friend_n how_o can_v he_o possible_o use_v he_o more_o barbarous_o than_o to_o feast_v upon_o his_o live_a flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a wonder_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o put_v upon_o our_o saviour_n word_n so_o easy_o capable_a of_o a_o more_o convenient_a sense_n and_o so_o necessary_o require_v it_o a_o meaning_n so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o sense_n and_o even_o to_o humanity_n itself_o have_v the_o ancient_a christian_n own_v any_o such_o doctrine_n we_o shall_v have_v hear_v of_o it_o from_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o every_o page_n of_o their_o write_n and_o they_o will_v have_v desire_v no_o great_a advantage_n against_o the_o christian_n than_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o hit_v they_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o their_o feast_n upon_o the_o natural_a flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o their_o god_n and_o their_o best_a friend_n what_o 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and_o bloody_a tragedy_n that_o ever_o be_v act_v in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o great_a burn_a article_n and_o as_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o it_o be_v more_o christian_n have_v be_v murder_v for_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o than_o perhaps_o for_o all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v general_o pass_v for_o a_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o sect_n be_v common_o most_o hot_a and_o furious_a for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o there_o be_v least_o reason_n for_o what_o man_n want_v of_o reason_n for_o their_o opinion_n they_o usual_o supply_v and_o make_v up_o in_o rage_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o need_v to_o use_v this_o severity_n upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o nothing_o but_o the_o cruel_a fear_n of_o death_n can_v in_o probability_n have_v drive_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n into_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a a_o doctrine_n o_o bless_a saviour_n i_o thou_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a lover_n of_o mankind_n who_o can_v imagine_v thou_o do_v ever_o intend_v that_o man_n shall_v kill_v one_o another_o for_o not_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o their_o sense_n for_o be_v unwilling_a to_o think_v that_o thou_o shall_v make_v one_o of_o the_o most_o horrid_a and_o barbarous_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o main_a duty_n and_o principal_a mystery_n of_o thy_o religion_n for_o not_o flatter_v the_o pride_n and_o presumption_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o say_v he_o can_v make_v god_n and_o for_o not_o comply_v with_o the_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o can_v eat_v he_o 4._o upon_o account_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n which_o they_o be_v certain_o guilty_a of_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o true_a and_o such_o a_o change_n as_o they_o pretend_v be_v not_o make_v in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o they_o worship_v a_o creature_n instead_o of_o the_o creator_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o but_o such_o a_o change_n i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v impossible_a or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o be_v always_o in_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n and_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v be_v evident_a because_o according_a to_o the_o express_a determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o depend_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o can_v certain_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n which_o be_v not_o pretend_v in_o this_o case_n and_o if_o they_o be_v mistake_v about_o this_o change_n through_o the_o knavery_n or_o crossness_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o will_v not_o make_v god_n but_o when_o he_o think_v fit_a they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o idolatry_n because_o they_o intend_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o not_o a_o creature_n for_o so_o the_o persian_n may_v be_v excuse_v from_o idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o sun_n because_o they_o intend_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o not_o a_o creature_n and_o so_o indeed_o we_o may_v excuse_v all_o the_o idolatry_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o upon_o that_o mistake_v a_o worship_v of_o something_o as_o god_n which_o be_v not_o god_n ii_o beside_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o this_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o account_n i_o have_v mention_v the_o monstrous_a absurdity_n of_o it_o make_v it_o insupportable_a to_o any_o religion_n i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a and_o yet_o i_o can_v see_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o any_o reveal_v religion_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a absurdity_n as_o this_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n will_v load_v it_o withal_o and_o to_o make_v this_o evident_a i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o those_o gross_a contradiction_n of_o the_o same_o body_n be_v in_o so_o many_o several_a place_n at_o once_o of_o our_o saviour_n give_v away_o himself_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o every_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o yet_o still_o keep_v himself_o to_o himself_o and_o a_o thousand_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v only_o ask_v these_o few_o question_n 1._o whether_o any_o man_n have_v or_o ever_o have_v great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n than_o any_o man_n have_v of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o transubstantiation_n infidelity_n be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o man_n if_o all_o man_n have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v against_o transubstantiation_n that_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o 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to_o prove_v such_o word_n to_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o justice_n may_v i_o appeal_v to_o several_a of_o his_o sense_n to_o prove_v to_o he_o that_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n still_o 3._o whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v that_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o shake_v the_o main_a external_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o mean_v the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o assurance_n whereof_o do_v at_o first_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n for_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o say_v they_o see_v they_o be_v deceive_v then_o there_o may_v be_v no_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o consequent_o it_o may_v just_o be_v
