or_o wish_v and_o propose_v to_o be_v better_o nor_o of_o external_a penance_n fruitless_a ceremony_n vain_a commutation_n purchase_v dispensation_n and_o buy_v indulgency_n not_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o put_v together_o be_v repentance_n any_o man_n that_o have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o repentance_n to_o which_o pardon_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v altogether_o as_o broad_a and_o as_o long_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n so_o that_o god_n almighty_n have_v not_o issue_v out_o his_o pardon_n to_o any_o one_o sinner_n in_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a term_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o good_a nature_n whether_o he_o will_v thank_v he_o for_o it_o or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v be_v kind_a and_o leave_v his_o sin_n or_o ungrateful_a and_o continue_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v very_o foolish_a who_o fancy_n themselves_o such_o darling_n of_o heaven_n that_o for_o their_o sake_n god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n in_o determine_v to_o pardon_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n now_o to_o prevent_v all_o such_o presumption_n and_o fond_a conceit_n it_o be_v as_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v not_o lose_v his_o right_n to_o our_o obedience_n as_o that_o he_o will_v forbear_v to_o use_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v forbear_v that_o no_o long_o when_o he_o see_v his_o goodness_n do_v not_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n the_o same_o divine_a revelation_n which_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n do_v likewise_o assure_v we_o he_o be_v so_o just_a and_o wise_a as_o to_o pardon_v he_o only_o upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o indeed_o to_o pardon_v the_o incorrigible_a be_v not_o mercy_n but_o weakness_n he_o only_o be_v in_o a_o compassionable_a condition_n that_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o see_v then_o repentance_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o that_o out_o pardon_v be_v infallible_o secure_a upon_o that_o condition_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o this_o there_o arise_v a_o most_o pregnant_a and_o forcible_a engagement_n to_o the_o great_a care_n we_o can_v exert_v of_o live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 2._o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n this_o likewise_o be_v only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n see_v if_o god_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o that_o original_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o require_v unsinning_a duty_n and_o according_a to_o which_o no_o sinner_n can_v be_v justify_v i.e._n he_o may_v have_v measure_v our_o repentance_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n by_o our_o amendment_n according_a to_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o law_n without_o make_v any_o abatement_n for_o human_a frailty_n for_o invincible_a ignorance_n for_o surprise_v and_o those_o undueness_n of_o passion_n and_o those_o inadvertency_n which_o be_v thing_n of_o daily_a incursion_n but_o have_v it_o be_v thus_o little_a comfort_n can_v we_o have_v have_v from_o the_o belief_n that_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a if_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o nothing_o for_o that_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v short_a of_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n to_o arrive_v unto_o for_o he_o that_o proffer_v a_o benefit_n upon_o term_n impossible_a to_o the_o receiver_n do_v but_o disquiet_v he_o the_o more_o take_v away_o with_o the_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o give_v with_o the_o other_o therefore_o almighty_a god_n further_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n have_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o pardon_v our_o former_a sin_n upon_o that_o condition_n but_o he_o have_v so_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n what_o that_o life_n be_v which_o for_o the_o future_a he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v please_v withal_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v deter_v from_o attempt_v his_o service_n by_o any_o jealousy_n of_o his_o austerity_n and_o rigour_n towards_o we_o that_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o service_n and_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v a_o natural_a emanation_n from_o and_o a_o real_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o love_n to_o he_o which_o be_v to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a that_o we_o may_v serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n now_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n i._n e._n to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o very_a possible_a and_o the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o obedience_n therefore_o must_v be_v so_o too_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o love_n to_o god_n that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o due_a love_n to_o god_n be_v consistent_a with_o sin_n of_o mere_a frailty_n of_o unaffected_a ignorance_n of_o unavoidable_a surprise_n because_o these_o sin_n neither_o proceed_v from_o a_o evil_a will_n nor_o be_v whole_o vincible_a in_o our_o present_a state_n but_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o due_a love_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v with_o deliberate_a much_o less_o with_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o can_v consist_v with_o wilful_a much_o less_o with_o customary_a transgression_n of_o know_a and_o open_a law_n it_o can_v consist_v with_o sin_n proceed_v from_o affect_a ignorance_n much_o less_o with_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n which_o it_o be_v in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o avoid_v it_o can_v consist_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n commit_v they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o forbear_v they_o but_o he_o that_o