of_o god_n revile_v in_o his_o person_n or_o ridicule_v and_o evil_a speak_v of_o in_o his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n if_o we_o be_v silent_a and_o passive_a on_o such_o a_o occasion_n he_o may_v not_o then_o just_o reckon_v we_o as_o ashamed_a of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o word_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o if_o we_o will_v own_v christ_n for_o our_o master_n we_o must_v then_o serve_v he_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n we_o must_v espouse_v his_o interest_n and_o maintain_v his_o cause_n against_o all_o opposer_n whatsoever_o against_o the_o theist_n and_o the_o unitarian_n the_o blasphemer_n and_o the_o profane_a person_n against_o the_o common_a swearer_n the_o drunkard_n and_o the_o lascivious_a all_o which_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o either_o in_o principle_n or_o in_o practice_n the_o avow_a adversary_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o if_o we_o consider_v be_v as_o little_a as_o any_o of_o we_o can_v do_v so_o long_o as_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o servant_n to_o the_o bless_a jesus_n all_o who_o command_n ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o than_o our_o very_a life_n and_o since_o christ_n our_o lord_n have_v strict_o charge_v all_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n without_o exception_n to_o shun_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o path_n of_o iniquity_n let_v we_o contest_v this_o matter_n with_o ourselves_o and_o with_o all_o our_o might_n strive_v against_o the_o force_n and_o bend_v of_o our_o evil_a inclination_n and_o passion_n whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o attempt_n still_o duty_n and_o obligation_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n here_o let_v we_o not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o dispute_v or_o cavil_v at_o any_o of_o his_o command_n but_o let_v we_o ready_o comply_v with_o they_o all_o whatever_o they_o be_v and_o be_v thorough_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o fulfil_v and_o obey_v they_o let_v we_o not_o think_v any_o thing_n too_o hard_a or_o too_o dear_a to_o part_v with_o for_o his_o sake_n who_o have_v show_v himself_o the_o best_a friend_n and_o the_o great_a benefactor_n to_o mankind_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o in_o return_n to_o those_o manifold_a unspeakable_a advantage_n which_o he_o have_v procure_v to_o we_o all_o that_o he_o expect_v or_o require_v from_o we_o be_v that_o we_o constant_o maintain_v and_o practise_v his_o excellent_a religion_n whatever_o contempt_n or_o hardship_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n in_o a_o word_n though_o vice_n and_o profaneness_n have_v get_v many_o powerful_a advocate_n on_o their_o side_n yet_o let_v not_o that_o be_v any_o discouragement_n to_o we_o while_o we_o have_v christ_n on_o we_o the_o cause_n which_o we_o undertake_v be_v in_o itself_o high_o honourable_a and_o at_o this_o juncture_n the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o other_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o contend_v for_o be_v truth_n virtue_n and_o religion_n the_o best_a the_o most_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o and_o the_o most_o deserve_a of_o our_o zeal_n and_o concern_v christ_n be_v our_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o as_o his_o servant_n we_o appear_v we_o strive_v we_o oppose_v letus_fw-la be_v find_v true_a to_o his_o service_n just_a to_o his_o interest_n and_o zealous_a for_o his_o honour_n and_o then_o that_o god_n who_o have_v say_v they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v shall_v translate_v we_o into_o his_o own_o most_o glorious_a kingdom_n and_o shall_v actual_o reward_v and_o honour_n we_o to_o all_o eternity_n almighty_a and_o merciful_a god_n of_o who_o only_a gift_n it_o come_v that_o thy_o faithful_a people_n do_v unto_o thou_o true_a and_o laudable_a service_n grant_v we_o beseech_v thou_o that_o we_o may_v so_o faithful_o serve_v thou_o in_o this_o life_n that_o we_o fail_v not_o final_o to_o attain_v thy_o heavenly_a promise_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o a_o second_o sermon_n preach_v against_o immorality_n and_o profaneness_n deut._n xxxii_o 6._o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o that_o prophetic_a song_n which_o moses_n compose_v and_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n here_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o poetical_a strain_n he_o set_v forth_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perverseness_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v short_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n he_o summon_v they_o together_o and_o rehearse_n this_o song_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o if_o so_o be_v they_o shall_v hereafter_o turn_v aside_o and_o forget_v their_o god_n as_o he_o foresee_v they_o will_v alas_o so_o very_o deceitful_a be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o prone_a to_o evil_a and_o so_o averse_a from_o good_a that_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a instruction_n can_v make_v but_o little_a impression_n upon_o it_o though_o moses_n here_o say_v