foretell_v isa._n 35._o 5_o 6._o then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_a and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v be_v unstop_v then_o shall_v the_o lame_a leap_n as_o a_o hart_n and_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o dumb_a shall_v sing_v and_o then_o for_o his_o set_n afoot_o the_o gospel_n compare_v isa._n 61._o 1._o with_o luke_n 4._o 18._o isa._n 61._o 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o bind_v up_o the_o brokenhearted_a to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o the_o open_v the_o prison_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v luk._n 4._o 18._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o heal_v the_o brokenhearted_a to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o recover_v of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v to_o preach_v the_o acceptable_a year_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o luke_n 4._o 21._o this_o day_n be_v this_o scripture_n fulfil_v in_o your_o ear_n this_o be_v here_o express_v the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o poor_a be_v evangelize_v have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o they_o but_o the_o impression_n and_o power_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v upon_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o poor_a may_v be_v mean_v the_o humble-minded_n or_o person_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n the_o humble-minded_n or_o such_o as_o be_v affect_v with_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n the_o proud_a resist_n and_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o brokenhearted_a thankful_o accept_v glad_a tiding_n of_o this_o salvation_n the_o messiah_n be_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o poor_a luke_n 4._o 18._o but_o in_o isa._n 61._o 1._o it_o be_v the_o meek_a the_o gospel_n do_v affect_v the_o poor_a needy_a soul_n so_o as_o to_o put_v a_o stamp_n of_o grace_n upon_o it_o they_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o this_o dispensation_n or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o person_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o at_o first_o james_z 2._o 5._o harken_v my_o belove_a brethren_n have_v not_o god_n choose_v the_o poâ—r_n of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 26._o for_o you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v christ_n do_v not_o then_o call_v the_o eminent_a and_o great_a but_o the_o obscure_a and_o despise_v of_o the_o world_n lest_o religion_n shall_v seem_v to_o owe_v its_o growth_n and_o progress_n rather_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n than_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v evangelize_v that_o be_v to_o have_v a_o good_a share_n in_o the_o bless_a message_n they_o above_o other_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o affect_v with_o it_o to_o be_v evangelize_v imply_v grace_n on_o god_n part_n and_o on_o they_o a_o willing_a reception_n of_o the_o impression_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v change_v by_o it_o the_o poor_a be_v all_o to_o be_v gospel_v those_o who_o poverty_n be_v sanctify_v to_o make_v way_n for_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o say_v to_o exclude_v the_o rich_a from_o all_o benefit_n some_o be_v call_v then_o though_o not_o many_o grace_n where_o it_o prevail_v in_o the_o heart_n put_v rich_a and_o poor_a on_o the_o same_o level_n it_o humble_v the_o rich_a and_o exalt_v the_o poor_a jam._n 1._o 9_o 10._o it_o teach_v the_o one_o to_o abound_v the_o other_o to_o be_v abase_v phil._n 4._o 12._o poverty_n and_o riches_n do_v as_o they_o be_v use_v now_o say_v christ_n tell_v john_n the_o thing_n that_o you_o hear_v and_o see_v let_v he_o expound_v the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o if_o they_o be_v verify_v in_o i_o see_v what_o application_n and_o inference_n you_o ought_v to_o make_v therefore_o he_o dismiss_v they_o with_o this_o conclusion_n and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o in_o which_o word_n observe_v 1._o the_o privilege_n and_o bless_v be_v he_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o our_o supreme_a blessedness_n 2._o the_o qualification_n whosoever_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o i_o where_o observe_v 1._o it_o be_v negative_o express_v not_o offend_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o universal_a negative_a whosoever_o be_v not_o but_o be_v all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o offend_v at_o christ_n save_v i_o answer_v no_o you_o must_v look_v upon_o this_o conclusion_n as_o annex_v to_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o former_a verse_n the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o to_o be_v offend_v be_v to_o be_v scandalize_v or_o keep_v from_o own_v christ_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n all_o be_v happy_a and_o bless_a so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v evangelize_v and_o miserable_a so_o far_o as_o scandalize_v when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v bring_v to_o we_o nothing_o can_v bar_v we_o from_o enter_v into_o it_o but_o our_o be_v offend_v in_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o be_v not_o scandalize_v so_o as_o to_o hinder_v our_o be_v evangelize_v then_o we_o be_v in_o a_o happy_a and_o bless_a condition_n that_o be_v bless_v so_o far_o as_o the_o impediment_n of_o our_o blessedness_n be_v remove_v and_o indeed_o that_o be_v all_o the_o blessedness_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o