that_o we_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o do_v what_o in_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a intention_n of_o our_o be_v be_v most_o natural_a for_o whatever_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a now_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o every_o other_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o religion_n teach_v we_o be_v thing_n reasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o what_o god_n when_o he_o make_v we_o intend_v we_o shall_v do_v and_o a_o man_n be_v then_o please_v with_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n when_o he_o do_v what_o he_o be_v convince_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o be_v then_o offend_v with_o himself_o when_o he_o go_v against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n by_o neglect_v his_o duty_n or_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o than_o his_o conscience_n check_v he_o and_o there_o be_v something_o within_o he_o that_o be_v uneasy_a and_o put_v he_o into_o disorder_n as_o when_o a_o man_n eat_v or_o drink_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unwholesome_a it_o offend_v his_o stomach_n and_o put_v his_o body_n into_o a_o unnatural_a and_o a_o restless_a state_n for_o every_o thing_n be_v then_o at_o rest_n and_o peace_n when_o it_o be_v in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o nature_n intend_v it_o to_o be_v and_o be_v violent_o force_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v never_o quiet_a till_o it_o recover_v it_o again_o now_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o virtue_n be_v the_o natural_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o condition_n to_o which_o god_n design_v it_o as_o god_n make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v reasonable_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v then_o in_o health_n when_o we_o be_v what_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n require_v we_o to_o be_v and_o do_v what_o they_o command_v we_o to_o do_v and_o as_o we_o find_v a_o unexpressible_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n when_o our_o body_n be_v in_o its_o perfect_a state_n of_o health_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a every_o distemper_n cause_v pain_n and_o uneasiness_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n when_o religion_n govern_v all_o our_o inclination_n and_o action_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o all_o be_v at_o peace_n but_o when_o we_o be_v otherwise_o and_o live_v in_o any_o vicious_a practice_n how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n so_o long_o as_o we_o act_v unreasonable_o and_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o we_o necessary_o create_v trouble_v and_o disturbance_n to_o ourselves_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v at_o ease_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o a_o sick_a and_o disease_a condition_n till_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v wrought_v out_o our_o spirit_n will_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a tumult_n and_o fermentation_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o enjoy_v the_o peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n he_o may_v use_v what_o art_n of_o diversion_n he_o will_v and_o change_v from_o one_o place_n and_o posture_n to_o another_o but_o still_o he_o be_v restless_a because_o there_o be_v that_o within_o he_o which_o give_v he_o pain_n and_o disturbance_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a such_o man_n may_v dissemble_v their_o condition_n and_o put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o appearance_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o contentment_n but_o god_n who_o see_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n know_v it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a 2._o another_o ground_n of_o peace_n which_o the_o religious_a man_n have_v be_v that_o he_o have_v make_v god_n his_o friend_n now_o friendship_n be_v peace_n and_o pleasure_n both_o it_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o that_o be_v a_o double_a pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a the_o pleasure_n of_o love_a god_n or_o of_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o now_o whoever_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n may_v rest_v perfect_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v no_o displeasure_n against_o he_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n shall_v behold_v the_o upright_a that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v favourable_a to_o such_o person_n as_o he_o hate_v the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n so_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o in_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o favour_n we_o be_v secure_v against_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o may_v say_v with_o david_n return_v then_o unto_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o thou_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o light_n and_o my_o salvation_n who_o shall_v i_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o life_n of_o who_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a what_o can_v reasonable_o trouble_v or_o discontent_n that_o man_n who_o have_v make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a friend_n and_o can_v be_v the_o sore_a and_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n 3._o by_o be_v religious_a we_o do_v most_o effectual_o consult_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o moderate_v our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o this_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o composure_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o live_v pious_o and_o virtuous_o act_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o so_o do_v maintain_v the_o present_a peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o future_a happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o religion_n give_v a_o man_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o all_o pleasure_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o present_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n also_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a good_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o last_a good_a it_o will_v support_v a_o man_n under_o a_o great_a many_o present_a evil_n if_o religion_n be_v certain_o the_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n at_o last_o we_o may_v content_o bear_v a_o great_a many_o affliction_n for_o its_o sake_n for_o though_o all_o suffering_n be_v grievous_a yet_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o escape_v great_a danger_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o mighty_a good_a though_o it_o be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n to_o ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n if_o ever_o we_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o get_v thither_o it_o will_v be_v a_o new_a and_o a_o great_a pleasure_n to_o we_o to_o remember_v the_o pain_n and_o trouble_n whereby_o we_o be_v save_v and_o make_v happy_a so_o that_o all_o these_o put_v together_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o very_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o act_v reasonable_o though_o there_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v some_o present_a trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o so_o do_v but_o likewise_o please_v he_o who_o favour_n be_v better_a than_o life_n and_o who_o frown_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o death_n when_o in_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o direct_o promote_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o in_o serve_v god_n do_v most_o effectual_o serve_v our_o own_o interest_n what_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o minister_v more_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n three_o the_o reflection_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v afterward_o yield_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o what_o can_v commend_v religion_n more_o to_o we_o than_o that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n give_v we_o so_o much_o contentment_n and_o delight_n so_o that_o whatever_o difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v peace_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o look_a back_n upon_o it_o no_o man_n ever_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o with_o regret_n for_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o have_v live_v sober_o or_o righteous_o or_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o conscience_n
body_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o if_o these_o pleasure_n be_v great_a than_o they_o be_v a_o man_n have_v better_o be_v without_o they_o than_o purchase_v they_o at_o such_o dear_a rate_n to_o the_o second_o that_o religion_n impose_v many_o harsh_a and_o grievous_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o bearing_z of_o persecution_n repentance_n and_o mortification_n fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o many_o other_o rigour_n and_o severity_n as_o to_o persecution_n this_o discourse_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o religion_n exempt_v man_n from_o outward_a trouble_n but_o that_o when_o they_o happen_v it_o support_v man_n under_o they_o better_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o for_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n this_o chief_o concern_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n after_o a_o wicked_a life_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o be_v very_o grievous_a but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o though_o religion_n may_v be_v troublesome_a at_o first_o to_o some_o person_n who_o former_a sin_n and_o crime_n have_v make_v it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v pleasant_a afterward_o when_o we_o be_v accustom_v to_o it_o and_o whatever_o the_o trouble_n of_o repentance_n be_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a unless_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v miserable_a for_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o must_v perish_v now_o there_o be_v always_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n in_o submit_v to_o a_o less_o inconvenience_n to_o remedy_n and_o prevent_v a_o great_a as_o for_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n which_o be_v many_o time_n very_o helpful_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a trouble_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v discreet_o manage_v as_o be_v worth_a the_o speak_n of_o and_o as_o for_o other_o rigour_n and_o severity_n which_o some_o pretend_v religion_n do_v impose_v i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v play_v the_o fool_n and_o make_v religion_n more_o troublesome_a than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o i_o can_v help_v that_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o false_a representation_n of_o religion_n which_o some_o in_o the_o world_n have_v make_v as_o if_o it_o do_v chief_o consist_v not_o in_o please_a god_n but_o in_o displease_v and_o torment_v ourselves_o this_o be_v not_o to_o paint_v religion_n like_o herself_o but_o rather_o like_o one_o of_o the_o fury_n with_o nothing_o but_o whip_n and_o snake_n about_o she_o to_o the_o three_o that_o those_o who_o be_v religious_a be_v many_o time_n very_o disconsolate_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a objection_n indeed_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o trouble_n but_o there_o be_v other_o plain_a cause_n of_o it_o to_o which_o religion_n right_o understand_v be_v not_o accessary_a as_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o disposition_n false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n as_o this_o for_o one_o that_o god_n do_v not_o sincere_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n but_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n effectual_o bar_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o attain_v that_o happiness_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o they_o and_o every_o one_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o that_o number_n this_o be_v a_o melancholy_a consideration_n indeed_o if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n to_o entertain_v any_o such_o thought_n of_o god_n our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v