for_o reveal_v religion_n the_o only_a design_n of_o that_o be_v to_o revive_v and_o improve_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o our_o reason_n about_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_o gather_v by_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o vain_a and_o confident_a pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o if_o any_o doctrine_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o which_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n he_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o steady_a and_o sure_a notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perâ—ections_n and_o by_o those_o he_o will_v easy_o discern_v whether_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o he_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v bring_v it_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v he_o will_v not_o reject_v it_o upon_o every_o idle_a pretence_n and_o frivolous_a exception_n that_o prejudice_v and_o ill_o mind_a man_n may_v make_v against_o it_o but_o after_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v to_o his_o own_o revelation_n and_o if_o the_o person_n that_o bring_v it_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o if_o he_o carry_v on_o no_o earthly_a interest_n and_o design_n by_o it_o but_o do_v by_o his_o life_n and_o action_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n in_o this_o case_n a_o good_a man_n who_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n will_v easy_o assent_v that_o this_o man_n doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o evidence_n which_o our_o saviour_n offer_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o vindication_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n joh._n 7._o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v hereby_o may_v you_o distinguish_v one_o that_o real_o come_v from_o god_n from_o a_o impostor_n if_o any_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o glory_n you_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o send_v he_o but_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o he_o who_o by_o his_o life_n and_o the_o course_n of_o his_o action_n demonstrate_v that_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o not_o any_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o he_o that_o be_v no_o falsehood_n or_o design_n to_o deceive_v for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v you_o may_v conclude_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v no_o deceiver_n or_o impostor_n and_o if_o any_o man_n sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o may_v by_o such_o mark_n and_o character_n as_o these_o judge_v of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n because_o he_o that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a thing_n second_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v and_o bias_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o lust_n for_o his_o great_a interest_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o he_o make_v all_o his_o other_o interest_n and_o concernment_n to_o stoop_v and_o yield_v to_o that_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v govern_v by_o any_o earthly_a interest_n or_o design_n he_o will_v measure_v all_o thing_n by_o that_o and_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o entertain_v any_o thing_n that_o cross_v it_o and_o to_o judge_v equal_o of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o his_o interest_n this_o our_o saviour_n give_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o great_a rabbi_n and_o teacher_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o believe_v and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o if_o man_n have_v any_o other_o design_n in_o religigion_n than_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o reject_v the_o most_o divine_a truth_n because_o these_o be_v calculate_v not_o to_o approve_v we_o to_o man_n but_o to_o god_n and_o as_o vainglory_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n so_o likewise_o do_v every_o other_o lust_n make_v a_o man_n partial_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o clap_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o his_o understanding_n which_o carry_v it_o off_o from_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o to_o lean_v towards_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o lust_n a_o vicious_a man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v those_o truth_n which_o will_v cross_v and_o check_v he_o in_o his_o course_n he_o have_v make_v the_o truth_n his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o oppose_v it_o and_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o the_o light_n of_o it_o offend_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o shut_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v not_o see_v it_o those_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n which_o be_v from_o god_n reprove_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o discover_v the_o deformity_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n likewise_o give_v of_o the_o fierce_a enmity_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n joâ—_n 3._o 19_o 20._o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n be_v a_o dead_a weight_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o able_a to_o draw_v down_o the_o scale_n against_o the_o clear_a truth_n for_o though_o it_o be_v absolute_o in_o no_o man_n power_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o will_v yet_o man_n life_n have_v many_o time_n a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o understanding_n to_o make_v assent_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o as_o we_o be_v forward_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o so_o be_v we_o very_o backward_o and_o slow_a in_o yield_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o cross_v our_o inclination_n man_n that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n will_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n which_o charge_v man_n so_o strict_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v always_o use_v to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o shine_v into_o they_o and_o certain_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o infidelity_n be_v to_o debauch_v they_o in_o their_o life_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o last_o time_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 12._o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n when_o man_n once_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n infidelity_n become_v their_o interest_n because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o defend_v and_o excuse_v a_o wicked_a life_n but_o by_o deny_v the_o truth_n which_o oppose_v it_o and_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o
