promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o holy_a office_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o with_o such_o reverence_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o ambassador_n of_o god_n to_o the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n not_o that_o the_o true_o humble_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v a_o blind_a assent_n to_o whatever_o he_o hear_v deliver_v from_o a_o pulpit_n or_o that_o he_o be_v present_o to_o renounce_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n whenever_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o his_o immediate_a pastor_n no_o we_o do_v not_o claim_v this_o dominion_n over_o the_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o do_v not_o require_v a_o absolute_a assent_n to_o all_o we_o say_v only_o thus_o much_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v and_o aught_o to_o think_v his_o duty_n not_o to_o oppose_v every_o private_a scruple_n of_o his_o own_o to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v much_o less_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o manifest_a and_o plain_a ground_n he_o ought_v rather_o to_o distrust_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o public_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n for_o further_a information_n before_o he_o be_v positive_a in_o his_o opinion_n he_o ought_v to_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o humility_n to_o his_o superior_n to_o desire_v satisfaction_n from_o they_o and_o he_o ought_v to_o attend_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a lest_o any_o prejudice_n or_o self-interest_n shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n and_o than_o if_o after_o a_o due_a diligence_n he_o find_v himself_o still_o unconvince_v yet_o still_o humility_n will_v oblige_v he_o not_o to_o judge_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o he_o nor_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o he_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o he_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v to_o be_v be_v unlawful_a now_o he_o that_o proce_v with_o this_o humility_n and_o deliberation_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a to_o he_o this_o humble_a temper_n will_v either_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o superior_n or_o at_o least_o will_v secure_v he_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o error_n for_o simple_a error_n be_v not_o dangerous_a in_o itself_o unless_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o culpable_a cause_n or_o unless_o it_o lead_v to_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n and_o this_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v hardly_o be_v tempt_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o private_a opinion_n 4._o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o matter_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v not_o require_v great_a evidence_n for_o reveal_v truth_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v of_o and_o indeed_o the_o want_n of_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n many_o disputer_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n to_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v a_o paradox_n and_o to_o stand_v their_o ground_n against_o all_o opposition_n these_o man_n seek_v not_o truth_n but_o victory_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o as_o to_o amuse_v other_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v a_o objection_n which_o they_o think_v their_o adversary_n can_v answer_v they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o think_v that_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o all_o positive_a argument_n whatsoever_o now_o this_o perverse_a and_o conceit_a way_n of_o dispute_v render_v man_n very_o unfit_a to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o science_n but_o especial_o in_o religion_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o proof_n but_o that_o a_o perverse_a and_o unteachable_a spirit_n may_v find_v some_o kind_n of_o evasion_n to_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o may_v raise_v some_o kind_n of_o groundless_a suspicion_n that_o possible_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v there_o represent_v the_o evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o these_o day_n do_v in_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o historical_a truth_n of_o those_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v attest_v by_o as_o credible_a witness_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o or_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o still_o a_o man_n that_o be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a may_v say_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o convince_a than_o that_o of_o witness_n that_o see_v be_v believe_v and_o if_o i_o can_v see_v some_o of_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_v wrought_v now_o which_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n i_o will_v believe_v but_o as_o for_o these_o historical_a narration_n if_o either_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o do_v intend_v to_o deceive_v or_o delude_v posterity_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v those_o relation_n be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o now_o although_o it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n so_o cheerful_o in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o themselves_o or_o with_o intention_n to_o deceive_v other_o though_o this_o be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n what_o further_a argument_n can_v be_v use_v to_o convince_v he_o for_o what_o further_a evidence_n can_v we_o expect_v of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n in_o what_o he_o say_v than_o that_o he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o attest_v it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o then_o for_o their_o knowledge_n in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v well_o appeal_v to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n wherewith_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v that_o such_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n yet_o still_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n be_v not_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n that_o be_v resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o nothing_o but_o sensible_a demonstration_n