no_o express_v and_o direct_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o common_a sense_n because_o the_o admit_v of_o transubstantiation_n do_v undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v more_o immediate_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o yea_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o reason_n and_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a animosity_n and_o indignation_n at_o confident_a nonsense_n a_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o generous_a mind_n will_v as_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o declare_v or_o swear_v that_o twice_o two_o do_v not_o make_v four_o but_o five_o as_o to_o profess_v his_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n yet_o all_o truth_n be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o truth_n at_o all_o time_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o deny_v or_o renounce_v any_o truth_n nor_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n or_o error_n for_o it_o be_v mere_o because_o of_o the_o intrinsical_a evil_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v it_o worth_a his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n so_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o joh._n 18._o 37._o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o these_o plain_a instance_n to_o which_o most_o other_z case_n may_v be_v reduce_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o truth_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o or_o three_o case_n wherein_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o can_v true_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o first_o when_o man_n rash_o expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n and_o run_v upon_o suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n thus_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n voluntary_o expose_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v in_o question_n and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n offer_v themselves_o to_o martyrdom_n when_o none_o inquire_v after_o they_o this_o in_o the_o gracious_a interpretation_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o zeal_n be_v please_v to_o overlook_v the_o indiscreet_a forwardness_n and_o rashness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v justify_v so_o aâ—_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n and_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o excuse_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a zeal_n yet_o he_o can_v approve_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suffer_v cheerful_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n when_o he_o call_v we_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o resist_v unto_o blood_n and_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o strait_a that_o we_o must_v either_o die_v for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n or_o deny_v they_o to_o suffer_v i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n with_o courage_n and_o patience_n be_v one_o of_o the_o noble_a of_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n but_o to_o be_v perfect_a volunteer_n and_o to_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o suffering_n when_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o they_o look_v rather_o like_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n which_o though_o god_n may_v merciful_o excuse_v and_o pardon_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o action_n for_o the_o good_a mean_v of_o it_o yet_o he_o can_v never_o perfect_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o it_o but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v little_a need_n nowa-day_n to_o caution_n man_n against_o this_o rashness_n it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o second_o nor_o can_v man_n be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v not_o for_o their_o faith_n but_o their_o fancy_n and_o for_o the_o wilful_a and_o affect_a error_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n as_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o in_o heat_n and_o passion_n they_o call_v superstition_n and_o idoltary_a and_o for_o their_o own_o false_a opinion_n in_o religion_n which_o they_o mistake_v for_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o this_o case_n their_o mistake_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o turn_v their_o suffering_n into_o martyrdom_n and_o yet_o many_o man_n have_v certain_o suffer_v for_o their_o own_o mistake_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n when_o they_o kill_v his_o faithful_a servant_n so_o likewise_o may_v they_o be_v so_o far_o deceive_v as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o their_o own_o culpable_a error_n and_o mistake_v but_o this_o be_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_v not_o the_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o but_o that_o which_o come_v from_o beneath_o and_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v heat_n without_o light_n three_o and_o last_o nor_o can_v man_n true_o be_v say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o defence_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a truth_n yet_o he_o be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v to_o deny_v they_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v either_o to_o declare_v or_o defend_v they_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o peace_n at_o other_o time_n and_o be_v silent_a about_o they_o especial_o when_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o they_o will_v probable_o do_v no_o good_a to_o other_o and_o will_v certain_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v such_o truth_n will_v be_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_v of_o erasmus_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v he_o mean_v it_o of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a adeo_fw-la invisâ—_n sunt_fw-la mihi_fw-la discordiâ—_n ut_fw-la veritas_fw-la etiam_fw-la contentiosa_fw-la displiceat_fw-la i_o be_o say_v he_o so_o perfect_a a_o hater_n of_o discord_n that_o i_o be_o even_o displease_v with_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o