this_o life_n thus_o blessedness_n be_v ascribe_v to_o pardon_v of_o sin_n psal._n 32._o 1._o because_o that_o take_v away_o the_o legal_a impediment_n blessedness_n be_v ascribe_v to_o sanctification_n psal._n 119._o 1._o bless_a be_v the_o undefiled_a in_o the_o way_n because_o that_o remove_v the_o moral_a incapacity_n and_o so_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o here_o it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o not_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v to_o we_o as_o it_o remove_v the_o impediment_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v always_o some_o offence_n and_o dislike_n that_o we_o take_v at_o christ_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n the_o point_n that_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o be_v this_o that_o whosoever_o be_v invite_v to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o offend_v in_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o true_a blessedness_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o method_n first_o to_o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v offend_v in_o christ._n second_o upon_o what_o occasion_n man_n be_v then_o offend_v three_o whether_o this_o sin_n be_v proper_a to_o that_o age_n only_o or_o we_o may_v now_o be_v guilty_a four_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o kind_n of_o this_o sin_n five_o how_o it_o be_v true_a that_o those_o which_o escape_v this_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o salvation_n first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v offend_v in_o christ._n i_o answer_v to_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v offend_v because_o of_o christ._n something_o in_o he_o which_o we_o dislike_v which_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o our_o receive_n and_o own_v he_o in_o that_o quality_n wherein_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o offer_v himself_o to_o we_o namely_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o it_o signify_v either_o any_o obstacle_n or_o hindrance_n lay_v in_o a_o man_n way_n by_o which_o the_o passenger_n be_v detain_v or_o stop_v peculiar_o it_o be_v put_v for_o those_o sharp_a stake_n which_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o stick_v in_o the_o ground_n in_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o war_a to_o wound_v the_o foot_n and_o leg_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o pursuit_n of_o they_o against_o which_o they_o use_v greaves_n of_o brass_n most_o usual_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o stone_n or_o block_n in_o the_o way_n at_o which_o a_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v so_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 8._o unto_o they_o which_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a but_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o they_o that_o stumble_v thereat_o a_o rock_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o that_o travel_n by_o sea_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o that_o
thing_n your_o resolution_n be_v unfixed_a they_o that_o only_o take_v christ_n upon_o like_v will_v soon_o be_v tempt_v to_o mislike_v he_o and_o his_o way_n and_o your_o resolution_n be_v not_o unbounded_a whilst_o you_o set_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o keep_v the_o world_n or_o something_o of_o the_o world_n your_o heart_n will_v ever_o and_o anon_o be_v seek_v occasion_n to_o withdraw_v for_o you_o be_v false_a at_o heart_n at_o your_o first_o set_v out_o and_o treacherous_a in_o the_o very_a make_n of_o your_o covenant_n 2._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n or_o that_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v your_o obedience_n to_o he_o you_o be_v never_o â—it_a for_o these_o while_o the_o heart_n cleave_v to_o earthly_a thing_n and_o you_o be_v still_o hanker_a after_o the_o world_n a_o threefold_a defect_n there_o will_v be_v in_o our_o duty_n 1._o they_o will_v be_v unpleasant_a 2._o they_o will_v be_v inconstant_a 3._o imperfect_a in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o want_v sincerity_n 1._o your_o duty_n will_v be_v unpleasant_a to_o you_o so_o far_o as_o you_o be_v worldly_a and_o carnal_a so_o that_o you_o can_v never_o yield_v cheerful_a and_o ready_a obedience_n to_o god_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v serve_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o delight_n his_o commandment_n shall_v be_v keep_v and_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v grievous_a to_o we_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 3._o now_o what_o be_v the_o great_a impediment_n worldly_n lust_n be_v not_o thorough_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n for_o present_o he_o add_v this_o reason_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a heart_n make_v our_o work_n hard_o and_o the_o heart_n be_v hard_a and_o unperswadable_a when_o our_o affection_n be_v engage_v elsewhere_o the_o readiness_n of_o our_o obedience_n depend_v on_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o love_n the_o fervency_n of_o our_o love_n on_o our_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n our_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n on_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o strength_n of_o our_o faith_n on_o the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o the_o principal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o principal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o counsel_n we_o must_v take_v