must_v expect_v to_o go_v away_o unsatisfied_a as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n but_o now_o a_o humble_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n such_o a_o one_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a in_o his_o proceed_n he_o will_v content_v himself_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o the_o thing_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v require_v no_o great_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o those_o perverse_a disputer_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o that_o rational_a evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v though_o they_o see_v a_o miracle_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o in_o a_o like_a case_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o arise_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v at_o first_o confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o miracle_n but_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o father_n concern_v it_o and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n upon_o that_o evidence_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v now_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n at_o the_o
may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o judgement_n therefore_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o so_o frequent_o forbid_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n in_o matter_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a 2._o neither_o be_v we_o forbid_v all_o kind_n of_o judgement_n of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n from_o their_o outward_a and_o visible_a practice_n though_o we_o have_v no_o superiority_n over_o they_o we_o be_v still_o allow_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o distinguish_v between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o know_v who_o to_o avoid_v and_o who_o to_o associate_v ourselves_o with_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a prudence_n so_o to_o do_v the_o action_n of_o many_o man_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o notorious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o mild_a and_o easy_a interpretation_n and_o shall_v we_o stay_v till_o public_a authority_n have_v set_v a_o mark_n upon_o such_o person_n before_o we_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o innocence_n and_o security_n by_o forsake_v their_o acquaintance_n and_o conversation_n we_o may_v in_o time_n grow_v partaker_n in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o bad_a company_n and_o example_n do_v insensible_o prevail_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o betray_v we_o into_o evil_n and_o unless_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o some_o person_n from_o the_o action_n we_o see_v we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n or_o beware_v of_o they_o nay_o further_o christian_a charity_n itself_o which_o oblige_v we_o against_o all_o rash_a and_o malicious_a censure_n of_o other_o man_n do_v in_o many_o case_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o exact_a of_o we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o and_o be_v jealous_a over_o they_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v to_o they_o seasonable_a reproof_n and_o admonition_n before_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o kind_n of_o judgement_n if_o it_o be_v exercise_v with_o true_a charity_n and_o moderation_n out_o of_o a_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o offend_a brother_n there_o be_v a_o reward_n annex_v s._n james_n v._n 19_o brethren_n if_o any_o of_o you_o do_v err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o one_o convert_v he_o let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o that_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n now_o we_o shall_v be_v exclude_v both_o from_o this_o duty_n and_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o jawful_a to_o judge_v of_o man_n in_o some_o measure_n by_o what_o we_o hear_v and_o see_v 3._o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o judge_v and_o pass_v censure_n upon_o ourselves_o for_o this_o be_v elsewhere_o make_v our_o duty_n and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o as_o a_o great_a mean_n to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o this_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n xi_o 31._o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o will_v man_n find_v leisure_n serious_o to_o examine_v their_o own_o life_n and_o action_n and_o to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o then_o so_o free_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o those_o practice_n to_o which_o they_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v due_a they_o will_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n to_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o circumspect_a walk_v with_o god_n and_o when_o they_o have_v through_o inadvertency_n and_o neglect_n yield_v to_o temptation_n by_o a_o due_a examination_n and_o judge_v of_o themselves_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n before_o they_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o see_v the_o power_n of_o conscience_n be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o our_o action_n and_o be_v thereby_o more_o vigorous_o engage_v to_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n and_o eschew_v evil_a upon_o a_o prospect_n of_o a_o future_a and_o more_o dreadful_a judgement_n that_o will_v otherwise_o ensue_v when_o therefore_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o verse_n 3._o that_o he_o judge_v not_o his_o own_o self_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o though_o he_o make_v no_o judgement_n at_o all_o of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o action_n and_o particular_o of_o his_o discharge_n of_o his_o apostolic_a office_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o final_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o that_o although_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o himself_o as_o he_o declare_v verse_n 4._o yet_o he_o be_v not_o thereby_o justify_v in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n who_o know_v better_o how_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o and_o will_v judge_v more_o impartial_o than_o he_o himself_o can_v and_o then_o immediate_o subjoin_v the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v except_v from_o the_o general_a