contention_n as_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o deny_v truth_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o if_o he_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n he_o can_v justify_v it_o to_o his_o own_o prudence_n nor_o have_v comfort_n in_o such_o suffering_n because_o he_o bring_v they_o needless_o upon_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n but_o in_o suffer_v for_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o when_o man_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o how_o far_o man_n may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o provide_v we_o do_v what_o become_v we_o and_o be_v our_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o cause_n one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n first_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n or_o second_o in_o case_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o a_o temporary_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o by_o repentance_n and_o a_o great_a resolution_n and_o constancy_n under_o suffering_n i_o shall_v speak_v several_o to_o these_o 1._o either_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o
abomination_n to_o he_o and_o his_o soul_n hate_v they_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n be_v less_o considerable_a than_o the_o substantial_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o religion_n of_o less_o consideration_n than_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o aught_o always_o to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n comprehend_v under_o the_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n because_o they_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o matter_n of_o mere_a positive_a institution_n and_o where_o they_o can_v stand_v togother_n that_o which_o be_v positive_a aught_o to_o be_v set_v aside_o and_o to_o give_v way_n for_o the_o present_a to_o that_o which_o be_v moral_a and_o good_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v for_o in_o this_o case_n god_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n upon_o which_o ground_n our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o work_n of_o mercy_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n peace_n and_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v value_v above_o matter_n of_o nicety_n and_o scruple_n of_o doubtful_a dispute_n and_o controversy_n because_o the_o former_a be_v unquestionable_o good_a the_o latter_a doubtful_o and_o uncertain_o so_o all_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o make_v a_o man_n sincere_o and_o wise_o religious_a for_o man_n may_v keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o some_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o diligent_a zealous_a and_o earnest_a about_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o inward_a and_o real_a and_o substantial_a righteousness_n which_o alone_o can_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o five_o and_o last_o direction_n i_o will_v give_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o charity_n or_o almsgiving_n this_o be_v very_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v righteousness_n as_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerty_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n particular_o direct_v to_o as_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 12._o 33._o after_o this_o general_a exhortation_n to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o instance_v in_o charity_n as_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o give_v alm_n provide_v for_o yourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o and_o elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o will_v make_v way_n for_o our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n luke_n 16._o 9_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o make_v to_o yourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o you_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v you_o or_o you_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o lay_v in_o store_n for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v better_o be_v render_v in_o this_o place_n a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 19_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o main_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n jam._n 1._o 27._o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n final_o our_o lord_n instance_v in_o this_o as_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o will_v admit_v we_o into_o or_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o heaven_n by_o the_o performance_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v absolve_v and_o for_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n mat._n 25._o so_o that_o this_o part_n of_o righteousness_n or_o religion_n ought_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o because_o upon_o the_o performance_n or_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n only_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n but_o this_o will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o matth_n vi_o 33._o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o these_o word_n which_o i_o begin_v to_o discourse_n upon_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o strict_a charge_n and_o command_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o secure_v the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o argument_n first_o i_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n second_o i_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v these_o and_o what_o by_o seek_v they_o first_o three_o i_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o furtherance_n in_o this_o great_a business_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n some_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o mind_v of_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n among_o which_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n particular_o consider_v the_o encouragement_n here_o give_v in_o the_o text_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o 1._o my_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a and_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n