ruin_v by_o any_o decree_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o ruin_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o else_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n some_o perhaps_o be_v very_o devout_a in_o serve_v god_n but_o not_o so_o kind_a and_o charitable_a so_o just_a and_o honest_a in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n no_o wonder_n if_o such_o person_n be_v disquiet_v the_o natural_a conscience_n of_o man_n be_v not_o more_o apt_a to_o disquiet_v they_o for_o any_o thing_n than_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o natural_a light_n teach_v they_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o impartial_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v blame_v religion_n for_o that_o which_o plain_o proceed_v from_o the_o want_n of_o religion_n or_o last_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v not_o from_o religion_n but_o from_o our_o nature_n and_o constituion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o what_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n what_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n religion_n right_o understand_v and_o sincere_o practise_v be_v apt_a to_o bring_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v by_o what_o sort_n of_o argument_n religion_n can_v be_v more_o effectual_o recommend_v to_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n for_o in_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v religious_a i_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o rob_v they_o of_o any_o true_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n but_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o very_o best_a nay_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n of_o attain_v and_o secure_v it_o i_o speak_v this_o in_o great_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a design_n to_o please_v themselves_o but_o do_v grievous_o mistake_v the_o way_n to_o it_o the_o direct_a way_n be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n a_o good_a man_n say_v solomon_n be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o he_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v wise_a and_o act_v reasonable_o the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v justify_v to_o himself_o in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o of_o be_v acquit_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o be_v innocent_a because_o that_o prevent_v guilt_n and_o trouble_n it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a because_o that_o be_v to_o excel_v many_o other_o and_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o grow_v better_a because_o that_o be_v to_o excel_v ourselves_o nay_o it_o be_v pleasant_a even_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v our_o lust_n because_o that_o be_v victory_n it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o command_v our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n because_o this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o empire_n this_o be_v to_o govern_v it_o be_v natural_o pleasant_a to_o rule_v and_o have_v power_n over_o other_o but_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o absolute_a prince_n who_o command_v himself_o this_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n within_o we_o a_o dominion_n infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o word_n the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v good_a and_o of_o do_v good_a be_v the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o the_o wicked_a man_n deprive_v himself_o of_o all_o this_o pleasure_n and_o create_v perpetual_a discontent_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n o_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o the_o sinner_n feel_v more_o or_o less_o all_o his_o life_n long_o but_o alas_o thou_o do_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o no_o not_o in_o this_o world_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o die_v what_o comfort_n will_v thou_o then_o be_v able_a to_o give_v thyself_o or_o what_o comfort_n can_v any_o one_o else_o give_v thou_o when_o thy_o conscience_n be_v miserable_o rend_v and_o tear_v by_o those_o wake_a fury_n which_o will_v then_o rage_v in_o thy_o breast_n and_o thou_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v thyself_o for_o ease_n then_o perhaps_o at_o last_o the_o priest_n be_v unwilling_o send_v for_o to_o patch_v up_o thy_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o appease_v the_o cry_n of_o it_o and_o to_o force_v himself_o out_o of_o very_a pity_n and_o good_a nature_n to_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n but_o alas_o man_n what_o can_v we_o do_v what_o comfort_n can_v we_o give_v thou_o when_o thy_o
god_n mercy_n be_v great_a and_o he_o will_v be_v pacify_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o sin_n for_o mercy_n and_o wrath_n be_v with_o he_o he_o be_v mighty_a to_o forgive_v and_o to_o pour_v out_o displeasure_n and_o as_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a so_o be_v his_o correction_n also_o therefore_o make_v no_o tarry_v to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v not_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o sudden_o shall_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v forth_o and_o in_o thy_o security_n thou_o shall_v be_v destroy_v humble_a thy_o self_n before_o thou_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sin_n show_v repentance_n let_v nothing_o hinder_v thou_o to_o pay_v thy_o vow_n in_o due_a time_n and_o defer_v not_o till_o death_n to_o be_v justify_v a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o whitehall_n in_o april_n 1672._o 1_o cor._n iii_o 15_o but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n the_o context_n be_v thus_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o wise_a master-builder_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o another_o build_v thereon_o but_o let_v every_o man_n take_v heed_n how_o he_o build_v thereupon_o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v jesus_n christ_n now_o if_o any_o man_n build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n gold_n silver_z precious_a stone_n wood_n hay_n stubble_n every_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o the_o day_n shall_v declare_v it_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v if_o any_o man_n work_n abide_v which_o he_o have_v build_v thereupon_o he_o shall_v receive_v a_o reward_n if_o any_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v burn_v he_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o hold_v indeed_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n but_o build_v upon_o it_o such_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n as_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o trial_n which_o he_o express_v to_o we_o by_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n which_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o the_o fire_n such_o a_o person_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o have_v bring_v himself_o into_o a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n though_o he_o will_v not_o absolute_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o salvation_n he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n that_o by_o fire_n here_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n as_o some_o pretend_v who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o any_o shadow_n of_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o own_o dream_n i_o shall_v neither_o trouble_v you_o nor_o myself_o to_o manifest_v since_o the_o particle_n of_o similitude_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plain_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v a_o escape_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n literal_o but_o such_o a_o escape_n as_o man_n make_v out_o of_o a_o house_n or_o town_n that_o be_v on_o fire_n especial_o since_o very_o learned_a person_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o purgatory_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o text_n nay_o all_o that_o estius_n contend_v for_o from_o this_o place_n be_v that_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o purgatory_n which_o we_o never_o pretend_v but_o only_o that_o this_o text_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o proverbial_a phrase_n use_v not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o profane_a author_n to_o signify_v a_o narrow_a escape_n out_o of_o a_o great_a danger_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o the_o fire_n just_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v 1_o pet._n 3.20_o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o eight_o person_n of_o noah_n family_n who_o escape_v the_o flood_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o water_n so_o here_o this_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v render_v in_o the_o text_n he_o himself_o shall_v escape_v yet_o so_o as_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n the_o like_a expression_n you_o have_v amos_n 4.11_o i_o have_v pluck_v they_o as_o a_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o judas_n 23_o other_o save_v with_o fear_n pluck_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n all_o which_o expression_n signify_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o escape_v it_o as_o one_o who_o when_o his_o house_n at_o midnight_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n and_o be_v sudden_o wake_v leap_v out_o of_o his_o bed_n and_o run_v naked_a out_o of_o the_o door_n take_v nothing_o that_o be_v within_o along_o with_o he_o but_o employ_v his_o whole_a care_n to_o save_v his_o body_n from_o the_o flame_n as_o st._n chrysostome_n upon_o another_o occasion_n express_v it_o and_o so_o the_o roman_a orator_n tully_n who_o it_o be_v likely_a do_v not_o think_v of_o purgatory_n use_v this_o phrase_n quo_fw-la ex_fw-la judicio_fw-la velut_fw-la ex_fw-la incendio_fw-la nudus_fw-la effugit_fw-la from_o which_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n he_o escape_v naked_a as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o burn_a and_o one_o of_o the_o greek_a orator_n aristides_n tell_v we_o that_o to_o save_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n be_v a_o common_a proverbial_a speech_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o observation_n that_o natural_o arise_v be_v this_o that_o man_n may_v hold_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o may_v superadd_a other_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v great_o endanger_v their_o salvation_n what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o some_o among_o the_o corinthian_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n whereby_o they_o endanger_v their_o salvation_n we_o may_v probable_o conjecture_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v in_o this_o epistle_n as_o the_o tolerate_n of_o incestuous_a marriage_n communicate_v in_o idol-feast_n etc._n etc._n and_o especial_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n who_o at_o that_o time_n do_v so_o much_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o most_o christian_a church_n and_o who_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o severe_o reflect_v upon_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o what_o their_o doctrine_n be_v we_o have_v a_o account_n act._n 15._o viz._n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o the_o gentile_a christian_n circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n teach_v that_o unless_o they_o be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o build_v these_o doctrine_n upon_o christianity_n but_o they_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o foundation_n say_v that_o unless_o man_n believe_v and_o practise_v such_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v in_o speak_v to_o this_o observation_n i_o shall_v reduce_v my_o discourse_n to_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o i_o shall_v represent_v to_o you_o some_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o have_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o to_o be_v plain_a i_o mean_v particular_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o i_o shall_v inquire_v whether_o our_o grant_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n though_o with_o great_a hazard_n to_o those_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o their_o deny_v it_o to_o we_o be_v a_o reasonable_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o any_o man_n