themselves_o and_o their_o own_o corruption_n where_o the_o shame_n of_o it_o ought_v whole_o to_o rest_n 3._o their_o wisdom_n help_v they_o to_o distinguish_v between_o thing_n and_o thing_n between_o error_n and_o error_n sin_n and_o sin_n and_o so_o they_o avoid_v the_o vulgar_a error_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n unto_o who_o every_o mistake_n of_o a_o professor_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o fundamental_a heresy_n every_o distemper_n the_o plague_n and_o every_o infirmity_n be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n whereby_o they_o do_v at_o once_o betray_v both_o deep_a ignorance_n and_o desperate_a malice_n but_o wise_a man_n distinguish_v they_o allow_v for_o the_o infirmity_n both_o of_o humane_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a state_n in_o this_o life_n as_o in_o reâ—son_n they_o ought_v and_o as_o the_o greâ—t_n god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o they_o neither_o so_o high_o censure_v the_o slip_n of_o professor_n as_o other_o do_v nor_o dare_v they_o charge_v any_o of_o they_o upon_o religion_n 2._o they_o justify_v religion_n because_o they_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o judge_v just_o and_o impartial_o of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a religion_n beg_v no_o man_n vote_n it_o court_v no_o man_n favour_n but_o only_o demand_v justice_n and_o require_v a_o fair_a trial_n by_o equal_a judge_n which_o good_a man_n be_v they_o be_v not_o bribe_v and_o bias_v by_o prejudice_n lust_n or_o interest_n and_o therefore_o can_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o the_o beauty_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o why_o we_o shall_v justify_v religion_n 2._o how_o we_o shall_v justify_v it_o and_o 3._o apply_v it_o for_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n by_o these_o reason_n 1._o we_o shall_v therefore_o justify_v religion_n because_o god_n justify_v it_o it_o be_v safe_a be_v on_o god_n side_n and_o let_v i_o be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o suppose_v a_o man_n do_v find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n which_o he_o can_v not_o resolve_v and_o conquer_v yet_o he_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o god_n wisdom_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v and_o by_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v though_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o respect_n which_o we_o usual_o pay_v to_o person_n eminent_a for_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o we_o do_v not_o easy_o suspect_v or_o condemn_v their_o action_n though_o seem_o strange_a but_o rather_o put_v a_o favourable_a construction_n upon_o they_o just_o conclude_v that_o they_o see_v some_o reason_n for_o their_o action_n which_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v but_o here_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o renew_v the_o old_a complaint_n concern_v man_n perverseness_n towards_o god_n multos_fw-la erga_fw-la homines_fw-la aequos_fw-la reperies_fw-la erga_fw-la deum_fw-la verò_fw-la neminem_fw-la we_o shall_v meet_v with_o many_o person_n that_o pass_v a_o equitable_a judgement_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o man_n that_o judge_v harsh_o and_o unrighteous_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o god_n now_o god_n justify_v religion_n 1._o by_o his_o word_n the_o justification_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v not_o a_o line_n in_o it_o but_o have_v some_o plain_a tendency_n that_o way_n and_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n a_o great_a number_n whereof_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v by_o heathen_a author_n be_v so_o many_o unquestionable_a evidence_n that_o god_n do_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v justify_v religion_n 2._o by_o his_o work_n for_o although_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o turn_v miracle_n into_o our_o daily_a bread_n nor_o immediate_o to_o punish_v every_o impudent_a malefactor_n who_o he_o reserve_v to_o sore_a punishment_n and_o who_o he_o never_o punish_v more_o dreadful_o than_o when_o he_o do_v forbear_v to_o punish_v they_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o nor_o religion_n without_o witness_n in_o divers_a age_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o in_o our_o age_n neither_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n have_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o the_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n god_n have_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n immediate_o