my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o rain_n my_o spirit_n shall_v distil_v as_o the_o dew_n yet_o from_o so_o corrupt_a a_o root_n so_o cold_a and_o barren_a a_o soil_n scarce_o any_o fruit_n or_o increase_n be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o such_o be_v the_o unhappy_a temper_n of_o that_o people_n so_o weak_a their_o judgement_n and_o so_o perverse_a their_o will_n that_o the_o prophet_n seem_v to_o give_v they_o up_o for_o lose_v they_o be_v say_v he_o a_o nation_n void_a of_o counsel_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o understanding_n they_o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o indeed_o what_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n or_o counsel_n can_v any_o people_n or_o nation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v when_o once_o they_o have_v cast_v off_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v sink_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n that_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a case_n indeed_o and_o which_o will_v bring_v swift_a inevitable_a ruin_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o bethink_v ourselves_o in_o time_n and_o return_v to_o a_o wise_a and_o better_a mind_n which_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n that_o we_o can_v do_v and_o the_o only_a certain_a way_n for_o we_o to_o escape_v the_o danger_n whereas_o while_o we_o be_v thus_o unmindful_a of_o the_o rock_n that_o beget_v we_o and_o do_v thus_o forget_v god_n that_o form_v we_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o will_v rub_v up_o our_o memory_n and_o will_v to_o our_o cost_n make_v we_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o that_o displeasure_n which_o we_o refuse_v to_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o i_o say_v we_o have_v all_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o because_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o behaviour_n be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o ingratitude_n so_o it_o be_v moreover_o a_o very_a high_a dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o a_o downright_a contempt_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o law_n and_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a in_o discourse_v upon_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o thing_n i._o the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o a_o sinful_a and_o irreligious_a course_n of_o life_n ii_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o unaccountable_a folly_n of_o such_o a_o course_n iii_o the_o evil_a consequence_n which_o attend_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o man_n private_a interest_n and_o concern_v iv_o and_o last_o as_o it_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o people_n i._o the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o a_o sinful_a and_o irreligious_a course_n of_o life_n the_o obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o to_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a whether_o we_o take_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o bright_a discovery_n of_o revelation_n for_o our_o rule_n and_o guide_n either_o of_o which_o do_v plain_o show_v impiety_n to_o be_v baseness_n and_o disobedience_n the_o utmost_a ingratitude_n thus_o several_a of_o the_o heathen_n though_o they_o have_v only_o the_o dim_a light_n of_o reason_n to_o direct_v they_o can_v nevertheless_o discover_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o make_v one_o of_o they_o to_o say_v virtue_n philosophy_n and_o justice_n be_v but_o the_o sound_n of_o empty_a word_n it_o be_v only_o a_o good_a life_n that_o can_v make_v man_n happy_a sen._n ep._n 123._o but_o then_o as_o for_o revelation_n that_o indeed_o have_v make_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o several_a obligation_n of_o it_o so_o plain_a that_o man_n must_v be_v utter_a infidel_n if_o they_o reject_v it_o so_o that_o upon_o either_o of_o these_o account_v no_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n whatsoever_o can_v excuse_v man_n for_o their_o disobedience_n or_o unbelief_n for_o as_o moses_n say_v in_o the_o word_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n be_v not_o he_o thy_o father_n that_o
have_v buy_v thou_o have_v not_o he_o make_v thou_o and_o establish_v thou_o and_o indeed_o whoever_o consider_v god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o father_n have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o honour_n and_o obey_v he_o because_o for_o any_o one_o to_o call_v he_o so_o what_o be_v it_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o word_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v the_o preserver_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o founder_n of_o all_o his_o happiness_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v god_n in_o these_o three_o respect_n any_o of_o which_o do_v exact_a from_o we_o all_o possible_a obedience_n and_o service_n and_o 1._o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n do_v we_o not_o live_v in_o a_o age_n that_o callâ—_n every_o thing_n how_o certain_a soever_o in_o question_n it_o may_v seem_v needless_a to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n but_o since_o infidelity_n be_v become_v a_o sort_n of_o