to_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o consider_v these_o thing_n when_o so_o many_o seduce_a spirit_n be_v so_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o pervert_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o we_o see_v every_o day_n so_o many_o and_o their_o religion_n so_o easy_o part_v for_o this_o reason_n these_o two_o consideration_n shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o follow_a 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weakness_n of_o this_o argument_n which_o be_v so_o transparent_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v honest_o use_v it_o and_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a odd_a understanding_n that_o can_v be_v cheat_v by_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o casual_a and_o contingent_a argument_n and_o sometime_o it_o conclude_v right_a and_o often_o wrong_v and_o therefore_o no_o prudent_a man_n can_v be_v move_v by_o it_o except_o only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o determine_v he_o which_o sure_o can_v never_o happen_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v no_o man_n be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n itself_o as_o not_o to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n on_o both_o side_n as_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o confidence_n and_o charity_n of_o both_o party_n together_o with_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o move_v a_o conscientious_a and_o a_o prudent_a man_n and_o if_o upon_o enquiry_n there_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o clear_a advantage_n on_o either_o side_n than_o this_o argument_n be_v needless_a and_o come_v too_o late_o because_o the_o work_n be_v already_o do_v without_o it_o beside_o that_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o we_o declare_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v ought_v to_o deter_v any_o man_n much_o more_o from_o that_o religion_n than_o the_o acknowledge_a possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o it_o aught_o to_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o never_o do_v any_o christian_a church_n build_v so_o much_o hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v save_v in_o it_o must_v be_v save_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o though_o purgatory_n be_v not_o mean_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n very_o well_o suit_v to_o their_o manner_n of_o building_n for_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o ignis_fw-la purgatorius_fw-la of_o a_o fire_n to_o try_v their_o work_n what_o it_o be_v and_o to_o burn_v up_o their_o hay_n and_o stubble_n and_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n and_o i_o desire_v always_o to_o have_v it_o as_o to_o hope_n that_o a_o great_a many_o among_o they_o who_o live_v pious_o and_o have_v be_v almost_o inevitable_o detain_v in_o that_o church_n by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n and_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n will_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n find_v mercy_n with_o god_n and_o though_o their_o work_n suffer_v loss_n and_o be_v burn_v yet_o they_o themselves_o may_v escape_v as_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o error_n of_o that_o church_n or_o apostatise_v from_o the_o truth_n i_o think_v their_o condition_n so_o far_o from_o be_v safe_a that_o there_o must_v be_v extraordinary_a favourable_a circumstance_n in_o their_o case_n to_o give_v a_o man_n hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o i_o be_o sorry_a that_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o restless_a importunity_n and_o attempt_n of_o our_o adversary_n upon_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n have_v engage_v i_o to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o matter_n of_o dispute_n which_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o have_v employ_v in_o another_o way_n many_o of_o you_o can_v be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v constant_o make_v it_o my_o business_n in_o this_o great_a presence_n and_o assembly_n to_o plead_v against_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o have_v endeavour_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o serious_a practice_n of_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o do_v assure_v you_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n than_o to_o be_v of_o any_o party_n or_o denomination_n of_o christian_n whatsoever_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n provide_v we_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o together_o with_o a_o good_a life_n will_v certain_o save_v a_o man_n and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v have_v reasonable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n no_o not_o in_o a_o infallible_a church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v be_v according_a to_o my_o opportunity_n not_o a_o negligent_a observer_n of_o the_o genius_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n and_o profession_n in_o religion_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o do_v in_o my_o conscience_n believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o main_a the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n and_o worship_n of_o it_o be_v excellent_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n sober_o religious_a secure_v man_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n from_o the_o wild_a freak_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o on_o the_o other_o from_o the_o gross_a folly_n of_o superstition_n and_o our_o church_n have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n above_o several_a profession_n that_o we_o know_v in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o acknowledge_v a_o due_a and_o just_a subordination_n to_o the_o civil_a authority_n and_o have_v always_o be_v untainted_a in_o its_o loyalty_n and_o now_o shall_v every_o trifle_a consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o move_v a_o man_n to_o relinquish_v such_o a_o church_n there_o be_v no_o great_a disparagement_n to_o a_o man_n understanding_n no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o light_n and_o ungenerous_a mind_n than_o rash_o to_o change_v one_o religion_n religion_n be_v our_o great_a concernment_n of_o all_o other_o and_o it_o be_v not_o every_o little_a argument_n no_o nor_o a_o great_a noise_n about_o infallibility_n nothing_o but_o very_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o shall_v sway_v a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n but_o they_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a who_o make_v a_o change_n of_o such_o concernment_n upon_o the_o insinuation_n of_o one_o side_n only_o without_o ever_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o church_n they_o be_v baptize_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o before_o they_o leave_v it_o they_o that_o can_v yield_v thus_o easy_o to_o the_o impression_n of_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o design_n and_o interest_n to_o make_v proselyte_n may_v at_o this_o rate_n of_o discretion_n change_v their_o religion_n twice_o a_o day_n and_o instead_o of_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n they_o may_v have_v a_o morning_n and_o a_o evening_n religion_n therefore_o for_o god_n sake_n and_o for_o our_o own_o soul_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o reputation_n let_v we_o consider_v and_o show_v ourselves_o man_n let_v we_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v shake_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n let_v we_o not_o run_v ourselves_o into_o danger_n when_o we_o may_v be_v safe_a let_v we_o stick_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o article_n of_o our_o common_a belief_n and_o build_v upon_o they_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n i_o mean_v the_o virtue_n and_o action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v do_v this_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v apt_a to_o set_v such_o a_o value_n upon_o hay_n and_o stubble_n if_o we_o will_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o cast_v about_o for_o a_o religion_n which_o may_v furnish_v we_o with_o easy_a and_o indirect_a way_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n which_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o he_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o whitehall_n in_o lent_n march_v 20_o the_o 1673·_a psal_n cxix_o 156_o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n contain_v the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o
the_o reward_n of_o his_o goodness_n 1._o the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o that_o love_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o love_v to_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o practice_v it_o 2._o the_o reward_n of_o his_o goodness_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n the_o word_n peace_n be_v many_o time_n use_v in_o scripture_n in_o a_o very_a large_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o comprehend_v all_o kind_n of_o happiness_n sometime_o it_o signify_v outward_a peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o opposition_n to_o war_n and_o contention_n and_o sometime_o inward_a peace_n and_o contentment_n in_o opposition_n to_o inward_a trouble_n and_o anguish_n i_o understand_v the_o text_n chief_o in_o this_o last_o sense_n not_o whole_o exclude_v either_o of_o the_o other_o my_o design_n at_o present_a from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o man_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o inward_a peace_n and_o pleasure_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o considerate_a man_n than_o this_o for_o the_o aim_n of_o all_o philosophy_n and_o the_o great_a search_n of_o wise_a man_n have_v be_v how_o to_o attain_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o if_o religion_n be_v able_a to_o give_v this_o a_o great_a commendation_n need_v not_o be_v give_v to_o religion_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v premise_v two_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n first_o that_o these_o kind_n of_o observation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v too_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o as_o if_o they_o never_o fail_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n aristotle_n observe_v long_o since_o that_o moral_a and_o proverbial_a say_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v true_a general_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o they_o as_o when_o solomon_n say_v train_z up_o a_o child_n in_o the_o way_n wherein_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o take_v as_o if_o no_o child_n that_o be_v pious_o educate_v do_v ever_o miscarry_v afterward_o but_o that_o the_o good_a education_n of_o child_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v good_a man_n and_o common_o approve_v to_o be_v so_o by_o experience_n so_o here_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_n god_n law_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o religion_n have_v general_o this_o effect_n though_o in_o some_o case_n and_o as_o to_o some_o person_n it_o may_v be_v accidental_o hinder_v second_o when_o i_o say_v that_o religion_n give_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o our_o mind_n this_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o religious_a state_n in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v well_o settle_a and_o confirm_v and_o not_o of_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o for_o that_o be_v more_o or_o less_o troublesome_a according_a as_o we_o make_v it_o if_o we_o begin_v a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o before_o we_o have_v contract_v any_o great_a guilt_n and_o before_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n be_v grow_v strong_a in_o we_o the_o work_n go_v on_o easy_o without_o any_o great_a conflict_n or_o resistance_n but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o when_o a_o man_n break_v off_o from_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o become_v religious_a from_o the_o direct_a contrary_a course_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v long_o and_o deep_o engage_v in_o this_o case_n no_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sensible_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n but_o when_o it_o be_v once_o make_v peace_n and_o comfort_n will_v spring_v up_o by_o degree_n and_o daily_o increase_v as_o we_o