every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o affect_v on_o all_o hand_n we_o may_v yet_o be_v a_o happy_a church_n and_o nation_n if_o we_o will_v govern_v ourselves_o by_o these_o rule_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o they_o peace_n will_v be_v upon_o we_o and_o mercy_n and_o on_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n three_o i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o few_o word_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o present_a meeting_n i_o have_v all_o this_o while_n be_v recommend_v to_o you_o from_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o this_o most_o excellent_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a act_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o but_o beside_o particular_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v exercise_v upon_o emergent_a occasion_n there_o be_v likewise_o charitable_a custom_n which_o be_v high_o commendable_a because_o they_o be_v more_o certain_a and_o constant_a of_o a_o large_a extent_n and_o of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o be_v now_o form_v and_o establish_v into_o a_o charitable_a corporation_n and_o the_o anniversary_n meeting_n of_o those_o of_o the_o several_a county_n of_o england_n who_o reside_v or_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o london_n for_o two_o of_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a end_n that_o can_v be_v the_o maintain_n of_o friendship_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o charity_n these_o and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n i_o call_v charitable_a custom_n which_o of_o late_a year_n have_v very_o much_o obtain_v in_o this_o great_a and_o famous_a city_n and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o all_o good_a man_n to_o see_v so_o generous_a so_o humane_a so_o christian_n a_o disposition_n to_o prevail_v and_o reign_v 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knowledge_n and_o a_o sincere_a love_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o who_o that_o love_v god_n and_o religion_n can_v choose_v but_o take_v great_a contentment_n to_o see_v so_o general_a and_o forward_o a_o inclination_n in_o people_n this_o way_n which_o have_v be_v very_o much_o cherish_v of_o late_a year_n by_o this_o sort_n of_o meeting_n and_o that_o to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o effect_n in_o many_o charitable_a contribution_n dispose_v in_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a way_n and_o which_o likewise_o have_v tend_v very_o much_o to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o allay_n of_o those_o fierce_a heat_n and_o animosity_n which_o have_v be_v cause_v by_o our_o civil_a confusion_n and_o religious_a distraction_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o many_o time_n want_v to_o take_v away_o prejudice_n and_o to_o extinguish_v hatred_n and_o ill-will_n but_o a_o opportunity_n for_o man_n to_o see_v and_o understand_v one_o another_o by_o which_o they_o will_v quick_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o monster_n as_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v one_o to_o another_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o be_v i_o think_v one_o of_o the_o last_o county_n of_o england_n that_o have_v enter_v into_o this_o friendly_a and_o charitable_a kind_n of_o society_n let_v we_o make_v amends_o for_o our_o late_a set_v out_o by_o quicken_a our_o pace_n that_o so_o we_o may_v overtake_v and_o outstrip_v those_o who_o be_v go_v before_o we_o let_v not_o our_o charity_n partake_v of_o the_o coldness_n of_o our_o climate_n but_o let_v we_o endeavour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o country_n and_o as_o we_o be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a county_n of_o england_n let_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v so_o by_o the_o largeness_n and_o extent_n of_o our_o charity_n o_o lord_n who_o have_v teach_v we_o that_o all_o our_o do_n without_o charity_n be_v nothing_o send_v thy_o holy_a ghost_n and_o pour_v into_o our_o heart_n that_o most_o excellent_a gift_n of_o charity_n the_o very_a bond_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o all_o virtue_n without_o which_o whosover_n live_v be_v count_v dead_a before_o thou_o grant_v this_o for_o thy_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n april_n four_o 1679._o 1_o john_n iu._n 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n this_o caution_n and_o counsel_n be_v give_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n that_o be_v rise_v up_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o endeavour_v to_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o these_o teach_n contrary_a thing_n can_v not_o both_o be_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n call_v upon_o christian_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n of_o those_o new_a teacher_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n â—hat_n be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v inspire_v and_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v examine_v those_o that_o make_v this_o pretence_n whether_o it_o be_v real_a or_o not_o and_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o