and_o extraordinary_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n sometime_o by_o the_o miraculous_a preservation_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n in_o extremity_n of_o danger_n and_o misery_n sometime_o by_o a_o stupendous_a discovery_n and_o remarkable_a punishment_n of_o the_o close_a crime_n of_o ungodly_a man_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o age_n concern_v murder_n and_o many_o other_o villainy_n of_o which_o innumerable_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v and_o confirm_v by_o most_o considerable_a and_o concurrent_a testimony_n which_o he_o that_o shall_v deny_v can_v without_o great_a folly_n and_o arrogance_n expect_v to_o be_v believe_v himself_o in_o any_o thing_n he_o affirm_v 2._o because_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o religion_n be_v and_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v force_v to_o justify_v it_o multitude_n of_o persecutor_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o they_o consider_v the_o holy_a life_n the_o constant_a and_o cheerful_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n do_v cry_v out_o great_z be_v tâ—e_v god_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o many_o be_v convert_v upon_o that_o occasion_n ungodly_a man_n be_v frequent_o compel_v by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o by_o the_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o thing_n to_o commend_v those_o holy_a and_o righteous_a way_n of_o god_n in_o which_o they_o will_v not_o walk_v it_o be_v true_a wicked_a man_n be_v general_o mad_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o be_v convert_v that_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o luke_n 15.17_o imply_v that_o till_o that_o time_n he_o have_v be_v beside_o himself_o take_v a_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o lusâ—_n and_o you_o have_v as_o good_a meet_v a_o bear_n rob_v of_o her_o whelp_n and_o you_o may_v as_o soon_o pacify_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o then_o he_o act_v more_o like_o a_o brute_n than_o a_o man_n not_o only_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n but_o against_o all_o the_o sentiment_n of_o reason_n and_o honour_n and_o interest_n he_o sacrifice_v all_o to_o a_o base_a and_o sordid_a lust_n and_o in_o these_o circumstance_n who_o will_v value_v his_o judgement_n but_o when_o the_o mad_a fit_n be_v over_o when_o he_o recover_v the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n than_o you_o shall_v hear_v he_o justify_v religion_n and_o condemn_v himself_o when_o age_n and_o experience_n have_v make_v he_o wise_a when_o sickness_n and_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n make_v he_o serious_a and_o impartial_a than_o he_o change_v his_o note_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v gain_v to_o he_o he_o now_o account_v loss_n those_o lust_n which_o he_o former_o dote_v upon_o and_o use_v to_o chew_v under_o his_o tongue_n like_o a_o sweet_a morsel_n to_o think_v of_o with_o great_a delight_n he_o now_o abhor_v the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o he_o before_o despise_v he_o now_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o he_o trample_v under_o his_o foot_n as_o foolish_a and_o contemptible_a he_o now_o applaud_v as_o the_o only_a wisdom_n and_o wish_v in_o vain_a that_o it_o have_v be_v â—â—s_o choice_a and_o portion_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v prov._n 5.11_o 12_o 13._o and_o lest_o thou_o mourn_v at_o the_o last_o when_o thy_o flesh_n and_o thy_o body_n be_v consume_v and_o say_v how_o have_v i_o hate_a instruction_n and_o my_o heart_n despise_a reproof_n and_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o teacher_n nor_o incline_v my_o ear_n to_o they_o that_o instruct_v i_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n that_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v nigh_o its_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o body_n be_v more_o wise_a and_o apprehensive_a than_o it_o be_v before_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o then_o prejudice_n humour_n and_o deceit_n vanish_v and_o thing_n appear_v in_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a shape_n than_o man_n be_v in_o earnest_n and_o they_o judge_v impartial_o and_o then_o it_o be_v that_o they_o justify_v religion_n and_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o weak_a and_o foolish_a man_n as_o some_o ignorant_o object_n but_o of_o as_o great_a wit_n and_o deep_a statesman_n as_o the_o world_n have_v have_v that_o have_v then_o bewail_v their_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v the_o deceitful_a world_n precedence_n before_o it_o 3._o you_o shall_v justify_v religion_n because_o the_o devil_n oppose_v it_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a from_o the_o experience_n