grow_v more_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o a_o good_a course_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o religion_n give_v a_o man_n the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a peace_n nor_o any_o comparable_a pleasure_n to_o be_v have_v in_o a_o contrary_a course_n and_o that_o from_o these_o two_o head_n from_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n i._n first_o from_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v select_v some_o of_o those_o text_n which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o express_a to_o this_o purpose_n job_n 22.21_o speak_v of_o god_n acquaint_v thyself_o now_o with_o he_o and_o be_v at_o peace_n to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o god_n be_v a_o phrase_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o come_v to_o god_n and_o seek_v of_o he_o and_o many_o other_o like_o expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o become_v religious_a psal_n 37.38_o mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n or_o as_o these_o word_n be_v render_v according_a to_o the_o lxx_o in_o our_o old_a translation_n keep_v innocency_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a for_o that_o shall_v bring_v thou_o peace_n at_o the_o last_o prov._n 3.17_o where_o solomon_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n which_o with_o he_o be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o religion_n say_v her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n isa_n 32.17_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o matt._n 11.28_o 29_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n now_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v to_o become_v his_o disciple_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v his_o doctrine_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n explain_v himself_o in_o the_o next_o word_n take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o your_o soul_n rom._n 2.10_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o peace_n to_o every_o man_n that_o work_v good_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_n the_o scripture_n represent_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o be_v full_a of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v david_n though_o he_o be_v a_o very_a good_a man_n yet_o when_o he_o have_v grievous_o offend_v god_n the_o anguish_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v such_o as_o even_o to_o disorder_v and_o distemper_v his_o body_n psal_n 38.2_o 3_o 4_o thy_o arrow_n stick_v fast_o in_o i_o and_o thy_o hand_n press_v i_o sore_o there_o be_v no_o soundness_n in_o my_o flesh_n because_o of_o thy_o anger_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o rest_n in_o my_o bone_n because_o of_o my_o sin_n for_o my_o iniquity_n be_v go_v over_o my_o head_n and_o as_o a_o heavy_a burden_n they_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o i_o isa_n 57.20_o 21_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o isa_n 59.7.8_o misery_n and_o destruction_n be_v in_o their_o path_n and_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n they_o know_v not_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o crooked_a path_n whosoever_o go_v therein_o shall_v not_o know_v peace_n rom._n 2.9_o tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a you_o see_v how_o full_a and_o express_v the_o scripture_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o ii_o second_o place_n to_o give_v you_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o this_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o remove_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o inward_a trouble_n and_o disquiet_v 2._o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n 3._o the_o reflection_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o do_v afterward_o yield_v great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n first_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o remove_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o inward_a trouble_n and_o disquiet_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o inward_a trouble_n and_o discontent_n be_v these_o two_o doubt_v and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n and_o gild_n of_o conscience_n now_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o free_v we_o from_o both_o these_o 1._o from_o doubt_v and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n irreligion_n and_o atheism_n make_v a_o man_n full_a of_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o whether_o at_o last_o thing_n will_v not_o prove_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v rash_o
determine_v for_o though_o a_o man_n endeavour_v never_o so_o much_o to_o settle_v himself_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n and_o to_o persuade_v his_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o nor_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v in_o another_o life_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o a_o steady_a and_o unshaken_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o however_o he_o may_v please_v himself_o with_o witty_a reason_n against_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o smart_a repartee_n to_o their_o argument_n and_o bold_a and_o pleasant_a raillery_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o man_n ever_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o for_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o reason_n himself_o out_o of_o religion_n his_o conscience_n ever_o and_o anon_o recoil_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a thought_n and_o apprehension_n rise_v up_o against_o his_o reason_n and_o all_o his_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n be_v confute_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o strong_a suspicion_n which_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n get_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v plain_a because_o all_o this_o be_v a_o endeavour_n against_o nature_n and_o those_o vigorous_a instinct_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o whenever_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a and_o not_o violent_o hurry_v away_o by_o passion_n nor_o blind_v by_o prejudice_n they_o do_v of_o themselves_o return_v to_o their_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o when_o the_o atheist_n fall_v into_o any_o great_a calamity_n and_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o despair_n of_o enjoy_v any_o long_o those_o pleasure_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o have_v all_o this_o while_n rebel_v against_o religion_n his_o courage_n present_o sink_v and_o all_o his_o argument_n fail_v he_o and_o his_o case_n be_v now_o too_o serious_a to_o admit_v of_o jest_v and_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o doubt_v of_o all_o that_o which_o he_o assert_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o set_v so_o good_a a_o face_n upon_o before_o and_o can_v find_v no_o ease_n to_o his_o mind_n but_o in_o retreat_v from_o his_o former_a principle_n nor_o no_o hope_n of_o consolation_n for_o himself_o but_o in_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v deny_v and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n who_o he_o have_v affront_v this_o be_v always_o the_o case_n of_o these_o person_n when_o they_o come_v to_o extremity_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o infinite_a check_n and_o rebuke_n which_o their_o own_o mind_n give_v they_o upon_o other_o occasion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o these_o man_n have_v any_o tolerable_a enjoyment_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v force_v to_o run_v away_o from_o themselves_o into_o company_n and_o to_o stupify_v themselves_o by_o intemperance_n that_o they_o may_v not_o feel_v the_o fearful_a twitch_n and_o gripe_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n whereas_o he_o who_o entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o therein_o follow_v his_o own_o natural_a apprehension_n and_o the_o general_a voice_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o know_o and_o wilful_o live_v contrary_a to_o these_o principle_n have_v no_o anxiety_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o persuade_v they_o be_v true_a and_o that_o he_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o think_v so_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v otherwise_o which_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o suspect_v yet_o he_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v take_v the_o wise_a course_n and_o have_v consult_v his_o own_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a security_n infinite_o better_o than_o the_o atheist_n have_v do_v in_o case_n he_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v a_o fatal_a mistake_n to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n if_o there_o be_v one_o but_o a_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v no_o future_a bad_a consequence_n depend_v upon_o it_o nor_o indeed_o any_o great_a present_a inconvenience_n religion_n only_o restrain_v a_o man_n from_o do_v some_o thing_n from_o most_o of_o which_o it_o be_v good_a he_o shall_v be_v restrain_v however_o so_o that_o at_o the_o worst_a the_o religious_a man_n be_v only_o mistake_v but_o the_o atheist_n be_v miserable_a if_o he_o be_v mistake_v miserable_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n and_o past_o all_o remedy_n 2._o another_o and_o indeed_o a_o principal_a cause_n of_o trouble_n and_o discontent_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v gild_n now_o gild_n be_v a_o consciousness_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o the_o very_a thought_n that_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o be_v apt_a to_o lie_v very_o cross_a in_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o cause_v great_a anguish_n and_o confusion_n beside_o that_o gild_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o fear_n which_o natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o secret_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o his_o sin_n will_v bring_v upon_o he_o and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n that_o hang_v over_o he_o from_o god_n and_o will_v overtake_v he_o either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o and_o though_o the_o sinner_n while_o he_o be_v in_o full_a health_n and_o prosperity_n may_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o divert_v and_o shake_v off_o these_o fear_n yet_o they_o frequent_o return_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o every_o little_a noise_n of_o danger_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o calamity_n that_o come_v near_o he_o his_o guilty_a mind_n be_v present_o jealous_a that_o it_o be_v make_v towards_o he_o and_o be_v particular_o level_v against_o he_o for_o he_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a power_n above_o he_o to_o who_o indignation_n he_o be_v continual_o liable_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n of_o he_o and_o how_o long_o soever_o he_o may_v have_v escape_v punishment_n in_o this_o world_n he_o can_v but_o dread_v the_o vengeance_n of_o the_o other_o and_o these_o thought_n be_v a_o continual_a disturbance_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o laughter_n make_v his_o heart_n heavy_a and_o the_o long_o he_o continue_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n the_o more_o he_o multiply_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o his_o fear_n but_o now_o religion_n free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o this_o torment_n either_o by_o prevent_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o direct_v to_o the_o cure_n either_o by_o preserve_v we_o from_o guilt_n or_o clear_v we_o of_o it_o in_o case_n we_o have_v contract_v it_o it_o preserve_v we_o from_o guilt_n by_o keep_v we_o innocent_a and_o in_o case_n we_o have_v offend_v it_o clear_v we_o of_o it_o by_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o recover_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o secure_v we_o against_o all_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n from_o the_o divine_a justice_n though_o not_o absolute_o from_o all_o fear_n of_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o all_o the_o condemnation_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o man_n mind_n be_v settle_v in_o perfect_a peace_n religion_n free_v he_o from_o those_o torment_a fear_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n which_o he_o can_v upon_o no_o other_o term_n rid_v himself_o of_o whereas_o the_o sinner_n be_v always_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o trouble_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o continual_a discontent_n to_o himself_o second_o as_o religion_n remove_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v so_o it_o minister_n to_o we_o all_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n whoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n lay_v these_o three_o great_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o himself_o 1._o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o in_o be_v religious_a he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a 2._o that_o he_o secure_v himself_o against_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n by_o make_v god_n his_o friend_n 3._o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o do_v in_o all_o respect_v most_o effectual_o consult_v and_o promote_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n 1._o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a pleasure_n to_o be_v justify_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v satisfy_v
