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not_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o dutiful_a towards_o the_o offspring_n of_o our_o own_o bowel_n and_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n engrave_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o hither_o to_o condemn_v the_o action_n which_o he_o now_o command_v and_o though_o i_o know_v he_o be_v always_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v do_v always_o that_o which_o i_o know_v will_v please_v he_o yet_o how_o can_v i_o hope_v to_o please_v he_o by_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o my_o own_o child_n what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v of_o i_o who_o profess_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o pure_a manner_n shall_v i_o pollute_v his_o altar_n with_o my_o son_n blood_n and_o do_v that_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a thing_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o his_o holy_a religion_n so_o harsh_a a_o command_n as_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v not_o nature_n only_o but_o faith_n itself_o upon_o the_o stretch_n and_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o this_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v the_o best_a example_n and_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o 2._o but_o then_o god_n do_v not_o only_o command_v abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n but_o his_o belove_a and_o only_a son_n isaac_n i._n e._n his_o only_a son_n by_o sarah_n the_o freewoman_n and_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o convey_v a_o universal_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n take_v now_o thy_o son_n say_v god_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n 22.2_o gen._n 22.2_o who_o thou_o love_v and_o get_v thou_o into_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burn_a offer_v and_o this_o great_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o abraham_n obedience_n that_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o demand_v not_o one_o out_o of_o many_o but_o his_o only_a son_n his_o isaac_n who_o he_o entire_o love_v the_o only_a joy_n of_o 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dictate_v as_o essentiael_v to_o christianity_n which_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o ancient_n and_o venerable_a write_n do_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o there_o be_v those_o that_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o have_v often_o prove_v we_o so_o as_o clear_o as_o fire_n and_o faggot_n can_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v so_o straitlaced_n as_o to_o believe_v but_o just_a so_o many_o truth_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v so_o nice_a and_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o for_o several_a age_n and_o in_o several_a council_n have_v decree_v the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n i.e._n the_o most_o orthodox_n christian_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o fair_o recommend_v it_o as_o a_o eminent_a test_n of_o catholic_n zeal_n other_o at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v who_o with_o mighty_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o secret_a motion_n and_o immediate_a 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god_n of_o our_o father_n now_o to_o apply_v these_o allusion_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o chief_a actor_n and_o party_n in_o they_o have_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o confess_v that_o they_o very_o think_v they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n many_o apology_n have_v be_v make_v and_o many_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v for_o they_o yea_o many_o have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o pronounce_v it_o with_o their_o last_o breath_n that_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o die_v for_o as_o ill_o as_o they_o look_v towards_o the_o world_n be_v do_v out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v they_o thonght_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v they_o as_o contrary_a and_o dishonourable_a as_o they_o real_o be_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o to_o show_v whece_n it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a 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the_o present_a occasion_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o such_o as_o i_o think_v have_v the_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o be_v best_a able_a to_o answer_v for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v bad_a education_n which_o have_v a_o strange_a influence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o change_v the_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n into_o the_o bitter_a and_o fierce_a temper_n the_o great_a spring_n and_o mover_n of_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o information_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o education_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a stroke_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o impression_n we_o receive_v of_o thing_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n be_v
once_o recommend_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o exemplar_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v and_o that_o the_o great_a commendation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o that_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n which_o justify_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v but_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o fall_v as_o short_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n for_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o can_v understand_v what_o use_v there_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a good_a use_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o 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of_o god_n that_o a_o dead_a and_o useless_a faith_n shall_v do_v he_o the_o great_a kindness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o life_n eternal_a now_o if_o justify_v faith_n be_v more_o than_o a_o assent_n to_o truth_n if_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n we_o see_v what_o a_o perfect_a dream_n the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n from_o eternity_n be_v for_o sure_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o long_o ago_o as_o from_o eternity_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v from_o eternity_n our_o faith_n come_v too_o late_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justify_v faith_n and_o this_o the_o patron_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v not_o dissemble_v in_o their_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o they_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n only_o of_o manifest_v and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o their_o personal_a justification_n from_o eternity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fair_a step_n to_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n for_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n what_o effect_n the_o great_a precept_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o conceive_v they_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v round_o that_o they_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n 2._o we_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o trial_n not_o to_o stagger_v or_o repine_v at_o any_o sharp_a or_o mysterious_a providence_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v our_o sincerity_n and_o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v honour_v with_o more_o eminent_a token_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n than_o abraham_n be_v he_o be_v style_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a seed_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n 4.13_o rom._n 4.13_o he_o be_v familiar_o visited_n by_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o dignify_v with_o many_o special_a revelation_n and_o glorious_a promise_n he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n secret_n 18.17_o gen._n 18.17_o one_o who_o he_o declare_v his_o confidence_n in_o yea_o be_v so_o high_o in_o his_o favour_n that_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o family_n in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n 8.56_o joh._n 8.56_o at_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n distance_n from_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o instance_n it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o single_a out_o the_o best_a man_n for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o their_o own_o and_o all_o succeed_a generation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o best_a history_n of_o all_o age_n now_o shall_v we_o call_v this_o a_o error_n of_o providence_n and_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o excellent_a man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n because_o he_o call_v they_o to_o such_o noble_a trial_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o vindication_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o not_o we_o can_v infer_v nothing_o either_o against_o ourselves_o while_o we_o study_v to_o please_v god_n or_o against_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n how_o extraordinary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v consider_v rather_o