which_o to_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o tempt_v our_o ambition_n the_o more_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v to_o obtain_v that_o what_o pain_n will_v they_o not_o take_v what_o hazard_n will_v they_o not_o run_v what_o difficulty_n will_v they_o not_o grapple_v with_o and_o break_v through_o if_o they_o can_v to_o come_v at_o a_o kingdom_n which_o when_o they_o have_v obtain_v they_o be_v expose_v to_o as_o many_o and_o common_o to_o more_o care_n and_o fear_n to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o the_o keep_n than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o get_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o man_n will_v do_v for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n for_o one_o of_o the_o petty_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v continual_o totter_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v overturn_v by_o open_a violence_n or_o to_o be_v undermine_v by_o secret_a treachery_n but_o the_o kingdom_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o and_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o seek_v after_o be_v not_o like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o excellency_n and_o stability_n of_o it_o as_o much_o beyond_o any_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o crown_n which_o fade_v not_o away_o a_o sceptre_n which_o can_v be_v wrest_v from_o we_o but_o to_o quit_v the_o metaphor_n and_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n import_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n i_o say_v of_o our_o soul_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o immortal_a duration_n be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a than_o any_o of_o the_o perish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o dear_a to_o we_o other_o
final_o by_o his_o mercy_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n three_o another_o powerful_a argument_n to_o care_n and_o diligence_n be_v the_o fatal_a danger_n of_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n we_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o he_o break_v with_o our_o saviour_n only_o upon_o one_o point_n he_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o distribute_v they_o in_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o thereupon_o he_o leave_v our_o saviour_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o find_v never_o return_v to_o he_o again_o if_o the_o world_n govern_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o we_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n first_o and_o make_v these_o our_o 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to_o heaven_n at_o last_o they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o seek_v the_o one_o and_o have_v the_o other_o cast_v in_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o seek_n but_o this_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v this_o way_n will_v not_o do_v and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o one_o will_v think_v can_v in_o reason_n be_v desire_v he_o have_v promise_v that_o if_o we_o will_v make_v religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o a_o competent_a portion_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n godliness_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o a_o man_n thrive_a in_o his_o temporal_a estate_n nay_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o promote_v and_o advance_v it_o by_o engage_v we_o to_o diligence_n in_o our_o call_v and_o by_o derive_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o honest_a and_o lawful_a endeavour_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n and_o commerce_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o establish_v a_o clear_a and_o solid_a reputation_n and_o good_a esteem_n among_o man_n which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o business_n and_o at_o the_o long_o run_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o last_a instrument_n of_o prosperity_n and_o success_n beside_o that_o religion_n free_v a_o man_n from_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o dissipate_v and_o ruin_v man_n estate_n as_o intemperance_n and_o lewdness_n which_o be_v every_o way_n chargeable_a vice_n and_o do_v not_o only_o take_v man_n off_o from_o business_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o it_o but_o waste_v their_o estate_n and_o bring_v many_o other_o inconvenience_n upon_o their_o person_n and_o family_n religion_n make_v man_n meek_a and_o peaceable_a and_o inoffensive_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n which_o be_v a_o great_a security_n against_o chargeable_a suit_n and_o contention_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o injury_n and_o affront_v from_o other_o among_o all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o only_o promise_v temporal_a happiness_n to_o meekness_n bless_a be_v the_o meek_a for_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n they_o who_o provoke_v and_o offend_v no_o body_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v least_o disturb_a and_o disquiet_v by_o other_o in_o their_o possession_n and_o enjoment_n who_o will_v harm_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a some_o may_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o persecute_v a_o man_n for_o his_o goodness_n but_o 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heaven_n every_o man_n have_v time_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n every_o day_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o his_o preservation_n and_o support_n and_o to_o thank_v he_o hearty_o for_o all_o his_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n and_o a_o little_a time_n serious_o employ_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v have_v the_o same_o acceptance_n with_o god_n as_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o long_a devotion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n for_o they_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o time_n to_o serve_v god_n upon_o his_o own_o day_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o whole_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o