prohibition_n the_o sin_n which_o be_v here_o forbid_a be_v the_o uncharitable_a practice_n of_o censure_v and_o condemn_v other_o man_n without_o any_o probable_a or_o just_a ground_n when_o man_n take_v occasion_n from_o little_a circumstance_n and_o appearance_n to_o judge_v the_o person_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o inward_a thought_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o they_o take_v up_o a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o he_o from_o every_o idle_a report_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o spread_v and_o divulge_v the_o same_o to_o his_o prejudice_n when_o they_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o lessen_v and_o detract_v from_o the_o good_a he_o do_v and_o aggravate_v the_o evil_n this_o unchristian_a practice_n be_v capable_a of_o many_o degree_n and_o aggravation_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o particular_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n in_o general_n that_o whoever_o will_v consider_v calm_o with_o himself_o how_o he_o will_v have_v his_o neighbour_n deal_v with_o he_o in_o the_o like_a matter_n with_o what_o candour_n and_o simplicity_n he_o will_v have_v he_o judge_v of_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n how_o loath_a he_o will_v be_v to_o have_v the_o worst_a interpretation_n make_v of_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n and_o how_o willing_a he_o will_v have_v other_o be_v to_o admit_v his_o excuse_n if_o not_o to_o take_v away_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o lessen_v and_o alleviate_v the_o guilt_n of_o any_o miscarriage_n such_o a_o one_o can_v but_o understand_v what_o those_o degree_n of_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v which_o be_v here_o forbid_v i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o three_o consideration_n 1._o from_o the_o baseness_n of_o its_o original_n 2._o from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o person_n we_o censure_v unjust_o 3._o from_o the_o mischief_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a by_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o one_o another_o 1._o for_o the_o original_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o censure_v and_o revile_v one_o another_o i_o think_v it_o may_v ordinary_o be_v resolve_v into_o one_o of_o these_o three_o principle_n 1._o secret_a pride_n and_o overvalue_a ourselves_o man_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o real_a worth_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o mighty_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o buoy_v up_o themselves_o in_o that_o conceit_n but_o to_o pick_v fault_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o other_o man_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o humour_n of_o too_o many_o pretender_n to_o the_o strictness_n of_o religion_n who_o if_o they_o declare_v a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o some_o particular_a fault_n of_o their_o neighbour_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o natural_a inclination_n or_o present_a interest_n be_v apt_a vain_o to_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o vaunt_v it_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luke_n xviii_o 10._o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n now_o the_o unreasonable_a folly_n of_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o abstinence_n from_o some_o particular_a sin_n which_o i_o may_v apprehend_v other_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o in_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o what_o
be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mortal_a eye_n though_o never_o so_o impartial_a to_o discern_v right_o of_o he_o or_o his_o action_n beside_o there_o be_v few_o man_n so_o impartial_a in_o their_o judgement_n as_o to_o take_v in_o all_o circumstance_n even_o of_o outward_a appearance_n we_o too_o frequent_o pass_v censure_n according_a to_o our_o own_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o be_v often_o bias_v by_o our_o zeal_n interest_n or_o affection_n which_o do_v usual_o as_o much_o misrepresent_v person_n and_o action_n to_o our_o understanding_n as_o colour_a medium_n do_v object_n to_o the_o eye_n thence_o arise_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o several_a judgement_n man_n make_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n nay_o so_o deceitful_a be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o hardly_o to_o be_v search_v into_o that_o we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o our_o own_o action_n we_o have_v many_o art_n to_o deceive_v ourselves_o many_o secret_a evasion_n and_o false_a pretence_n to_o beget_v a_o opinion_n of_o our_o own_o worth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o hide_v ourselves_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v from_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o other_o man_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o come_v be_v of_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n alone_o to_o understand_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o heart_n this_o god_n testify_v of_o himself_o jer._n xvii_o 9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n i_o try_v the_o reins_o even_o to_o give_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o do_n again_o prov._n xxiv_o 12._o if_o thou_o say_v behold_v we_o know_v it_o not_o do_v not_o he_o which_o ponder_v the_o heart_n consider_v it_o and_o he_o that_o keep_v thy_o soul_n do_v not_o he_o know_v it_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o god_n can_v discern_v those_o inward_o act_n of_o piety_n which_o a_o good_a man_n be_v employ_v in_o though_o they_o meet_v with_o censure_n and_o reproach_n among_o man_n and_o can_v as_o easy_o unmask_v all_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n since_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o he_o now_o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o consideration_n to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o judge_v before_o the_o time_n be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a for_o what_o more_o reasonable_a motive_n to_o restrain_v our_o curiosity_n in_o pry_v into_o and_o censure_v the_o action_n of_o other_o than_o that_o the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o if_o we_o make_v a_o false_a and_o uncharitable_a judgement_n we_o shall_v be_v plain_o convince_v of_o it_o before_o god_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o