love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n will_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v accept_v by_o almighty_a god_n i._n e._n he_o be_v reckon_v by_o he_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o according_a to_o the_o moderation_n and_o gentleness_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n not_o account_v a_o sinner_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o do_v indeed_o stand_v as_o much_o condemn_v and_o will_v as_o as_o certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o original_a law_n or_o the_o first_o covenant_n if_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o by_o those_o measure_n for_o those_o sin_n i_o say_v they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n or_o the_o second_o covenant_n because_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v our_o highpriest_n and_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n through_o who_o intercession_n they_o be_v remit_v upon_o our_o keep_n from_o all_o wilful_a sin_n and_o our_o endeavour_n after_o perfection_n but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o sacrifice_n offer_v for_o we_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o make_v such_o sin_n consistent_a with_o a_o justifiable_a state_n no_o they_o must_v be_v actual_o repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v it_o be_v only_o upon_o those_o term_n that_o our_o sacrifice_n remain_v in_o force_n and_o power_n to_o obtain_v our_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n here_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o proceed_v upon_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o difference_n between_o sin_n of_o weakness_n and_o sin_n of_o wilfulness_n to_o show_v as_o exact_o as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v wherein_o lie_v that_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n which_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v and_o which_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o we_o for_o but_o this_o will_v be_v to_o slide_v into_o a_o argument_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o general_a
do_v at_o last_o confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o they_o say_v far_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n leave_v to_o that_o freedom_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o will_n to_o become_v regenerate_v but_o than_o what_o comfort_n do_v this_o persuasion_n leave_v why_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o regeneration_n and_o holiness_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o almighty_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o that_o whereby_o god_n will_v at_o last_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o i_o confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o become_v a_o good_a man_n this_o way_n because_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o refuse_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o promise_n of_o such_o grace_n nay_o what_o if_o it_o have_v unless_o i_o know_v how_o to_o obtain_v it_o or_o that_o i_o be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o can_v not_o miss_v it_o what_o if_o i_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n and_o what_o if_o all_o this_o will_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o if_o i_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o be_v this_o the_o rest_n that_o jesus_n have_v promise_v we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o try_v another_o expedient_a what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o severe_a fast_n and_o penance_n will_v the_o punish_n of_o my_o body_n satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n this_o i_o think_v will_v almost_o do_v the_o business_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pain_n to_o deny_v a_o crave_v lust_n to_o stop_v a_o grow_a passion_n and_o to_o resist_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o wicked_a pleasure_n or_o unjust_a gain_n or_o desire_a revenge_n than_o to_o go_v through_o a_o reasonable_a course_n of_o outward_a mortification_n but_o can_v these_o thing_n compensate_a for_o the_o omission_n of_o necessary_a duty_n or_o satisfy_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n when_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a law_n god_n refuse_v hard_a thing_n than_o these_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n no_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n bodily_a austerity_n no_o doubt_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o profitable_a for_o our_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o express_v a_o just_a indignation_n at_o ourselves_o for_o have_v sin_v when_o to_o break_v the_o wicked_a custom_n they_o be_v impose_v as_o penalty_n and_o revenge_n to_o be_v inflict_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o wicked_a action_n when_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a trouble_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o sin_v and_o use_v to_o starve_v and_o mortify_v the_o evil_a appetite_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v the_o body_n in_o subjection_n but_o if_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v profitable_a unto_o godliness_n and_o help_v to_o make_v the_o soul_n the_o better_a we_o be_v still_o drive_v back_o to_o that_o hard_a point_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o that_o without_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a life_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n pardon_n i_o shall_v try_v but_o one_o refuge_n more_o which_o indeed_o give_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o relief_n and_o that_o be_v what_o comfort_n may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v his_o church_n when_o he_o say_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v now_o this_o assure_v i_o that_o when_o the_o church_n receive_v i_o by_o baptism_n into_o her_o communion_n she_o give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o she_o deprive_v i_o of_o it_o by_o excommunication_n she_o can_v by_o absolution_n restore_v i_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n