if_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o principle_n be_v the_o double_a testimony_n or_o attestation_n give_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n or_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n once_o settle_v in_o that_o that_o you_o can_v entire_o trust_v yourselves_o and_o all_o your_o interest_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o duty_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o you_o will_v be_v inconstant_a in_o it_o and_o apt_a to_o be_v ensnare_v again_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n that_o suit_n with_o your_o heart_n lusts._n as_o the_o israelite_n be_v draw_v out_o of_o egypt_n against_o their_o wi_n the_o fleshpots_n of_o egypt_n be_v still_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o therefore_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v themselves_o a_o captain_n and_o return_v again_o numb_a 14._o 4._o and_o james_n 1._o 8._o a_o double-minded_n man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n nothing_o will_v hold_v a_o unwilling_a heart_n demas_n have_v not_o quit_v this_o hanker_a mind_n after_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o prevent_v he_o do_v his_o duty_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n he_o leave_v the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o mind_v his_o own_o private_a affair_n the_o love_n of_o riches_n pleasure_n ease_n and_o safety_n if_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o renounce_v will_v tempt_v we_o to_o a_o like_a revolt_n and_o neglect_v of_o god_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v it_o when_o we_o first_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n psal._n 45._o 10._o forget_v also_o thy_o own_o people_n and_o thy_o father_n house_n look_v back_o no_o more_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v entangle_v in_o our_o lust_n and_o enticement_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v unmeet_a to_o serve_v god_n paul_n count_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v gain_v to_o he_o to_o be_v loss_n for_o christ_n philip._n 3._o 7_o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ._n paul_n repent_v not_o of_o his_o choice_n but_o show_v his_o perseverance_n in_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v count_v and_o do_v count_v he_o see_v no_o cause_n to_o recede_v from_o his_o choice_n many_o affect_v novelty_n be_v transport_v at_o their_o first_o change_n but_o repent_v at_o leisure_n 3._o we_o be_v imperfect_a in_o it_o i_o mean_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o want_v sincerity_n for_o they_o bring_v nothing_o to_o perfection_n luke_n 8._o 14._o their_o fruit_n never_o grow_v ripe_a or_o sound_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o underling_n some_o good_a inclination_n they_o have_v to_o heavenly_a thing_n but_o their_o worldly_a affection_n be_v great_a and_o overtop_v they_o so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o plain_o revolt_v from_o their_o profession_n yet_o their_o duty_n want_v that_o life_n and_o power_n which_o be_v necessary_a so_o that_o they_o bring_v little_a honour_n to_o christ_n by_o be_v christian_n 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o hurt_n that_o come_v from_o their_o look_v back_o both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o religion_n 1._o to_o themselves_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o their_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o their_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o many_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o cleanse_v their_o external_a conversation_n but_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n be_v never_o so_o effectual_o cast_v out_o but_o they_o be_v in_o secret_a league_n with_o they_o still_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v first_o entangle_v and_o then_o overcome_v first_o entice_v by_o some_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n and_o then_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o temptation_n but_o what_o come_v of_o this_o their_o lattar_n end_n be_v worse_a than_o their_o beginning_n their_o sin_n be_v greâ—ter_n since_o they_o sin_n against_o light_n and_o taste_n their_o judgement_n be_v great_a both_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a as_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o brutish_a lust_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o cut_a thought_n to_o they_o to_o all_o eternity_n to_o remember_v how_o they_o lose_v their_o acquaintance_n with_o and_o benefit_n by_o christ_n by_o look_v back_o to_o the_o world_n and_o desert_v that_o good_a way_n wherein_o they_o find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n in_o christ._n 2._o the_o mischief_n which_o be_v do_v to_o religion_n they_o wonderful_o dishonour_v god_n and_o bring_v contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n when_o after_o they_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o it_o they_o prefer_v sin_n before_o it_o as_o if_o god_n have_v weary_v they_o mich._n 6._o 3._o therefore_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o satan_n after_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o a_o while_n reject_v take_v a_o more_o durable_a possession_n of_o they_o luke_n 11._o 26._o o_o think_v of_o this_o often_o to_o look_v back_o after_o we_o seem_v to_o escape_v do_v involve_v we_o in_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o misery_n better_a never_o to_o have_v yield_v to_o god_n so_o far_o than_o to_o retract_v at_o last_o partly_o because_o their_o sin_n be_v sin_n against_o knowledge_n luk._n 12._o 47._o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n partly_o because_o they_o be_v unthankful_a for_o so_o much_o deliverance_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o receive_v and_o that_o be_v a_o heinous_a aggravation_n of_o their_o offence_n partly_o because_o their_o sin_n be_v treachery_n and_o breach_n of_o vow_n for_o they_o turn_v the_o back_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o allurement_n thereof_o when_o they_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o resolve_v to_o follow_v christ_n in_o all_o condition_n till_o he_o shall_v bring_v they_o
