of_o their_o own_o wherein_o they_o gratify_v their_o own_o passion_n please_v their_o own_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o so_o easy_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o 3._o but_o than_o three_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o as_o hypocrisy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o easy_a religion_n but_o also_o pleasant_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o many_o instance_n and_o effect_n so_o that_o it_o also_o powerful_o tend_v to_o serve_v those_o end_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o propound_v and_o follow_v that_o be_v to_o say_v 1._o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v true_o pious_a 2._o and_o the_o obtain_n of_o wealth_n and_o power_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n 1._o the_o appearance_n of_o religion_n destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o do_v for_o a_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o true_a religion_n nay_o more_o reputation_n for_o the_o most_o part_n than_o true_a religion_n itself_o obtain_v our_o saviour_n relate_v how_o the_o pharisee_n give_v alm_n to_o gain_v the_o glory_n of_o man_n present_o add_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n matt._n 6.2_o relate_v how_o they_o pray_v in_o the_o street_n to_o the_o same_o end_n add_v the_o very_a same_o word_n again_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n v._o 5._o relate_v how_o they_o disfigure_v their_o face_n when_o they_o fast_v that_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o man_n to_o fast_o add_v the_o very_a same_o word_n again_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n v._o 16._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o gain_v that_o glory_n which_o they_o seek_v they_o be_v esteem_v as_o they_o desire_v the_o best_a and_o strict_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n st_n paul_n suggest_v when_o he_o call_v this_o very_a sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n the_o strict_a sect_n of_o their_o religion_n act_v 26.5_o when_o he_o report_v that_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o perfect_a manner_n of_o the_o law_n act_v 22.3_o for_o here_o he_o design_v not_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o indeed_o but_o that_o it_o be_v common_o judge_v to_o be_v so_o so_o great_a be_v their_o credit_n among_o the_o people_n that_o when_o six_o thousand_o of_o they_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n do_v swear_v allegiance_n unto_o caesar_n and_o be_v fine_v for_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v the_o wife_n of_o pherotas_n a_o rich_a man_n out_o of_o the_o great_a opinion_n she_o have_v of_o their_o singular_a piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v ready_a to_o pay_v the_o fine_a for_o they_o she_o pay_v it_o and_o be_v applaud_v for_o it_o nay_o flatter_v with_o hope_n of_o the_o very_a kingdom_n they_o tell_v her_o god_n himself_o have_v decree_v that_o she_o and_o her_o husband_n and_o their_o issue_n shall_v have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v assure_v they_o of_o it_o in_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o he_o and_o this_o their_o prophecy_n be_v believe_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o great_a reputation_n of_o their_o piety_n joseph_n amiqu_fw-fr lib._n 10._o cap._n 3._o nor_o must_v you_o think_v it_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o hypocrisy_n shall_v gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o i_o must_v faith_fw-mi something_a stranger_n still_o namely_o that_o it_o often_o gain_v a_o great_a credit_n and_o reputation_n at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n than_o true_a religion_n itself_o obtain_v the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a for_o the_o hypocrite_n make_v it_o his_o very_a business_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o visible_a show_n of_o piety_n take_v care_n that_o every_o religious_a action_n appear_v to_o the_o eye_n or_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n so_o do_v the_o pharisee_n give_v their_o alm_n so_o do_v they_o order_v their_o prayer_n and_o fast_n that_o the_o world_n may_v observe_v and_o understand_v they_o whereas_o the_o sincere_a and_o true_a christian_a think_v it_o enough_o to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o private_a and_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o to_o commend_v himself_o to_o man_n further_o than_o by_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o by_o a_o true_a and_o unaffected_a discharge_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n without_o the_o circumstance_n of_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o much_o appearance_n in_o so_o do_v the_o hypocrite_n again_o pretend_v to_o the_o very_a height_n of_o piety_n to_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o perfection_n the_o upright_a person_n pretend_v no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v real_o attain_v unto_o the_o hypocrite_n make_v it_o his_o great_a business_n to_o be_v always_o speak_v of_o religion_n in_o every_o place_n in_o every_o company_n at_o all_o time_n upon_o all_o occasion_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o unseasonable_a the_o upright_a person_n content_v himself_o to_o give_v religion_n its_o due_a place_n to_o take_v