that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o world_n submission_n to_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o by_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n and_o this_o clear_v at_o once_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o thus_o train_v they_o up_o for_o those_o excessive_a height_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o 3._o the_o carriage_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o trial_n may_v serve_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v serve_v god_n without_o respect_n to_o worldly_a advantage_n nay_o in_o view_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o disappointment_n that_o can_v be_v sustain_v by_o it_o the_o loose_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v always_o very_o apt_a to_o charge_v the_o sincere_a with_o pretend_v religion_n for_o secular_a end_n be_v willing_a to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o wicked_a and_o impious_a life_n they_o will_v feign_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o piety_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o hypocrisy_n that_o give_v some_o man_n the_o reputation_n of_o be_v better_a than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o best_a love_n the_o world_n at_o their_o heart_n as_o dear_o as_o those_o that_o proclaim_v their_o passion_n for_o it_o and_o profess_o make_v their_o court_n to_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o have_v cost_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n very_o dear_a in_o their_o several_a age_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o scoff_v and_o infidelity_n of_o men._n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o one_o special_a end_n of_o the_o trial_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o cheerful_o serve_v god_n upon_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n yea_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o very_a dear_a delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o evasion_n or_o answer_n and_o since_o abraham_n child_n have_v the_o same_o kind_a of_o faith_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o renown_v for_o i_o mean_v a_o faith_n which_o carry_v they_o through_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o a_o kingdom_n which_o have_v foundation_n this_o vindicate_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n from_o the_o foul_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o do_v their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o their_o family_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o they_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o ingenuity_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o perfection_n that_o abraham_n be_v
and_o that_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v such_o a_o family_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n when_o the_o church_n be_v empale_v in_o his_o little_a family_n and_o ten_o promise_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a have_v no_o reason_n to_o value_v the_o censure_n of_o men._n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o he_o know_v their_o integrity_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a he_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o we_o and_o then_o we_o be_v safe_a our_o reward_n be_v sure_a and_o will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n we_o need_v not_o ask_v leave_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o stand_v to_o their_o courtesy_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o favour_n with_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o it_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v ready_a to_o acquit_v we_o 4._o last_o the_o success_n of_o this_o trial_n shall_v inspire_v we_o with_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n too_o hard_o for_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a faith_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v discharge_v before_o we_o and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o our_o great_a example_n have_v do_v and_o consider_v how_o noble_o they_o have_v acquit_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o brave_a and_o resolute_a as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o break_v through_o the_o discouragement_n which_o can_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o run_v and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n do_v they_o climb_v over_o the_o high_a difficulty_n and_o may_v not_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o couch_v under_o the_o ordinary_a hardship_n in_o religion_n do_v they_o depend_v upon_o god_n when_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n can_v relieve_v their_o hope_n in_o he_o and_o shall_v we_o distrust_v his_o goodness_n and_o protection_n while_o we_o actual_o enjoy_v they_o and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o continue_v so_o many_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o concernment_n for_o we_o do_v they_o leave_v their_o country_n at_o god_n command_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o too_o much_o but_o to_o leave_v the_o vice_n of_o we_o which_o have_v long_o threaten_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o possession_n of_o it_o again_o do_v they_o stick_v at_o nothing_o to_o please_v god_n not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o only_a son_n and_o shall_v we_o that_o have_v better_a promise_n than_o they_o have_v refuse_v he_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n as_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o holy_a flame_n of_o devotion_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o indisputable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v extreme_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o be_v ture_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o believe_v and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a annal_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n present_v we_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o many_o eminent_a believer_n who_o become_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n by_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o but_o that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o same_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v much_o great_a advantage_n than_o they_o have_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o same_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n in_o god_n service_n to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o incomparable_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n lay_v himself_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o his_o son_n upon_o his_o altar_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o god_n command_n sacrifice_n our_o darling_n lust_n that_o will_v destroy_v our_o soul_n since_o one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v die_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n much_o cheap_a and_o no_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o abraham_n oblation_n be_v 8._o micah_n 6.7_o 8._o more_o grateful_a to_o he_o than_o thouthousand_n of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n than_o if_o thou_o give_v thy_o first-born_a for_o thy_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o soul_n offer_v this_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o faith_n without_o which_o thy_o very_a prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n then_o shall_v thou_o have_v favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n through_o the_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o by_o walk_v before_o he_o as_o abraham_n do_v may_v assure_o hope_v after_o a_o short_a trial_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o this_o world_n to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o on_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinformed_a conscience_n or_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n act_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o a_o eminent_a convert_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n that_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o of_o great_a natural_a endowment_n and_o that_o make_v a_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n both_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n a_o sect_n which_o perhaps_o till_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n loyola_n never_o have_v its_o equal_a in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o pharisee_n of_o any_o party_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o keen_a against_o the_o christian_n so_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v as_o errant_a a_o pharisee_fw-mi as_o hearty_a and_o as_o eager_a a_o persecutor_n as_o any_o of_o his_o order_n 10.11_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o he_o be_v the_o man_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n that_o shut_v up_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o their_o religion_n he_o give_v his_o voice_n against_o they_o other_o he_o punish_v often_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n i.e._n to_o renounce_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n christian_a plin._n ep._n tra._n the_o christian_a and_o to_o curse_v he_o use_v the_o same_o cruelty_n towards_o they_o which_o the_o heathen_a governor_n afterward_o do_v and_o those_o that_o refuse_v this_o horrid_a treachery_n to_o their_o lord_n he_o persecute_v into_o strange_a that_o be_v heathen_a city_n these_o thing_n be_v contracy_n in_o deed_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v always_o so_o esteem_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o st._n paul_n confession_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v strange_a than_o all_o this_o and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o make_v he_o thus_o severe_a to_o the_o christian_n and_o his_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o raise_v the_o persecution_n against_o they_o it_o be_v it_o seem_v the_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n a_o case_n he_o have_v determine_v within_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o run_v down_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n so_o he_o tell_v the_o king_n and_o court_n in_o these_o word_n i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o hearty_a champion_n you_o see_v he_o have_v be_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o how_o come_v he_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o opinion_n and_o to_o espouse_v a_o principle_n that_o the_o worst_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o be_v st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o right-bred_n pharisee_fw-mi 23.6_o act_n 23.6_o have_v suck_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o superstitious_a