secure_v against_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o whereby_o they_o may_v discern_v truth_n from_o imposture_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o not_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o there_o be_v two_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o do_v not_o real_o come_v from_o he_o first_o to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n this_o mistake_v the_o jew_n frequent_o fall_v into_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o true_a prophet_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n send_v to_o they_o slight_v their_o message_n and_o persecute_v their_o person_n but_o they_o miscarry_v most_o fatal_o and_o remarkable_o in_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n that_o great_a prophet_n who_o they_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v and_o who_o god_n send_v at_o last_o to_o bring_v salvation_n to_o they_o but_o when_o he_o come_v they_o know_v he_o not_o nor_o will_v receive_v he_o but_o use_v he_o with_o all_o the_o despite_n and_o contempt_n imaginable_a not_o as_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n but_o as_o a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o reject_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o reject_v a_o divine_a message_n or_o revelation_n be_v to_o oppose_v god_n and_o fight_v against_o he_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o in_o despise_v he_o they_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v he_o second_o there_o be_v also_o another_o dangerous_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o this_o likewise_o the_o jew_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o in_o receive_v the_o false_a prophet_n which_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o send_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o truth_n greedy_o to_o swallow_v error_n and_o delusion_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o jew_n john_n 5._o 43._o i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v this_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o jew_n be_v full_o accomplish_v for_o after_o they_o have_v reject_v he_o who_o give_v such_o abundant_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n they_o receive_v other_o who_o real_o come_v in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o run_v after_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o be_v in_o great_a number_n destroy_v with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v very_o just_a with_o god_n that_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n noâ—_n these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n which_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o security_n to_o man_n against_o both_o those_o danger_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n i._o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o god_n providence_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o secure_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n these_o shall_v be_v the_o two_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o he_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n first_o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n no_o man_n be_v so_o likely_a to_o have_v clear_a and_o true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n as_o a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o have_v transcribe_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v himself_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n what_o god_n be_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n job_n 28._o 28._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a be_v understanding_n and_o psal_n 111._o 10._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n whereas_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n darken_v their_o reason_n and_o distort_v their_o understanding_n and_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o gross_a and_o sensual_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o thereby_o render_v man_n unfit_a to_o discern_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o tendency_n and_o altogether_o indispose_v to_o receive_v they_o for_o though_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n be_v proper_o seat_v in_o their_o will_n and_o do_v not_o possess_v their_o understanding_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o bad_a influence_n upon_o they_o as_o fume_n and_o vapour_n from_o the_o stomach_n be_v wont_a to_o affect_v the_o head_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o we_o may_v abuse_v our_o faculty_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o discern_a even_o of_o their_o proper_a object_n when_o man_n by_o wicked_a practice_n have_v render_v themselves_o unlike_a to_o god_n they_o will_v not_o love_v to_o retain_v the_o knowlenge_n of_o he_o in_o their_o mind_n but_o will_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n concern_v he_o what_o cloud_n and_o mist_n be_v to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o understanding_n they_o hinder_v it_o from_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n they_o be_v best_a qualify_v for_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n now_o according_a as_o a_o man_n notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o will_v be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v natural_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o in_o right_a conception_n and_o apprehension_n concern_v he_o and_o in_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o observance_n of_o he_o and_o in_o a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v imprint_v upon_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o obedience_n consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o a_o endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o suppose_v god_n to_o have_v make_v no_o external_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v his_o will_n but_o by_o consider_v his_o nature_n and_o our_o own_o and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o that_o resemble_v god_n most_o be_v like_a to_o understand_v he_o best_o because_o he_o find_v those_o perfection_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o contemplate_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o give_v a_o man_n so_o sure_a a_o notion_n of_o thing_n as_o practice_n and_o experience_n every_o good_a man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o feel_v that_o in_o himself_o which_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v in_o god_n so_o that_o this_o man_n do_v experience_n what_o other_o do_v but_o talk_v of_o he_o see_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o he_o from_o a_o inward_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o