war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o come_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o of_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n which_o it_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n to_o mortify_v methinks_v i_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o thousand_o who_o irreligion_n have_v consume_v their_o estate_n and_o shorten_v their_o day_n and_o hurry_v they_o before_o their_o time_n into_o another_o world_n cry_v out_o as_o they_o say_v be_v write_v upon_o sennacherib_n tomb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d look_v to_o i_o and_o learn_v to_o be_v godly_a wicked_a man_n in_o scripture_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o horse_n and_o the_o mule_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v hold_v with_o a_o bit_n or_o bridle_n psal._n 32.9_o this_o bridle_n be_v religion_n and_o when_o you_o see_v these_o horse_n in_o humane_a shape_n run_v furious_o away_o break_v through_o all_o hedge_n of_o restraint_n venture_v upon_o precipice_n prance_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o high_a danger_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o horse_n have_v cast_v his_o bridle_n or_o his_o rider_n this_o be_v abraham_n inference_n gen._n 20.11_o i_o think_v sure_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o this_o place_n and_o they_o will_v slay_v i_o for_o my_o wife_n sake_n and_o as_o much_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o nehem._n 5.15_o but_o so_o do_v not_o i_o that_o be_v as_o precedent_a governor_n do_v oppress_v and_o grind_v the_o people_n because_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nay_o the_o very_a common_a form_n of_o legal_a inditement_n against_o notorious_a offender_n 〈…〉_z evince_v this_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o this_o preface_n not_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o one_o principal_a reason_n why_o god_n suffer_v such_o abominable_a wickedness_n and_o mischief_n consequent_a upon_o they_o to_o break_v forâ—h_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o divine_a deductio_fw-la ad_fw-la absurdum_fw-la that_o by_o the_o dismal_a effect_n of_o irreligion_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v be_v force_v to_o see_v the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n 6._o if_o you_o do_v not_o justify_v religion_n the_o heathen_n will_v condemn_v you_o who_o although_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o doctrinal_a mystery_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o yea_o there_o be_v divers_a practice_n of_o religious_a man_n which_o our_o christian_a heathen_n censure_n and_o deride_v which_o those_o more_o sober_a heathen_n have_v approve_v and_o commend_v to_o give_v two_o or_o three_o instance_n if_o any_o man_n among_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n and_o resolute_o persist_v in_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a action_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o reproach_n loss_n and_o suffering_n which_o he_o may_v meet_v with_o if_o any_o man_n will_v quit_v his_o part_n in_o paris_n for_o that_o iâ—_n paradise_n as_o one_o say_v our_o modern_a heathen_n make_v such_o a_o man_n the_o object_n of_o their_o mirth_n and_o scorn_n so_o do_v not_o the_o wise_a heathen_n in_o ea_fw-la i.e._n honestate_fw-la autem_fw-la persequenda_fw-la omnes_fw-la cruciatus_fw-la corporis_fw-la omne_fw-la pericula_fw-la mortis_fw-la atque_fw-la exilii_fw-la parvi_fw-la sunt_fw-la ducenda_fw-la be_v the_o speech_n of_o cicero_n pro_fw-la archia_fw-la poeta_fw-la i._n e._n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o virtuous_a action_n a_o man_n shall_v light_o esteem_v all_o the_o torture_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o utmost_a peril_n of_o death_n or_o exile_n so_o seneca_n ep._n 66._o ad_fw-la omne_fw-la pulchrum_fw-la vir_fw-la bone_fw-la sine_fw-la cunctatione_n procurrit_fw-la stet_fw-la licet_fw-la carnifex_fw-la stettortor_n atque_fw-la ignis_fw-la perseverabit_fw-la nec_fw-la quid_fw-la passuâ—us_fw-la sed_fw-la quid_fw-la facturus_fw-la sit_fw-la adspiciet_fw-la &_o se_fw-la hovestae_fw-la rei_fw-la tanquam_fw-la bono_fw-mi uâ—â—o_fw-la credet_fw-la a_o good_a man_n will_v make_v haste_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o any_o good_a purpose_n though_o the_o executioner_n be_v at_o hand_n