profession_n and_o atheism_n begin_v to_o gain_v proselyte_n among_o we_o it_o be_v sure_o high_a time_n to_o appear_v for_o god_n and_o to_o assert_v his_o be_v and_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o son_n of_o men._n and_o the_o rather_o because_o wicked_a man_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v very_o industrious_a in_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o unwary_a people_n the_o poison_n have_v be_v long_o prepare_v and_o disperse_v abroad_o in_o book_n and_o pamphlet_n and_o the_o ill_a effect_n it_o have_v produce_v be_v visible_a in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o too_o many_o among_o we_o never_o perhaps_o in_o any_o age_n do_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n more_o general_o abound_v at_o best_a never_o be_v less_o zeal_n show_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n than_o in_o these_o unhappy_a day_n of_o we_o and_o yet_o when_o i_o have_v say_v this_o it_o can_v however_o but_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o in_o a_o nation_n where_o christianity_n be_v true_o profess_v there_o shall_v any_o be_v find_v so_o desperate_o wicked_a as_o to_o disow_v their_o maker_n because_o to_o do_v that_o be_v a_o most_o flagrant_a crime_n it_o be_v the_o very_a height_n of_o impiety_n and_o man_n must_v first_o abandon_v their_o reason_n before_o they_o can_v arrive_v at_o it_o since_o it_o be_v god_n therefore_o that_o have_v bestow_v a_o be_v upon_o we_o since_o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o high_o disingenuous_a so_o heinous_o ungrateful_a as_o to_o dishonour_v at_o least_o if_o not_o deny_v he_o by_o the_o open_a looseness_n and_o viciousness_n of_o our_o life_n suffer_v i_o a_o little_a to_o expostulate_v the_o matter_n not_o to_o upbraid_v but_o to_o convince_v you_o be_v god_n our_o father_n and_o can_v we_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o carry_v it_o thus_o undutiful_o towards_o he_o and_o seem_v at_o least_o by_o our_o action_n as_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o cast_v he_o off_o and_o disow_v all_o kind_n of_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o again_o have_v god_n make_v we_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o enjoy_v he_o and_o to_o that_o end_n have_v give_v we_o a_o reasonable_a immortal_a soul_n and_o several_a excellent_a faculty_n and_o endowment_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v he_o homage_n and_o shall_v we_o ungrateful_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v employ_v these_o gift_n of_o he_o upon_o the_o very_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o lust_n in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o discountenance_v of_o virtue_n and_o in_o neglect_v or_o despise_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v man_n and_o have_v we_o any_o the_o least_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o gratitude_n we_o can_v not_o but_o inward_o abhor_v and_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o it_o it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v flatter_v ourselves_o now_o and_o think_v whatever_o we_o please_v but_o we_o shall_v assure_o find_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o behaviour_n be_v the_o high_a indignity_n the_o base_a ingratitude_n that_o we_o can_v possible_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o then_o as_o god_n be_v our_o maker_n so_o 2._o be_v he_o our_o preserver_n also_o as_o god_n of_o his_o goodness_n first_o bring_v we_o into_o be_v so_o do_v he_o by_o his_o providence_n still_o continue_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o for_o that_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n he_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n heb._n 1._o 3._o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o provide_v for_o we_o and_o free_o to_o dispense_v to_o we_o not_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n only_o but_o the_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n of_o it_o too_o he_o it_o be_v that_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o our_o concern_v and_o that_o keep_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n it_o be_v his_o good_a providence_n that_o watch_v over_o we_o and_o that_o defend_v and_o guard_v we_o in_o all_o danger_n it_o be_v his_o blessing_n that_o constant_o bring_v we_o in_o provision_n and_o supply_v our_o store_n and_o that_o make_v our_o corn_n and_o our_o wine_n and_o our_o oil_n to_o increase_v these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o good_a thing_n which_o come_v down_o from_o above_o and_o which_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a and_o proper_a use_n of_o if_o we_o please_v but_o alas_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o although_o god_n be_v thus_o kind_a and_o indulgent_a to_o we_o yet_o how_o ill_o be_v he_o serve_v by_o too_o many_o of_o we_o how_o perverse_a common_o be_v our_o behaviour_n towards_o he_o and_o what_o a_o wretched_a requital_n do_v we_o make_v he_o for_o those_o many_o favour_n and_o blessing_n which_o we_o receive_v nay_o though_o they_o be_v all_o his_o gift_n that_o we_o subsist_v upon_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o disingenuous_a be_v we_o as_o to_o misemploy_v