the_o conscience_n which_o we_o be_v loath_a shall_v be_v touch_v but_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a with_o god_n we_o will_v keep_v ourselves_o from_o all_o even_o from_o our_o own_o iniquity_n psal._n 18._o 23._o such_o as_o be_v most_o incident_a to_o we_o by_o temper_n or_o custom_n of_o life_n or_o course_n of_o our_o interest_n to_o balk_v or_o break_v with_o god_n out_o of_o private_a reason_n of_o pleasure_n honour_n or_o profit_n or_o any_o corrupt_a interest_n be_v to_o prefer_v these_o thing_n before_o god_n and_o to_o set_v up_o another_o chief_a good_a in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o his_o favour_n thus_o in_o general_n 2._o they_o place_v all_o their_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o outward_a observance_n or_o external_a discipline_n and_o so_o their_o religion_n be_v more_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o the_o letter_n than_o in_o heart_n and_o spirit_n as_o the_o pharisee_n rest_v in_o outward_a worship_n only_o or_o some_o external_a rule_n without_o the_o inward_a and_o real_a duty_n either_o of_o the_o first_o or_o second_o table_n mat._n 23._o 25._o they_o cleanse_v the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n but_o within_o they_o be_v full_a of_o extortion_n and_o excess_n and_o vers._n 28._o you_o appear_v outward_o righteous_a unto_o man_n but_o within_o you_o be_v full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o iniquity_n and_o every_o where_o they_o be_v represent_v as_o paint_a tomb_n without_o but_o have_v much_o hide_a uncleanness_n and_o corruption_n within_o there_o be_v a_o outward_a formality_n and_o show_v of_o religion_n when_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o they_o shall_v join_v obedience_n to_o god_n and_o love_n to_o their_o neighbour_n with_o their_o outward_a sacrifice_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o little_a value_n and_o esteem_v with_o they_o now_o what_o sacrifice_n be_v to_o they_o that_o external_n ordinance_n be_v to_o we_o and_o what_o their_o ritual_n be_v the_o same_o be_v the_o mode_n and_o garb_n of_o profession_n among_o we_o and_o therefore_o external_n profession_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o external_n duty_n according_a to_o our_o way_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o true_a godliness_n for_o christ_n say_v mat._n 5._o 20._o except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n their_o righteousness_n be_v a_o outside_n righteousness_n without_o that_o inward_a constitution_n of_o soul_n which_o do_v belong_v to_o a_o renew_a heart_n and_o yet_o carry_v on_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o applaud_v by_o man_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o say_n that_o if_o but_o two_o man_n out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n go_v to_o heaven_n the_o one_o shall_v be_v a_o scribe_n and_o the_o other_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi oh_o christian_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o man_n who_o look_v only_o to_o the_o outside_n and_o fâ—ir_a appearance_n without_o a_o renew_a heart_n that_o be_v unfeigned_o set_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o pomp_n of_o external_n duty_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v study_v to_o give_v evidence_n of_o this_o by_o make_v conscience_n of_o obedience_n as_o well_o inward_o as_o outward_o grow_v in_o holiness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n this_o will_v be_v comfortable_a to_o we_o and_o this_o will_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n hereafter_o even_o such_o a_o holiness_n as_o be_v manifest_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o conversation_n in_o outward_a carriage_n and_o secret_a practice_n common_a affair_n and_o religious_a duty_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n and_o justice_n to_o man_n phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh._n when_o there_o be_v a_o serious_a bent_n and_o the_o true_a spiritual_a affection_n of_o a_o renew_a heart_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v in_o outward_a duty_n but_o be_v still_o grow_v in_o internal_a grace_n faith_n hope_n and_o love_n and_o be_v still_o purify_n the_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o we_o may_v constant_o glorify_v god_n and_o do_v good_a to_o men._n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v over_o and_o above_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o inward_a man_n in_o subjection_n to_o he_o without_o which_o external_o be_v of_o little_a worth_n 3_o they_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o ceremony_n than_o with_o substance_n sacrifice_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n be_v in_o high_a esteem_n with_o they_o but_o godliness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n be_v of_o little_a regard_n and_o as_o outward_a