with_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o torture_n yet_o he_o will_v persevere_v and_o not_o so_o much_o consider_v what_o he_o shall_v suffer_v as_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o will_v trust_v himself_o with_o a_o good_a cause_n as_o with_o a_o virtuous_a and_o generous_a friend_n again_o if_o any_o christian_a make_v religion_n his_o great_a business_n and_o command_v all_o his_o other_o concern_v or_o occasion_n to_o stoop_v to_o it_o and_o govern_v all_o his_o worldly_a affair_n by_o it_o such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o new_a style_n of_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o last_o edition_n be_v but_o a_o grave_a fop_n he_o become_v the_o song_n of_o the_o drunkard_n the_o sport_n of_o the_o wit_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v or_o more_o true_o the_o scorn_n of_o fool_n the_o same_o heathen_a seneca_n will_v teach_v these_o creature_n more_o wit_n and_o religion_n non_fw-la cum_fw-la vacaveris_fw-la philosophandum_fw-la est_fw-la omne_fw-la alia_fw-la negligenda_fw-la ut_fw-la huic_fw-la assideamus_fw-la you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n when_o you_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v comparative_o to_o be_v neglect_v that_o you_o may_v entire_o devote_v yourselves_o to_o this_o and_o elsewhere_o he_o give_v this_o invincible_a reason_n for_o it_o si_fw-mi aeger_fw-la esses_fw-la curam_fw-la intermisiss_n rei_fw-la familiaris_fw-la &_o forensia_fw-la tibi_fw-la negotia_fw-la excidissent_fw-la toto_fw-la animo_fw-la id_fw-la ageres_fw-la ut_fw-la à _fw-la morbo_fw-la liberareris_fw-la quid_fw-la ergo_fw-la non_fw-it &_o nunc_fw-la idem_fw-la facies_fw-la omne_fw-la impedimenta_fw-la dimitte_n &_o vaca_fw-la bonae_fw-la menti_fw-la nemo_fw-la ad_fw-la illam_fw-la venit_fw-la occupatus_fw-la exercet_fw-la philosophia_fw-la regnum_fw-la suum_fw-la that_fw-mi tempus_fw-la non_fw-la accipit_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o you_o be_v dangerous_o sick_a you_o will_v cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o your_o domestic_a concern_v and_o public_a employment_n you_o will_v make_v this_o your_o whole_a business_n to_o get_v yourselves_o rid_v of_o your_o disease_n and_o why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o now_o set_v upon_o the_o same_o course_n cast_v away_o all_o impediment_n and_o consecrated_a yourselves_o to_o virtue_n no_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o entertain_v so_o noble_a a_o guest_n that_o be_v not_o full_o at_o leisure_n for_o she_o virtue_n wherever_o it_o reside_v will_v govern_v nor_o do_v it_o receive_v law_n but_o give_v they_o it_o be_v not_o content_a to_o take_v that_o time_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o it_o by_o secular_a affair_n diversion_n and_o recreation_n but_o make_v such_o allowance_n of_o time_n to_o these_o as_o it_o judge_v meet_v arrian_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o wise_a egyptian_n and_o roman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o thing_n to_o be_v pursue_v with_o our_o utmost_a strength_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n if_o our_o barbarian_n be_v of_o another_o opinion_n again_o if_o any_o professor_n of_o religion_n make_v conscience_n of_o redeem_v his_o time_n and_o dare_v not_o prodigal_o cast_v away_o that_o precious_a jewel_n the_o true_a worth_n whereof_o will_n never_o be_v thorough_o understand_v till_o we_o come_v into_o that_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a management_n of_o it_o in_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a thing_n as_o other_o do_v he_o be_v present_o condemn_v as_o nice_a supercilious_a and_o uncivil_a the_o wise_a and_o learned_a heathen_n be_v of_o another_o opinion_n it_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o one_o of_o they_o nemo_fw-la ullam_fw-la auferat_fw-la nobis_fw-la diem_fw-la nihil_fw-la dignum_fw-la tanto_fw-la impendio_fw-la redditurus_fw-la sibi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la animus_n haereat_fw-la se_fw-la colat_fw-la nihil_fw-la alieni_fw-la agate_n i.e._n let_v no_o man_n rob_v we_o of_o a_o day_n because_o he_o can_v give_v a_o valuable_a recompense_n for_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n let_v we_o employ_v our_o time_n in_o the_o cultivation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o let_v we_o not_o spend_v it_o in_o frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a thing_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o complain_v magna_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la pars_fw-la elabitur_fw-la male_a agentibus_fw-la maxima_fw-la nihil_fw-la agentibus_fw-la tota_fw-la aliud_fw-la agentibus_fw-la a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o do_v ill_a more_o in_o do_v nothing_o and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o do_v thing_n to_o little_a or_o no_o purpose_n i_o can_v easy_o mention_v many_o more_o particular_n but_o by_o these_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o from_o hence_o let_v i_o leave_v this_o conclusion_n in_o your_o mind_n that_o the_o enemy_n and_o derider_n of_o serious_a godliness_n do_v not_o