and_o abuse_v they_o thus_o in_o time_n of_o prosperity_n when_o by_o the_o divine_a providence_n we_o be_v make_v rich_a how_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o forget_v or_o slight_v our_o great_a benefactor_n and_o upon_o our_o be_v full_a to_o deny_v he_o and_o say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n prov._n 30._o 9_o when_o we_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o all_o that_o our_o heart_n can_v wish_v instead_o of_o acknowledge_v his_o kindness_n as_o we_o ought_v we_o present_o grow_v either_o covetous_a or_o sensual_a and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v what_o we_o have_v to_o the_o best_a advantage_n that_o be_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o relief_n and_o benefit_n of_o other_o that_o perhaps_o we_o will_v not_o use_v it_o at_o all_o or_o if_o we_o do_v it_o be_v chief_o in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o vice_n it_o be_v with_o these_o his_o enemy_n that_o we_o take_v part_n and_o rebel_n and_o fight_v against_o he_o it_o be_v by_o these_o that_o we_o break_v his_o law_n and_o violate_v his_o command_n by_o these_o we_o affront_v his_o goodness_n reproach_n his_o name_n disparage_v his_o word_n and_o truth_n and_o do_v the_o most_o we_o can_v to_o bring_v religion_n itself_o into_o contempt_n in_o short_a though_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o live_v like_o man_n yet_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o abuse_v his_o creature_n till_o by_o so_o do_v we_o debase_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v like_a unto_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v 3_o as_o god_n be_v our_o maker_n and_o preserver_n so_o likewise_o be_v he_o the_o founder_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n for_o we_o to_o be_v happy_a without_o god_n that_o both_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o the_o qualification_n for_o it_o be_v all_o from_o he_o when_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o integrity_n and_o have_v forfeit_v our_o happiness_n even_o than_o god_n be_v please_v to_o have_v pity_n on_o we_o and_o receive_v we_o again_o into_o favour_n and_o the_o better_a to_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n that_o he_o require_v from_o we_o he_o have_v gracious_o promise_v to_o reward_v we_o with_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o as_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a to_o understand_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o practise_v it_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o amend_v our_o way_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o to_o curb_v our_o unruly_a will_n to_o regulate_v our_o passion_n govern_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v our_o lust_n in_o a_o word_n we_o
other_o that_o be_v not_o as_o wicked_a as_o themselves_o set_a the_o man_n in_o black_a as_o they_o in_o derision_n call_v we_o say_v whatever_o they_o can_v they_o be_v resolve_v notwithstanding_o to_o pursue_v their_o pleasure_n and_o gratify_v their_o sense_n and_o will_v never_o stint_v themselves_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o nature_n prompt_v they_o to_o and_o now_o be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o such_o avow_a and_o barefaced_a impiety_n which_o set_v up_o in_o defiance_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o which_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v what_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v absolute_a need_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o doubtless_o every_o good_a man_n will_v contribute_v to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o for_o who_o can_v be_v silent_a when_o religion_n be_v insult_v or_o unconcern_v when_o libertinism_n be_v in_o fashion_n and_o request_v but_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o behaviour_n be_v very_o unaccountable_a so_o it_o be_v common_o fatal_a in_o the_o event_n and_o will_v certain_o prove_v so_o to_o the_o sinner_n of_o this_o nation_n except_o they_o repent_v because_o their_o sin_n be_v more_o provoke_v and_o do_v carry_v a_o deep_a gild_n as_o be_v commit_v against_o clear_a light_n and_o more_o and_o great_a advantage_n than_o be_v afford_v to_o other_o christian_n and_o our_o saviour_n we_o know_v have_v say_v unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v when_o therefore_o man_n have_v all_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n and_o all_o the_o encouragement_n to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o yet_o nevertheless_o turn_v such_o miscreant_n and_o give_v such_o scandalous_a ill_a example_n it_o look_v as_o if_o god_n have_v some_o heavy_a judgement_n in_o store_n for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v a_o people_n devote_v to_o destruction_n after_o that_o god_n have_v show_v himself_o so_o often_o and_o so_o tender_o concern_v for_o this_o our_o zion_n what_o else_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o such_o base_a unworthly_a return_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v pronounce_v the_o same_o of_o the_o english_a that_o he_o once_o do_v of_o the_o jewish_a church_n isai_n 5._o 4._o what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o wherefore_o when_o