then_o who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n to_o see_v those_o man_n who_o we_o have_v unjust_o censure_v and_o revile_v receive_v praise_n from_o the_o unerring_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o for_o those_o very_a action_n which_o we_o here_o condemn_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o righteousness_n the_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n 2._o a_o further_a consideration_n to_o dissuade_v from_o all_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o he_o alone_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v that_o lord_n who_o creature_n we_o be_v and_o on_o who_o we_o depend_v daily_o for_o our_o support_n and_o well-being_n have_v only_o absolute_a right_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o and_o except_o in_o those_o case_n where_o he_o have_v delegated_a his_o authority_n to_o prince_n parent_n and_o other_o governor_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o determine_v those_o outward_a action_n that_o concern_v society_n he_o have_v reserve_v the_o power_n of_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o of_o judge_v according_a to_o they_o to_o himself_o only_o and_o therefore_o beside_o the_o presumption_n which_o while_o we_o judge_v other_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o ourselves_o by_o bold_o intrude_a into_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v not_o we_o do_v withal_o sacrilegious_o invade_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o god_n to_o who_o alone_a judgement_n belong_v this_o be_v st._n james_n argument_n james_n four_o 12._o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o and_o s._n paul_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n rom._n fourteen_o 4._o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o to_o conclude_v three_o and_o last_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v before_o the_o time_n because_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o will_v be_v the_o severe_a avenger_n of_o all_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o our_o brethren_n this_o he_o himself_o assure_v we_o s._n matt._n seven_o 1_o 2._o judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v for_o with_o what_o judgement_n you_o judge_v you_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o with_o what_o measure_v you_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o you_o again_o and_o from_o this_o ground_n s._n paul_n argue_v rom._n two_o 1._o therefore_o thou_o inexcusable_a o_o man_n whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o judge_v for_o wherein_o thou_o judge_v another_o thou_o condemne_v thyself_o for_o thou_o that_o judge_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n verse_n the_o three_o and_o think_v thou_o this_o o_o man_n that_o judge_v they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o do_v the_o same_o that_o thou_o shall_v escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n now_o i_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v equal_o cogent_a whether_o he_o be_v understand_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o sin_n in_o specie_fw-la or_o rather_o of_o other_o sin_n of_o equal_a guilt_n since_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o judge_v our_o neighbour_n for_o some_o particular_a sin_n when_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o as_o heinous_a be_v altogether_o as_o evident_a as_o though_o we_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o condemn_v he_o for_o and_o therefore_o s._n paul_n himself_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o that_o chapter_n when_o he_o pursue_v the_o same_o argument_n make_v his_o instance_n not_o only_o in_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n but_o of_o equal_a degree_n verse_n 22._o thou_o that_o abhor_v idol_n commit_v thou_o sacrilege_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v how_o dreadful_a his_o condition_n must_v needs_o be_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n if_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o come_v shall_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o shall_v deal_v with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o then_o he_o can_v want_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o a_o meek_a and_o candid_a interpretation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o especial_o if_o he_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n which_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n which_o show_v of_o mercy_n do_v not_o consist_v bare_o in_o the_o relieve_n the_o want_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n but_o in_o a_o universal_a charity_n as_o well_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o in_o a_o humble_a forbearance_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n as_o in_o other_o act_n of_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n it_o remain_v now_o since_o we_o all_o believe_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o lord_n will_v certain_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n that_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o his_o come_n as_o by_o all_o other_o exercise_n of_o holy_a live_n so_o more_o particular_o by_o meekness_n and_o charity_n towards_o other_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o other_o man_n we_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n capable_a of_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n vi_fw-la 37._o judge_v not_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v condemn_v not_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v serm._n iii_o john_n seven_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o he_o that_o consider_v with_o himself_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v prevail_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o great_a zeal_n and_o animosity_n wherewith_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n be_v wont_a to_o maintain_v the_o distinguish_a opinion_n of_o their_o party_n scarce_o