judgement_n immutable_a in_o their_o goodness_n and_o be_v no_o physician_n to_o be_v prize_v but_o hâ—_n who_o cure_v all_o disease_n three_o religion_n have_v wash_v her_o hand_n from_o all_o the_o guilt_n of_o man_n miscarriage_n in_o all_o court_n or_o council_n those_o that_o enter_v their_o protest_n against_o unrighteous_a sentence_n be_v hold_v innocent_a now_o religion_n have_v enter_v its_o protest_n against_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o its_o disciple_n religion_n have_v bind_v its_o yoke_n upon_o all_o of_o they_o what_o if_o some_o religious_a man_n be_v seditious_a or_o rebellious_a against_o magistrate_n religion_n have_v protest_v against_o it_o rom._n 13.1_o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n and_o if_o man_n forget_v their_o duty_n religion_n command_v to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n tit._n 3.1_o if_o person_n profess_v godliness_n be_v perverse_a or_o stubborn_a servant_n religion_n have_v declare_v against_o it_o servant_n be_v subject_a to_o your_o master_n with_o all_o fear_n not_o only_o to_o the_o good_a and_o gentle_a but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a 1_o pet._n 2.18_o and_o the_o like_a obligation_n religion_n have_v lay_v upon_o every_o relation_n husband_n must_v love_v their_o wife_n as_o christ_n love_v his_o church_n ephes._n 5._o 25._o and_o wife_n must_v be_v in_o subjection_n to_o their_o own_o husband_n at_o their_o peril_n be_v it_o if_o they_o will_v dare_v to_o violate_v these_o sacred_a injunction_n but_o if_o they_o do_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n religion_n shall_v bear_v the_o blame_n that_o have_v lay_v its_o command_n upon_o all_o its_o follower_n to_o carry_v themselves_o in_o every_o relation_n and_o condition_n with_o all_o care_n and_o sweetness_n it_o allow_v no_o man_n unrighteous_a churlish_a morose_n un-neighbour_o deportment_n but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n we_o must_v think_v of_o these_o thing_n philip._n 4.8_o it_o command_v that_o every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o and_o charge_n christian_n as_o they_o tender_v its_o honour_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o their_o action_n let_v as_o many_o servant_n as_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n count_v their_o own_o master_n worthy_a of_o all_o honour_n that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o blaspheme_v 1_o tim_n 6.1_o religion_n disown_n and_o disclaim_v those_o pretendeâ—s_n that_o act_n contrary_a to_o these_o rule_n yea_o and_o have_v command_v we_o to_o disow_v they_o too_o now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a 2_o thes._n 3.6_o i_o have_v write_v to_o you_o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicatour_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolator_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v 1_o cor._n 5.11_o it_o forbid_v all_o irregularity_n under_o the_o high_a penalty_n neither_o fornicatour_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n nay_o it_o severe_o punish_v all_o obliquity_n christ_n have_v ordain_v a_o strict_a discipline_n which_o if_o it_o be_v faithful_o execute_v will_v effectual_o purge_v out_o all_o those_o person_n for_o who_o sake_n religion_n suffer_v there_o be_v also_o spiritual_a and_o most_o tremendous_a punishment_n which_o religion_n do_v inflict_v upon_o unsound_a professor_n by_o give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o sear_a conscience_n to_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n to_o atheism_n and_o popery_n of_o which_o we_o have_v frequent_a instance_n religion_n thus_o purge_v out_o its_o ill_a humour_n and_o abandon_v its_o rot_a member_n of_o who_o we_o may_v say_v as_o st._n john_n do_v 1_o ep._n john_n 2.19_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o â—hey_n have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n hâ—ve_v continue_v with_o we_o in_o a_o word_n religion_n do_v more_o to_o secure_v the_o world_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o injustice_n and_o â—ickedness_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o