bring_v because_o there_o be_v many_o impostor_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v contain_v these_o four_o proposition_n first_o that_o man_n may_v and_o often_o do_v false_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o apostle_n ground_n this_o exhortation_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n therefore_o we_o shall_v try_v who_o be_v true_a and_o who_o be_v false_a second_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v and_o to_o teach_v a_o divine_a doctrine_n this_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a because_o man_n may_v false_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o make_v this_o pretence_n for_o any_o man_n that_o have_v but_o confidence_n enough_o and_o conscience_n little_a enough_o may_v pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o if_o we_o admit_v all_o pretence_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o crafty_a and_o confident_a man_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o he_o into_o what_o delusion_n he_o please_v three_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o reject_v all_o that_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n this_o be_v sufficient_o imply_v in_o the_o text_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n he_o suppose_v we_o be_v to_o believe_v some_o and_o when_o he_o say_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o suppose_v some_o to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o those_o which_o be_v so_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v these_o three_o observation_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o need_v only_o to_o name_v they_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o four_o which_o i_o principal_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o from_o these_o word_n and_o
and_o above_o all_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n let_v we_o hearty_o obey_v that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v we_o who_o enjoy_v the_o protestant_a religion_n have_v all_o the_o mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n free_a liberty_n and_o full_a scope_n of_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o inform_v ourselves_o concern_v it_o we_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n we_o can_v wish_v of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n lie_v open_a to_o we_o and_o his_o law_n be_v continual_o before_o our_o eye_n his_o word_n be_v nigh_o unto_o we_o in_o our_o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v we_o may_v read_v it_o and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v we_o ourselves_o that_o shut_v ourselves_o out_o and_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o certain_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v we_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n be_v to_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o effectual_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o live_v well_o and_o if_o religion_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n it_o matter_n not_o of_o what_o church_n any_o man_n list_n and_o enter_v himself_o for_o most_o certain_o a_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v save_v in_o none_o though_o a_o man_n know_v the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n never_o so_o well_o and_o be_v enter_v into_o it_o yet_o if_o he_o will_v not_o walk_v therein_o he_o shall_v never_o come_v thither_o nay_o it_o will_v be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o this_o man_n unhappiness_n that_o he_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o perish_v in_o the_o very_a road_n to_o salvation_n but_o if_o we_o will_v in_o good_a earnest_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n holy_a law_n his_o grace_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o we_o to_o so_o good_a a_o purpose_n i_o have_v not_o time_n to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o you_o at_o large_a with_o all_o its_o advantage_n i_o will_v comprise_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o a_o few_o word_n and_o mind_n they_o at_o your_o peril_n let_v that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a concernment_n be_v our_o great_a care_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v it_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o piety_n arid_a virtue_n nothing_o can_v be_v wise_a and_o consider_v the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o and_o the_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n nothing_o can_v be_v easy_o nothing_o will_v give_v we_o that_o pleasure_n while_o we_o live_v nothing_o can_v minister_v that_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v there_o be_v probable_o no_v such_o way_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o this_o to_o escape_v the_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n now_o god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o kingston_n upon_o thames_n july_n 21._o 1681._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a and_o my_o honour_a friend_n joseph_n reeve_n esq_n high_a sheriff_n of_o the_o county_n of_o surrey_z sir_n when_o i_o have_v perform_v the_o service_n which_o you_o be_v please_v to_o call_v i_o to_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o this_o sermon_n i_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o make_v it_o more_o public_a and_o yet_o in_o this_o also_o i_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o induce_v to_o comply_v with_o your_o desire_n because_o of_o the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o argument_n to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v wherein_o as_o man_n have_v run_v into_o the_o wild_a extremity_n in_o other_o thing_n so_o particular_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o oath_n some_o make_v conscience_n of_o take_v any_o oath_n at_o all_o and_o too_o many_o none_o at_o all_o of_o break_v they_o to_o convince_v the_o great_a mistake_n of_o the_o one_o extreme_a and_o to_o check_v the_o grow_a evil_a and_o mischief_n of_o the_o other_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a