of_o any_o duty_n faithful_o discharge_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o good_a we_o have_v do_v do_v refresh_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o course_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n all_o act_n of_o impiety_n to_o god_n of_o malice_n and_o injustice_n to_o man_n of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o do_v certain_o leave_v a_o sting_n behind_o they_o and_o whatever_o pleasure_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o present_a act_n of_o they_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v so_o torment_v that_o man_n be_v glad_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n of_o diversion_n to_o fence_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o one_o of_o the_o great_a trouble_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o look_v into_o himself_o and_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v live_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o be_v not_o here_o now_o a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o course_n of_o life_n that_o when_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a if_o there_o be_v any_o trouble_n in_o it_o it_o be_v soon_o over_o but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_a when_o we_o do_v a_o wicked_a action_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v short_a and_o transient_a but_o the_o trouble_n and_o sting_v of_o it_o remain_v for_o ever_o the_o reflection_n upon_o the_o good_a we_o have_v do_v give_v a_o last_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o evil_n commit_v by_o we_o leave_v a_o perpetual_a discontent_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o considerable_a a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v then_o yield_v most_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o we_o most_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n when_o a_o man_n fall_v into_o any_o great_a calamity_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n like_v to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o make_v all_o calm_a and_o serene_a within_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n about_o he_o so_o david_n observe_v of_o the_o good_a man_n psal_n 112.4_o unto_o the_o upright_a there_o arise_v light_n in_o darkness_n all_o the_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n that_o we_o do_v be_v so_o many_o seed_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n sow_v in_o our_o conscience_n which_o will_v spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v most_o in_o time_n of_o outward_a trouble_n and_o distress_n light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n say_v solomon_n and_o what_o a_o seasonable_a refreshment_n be_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o he_o be_v just_o step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v able_a to_o look_v back_o with_o satisfaction_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o well-spent_a life_n then_o if_o ever_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a man_n do_v overflow_v and_o a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n spring_v up_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n indeed_o which_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n and_o stick_v close_o to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o but_o with_o the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o his_o guilt_n lie_v in_o wait_n for_o he_o especial_o against_o such_o time_n and_o be_v never_o more_o fierce_a and_o rage_a than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n so_o that_o according_a as_o his_o trouble_n without_o be_v multiply_v so_o be_v his_o sting_n within_o and_o sure_o affliction_n be_v then_o grievous_a indeed_o when_o it_o fall_v upon_o a_o gall_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o outward_a affliction_n may_v be_v tolerable_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v but_o especial_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n how_o do_v the_o guilt_n of_o his_o wicked_a life_n then_o stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n what_o storm_n and_o tempest_n be_v raise_v in_o his_o soul_n which_o make_v it_o like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v when_o eternity_n that_o fearful_a and_o amaze_a sight_n present_v itself_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o feel_v himself_o sink_v into_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v every_o moment_n in_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o meeting_n with_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o deed_n with_o what_o regret_n do_v he_o then_o remember_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n and_o how_o full_a of_o rage_n and_o indignation_n be_v he_o against_o himself_o for_o have_v neglect_v to_o know_v when_o he_o have_v so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o his_o peace_n and_o which_o because_o he_o have_v neglect_v they_o be_v now_o and_o likely_a to_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a case_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o wicked_a man_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n but_o may_v leave_v it_o to_o any_o man_n thought_n in_o which_o of_o these_o condition_n he_o will_v be_v and_o sure_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o choice_n but_o now_o though_o this_o discourse_n be_v very_o true_a yet_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v but_o fair_a to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o there_o be_v several_a objection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v from_o experience_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o most_o plausible_a speculation_n as_o 1._o that_o wicked_a man_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o their_o vice_n 2._o that_o religion_n impose_v many_o harsh_a and_o grievous_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o 3._o that_o those_o who_o be_v religious_a be_v many_o time_n very_o disconsolate_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n to_o the_o first_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n have_v some_o pleasure_n in_o their_o vice_n but_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v right_o compute_v and_o just_a abatement_n make_v it_o will_v amount_v to_o very_o little_a for_o it_o be_v the_o low_a and_o mean_a kind_n of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v chief_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n of_o our_o worst_a part_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o not_o of_o the_o man_n that_o which_o least_o become_v we_o and_o which_o we_o be_v least_o of_o all_o make_v for_o those_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o be_v lawful_a be_v much_o inferior_a to_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unlawful_a they_o be_v always_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o to_o gain_v a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n he_o lose_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o soul_n can_v we_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o call_v that_o pleasure_n which_o rob_v we_o of_o a_o far_o great_a and_o high_a satisfaction_n than_o it_o bring_v the_o delight_n of_o sense_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o chief_a pleasure_n for_o which_o god_n design_v we_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o intend_v we_o shall_v take_v our_o chief_a pleasure_n in_o the_o restrain_v and_o moderate_v of_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o in_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o a_o last_a pleasure_n those_o fit_n of_o mirth_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v how_o soon_o be_v they_o over_o like_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n which_o after_o a_o little_a flash_n and_o noise_n be_v present_o go_v it_o be_v the_o comparison_n of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o experience_a man_n in_o these_o matter_n like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n say_v solomon_n so_o be_v the_o laughter_n of_o the_o fool_n that_o be_v the_o mirth_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n it_o may_v be_v loud_a but_o it_o last_v not_o but_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o that_o long_a and_o black_a train_n of_o misery_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o many_o time_n poverty_n and_o reproach_n pain_n and_o disease_n upon_o our_o
defer_v his_o repentance_n and_o the_o change_n of_o his_o life_n for_o one_o moment_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n this_o day_n this_o hour_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v the_o last_o opportunity_n of_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n as_o lot_z do_v out_o of_o sodom_n lest_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n overtake_v we_o he_o that_o can_v promise_v himself_o the_o next_o moment_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o seize_v upon_o the_o present_a opportunity_n while_o we_o be_v linger_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o god_n be_v not_o merciful_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v therefore_o make_v haste_n sinner_n and_o escape_v for_o thy_o life_n lest_o evil_a overtake_v thou_o 6._o last_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o make_v this_o change_n god_n who_o design_v we_o for_o happiness_n at_o first_o and_o after_o we_o have_v make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o it_o by_o sin_n be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o again_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o it_o by_o the_o redemption_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v make_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n that_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v either_o of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v we_o if_o we_o hearty_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o for_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o which_o we_o may_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o another_o if_o we_o may_v have_v that_o assistance_n for_o ask_v and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n since_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v it_o be_v not_o absolute_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n for_o that_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o on_o god_n part_n to_o hinder_v this_o change_n he_o have_v solemn_o declare_v that_o he_o sincere_o desire_v it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v our_o good_a resolution_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o most_o certain_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v plain_o as_o he_o say_v and_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o with_o any_o private_a reserve_n or_o nice_a distinction_n between_o his_o secret_a and_o reveal_v will_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o decree_v one_o thing_n and_o declare_v the_o contrary_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o this_o that_o if_o a_o sinner_n entertain_v serious_a thought_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o do_v but_o once_o move_v towards_o he_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o to_o receive_v he_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n who_o when_o