care_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o when_o all_o be_v say_v be_v the_o case_n but_o of_o very_a few_o most_o of_o we_o have_v no_o colour_n for_o this_o complaint_n non_fw-la inopes_fw-la temporis_fw-la sed_fw-la prodigi_fw-la sumus_fw-la as_o seneca_n say_v we_o be_v not_o poor_a but_o prodigal_a of_o our_o time_n and_o lavish_a it_o away_o profuse_o upon_o folly_n and_o vanity_n our_o vice_n and_o lust_n our_o pleasure_n and_o diversion_n consume_v and_o divert_v those_o precious_a hour_n which_o shall_v be_v employ_v to_o these_o better_a purpose_n nay_o many_o time_n time_n oppress_v we_o and_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o we_o and_o lie_v upon_o our_o hand_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o let_v it_o run_v waste_n than_o to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n insomuch_o that_o i_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v with_o their_o time_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o spend_v it_o they_o will_v not_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o most_o necessary_a for_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o very_o best_a use_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o time_n to_o prepare_v and_o 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life_n can_v be_v crowd_v into_o so_o narrow_a a_o corner_n of_o it_o that_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n nay_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n well_o employ_v to_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v sufficient_a alas_o what_o can_v we_o then_o do_v that_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v either_o acceptable_a to_o god_n or_o available_a for_o ourselves_o when_o we_o have_v not_o sense_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o dispose_v of_o our_o temporal_a concernment_n and_o to_o make_v our_o will_n do_v we_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o repent_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n every_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o have_v saul_n fortune_n who_o when_o he_o be_v weary_v with_o seek_v his_o father_n ass_n meet_v with_o a_o kingdom_n we_o must_v not_o think_v when_o we_o be_v tire_v with_o pursue_v the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n to_o retire_v into_o heaven_n and_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v take_v care_n to_o caution_n we_o against_o this_o desperate_a folly_n by_o a_o parable_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o have_v trifle_v away_o their_o time_n till_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v come_v and_o neglect_v to_o get_v oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o those_o good_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n i_o say_v have_v neglect_v their_o opportutunity_n of_o get_v this_o oil_n while_o they_o be_v look_v after_o it_o too_o late_a the_o door_n be_v shut_v against_o they_o they_o think_v to_o have_v repair_v all_o at_o last_o by_o borrow_v of_o other_o and_o supply_v themselves_o that_o way_n and_o thus_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o hope_v to_o be_v supply_v out_o of_o another_o store_n when_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o out_o of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o redundant_fw-la merit_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o their_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n of_o which_o some_o believe_v i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a stock_n which_o the_o pope_n may_v dispose_v of_o to_o supply_v those_o who_o have_v take_v no_o care_n to_o get_v oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n but_o i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n work_v of_o supererrogation_n be_v suppose_v the_o wise_a virgin_n know_v not_o of_o any_o merit_n they_o have_v to_o spare_v it_o be_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n only_o that_o entertain_v this_o senseless_a conceit_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o parable_n insinuate_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a person_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o wise_a virgin_n have_v nothing_o to_o spare_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o other_o who_o have_v be_v careless_a of_o their_o soul_n the_o foolish_a 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qualify_v themselves_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n hope_v to_o be_v supply_v out_o of_o the_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o christ_n merit_n but_o this_o also_o be_v a_o vain_a hope_n for_o though_o there_o be_v merit_n enough_o in_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n to_o save_v all_o mankind_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v lay_v claim_n thereto_o who_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o think_v by_o send_v for_o the_o minister_n when_o the_o physician_n have_v give_v they_o over_o to_o receive_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n such_o advice_n and_o direction_n as_o will_v do_v their_o business_n as_o effectual_o as_o if_o they_o have_v mind_v religion_n all_o their_o life_n long_o and_o that_o a_o few_o devout_a prayer_n say_v over_o they_o when_o they_o be_v just_o embarking_a for_o another_o world_n will_n like_o a_o magical_a wind_n immediate_o waft_v they_o over_o into_o the_o region_n of_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o we_o may_v defer_v the_o business_n so_o long_o till_o we_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o our_o late_a application_n to_o god_n and_o cry_v to_o he_o lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o but_o that_o severe_a answer_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v if_o we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o our_o doom_n let_v we_o first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o so_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n a_o sermon_n on_o psal._n cxix_o 96._o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a this_o psalm_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o