if_o by_o god_n blessing_n it_o may_v prove_v any-wise_a serviceable_a i_o be_o sir_n your_o very_a faithful_a and_o humble_a servant_n jo._n tillotson_n the_o lawfulness_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o kingston_n upon_o thames_n july_n 21._o 1681._o heb._n vi_o 16._o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o support_n of_o humane_a society_n in_o nothing_o appear_v more_o evident_o than_o in_o this_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o peace_n and_o justice_n among_o man_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o any_o man_n that_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n shall_v make_v the_o least_o conscience_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v so_o that_o whoever_o promote_v atheism_n and_o infidelity_n do_v the_o most_o destructive_a thing_n imaginable_a to_o human_a society_n because_o he_o take_v away_o the_o reverence_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n and_o whenever_o that_o be_v general_o cast_v off_o human_a society_n must_v disband_v and_o all_o thing_n run_v into_o disorder_n the_o just_a sense_n whereof_o make_v david_n cry_v out_o to_o god_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n as_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v crack_v and_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o ready_a to_o break_v in_o piece_n psal_n 12._o help_v lord_n for_o the_o righteous_a man_n cease_v and_o the_o faithful_a fail_n from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n intimate_v that_o when_o faith_n fail_v from_o among_o man_n nothing_o but_o a_o particular_a and_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v preserve_v the_o world_n from_o fall_v into_o confusion_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v this_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o approach_a dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o faith_n and_o truth_n shall_v hardly_o be_v find_v among_o man_n luke_n 18.8_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n this_o state_n of_o thing_n do_v loud_o call_v for_o his_o come_n to_o destroy_v the_o world_n which_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n of_o itself_o when_o these_o band_n and_o pillar_n of_o humane_a society_n do_v break_v and_o fail_v and_o sure_o never_o in_o any_o age_n be_v this_o sign_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n more_o glare_a and_o terrible_a than_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n wherein_o we_o live_v when_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o have_v break_v loose_a from_o all_o obligation_n to_o faith_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o argument_n more_o proper_a and_o useful_a to_o be_v treat_v of_o upon_o this_o occasion_n than_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a security_n that_o one_o man_n can_v give_v to_o another_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v the_o strong_a tie_n of_o fideility_n the_o sure_a ground_n of_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o sacred_a bond_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a justice_n upon_o judge_n and_o jury_n and_o witness_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n he_o have_v say_v before_o
what_o that_o be_v he_o express_v more_o particular_o c._n 26._o v._n 6_o 7_o and_o now_o i_o stand_v and_o be_o judge_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_n make_v of_o god_n unto_o our_o father_n unto_o which_o promise_n our_o twelve_o tribe_n instant_o serve_v god_n day_n and_o night_n hope_v to_o come_v by_o the_o promise_n make_v of_o god_n unto_o the_o father_n he_o mean_v some_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n for_o so_o s._n luke_n more_o than_o once_o in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o act_n explain_v this_o phrase_n of_o the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n act_n 3.13_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o isaac_n and_o of_o jacob_n the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n and_o c._n 7._o v._n 32._o i_o be_o the_o god_n thy_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob._n now_o what_o be_v the_o great_a and_o famous_a promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v it_o not_o this_o of_o be_v their_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v this_o very_a promise_n upon_o which_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n ground_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a state_n because_o they_o understand_v it_o necessary_o to_o signify_v some_o blessing_n and_o happiness_n beyond_o this_o life_n and_o now_o have_v i_o hope_v sufficient_o clear_v this_o matter_n i_o shall_v make_v some_o improvement_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o that_o to_o these_o three_o purpose_n 1._o to_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o this_o world_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v but_o man_n thorough_o convince_v of_o this_o plain_a and_o certain_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n between_o a_o few_o year_n and_o everlasting_a age_n will_v we_o but_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n die_v person_n have_v of_o this_o world_n how_o vain_a and_o empty_a a_o thing_n it_o appear_v to_o they_o how_o like_o a_o pageant_n and_o a_o shadow_n it_o look_v as_o it_o pass_v away_o from_o they_o methinks_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o any_o man_n to_o forget_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n we_o shall_v be_v strange_o intent_n upon_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o almost_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o launch_v into_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n this_o waste_n and_o howl_a wilderness_n this_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n which_o we_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v through_o which_o shall_v detain_v our_o affection_n here_o and_o take_v off_o our_o thought_n from_o our_o everlasting_a habitation_n from_o that_o better_a and_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v