for_o both_o bind_v the_o righteous_a law_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o conscience_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o it_o threaten_v the_o violator_n of_o they_o with_o severe_a punishment_n than_o magistrate_n can_v inflict_v so_o that_o if_o religion_n do_v not_o restrain_v man_n nothing_o will_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o religion_n have_v do_v its_o part_n and_o therefore_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v excuse_v i_o can_v but_o observe_v the_o gross_a unrighteousness_n of_o man_n that_o for_o some_o few_o lâ—te_a instance_n of_o rebellion_n or_o sedition_n among_o professor_n take_v occasion_n to_o condemn_v religion_n whereas_o if_o they_o look_v into_o thâ—_n history_n of_o other_o nation_n or_o of_o former_a age_n in_o this_o they_o shall_v find_v twenty_o instance_n to_o one_o of_o the_o same_o sin_n in_o person_n that_o never_o make_v any_o show_n of_o religion_n nor_o have_v religion_n only_o give_v excellent_a rule_n to_o oblige_v subject_n to_o obedience_n to_o their_o ruler_n and_o a_o patient_a suffering_n under_o they_o but_o also_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a remarkable_a instance_n of_o christian_n practise_v this_o rule_n and_o quiet_o submit_v to_o those_o penalty_n which_o probable_o by_o force_n they_o may_v have_v avoid_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o man_n malignant_a disposition_n against_o religion_n that_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o condemn_v it_o from_o the_o ill_a example_n of_o some_o rather_o than_o to_o commend_v it_o from_o the_o good_a example_n of_o other_o as_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n and_o charity_n oblige_v they_o to_o do_v 2._o caution_n or_o instruction_n first_o to_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n second_o to_o its_o friend_n three_o to_o all_o first_o to_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o sinful_a practice_n of_o speak_v evil_a of_o religion_n for_o any_o man_n pretend_v or_o real_a miscarriage_n we_o live_v in_o time_n wherein_o man_n mouth_n be_v open_a against_o religion_n they_o be_v not_o content_v to_o condemn_v the_o action_n of_o religious_a man_n but_o from_o thence_o both_o weak_o and_o wicked_o infer_v that_o all_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n and_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o drink_v in_o such_o curse_a suggestion_n and_o to_o follow_v such_o pernicious_a example_n this_o therefore_o i_o caution_n you_o against_o whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o do_v so_o consider_v first_o herein_o thou_o be_v the_o devil_n friend_n thou_o do_v his_o work_n and_o may_v expect_v his_o wage_n religion_n be_v god_n great_a instrument_n to_o dissolve_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o he_o labour_v to_o disparage_v it_o and_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a whoever_o be_v the_o engine_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o hand_n of_o joab_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o set_v man_n upon_o this_o work_n hereby_o he_o harden_v man_n against_o god_n and_o exasperate_v god_n against_o man_n for_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o god_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o hâ—_n that_o touch_v that_o touch_v the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n second_o herein_o thou_o be_v thy_o own_o enemy_n when_o thou_o open_v thy_o mouth_n against_o religion_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o i_o may_v say_v as_o solomon_n do_v concern_v adoniâ—h_n as_o the_o lord_n liveâ—_n thou_o speake_v this_o against_o thy_o own_o head_n possible_o some_o professor_n of_o religion_n have_v give_v thou_o occasion_n and_o thou_o be_v glad_a of_o it_o as_o wicked_a man_n usual_o be_v both_o at_o the_o sin_n and_o suffering_n of_o god_n people_n though_o none_o have_v less_o cause_n for_o it_o mâ—t._n 18.7_o woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n thâ—_n blame_v of_o â—he_n offence_n will_v rest_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o thâ—_n mischief_n of_o it_o redound_v â—o_o thâ—_n wicked_a world_n and_o most_o of_o all_o to_o they_o that_o take_v thâ—_n great_a pleasure_n in_o it_o their_o laughter_n â—s_v but_o like_o that_o of_o one_o in_o a_o phrensy_v a_o indication_n of_o his_o disease_n and_o a_o presage_n of_o his_o death_n consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o if_o ever_o you_o come_v to_o heaven_n you_o must_v love_v religion_n and_o imitate_v the_o