his_o good_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o though_o god_n will_v infuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o miracle_n but_o that_o those_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v blessed_v by_o he_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o old_a oeconomy_n the_o jew_n be_v refer_v to_o moses_n for_o their_o instruction_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o these_o man_n and_o their_o successor_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n in_o order_n to_o instruction_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o these_o themselves_o we_o may_v have_v recourse_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o as_o a_o certain_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o their_o successor_n we_o have_v recourse_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a ministry_n who_o derive_v their_o commission_n by_o a_o continue_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o ordain_v other_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o these_o person_n thus_o impower_v all_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o apply_v themselves_o with_o humility_n and_o diligence_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n abovementioned_a he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n 3._o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n imply_v further_a that_o in_o our_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n and_o in_o our_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o we_o must_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o express_v in_o the_o text._n many_o there_o be_v who_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a after_o truth_n but_o they_o have_v ofttimes_o very_o different_a and_o undue_a end_n in_o their_o enquiry_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o to_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n sometime_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v their_o party_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o with_o some_o plausible_a show_n of_o reason_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o for_o ostentation_n and_o vainglory_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v wise_a and_o more_o learned_a than_o their_o neighbour_n and_o sometime_o they_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n as_o other_o man_n do_v their_o merchandise_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o gain_n of_o it_o and_o provide_v for_o their_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n now_o now_o all_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o enquirer_n may_v possible_o attain_v the_o several_a end_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v grow_v learned_a and_o wise_a in_o the_o ordinary_a account_n of_o man_n they_o may_v grow_v rich_a and_o gain_v esteem_n and_o applause_n among_o man_n and_o in_o this_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n but_o still_o they_o may_v want_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o any_o that_o do_v not_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n this_o alone_a make_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o full_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v talk_v superficial_o about_o religious_a matter_n or_o that_o can_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v dispute_v learned_o about_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o decide_v controverfy_v not_o every_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o accomplish_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o our_o saviour_n sense_n no_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n absolute_o and_o entire_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v receive_v a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o than_o can_v be_v gain_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o most_o convince_a demonstration_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o soul_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v such_o as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubtfulness_n or_o dispute_v 4._o we_o must_v not_o only_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o this_o as_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o enquiry_n but_o we_o must_v actual_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n we_o already_o know_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o attaim_v to_o a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o he_o already_o know_v he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o submit_v to_o those_o further_a instruction_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o place_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o exact_v this_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v practice_v those_o duty_n they_o already_o know_v if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o persuade_v man_n first_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o to_o promise_v they_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o enter_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o live_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v without_o be_v satisfy_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o that_o be_v true_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o require_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a duty_n and_o interest_n to_o obey_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o sad_a experience_n that_o many_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v yet_o very_o backward_o to_o practice_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o but_o how_o much_o more_o unwilling_o will_v they_o undertake_v this_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o they_o have_v obey_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v in_o part_n be_v understand_v of_o those_o previous_a instruction_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n have_v before_o receive_v the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o discourse_n have_v the_o instruction_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v understand_v the_o principal_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v a_o great_a preparation_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o for_o those_o enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n no_o man_n can_v ordinary_o grow_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a society_n to_o a_o age_n capable_a of_o such_o inquiry_n but_o must_v have_v be_v competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n in_o the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n those_o three_o great_a branch_n of_o duty_n which_o s._n paul_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o of_o so_o evident_a a_o obligation_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n especial_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o live_v so_o suppose_v we_o then_o a_o man_n competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n whether_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o his_o
