so_o call_v also_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n require_v either_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_v to_o some_o needful_a truth_n which_o perhaps_o do_v not_o often_o happen_v or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n to_o themselves_o which_o happen_v more_o often_o or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o frequent_a assent_v of_o a_o permanent_a persuasion_n fix_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o consideration_n which_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o frequent_a defect_n but_o now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o bare_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n but_o moreover_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n that_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_o to_o require_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o divine_a truth_n upon_o our_o soul_n cause_v by_o much_o conversation_n with_o they_o and_o think_v upon_o they_o now_o this_o i_o say_v that_o every_o act_n of_o meditation_n or_o think_v upon_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o distinct_a assent_n to_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o true_o and_o proper_o faith_n now_o because_o we_o be_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n therefore_o this_o scripture_n that_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a exhortation_n and_o consequent_o by_o justify_v faith_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o habitual_a and_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n effect_v by_o a_o frequent_a and_o just_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o such_o faith_n will_v justify_v because_o it_o will_v sanctify_v it_o will_v procure_v the_o relative_a change_n of_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n because_o it_o will_v procure_v the_o real_a or_o personal_a change_n of_o subdue_a our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o god_n from_o the_o heart_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n by_o constant_a consideration_n to_o have_v gain_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o by_o assiduity_n man_n come_v to_o have_v in_o all_o matter_n they_o frequent_o think_v of_o and_o converse_v about_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n but_o man_n be_v but_o half_o persuade_v that_o never_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a point_n wherein_o we_o exercise_v liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n viz._n whether_o we_o will_v consider_v or_o not_o i._n e._n whether_o we_o will_v often_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o a_o world_n to_o come_v or_o but_o very_o rare_o this_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n upon_o which_o our_o state_n turn_v and_o here_o lie_v the_o principal_a power_n we_o have_v still_o under_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o help_v and_o reform_v ourselves_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suggest_v by_o the_o scripture_n insist_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n for_o this_o show_v we_o where_o our_o strength_n lie_v nay_o the_o just_a himself_o live_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o he_o persevere_fw-la in_o righteousness_n and_o where_o such_o faith_n be_v as_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o conversation_n for_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o persuasion_n to_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a and_o when_o a_o man_n do_v ill_a it_o can_v be_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v well_o no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v of_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o profess_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o tit._n 1.16_o but_o work_v neither_o deny_v nor_o affirm_v any_o thing_n they_o only_o show_v whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v one_o or_o the_o other_o if_o then_o all_o that_o be_v disobedient_a be_v in_o a_o true_a sense_n unbeliever_n then_o all_o who_o full_o believe_v be_v holy_a by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n but_o if_o the_o command_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o have_v he_o not_o obey_v his_o belief_n have_v not_o be_v true_a therefore_o also_o where_o the_o belief_n be_v true_a where_o it_o be_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n where_o it_o do_v not_o come_v in_o as_o a_o sojourner_n but_o dwell_v rich_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o in_o short_a this_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o and_o with_o which_o we_o shall_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v final_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n stand_v have_v your_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breast_n plate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o above_o all_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o take_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o christian_a truth_n be_v our_o armour_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o humble_a man_n prayer_n be_v we_o and_o our_o care_n answerable_a lord_n we_o believe_v help_v thou_o our_o unbelief_n and_o may_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n increase_v our_o faith_n in_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o the_o second_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o word_n be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n for_o bring_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o true_a nature_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o proper_a use_n of_o faith_n under_o one_o text_n which_o possible_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v if_o you_o consider_v with_o i_o the_o very_a deep_a and_o yet_o clear_a sense_n of_o these_o excellent_a word_n the_o first_o clause_n of_o they_o contain_v a_o general_a proposition_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n the_o second_o contain_v a_o proof_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v etc._n etc._n by_o compare_v the_o proposition_n prove_v with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v every_o phrase_n and_o word_n of_o the_o text._n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o please_a god_n in_o the_o general_a proposition_n let_v we_o see_v what_o answer_v thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o please_a god_n be_v mean_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o to_o come_v to_o god_n be_v a_o obvious_a phrase_n signify_v to_o worship_n god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o apostle_n form_n of_o argue_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v to_o please_v he_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o to_o please_v god_n signify_v the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o god_n because_o the_o apostle_n intent_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o general_a proposition_n be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o each_o part_n thereof_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v all_o along_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n beside_o
a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o from_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o arise_v a_o full_a obligation_n to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n our_o propensity_n to_o wickedness_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n that_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o other_o motive_n beside_o these_o in_o order_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o effect_n upon_o we_o we_o know_v we_o be_v sinner_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v our_o continuance_n in_o sin_n by_o pretend_v that_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n we_o know_v our_o best_a action_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o question_v whether_o god_n will_v accept_v what_o we_o can_v do_v and_o make_v that_o a_o pretence_n of_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o we_o may_v we_o know_v our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o shall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n deliver_v ourselves_o from_o all_o care_n of_o please_a god_n under_o colour_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perform_v it_o by_o humane_a endeavour_n we_o know_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n be_v present_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n better_o if_o we_o shall_v forego_v they_o when_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n require_v it_o it_o have_v please_v therefore_o the_o alwise_a and_o all-good_a god_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o sinner_n to_o remove_v all_o these_o hindrance_n and_o by_o revelation_n to_o supply_v all_o these_o defect_n and_o satisfy_v we_o concern_v all_o these_o doubt_n viz._n by_o add_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n these_o follow_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o those_o that_o repent_v 2._o that_o he_o will_v accept_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o 3._o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v assist_v we_o in_o they_o and_o 4._o that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o reward_v we_o for_o they_o all_o which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o make_v up_o the_o entire_a foundation_n of_o faith_n have_v all_o their_o dependence_n upon_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o three_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o i_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n those_o be_v such_o which_o be_v immediate_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_n or_o subvert_v of_o those_o doubt_n which_o will_v hinder_v man_n from_o the_o care_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n notwithstanding_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v this_o man_n lie_v under_o a_o very_a powerful_a obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o worship_n and_o virtue_n and_o if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o motive_n be_v not_o subvert_v by_o other_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o care_n to_o please_v god_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o man_n who_o believe_v thus_o much_o shall_v indeed_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o man_n be_v through_o the_o sad_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n extreme_o averse_a from_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o prone_a to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a even_o all_o mankind_n more_o or_o less_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n if_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o there_o be_v several_a question_n in_o religion_n which_o unless_o they_o be_v satisfy_v the_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v afford_v so_o many_o pretence_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o care_n to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o godly_a and_o that_o these_o question_n can_v be_v satisfy_v nor_o consequent_o the_o doubt_n remove_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o principle_n though_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a evil_a state_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o constrain_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o must_v be_v assist_v and_o strengthen_v by_o such_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o will_v whole_o remove_v all_o those_o pretence_n which_o will_v be_v allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o a_o ungodly_a vicious_a life_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o other_o displease_v to_o he_o that_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v become_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a because_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o without_o which_o it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o his_o advantage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o future_a clear_v it_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v a_o hater_n of_o sin_n but_o whether_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o freewill_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v necessary_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n almighty_a god_n have_v by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n i._n e._n one_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o may_v further_o be_v allege_v that_o though_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v he_o all_o his_o past_a sin_n upon_o his_o return_n to_o obedience_n yet_o he_o be_v ignorant_a what_o degree_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v please_v for_o the_o future_a a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n he_o know_v no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o arrive_v unto_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o whether_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v consider_v all_o our_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o can_v know_v unless_o he_o be_v please_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o will_v almighty_a god_n have_v therefore_o by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o a_o good_a life_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o consider_v the_o great_a temptatation_n we_o be_v beset_v withal_o the_o natural_a aversation_n in_o we_o to_o good_a and_o propensity_n to_o evil_n the_o bad_a example_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o custom_n the_o prevelancy_n of_o passion_n the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a questionable_a whether_o humane_a endeavour_n can_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n which_o may_v just_o be_v call_v sincerity_n in_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o righteousness_n be_v impossible_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n without_o which_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o there_o be_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o the_o belief_n that_o he_o will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o repentance_n and_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v but_o weak_a motive_n to_o those_o endeavour_n almighty_a god_n therefore_o to_o encourage_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o temptatation_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o manner_n and_o measure_n proportionable_a to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o