thing_n be_v prefer_v before_o inward_a so_o the_o lesser_a thing_n before_o the_o weighty_a as_o to_o their_o duty_n tithing_n mint_n and_o annise_v and_o cummin_n but_o they_o have_v omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n justice_n mercy_n faith_n these_o ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v matth._n 23._o 23._o formality_n and_o hypocrisy_n make_v man_n wise_a about_o that_o which_o be_v least_o to_o purpose_n they_o make_v a_o business_n about_o ceremony_n but_o neglect_v the_o substance_n of_o religion_n they_o enlarge_v their_o phylactery_n which_o be_v scroll_n of_o parchment_n on_o which_o the_o law_n be_v write_v but_o take_v no_o care_n of_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o their_o heart_n hypocrisy_n be_v a_o odd_a trifle_a zeal_n which_o run_v out_o upon_o little_a thing_n so_o for_o avoid_v sin_n matth._n 23._o 24._o they_o strain_v at_o a_o 〈◊〉_d and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n more_o scrupulous_a in_o a_o little_a sin_n than_o a_o great_a in_o small_a sin_n very_o scrupulous_a in_o great_a matter_n very_o adventurous_a and_o because_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a thing_n here_o intend_v i_o shall_v give_v you_o instance_n and_o reason_n 1._o instance_n to_o prove_v that_o hypocrite_n have_v such_o a_o odd_a conscience_n that_o strain_v great_o at_o a_o small_a sin_n we_o have_v they_o every_o where_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n herod_n make_v conscience_n of_o his_o oath_n but_o not_o of_o shed_v innocent_a blood_n the_o king_n be_v sorry_a nevertheless_o for_o his_o oath_n be_v sake_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 14._o 9_o he_o cause_v john_n the_o baptist_n to_o be_v behead_v a_o sinner_n be_v hold_v in_o bond_n which_o he_o may_v lawful_o break_v rather_o than_o herod_n will_v break_v his_o rash_a oath_n john_n shall_v lose_v his_o head_n of_o such_o a_o odd_a complexion_n be_v the_o conscience_n of_o carnal_a men._n so_o the_o jew_n when_o judas_n lay_v down_o the_o hire_n of_o his_o treason_n and_o cast_v the_o money_n at_o their_o foot_n mat._n 29._o 6_o 7._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v they_o to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o treasury_n because_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o blood_n pretend_v to_o be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v in_o the_o least_o thing_n when_o they_o have_v offend_v in_o the_o great_a they_o bogle_v not_o at_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o gain_n when_o it_o be_v throw_v back_o to_o they_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a conscience_n be_v john_n 18._o 28._o then_o lead_v they_o jesus_n front_n caiaphas_n into_o the_o judgment-hall_n and_o it_o be_v early_o and_o they_o themselves_o go_v not_o into_o the_o judgment-hall_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v defile_v but_o that_o they_o may_v eat_v the_o passover_n they_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v legal_a pollution_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n seek_v the_o life_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n just_o such_o another_o fit_n of_o conscience_n come_v upon_o they_o a_o little_a after_o john_n 19_o 31._o they_o go_v to_o pilate_n and_o desire_v that_o the_o body_n may_v not_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n lest_o their_o great_a feast_n shall_v be_v defile_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o through_o formality_n and_o custom_n man_n may_v be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o ceremonial_a or_o external_n worship_n who_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o never_o scruple_n to_o violate_v the_o most_o weighty_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n just_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v that_o solemn_a case_n of_o conscience_n zech._n 7._o 1_o 2._o about_o the_o keep_n of_o their_o fast_n when_o the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o they_o have_v high_a matter_n to_o mind_n the_o execute_n of_o judgement_n and_o show_v mercy_n and_o break_v off_o their_o oppression_n vers_fw-la 10._o the_o
by_o christ_n and_o free_v from_o have_v his_o portion_n with_o unbeliever_n yet_o it_o go_v hard_o with_o he_o as_o one_o involve_v in_o a_o common_a fire_n hardly_o escape_v out_o of_o it_o their_o salvation_n be_v more_o difficult_a in_o short_a every_o one_o be_v more_o happy_a as_o he_o be_v less_o apt_a to_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v most_o unhappy_a that_o be_v most_o offend_v in_o he_o i_o now_o come_v to_o show_v you_o five_o how_o it_o be_v true_a that_o those_o that_o escape_v this_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o salvation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o negative_a include_v the_o positive_a and_o must_v be_v thus_o explain_v he_o that_o be_v not_o offend_v but_o evangelize_v have_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n stamp_v upon_o his_o heart_n bless_a be_v he_o among_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v some_o forsake_v and_o fall_v off_o from_o christ_n other_o never_o come_v at_o he_o but_o these_o believe_v so_o as_o to_o be_v change_v and_o convert_v nothing_o hinder_v they_o when_o christ_n have_v gain_v their_o like_n and_o esteem_n for_o this_o esteem_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o now_o be_v not_o a_o simple_a speculative_a approbation_n for_o that_o may_v be_v and_o no_o change_n follow_v rom._n 2._o 18._o thou_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a