poetical_a number_n and_o skill_n in_o it_o than_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v we_o can_v easy_o understand_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o iâ—_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a namely_o to_o magnify_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o precept_n as_o that_o wherein_o true_a religion_n do_v main_o consist_v and_o indeed_o if_o we_o attentive_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o every_o part_n of_o this_o psalm_n do_v with_o great_a variety_n of_o expression_n and_o yet_o very_o little_a difference_n of_o the_o sense_n descant_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n viz._n the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n aâ—d_a tâ—â—_n worâ—â—_n of_o tâ—â—_n teâ—t_v seem_v to_o be_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a psalm_n as_o any_o one_o sentence_n in_o it_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a these_o word_n be_v various_o render_v and_o understand_v by_o interpreter_n who_o yet_o in_o this_o variety_n do_v very_o much_o conspire_v and_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o sensâ—â—_n the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n render_v the_o word_n thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n about_o which_o i_o have_v employ_v my_o care_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v very_o large_a the_o syriac_a version_n thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o region_n and_o country_n that_o be_v i_o have_v find_v the_o compass_n of_o this_o habitable_a world_n to_o be_v â—iniâ—e_n and_o limit_v but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n other_o explain_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o be_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o man_n value_v and_o esteem_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rateâ—_n of_o all_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o greatness_n which_o do_v all_o perish_v and_o pass_v away_o but_o thy_o law_n be_v eternal_a and_o still_o abide_v the_o same_o or_o as_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o express_v it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o thy_o law_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n natural_a and_o reveal_v or_o in_o a_o word_n religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n of_o godâ—_n be_v of_o great_a perfection_n than_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o high_o value_v in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o be_v infinite_a and_o of_o a_o vast_a influence_n and_o extent_n it_o reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o our_o whole_a duration_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o law_n first_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o very_a good_a account_n of_o itself_o because_o it_o settle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o firm_a basis_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o roll_a in_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n whereas_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n want_v a_o stable_a foundation_n â—t_a centre_n no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o substitute_n no_o principle_n no_o tenable_a and_o constituent_a scheme_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o its_o whole_a business_n be_v to_o unravel_v all_o thing_n to_o unsettle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o shake_v all_o the_o common_a notion_n and_o receive_v principle_n of_o mankind_n it_o bend_v its_o whole_a force_n to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v but_o lay_v no_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o thing_n upon_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o that_o which_o it_o pull_v down_o it_o run_v upon_o that_o great_a absurdity_n which_o aristotle_n who_o be_v always_o think_v a_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n do_v every_o where_o decry_v as_o a_o principle_n unworthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n namely_o a_o progress_n of_o cause_n in_o inâ—initum_fw-la and_o without_o end_n that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o and_o a_o three_o thing_n of_o that_o and_o so_o on_o without_o end_n which_o amount_v to_o just_a nothing_o and_o final_o resolve_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o effect_n into_o no_o first_o cause_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unskilful_a and_o bungle_a and_o less_o worthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n but_o this_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v at_o present_a to_o insist_v upon_o have_v treat_v large_o on_o the_o same_o subject_n upon_o another_o author_n occasion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v wisdom_n so_o say_v the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n indeed_o it_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n caput_fw-la sapientiae_fw-la the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o wisdom_n here_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o upon_o this_o foundation_n it_o be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o perfection_n and_o i_o shall_v in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n without_o this_o nor_o beyond_o it_o first_o true_a wisdom_n begin_v and_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o regard_v to_o his_o law_n this_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v build_v this_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v suppose_v and_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o man_n this_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o have_v a_o main_a influence_n upon_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o be_v the_o public_a good_a this_o be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n about_o it_o so_o religion_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n by_o which_o all_o our_o action_n be_v to_o be_v conduct_v and_o govern_v and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o and_o lay_v religion_n for_o its_o foundation_n be_v preposterous_a and_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n and_o be_v just_a as_o if_o in_o the_o form_n of_o humane_a society_n every_o one_o in_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o law_n