though_o i_o be_v addict_v to_o sensuality_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o the_o vice_n of_o my_o natural_a constitution_n yet_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o quite_o another_o man_n than_o i_o be_v by_o my_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o much_o as_o there_o be_v of_o this_o in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o no_o more_o and_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v who_o can_v thus_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n so_o many_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o no_o more_o all_o other_o relief_n will_v fail_v all_o other_o foundation_n will_v ruin_v a_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n they_o will_v deceive_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n or_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o man_n may_v not_o deceive_v themselves_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v his_o precept_n and_o caution_n in_o this_o effectual_a manner_n therefore_o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n on_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o but_o let_v not_o that_o happen_v to_o we_o which_o st._n james_n say_v he_o that_o be_v a_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o a_o doer_n thereof_o be_v like_a to_o a_o man_n that_o behold_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n and_o for_o the_o time_n know_v himself_o but_o then_o go_v away_o and_o straightway_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v which_o similitude_n be_v not_o so_o much_o intend_v to_o expose_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o folly_n in_o hear_v and_o believe_v and_o in_o do_v nothing_o as_o to_o assign_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o i._n e._n if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n take_v care_n that_o the_o conviction_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o impression_n which_o it_o make_v upon_o your_o mind_n when_o you_o hear_v it_o do_v not_o slide_v away_o just_a as_o the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n countenance_n which_o the_o glass_n have_v make_v in_o his_o imagination_n vanish_v away_o when_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o glass_n and_o he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o know_v his_o own_o as_o any_o other_o man_n face_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v represent_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o show_v we_o our_o own_o action_n what_o they_o be_v and_o our_o conscience_n witness_v thereto_o while_o we_o hear_v those_o plain_a and_o powerful_a word_n of_o his_o which_z be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o evangelist_n but_o if_o we_o straightway_o forget_v what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o make_v his_o word_n abide_v in_o we_o then_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v we_o shall_v be_v hearer_n only_o but_o not_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n deceive_v our_o own_o self_n the_o eleven_o sermon_n john_n vii_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 among_o the_o many_o argument_n in_o scripture_n persuade_v to_o a_o upright_a intention_n and_o honest_a conversation_n this_o in_o the_o text_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v propound_v and_o consider_v as_o be_v not_o only_o weighty_a in_o itself_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o adapt_v to_o allure_v the_o curious_a temper_n of_o man_n and_o most_o proper_a for_o they_o who_o be_v most_o inquisitive_a after_o knowledge_n and_o likely_a to_o be_v effectual_a with_o the_o most_o prudent_a who_o aim_v at_o the_o best_a knowledge_n for_o 1._o the_o knowledge_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n be_v that_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o his_o revelation_n to_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v of_o infinite_a importance_n to_o we_o for_o it_o concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o shall_v invite_v we_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o through_o the_o most_o difficult_a method_n that_o can_v be_v propound_v but_o 2._o for_o our_o great_a encouragement_n the_o method_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v and_o obvious_a to_o all_o capacity_n it_o be_v easy_a likewise_o to_o put_v in_o practice_n it_o require_v nothing_o but_o a_o willing_a mind_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o will_v but_o walk_v according_a to_o his_o present_a light_n if_o he_o intend_v to_o learn_v that_o he_o may_v practise_v he_o shall_v know_v 3._o the_o promise_n be_v universal_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n be_v make_v to_o all_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n no_o man_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a be_v exclude_v therefore_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o promise_n the_o condition_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a to_o all_o but_o be_v perform_v the_o promise_n be_v sure_a to_o all_o therefore_o this_o method_n will_v fail_v no_o man_n for_o 4._o the_o promise_n be_v make_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n he_o himself_o who_o doctrine_n it_o be_v that_o we_o will_v learn_v and_o best_a know_v that_o method_n by_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v it_o have_v give_v we_o this_o assurance_n that_o if_o we_o make_v piety_n and_o virtue_n our_o first_o design_n we_o shall_v know_v 5._o the_o promise_n be_v universal_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n i._n e._n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a or_o great_o profitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v not_o therefore_o only_o learn_v in_o general_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v of_o god_n but_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n that_o be_v so_o so_o likewise_o he_o shall_v know_v the_o same_o thing_n better_o than_o he_o do_v before_o this_o method_n will_v confirm_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o best_a assurance_n it_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o wander_a and_o doubt_v afterward_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o know_v the_o same_o more_o perfect_o than_o the_o motive_n be_v proper_a to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v ourselves_o concern_v in_o it_o last_o it_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o follow_v this_o method_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o miss_v of_o happiness_n in_o that_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o prescribe_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o best_a knowledge_n what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o take_v that_o way_n of_o arrive_v to_o sound_a knowledge_n which_o have_v not_o only_o so_o great_a a_o promise_n to_o secure_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o miss_v of_o that_o end_n but_o which_o undoubted_o will_v secure_v a_o far_a end_n and_o one_o much_o better_a and_o more_o desirable_a than_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o complete_a happiness_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o ever_o but_o now_o although_o a_o man_n can_v by_o other_o method_n arrive_v to_o knowledge_n yet_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o provide_v for_o his_o happiness_n for_o though_o he_o have_v as_o clear_v a_o apprehension_n as_o a_o angel_n though_o he_o receive_v revelation_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o or_o by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o he_o have_v a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o determine_v all_o controversy_n for_o he_o and_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o darkness_n of_o every_o doubt_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o while_o he_o have_v a_o perverse_a and_o vicious_a will_n and_o be_v carry_v aside_o by_o wander_v and_o unruly_a affection_n and_o lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n he_o be_v certain_o in_o a_o way_n of_o error_n as_o damnable_a as_o heresy_n but_o he_o that_o arrive_v at_o knowledge_n this_o way_n do_v thereby_o also_o secure_v his_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o most_o powerful_a recommendation_n of_o our_o saviour_n way_n especial_o if_o you_o add_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o method_n by_o which_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o gain_v a_o fight_n understanding_n in_o religion_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o impious_a and_o profane_a man_n have_v apprehension_n as_o capable_a of_o judge_v what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a as_o good_a man_n and_o oftentimes_o their_o ability_n be_v great_a
godly_a life_n because_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o clear_a and_o active_a thought_n and_o conversant_a in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o indeterminate_a persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a by_o experience_n that_o some_o such_o do_v retain_v the_o faith_n but_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n consist_v viz._n 3._o the_o permanence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o constancy_n of_o frequent_a consideration_n upon_o what_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a and_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o particular_o and_o with_o application_n to_o himself_o but_o likewise_o by_o very_a much_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o present_a and_o habitual_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v two_o advantage_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a man_n 1._o his_o persuasion_n or_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a to_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o most_o need_v it_o i.e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o though_o one_o believe_v all_o the_o awaken_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v busy_a with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o at_o the_o time_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o present_a he_o be_v as_o much_o without_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_a fit_n there_o be_v indeed_o life_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v without_o sense_n and_o motion_n and_o for_o the_o time_n he_o differ_v not_o from_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a or_o rather_o as_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o one_o without_o any_o act_n of_o either_o so_o be_v there_o indeed_o in_o the_o other_o a_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o act_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o distinct_a and_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v will_v do_v much_o towards_o the_o restrain_v of_o a_o man_n lust_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o faith_n but_o then_o that_o faith_n which_o once_o be_v and_o now_o be_v not_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o always_o believe_v they_o as_o he_o shall_v do_v under_o a_o vigorous_a apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o great_a concernment_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o will_v come_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n that_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o through_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o may_v obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o our_o concernment_n in_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v just_o affect_v with_o they_o more_o than_o with_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o because_o these_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o now_o it_o be_v by_o a_o constancy_n of_o believe_v i._n e._n