sect_n in_o his_o childhood_n and_o live_v till_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a exact_o according_a to_o they_o as_o he_o tell_v king_n agrippa_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o what_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o as_o his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n only_o but_o rather_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o general_a sentiment_n of_o the_o man_n of_o his_o way_n and_o indeed_o as_o the_o natural_a brood_n and_o issue_n of_o pharisaical_a superstition_n by_o superstition_n i_o mean_v a_o groundless_a apprehension_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o command_v or_o forbear_v those_o which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a and_o lead_a error_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o add_v to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v more_o duty_n and_o sin_n than_o ever_o the_o law_n have_v make_v their_o tradition_n which_o have_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v they_o but_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o father_n they_o esteem_v equal_a at_o least_o to_o the_o divine_a commandment_n nay_o our_o saviour_n express_o tell_v we_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n as_o if_o they_o think_v to_o please_v he_o better_o in_o their_o own_o way_n than_o in_o his_o and_o reckon_v they_o advance_v themselves_o above_o other_o by_o what_o they_o do_v over_o and_o above_o their_o duty_n as_o much_o in_o his_o asthey_v do_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o hence_o conformity_n to_o their_o traditional_a rite_n be_v their_o measure_n of_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n in_o religion_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n character_n of_o himself_o gal._n 1.14_o i_o profit_v in_o the_o jew_n religion_n above_o many_o of_o my_o equal_n in_o my_o own_o nation_n be_v more_o exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n which_o word_n if_o we_o observe_v their_o connexion_n with_o those_o immediate_o before_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v in_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o beyond_o measure_n as_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o i.e._n his_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o his_o bitter_a and_o furious_a zeal_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v because_o it_o show_v we_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o that_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o chief_a hand_n in_o bring_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o cross_n and_o first_o conspire_v the_o ruin_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o matter_n i_o will_v crave_v leave_n to_o propose_v to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n be_v this_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o a_o affectation_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v as_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n to_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n or_o more_o brief_o thus_o that_o christianity_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n under_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a my_o design_n be_v 1._o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o observation_n 2._o to_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o transport_v with_o this_o extravagant_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o our_o felve_n 1._o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v thus_o misguide_v and_o their_o spirit_n inflame_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n against_o the_o truth_n may_v appear_v from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o he_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n and_o from_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o this_o of_o the_o confessor_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o his_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n our_o bless_a lord_n foreseeing_a what_o a_o zealous_a opposition_n his_o church_n and_o doctrine_n will_v assure_o meet_v withal_o after_o his_o decease_n take_v occasion_n a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o forewarn_a his_o disciple_n of_o it_o he_o have_v often_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o general_n that_o they_o must_v look_v for_o troulbe_n and_o persecution_n from_o men._n now_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n draw_v on_o to_o prevent_v the_o damp_n of_o a_o surprisal_n he_o describe_v the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o show_v they_o what_o hard_a measure_n they_o and_o their_o follower_n must_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n i.e._n excommunicate_a and_o curse_v you_o for_o heretic_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n john_n 16.2_o it_o seem_v to_o kill_v a_o disciple_n for_o his_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n like_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o sacrifice_n they_o shall_v think_v by_o it_o say_v our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o perform_v a_o grateful_a service_n or_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o better_a way_n of_o please_v he_o than_o by_o take_v a_o lamb_n out_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o make_v it_o a_o oblation_n to_o he_o now_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a strange_a way_n of_o servig_a god_n and_o such_o as_o man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v of_o if_o they_o have_v not_o deify_v something_o more_o than_o he_o and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a god_n into_o a_o direful_a image_n of_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n who_o they_o worship_n instead_o of_o he_o and_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v primary_o intend_v in_o this_o prophecy_n so_o to_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v unanswerable_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o that_o shelter_n themselves_o under_o the_o sacred_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v very_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o same_o religious_a zeal_n express_v by_o the_o same_o rage_n rancour_n and_o cruelty_n be_v very_o fresh_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v see_v upon_o they_o 2._o by_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o text._n the_o apostle_n confession_n be_v indeed_o a_o sinular_a thing_n but_o for_o the_o crime_n which_o he_o tax_v himself_o with_o he_o may_v as_o just_o have_v charge_v his_o nation_n with_o they_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n especial_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o it_o be_v strange_o leaven_v with_o this_o sour_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n himself_o testify_v of_o they_o but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n for_o they_o know_v not_o his_o immense_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n to_o mankind_n nor_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n when_o he_o be_v among_o they_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n but_o so_o they_o presume_v to_o call_v what_o ever_o they_o have_v make_v law_n by_o their_o gloss_n and_o tradition_n and_o direct_v it_o against_o those_o that_o have_v a_o zeal_n against_o they_o and_o a_o very_a fierce_a and_o fatal_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n that_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n that_o throw_v the_o apostle_n into_o prison_n that_o clear_v the_o synagogue_n of_o they_o and_o their_o disciple_n that_o cramp_v and_o load_v they_o with_o chain_n and_o fetter_n and_o for_o a_o good_a work_n give_v forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o a_o zeal_n that_o suborn_v witness_n and_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o man_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a a_o zeal_n that_o list_v man_n into_o conspiracy_n and_o bind_v they_o under_o a_o oath_n to_o kill_v a_o innocent_a person_n a_o outrageous_a zeal_n it_o be_v that_o make_v man_n exceed_o mad_a as_o one_o that_o have_v too_o much_o experience_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o v._n 11_o of_o this_o chapter_n so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o d_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v be_v think_v the_o only_a good_a christian_n who_o roundly_o excommunicate_a all_o other_o church_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o their_o