shall_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o his_o own_o private_a and_o particular_a advantage_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a good_a which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o society_n and_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o government_n and_o law_n and_o in_o the_o last_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n the_o only_a way_n to_o procure_v the_o settle_a welfare_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o last_a interest_n of_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o public_a good_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a policy_n to_o go_v about_o to_o found_v humane_a society_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n and_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o true_a happiness_n which_o do_v not_o bâ—gin_v with_o religion_n and_o lay_v its_o foundation_n there_o which_o do_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o not_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o principle_n will_v certain_o end_v in_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n in_o misery_n and_o ruin_n because_o it_o build_v a_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o stress_n of_o weather_n and_o assault_v by_o violent_a storm_n will_v undoubted_o fall_v and_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o will_v be_v great_a and_o this_o error_n every_o man_n commit_v who_o pursue_v happiness_n by_o follow_v his_o own_o inclination_n and_o gratify_v his_o irregular_a desire_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o restraint_n which_o his_o law_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o not_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o good_a for_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v
matter_n have_v be_v right_o state_v than_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v and_o take_v along_o with_o we_o in_o all_o the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o wisdom_n which_o do_v not_o begin_v here_o be_v preposterous_a and_o will_v prove_v folly_n in_o the_o issue_n second_o as_o religion_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n so_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v instruct_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 15._o 33._o be_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n say_v david_n psal_n 111._o 10._o have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n and_o he_o understand_v himself_o best_a who_o live_v most_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o may_v show_v by_o instance_v in_o particular_a virtue_n the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v much_o wise_a and_o every_o way_n more_o for_o our_o interest_n than_o the_o contrary_a vice_n but_o this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o argument_n to_o engage_v in_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a brief_o to_o show_v that_o the_o chief_a character_n and_o property_n of_o wisdom_n do_v all_o meet_v in_o religion_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o the_o first_o point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o understand_v our_o true_a interest_n and_o to_o be_v right_a in_o our_o main_a end_n and_o in_o this_o religion_n will_v best_o instruct_v and_o direct_v we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v right_a in_o our_o main_a end_n and_o true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o we_o can_v miscarry_v but_o if_o a_o man_n mistake_v in_o this_o he_o err_v fatal_o and_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v vanity_n and_o folly_n another_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v steady_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o our_o main_a end_n to_o oblige_v we_o hereto_o religion_n give_v we_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n the_o glorious_a happiness_n and_o the_o dismal_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n the_o next_o point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o make_v all_o thing_n stoop_v and_o become_v subservient_fw-fr to_o our_o main_n end_n and_o wherever_o religion_n bear_v sway_v it_o will_v make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n as_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n make_v every_o thing_n to_o submit_v and_o give_v way_n to_o their_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a and_o sensual_a design_n another_o part_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o future_a and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o last_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o common_a folly_n among_o man_n to_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o the_o present_a as_o to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o future_a to_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o man_n design_n and_o labour_n for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o their_o short_a continuance_n here_o in_o this_o world_n without_o take_v into_o serious_a consideration_n their_o main_a duration_n and_o their_o eternal_a abide_v in_o another_o world_n but_o religion_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o a_o life_n after_o death_n and_o overlook_v time_n and_o make_v eternity_n always_o present_a to_o we_o and_o mind_n we_o of_o make_v timely_a provision_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o it_o take_v into_o consideration_n our_o whole_a duration_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o wisdom_n to_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o be_v present_a it_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a property_n of_o wisdom_n to_o secure_v the_o main_a chance_n and_o to_o run_v no_o hazard_n in_o that_o and_o this_o religion_n direct_v we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v fatal_a another_o mark_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o opportunity_n those_o especial_o which_o when_o they_o be_v once_o past_a will_v never_o return_v again_o there_o be_v some_o season_n wherein_o great_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v which_o if_o they_o be_v let_v slip_n be_v never_o to_o be_v retrieve_v a_o wise_a man_n will_v lay_v hold_n of_o