i_o look_v that_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o grape_n bring_v it_o forth_o wild_a grape_n and_o now_o go_v to_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o i_o will_v do_v to_o my_o vineyard_n i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o hedge_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v eat_v up_o and_o break_v down_o the_o wall_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v tread_v down_o and_o i_o will_v lay_v it_o waste_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v prune_v or_o dig_v but_o there_o shall_v come_v up_o briar_n and_o thorn_n but_o to_o return_v religion_n or_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v just_o challenge_v our_o best_a care_n and_o regard_n for_o that_o it_o enjoin_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v high_o become_v nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n tell_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o lay_v upon_o we_o strict_a engagement_n to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v condition_n absolute_o require_v on_o our_o part_n so_o that_o whenever_o we_o depart_v or_o break_v off_o from_o our_o duty_n and_o enter_v on_o a_o contrary_a course_n of_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n we_o become_v as_o it_o be_v vagrant_n and_o fugitive_n and_o may_v very_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o run_v away_o from_o our_o master_n since_o than_o we_o have_v all_o solemn_o engage_v at_o our_o baptism_n not_o only_o to_o be_v true_a and_o constant_a to_o christ_n service_n but_o also_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o hazard_n all_o for_o his_o sake_n let_v we_o resolve_v to_o make_v good_a that_o our_o promise_n lest_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n we_o shall_v then_o be_v find_v guilty_a and_o according_o have_v sentence_n pass_v on_o we_o as_o renegade_n and_o deserter_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n ii_o to_o inquire_v who_o they_o be_v that_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n now_o to_o make_v we_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o that_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o believe_a love_n honour_n and_o adore_v he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n 2._o that_o we_o so_o receive_v all_o his_o law_n and_o command_n as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o practice_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o will_v do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v to_o please_v god_n his_o grace_n will_v ever_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o supply_v our_o defect_n so_o that_o now_o we_o know_v who_o and_o what_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v namely_o all_o such_o who_o own_o christ_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o authority_n submit_v themselves_o to_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n this_o be_v a_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o be_v that_o which_o every_o one_o that_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o christianity_n must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v be_v true_a as_o certain_o it_o be_v than_o what_o a_o fatal_a mistake_n be_v they_o guilty_a of_o who_o think_v they_o can_v serve_v christ_n well_o enough_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o go_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n for_o what_o a_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v this_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o these_o man_n to_o reconcile_v their_o belief_n and_o their_o practice_n together_o do_v they_o imagine_v that_o christ_n will_v alter_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n and_o will_v account_v they_o as_o servant_n who_o be_v no_o better_a than_o rebel_n and_o outlaw_n if_o christ_n himself_o will_n condemn_v those_o who_o only_o call_v he_o lord_n without_o ever_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v say_v than_o what_o a_o severe_a doom_n do_v they_o deserve_v who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v he_o any_o such_o outward_a verbal_a respect_n that_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n open_o to_o affront_v and_o revile_v he_o bless_a god_n what_o a_o strange_a degeneracy_n do_v we_o now_o see_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o most_o christian_n and_o to_o what_o a_o low_a ebb_n and_o despise_a estate_n be_v christianity_n the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a institution_n reduce_v that_o very_a religion_n which_o heretofore_o seize_v on_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o present_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o idol_n and_o other_o heathen_a foppery_n and_o which_o insensible_o engage_v the_o most_o rude_a and_o fierce_a and_o stubborn_a disposition_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o moreover_o inspire_v they_o with_o such_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o it_o as_o make_v vast_a number_n of_o its_o professor_n choose_v to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n rather_o than_o renounce_v and_o betray_v it_o how_o be_v that_o religion_n now_o become_v the_o scorn_n of_o fool_n and_o the_o