of_o the_o truth_n do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v bashful_a in_o assert_v their_o principle_n when_o they_o find_v their_o interest_n in_o they_o 6.5_o 1_o tim._n 6.5_o but_o fuppose_v gain_n to_o be_v godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v of_o they_o be_v general_o very_o forward_o to_o show_v their_o good_a affection_n to_o it_o and_o like_o demetrius_n to_o put_v the_o world_n into_o a_o uproar_n out_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o great_a diana_n and_o their_o profit_n from_o her_o shrine_n and_o altar_n conscience_n it_o be_v true_a at_o the_o first_o have_v the_o least_o share_n in_o the_o action_n of_o these_o man_n who_o interest_n choose_v choose_v their_o principle_n for_o they_o but_o what_o they_o strong_o affect_v and_o desire_n shall_v be_v true_a in_o time_n they_o strong_o believe_v and_o have_v wilful_o reject_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v up_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o delusion_n to_o believe_v and_o defend_v the_o lye_n 4._o some_o principle_n be_v so_o bad_a in_o themselves_o as_o to_o inspire_v man_n with_o a_o furious_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o worldly_a interest_n to_o instigate_v and_o push_v they_o on_o to_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a action_n such_o be_v these_o which_o warrant_v the_o kill_v of_o man_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o promise_v they_o heaven_n for_o the_o vile_a pnactice_n in_o the_o world_n for_o assassinate_v their_o natural_a prince_n betray_v their_o country_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o foreign_a and_o insupportable_a yoke_n such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o make_v unlawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o eneourage_n man_n to_o think_v the_o better_a of_o themselves_o for_o their_o zeal_n against_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o a_o decent_a way_n of_o serve_v of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n these_o principle_n do_v natural_o produce_v a_o envious_a and_o ill-natured_a zeal_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o guidance_n of_o they_o to_o allow_v no_o man_n a_o name_n for_o religion_n but_o themselves_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o espouse_v their_o folly_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o mark_n of_o distinction_n and_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o holy_a and_o better_a man_n for_o differ_v from_o all_o christian_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v too_o often_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o odd_a and_o peevish_a principle_n that_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n cease_v to_o be_v lawful_a when_o they_o be_v once_o command_v no_o man_n know_v the_o malignity_n of_o such_o a_o error_n as_o this_o shall_v it_o once_o get_v the_o ascendant_n which_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o over_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n do_v we_o not_o already_o find_v the_o insluence_n of_o it_o upon_o some_o of_o the_o straint_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n who_o yet_o have_v reserve_v themselves_o a_o sufficient_a latitude_n in_o scorn_v and_o deride_v their_o brethren_n and_o be_v extreme_o lavish_a in_o their_o censure_n of_o person_n of_o the_o high_a chaeacter_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o many_o there_o be_v that_o prize_n and_o commend_v themselves_o upon_o these_o very_a account_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o sanctity_n to_o break_v and_o blemish_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v no_o other_o quarrel_n with_o than_o only_o for_o interpose_v her_o authority_n in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n i.e._n make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v to_o every_o church_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o consecrate_v a_o schism_n into_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o to_o do_v that_o for_o religion_n sake_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o undo_n and_o subversion_n of_o it_o 5._o enthusiasm_n or_o a_o false_a pretence_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o this_o extravagant_a zeal_n when_o man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o ascribe_v their_o error_n to_o the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o god_n in_o who_o breast_n he_o have_v lodge_v his_o choice_a secret_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o authorize_v to_o bring_v his_o most_o glorious_a design_n to_o pass_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v long_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o delusion_n sron_n that_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o belie_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o far_a design_n upon_o they_o and_o as_o the_o philiftines_n deal_v with_o samson_n when_o they_o have_v put_v out_o his_o eye_n will_v sure_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o drudgery_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o most_o destructive_a attempt_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v what_o desperate_a project_n man_n will_v free_o contribute_v their_o service_n to_o when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o strike_v blind_a with_o a_o opinion_n that_o whatever_o they_o strong_o fancy_n be_v infallible_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o err_v have_v private_a instruction_n from_o god_n himself_o hitherto_o hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o exalt_v it_o to_o a_o more_o glorious_a height_n to_o which_o purpose_n a_o eminent_a divine_a of_o this_o church_n who_o have_v a_o peculiar_a sagacity_n in_o trace_v and_o detect_v the_o error_n of_o his_o time_n have_v leave_v we_o this_o memorable_a passage_n pol._n passage_n mr._n hook_n pref._n to_o eccl._n pol._n when_o man_n be_v once_o erroneous_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o have_v those_o thing_n do_v which_o they_o fancy_n than_o opinion_n be_v as_o thorn_n in_o their_o side_n never_o suffer_v they_o to_o take_v rest_n till_o they_o have_v bring_v their_o skpeculation_n into_o practice_n the_o impediment_n of_o which_o practice_n their_o restless_a desire_n and_o study_v to_o remove_v lead_v they_o every_o day_n into_o more_o dangerour_n opinion_n sometime_o quite_o and_o clean_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o pretend_a meaning_n so_o that_o what_o will_v grow_v out_o of_o such_o error_n as_o go_v mask_v under_o the_o cloak_n of_o divine_a authority_n impoffible_a it_o be_v that_o ever_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n shall_v imagine_v till_o time_n have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n brieef_o from_o this_o discourse_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n when_o we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o destructive_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o religion_n or_o to_o suspect_v our_o faith_n that_o the_o best_a religion_n shall_v meet_v with_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n that_o the_o worst_a sction_n shall_v pretend_v to_o serve_v it_o and_o receive_v authority_n and_o encouragement_n from_o it_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n and_o of_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a zeal_n shall_v combine_v against_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n from_o her_o infancy_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v express_o foretell_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v when_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v they_o 2._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o dangerous_a guide_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o dictate_v the_o 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of_o christianity_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a trouble_n and_o dishonour_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v you_o one_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o germany_n 10._o sleid._n come_v lib._n 10._o they_o who_o first_o scruple_v only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infant_n baptism_n by_o degree_n so_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o new_a and_o great_a error_n that_o in_o a_o few_o year_n they_o grow_v the_o high_a enthusiast_n vent_v the_o rank_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o most_o fulsome_a opinion_n and_o after_o the_o fair_a show_n of_o sanctity_n and_o self-denial_n throw_v off_o all_o humanity_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o the_o most_o beastial_a and_o impudent_a vice_n in_o fine_a they_o renounce_v all_o allegiance_n to_o their_o lawful_a superior_n set_v up_o a_o puppet_n king_n of_o their_o own_o dignify_v he_o with_o the_o title_n of_o universal_a monarch_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o tragedy_n baptise_a one_o another_o with_o their_o own_o 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the_o true_a spirit_n