these_o and_o improve_v they_o and_o religion_n inculcate_n this_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n upon_o we_o that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o of_o make_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o this_o very_a day_n and_o hour_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v the_o last_o and_o only_a opportunity_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n let_v we_o set_v about_o this_o necessary_a work_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n to_o morrow_n it_o may_v be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v it_o and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v cut_v we_o off_o whilst_o we_o be_v wilful_o delay_v it_o and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o save_v our_o immortal_a soul_n may_v vanish_v and_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n the_o next_o property_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o to_o take_v timely_a care_n to_o prevent_v they_o the_o prudent_a man_n say_v solomon_n forsee_v the_o evil_a and_o hide_v himself_o that_o be_v shelter_n and_o secure_v himself_o against_o it_o but_o the_o simple_a pass_n on_o and_o be_v punish_v that_o be_v the_o evil_a overtake_v they_o and_o their_o folly_n be_v punish_v in_o their_o fatal_a ruin_n now_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n even_o from_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n again_o another_o main_a point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o do_v as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o trust_v rather_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o prevention_n than_o to_o that_o of_o remedy_n religion_n first_o teach_v man_n innocency_n and_o not_o to_o offend_v but_o in_o case_n we_o do_v as_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o it_o then_o direct_v we_o to_o repentance_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n but_o this_o certain_o be_v folly_n to_o sin_n in_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o be_v first_o to_o make_v work_n for_o repentance_n and_o then_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o for_o we_o may_v certain_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v repent_v and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n to_o lay_v in_o before_o hand_n and_o to_o make_v work_n for_o trouble_n ne_fw-la tu_fw-la stultus_fw-la homuncio_fw-la es_fw-la qui_fw-la malis_fw-la veniam_fw-la precari_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la peccare_fw-la be_v a_o wise_a say_v of_o old_a cato_n thou_o be_v say_v he_o a_o silly_a man_n indeed_o who_o choose_v rather_o to_o ask_v forgiveness_n than_o not_o to_o offend_v if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o best_a remedy_n in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v not_o make_v himself_o sick_a to_o try_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o know_a comparison_n and_o a_o very_a fit_a one_o that_o repentance_n be_v tabula_fw-la post_fw-la naâ—fragium_fw-la a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n but_o i_o be_o great_o afraid_a that_o thousand_o of_o soul_n who_o have_v trust_v to_o it_o have_v perish_v before_o they_o can_v get_v to_o land_n with_o this_o plank_n in_o their_o arm_n the_o last_o character_n of_o wisdom_n i_o shall_v mention_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o consult_v the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n without_o which_o nothing_o else_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o this_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v natural_o procure_v great_a peace_n have_v they_o say_v david_n that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n say_v the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o terrify_a apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o whosoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o prevent_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o discontent_n and_o lay_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n which_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o know_v the_o value_n of_o
support_v you_o under_o suffering_n and_o to_o reward_v they_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n namely_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o more_o peculiar_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o 1_o peter_n iu_o 19_o wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n from_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o three_o point_n first_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o peculiar_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n second_o this_o we_o may_v do_v always_o provide_v that_o we_o be_v careful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o do_v what_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o that_o neither_o to_o avoid_v suffering_n nor_o to_o rescue_v ourselves_o out_z of_o they_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n three_o to_o show_v what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o faithful_a creator_n do_v afford_v to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o first_o of_o these_o point_n i_o have_v treat_v on_o at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o namely_o when_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n we_o may_v with_o confidence_n and_o good_a assurance_n commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o peculiar_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providenceâ—_n this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v always_o provide_v that_o we_o be_v careful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o do_v what_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o that_o neither_o to_o avoid_v suffering_n nor_o to_o rescue_v ourselves_o out_o of_o they_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n for_o if_o we_o either_o neglect_v our_o duty_n or_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o it_o by_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v concern_v to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n so_o that_o in_o our_o suffering_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n may_v reasonable_o comprehend_v in_o it_o these_o