he_o be_v return_v home_o and_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o what_o haste_n do_v his_o father_n make_v to_o meet_v he_o he_o see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n on_o god_n part_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o on_o we_o one_o will_v think_v all_o the_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n whether_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o such_o great_a offender_n as_o we_o have_v be_v but_o the_o business_n do_v not_o stick_v there_o and_o will_v we_o be_v miserable_a by_o our_o own_o choice_n when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n to_o be_v happy_a i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o success_n of_o this_o course_n it_o produce_v actual_a and_o speedy_a reformation_n i_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n thorough_o and_o have_v but_o patience_n to_o reason_n out_o the_o case_n with_o ourselves_o and_o to_o bring_v our_o thought_n and_o deliberation_n to_o some_o issue_n the_o conclusion_n must_v natural_o be_v the_o quit_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a course_n in_o which_o we_o have_v live_v for_o sin_n and_o consideration_n can_v not_o long_o dwell_v together_o do_v but_o man_n consider_v what_o sin_n be_v they_o will_v have_v so_o many_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o such_o strong_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o miserable_a issue_n and_o event_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o change_n be_v perfect_o make_v at_o once_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o holiness_n be_v not_o like_o two_o way_n that_o be_v just_o part_v by_o a_o line_n so_o as_o a_o man_n may_v step_v out_o of_o the_o one_o full_a into_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v like_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o two_o very_a distant_a place_n and_o consequent_o be_v at_o a_o good_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o the_o far_o any_o man_n have_v travel_v in_o the_o one_o the_o further_o he_o be_v from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o require_v time_n and_o pain_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o it_o sometime_o so_o happen_v that_o some_o person_n be_v by_o a_o mighty_a conviction_n and_o resolution_n and_o by_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o overpower_v degree_n of_o god_n grace_n almost_o perfect_o reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n at_o once_o and_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a translate_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n as_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o usual_a and_o settle_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n evil_a habit_n be_v master_v and_o subdue_v by_o degree_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o conflict_n and_o many_o time_n after_o they_o be_v rout_v they_o rally_v and_o make_v head_n again_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o any_o 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and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o and_o now_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o take_v this_o course_n i_o shall_v offer_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n 1._o that_o consideration_n be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n this_o argument_n god_n himself_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o evil_a way_n isa_n 46.8_o remember_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n bring_v it_o again_o to_o mind_n o_o you_o transgressor_n to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o call_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n be_v to_o show_v ourselves_o man_n it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n and_o infelicity_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o they_o general_o live_v without_o think_v and_o be_v act_v by_o their_o present_a
and_o without_o delay_n and_o because_o they_o be_v many_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a without_o be_v very_o curious_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o they_o for_o provide_v they_o be_v but_o effectual_a to_o the_o end_n of_o persuasion_n it_o matter_n not_o how_o inartificial_o they_o be_v range_v and_o dispose_v 1._o consider_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o necessary_a concernment_n and_o which_o must_v be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o impotent_a mind_n than_o irresolution_n to_o be_v undermine_v where_o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o the_o necessity_n so_o urgent_a to_o be_v always_o about_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v must_v be_v do_v victuros_fw-la agimus_fw-la semper_fw-la nec_fw-la vivimus_fw-la unquam_fw-la we_o be_v always_o intend_v to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n but_o can_v never_o find_v a_o time_n to_o set_v about_o it_o 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our_o light_n be_v so_o to_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o do_v we_o think_v all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o require_v no_o time_n that_o we_o may_v delay_v and_o put_v off_o to_o the_o last_o and_o yet_o do_v all_o this_o work_n well_o enough_o do_v we_o think_v we_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o a_o wound_a spirit_n do_v we_o think_v that_o when_o the_o day_n have_v be_v idle_o spend_v and_o squander_v away_o by_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o work_v when_o the_o night_n and_o darkness_n come_v when_o our_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o our_o memory_n frail_a and_o our_o will_n crooked_a and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_v obstinate_o bend_v the_o wrong_a way_n what_o can_v we_o then_o do_v in_o religion_n what_o reasonable_a or_o acceptable_a service_n can_v we_o then_o perform_v to_o god_n when_o our_o candle_n be_v just_o sink_v into_o the_o socket_n how_o shall_v our_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n alas_o the_o long_a life_n be_v no_o more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o in_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o to_o amend_v what_o be_v amiss_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o good_a posture_n and_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n to_o train_v up_o ourselves_o for_o eternity_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n 3._o consider_v what_o a_o desperate_a hazard_n we_o run_v by_o these_o delay_n every_o delay_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o venture_v the_o main_a chance_n it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v have_v time_n for_o it_o and_o if_o we_o have_v time_n whether_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o god_n indeed_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o promise_v pardon_n to_o repentance_n but_o he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v life_n and_o leisure_n the_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v acceptance_n to_o mere_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n for_o sin_n without_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n and_o favour_n who_o only_o give_v he_o good_a word_n and_o be_v at_o last_o content_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o he_o as_o to_o promise_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n when_o they_o can_v keep_v they_o no_o long_o many_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o 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to_o go_v on_o and_o fortify_v their_o good_a resolution_n to_o be_v more_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o to_o strive_v against_o sin_n and_o to_o resist_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o according_a to_o the_o success_n of_o their_o endeavour_n in_o this_o conflict_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n will_v every_o day_n clear_v up_o and_o become_v more_o manifest_a the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o seldomer_n we_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o even_a and_o constant_a our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o mere_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n though_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o commission_n of_o great_a sin_n be_v enough_o to_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shut_v we_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n sick_z and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o therefore_o depart_v you_o curse_v 2._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v vain_a than_o for_o man_n to_o live_v in_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o whoever_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v he_o hereafter_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o here_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 3._o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a condition_n whosoever_o do_v righteousness_n be_v of_o god_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a evidence_n by_o which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v deal_v honest_o with_o hâ—mself_n may_v certain_o know_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o then_o according_a as_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v may_v take_v comfort_n in_o it_o or_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n nor_o go_v down_o into_o the_o deep_a to_o 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distinct_a mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a illumination_n for_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n whether_o we_o sincere_o love_v god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o whether_o god_n love_v we_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o upright_a whether_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n whether_o we_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n belong_v to_o we_o for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o you_o see_v at_o last_o the_o scripture_n bring_v all_o to_o this_o one_o mark_n viz._n holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o a_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n let_v we_o then_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o some_o issue_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o our_o condition_n whether_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o if_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o fair_a examination_n our_o conscience_n give_v we_o this_o testimony_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o may_v take_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o upon_o the_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n our_o case_n appear_v clear_o to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o if_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o venture_v to_o continue_v one_o moment_n long_o in_o so_o uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a a_o condition_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o scripture_n have_v set_v it_o plain_o before_o we_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v though_o our_o case_n be_v very_o bad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v embrace_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o he_o be_v still_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o our_o life_n we_o may_v yet_o be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n we_o who_o have_v venture_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n may_v yet_o by_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o base_a and_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o lust_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v to_o represent_v every_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o let_v he_o clear_o see_v what_o his_o condition_n be_v towards_o god_n and_o how_o the_o case_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n stand_v and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n