we_o and_o when_o man_n find_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o they_o will_v without_o any_o great_a persuasion_n take_v comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o but_o till_o they_o discern_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o himself_o for_o till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v he_o have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n than_o if_o such_o a_o promise_n have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o no_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o do_v otherwise_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a trouble_n which_o perplex_v many_o people_n that_o they_o can_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o whereas_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o their_o trouble_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o they_o will_v apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o other_o be_v a_o endless_a trouble_n let_v they_o but_o look_v to_o the_o condition_n and_o the_o promise_n will_v apply_v itself_o i_o speak_v all_o this_o on_o purpose_n to_o free_a man_n from_o those_o perplexity_n wherewith_o many_o have_v entangle_v themselves_o by_o false_a apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n either_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o we_o upon_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o or_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v comfortable_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v make_v such_o promise_n for_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a or_o expect_v thing_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v they_o may_v trouble_v themselves_o eternal_o and_o all_o the_o world_n can_v help_v it_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o thing_n viz._n what_o influence_n these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o 2_o peter_n i_o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v the_o promise_n here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n second_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v do_v with_o and_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n not_o that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o some_o have_v blasphemous_o affirm_v pretend_v in_o their_o cant_a and_o senseless_a language_n to_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o chri_v with_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o will_v be_v for_o man_n to_o become_v god_n and_o to_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o state_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n signify_v a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o have_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n rectify_v and_o purge_v from_o all_o sinful_a lust_n and_o irregular_a passion_n and_o from_o all_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n so_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o explain_v it_o these_o two_o way_n by_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o corruption_n or_o defilement_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o by_o a_o diligent_a endeavour_n after_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n faith_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o a_o universal_a charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o all_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o uncleanness_n and_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n such_o as_o wrath_n envy_n malice_n hatred_n strife_n revenge_n cruelty_n pride_n and_o the_o like_a perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v continual_o aspire_v still_o more_o and_o more_o after_o further_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o by_o practise_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n we_o shall_v by_o degree_n raise_v and_o advance_v ourselves_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n imitate_v in_o all_o our_o action_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o term_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v partake_v of_o a_o divine_a nature_n or_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n express_v it_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a this_o the_o gospel_n design_n to_o raise_v we_o to_o and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o this_o be_v effect_v be_v those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o and_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o effect_v it_o these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o second_o by_o way_n of_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n both_o these_o way_n some_o or_o other_o of_o these_o promise_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v to_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o this_o influence_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o gracious_a help_n and_o assistance_n thereof_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n incline_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n and_o commiseration_n of_o that_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n which_o we_o have_v contract_v in_o that_o degenerate_a and_o deprave_a condition_n into_o which_o mankind_n be_v sink_v to_o help_v we_o who_o be_v without_o strength_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o that_o evil_a and_o miserable_a state_n into_o which_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o be_v fall_v to_o quicken_v we_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o condition_n of_o unregenerate_a person_n to_o raise_v â—s_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o cherish_v this_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v common_o weak_a at_o first_o and_o to_o carry_v it_o through_o alldiscouragement_n and_o opposition_n to_o
the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o be_v so_o to_o improve_v the_o short_a and_o uncertain_a time_n of_o this_o life_n that_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o the_o next_o or_o as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o that_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n and_o this_o work_n consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n second_o in_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o three_o and_o in_o order_n to_o both_o these_o in_o the_o careful_a improvement_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o our_o time_n first_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n 2._o in_o the_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o holy_a law_n 1._o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n consist_v in_o the_o pious_a and_o devout_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o we_o honour_v he_o and_o pay_v he_o that_o homage_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a from_o creature_n to_o he_o that_o make_v they_o and_o be_v the_o great_a sovereign_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a reverence_n and_o esteem_n of_o he_o and_o that_o we_o express_v this_o by_o all_o solemn_a externalacknowledgment_n of_o he_o as_o by_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n by_o praise_v he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o set_v