of_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o make_v they_o present_a to_o we_o that_o we_o come_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o other_o mean_n do_v without_o this_o and_o indeed_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v ineffectual_a without_o it_o and_o they_o be_v then_o effectual_a when_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n that_o we_o make_v be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o their_o frequent_a return_n make_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n natural_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v good_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o our_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o godliness_n otherwise_o than_o by_o accustom_v of_o we_o to_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n good_a education_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o otherwise_o promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n than_o by_o awaken_n our_o consideration_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o renew_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n affliction_n and_o judgement_n the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n the_o amaze_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n can_v of_o themselves_o work_v the_o reformation_n of_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v by_o beginning_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o that_o consideration_n which_o they_o continue_v afterward_o till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o faith_n that_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o believe_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o just_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v but_o by_o a_o constant_a consideration_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o future_a thing_n after_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o main_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n believe_v that_o he_o shall_v gain_v his_o health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
or_o wish_v and_o propose_v to_o be_v better_o nor_o of_o external_a penance_n fruitless_a ceremony_n vain_a commutation_n purchase_v dispensation_n and_o buy_v indulgency_n not_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o put_v together_o be_v repentance_n any_o man_n that_o have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o repentance_n to_o which_o pardon_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v altogether_o as_o broad_a and_o as_o long_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n so_o that_o god_n almighty_n have_v not_o issue_v out_o his_o pardon_n to_o any_o one_o sinner_n in_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a term_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o good_a nature_n whether_o he_o will_v thank_v he_o for_o it_o or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v be_v kind_a and_o leave_v his_o sin_n or_o ungrateful_a and_o continue_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v very_o foolish_a who_o fancy_n themselves_o such_o darling_n of_o heaven_n that_o for_o their_o sake_n god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n in_o determine_v to_o pardon_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n now_o to_o prevent_v all_o such_o presumption_n and_o fond_a conceit_n it_o be_v as_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v not_o lose_v his_o right_n to_o our_o obedience_n as_o that_o he_o will_v forbear_v to_o use_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v forbear_v that_o no_o long_o when_o he_o see_v his_o goodness_n do_v not_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n the_o same_o divine_a revelation_n which_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n do_v likewise_o assure_v we_o he_o be_v so_o just_a and_o wise_a as_o to_o pardon_v he_o only_o upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o indeed_o to_o pardon_v the_o incorrigible_a be_v not_o mercy_n but_o weakness_n he_o only_o be_v in_o a_o compassionable_a condition_n that_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o see_v then_o repentance_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o that_o out_o pardon_v be_v infallible_o secure_a upon_o that_o condition_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o this_o there_o arise_v a_o most_o pregnant_a and_o forcible_a engagement_n to_o the_o great_a care_n we_o can_v exert_v of_o live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 2._o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n this_o likewise_o be_v only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n see_v if_o god_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o that_o original_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o require_v unsinning_a duty_n and_o according_a to_o which_o no_o sinner_n can_v be_v justify_v i.e._n he_o may_v have_v measure_v our_o repentance_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n by_o our_o amendment_n according_a to_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o law_n without_o make_v any_o abatement_n for_o human_a frailty_n for_o invincible_a ignorance_n for_o surprise_v and_o those_o undueness_n of_o passion_n and_o those_o inadvertency_n which_o be_v thing_n of_o daily_a incursion_n but_o have_v it_o be_v thus_o little_a comfort_n can_v we_o have_v have_v from_o the_o belief_n that_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a if_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o nothing_o for_o that_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v short_a of_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n to_o arrive_v unto_o for_o he_o that_o proffer_v a_o benefit_n upon_o term_n impossible_a to_o the_o receiver_n do_v but_o disquiet_v he_o the_o more_o take_v away_o with_o the_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o give_v with_o the_o other_o therefore_o almighty_a god_n further_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n have_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o pardon_v our_o former_a sin_n upon_o that_o condition_n but_o he_o have_v so_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n what_o that_o life_n be_v which_o for_o the_o future_a he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v please_v withal_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v deter_v from_o attempt_v his_o service_n by_o any_o jealousy_n of_o his_o austerity_n and_o rigour_n towards_o we_o that_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o service_n and_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v a_o natural_a emanation_n from_o and_o a_o real_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o love_n to_o he_o which_o be_v to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a that_o we_o may_v serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n now_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n i._n e._n to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o very_a possible_a and_o the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o obedience_n therefore_o must_v be_v so_o too_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o love_n to_o god_n that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o due_a love_n to_o god_n be_v consistent_a with_o sin_n of_o mere_a frailty_n of_o unaffected_a ignorance_n of_o unavoidable_a surprise_n because_o these_o sin_n neither_o proceed_v from_o a_o evil_a will_n nor_o be_v whole_o vincible_a in_o our_o present_a state_n but_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o due_a love_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v with_o deliberate_a much_o less_o with_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o can_v consist_v with_o wilful_a much_o less_o with_o customary_a transgression_n of_o know_a and_o open_a law_n it_o can_v consist_v with_o sin_n proceed_v from_o affect_a ignorance_n much_o less_o with_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n which_o it_o be_v in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o avoid_v it_o can_v consist_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n commit_v they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o forbear_v they_o but_o he_o that_o love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n will_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v accept_v by_o almighty_a god_n i._n e._n he_o be_v reckon_v by_o he_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o according_a to_o the_o moderation_n and_o gentleness_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n not_o account_v a_o sinner_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o do_v indeed_o stand_v as_o much_o condemn_v and_o will_v as_o as_o certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o original_a law_n or_o the_o first_o covenant_n if_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o by_o those_o measure_n for_o those_o sin_n i_o say_v they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n or_o the_o second_o covenant_n because_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v our_o highpriest_n and_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n through_o who_o intercession_n they_o be_v remit_v upon_o our_o keep_n from_o all_o wilful_a sin_n and_o our_o endeavour_n after_o perfection_n but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o sacrifice_n offer_v for_o we_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o make_v such_o sin_n consistent_a with_o a_o justifiable_a state_n no_o they_o must_v be_v actual_o repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v it_o be_v only_o upon_o those_o term_n that_o our_o sacrifice_n remain_v in_o force_n and_o power_n to_o obtain_v our_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n here_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o proceed_v upon_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o difference_n between_o sin_n of_o weakness_n and_o sin_n of_o wilfulness_n to_o show_v as_o exact_o as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v wherein_o lie_v that_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n which_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v and_o which_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o we_o for_o but_o this_o will_v be_v to_o slide_v into_o a_o argument_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o general_a
necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o life_n as_o bread_n etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o child_n we_o must_v understand_v all_o spiritual_a help_n necessary_a for_o our_o improvement_n in_o religion_n and_o virtue_n viz._n which_o hold_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o bread_n etc._n etc._n hold_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o body_n this_o upon_o our_o ask_n i._n e._n upon_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o we_o may_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o we_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o viz._n such_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a help_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o none_o of_o we_o less_o and_o he_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o expect_v more_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n himself_o will_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v we_o will_v help_v and_o support_v we_o will_v prosper_v and_o guard_v we_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o we_o have_v we_o such_o a_o patron_n and_o defender_n to_o overlook_v and_o care_n for_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_n of_o necessary_a help_n and_o yet_o can_v we_o be_v dishearten_v and_o dismay_v can_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n leave_v we_o can_v our_o heart_n sink_v within_o we_o when_o such_o powerful_a aid_n be_v near_o when_o such_o mighty_a encouragement_n be_v by_o we_o be_v it_o not_o from_o hence_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v fail_v of_o do_v those_o thing_n wherewith_o god_n will_v be_v please_v and_o his_o favour_n obtain_v but_o it_o must_v be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o not_o obtain_v by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n or_o in_o not_o improve_n by_o his_o good_a action_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o he_o may_v have_v arrive_v to_o a_o regenerate_v estate_n and_o persevere_v therein_o for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o feign_a but_o a_o sincere_a promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v and_o increase_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v real_a it_o can_v imply_v no_o less_o and_o it_o need_v not_o imply_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o our_o spiritual_a need_n and_o if_o that_o provision_n be_v not_o effectual_a in_o the_o event_n no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o ourselves_o the_o belief_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o be_v a_o motive_n of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n both_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v to_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v we_o against_o all_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o likewise_o because_o it_o can_v but_o