and_o interest_n of_o christianity_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v worse_o of_o any_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o inspire_v man_n with_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekmess_n and_o represent_v god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n a_o humourous_a and_o discontent_a be_v that_o be_v never_o please_v long_o with_o his_o own_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v soothe_v and_o flatter_v with_o something_o that_o be_v new_a and_o fanciful_a that_o look_v like_o a_o excess_n or_o transport_v of_o devotion_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o goodwill_n or_o iii-nature_n of_o man_n such_o religion_n as_o this_o can_v never_o reconcile_v itself_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o will_v be_v supplant_n it_o wherever_o it_o come_v and_o the_o zeal_n it_o infuse_v into_o man_n will_v if_o not_o effectual_o restrain_v act_n over_o all_o those_o dismal_a tragedy_n again_o of_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v almost_o the_o constant_a scene_n ever_o since_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v therefore_o be_v jealous_a of_o it_o in_o all_o shape_n whether_o it_o plead_v for_o unity_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v who_o take_v herself_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o therefore_o reprobate_n all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v unite_v to_o she_o or_o whether_o it_o declare_v for_o freegrace_n i.e._n a_o gospel_n without_o a_o sanction_n as_o the_o german_a antinomian_o and_o ranter_n do_v who_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n and_o live_v as_o if_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o no_o ungodliness_n or_o worldly_a lust_n whether_o it_o pretend_v to_o vision_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o lord_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v and_o deliver_v by_o his_o apostle_n from_o he_o or_o whether_o it_o set_v up_o for_o purity_n of_o worship_n in_o mistake_v or_o doubtful_a instance_n against_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v not_o peevish_a or_o implacable_a not_o apt_a to_o quarrel_v with_o shadow_n and_o much_o less_o to_o put_v three_o kingdom_n into_o a_o flame_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o three_o harmless_a ceremony_n 5._o last_o since_o christianity_n be_v liable_a to_o and_o have_v endure_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o man_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o adore_v god_n infinite_a widsom_a and_o goodness_n in_o preserve_v his_o truth_n and_o protect_v his_o church_n against_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o stifle_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o certain_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v see_v as_o extraordinary_a evidence_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o ever_o any_o christian_a nation_n do_v our_o deliverance_n have_v have_v so_o many_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o peculiar_a providence_n upon_o they_o that_o one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v at_o once_o clear_a the_o nation_n of_o all_o atheistical_a dotage_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o its_o divide_a inhabitant_n and_o discourage_v its_o most_o zealous_a adversary_n from_o dare_v any_o long_a that_o all-seeing_a eye_n that_o have_v so_o often_o discover_v from_o struggle_v any_o more_o with_o that_o omnipotent_a hand_n that_o have_v so_o seasonable_o baffle_v their_o closet_n and_o most_o perfidious_a design_n and_o practice_n and_o doubtless_o be_v we_o as_o sensible_a as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o god_n singular_a goodness_n towards_o we_o in_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o church_n where_o we_o have_v all_o advantage_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o in_o lengthen_v out_o our_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o despite_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o out_o interest_n to_o leave_v ourselves_o still_o in_o his_o hand_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o sit_v still_o and_o neglect_v our_o guard_n but_o by_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a by_o attempt_v nothing_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o our_o excellent_a religion_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o genuine_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n by_o our_o unfeigned_a thankfulness_n to_o he_o for_o his_o wonderful_a mercy_n by_o confide_v in_o his_o goodness_n and_o protection_n by_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n with_o he_o and_o by_o mutual_a exchange_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n to_o one_o another_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v true_o promote_v our_o common_a interest_n in_o a_o word_n by_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o avoid_v the_o two_o dangerous_a rock_n of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n and_o what_o ever_o else_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n grant_v o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o that_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n may_v be_v so_o peaceable_o order_v by_o thy_o governance_n that_o thy_o church_n may_v joyful_o serve_v thou_o in_o all_o godly_a quietness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n matthew_z 11.21_o 22._o wo_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n be_v city_n of_o galilee_n situate_v on_o the_o sea-shore_n not_o very_o far_o from_o the_o coast_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o profess_v the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o hear_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o behold_v his_o miracle_n but_o
and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o eternal_a rest_n and_o glory_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v then_o follow_v the_o exhortation_n of_o which_o the_o text_n be_v part_n wherefore_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n by_o path_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o general_n course_n of_o our_o action_n which_o be_v then_o straight_o when_o they_o lie_v even_o with_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o frame_n and_o govern_v they_o by_o for_o straightness_n have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o a_o rule_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o evenness_n or_o adequate_a conformity_n to_o it_o and_o then_o we_o do_v make_v our_o path_n straight_o when_o we_o take_v due_a care_n to_o understand_v our_o rule_n and_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o rectitude_n of_o it_o to_o order_v our_o action_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o answerable_a to_o it_o and_o when_o we_o 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a_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n thither_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o any_o religion_n for_o they_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n how_o wide_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n from_o one_o another_o all_o the_o controversy_n be_v which_o of_o those_o several_a path_n which_o man_n take_v to_o be_v the_o straight_a and_o plain_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v true_o so_o and_o certain_o to_o know_v this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a concernment_n and_o deserve_v a_o very_a serious_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n for_o though_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o right_a way_n by_o chance_n that_o never_o inquire_v after_o it_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o from_o their_o infancy_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n nay_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v that_o he_o be_v and_o so_o long_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v toss_v about_o and_o carry_v off_o from_o one_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o another_o according_a as_o the_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n sit_v and_o the_o tide_n of_o preferment_n turn_v he_o that_o take_v his_o religion_n upon_o trust_n and_o never_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v obstinate_a in_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o loser_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o be_v fair_o offer_v another_o that_o promise_v the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o pretend_v to_o give_v infallible_a security_n for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o hence_o st._n peter_n admonish_v the_o christian_n that_o flee_v out_o of_o judea_n for_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o religion_n 3.15_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o shall_v ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o i._n e._n to_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v their_o religion_n and_o themselves_o by_o declare_v as_o often_o as_o their_o adversary_n urge_v they_o to_o it_o what_o certain_a ground_n and_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o it_o and_o in_o truth_n a_o religion_n without_o rational_a ground_n and_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o suffering_n or_o contend_v for_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o happiness_n yet_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o