of_o this_o and_o all_o former_a age_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o devil_n rage_n and_o malice_n his_o great_a design_n be_v to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o this_o end_n he_o raise_v calumny_n and_o persecution_n and_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o and_o tempt_v religious_a man_n to_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v dishonour_v it_o the_o devil_n carry_v himself_o quiet_o towards_o ungodly_a man_n comply_v with_o their_o inclination_n present_v convenient_a object_n and_o occasion_n to_o they_o give_v they_o all_o furtherance_n in_o their_o evil_a design_n but_o when_o any_o man_n gin_v serious_o to_o think_v of_o religion_n than_o the_o devil_n bestir_v himself_o sometime_o roar_v like_o a_o lion_n sometime_o deceive_v like_o a_o serpent_n then_o he_o stir_v up_o friend_n to_o flatter_v and_o seduce_v enemy_n to_o threaten_v and_o rage_n other_o to_o slander_n and_o reproach_n and_o wherefore_o be_v all_o this_o what_o do_v this_o teach_v we_o even_o that_o which_o be_v say_v concern_v nero_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o excellent_a thing_n which_o so_o envious_a and_o malicious_a a_o spirit_n so_o fierce_o oppose_v in_o brief_a thus_o man_n interest_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v direct_o opposite_a and_o therefore_o you_o may_v safe_o conclude_v whatsoever_o promote_v his_o interest_n destroy_v you_o he_o hearty_o grudge_v to_o man_n his_o restauration_n to_o that_o happiness_n which_o himself_o have_v irrecoverable_o lose_v and_o therefore_o he_o set_v himself_o against_o religion_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v the_o only_a restorative_n to_o lose_a man_n the_o only_a way_n to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o devil_n power_n and_o from_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o to_o instate_v he_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o true_a and_o endless_a bliss_n 4_o you_o will_v never_o repent_v of_o the_o justification_n of_o religion_n once_o justify_v religion_n and_o you_o will_v never_o condemn_v it_o ungodly_a man_n be_v changeling_n in_o religion_n their_o religion_n vary_v with_o their_o humour_n and_o with_o the_o season_n they_o have_v one_o religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o youth_n and_o jollity_n another_o in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a age_n and_o trouble_v one_o religion_n when_o the_o man_n rule_v in_o they_o another_o when_o the_o beast_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a employment_n of_o the_o poor_a sinner_n be_v all_o his_o day_n to_o do_v and_o undo_v to_o build_v with_o one_o hand_n and_o to_o pull_v down_o with_o another_o to_o erect_v in_o health_n and_o demolish_v in_o sickness_n how_o full_a the_o world_n be_v of_o sickbed_n repentance_n be_v common_o observe_v how_o true_a they_o be_v be_v another_o question_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n that_o sinner_n be_v then_o clear_o convince_v than_o they_o condemn_v themselves_o and_o their_o former_a way_n and_o caution_n their_o friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o iniquity_n it_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o see_v that_o they_o dare_v stand_v to_o their_o former_a bargain_n at_o that_o time_n but_o he_o that_o justify_v religion_n once_o will_v justify_v it_o for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v steady_a and_o fix_v as_o his_o practice_n be_v regular_a and_o constant_a he_o justify_v religion_n in_o prosperity_n and_o he_o do_v no_o less_o in_o adversity_n when_o he_o sufferâ—_n with_o it_o yea_o though_o he_o suffer_v by_o it_o he_o justify_v it_o in_o health_n and_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o do_v so_o in_o sickness_n too_o i_o dare_v challenge_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o person_n do_v you_o ever_o hear_v a_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n upon_o a_o die_a bed_n complain_v that_o he_o have_v be_v too_o religious_a or_o condemn_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v slight_v the_o concernment_n of_o the_o present_a world_n in_o comparison_n of_o it_o i_o trow_v not_o no_o then_o religion_n appear_v with_o the_o most_o beautiful_a face_n than_o a_o man_n find_v unexpressible_a sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o then_o a_o smile_n of_o god_n face_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o a_o thousand_o world_n when_o a_o man_n can_v say_v with_o good_a hezekiah_n remember_v o_o lord_n how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n esa._n 38.21_o or_o with_o saint_n paul_n i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v