sport_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o profane_a and_o how_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n vilify_v by_o seducer_n and_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v render_v of_o no_o account_n or_o consideration_n by_o they_o so_o that_o all_o thing_n put_v together_o who_o can_v believe_v such_o a_o change_n as_o now_o be_v do_v not_o experience_n show_v it_o or_o even_o think_v it_o moral_o possible_a have_v not_o our_o lord_n himself_o foretell_v it_o that_o there_o be_v too_o many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_a i_o need_v not_o say_v much_o to_o prove_v since_o the_o very_a complexion_n of_o the_o age_n do_v abundant_o evince_v it_o behold_v then_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o theist_n or_o moral_a believer_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o he_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o reveal_v religion_n this_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o pretend_v it_o seem_v to_o more_o than_o ordinary_a strictness_n and_o reservedness_n of_o conversation_n and_o so_o far_o indeed_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v commend_v but_o then_o alas_o what_o can_v these_o signify_v alone_o to_o we_o now_o without_o faith_n and_o without_o a_o redeemer_n next_o to_o the_o theist_n come_v the_o bold_a socinian_n controvertist_n one_o who_o laugh_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o flat_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o though_o both_o scripture_n and_o
may_v thorough_o awaken_v sinner_n and_o may_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o become_v modest_a and_o temperate_a sober_a and_o religious_a or_o at_o least_o restrain_v they_o from_o break_v out_o into_o open_a lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o very_a proper_a remedy_n which_o solomon_n prescribe_v a_o rod_n for_o the_o fool_n be_v back_o it_o be_v seasonable_a doubtless_o and_o useful_a too_o in_o this_o case_n for_o when_o man_n be_v so_o bend_v upon_o wickedness_n that_o they_o will_v not_o grow_v better_o by_o reproof_n it_o be_v requisite_a some_o kind_n of_o discipline_n shall_v be_v exercise_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v so_o harden_v in_o sin_n that_o neither_o religion_n nor_o reason_n will_v reduce_v they_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v make_v to_o feel_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a method_n of_o effect_v that_o work_n which_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o prudence_n require_v to_o be_v do_v and_o the_o rather_o because_o a_o little_a severity_n when_o rational_a motive_n and_o persuasive_n fail_v be_v the_o true_a sort_n of_o kindness_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o such_o man_n who_o if_o they_o be_v let_v alone_o in_o their_o extravagancy_n will_v soon_o grow_v heady_a and_o licentious_a and_o will_v not_o be_v stop_v in_o their_o career_n till_o at_o last_o they_o give_v themselves_o over_o unto_o lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n ephes_n 4._o 19_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o as_o to_o the_o abound_v of_o vice_n and_o immorality_n it_o can_v but_o seem_v strange_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a interest_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o regard_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o virtue_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o discountenance_v and_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n so_o rare_o see_v that_o man_n shall_v thus_o prostitute_v their_o reason_n and_o affront_n and_o baffle_v their_o understanding_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n shall_v value_v themselves_o upon_o such_o management_n as_o this_o this_o i_o say_v can_v not_o but_o seem_v very_o strange_a be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o who_o they_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n to_o shine_v clear_o unto_o they_o but_o however_o that_o be_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o they_o who_o be_v christian_n will_v not_o demean_v themselves_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v and_o actual_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n perish_v they_o must_v there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o for_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v for_o themselves_o god_n who_o know_v their_o heart_n and_o what_o mean_v and_o opportunity_n they_o have_v have_v but_o have_v neglect_v will_v infallible_o punish_v every_o wilful_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n according_a to_o his_o desert_n i_o may_v enlarge_v upon_o this_o head_n but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o turn_v myself_o the_o other_o way_n and_o to_o show_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n v._o that_o immense_a reward_n which_o attend_v the_o sincere_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o say_v christ_n he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n bless_a lord_n what_o abundant_a encouragement_n be_v here_o give_v to_o thy_o faithful_a servant_n and_o follower_n from_o these_o comfortable_a word_n of_o thou_o have_v thou_o say_v this_o o_o gracious_a master_n and_o will_v