show_v we_o what_o great_a aggravation_n our_o sin_n must_v receive_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o because_o thereby_o we_o resist_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 4._o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o point_n of_o belief_n be_v not_o knowable_a but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o be_v discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o pardon_v our_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n assist_v our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o give_v we_o any_o other_o confidence_n about_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o pardon_n and_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n which_o be_v excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v the_o high_a confidence_n we_o can_v arrive_v unto_o about_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o can_v amount_v reasonable_o to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o hereupon_o we_o shall_v be_v exempt_v and_o release_v from_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o our_o sin_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v pardon_v sinner_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o such_o excellent_a and_o useful_a law_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v recompense_v the_o obedience_n of_o they_o with_o a_o present_a reward_n and_o thereupon_o shall_v remit_v the_o penalty_n due_a to_o sin_n this_o must_v needs_o argue_v as_o great_a goodness_n in_o god_n as_o any_o sinner_n can_v with_o reason_n or_o modesty_n expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o towards_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v over_o and_o above_o requite_v our_o imperfect_a if_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o free_a and_o ample_a reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o those_o reward_n shall_v be_v the_o high_a and_o full_a which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o long_o as_o our_o being_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n than_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o righteousness_n than_o life_n everlasting_a than_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o angel_n than_o the_o glorious_a and_o happy_a employment_n of_o spirit_n make_v perfect_a than_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v such_o abundant_a benignity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o sinner_n that_o it_o can_v flow_v from_o nothing_o but_o self-moving_a goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o unsought_a kindness_n and_o benevolence_n this_o can_v never_o be_v know_v by_o we_o but_o by_o god_n almighty_n revelation_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v labour_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o with_o modesty_n can_v never_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o if_o the_o declare_a promise_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o have_v not_o give_v we_o confidence_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o want_v no_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n he_o who_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n call_v we_o to_o repentance_n promise_v pardon_n thereupon_o and_o acceptance_n and_o assistance_n have_v moreover_o by_o the_o same_o messenger_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n his_o secret_a and_o hide_a purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o sinner_n by_o he_o i_o say_v he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a into_o a_o state_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o heaven_n this_o also_o after_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v a_o pregnant_a and_o strong_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o as_o the_o rest_n show_v the_o possibility_n thereof_o so_o this_o satisfi_v we_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o we_o thereby_o since_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v our_o rewarder_n if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v he_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v make_v for_o our_o advantage_n to_o accept_v of_o god_n pardon_n and_o to_o study_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o future_a the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n will_v captivate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o leave_v we_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o since_o the_o bountiful_a and_o righteous_a god_n have_v bid_v a_o everlasting_a immense_a reward_n for_o our_o poor_a and_o to_o he_o unprofitable_a but_o to_o ourselves_o most_o beneficial_a service_n what_o can_v be_v say_v in_o our_o excuse_n if_o we_o undervalue_v so_o magnificent_a and_o free_a a_o gift_n such_o rich_a grace_n and_o bounty_n if_o this_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o that_o a_o true_o good_a man_n find_v there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n to_o do_v they_o what_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o prefer_v a_o moment_n before_o eternity_n and_o those_o advantage_n we_o see_v but_o which_o we_o
and_o the_o most_o torment_a disease_n be_v to_o the_o body_n then_o he_o can_v compare_v the_o ease_n of_o go_v by_o one_o constant_a rule_n of_o piety_n and_o honesty_n in_o all_o his_o way_n with_o the_o labour_n of_o serve_v divers_a and_o contrary_a lust_n and_o with_o the_o distraction_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o be_v still_o put_v upon_o new_a expedient_n to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n then_o he_o can_v compare_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o that_o grief_n of_o be_v tell_v by_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v do_v ill_o which_o alone_o be_v more_o painful_a than_o all_o the_o hardship_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o need_v not_o gather_v how_o well_o it_o be_v with_o he_o at_o present_a by_o reflect_v upon_o his_o former_a restless_a state_n for_o those_o very_a height_n of_o christianity_n which_o at_o first_o trouble_v he_o most_o of_o all_o he_o now_o find_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n that_o command_n of_o forgive_a and_o love_a enemy_n which_o once_o make_v he_o almost_o despair_v of_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a now_o that_o he_o have_v subdue_v his_o passion_n to_o it_o give_v he_o a_o world_n of_o ease_n and_o make_v he_o feel_v a_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n which_o another_o man_n malice_n can_v disturb_v thus_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o thought_n and_o the_o alter_n of_o his_o natural_a temper_n from_o what_o it_o be_v make_v those_o good_a work_n to_o be_v perform_v with_o freedom_n and_o pleasure_n which_o be_v once_o tedious_a and_o unnatural_a and_o yet_o he_o be_v at_o first_o strange_o discourage_v at_o that_o obligation_n which_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n lay_v upon_o our_o inclination_n and_o thought_n nay_o that_o once_o frightful_a condition_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n now_o that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n upon_o it_o have_v fix_v his_o tranquillity_n and_o leave_v he_o free_a to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o reasonable_a pleasure_n of_o prosperity_n without_o vain_a fear_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v hereafter_o which_o be_v a_o peace_n that_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o so_o that_o the_o hard_a duty_n will_v give_v we_o the_o most_o perfect_a rest_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o terrible_a as_o they_o seem_v at_o a_o distance_n for_o if_o they_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o when_o we_o make_v a_o through_o trial_n of_o they_o but_o then_o we_o find_v that_o they_o be_v a_o rejoice_v to_o the_o heart_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v what_o be_v dry_a reason_n upon_o these_o thing_n to_o a_o lively_a experience_n of_o they_o and_o how_o can_v the_o resentment_n of_o a_o good_a man_n soul_n be_v understand_v without_o feel_v they_o in_o ourselves_o they_o be_v comfort_n too_o great_a for_o common_a expression_n nay_o the_o very_a best_a of_o holy_a man_n and_o those_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o inspiration_n have_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o describe_v they_o oh_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n say_v the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n i_o have_v long_v for_o thy_o salvation_n o_o lord_n and_o thy_o law_n be_v my_o delight_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o which_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o my_o soul_n have_v keep_v thy_o testimony_n and_o i_o love_v they_o exceed_o thus_o also_o st._n paul_n represent_v himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n under_o all_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o patience_n to_o be_v as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n what_o be_v these_o expression_n but_o the_o overflow_a of_o a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a joy_n which_o word_n can_v reach_v and_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o just_a conception_n till_o we_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v till_o we_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o learn_v of_o he_o and_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o ourselves_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v rest_n to_o our_o soul_n little_a thanks_o therefore_o do_v they_o deserve_v from_o jesus_n or_o from_o his_o disciple_n who_o pretend_v to_o show_v a_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n than_o that_o of_o repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n what_o need_v of_o invention_n and_o wit_n to_o avoid_v those_o commandment_n in_o the_o keep_n of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a reward_n that_o labour_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o much_o rest_n unless_o by_o rest_n we_o mean_v laziness_n why_o shall_v we_o at_o once_o cheat_v ourselves_o of_o that_o true_a rest_n which_o christ_n promise_v under_o his_o yoke_n and_o of_o that_o rest_v too_o which_o remain_v for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o a_o better_a life_n and_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o the_o late_a but_o by_o the_o former_a we_o may_v possible_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n be_v come_v that_o will_v undeceive_v we_o all_o as_o our_o lord_n have_v forewarn_v we_o and_o that_o in_o such_o plain_a and_o pregnant_a word_n that_o if_o we_o well_o mark_v they_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o false_a hope_n they_o be_v those_o word_n wherewith_o he_o conclude_v his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o with_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v also_o many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n therefore_o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o unto_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v not_o for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o but_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v another_o way_n shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n thereof_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o the_o old_a path_n and_o the_o good_a way_n that_o be_v my_o part_n and_o now_o it_o be_v you_o and_o i_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n which_o god_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n praise_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o five_o sermon_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n rom_n viii_o 28._o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n this_o say_n be_v at_o first_o deliver_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o christian_n under_o persecution_n to_o who_o st._n paul_n administer_v much_o consolation_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o persuade_v all_o other_o for_o in_o so_o uncertain_a a_o world_n as_o this_o what_o shall_v we_o desire_v more_o than_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a which_o as_o the_o text_n say_v shall_v happen_v to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n now_o to_o fasten_v those_o good_a thought_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o this_o text_n do_v very_o ready_o suggest_v i_o will_v distinct_o consider_v these_o several_a particular_n contain_v in_o they_o for_o 1._o the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n be_v observable_a viz._n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a and_o 2._o the_o manner_n by_o which_o good_a come_v from_o they_o which_o be_v express_v by_o their_o work_n together_o for_o good_a 3._o what_o that_o good_a be_v for_o which_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o 4._o who_o they_o be_v for_o who_o good_a all_o thing_n work_v viz._n they_o that_o love_v god_n and_o 5._o the_o certain_a assurance_n we_o have_v of_o all_o this_o and_o that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o first_o word_n we_o know_v we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n which_o thing_n can_v be_v speak_v of_o so_o distinct_o but_o that_o they_o will_v sometime_o run_v into_o one_o another_o but_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o particular_a