follow_v particular_n 1._o provide_v always_o that_o we_o neglect_v no_o lawful_a mean_n of_o our_o preservation_n from_o suffering_n or_o our_o deliverance_n out_o of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n man_n do_v not_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o cast_v themselves_o out_o of_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n they_o do_v not_o trust_v god_n but_o tempt_v he_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v try_v whether_o he_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o when_o wâ—_n desert_n ourselves_o and_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o trouble_n when_o we_o will_v take_v no_o care_n will_v use_v no_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v it_o if_o we_o will_v needless_o provoke_v trouble_n and_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o suffering_n if_o we_o will_v neglect_v ourselves_o and_o the_o lawful_a mean_n of_o our_o preservation_n if_o we_o will_v give_v up_o and_o part_n with_o those_o security_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n have_v give_v we_o if_o we_o ourselves_o will_v help_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o fence_n which_o be_v about_o we_o if_o we_o will_v disarm_v ourselves_o and_o by_o our_o own_o act_n expose_v ourselves_o naked_a and_o open_a to_o danger_n and_o suffering_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v in_o this_o case_n that_o god_n will_v help_v we_o when_o we_o will_v not_o help_v ourselves_o by_o those_o lawful_a way_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n all_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o his_o providence_n do_v imply_v that_o we_o join_v prayer_n and_o endeavour_n together_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o a_o prudent_a and_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n if_o we_o lazy_o trust_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o so_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o as_o to_o take_v none_o at_o all_o ourselves_o god_n will_v take_v no_o care_n of_o we_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o rely_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a do_v we_o importune_v and_o tire_v heaven_n with_o our_o prayer_n to_o help_v we_o against_o our_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n if_o we_o ourselves_o will_v do_v nothing_o for_o ourselves_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v maintain_v and_o defend_v our_o religion_n against_o all_o the_o secret_a contrivance_n and_o open_a assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n if_o we_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n will_v for_o some_o small_a difference_n in_o lesser_a matter_n which_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v agree_v i_o say_v if_o for_o such_o slight_a matter_n we_o will_v divide_v and_o fall_v out_o among_o ourselves_o if_o when_o the_o enemy_n be_v at_o the_o gate_n we_o will_v still_o pursue_v our_o heat_n and_o animosity_n and_o will_v mad_o keep_v open_a those_o breach_n which_o be_v foolish_o make_v at_o first_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o the_o common_a enemy_n shall_v take_v the_o advantage_n and_o enter_v in_o at_o they_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v so_o unreasonable_o and_o senseless_o contend_v with_o one_o another_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v the_o opportunity_n which_o we_o give_v they_o to_o destroy_v we_o all_o 2._o provide_v likewise_o that_o we_o do_v not_o attempt_v our_o own_o preservation_n or_o deliverance_n from_o suffer_v by_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a mean_n we_o must_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o a_o good_a conscience_n nor_o comply_v with_o any_o thing_n or_o lend_v our_o help_a hand_n thereto_o that_o apparent_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o religion_n neither_o to_o divert_v and_o put_v off_o suffering_n for_o the_o present_a not_o to_o rescue_v ourselves_o from_o under_o they_o because_o we_o can_v with_o confidence_n commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o in_o welldoing_a this_o be_v a_o eternal_a rule_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v in_o no_o case_n depart_v that_o man_n must_v do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o religion_n no_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n itself_o we_o must_v not_o break_v any_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o any_o suffering_n whatsoever_o because_o the_o goodness_n of_o no_o end_n can_v sanctify_v evil_a mean_n and_o make_v they_o lawful_a we_o must_v not_o speak_v deceitful_o for_o god_n nor_o lie_v no_o not_o for_o the_o truth_n nor_o kill_v man_n though_o we_o can_v thereby_o do_v god_n and_o religion_n the_o great_a service_n and_o though_o all_o the_o casuist_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v teach_v the_o contrary_a doctrine_n as_o they_o general_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o oppose_v to_o all_o those_o the_o single_a authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o express_o condemn_v this_o principle_n and_o brand_v it_o for_o a_o damnable_a doctrine_n that_o evil_a may_v be_v do_v by_o we_o that_o good_a may_v come_v rom._n 3._o 8._o and_o not_o as_o we_o be_v slanderous_o report_v and_o as_o some_o affirm_v thas_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v who_o damnation_n be_v just_a st._n paul_n it_o seem_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o most_o devilish_a calumny_n to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o such_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o do_n as_o these_o and_o pronounce_v their_o damnation_n to_o be_v just_a who_o either_o teach_v any_o such_o principle_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o practice_v according_a to_o it_o let_v those_o look_n to_o it_o who_o teach_v that_o a_o right_a intention_n and_o a_o good_a end_n will_v render_v thing_n which_o be_v otherwise_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a not_o only_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o but_o in_o many_o case_n meritorious_a especial_o where_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o