not_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v thy_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v eager_o ambitious_a of_o this_o honour_n will_v any_o that_o have_v so_o vast_a a_o recompense_n in_o view_n and_o prospect_n choose_v to_o seek_v and_o follow_v after_o any_o other_o or_o think_v it_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o make_v their_o court_n here_o below_o to_o these_o fade_a honour_n these_o tarnished_a glory_n which_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o admire_v silly_a mistake_a creature_n what_o be_v there_o in_o any_o nay_o in_o all_o of_o they_o that_o shall_v tempt_v we_o from_o our_o master_n service_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o vain_a empty_a and_o insignificant_a title_n do_v we_o but_o right_o know_v ourselves_o and_o understand_v our_o best_a interest_n we_o shall_v despise_v these_o gaudy_a trifle_n and_o shall_v quite_o disrelish_v the_o grosser_n delight_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o sense_n we_o shall_v then_o mind_v religion_n and_o the_o weighty_a concernment_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v make_v these_o the_o main_a pursuit_n and_o endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v fix_v our_o thought_n and_o our_o affection_n chief_o on_o thing_n above_o and_o shall_v be_v continual_o wish_v for_o and_o aspire_v after_o those_o invaluable_a reward_n those_o glory_n and_o honour_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v these_o indeed_o be_v the_o proper_a recompense_n of_o our_o fidelity_n and_o constancy_n and_o they_o be_v the_o high_a and_o noble_a that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o though_o these_o in_o the_o main_n be_v future_a only_o and_o in_o reversion_n yet_o religion_n usual_o give_v we_o something_o in_o hand_n beside_o and_o that_o be_v the_o present_a payment_n which_o every_o one_o that_o live_v well_o do_v one_o way_n or_o other_o receive_v the_o world_n it_o be_v time_n be_v general_o very_o bad_a and_o the_o wicked_a be_v by_o much_o the_o great_a number_n however_o virtue_n and_o true_a goodness_n do_v very_o seldom_o fail_v of_o respect_n even_o among_o those_o but_o suppose_v the_o worst_a to_o happen_v that_o can_v and_o that_o wickedness_n shall_v every_o where_n prevail_v and_o impiety_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n still_o the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a christian_a be_v sure_a to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o however_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v it_o and_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o depend_v upon_o his_o word_n for_o he_o be_v a_o great_a prince_n and_o one_o that_o have_v all_o power_n at_o command_n and_o so_o be_v continual_o in_o readiness_n whenever_o he_o please_v to_o right_a and_o vindicate_v his_o distress_a servant_n but_o if_o after_o all_o we_o shall_v suffer_v a_o while_n here_o let_v none_o of_o we_o be_v discourage_v thereat_o since_o christ_n have_v honour_n and_o preferment_n enough_o to_o bestow_v upon_o all_o that_o shall_v suffer_v in_o his_o cause_n and_o upon_o his_o account_n this_o be_v a_o very_a encourage_v consideration_n to_o we_o all_o and_o which_o ought_v to_o animate_v our_o hope_n and_o excite_v our_o ambition_n not_o after_o earthly_a honour_n and_o advantage_n which_o too_o often_o betray_v we_o but_o after_o those_o bright_a and_o dazzle_a crown_n which_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n that_o make_v we_o so_o indifferent_a about_o our_o best_a and_o weighty_a concernment_n do_v we_o but_o know_v how_o to_o value_v these_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o shall_v pursue_v they_o with_o far_o more_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n than_o we_o common_o do_v and_o o_o that_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o understand_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o will_v effectual_o be_v persuade_v to_o seek_v the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o john_n 5._o 44._o for_o it_o be_v certain_a none_o but_o that_o can_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n none_o but_o that_o can_v make_v we_o true_o honourable_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o befall_v we_o here_o let_v we_o always_o appear_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n and_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o exception_n and_o cavil_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o whenever_o that_o be_v attack_v or_o injure_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o great_a maker_n be_v then_o concern_v which_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o vindicate_v or_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v disow_v and_o discard_v by_o he_o the_o word_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v very_o remarkable_a whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n mar._n 8._o 38._o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a sentence_n indeed_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o any_o of_o we_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o it_o whether_o at_o this_o very_a day_n even_o in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n whenever_o we_o hear_v the_o son_n