persuade_v to_o secure_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n to_o ourselves_o we_o have_v be_v consider_v either_o by_o keep_v always_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o good_a application_n and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o insist_v upon_o even_o this_o exhortation_n as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o reserve_v to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n intend_v then_o also_o to_o pursue_v some_o other_o point_n viz._n how_o this_o doctrine_n do_v consist_v with_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n against_o adversity_n and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o such_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n how_o it_o ought_v to_o influence_n the_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o happy_a or_o wretched_a estate_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n how_o true_a and_o profitable_a a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v to_o reckon_v upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o world_n why_o a_o righteous_a man_n only_o can_v do_v it_o without_o solicitude_n and_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o last_o how_o seasonable_o a_o vehement_a exhortaion_n to_o piety_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n the_o six_o sermon_n rom_n viii_o 28._o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n the_o remain_a point_n be_v now_o to_o be_v pursue_v the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o 1._o how_o this_o doctrine_n do_v consist_v with_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n against_o adversity_n and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o such_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n 1._o how_o it_o consist_v with_o they_o for_o if_o outward_a pain_n and_o trouble_v work_v for_o a_o good_a much_o great_a than_o the_o evil_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o if_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o this_o as_o we_o pretend_v why_o do_v the_o church_n pray_v against_o all_o adversity_n why_o do_v religious_a man_n avoid_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v no_o less_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o shall_v seem_v more_o agreeable_a to_o their_o faith_n in_o god_n in_o general_n and_o to_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n in_o particular_a to_o force_v misery_n upon_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o desire_n god_n to_o send_v they_o but_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o provide_v for_o their_o health_n and_o send_v for_o the_o physician_n when_o they_o be_v sick_a for_o their_o livelihood_n and_o use_v the_o law_n to_o secure_v or_o recover_v their_o right_n for_o their_o welfare_n every_o way_n and_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n take_v counsel_n and_o use_v mean_n for_o their_o relief_n depend_v all_o along_o upon_o god_n for_o success_n by_o continual_a prayer_n so_o that_o none_o seem_v to_o believe_v in_o good_a earnest_n what_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v unless_o perhaps_o something_o of_o this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o those_o who_o affect_v poverty_n renounce_v all_o propriety_n in_o worldly_a good_n impair_v their_o health_n by_o a_o spare_a and_o ill_a diet_n and_o at_o certain_a time_n whip_v their_o own_o body_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v more_o noise_n than_o truth_n in_o these_o appearance_n we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v superstition_n in_o the_o practice_n and_o we_o suspect_v hypocrisy_n in_o the_o pretence_n and_o that_o man_n do_v these_o thing_n more_o to_o amuse_v the_o world_n than_o to_o benefit_n themselves_o since_o therefore_o we_o know_v that_o evil_a work_n for_o a_o great_a good_a why_o do_v we_o avoid_v evil_a i_o answer_v 1._o when_o all_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o work_v together_o for_o good_a though_o evil_n be_v principal_o mean_v because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o administer_v comfort_n under_o they_o yet_o as_o i_o show_v at_o first_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v and_o therefore_o the_o good_a that_o come_v of_o evil_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n of_o run_v into_o adversity_n or_o pull_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o unless_o good_a can_v come_v to_o we_o no_o other_o way_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o text_n affirm_v which_o say_v all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a 2._o one_o principal_a reason_n why_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a be_v this_o because_o it_o be_v god_n that_o out_o of_o all_o thing_n choose_v that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v the_o best_a for_o we_o now_o the_o avoid_n of_o adversity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o belief_n that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o bring_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o will_v destroy_v a_o main_a reason_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n choose_n and_o not_o our_o own_o if_o by_o any_o wicked_a way_n i_o compass_v a_o worldly_a end_n the_o good_a thing_n be_v not_o proper_o of_o god_n give_v if_o by_o my_o own_o folly_n and_o wilfulness_n i_o fall_v into_o misery_n the_o evil_n be_v not_o proper_o of_o god_n send_v in_o both_o case_n i_o have_v be_v my_o own_o carver_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v good_a from_o either_o i_o can_v hope_v for_o gods_n blessing_n upon_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o since_o i_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o issue_n of_o my_o affair_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n but_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v my_o own_o chooser_n so_o that_o the_o operation_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v one_o indispensable_a cause_n of_o the_o profit_n which_o good_a man_n make_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n the_o good_a that_o come_v of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v expose_v themselves_o voluntary_o to_o evil_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o and_o that_o because_o we_o can_v expect_v god_n blessing_n where_o we_o lean_a to_o our_o own_o wisdom_n altogether_o and_o will_v not_o submit_v our_o affair_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o this_o argue_n a_o man_n that_o contrive_v for_o his_o own_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n can_v hope_v that_o it_o will_v work_v for_o his_o good_a when_o he_o have_v compass_v it_o because_o he_o choose_v for_o himself_o as_o absolute_o as_o if_o he_o pull_v calamity_n upon_o his_o own_o head_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o his_o own_o chooser_n in_o that_o case_n as_o he_o will_v be_v in_o this_o for_o he_o that_o bring_v evil_a upon_o himself_o or_o neglect_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v it_o do_v absolute_o choose_v it_o but_o so_o do_v not_o he_o choose_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n that_o contrive_v for_o they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o honesty_n and_o religion_n for_o he_o still_o leave_v the_o issue_n to_o providence_n this_o can_v only_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o by_o way_n of_o injustice_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n grasp_v at_o worldly_a prosperity_n it_o be_v of_o these_o true_o say_v that_o they_o will_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a and_o make_v their_o fortune_n here_o that_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o god_n but_o lean_a to_o their_o own_o will_n that_o they_o refer_v nothing_o to_o his_o wisdom_n but_o will_v dispose_v absolute_o of_o themselves_o and_o no_o less_o true_a will_v this_o be_v of_o a_o man_n who_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v abandon_v himself_o to_o adversity_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o both_o case_n god_n wisdom_n be_v no_o way_n acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o his_o grace_n can_v be_v expect_v 3._o to_o both_o these_o consideration_n let_v we_o add_v that_o of_o the_o natural_a aversion_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o to_o pain_n and_o want_v and_o other_o evil_n of_o the_o body_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o text_n infer_v no_o obligation_n to_o inflict_v they_o voluntary_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n to_o avoid_v they_o as_o to_o these_o evil_n it_o can_v never_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o fear_v they_o when_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n nor_o feel_v they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a nor_o desire_v to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o they_o because_o these_o be_v the_o necessary_a result_v of_o our_o nature_n all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v fear_v they_o moderate_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o they_o be_v and_o bear_v they_o patient_o admit_v those_o comfort_n under_o they_o which_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v and_o remove_v they_o by_o all_o such_o mean_n as_o will_v not_o bring_v great_a mischief_n upon_o we_o but_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o because_o religion_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o sense_n of_o bodily_a good_a and_o evil_a
last_o he_o use_v much_o what_o the_o same_o variety_n of_o method_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v learn_v to_o fear_v before_o he_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v i_o conceive_v be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o with_o the_o circumstance_n our_o world_o condition_n in_o which_o he_o have_v set_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n since_o as_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o providence_n so_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o condition_n in_o both_o respect_n be_v very_o much_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o and_o we_o can_v be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n make_v our_o obedience_n hard_o to_o we_o but_o other_o have_v be_v in_o the_o like_a to_o forgive_v injury_n though_o they_o be_v great_a be_v no_o new_a burden_n for_o no_o man_n perhaps_o have_v live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a provocation_n to_o abstain_v from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n though_o our_o appetite_n prompt_v we_o never_o so_o violent_o to_o pursue_v they_o be_v no_o strange_a duty_n for_o those_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a passion_n and_o inclination_n that_o we_o have_v to_o live_v by_o rule_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o example_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o may_v seem_v unreasonable_a to_o a_o inconsiderate_a man_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o good_a man_n in_o almost_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v thy_o duty_n a_o new_a thing_n whatever_o it_o be_v nor_o the_o difficulty_n of_o performance_n new_a whatever_o that_o be_v still_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a let_v therefore_o no_o man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a if_o he_o have_v a_o good_a estate_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o die_v a_o beggar_n that_o he_o will_v be_v very_o humble_a if_o he_o be_v once_o great_a and_o above_o contempt_n that_o he_o can_v forgive_v wrong_n if_o his_o enemy_n be_v not_o very_o spiteful_a and_o implacable_a that_o he_o will_v serve_v god_n if_o he_o will_v make_v a_o hedge_n about_o all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o be_v not_o under_o unusual_a temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n say_v not_o thou_o that_o the_o age_n in_o which_o thou_o live_v and_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o thou_o be_v will_v not_o bear_v the_o practice_n of_o strict_a piety_n and_o true_a virtue_n say_v not_o thou_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o that_o the_o former_a day_n be_v better_a than_o these_o for_o thou_o do_v not_o inquire_v wise_o concern_v this_o thing_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o these_o pretence_n and_o excuse_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o may_v always_o be_v say_v and_o there_o will_v be_v always_o more_o or_o less_o occasion_n to_o plead_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v allow_v it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o we_o conclude_v true_o when_o we_o compare_v our_o own_o circumstance_n with_o other_o man_n and_o conclude_v to_o our_o own_o disadvantage_n as_o if_o god_n require_v easy_a thing_n of_o they_o than_o he_o do_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o wise_o do_v to_o begin_v with_o a_o inquiry_n which_o be_v almost_o certain_a to_o end_v in_o a_o false_a judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n to_o excuse_v a_o evil_a practice_n