convenient_a opportunity_n to_o mention_v propagate_v and_o promote_v it_o the_o hypocrite_n make_v it_o his_o design_n to_o show_v a_o singular_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o the_o small_a thing_n that_o relate_v to_o religion_n nay_o thing_n of_o no_o concernment_n in_o it_o the_o upright_a person_n be_v more_o modest_a lay_v no_o more_o of_o stress_n on_o thing_n than_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n require_v by_o all_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n sometime_o far_o exceed_v that_o of_o true_a and_o wise_a and_o sober_a christian_n which_o as_o it_o may_v press_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o bewitch_v and_o draw_v man_n to_o that_o sin_n so_o shall_v it_o move_v to_o the_o great_a watchfulness_n the_o great_a diligence_n to_o avoid_v it_o 2._o but_o than_o second_o as_o hypocrisy_n often_o gain_v the_o credit_n of_o true_a religion_n nay_o more_o than_o that_o itself_o can_v gain_v in_o the_o general_a blindness_n of_o mankind_n so_o do_v it_o most_o effectual_o serve_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o other_o end_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v namely_o the_o gain_n of_o wealth_n and_o power_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o make_v any_o stay_n upon_o mean_a person_n who_o yet_o general_o find_v it_o useful_a for_o their_o advantage_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o great_a piety_n than_o they_o be_v real_o possessor_n of_o but_o i_o shall_v observe_v to_o what_o degree_n of_o power_n and_o honour_v the_o pharisee_n do_v advance_v themselves_o by_o their_o pretence_n to_o great_a exactness_n in_o religion_n than_o other_o faction_n among_o the_o jew_n josephus_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o sect_n
clear_a evidence_n that_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o he_o but_o then_o the_o latter_a namely_o the_o breach_n of_o their_o resolution_n and_o the_o continuance_n in_o their_o sin_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o humane_a frailty_n common_a to_o the_o saint_n with_o other_o person_n common_a both_o to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o whatsoever_o man_n may_v judge_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n i_o be_o oblige_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o i_o hope_v you_o know_v already_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o wilful_a sin_n of_o a_o habitual_a course_n in_o evil_n but_o the_o true_a and_o real_a reformation_n of_o it_o that_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n favour_n so_o st_n paul_n himself_o assure_v we_o who_o have_v mention_v the_o several_a sin_n that_o be_v common_a in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n conclude_v his_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes_n 5.6_o 4._o to_o make_v one_o step_n further_o other_o there_o be_v who_o do_v indeed_o practice_v some_o real_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o then_o whole_o neglect_v other_o they_o hear_v they_o pray_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v zealous_a in_o these_o thing_n and_o possible_o in_o some_o other_o too_o but_o yet_o still_o live_v in_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n and_o the_o solid_a hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a they_o still_o live_v some_o in_o impurity_n and_o sensuality_n other_o in_o injustice_n and_o iniquity_n other_o in_o envy_n and_o ambition_n other_o in_o pride_n and_o scorn_n and_o malice_n so_o that_o no_o man_n good_a name_n and_o reputation_n no_o man_n life_n how_o blameless_a and_o innocent_a soever_o be_v safe_a from_o their_o unrighteous_a censure_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v this_o to_o be_v any_o sin_n that_o they_o make_v a_o piece_n of_o religion_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o much_o better_a by_o how_o much_o they_o censure_v other_o 5._o last_o there_o be_v some_o other_o person_n who_o make_v a_o commutation_n with_o god_n in_o do_v the_o thing_n he_o have_v not_o require_v instead_o of_o those_o which_o he_o have_v command_v they_o impose_v some_o penance_n upon_o themselves_o or_o practice_v those_o impose_v by_o other_o instead_o of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n they_o live_v by_o law_n of_o their_o own_o make_n instead_o of_o those_o which_o god_n have_v make_v or_o else_o they_o be_v most_o extreme_o diligent_a in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o one_o duty_n to_o make_v some_o recompense_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o total_a omission_n of_o another_o their_o temperance_n shall_v excuse_v their_o injustice_n or_o their_o justice_n their_o sensuality_n their_o zeal_n shalf_n excuse_v their_o animosity_n their_o very_a profession_n of_o religion_n shall_v excuse_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o judge_v themselves_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o confident_o hope_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n from_o all_o which_o instance_n it_o appear_v how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v righteous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n to_o be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o although_o they_o live_v in_o wilful_a and_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o have_v thus_o dispatch_v the_o