mind_n or_o conscience_n as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o heathen_n or_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n or_o last_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o among_o ourselves_o be_v who_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o near_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o suppose_v we_o a_o man_n already_o instruct_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n in_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o practice_n desirous_a of_o further_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o live_v up_o to_o those_o principle_n he_o be_v already_o instruct_v in_o resolve_v also_o to_o submit_v obedient_o to_o whatsoever_o else_o upon_o his_o further_a enquiry_n he_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n such_o a_o man_n thus_o prepare_v by_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v belong_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o success_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o this_o preparation_n and_o here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v brief_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v before_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v therefore_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o universal_o as_o though_o no_o man_n who_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o kind_n of_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v contradict_v by_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n for_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o suppose_v that_o among_o most_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n in_o religion_n who_o maintain_v great_a controversy_n with_o one_o another_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v some_o person_n true_o devout_a and_o sincere_a on_o both_o side_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n true_o religious_a shall_v not_o err_v at_o all_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v lead_v into_o such_o error_n as_o be_v dangerous_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o salvation_n and_o indeed_o the_o promise_n in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o so_o general_a term_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o require_v any_o large_a interpretation_n than_o this_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o now_o beliver_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v extend_v beyond_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o he_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n 2._o he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v also_o concern_v those_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n these_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o undoubted_a effect_n of_o a_o religious_a frame_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a to_o all_o who_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n and_o this_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o natural_a influence_n that_o a_o religious_a temper_n of_o mind_n have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o divine_a truth_n 2._o the_o peculiar_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v a_o true_o religious_a man_n to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o former_a and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n have_v a_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n to_o clear_v its_o discern_a faculty_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o particular_a duty_n which_o be_v of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a immediate_a influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o consideration_n of_o which_o it_o will_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o these_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n the_o duty_n i_o shall_v particular_o insist_v on_o be_v these_o 1._o simplicity_n of_o mind_n without_o prejudice_n 2._o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n 3._o humility_n 4._o calmness_n of_o temper_n 5._o prayer_n to_o god_n these_o be_v all_o duty_n of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v presume_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o unwilling_a to_o practice_v they_o if_o he_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 1._o he_o that_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o this_o intention_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n not_o bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n such_o a_o one_o will_v consider_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o petty_a reason_n that_o a_o strong_a imagination_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n article_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o no_o preconceive_a opinion_n which_o he_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v aside_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o distort_v and_o wrest_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o sense_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o former_o have_v but_o will_v ready_o yield_v up_o all_o his_o former_a notion_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o be_v natural_o oblige_v to_o this_o simplicity_n of_o judgement_n in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n be_v evident_a because_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o dispute_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o challenge_v from_o our_o adversary_n as_o our_o undoubted_a right_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v without_o prejudice_n and_o therefore_o we_o also_o ought_v to_o bring_v with_o we_o to_o a_o religious_a debate_n the_o same_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n which_o we_o expect_v from_o other_o and_o indeed_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n be_v high_o necessary_a and_o very_o advantageous_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n for_o certain_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n be_v very_o great_a to_o darken_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o mould_v they_o into_o such_o apprehension_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o party_n and_o prepossess_v with_o the_o distinguish_a opinion_n of_o their_o sect_n easy_o find_v way_n to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o analogy_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o their_o darling_n notion_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n in_o the_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o we_o must_v call_v in_o question_n all_o kind_n of_o preconception_n we_o have_v have_v concern_v religious_a matter_n some_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o religion_n of_o so_o great_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v he_o such_o be_v those_o preconception_n we_o have_v concern_v the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a just_a powerful_a faithful_a