but_o then_o if_o it_o be_v allowable_a for_o man_n thus_o to_o argue_v in_o excuse_n for_o themselves_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o good_a a_o world_n as_o our_o father_n find_v it_o for_o my_o affair_n in_o it_o do_v not_o succeed_v so_o well_o as_o another_o man_n and_o my_o temptation_n be_v great_a than_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o excusable_a if_o i_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o piety_n and_o integrity_n of_o other_o if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v once_o allow_v how_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o please_v man_n and_o to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v say_v because_o of_o the_o perpetual_a false_a judgement_n we_o shall_v make_v in_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o other_o every_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o temptation_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o of_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o of_o his_o proper_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n will_v think_v providence_n have_v be_v partial_a against_o he_o and_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n press_v hard_a upon_o himself_o than_o upon_o any_o other_o person_n a_o poor_a man_n will_v think_v his_o rich_a neighbour_n have_v more_o time_n and_o great_a obligation_n to_o serve_v god_n than_o himself_o the_o wealthy_a man_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o poor_a man_n have_v more_o leisure_n for_o prayer_n and_o few_o temptation_n to_o earthly-mindedness_a than_o he_o have_v god_n will_v lose_v the_o thanks_o of_o every_o man_n that_o can_v fancy_v another_o more_o happy_a than_o himself_o and_o the_o duty_n and_o service_n of_o every_o man_n that_o can_v fancy_v his_o own_o temptation_n to_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o other_o man_n and_o because_o we_o feel_v our_o own_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o do_v but_o guess_v at_o other_o man_n by_o their_o outward_a appearance_n we_o shall_v run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o false_a judgement_n in_o compare_v they_o with_o one_o another_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o this_o wretched_a way_n of_o argue_v god_n have_v not_o only_o tie_v we_o up_o all_o strict_o to_o the_o same_o piety_n and_o duty_n but_o be_v please_v to_o let_v we_o know_v as_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v nothing_o new_a under_o the_o sun_n that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o present_a and_o former_a age_n between_o ourselves_o and_o other_o person_n thy_o neighbour_n perhaps_o have_v not_o all_o those_o very_a temptation_n thou_o have_v but_o then_o he_o have_v his_o own_o he_o have_v perhaps_o some_o obligation_n in_o one_o kind_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o but_o thou_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o he_o in_o another_o every_o condition_n of_o life_n have_v not_o only_o its_o proper_a inconvenience_n but_o its_o proper_a advantage_n and_o what_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o state_n from_o other_o or_o in_o the_o change_n which_o we_o may_v suffer_v ourselves_o be_v make_v up_o another_o way_n prosperity_n and_o success_n shall_v make_v we_o love_v god_n better_o but_o disappointment_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o adversity_n do_v very_o often_o make_v it_o more_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o love_v the_o world_n less_o in_o a_o word_n seek_v no_o excuse_n for_o neglect_v piety_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n fortune_n temptation_n and_o the_o like_a between_o thyself_o and_o those_o that_o live_v in_o this_o or_o that_o live_v in_o former_a age_n for_o thou_o be_v likely_a to_o make_v but_o a_o foolish_a judgement_n and_o will_v unavoidable_o run_v into_o great_a mistake_n in_o make_v the_o comparison_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thy_o sin_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n nor_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o last_o and_o terrible_a day_n but_o do_v thou_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v impartial_a and_o to_o have_v temper_v the_o season_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o person_n with_o a_o wise_a equality_n with_o a_o unerring_a judgement_n and_o do_v thou_o give_v up_o thyself_o to_o follow_v and_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o though_o his_o judgement_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o yet_o thou_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o his_o way_n towards_o thyself_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o good_a that_o at_o last_o thou_o shall_v not_o wish_v there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o alteration_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v far_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o suppose_v that_o in_o some_o notable_a respect_n thy_o case_n may_v differ_v from_o another_o man_n yet_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o make_v any_o material_a difference_n between_o thy_o obligation_n and_o he_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v less_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v than_o our_o forefather_n be_v for_o in_o every_o age_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o in_o every_o age_n god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a and_o
seem_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a yet_o he_o repeat_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o for_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v you_o your_o trespass_n but_o then_o with_o what_o face_n can_v they_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n with_o what_o quiet_a can_v they_o think_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n who_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o do_n of_o injury_n and_o wrong_n who_o be_v as_o forward_o to_o trespass_v against_o their_o brother_n as_o they_o be_v backward_o to_o forgive_v their_o brother_n trespass_n if_o i_o be_v to_o describe_v what_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v by_o take_v some_o one_o point_n of_o christian_a duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o do_v in_o all_o reasonable_a construction_n imply_v all_o the_o rest_n it_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o will_v not_o for_o the_o world_n do_v the_o least_o injury_n but_o can_v forgive_v the_o great_a and_o god_n grant_v that_o this_o may_v be_v our_o practice_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n the_o nine_o sermon_n a_o assize_n sermon_n matth_n 5.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o come_v of_o evil_a that_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v principle_n suppose_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v from_o hence_o evident_a that_o in_o great_a part_n the_o process_n of_o our_o court_n depend_v upon_o testimony_n give_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o though_o the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n there_o be_v require_v by_o humane_a authority_n yet_o the_o peculiar_a obligation_n it_o lay_v upon_o we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a law_n be_v found_v original_o upon_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n wherefore_o though_o a_o oath_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o civil_a act_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o reason_n whereby_o it_o oblige_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v high_o conducible_a to_o the_o end_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o maintain_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o it_o must_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o make_v they_o observe_v those_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v plain_o design_v to_o secure_v the_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o a_o oath_n and_o to_o keep_v man_n at_o a_o wide_a distance_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o perjury_n such_o be_v that_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o which_o therefore_o do_v not_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n than_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n and_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o who_o consider_v what_o a_o vast_a influence_n the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n have_v upon_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n this_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o confide_v in_o one_o another_o about_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o our_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v so_o often_o necessary_a to_o secure_v our_o property_n to_o save_v we_o from_o wrong_n and_o to_o make_v even_o our_o enemy_n to_o do_v we_o right_o it_o be_v this_o which_o all_o process_n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v govern_v by_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o all_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o give_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v be_v no_o otherways_o decide_v it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v either_o direct_v or_o misguide_v the_o wise_a magistrate_n and_o make_v their_o sentence_n itself_o either_o right_a or_o wrong_n and_o by_o which_o we_o be_v either_o strong_o guard_v against_o injury_n or_o almost_o inevitable_o expose_v to_o it_o of_o how_o great_a consequence_n therefore_o must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n to_o have_v the_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n secure_v and_o to_o make_v every_o man_n tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o perjury_n since_o the_o world_n can_v be_v well-governed_a nor_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n go_v forward_o without_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v better_o be_v without_o they_o in_o as_o many_o case_n as_o there_o be_v wherein_o man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o be_v forswear_v and_o yet_o alas_o it_o be_v the_o daily_a complaint_n of_o our_o age_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v almost_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o although_o it_o be_v real_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o dreadful_a to_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o call_v he_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o our_o lie_n than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o play_v before_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o canon_n while_o it_o be_v fire_v yet_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o report_n which_o be_v sometime_o make_v from_o court_n of_o judicature_n there_o be_v very_o few_o peasant_n so_o pusillanimous_a but_o they_o be_v hardy_a enough_o to_o swear_v to_o any_o thing_n and_o with_o equal_a confidence_n to_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n and_o when_o under_o a_o equal_a obligation_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o dreadful_a name_n of_o god_n now_o if_o we_o will_v inquire_v how_o the_o sacredness_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v grow_v into_o such_o contempt_n i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o the_o common_a and_o frequent_a use_n of_o swear_v in_o our_o ordinary_a conversation_n will_v be_v find_v at_o least_o accessary_a to_o that_o dishonour_n which_o be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o that_o mischief_n to_o man_n by_o the_o so_o frequent_a perjury_n of_o our_o age._n oath_n be_v grow_v so_o familiar_a with_o we_o that_o man_n have_v forget_v the_o nature_n and_o true_a use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o they_o call_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o themselves_o if_o their_o testimony_n be_v not_o exact_o true_a they_o have_v be_v prostitute_v to_o the_o mean_a service_n and_o profane_v by_o common_a use_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o sacred_a obligation_n peculiar_a to_o they_o be_v forget_v when_o they_o be_v use_v in_o those_o special_a case_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v reserve_v therefore_o if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o recover_v the_o fear_n of_o a_o oath_n among_o our_o countryman_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o by_o mean_n contrary_a to_o those_o whereby_o it_o have_v be_v so_o general_o lose_v that_o be_v by_o abstain_v ourselves_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o by_o dissuade_v and_o restrain_v other_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v from_o that_o familiar_a and_o fashionable_a swear_v which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o our_o age_n to_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n and_o reason_n of_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o they_o i_o shall_v consider_v 1._o the_o law_n itself_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o 2._o the_o sanction_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o law_n viz._n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o come_v of_o evil_a in_o the_o law_n itself_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o prohibition_n and_o the_o precept_n 1._o the_o prohibition_n which_o contain_v 1._o a_o general_a rule_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o some_o particular_a instance_n whereto_o the_o rule_n extend_v neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o earth_n nor_o by_o jerusalem_n nor_o by_o thy_o head_n 3._o the_o reason_n why_o the_o rule_n extend_v to_o these_o instance_n not_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n not_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n not_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n not_o by_o thy_o head_n for_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o from_o which_o word_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n have_v contend_v that_o a_o oath_n or_o a_o appeal_n to_o god_n that_o what_o we_o say_v be_v true_a be_v in_o no_o case_n lawful_a i_o shall_v here_o show_v the_o contrary_a and_o prove_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v