and_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o settle_v our_o affection_n upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n so_o as_o to_o be_v extreme_o please_v and_o transport_v with_o they_o and_o to_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o if_o we_o be_v excessive_o grieve_v or_o discontent_v for_o the_o want_n or_o loss_n of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o present_a state_n in_o this_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o preparation_n and_o passage_n to_o a_o better_a life_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n be_v but_o very_o weak_a and_o faint_a and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o hearty_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v what_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v concern_v these_o thing_n for_o do_v we_o steadfast_o believe_v and_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o what_o our_o religion_n so_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o unspeakable_a and_o endless_a happiness_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n our_o affection_n will_v sit_v more_o loose_a to_o this_o world_n and_o our_o hope_n will_v raise_v our_o heart_n as_o much_o above_o these_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n we_o shall_v value_v nothing_o here_o below_o but_o as_o it_o serve_v for_o our_o present_a support_n and_o passage_n or_o may_v be_v make_v a_o mean_n to_o secure_v and_o increase_v our_o future_a felicity_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o life_n shall_v quicken_v our_o preparation_n for_o that_o bless_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o in_o the_o other_o world_n this_o life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n this_o world_n be_v god_n school_n where_o immortal_a spirit_n clothe_v with_o flesh_n be_v train_v and_o breed_v up_o for_o eternity_n and_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o a_o matter_n of_o slight_a concernment_n to_o we_o how_o we_o live_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n whether_o we_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n or_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n no_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a moment_n as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o eternity_n be_v worth_a let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o as_o we_o sow_v so_o shall_v we_o reap_v if_o we_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o if_o we_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n we_o shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v everlasting_a life_n light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n but_o the_o ungodly_a be_v not_o so_o whoever_o have_v live_v a_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a life_n feel_v strange_a throw_n and_o pang_n in_o his_o conscience_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v cast_v upon_o a_o sick_a bed_n the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n say_v the_o prophet_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v full_a of_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n especial_o in_o a_o die_a hour_n it_o be_v death_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o life_n and_o a_o hell_n to_o he_o to_o think_v of_o eternity_n when_o his_o guilty_a and_o tremble_a soul_n be_v ready_a to_o leave_v his_o body_n and_o just_a step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n what_o horror_n and_o amazement_n do_v then_o seize_v upon_o he_o what_o a_o rage_n do_v such_o a_o man_n feel_v in_o his_o breast_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o fool_n as_o for_o the_o false_a and_o imperfect_a pleasure_n of_o a_o few_o day_n to_o make_v himself_o miserable_a for_o ever_o 3._o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o that_o unspeakable_a reward_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o good_a man_n at_o the_o resurrection_n encourage_v we_o to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n we_o serve_v a_o great_a prince_n who_o be_v able_a to_o promote_v we_o to_o honour_n a_o most_o gracious_a master_n who_o will_v not_o let_v the_o least_o service_n we_o do_v for_o he_o pass_v unrewarded_a this_o be_v the_o inference_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v from_o this_o large_a discourse_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrrection_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n nothing_o will_v make_v death_n more_o welcome_a to_o we_o than_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o service_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n sleep_v say_v solomon_n be_v sweet_a to_o the_o labour_a man_n so_o after_o a_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o david_n serve_v our_o generation_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n how_o 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a_o incredible_a force_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o nothing_o more_o discover_v its_o divine_a power_n and_o original_n than_o in_o that_o spring_n which_o be_v in_o it_o whereby_o it_o recover_v itself_o when_o it_o be_v mighty_o urge_v and_o press_v there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o resolution_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n invincible_a and_o hardly_o any_o difficulty_n can_v resist_v it_o or_o stand_v before_o it_o of_o this_o there_o have_v be_v great_a instance_n in_o several_a kind_n some_o by_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n and_o take_v incredible_a pain_n with_o themselves_o have_v master_v great_a natural_a vice_n and_o defect_n as_o socrates_n and_o demosthenes_n who_o almost_o exceed_v all_o mankind_n in_o those_o two_o thing_n for_o which_o by_o nature_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v least_o make_v and_o most_o unfit_a one_o in_o govern_v of_o his_o passion_n and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mighty_a force_n and_o power_n of_o his_o eloquence_n some_o that_o by_o intemperance_n 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