and_o the_o time_n of_o my_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o sor_n i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 4.6_o 7_o 8._o nay_o a_o religious_a man_n carry_v his_o principle_n along_o with_o he_o into_o another_o world_n he_o that_o justify_v religion_n now_o will_v justify_v it_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o for_o ever_o then_o he_o will_v rejoice_v in_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o direct_v he_o to_o his_o â—ormer_a choice_n when_o the_o miserable_a sinner_n shall_v make_v â—_o formal_a recantation_n of_o all_o his_o hard_a speech_n and_o bitter_a reflection_n upon_o religion_n and_o its_o professor_n and_o will_v say_v as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o that_o apocryphal_a book_n call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n ch_n 5._o this_o be_v â—e_v who_o we_o have_v sometime_o in_o derision_n and_o a_o proverb_n of_o reproach_n we_o fool_v account_v his_o life_n madness_n and_o his_o end_n to_o be_v without_o honour_n how_o be_v he_o number_v among_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o his_o lot_n be_v among_o the_o saint_n we_o weary_v ourselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n and_o destruction_n yea_o we_o have_v go_v through_o desert_n where_o there_o lie_v no_o way_n but_o as_o for_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o have_v not_o know_v it_o what_o have_v pride_n profit_v we_o or_o what_o good_a have_v riches_n with_o our_o vaunt_a bring_v we_o etc._n etc._n 5._o religion_n be_v high_o justify_v by_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o irreligion_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n not_o consist_v of_o empty_a word_n but_o deduce_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v most_o true_a carendo_fw-la magis_fw-la quam_fw-la fruendo_fw-la sentiuntur_fw-la bona_fw-la the_o excellency_n of_o thing_n be_v better_o understand_v by_o the_o want_n than_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o the_o darkness_n and_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o night_n commend_v to_o we_o the_o use_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o day_n light_n consider_v with_o i_o i_o beseech_v you_o the_o doleful_a estate_n of_o this_o degenerate_a age_n and_o nation_n how_o be_v man_n not_o by_o poetical_a fiction_n but_o too_o true_o transform_v into_o swine_n and_o goat_n and_o serpent_n and_o tiger_n nay_o in_o truth_n i_o wrong_v the_o beast_n by_o the_o comparison_n man_n be_v much_o the_o worse_a bruit_n of_o the_o two_o they_o far_o outdo_v they_o in_o filthiness_n deceit_n perfidiousness_n fierceness_n and_o rage_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o man_n do_v so_o waste_v their_o conscience_n with_o hideous_a crime_n blast_v their_o reputation_n and_o render_v themselves_o the_o scorn_n of_o all_o serious_a and_o prudent_a man_n fill_v their_o body_n with_o loathsome_a disease_n reduce_v their_o estate_n to_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n be_v it_o not_o for_o want_v of_o religion_n which_o where_o it_o be_v observe_v be_v a_o effectual_a fence_n to_o all_o these_o whence_o be_v that_o proverb_n verify_v that_o one_o man_n be_v a_o wolf_n a_o devil_n to_o another_o but_o for_o want_v of_o religion_n to_o control_v their_o unmanly_a unchristian_a unruly_a passion_n look_v into_o many_o family_n whence_o be_v all_o the_o breach_n contention_n and_o division_n there_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o husband_n and_o wife_n be_v so_o false_a so_o unnatural_a and_o unkind_a one_o to_o another_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o manifest_a command_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o oath_n and_o sacred_a tie_n which_o god_n have_v bind_v upon_o they_o which_o their_o own_o express_a consent_n have_v make_v indissoluble_a but_o by_o death_n that_o they_o do_v so_o easy_o so_o unnecessary_o and_o so_o frequent_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o child_n be_v so_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a that_o servant_n be_v so_o froward_a unfaithful_a and_o 〈◊〉_d but_o because_o they_o want_v religion_n to_o teach_v anâ—_n enforce_v their_o several_a duty_n whence_o be_v the_o disorder_n in_o kingdom_n that_o superior_n do_v not_o rule_v well_o that_o inferior_n do_v not_o obey_v well_o that_o all_o do_v not_o live_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o amity_n what_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n not_o religion_n as_o be_v false_o pretend_v but_o irreligion_n witness_n jam._n 4.1_o from_o whence_o come_v