according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n for_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o for_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n stand_v that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v torment_v many_o of_o they_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o here_o say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v etc._n etc._n have_v also_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n also_o confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o deni_v i_o before_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.8_o 9_o so_o that_o although_o confess_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o enough_o for_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o necessary_a to_o it_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o that_o force_n that_o one_o may_v conclude_v nothing_o else_o be_v want_v and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o confess_v with_o great_a hazard_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o so_o exceed_o praiseworthy_a and_o signify_v all_o other_o necessary_a quality_n be_v because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o breach_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o when_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n require_v we_o to_o forbear_v in_o a_o word_n confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n assemble_v ourselves_o together_o for_o prayer_n baptism_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o every_o other_o part_n of_o outward_a religion_n in_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n stand_v be_v all_o of_o they_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o charity_n to_o man_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n do_v require_v it_o also_o 1._o the_o honour_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o require_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v by_o we_o i._n e._n confess_v praise_v and_o pray_v unto_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v not_o only_o in_o private_a single_o but_o in_o public_a joint_o unless_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o speech_n give_v to_o we_o for_o transact_v common_a affair_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o great_a viz._n those_o which_o concern_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n in_o the_o psalm_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n because_o he_o do_v therewith_o praise_n and_o confess_v and_o glorify_v god_n among_o man_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v not_o only_o exhort_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o our_o mind_n but_o with_o our_o mouth_n too_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a at_o first_o fight_n than_o that_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v as_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o we_o in_o charity_n be_v to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n than_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o although_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n yet_o as_o many_o other_o natural_a inclination_n may_v be_v strange_o weaken_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o common_a sense_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o this_o be_v every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o all_o man_n shall_v encourage_v and_o animate_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o single_a person_n withdraw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o so_o do_v he_o grow_v a_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o then_o 3._o above_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o in_o meet_v together_o also_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a instance_n of_o outward_a profession_n for_o when_o our_o lord_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v afterward_o gather_v man_n to_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o believer_n shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o a_o society_n as_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o man_n that_o live_v without_o christian_a communion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o without_o christian_a profession_n can_v right_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a but_o have_v rather_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n by_o declare_v in_o effect_n that_o although_o he_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o now_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o if_o the_o secret_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n will_v deserve_v very_o ill_o of_o christianity_n to_o conceal_v his_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v by_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v uphold_v in_o the_o world_n and_o propagate_v among_o those_o that_o do_v not_o yet_o receive_v it_o and_o he_o that_o dissemble_v his_o faith_n do_v therefore_o his_o part_n and_o give_v his_o consent_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n the_o gospel_n require_v that_o believer_n shall_v profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o worshipper_n that_o so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v that_o wickedness_n among_o man_n that_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o be_v ready_o entertain_v and_o there_o be_v that_o folly_n and_o superstition_n everywhere_o that_o so_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o take_v with_o most_o people_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n error_n and_o superstition_n be_v thing_n that_o man_n will_v run_v into_o of_o themselves_o when_o therefore_o our_o lord_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o way_n how_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o do_v therefore_o make_v his_o disciple_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o purity_n that_o his_o doctrine_n may_v spread_v in_o the_o world_n and_o keep_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o shall_v gain_v by_o every_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n for_o which_o reason_n origen_n think_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o rock_n every_o christian_a that_o shall_v do_v as_o st._n peter_n have_v do_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v make_v open_a confession_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o st._n peter_n confess_v because_o the_o profession_n of_o every_o christian_a do_v something_o to_o support_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a many_o more_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n a_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n stand_v upon_o plain_a command_n and_o plain_a reason_n nay_o so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o though_o it_o shall_v bring_v never_o so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n
and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a when_o it_o bring_v little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o have_v doubtless_o be_v a_o true_a say_n if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v notevery_a one_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o also_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n i._n e._n who_o do_v moreover_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o be_v my_o disciple_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v true_a but_o than_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o instruct_v and_o useful_a a_o admonition_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n because_o it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v out_o ward_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o every_o one_o who_o do_v profess_v it_o will_v live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n lay_v his_o caution_n where_o the_o danger_n be_v and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o 2d_o point_v that_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o we_o shall_v do_v his_o will_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o general_a that_o our_o affection_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a if_o we_o once_o come_v serious_o to_o consider_v it_o that_o there_o be_v as_o little_a need_n of_o proof_n to_o make_v it_o out_o as_o one_o will_v think_v there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n not_o to_o trust_v in_o outward_a profession_n when_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o profess_v what_o be_v a_o profess_a christian_a but_o one_o that_o declare_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o unrighteous_a the_o unmerciful_a the_o unclean_a the_o ungodly_a shall_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n one_o that_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o his_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o whilst_o himself_o live_v in_o ungodliness_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o worldly_a lust_n he_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o man_n that_o have_v skill_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o his_o call_v by_o which_o he_o must_v live_v as_o the_o concern_v of_o another_o world_n be_v above_o all_o our_o interest_n in_o this_o for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o profession_n such_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o profession_n that_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o have_v the_o lie_v give_v he_o by_o the_o world_n such_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o faith_n that_o his_o own_o conscience_n one_o will_v think_v shall_v give_v he_o the_o lie_n too_o but_o yet_o as_o plain_v a_o case_n as_o it_o be_v that_o mere_a profession_n without_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o save_v we_o our_o saviour_n nevertheless_o think_v fit_a here_o and_o elsewhere_o plain_o to_o admonish_v we_o of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v there_o will_v be_v man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o how_o plain_a soever_o the_o mistake_n be_v of_o trust_v to_o profession_n without_o a_o practice_n answerable_a to_o it_o yet_o man_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o that_o mistake_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v hereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o 1._o that_o experience_n have_v prove_v the_o proneness_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o folly_n of_o presume_v upon_o mere_a profession_n that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o they_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o so_o wretched_a a_o conceit_n so_o void_a of_o all_o shadow_n or_o pretence_n to_o reason_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o insist_v but_o little_a upon_o it_o because_o alas_o the_o thing_n be_v too_o apparent_a in_o our_o own_o day_n and_o every_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a have_v a_o testimony_n of_o it_o from_o his_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o will_v hearken_v to_o it_o too_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n among_o the_o jew_n especial_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n their_o father_n have_v for_o 400_o year_n be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o fondness_n of_o the_o god_n of_o their_o neighbour_n round_o about_o they_o they_o have_v smart_v too_o severe_o for_o that_o ever_o to_o return_v to_o it_o again_o but_o they_o soon_o fall_v to_o make_v the_o profession_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n a_o dispensation_n for_o luxury_n and_o injustice_n and_o unmercifulness_n and_o wicked_a live_n instead_o of_o a_o restraint_n from_o it_o plain_o show_v thereby_o that_o their_o father_n do_v not_o like_o the_o true_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v too_o good_a for_o they_o since_o their_o posterity_n not_o dare_v to_o revolt_v from_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o it_o yet_o soon_o learned_a to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o a_o licentious_a practice_n nay_o if_o we_o will_v take_v st._n paul_n word_n who_o do_v not_o use_v to_o reprove_v without_o cause_n they_o think_v that_o the_o same_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o