they_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o calumny_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1_o sy_n that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o devil_n shall_v lend_v he_o this_o power_n to_o use_v it_o against_o himself_o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v 2_o dly_z our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o they_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n attribute_v all_o miracle_n to_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v those_o among_o themselves_o who_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n as_o origen_n and_o tertullian_n and_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o of_o these_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o ask_v the_o pharisee_n by_o what_o power_n they_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o they_o aknowledge_v that_o these_o do_v it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n but_o their_o malice_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o do_v it_o likewise_o by_o the_o same_o power_n ver_fw-la 27_o if_o i_o by_o beelzebub_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o who_o do_v your_o child_n cast_v they_o out_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v your_o judge_n that_o be_v this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v you_o malice_n of_o to_o i_o but_o if_o i_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v come_v unto_o you_o that_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v because_o he_o wrought_v these_o and_o other_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v wherefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n so_o that_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o person_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n or_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o their_o blasphemy_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o when_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o say_v he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n they_o malicious_o ascribe_v these_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n why_o our_o saviour_n charge_v they_o with_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v yet_o more_o plain_a from_o st._n mark_n mark_v 3.28_o 29_o 30_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o blasphemy_n wherewith_o soever_o they_o shall_v blaspheme_v but_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o unclean_a spirit_n that_o be_v because_o the_o pharisee_n charge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o magician_n and_o to_o have_v a_o familiar_a spirit_n by_o who_o assistance_n he_o do_v those_o work_n when_o in_o truth_n he_o do_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n declare_v they_o guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n of_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v so_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o most_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o come_v from_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n such_o as_o do_v plain_o evidence_n a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n accompany_v of_o he_o for_o in_o st._n luke_n he_o be_v say_v to_o do_v they_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n luke_n 11.20_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a testimony_n that_o god_n ever_o give_v to_o any_o person_n that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o and_o the_o pharisee_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v they_o yet_o such_o be_v their_o opposition_n to_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n that_o though_o they_o see_v these_o thing_n do_v by_o he_o and_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o reality_n of_o they_o yet_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n to_o come_v from_o god_n they_o most_o malicious_o and_o unreasonable_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o be_v the_o blasphemy_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o plain_o wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o which_o though_o themselves_o see_v yet_o they_o malicious_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o hardly_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v our_o saviour_n discourse_n upon_o this_o occasion_n can_v otherwise_o determine_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n especial_o if_o he_o do_v but_o attend_v to_o those_o remarkable_a word_n which_o i_o cite_v before_o mark_n 3.29_o but_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o unclean_a spirit_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o iii_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v namely_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o sin_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v peculiar_o unpardonable_a for_o this_o our_o saviour_n positive_o affirm_v to_o be_v in_o this_o different_a from_o all_o other_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o pardon_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o not_o forgive_n of_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o eternal_a punishment_n shall_v follow_v it_o in_o the_o other_o world_n whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o st._n mark_n express_v more_o plain_o that_o it_o shall_v bring_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n mark_v 3.29_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a damnation_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o forgive_v in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v forgive_v in_o the_o other_o but_o in_o these_o word_n he_o either_o allude_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o high_a excommunication_n the_o sentence_n whereof_o they_o hold_v not_o to_o be_v reversible_a neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o other_o or_o else_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o expression_n may_v probable_o be_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o common_a and_o false_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v that_o some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o pardon_v to_o man_n in_o this_o life_n may_v by_o sacrifice_n be_v expiate_v in_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o other_o and_o st._n mark_v more_o plain_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v forgiveness_n but_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a damnation_n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o this_o sin_n be_v altogether_o incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n i_o know_v some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o mollify_v this_o matter_n but_o i_o think_v without_o sufficient_a reason_n grotius_n understand_v the_o word_n comparative_o that_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n shall_v soon_o be_v forgive_v than_o this_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n only_o intend_v to_o express_v the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n above_o other_o in_o which_o respect_n the_o pardon_n of_o it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a than_o of_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o yet_o that_o the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o absolute_o desperate_a but_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v intend_v to_o say_v that_o this_o sin_n be_v absolute_o
person_n but_o be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o melancholy_n than_o any_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o trouble_n some_o think_v that_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o after_o conviction_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v aknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o a_o great_a and_o particular_a repentance_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n render_v a_o man_n incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n other_o be_v trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o those_o they_o think_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o this_o be_v general_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o melancholy_n and_o the_o person_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o black_a thought_n be_v no_o way_n consent_v to_o they_o but_o they_o rise_v in_o their_o mind_n perfect_o against_o their_o will_n and_o without_o any_o approbation_n of_o they_o and_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n that_o i_o hope_v yea_o and_o very_o believe_v they_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o but_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o no_o more_o impute_v to_o we_o than_o the_o wild_a and_o idle_a rave_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o a_o fever_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a disease_n shall_v bring_v guilt_n upon_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o these_o person_n have_v reason_n enough_o for_o comfort_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v their_o present_a distemper_n render_v they_o incapable_a of_o it_o 2._o second_o the_o other_o use_v i_o will_v make_v of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o the_o degree_n and_o approach_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o if_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o such_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o so_o unpardonable_a than_o all_o approach_n to_o it_o be_v very_o dreadful_a such_o as_o be_v profane_a scoff_a at_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o good_a man_n abuse_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n perverse_a infidelity_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o credible_a history_n though_o we_o be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o obstinacy_n in_o a_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n sin_v against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o contrary_a malicious_a oppose_a of_o the_o truth_n when_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o any_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o when_o he_o that_o oppose_v the_o truth_n have_v no_o clear_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v furious_o and_o heady_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o opposition_n to_o it_o these_o be_v all_o sin_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o near_a affinity_n with_o this_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a sin_n of_o any_o that_o can_v easy_o be_v instance_a in_o and_o though_o god_n to_o encourage_v the_o repentance_n of_o man_n have_v not_o declare_v they_o unpardonable_a yet_o they_o be_v great_a provocation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v long_o continue_v in_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v ready_a then_o to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propound_v to_o thou_o and_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v in_o other_o matter_n where_o thou_o have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o interest_n to_o the_o contrary_n do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o thy_o know_a duty_n but_o be_v careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v secret_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o inspire_v we_o many_o time_n gentle_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o be_v grieve_v when_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o after_o many_o repulse_n will_v at_o last_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o our_o own_o lust_n into_o ruin_n and_o perdition_n a_o sermon_n of_o charity_n and_o alm_n act_n x._o 38_o who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a when_o almighty_a god_n design_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o man_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o pattern_n after_o which_o he_o be_v first_o 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take_v away_o his_o life_n whatever_o he_o say_v or_o do_v though_o never_o so_o innocent_a never_o so_o excellent_a have_v some_o bad_a interpretation_n put_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o great_a and_o shine_a virtue_n of_o his_o life_n be_v turn_v into_o crime_n and_o matter_n of_o accusation_n for_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n he_o be_v call_v a_o magician_n for_o his_o endeavour_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o vice_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o his_o free_a and_o oblige_a conversation_n a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n all_o the_o benefit_n which_o he_o do_v to_o man_n and_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o so_o liberal_o shed_v among_o the_o people_n be_v construe_v to_o be_v a_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o popularity_n and_o do_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o move_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o king_n enough_o to_o have_v discourage_v the_o great_a goodness_n and_o have_v put_v a_o damp_n