apart_o constant_a and_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o that_o when_o we_o be_v employ_v in_o they_o we_o be_v serious_a and_o hearty_a and_o attentive_a to_o what_o we_o be_v about_o and_o perform_v every_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o those_o circumstance_n of_o reverence_n and_o respect_n which_o may_v testify_v our_o awful_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o our_o inward_a and_o profound_a veneration_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o and_o proper_o religion_n 2._o this_o care_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n do_v consist_v likewise_o in_o the_o conscientious_a and_o constant_a obedience_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o god_n holy_a law_n in_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o whether_o they_o be_v natural_a or_o write_v upon_o our_o heart_n or_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o word_n that_o we_o govern_v our_o passion_n by_o reason_n and_o moderate_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a delight_n so_o as_o not_o to_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n that_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o other_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o with_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n with_o kindness_n and_o charity_n these_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o head_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o other_o all_o which_o be_v more_o powerful_o enforce_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o plain_a promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o firm_a and_o effectual_a principle_n both_o of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o particular_a command_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n which_o god_n have_v send_v we_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o wise_a man_n sum_v up_o our_o duty_n eccl._n 12._o 13._o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n be_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o god_n do_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n in_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n but_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v allot_v a_o fit_a proportion_n of_o our_o time_n to_o these_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n with_o ourselves_o for_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v we_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n but_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o bishop_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o inculcate_v frequent_o upon_o christian_n that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n shall_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n that_o be_v to_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o honest_a call_v for_o necessary_a use_n that_o be_v for_o the_o support_n of_o their_o family_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o apostle_n lay_v great_a weight_n and_o stress_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a great_a duty_n tit._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n these_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o profitable_a unto_o man_n that_o be_v of_o general_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o mankind_n so_o that_o no_o man_n call_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o religion_n but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o by_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o their_o proper_a season_n and_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o time_n in_o any_o honest_a and_o useful_a employment_n we_o may_v make_v our_o whole_a life_n a_o perpetual_a serve_v of_o god_n we_o may_v glorify_v god_n in_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o in_o all_o other_o lawful_a and_o useful_a action_n of_o life_n in_o serve_v the_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n of_o life_n with_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o in_o manage_v our_o worldly_a commerce_n with_o justice_n and_o integrity_n we_o may_v serve_v god_n and_o perform_v considerable_a duty_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o provide_v we_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a and_o manage_v the_o action_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n with_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o subserviency_n to_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o eternity_n we_o may_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v provide_v for_o ourselves_o and_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o honest_a call_v for_o god_n who_o have_v design_v this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o allow_v we_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o there_o be_v some_o person_n indeed_o who_o birth_n and_o condition_n set_v they_o above_o the_o common_a employment_n of_o life_n and_o the_o work_n of_o a_o ordinary_a call_v but_o these_o also_o have_v a_o work_n give_v they_o to_o do_v for_o god_n have_v send_v no_o man_n into_o the_o world_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o only_o to_o take_v his_o pastime_n therein_o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la ita_fw-la generati_fw-la sumus_fw-la à _fw-la natura_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la ludum_fw-la &_o jocum_fw-la facti_fw-la esse_fw-la videamur_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la severitatem_fw-la potius_fw-la &_o quaedam_fw-la studia_fw-la graviora_fw-la atque_fw-la majora_fw-la for_o â—e_n be_v not_o say_v tully_n de_fw-fr off._n lib._n 1._o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n as_o if_o we_o be_v make_v for_o sport_n and_o jest_n but_o for_o more_o serious_a employment_n and_o for_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n and_o those_o who_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o particular_a call_v may_v allow_v so_o much_o large_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o god_n likewise_o expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v useful_a to_o mankind_n in_o some_o high_a and_o noble_a way_n according_a to_o the_o publickness_n of_o their_o station_n and_o influence_n such_o person_n may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o their_o country_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o government_n and_o in_o the_o care_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o may_v employ_v their_o time_n in_o prepare_v and_o render_v themselves_o more_o fit_a for_o this_o service_n they_o may_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o good_a government_n of_o their_o family_n and_o in_o the_o prudent_a care_n and_o management_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o in_o reconcile_a difference_n among_o their_o neighbour_n and_o in_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o provide_v for_o their_o supply_n so_o