conscience_n be_v as_o it_o be_v bribe_v in_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n now_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o that_o act_n by_o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o those_o who_o be_v manifest_o corrupt_v by_o their_o lust_n and_o smother_v and_o contradict_v their_o own_o reason_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v esteem_v fit_a man_n to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o judge_n of_o truth_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v any_o not_o reducible_a to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n be_v infinite_o a_o less_o number_n than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v constant_a witness_n to_o and_o assertor_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o they_o and_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o though_o the_o father_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v consider_v only_o as_o witness_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o general_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o yet_o their_o example_n add_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o choice_n in_o be_v religious_a though_o we_o have_v no_o further_a motive_n to_o it_o than_o this_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o who_o renounce_v religion_n do_v it_o either_o without_o or_o against_o their_o reason_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o competent_a evidence_n on_o their_o side_n who_o do_v so_o but_o the_o force_n of_o their_o example_n before_o mention_v will_v be_v yet_o more_o considerable_a to_o engage_v we_o to_o imitate_v their_o patience_n if_o we_o consider_v 2._o the_o great_a difference_n between_o their_o state_n and_o we_o and_o the_o far_o great_a advantage_n we_o enjoy_v above_o they_o how_o far_o their_o knowledge_n extend_v beyond_o the_o the_o principle_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a nor_o necessary_a to_o determine_v but_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a that_o their_o condition_n be_v much_o more_o imperfect_a than_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a the_o promise_n they_o receive_v be_v mysterious_a and_o unevident_a but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o case_n be_v much_o otherwise_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n under_o which_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v obscure_o represent_v of_o old_a be_v now_o exchange_v for_o the_o substance_n itself_o now_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v now_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o than_o they_o have_v in_o that_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o give_v he_o for_o we_o all_o we_o have_v a_o better_a prospect_n of_o the_o promise_a reward_n we_o have_v now_o clear_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o assist_v and_o support_v we_o in_o all_o our_o trial_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o run_v our_o race_n with_o patience_n these_o and_o many_o other_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n we_o enjoy_v these_o encouragement_n to_o practice_v we_o have_v receive_v beyond_o what_o the_o father_n be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n these_o all_o have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n through_o say_v receive_v not_o the_o promise_n god_n have_v provide_v some_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a now_o the_o inference_n from_o this_o consideration_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a for_o if_o the_o father_n before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o receive_v not_o those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o exercise_v so_o great_a degree_n of_o faith_n so_o mighty_a a_o confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n as_o to_o endure_v such_o bitter_a thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o we_o read_v they_o do_v how_o strong_o shall_v this_o excite_v and_o provoke_v our_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n to_o follow_v after_o they_o in_o this_o glorious_a enterprise_n and_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a and_o blush_v to_o read_v the_o history_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o virtue_n if_o we_o who_o enjoy_v so_o many_o advantage_n above_o they_o do_v yet_o come_v short_a of_o their_o bravery_n and_o resolution_n and_o constant_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n aught_o to_o have_v this_o further_a influence_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o like_o cheerful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o reward_n the_o crown_n we_o seek_v for_o the_o hard_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o have_v be_v long_o since_o accomplish_v by_o they_o and_o accomplish_v with_o such_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n such_o ravish_a apprehension_n of_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o they_o as_o perfect_o over-balanced_n all_o the_o difficulty_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o make_v they_o joyful_a and_o courageous_a amid_o the_o most_o severe_a torture_n let_v no_o man_n then_o pretend_v that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v that_o his_o law_n be_v hard_a or_o grievous_a to_o be_v do_v since_o we_o have_v see_v they_o fulfil_v in_o so_o high_a a_o manner_n and_o that_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a dispensation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o manifest_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o our_o task_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o example_n but_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v very_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a worthy_a our_o choice_n and_o constant_a