with_o the_o gentile_n will_v not_o have_v so_o bad_a a_o construction_n make_v of_o they_o nor_o be_v so_o displease_v to_o god_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o gentile_n for_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o rom._n 2._o they_o judge_v the_o gentile_n for_o do_v evil_a thing_n and_o do_v they_o themselves_o think_v all_o the_o while_n to_o escape_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o they_o have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n among_o they_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o posterity_n god_n service_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n sacrifice_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o wash_n and_o divers_a ordinance_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o which_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n and_o believe_v that_o no_o israelite_n shall_v go_v without_o his_o portion_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o this_o state_n our_o saviour_n find_v they_o they_o trust_v in_o moses_n and_o say_v we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n they_o build_v and_o garnish_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n those_o very_a prophet_n that_o have_v be_v so_o ill_o entertain_v by_o their_o forefather_n for_o declare_v against_o their_o sin_n and_o because_o they_o do_v this_o external_a honour_n to_o the_o monument_n of_o those_o good_a man_n they_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o follow_v their_o instruction_n be_v full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o iniquity_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n now_o this_o be_v so_o notorious_a in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o some_o age_n before_o it_o seem_v needful_a that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v warn_v against_o the_o like_a fatal_a mistake_n into_o which_o there_o be_v no_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a they_o will_v fall_v for_o by_o how_o much_o a_o great_a person_n jesus_n be_v than_o moses_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n more_o excellent_a than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o his_o religion_n a_o more_o rational_a and_o perfect_a religion_n than_o any_o that_o have_v be_v before_o so_o much_o great_a danger_n there_o may_v be_v least_o man_n shall_v trust_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n without_o a_o holy_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o the_o jew_n can_v say_v we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o quiet_v their_o guilty_a fear_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v christian_n will_v say_v we_o have_v christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n our_o deliverer_n and_o saviour_n and_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o it_o if_o they_o trust_v in_o moses_n there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o other_o will_v hereafter_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n and_o think_v themselves_o safe_a enough_o by_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o he_o no_o less_o than_o the_o jew_n have_v do_v before_o of_o moses_n and_o consequent_o great_a reason_n for_o this_o earnest_a admonition_n not_o every_o one_o
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_o in_o all_o our_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o man_n will_v fain_o believe_v that_o their_o care_n in_o one_o part_n shall_v supply_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o in_o good_a stead_n although_o they_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o concern_v for_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o be_v to_o come_v up_o thorough_o to_o that_o which_o religion_n require_v and_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o difficulty_n i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v as_o difficult_a but_o more_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o become_v mere_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n than_o even_o bad_a man_n have_v make_v it_o to_o become_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o natural_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v downright_a atheist_n or_o even_a unbeliever_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n easy_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_n without_o any_o relief_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v some_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o consistent_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o a_o diligent_a profession_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n take_v together_o viz._n the_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o other_o that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v many_o person_n take_v up_o this_o false_a way_n of_o comfort_v themselves_o but_o have_v also_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v divers_a error_n which_o help_v to_o support_v this_o to_o expect_v spiritual_a relief_n from_o thing_n blessed_v by_o man_n without_o any_o appointment_n from_o god_n and_o to_o place_n religion_n in_o thing_n which_o have_v neither_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o divine_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o valuable_a certain_o if_o it_o be_v either_o easy_a for_o mankind_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o can_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n on_o the_o other_o it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o hard_a thing_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n than_o experience_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v conscience_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o will_v be_v while_o the_o world_n endure_v and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v lust_n and_o passion_n vice_n and_o wickedness_n more_o or_o less_o among_o man_n so_o long_o also_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n that_o promise_v security_n without_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o more_o mistake_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n
indeed_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o that_o mistake_n that_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a power_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o where_o truth_n be_v profess_v without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o doctrinal_a error_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v still_o too_o much_o room_n leave_v for_o this_o practical_a error_n of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o whilst_o some_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o sin_n by_o error_n do_v not_o other_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v overlook_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o opposition_n to_o those_o error_n and_o the_o profess_v and_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o a_o necessity_n of_o actual_a reformation_n in_o order_n to_o god_n pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o we_o disclaim_v all_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o effectual_a repentance_n and_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o my_o brethren_n let_v we_o lay_v one_o particular_a serious_o to_o heart_n under_o this_o general_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o our_o very_a profession_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v not_o that_o holy_a life_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o if_o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o profess_v some_o religion_n and_o the_o desire_n we_o have_v to_o keep_v our_o sin_n too_o work_v this_o way_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o trust_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o error_n as_o pernicious_a if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o as_o if_o a_o thousand_o more_o be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o say_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n of_o a_o true_a and_o pure_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o whosoever_o make_v it_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o sense_n something_o different_a he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o be_v less_o to_o do_v to_o recover_v he_o to_o repentance_n no_o false_a principle_n be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o he_o lie_v open_a to_o exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n and_o every_o serious_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n smite_v his_o very_a conscience_n he_o feel_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o there_o be_v that_o within_o he_o which_o confess_v it_o all_o and_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v he_o be_v quiet_a till_o it_o have_v make_v he_o a_o new_a man_n but_o to_o proceed_v 3._o in_o some_o person_n a_o dishonourable_a opinion_n of_o god_n may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o expect_v his_o reward_n without_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o charity_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o confession_n of_o his_o name_n with_o prayer_n and_o thansgiving_n and_o other_o holy_a office_n of_o religion_n that_o by_o these_o thing_n man_n may_v give_v he_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o hear_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o work_n applaud_v by_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v perform_v they_o have_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o his_o thanks_o and_o favour_n but_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o have_v but_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o who_o perhaps_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o our_o own_o praise_n and_o love_n to_o be_v flatter_v into_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o if_o we_o believe_v worthy_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v say_v that_o because_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a therefore_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o we_o to_o be_v confess_v and_o adore_v not_o that_o he_o need_v we_o or_o be_v take_v with_o our_o commendation_n of_o he_o but_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o equitable_a that_o we_o shall_v thus_o worship_v he_o and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n also_o of_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o action_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o what_o god_n be_v and_o of_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v mistake_v if_o we_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o keep_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n or_o that_o some_o great_a interest_n of_o he_o be_v serve_v when_o religion_n get_v ground_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o there_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o to_o speak_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o celebrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o greatness_n as_o if_o he_o be_v like_o some_o one_o of_o those_o great_a man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v flatterer_n enough_o and_o can_v make_v other_o seem_v to_o honour_v they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n be_v very_o well_o please_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o ostentation_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n it_o be_v indeed_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o honour_v he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n with_o all_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n and_o humble_a reverence_n and_o we_o be_v most_o inexcusable_a and_o wretched_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o but_o the_o end_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o turn_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o far_o as_o this_o design_n take_v so_o far_o he_o approve_v of_o we_o otherwise_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v from_o he_o even_o that_o sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 4._o the_o conceit_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o unpromise_v mercy_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v one_o ingredient_n into_o the_o presumption_n oâ—_n those_o man_n that_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v so_o undeniable_o plain_a that_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n can_v have_v no_o ease_n under_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o god_n will_v or_o may_v at_o least_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o threaten_a and_o accept_v of_o less_o perhaps_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n of_o less_o i_o say_v than_o he_o have_v require_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o prevent_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v for_o all_o that_o to_o conclude_v let_v we_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v question_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o that_o can_v say_v i_o be_v by_o my_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n thus_o and_o thus_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o