but_o a_o practical_a comparative_a approbation_n all_o thing_n consider_v christ_n be_v best_a for_o their_o turn_n always_o a_o change_n follow_v this_o esteem_n phil._n 3._o 8._o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n and_o till_o we_o have_v this_o esteem_n there_o be_v some_o secret_a offence_n that_o we_o take_v at_o christ_n either_o at_o his_o person_n doctrine_n precept_n or_o the_o bad_a entertainment_n they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o contrariety_n of_o our_o affection_n christ_n and_o we_o do_v not_o close_o with_o full_a complacency_n and_o delight_n 2._o this_o esteem_n produce_v a_o uniform_a obedience_n for_o they_o that_o thus_o esteem_v christ_n will_v study_v to_o please_v he_o delight_n in_o our_o master_n breed_v delight_n in_o our_o work_n col._n 1._o 10._o that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o 1_o thess._n 2._o 12._o that_o you_o will_v walk_v worthy_a of_o god_n who_o have_v call_v you_o unto_o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n the_o only_a way_n to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v more_o or_o less_o offend_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o compare_v our_o conversation_n and_o practice_n with_o his_o precept_n his_o benefit_n commend_v themselves_o to_o our_o affection_n his_o precept_n to_o our_o conscience_n the_o one_o sweeten_v the_o other_o we_o have_v such_o a_o good_a master_n we_o can_v never_o do_v enough_o for_o he_o if_o we_o like_o christ_n nothing_o will_v be_v grievous_a that_o he_o give_v we_o in_o charge_n 1_o john_n 5._o 3._o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a 3._o when_o we_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o christ_n we_o be_v the_o better_o fortify_v against_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n they_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n error_n scandal_n persecution_n 1._o error_n many_o be_v draw_v away_o with_o vain_a pretence_n but_o we_o have_v a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n john_n 2._o 20._o but_o they_o be_v a_o offence_n not_o only_o of_o seduction_n but_o contristation_n rom._n 16._o 17._o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n error_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avid_n they_o these_o be_v wen_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n not_o part_n error_n in_o the_o church_n breed_v atheism_n in_o the_o world_n many_o question_n the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o give_v over_o all_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o difference_n and_o sect_n therefore_o they_o think_v nothing_o certain_a certain_o god_n see_v this_o discipline_n to_o be_v fit_a for_o his_o people_n he_o have_v tell_v we_o there_o must_v be_v error_n he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o take_v up_o religion_n upon_o trust_n without_o the_o pain_n of_o study_n and_o prayer_n lazy_a man_n will_v fain_o give_v law_n to_o heaven_n and_o teach_v god_n how_o to_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n they_o will_v have_v all_o thing_n clear_a and_o plain_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o doubt_n about_o it_o but_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o wise_a providence_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o permit_v these_o thing_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o excuse_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o search_n study_v and_o prayer_n man_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n agree_v else_o they_o take_v offence_n at_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v one_o mean_v to_o draw_v they_o off_o even_o after_o profession_n the_o canonist_n say_v non_fw-la fuisset_fw-la discretus_fw-la dominus_fw-la deus_fw-la nisi_fw-la unum_fw-la constiâ—uerit_fw-la vniversalem_fw-la judicem_fw-la this_o be_v their_o blasphemy_n that_o god_n be_v not_o discreet_a and_o wise_a unless_o he_o have_v appoint_v one_o universal_a and_o infallible_a interpreter_n this_o be_v man_n natural_a thought_n the_o jew_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o true_a messiah_n why_o because_o if_o he_o have_v be_v he_o will_v not_o have_v come_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o to_o leave_v any_o of_o his_o countryman_n in_o doubt_n but_o will_v so_o plain_o have_v discover_v himself_o that_o all_o may_v know_v he_o so_o many_o think_v religion_n be_v but_o a_o fancy_n and_o so_o fall_v off_o to_o atheism_n and_o sceptieism_n at_o last_o and_o irresolution_n in_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o sect_n and_o division_n and_o all_o uphold_v it_o with_o plausible_a pretence_n and_o to_o excuse_v laziness_n or_o prejudice_n man_n pretend_v want_n of_o certainty_n but_o god_n word_n be_v plain_a to_o all_o that_o will_v do_v his_o will_n john_n 7._o 17._o 2._o the_o scandalous_a aâ—d_n â—vil_a practice_n of_o professor_n these_o do_v not_o only_o infect_v but_o offend_v many_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o stumble_v at_o religion_n or_o fall_v into_o a_o dislike_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n scandal_n be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a than_o persecution_n in_o persecution_n though_o many_o be_v discourage_v yet_o other_o be_v gain_v to_o a_o like_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v be_v gain_v by_o the_o patience_n courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n but_o never_o any_o be_v gain_v by_o the_o scandalous_a fall_n of_o professor_n persecution_n do_v only_o work_v