differ_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n about_o it_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o be_v certain_a where_o it_o be_v or_o when_o we_o have_v find_v it_o there_o be_v so_o many_o several_a path_n each_o of_o which_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o right_n by_o those_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o they_o which_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v because_o they_o apparent_o 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establish_v religion_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o because_o we_o have_v thorough_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o because_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o by_o a_o rule_n which_o can_v fail_v we_o and_o do_v find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o if_o we_o have_v take_v up_o our_o religion_n upon_o due_a confidweration_n and_o judgement_n it_o very_o high_o concern_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n and_o to_o be_v as_o steady_a in_o our_o walk_n as_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o we_o go_v wide_a from_o the_o path_n we_o have_v make_v straight_o and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v to_o believe_v upon_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n we_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o triumph_v over_o we_o and_o to_o twist_v we_o with_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v of_o a_o reformation_n to_o make_v we_o worse_o than_o we_o need_v to_o have_v be_v without_o it_o we_o put_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n into_o their_o hand_n than_o any_o they_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o forge_v against_o it_o a_o witty_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o say_v something_o for_o romish_a error_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v for_o a_o antichristian_a life_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o inveigh_v against_o popish_a indulgence_n while_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o sin_v as_o they_o do_v if_o we_o be_v heedless_a and_o undevout_a in_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v blush_v to_o say_v we_o can_v dispense_v with_o latin_a service_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o at_o one_o whether_o he_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n eat_v or_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o do_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n or_o but_o one_o or_o what_o signisy_n a_o change_n or_o no_o change_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o element_n to_o he_o that_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n or_o why_o may_v not_o a_o implicit_a faith_n serve_v to_o make_v a_o empty_a profession_n as_o well_o as_o any_o protestant_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o if_o that_o be_v all_o we_o design_n by_o be_v protestant_n it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o without_o holiness_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n we_o that_o be_v protestant_n profess_v a_o great_a veneration_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o excuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o govern_v our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v not_o 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victory_n let_v they_o wear_v it_o i_o wish_v the_o mean_a while_n we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v our_o religion_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v all_o show_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a conversation_n that_o our_o life_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o law_n as_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v just_o expect_v that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n shall_v live_v at_o the_o best_a rate_n that_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o know_v who_o we_o worship_n and_o have_v renounce_v the_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o spoil_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v be_v extreme_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o blemish_v our_o own_o that_o we_o do_v not_o stain_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o furnish_v man_n with_o objection_n against_o it_o by_o our_o vain_a and_o vicious_a conversation_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o happiness_n though_o a_o man_n know_v every_o foot_n of_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o crooked_a and_o deceitful_a path_n which_o other_o be_v lose_v and_o bewildred_n in_o yet_o if_o he_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o direct_v his_o step_n and_o keep_v on_o in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v he_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o that_o bless_a place_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o fly_v to_o heaven_n with_o a_o wish_n or_o to_o be_v save_v by_o be_v orthodox_n or_o excuse_v from_o do_v our_o duty_n because_o we_o know_v it_o though_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o all_o faith_n without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o importance_n they_o will_v be_v to_o we_o but_o only_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o great_a damnation_n the_o sanction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o same_o to_o man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n the_o worst_a of_o which_o will_v hardly_o deny_v that_o a_o good_a life_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o good_a christian_a as_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n faith_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v nor_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n nor_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n that_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n while_o we_o bid_v defiance_n to_o his_o law_n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o for_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o only_o that_o obey_v he_o if_o we_o be_v ill_a man_n it_o matter_n not_o what_o we_o be_v beside_o any_o religion_n will_v serve_v a_o wicked_a man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a and_o become_v he_o a_o great_a deal_n better_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o he_o and_o which_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n denounce_v the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n against_o its_o own_o professor_n that_o reject_v the_o mild_a and_o reasonable_a condition_n of_o it_o 2.7.8_o rom._n 2.7.8_o to_o they_o that_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n it_o promise_v eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n how_o zealous_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o defence_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o denounce_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n so_o that_o if_o we_o live_v
and_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o material_a what_o church_n we_o live_v or_o dye_v in_o communion_n with_o while_o we_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o our_o lust_n all_o the_o absolution_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v we_o not_o good_n if_o we_o study_v to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n we_o need_v not_o any_o indulgency_n from_o man_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o change_v our_o religion_n to_o leave_v the_o straight_a path_n we_o be_v in_o and_o to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o saint_n to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o by_o purgatory_n to_o heaven_n to_o leave_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o legend_n and_o story_n of_o saint_n which_o a_o serious_a man_n will_v think_v be_v compose_v only_o for_o merriment_n and_o diversion_n but_o though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o change_v our_o religion_n yet_o sure_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o many_o of_o we_o to_o make_v considerable_a alteration_n in_o our_o life_n to_o change_v almost_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o and_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o who_o call_v ourselves_o the_o reform_a it_o be_v not_o only_a for_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o our_o life_n be_v uniform_a to_o it_o but_o our_o immortal_a honour_n and_o interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o we_o lose_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o escape_v everlasting_a death_n than_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n eternal_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v tempt_v you_o to_o renounce_v your_o faith_n i_o very_o hope_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o your_o eternal_a salvation_n will_v hinder_v you_o from_o harken_v to_o he_o but_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o danger_n in_o a_o profane_a and_o vicious_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n to_o deny_v every_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o be_v cautious_a of_o our_o step_n and_o have_v find_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o keep_v a_o straight_a and_o even_a course_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v it_o not_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o no_o unrighteous_a man_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a jar_n and_o contradiction_n to_o ourselves_o to_o conclude_v we_o