first_o general_n proceed_v we_o now_o unto_o the_o second_o where_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o error_n 3._o and_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sinful_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a and_o great_a cause_n why_o man_n abuse_v and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o vain_a hope_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o the_o salvation_n promise_v by_o he_o although_o they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n this_o love_n it_o be_v which_o do_v at_o first_o hinder_v the_o faith_n of_o christianity_n obstruct_v the_o belief_n and_o reception_n of_o it_o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o suggest_v john_n 7.17_o 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 or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o where_o he_o insinuate_v that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n provide_v they_o know_v it_o be_v of_o god_n to_o live_v by_o the_o rule_v arid_a precept_n of_o it_o will_v easy_o yield_v belief_n unto_o it_o when_o it_o be_v due_o propound_v to_o they_o add_v consequent_o that_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n will_v not_o yield_v their_o belief_n to_o it_o be_v because_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n therein_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o because_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v those_o lust_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v we_o to_o forsake_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o as_o it_o be_v these_o inordinate_a lust_n that_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christian_a faith_n when_o it_o be_v first_o reveal_v and_o publish_v so_o do_v the_o very_a same_o lust_n first_o bring_v corruption_n and_o delusion_n into_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o person_n that_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o misbelief_n they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o belove_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n they_o will_v not_o forget_v their_o sinful_a gain_n or_o what_o be_v easy_a what_o be_v please_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o forego_v these_o be_v by_o our_o lord_n express_v by_o the_o pluck_n out_o of_o a_o eye_n and_o by_o cut_v of_o a_o right_a hand_n matt._n 5.29_o 30._o whereby_o he_o declare_v the_o great_a unwillingness_n that_o be_v in_o man_n to_o deny_v their_o natural_a inclination_n though_o never_o so_o sinful_a and_o inordinate_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o deny_v their_o natural_a inclination_n to_o forgo_v their_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o appetite_n so_o be_v they_o likewise_o very_o unwilling_a to_o despair_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n under_o they_o or_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o be_v a_o black_a and_o stab_a thought_n as_o the_o other_o be_v troublesome_a and_o ungrateful_a now_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n put_v together_o the_o issue_n be_v this_o man_n present_o study_v to_o find_v out_o art_n how_o to_o reconcile_v the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o alas_o there_o need_v no_o great_a art_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deceive_v and_o cheat_v himself_o where_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v he_o easy_o step_v into_o this_o hope_n that_o his_o sin_n though_o wilful_a and_o habitual_a be_v nothing_o more_o than_o humane_a frailty_n common_a to_o the_o good_a as_o well_o as_o evil_a that_o god_n will_v never_o impute_v they_o to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v firm_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v though_o he_o never_o abandon_v and_o forsake_v they_o 2._o but_o than_o second_o that_o which_o give_v something_o of_o advantage_n to_o this_o error_n in_o some_o person_n be_v the_o compare_v of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o subdue_a of_o their_o lust_n with_o the_o vast_a greatness_n of_o that_o loss_n which_o they_o suffer_v who_o lose_v that_o glory_n and_o immortality_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v not_o imagine_v that_o such_o a_o loss_n shall_v attend_v the_o neglect_n or_o non-performance_n of_o a_o thing_n so_o extreme_o hard_a and_o difficult_a which_o error_n differ_v from_o the_o rest_n which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v to_o you_o seem_v to_o deserve_v some_o more_o notice_n than_o what_o i_o have_v take_v of_o the_o rest_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o all_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o argument_n to_o promise_v themselves_o eternal_a happiness_n although_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n aught_o to_o consider_v that_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v be_v unspeakable_o great_a and_o glorious_a deserve_v our_o labour_n merit_v our_o study_n to_o attain_v it_o upon_o any_o term_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v howsoever_o difficult_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n the_o great_a it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o care_n the_o great_a diligence_n the_o more_o of_o labour_n do_v the_o attainment_n of_o it_o merit_n and_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o suggest_v when_o he_o compare_v the_o