embrace_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a danger_n and_o persecution_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o shall_v have_v express_v so_o constant_a a_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v for_o its_o sake_n it_o be_v a_o fansiful_a supposition_n of_o tully_n that_o if_o virtue_n can_v be_v see_v by_o bodily_a eye_n it_o will_v appear_v so_o comely_a and_o amiable_a so_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a that_o man_n will_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v this_o supposition_n be_v altogether_o extravagant_a because_o it_o may_v fair_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o great_a example_n of_o virtue_n some_o of_o which_o have_v appear_v in_o all_o age_n to_o vindicate_v its_o practice_n from_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n under_o which_o the_o folly_n and_o slothfulness_n of_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o represent_v it_o in_o brave_a and_o heroic_a example_n virtue_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o most_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a since_o there_o be_v none_o so_o barbarous_a and_o savage_a who_o will_v not_o follow_v a_o true_o virtuous_a man_n with_o reverence_n and_o applause_n though_o they_o see_v he_o ofttimes_o cloud_v by_o affliction_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o malicious_a and_o unjust_a the_o truth_n be_v no_o kind_n of_o argument_n have_v great_a advantage_n of_o persuasion_n and_o leave_v we_o more_o without_o excuse_n than_o good_a and_o virtuous_a example_n other_o may_v speak_v great_a thing_n in_o commendation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o reward_v prepare_v for_o it_o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o they_o live_v not_o 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conclusion_n and_o can_v such_o a_o argumentation_n deceive_v we_o can_v have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o faculty_n again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o early_a revelation_n make_v to_o man_n when_o they_o be_v yet_o few_o in_o number_n and_o retain_v in_o the_o dispersion_n of_o nation_n and_o still_o preserve_v notwithstanding_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n they_o fall_v into_o as_o to_o other_o matter_n this_o must_v be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n of_o that_o revelation_n at_o first_o and_o must_v consequent_o much_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v may_v have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o some_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o and_o thence_o derive_v and_o 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that_o day_n every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a that_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o man_n action_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n according_a to_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v receive_v the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o likewise_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o and_o plain_o teach_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o one_o will_v think_v man_n can_v not_o easy_o mistake_v or_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o righteous_a god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a and_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n the_o righteous_a therefore_o and_o they_o only_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a and_o they_o only_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o so_o and_o to_o invert_v this_o method_n will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o to_o all_o the_o method_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n say_v thus_o to_o the_o almighty_a wisd_v xij_o 15._o for_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o be_v righteous_a thyself_o thou_o ordere_v all_o thing_n righteous_o think_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o thy_o power_n to_o condemn_v he_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v to_o which_o we_o may_v also_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n to_o reward_v the_o unrighteous_a and_o disobedient_a and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o have_v all_o along_o declare_v the_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o the_o great_a severity_n against_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o that_o bring_v misery_n and_o death_n into_o the_o world_n for_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o contrive_v the_o way_n of_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o our_o redemption_n he_o will_v not_o admit_v we_o to_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n without_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o he_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n he_o bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n in_o our_o stead_n can_v be_v available_a to_o we_o or_o free_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o for_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n may_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n that_o so_o be_v save_v from_o our_o sin_n here_o we_o may_v be_v save_v from_o the_o wage_n of_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n to_o bring_v salvation_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n we_o can_v but_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v judge_v according_a to_o righteousness_n they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v a_o due_a recompense_n of_o their_o evil_a deed_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o several_a promise_n and_o threaten_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o along_o make_v use_n of_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o discourage_v and_o dissuade_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o do_v if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v due_a to_o any_o but_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o if_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v can_v be_v avoid_v any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o forsake_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o it_o be_v threaten_v thus_o saint_n paul_n argue_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n seven_o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thus_o again_o s._n peter_n i_o 4._o tell_v that_o by_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o