have_v as_o good_a pin_n our_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o other_o man_n or_o bestow_v it_o upon_o any_o body_n that_o will_v take_v it_o off_o our_o hand_n as_o keep_v it_o only_o to_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o sermon_n vi_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o name_v any_o of_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o christian_a piety_n without_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sensible_a decay_n of_o it_o in_o the_o present_a age_n a_o age_n much_o addict_v to_o talk_v and_o wrangle_v about_o religion_n very_o stout_a and_o zealous_a in_o oppose_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o divide_v the_o christian_a world_n but_o very_o cold_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o practice_n without_o which_o the_o best_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o two_o of_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o look_v well_o to_o ourselves_o and_o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n to_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o bad_a opinion_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o man_n fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o excellent_a advice_n as_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o so_o fatal_a a_o apostasy_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n grace_n be_v a_o term_n of_o various_a sense_n and_o acceptation_n in_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o take_v for_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o divine_a assistance_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o those_o good_a disposition_n and_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n and_o product_n of_o it_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v most_o proper_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v whenever_o as_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_a of_o a_o exhortation_n now_o in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o imply_v 1._o a_o root_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n actual_o implant_v in_o we_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v make_v any_o progress_n or_o proficiency_n in_o it_o there_o must_v be_v a_o stock_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o increase_n a_o quickness_n in_o the_o root_n before_o the_o branch_n will_v sprout_v or_o flourish_v a_o spring_a of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n before_o a_o abound_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o show_v to_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n belong_v namely_o to_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a 2._o it_o be_v here_o imply_v that_o good_a man_n be_v nor_o mere_o passive_a in_o grow_v better_a but_o may_v and_o must_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o themselves_o nay_o the_o text_n suppose_v they_o must_v do_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o act_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n must_v cease_v if_o they_o refuse_v their_o endeavour_n to_o far_o and_o promote_v it_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v do_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o make_v we_o better_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o our_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n for_o all_o the_o counsel_n admonition_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o use_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n but_o than_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n both_o in_o order_n to_o the_o birth_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o he_o know_v therefore_o that_o by_o his_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o afford_v we_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o growth_n and_o perfection_n in_o grace_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o direction_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v frequent_o move_v and_o excite_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o our_o endeavour_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o this_o end_n and_o that_o as_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a as_o they_o be_v our_o proficiency_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o they_o now_o to_o make_v this_o exhortation_n as_o useful_a and_o effectual_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v aim_v at_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o promote_v it_o 3._o to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o impediment_n of_o it_o 4._o to_o enforce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n by_o show_v what_o weighty_a reason_n and_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n 1._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v neither_o begin_v nor_o carry_v on_o by_o natural_a principle_n without_o the_o mighty_a aid_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o inable_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o do_v a_o christian_a grow_v like_o a_o plant_n mere_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n but_o by_o improve_n the_o assistance_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v to_o he_o for_o obtain_v new_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v both_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o grow_v in_o it_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o it_o be_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_n and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o subordinate_a to_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n dispose_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o obtain_v and_o excite_v to_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o
excite_v to_o amend_v they_o and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o more_o humble_a more_o sensible_a of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o more_o importunate_a with_o he_o for_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o like_a miscarriage_n for_o the_o future_a this_o will_v send_v we_o to_o his_o mercy-seat_n cover_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o bitterness_n of_o they_o will_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o former_o enjoy_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o favour_n through_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o this_o will_v fire_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n against_o ourselves_o for_o the_o dishonour_n we_o have_v do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n the_o waste_n we_o have_v make_v of_o our_o inward_a peace_n and_o the_o opportunity_n we_o have_v lose_v of_o do_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o of_o establish_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o insure_v our_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n all_o which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o great_a care_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v a_o steady_a and_o universal_a principle_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n 7._o last_o serious_a and_o frequent_a contemplation_n upon_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n will_v sure_o cast_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o more_o spiritual_a frame_n refine_v our_o conversation_n and_o improve_v our_o grace_n it_o be_v true_a a_o exact_a idea_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o it_o but_o do_v we_o often_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v read_v and_o believe_v of_o that_o glorious_a place_n we_o shall_v certain_o feel_v ourselves_o inspire_v with_o noble_a thought_n and_o brisk_a resolution_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o sant_a up_o and_o down_o after_o earthly_a vanity_n nor_o give_v way_n to_o every_o petty_a discouragement_n and_o mean_a temptation_n and_o so_o make_v our_o journey_n more_o heavy_a and_o tedious_a than_o we_o need_v as_o if_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o come_v too_o soon_o to_o our_o happiness_n the_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o be_v we_o better_a acquaint_v with_o they_o will_v darken_v all_o these_o inferior_a beauty_n which_o captivate_v our_o soul_n the_o smile_n of_o pleasure_n the_o shine_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lustre_n of_o honour_n do_v we_o six_o our_o mind_n where_o true_a joy_n and_o felicity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o gloss_n of_o worldly_a excellency_n will_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v as_o lesser_a light_n lose_v their_o brightness_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o great_a there_o will_v be_v little_a danger_n of_o loiter_v in_o the_o way_n or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n if_o we_o will_v but_o keep_v our_o eye_n upon_o those_o happy_a region_n above_o and_o consider_v what_o mighty_a joy_n be_v there_o what_o massy_a crown_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n even_o in_o those_o very_a duty_n which_o now_o go_v off_o so_o heavy_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v cut_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o soar_v above_o all_o temptation_n from_o this_o low_a world_n if_o the_o other_o be_v always_o in_o our_o view_n and_o our_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o elevate_v our_o soul_n till_o we_o shall_v even_o touch_v and_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o languish_a state_n of_o grace_n