upon_o the_o most_o 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forsake_v our_o saviour_n and_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v often_o and_o serious_o think_v upon_o that_o our_o saviour_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n represent_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n acquit_v and_o condemn_v man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a which_o they_o have_v do_v or_o neglect_v to_o do_v in_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n for_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o clothing_n the_o naked_a and_o visit_v the_o sick_a or_o for_o neglect_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o plain_o and_o effectual_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v good_a in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n there_o be_v many_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o altogether_o neglect_v the_o do_n of_o this_o work_n who_o yet_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v and_o hinder_v themselves_o from_o do_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v employ_v about_o other_o duty_n and_o part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o private_a and_o public_a with_o prayer_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v sermon_n and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o have_v scarce_o any_o leisure_n to_o mind_v the_o do_v of_o good_a and_o charitable_a office_n to_o other_o or_o if_o they_o have_v they_o hope_v god_n will_v pardon_v his_o servant_n in_o this_o thing_n and_o accept_v of_o their_o piety_n and_o devotion_n instead_o of_o all_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o these_o two_o part_n of_o religion_n come_v in_o competition_n devotion_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o charity_n mercy_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n prayer_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v to_o dispose_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o make_v we_o more_o ready_a and_o forward_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mockery_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o pretence_n of_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n to_o neglect_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o because_o we_o be_v always_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v good_a to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v for_o ever_o excuse_v from_o do_v any_o other_o be_v take_v up_o in_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n and_o spend_v all_o their_o zeal_n and_o heat_n about_o some_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o but_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v excuse_v from_o those_o mean_a kind_n of_o duty_n because_o they_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o imagine_v in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a way_n as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o king_n in_o his_o war_n use_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o tax_n and_o office_n but_o do_v those_o man_n consider_v upon_o what_o kind_n of_o duty_n more_o especial_o our_o bless_a 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at_o last_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a felicity_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o only_a good_a use_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o prosperous_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n eccl._n 3.12_o i_o know_v that_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 do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n and_o a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a than_o solomon_n have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v three_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o do_v good_a be_v to_o imitate_v the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o that_o which_o he_o esteem_v his_o great_a glory_n and_o that_o be_v his_o goodness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o live_v in_o the_o world_n go_v about_o do_v good_a it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o great_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o be_v charitable_a and_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a angel_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o god_n to_o man_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n more_o especial_o be_v the_o great_a pattern_n which_o our_o religion_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o because_o that_o very_a goodness_n which_o it_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o that_o good_a which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n this_o shall_v mighty_o endear_v the_o example_n to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o forward_o to_o imitate_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v for_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o there_o be_v this_o considerable_a difference_n between_o our_o saviour_n charity_n to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o other_o he_o do_v all_o pure_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o for_o our_o benefit_n whereas_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o be_v a_o great_a good_n do_v to_o ourselves_o they_o indeed_o be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o the_o kindness_n we_o do_v they_o and_o we_o to_o they_o for_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o every_o ignorant_a person_n that_o come_v in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o we_o every_o sinner_n who_o we_o reclaim_v every_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a man_n who_o we_o relieve_v be_v a_o happy_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o principle_n the_o best_a and_o the_o happy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v govern_v his_o life_n and_o action_n esteem_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v four_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o next_o to_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n himself_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v to_o he_o it_o be_v one_o half_a of_o the_o law_n and_o next_o to_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o very_o like_a unto_o it_o like_v to_o it_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o obligation_n for_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o the_o first_o commandment_n excel_v in_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o second_o have_v the_o advantage_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n for_o our_o righteousness_n extend_v not_o to_o god_n we_o can_v do_v he_o no_o real_a benefit_n but_o our_o charity_n to_o man_n be_v real_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n god_n be_v content_v in_o many_o case_n that_o the_o external_a honour_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o his_o positive_a command_n he_o require_v of_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o natural_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a a_o value_n he_o put_v upon_o charity_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o reject_v all_o other_o profession_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o false_a and_o insincere_a if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v five_o this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o great_a comfort_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o man_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a estate_n they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o great_a place_n they_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o because_o they_o be_v leave_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o will_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o stead_n in_o the_o other_o world_n riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n will_v refresh_v our_o soul_n even_o under_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n with_o what_o contentment_n do_v a_o good_a man_n than_o look_v upon_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n and_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v he_o look_v over_o into_o the_o other_o world_n where_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o himself_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o for_o though_o our_o estate_n will_v not_o follow_v we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n our_o good_a work_n will_v though_o we_o can_v carry_v our_o riches_n along_o with_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v send_v they_o before_o we_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o reception_n into_o everlasting_a habitation_n in_o short_a work_v of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n will_v comfort_v we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o plead_v for_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o consideration_n i_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o do_v good_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o if_o we_o believe_v god_n himself_o he_o have_v make_v more_o particular_a and_o encourage_v promise_n to_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o any_o other_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n be_v many_o and_o great_a it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o derive_v a_o last_a blessing_n upon_o our_o estate_n act_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o best_a deed_n of_o settlement_n we_o gain_v the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v to_o come_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o destitute_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o cry_n charity_n be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o in_o time_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o special_a promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v engage_v to_o preserve_v from_o want_v those_o that_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o other_o but_o likewise_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v way_n for_o its_o own_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n he_o that_o be_v charitable_a to_o other_o provide_v a_o supply_n and_o retreat_n for_o himself_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n for_o he_o provoke_v mankind_n by_o his_o example_n to_o like_o tenderness_n towards_o he_o and_o prudent_o bespeak_v the_o commiseration_n of_o other_o against_o it_o come_v to_o be_v his_o turn_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n make_v a_o man_n more_o and_o sure_a friend_n than_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o such_o as_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o danger_n for_o a_o good_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v it_o be_v excellent_a counsel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n lay_v up_o thy_o treasure_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o it_o shall_v bring_v thou_o more_o profit_n than_o gold_n shut_v up_o thy_o alm_n in_o thy_o store-house_n and_o it_o shall_v deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o affliction_n it_o shall_v fight_v for_o thou_o against_o thy_o enemy_n better_o than_o a_o mighty_a shield_n and_o strong_a spear_n it_o have_v sometime_o happen_v that_o the_o obligation_n that_o man_n have_v lay_v upon_o other_o by_o their_o charity_n have_v in_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o extremity_n do_v they_o more_o kindness_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o estate_n can_v do_v for_o they_o and_o their_o alm_n have_v literal_o deliver_v they_o from_o death_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n where_o the_o return_n of_o do_v good_a will_v be_v vast_o great_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v now_o expect_v or_o imagine_v for_o god_n take_v all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o as_o a_o debt_n upon_o himself_o and_o he_o have_v estate_n and_o treasure_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o great_a obligation_n we_o can_v lay_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n for_o our_o security_n that_o what_o we_o scatter_v and_o sow_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o expense_n in_o do_v good_a for_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v recompense_v and_o crown_v with_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n finis_fw-la bishop_n sanderson_n juven_n vell._n patere_fw-la seneca_n seneca_n tully_n tully_n aristides_n antonin_n lib._n 10._o