upon_o our_o heart_n which_o may_v be_v allay_v by_o proposal_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n but_o by_o scandalous_a action_n how_o many_o settle_v into_o a_o resolve_a hardness_n of_o heart_n in_o cross_n and_o persecution_n many_o man_n may_v have_v a_o secret_a like_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o purpose_n to_o own_v it_o in_o better_a time_n but_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o scandal_n man_n grow_v into_o a_o open_a and_o profess_a dislike_n thereof_o in_o persecution_n there_o be_v not_o a_o dislike_n of_o religion_n itself_o but_o of_o the_o hard_a term_n upon_o which_o it_o must_v be_v receive_v but_o by_o scandal_n man_n dislike_v religion_n itself_o and_o nourish_v a_o base_a and_o vile_a opinion_n thereof_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o they_o grow_v loose_a and_o fall_v off_o and_o this_o mischief_n do_v not_o only_o prevail_v with_o the_o light_a sort_n of_o christian_n but_o many_o time_n those_o which_o have_v have_v some_o taste_n it_o make_v they_o fly_v off_o exceed_o matth._n 18._o 7._o there_o will_v be_v offence_n but_o woe_n unto_o they_o by_o who_o they_o come_v christ_n have_v tell_v we_o all_o will_v not_o walk_v up_o to_o the_o religion_n they_o own_o but_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o disorder_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v his_o way_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 10._o he_o that_o love_v his_o brother_n abide_v in_o the_o light_n and_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v in_o â—im_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v will_v not_o be_v take_v away_o till_o the_o reaper_n come_v matth._n 13._o 41._o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v send_v forth_o his_o angel_n and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o they_o which_o do_v iniquity_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o that_o love_v christ_n and_o love_v his_o brother_n dare_v not_o reason_n from_o some_o to_o all_o from_o person_n to_o the_o religion_n for_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o person_n that_o profess_v it_o but_o the_o person_n by_o the_o religion_n these_o thing_n must_v ever_o be_v distinguish_v the_o rule_n
complain_v of_o god_n but_o yourselves_o and_o beg_v grace_n more_o feel_o in_o short_a you_o be_v not_o able_a because_o you_o be_v not_o willing_a and_o your_o impotency_n be_v increase_v by_o evil_a habit_n contract_v and_o long_a custom_n in_o sin_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o consideration_n 4._o none_o of_o these_o excuse_n be_v sufficient_a for_o not_o follow_v of_o christ._n and_o that_o 1._o because_o of_o his_o authority_n who_o require_v this_o duty_n from_o we_o or_o impose_v it_o on_o we_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o sentence_n we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v when_o he_o bid_v we_o follow_v he_o and_o follow_v he_o speedy_o to_o excuse_v ourselves_o be_v to_o countermand_v and_o contradict_v his_o authority_n it_o be_v flat_a disobedience_n though_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o duty_n but_o only_o shift_v off_o and_o excuse_v our_o present_a compliance_n for_o he_o be_v as_o peremptory_a for_o the_o time_n and_o season_n as_o for_o the_o duty_n now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n heb._n 3._o 7_o 8._o god_n stand_v upon_o his_o authority_n and_o will_v have_v a_o present_a answer_n if_o he_o say_v to_o day_n it_o be_v flat_a disobedience_n for_o we_o to_o say_v to_o morrow_n or_o suffer_v i_o â—irst_n to_o do_v this_o and_o that_o business_n 2._o it_o appear_v from_o his_o charge_n to_o his_o messenger_n nothing_o can_v take_v off_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o seek_v the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n we_o can_v plead_v any_o thing_n to_o exempt_v we_o from_o this_o work_n to_o plead_v that_o the_o people_n heart_n be_v hard_a and_o that_o the_o work_n be_v difficult_a and_o full_a of_o danger_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n no_o their_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n therefore_o all_o excuse_n set_v aside_o we_o must_v address_v ourselves_o to_o our_o work_n act_n 20._o 23_o 24._o paul_n go_v bind_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v tell_v he_o that_o in_o every_o city_n bond_n and_o affliction_n do_v abide_v and_o wait_v for_o he_o but_o say_v he_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n move_v i_o neither_o count_v i_o my_o life_n dear_a to_o myself_o so_o as_o i_o may_v finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o the_o ministry_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o my_o lord_n jesus_n to_o testify_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o endure_v what_o shall_v befall_v he_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o reckon_v nothing_o of_o it_o nor_o of_o loss_n of_o life_n if_o he_o may_v successful_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o serve_v christ_n faithful_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o nothing_o be_v a_o excuse_n to_o we_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v a_o excuse_n to_o you_o shall_v your_o soul_n be_v near_o and_o dear_a to_o we_o than_o to_o yourselves_o 3._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o duty_n impose_v on_o you_o if_o you_o consider_v the_o excellency_n and_o the_o nececessity_n of_o it_o to_o begin_v first_o the_o excellency_n all_o excuse_n against_o obedience_n to_o god_n call_n be_v 