to_o recover_v into_o a_o healthful_a and_o thrive_a temper_n be_v to_o strengthen_v their_o appetite_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o by_o this_o they_o will_v quick_o come_v to_o loathe_v the_o husk_n and_o trash_n of_o this_o world_n and_o retrieve_v the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n they_o have_v lose_v by_o their_o eagerness_n after_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v be_v to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n to_o your_o spiritual_a growth_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o remissness_n in_o any_o of_o the_o former_a duty_n will_v defeat_v the_o design_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o every_o neglect_n and_o error_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v careful_o avoid_v as_o a_o obstruction_n to_o the_o end_n of_o grow_v better_o beside_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o remind_v you_o of_o these_o three_o impediment_n 1._o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n some_o think_v they_o be_v reprobate_v from_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o never_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o think_v of_o grow_v in_o it_o other_o that_o they_o can_v fall_v from_o grace_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o elect_v and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v common_o of_o opinion_n that_o every_o degree_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v mean_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_o against_o themselves_o when_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o immediate_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o the_o rather_o think_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o manifest_o tend_v to_o check_v and_o stifle_v their_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n and_o holiness_n though_o i_o very_o believe_v they_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o some_o very_a serious_a person_n through_o their_o happy_a ignorance_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v absolute_o elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n 2.12_o phil._n 2.12_o i_o can_v see_v why_o we_o shall_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n that_o a_o absolute_a decree_n shall_v fail_v and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mean_n if_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v immediate_o produce_v their_o effect_n for_o if_o they_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v a_o immediate_a cause_n that_o work_v its_o effect_n by_o mean_n i._n e._n that_o do_v not_o work_v it_o immediate_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o render_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o increase_v holiness_n in_o we_o utter_o vain_a and_o ineffectual_a 2._o want_v of_o vigilancy_n over_o the_o fault_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o natural_a temper_n when_o man_n first_o turn_v their_o thought_n to_o religion_n and_o their_o eye_n inward_o they_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o their_o more_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n and_o extreme_o cautious_a of_o any_o temptation_n to_o they_o but_o be_v seldom_o very_o watchful_a over_o the_o lesser_a fault_n and_o error_n which_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o grow_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n with_o they_o these_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o overlook_v and_o indulge_v as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o right_n of_o protection_n from_o they_o till_o they_o suffer_v they_o to_o shade_n and_o overtop_v their_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o so_o clear_a a_o disposition_n but_o he_o have_v some_o flaw_n and_o infirmity_n with_o his_o excellent_a temper_n and_o some_o nature_n be_v so_o very_o bad_a that_o without_o a_o mighty_a care_n to_o manage_v and_o improve_v they_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a will_v ever_o come_v to_o any_o ripeness_n or_o perfection_n in_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v right_o consider_v the_o want_n of_o this_o care_n be_v the_o manifest_a reason_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n otherwise_o virtuous_a and_o good_a who_o be_v often_o transport_v into_o great_a disorder_n and_o indecence_n by_o a_o unguarded_a humour_n or_o unhappy_a disposition_n which_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o they_o and_o without_o long_a care_n and_o watchsulness_n be_v like_a to_o send_v they_o halt_v to_o their_o grave_n 3._o spiritual_a pride_n i_o mean_v pride_n of_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o over_o ween_a conceit_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a attainment_n in_o holiness_n this_o alone_a be_v enough_o to_o blast_v the_o most_o hopeful_a beginning_n in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v root_n of_o every_o new_a sect_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o selfwill_a schism_n error_n envy_n and_o animosity_n and_o i_o be_v go_v to_o say_v whatever_o obstruct_v
ease_v we_o of_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v but_o vmbrae_fw-la malorum_fw-la 89._o sen._n ep._n 89._o as_o seneca_n call_v they_o mere_a shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a such_o as_o we_o apprehend_v in_o our_o dream_n when_o our_o fancy_n be_v trouble_v and_o when_o we_o awake_v have_v no_o real_a mischief_n or_o terror_n in_o they_o and_o such_o be_v our_o want_n of_o all_o the_o unnecessary_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o fancy_v we_o shall_v live_v more_o pleasant_o if_o we_o have_v more_o estate_n or_o more_o power_n and_o applause_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o may_v be_v we_o shall_v live_v worse_o than_o we_o do_v and_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o may_v do_v without_o they_o for_o we_o see_v that_o few_o man_n that_o have_v they_o have_v virtue_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o owner_n do_v very_o often_o help_v to_o ruin_n one_o another_o and_o for_o those_o affliction_n which_o be_v real_a and_o we_o can_v but_o feel_v the_o smart_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o such_o as_o sickness_n pain_n ignominy_n and_o oppression_n if_o they_o be_v moderate_a they_o be_v worth_a a_o complaint_n if_o excessive_a and_o insupportable_a they_o can_v last_v long_o without_o mixture_n of_o ease_n and_o comfort_n because_o we_o can_v bear_v they_o long_o the_o sharp_a they_o be_v the_o soon_o will_v they_o cut_v our_o way_n through_o they_o and_o let_v in_o death_n to_o release_v we_o from_o they_o and_o this_o comfort_n we_o have_v from_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sure_a remedy_n at_o hand_n against_o all_o our_o malady_n against_o all_o the_o disease_n we_o contract_v in_o this_o unwholesome_a climate_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n we_o endure_v in_o this_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a world_n must_v i_o short_o dye_v why_o then_o i_o shall_v quick_o have_v ease_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n shall_v never_o be_v sick_a more_o after_o that_o i_o shall_v no_o more_o complain_v of_o restless_a night_n and_o tiresome_a day_n i_o shall_v sleep_v secure_o under_o the_o clod_n of_o the_o valley_n and_o never_o mind_n what_o the_o busy_a and_o ungoverned_a rout_n or_o the_o malicious_a and_o censorious_a world_n will_v be_v say_v of_o i_o i_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v gripe_v with_o oppression_n or_o pinch_v with_o want_n or_o sting_v with_o reproach_n or_o disturb_v by_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n the_o grave_n be_v a_o sanctuary_n 19_o job_n 3.17_o 18_o 19_o there_o the_o wicked_a say_v job_n cease_v from_o trouble_v and_o there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n there_o the_o prisoner_n rest_v together_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o oppressor_n the_o small_a and_o the_o great_a be_v there_o and_o the_o servant_n be_v free_a from_o his_o master_n the_o poor_a man_n lie_v as_o easy_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o want_v as_o little_a there_o as_o the_o monarch_n on_o his_o throne_n and_o consider_v how_o full_a of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v its_o happy_a for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o far_o to_o go_v to_o our_o grave_n where_o we_o may_v bury_v all_o our_o grief_n and_o be_v ease_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v cross_a and_o burdensome_a to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n since_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v evil_a 15.15_o prov_fw-mi 15.15_o why_o shall_v they_o repine_v that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o why_o shall_v the_o mariner_n that_o be_v embark_v in_o a_o crazy_a vessel_n among_o the_o rock_n and_o pirate_n be_v trouble_v that_o the_o haven_n be_v near_a it_o be_v a_o noble_a answer_n that_o the_o spartan_n return_v to_o king_n philip_n of_o macedon_n when_o he_o threaten_v to_o distress_v they_o he_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o die_v death_n will_v give_v we_o a_o writ_n of_o ease_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o angry_a tyrant_n and_o if_o we_o take_v care_n to_o live_v well_o we_o may_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v dispatch_v out_o of_o the_o storm_n and_o 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