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n 〈…〉_z in_o the_o world_n now_o there_o be_v no_o 〈…〉_z between_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_z follow_v christ_n counsel_n 〈…〉_z everlasting_o happâ—_n the_o question_n will_v soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o which_o be_v most_o to_o be_v regard_v god_n or_o the_o creature_n the_o body_n or_o the_o soul_n eternity_n or_o time_n the_o excuse_n be_v for_o the_o body_n for_o time_n for_o the_o creature_n but_o the_o injunction_n of_o duty_n be_v for_o god_n for_o the_o soul_n and_o for_o eternity_n sense_n say_v favour_v the_o flesh_n faith_n say_v save_o thy_o soul_n the_o one_o be_v of_o everlasting_a consequence_n and_o conduce_v to_o a_o happiness_n that_o have_v no_o end_n the_o other_o only_o for_o a_o time_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 18._o while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a one_o turn_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n separate_v the_o neglect_a soul_n from_o the_o pamper_a body_n and_o than_o who_o be_v all_o these_o thing_n 2._o the_o necessity_n that_o we_o may_v please_v god_n and_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o we_o can_v never_o plead_v for_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v for_o a_o man_n be_v never_o drive_v to_o those_o straits_n whether_o he_o shall_v sin_v more_o or_o less_o but_o sometime_o duty_n come_v in_o competition_n duty_n to_o a_o father_n and_o a_o special_a injunction_n of_o christ_n to_o follow_v he_o one_o must_v be_v subordinate_v to_o the_o other_o and_o the_o most_o necessary_a must_v take_v place_n the_o less_o give_v place_n to_o the_o great_a now_o this_o be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o plead_v by_o way_n of_o hesistancy_n or_o as_o a_o bar_n to_o our_o duty_n as_o our_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a satisfaction_n but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o must_v avoid_v poverty_n and_o shame_n but_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a to_o avoid_v damnation_n not_o to_o preserve_v our_o temporal_a interest_n but_o to_o seek_v after_o eternal_a life_n luke_o 10._o 42._o one_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 4._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n to_o follow_v christ_n be_v not_o to_o give_v to_o he_o as_o much_o as_o the_o flesh_n can_v spare_v but_o whole_o to_o devote_v yourselves_o to_o his_o service_n to_o sell_v all_o for_o the_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n mat._n 13._o 46._o and_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o walk_v so_o that_o all_o may_v give_v way_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o service_n of_o your_o redeemer_n if_o he_o will_v employ_v we_o thus_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v not_o contradict_v it_o or_o please_v any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o excuse_n use_v do_v not_o neglect_v your_o duty_n for_o vain_a excuse_n the_o excuse_v humour_n be_v very_o rife_a and_o very_o prejudicial_a to_o we_o for_o the_o sluggard_n have_v a_o high_a conceit_n of_o his_o own_o allegation_n prov._n 26._o 16._o the_o sluggard_n be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n than_o seven_o man_n that_o can_v râ—nder_v a_o reason_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n their_o counsel_n usual_o consist_v of_o seven_o as_o we_o read_v of_o the_o seven_o prince_n of_o media_n and_o persia_n esther_n 1._o 14._o therefore_o let_v we_o a_o little_a disprove_v this_o vain_a conceit_n the_o sluggard_n think_v himself_o so_o wise_a that_o all_o other_o be_v but_o giddy_a and_o â—raisy-brained_a people_n that_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o make_v more_o ado_n with_o religion_n than_o need_v but_o can_v a_o man_n do_v too_o much_o for_o god_n and_o heaven_n 1_o thess._n 2._o 12._o the_o sluggard_n think_v it_o be_v a_o venture_n and_o he_o may_v venture_v on_o one_o side_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o against_o he_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n put_v aside_o faith_n in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o be_v take_v but_o to_o draw_v it_o to_o a_o more_o certain_a determination_n 1._o nothing_o be_v a_o reasonable_a excuse_n which_o god_n word_n disprove_v for_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v to_o discover_v the_o vain_a sophism_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o men._n heb._n 4._o 12._o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o discover_v the_o affection_n of_o a_o sensual_a heart_n however_o palliate_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o crafty_a understanding_n certain_o our_o private_a conceit_n must_v not_o be_v lift_v up_o against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v a_o creature_n be_v justify_v in_o go_v against_o his_o maker_n will._n nothing_o can_v be_v reason_n which_o the_o god_n of_o wisdom_n contradict_v and_o call_v folly_n jer._n 8._o 9_o lo_o they_o have_v reject_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o what_o wisdom_n be_v in_o they_o 2._o nothing_o can_v be_v plead_v as_o a_o reasonable_a excuse_n which_o your_o conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v reason_n man_n consult_v with_o their_o affection_n rather_o than_o with_o their_o conscience_n conscience_n will_v draw_v other_o conclusion_n therefore_o our_o excuse_n be_v usual_o our_o aggravation_n luk._n 19_o 22._o out_o of_o thy_o own_o mouth_n will_v i_o judge_v thou_o thou_o wicked_a servant_n the_o master_n expect_v increase_v