nor_o lose_v it_o by_o contempt_n of_o her_o censure_n but_o then_o i_o doubt_v the_o church_n can_v forgive_v sin_n more_o effectual_o than_o god_n do_v who_o be_v thus_o represent_v to_o forgive_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o forgive_v his_o servant_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n he_o forgive_v he_o indeed_o and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o debt_n afterward_o upon_o his_o unmercifulness_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o church_n can_v do_v more_o than_o god_n do_v who_o himself_o require_v condition_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o give_v to_o man_n the_o power_n of_o dispense_n absolute_a pardon_n unless_o we_o can_v think_v that_o to_o ratify_v the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o disannul_v his_o own_o and_o because_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o all_o who_o sin_n be_v either_o remit_v or_o retain_v in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o the_o time_n not_o be_v yet_o come_v for_o a_o exact_a separation_n for_o these_o reason_n all_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n do_v then_o only_o ensure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o key_n do_v not_o err_v but_o what_o if_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o the_o key_n do_v err_v and_o that_o whilst_o i_o do_v not_o forfeit_v the_o church_n peace_n by_o scandalous_a crime_n i_o do_v yet_o depart_v from_o god_n by_o hide_a iniquity_n can_v the_o err_a key_n open_a to_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o everlasting_a life_n i_o will_v fain_o believe_v that_o the_o bring_n of_o these_o secret_a sin_n to_o light_n and_o purpose_v to_o offend_v no_o more_o will_v help_v at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v make_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n but_o o_o bless_a jesus_n how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o thy_o most_o holy_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o confess_v sin_n and_o to_o purpose_n against_o it_o instead_o of_o a_o rule_n oblige_v i_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o we_o leave_v that_o one_o path_n of_o obedience_n we_o may_v try_v a_o thousand_o byway_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v corrupt_v will_v send_v we_o back_o again_o to_o that_o plain_a truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n which_o like_o the_o flame_a sword_n that_o turn_v every_o way_n keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n against_o all_o ungodly_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n if_o therefore_o that_o rest_n which_o our_o lord_n promise_v be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o must_v find_v it_o in_o that_o way_n if_o we_o find_v it_o at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v for_o better_a success_n here_o than_o we_o have_v yet_o have_v let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o exactness_n of_o rule_n and_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o obedience_n must_v needs_o make_v we_o uneasy_a under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christianity_n or_o rather_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o mitigate_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o its_o law_n without_o make_v any_o of_o they_o void_a now_o the_o first_o mitigation_n i_o shall_v consider_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v room_n for_o repentance_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o which_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o when_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n st._n paul_n command_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o overmuch_a sorrow_n and_o sure_o as_o god_n forgive_v those_o open_a scandal_n for_o which_o the_o penitent_a be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o upon_o repentance_n he_o will_v forgive_v those_o secret_a offence_n too_o which_o can_v make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o church-communion_n if_o
give_v he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a lightheaded_a companion_n that_o will_v throw_v it_o away_o at_o every_o turn_n who_o can_v tell_v what_o be_v do_v yesterday_o or_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o friend_n or_o acquaintance_n about_o the_o ordinary_a matter_n but_o out_o come_v a_o oath_n or_o a_o curse_n to_o bind_v his_o word_n withal_o methinks_v i_o can_v convince_v any_o man_n of_o ordinary_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v that_o levity_n and_o madness_n imply_v in_o this_o custom_n which_o if_o it_o be_v but_o see_v in_o other_o thing_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n within_o the_o danger_n of_o bedlam_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o friend_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o ordinary_o happen_v in_o our_o conversation_n as_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o visit_n or_o a_o meeting_n where_o he_o shall_v appoint_v but_o for_o the_o present_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o go_v till_o he_o have_v get_v a_o hundred_o of_o his_o neighbour_n together_o 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the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o a_o detestation_n of_o perjury_n or_o modesty_n and_o a_o good_a manner_n or_o any_o sobriety_n and_o seriousness_n any_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v he_o from_o use_v needless_a oath_n and_o therefore_o the_o common_a swearer_n be_v destitute_a of_o they_o all_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o foul_a immorality_n which_o grow_v out_o of_o a_o complexion_n of_o all_o those_o evil_a principle_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o good_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n i_o be_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o examine_v the_o pretence_n that_o be_v only_o possible_a to_o be_v allege_v in_o the_o excuse_n or_o for_o the_o mitigation_n of_o this_o crime_n and_o if_o i_o can_v show_v that_o evil_a be_v imply_v in_o these_o also_o the_o conclusion_n will_v yet_o be_v more_o evident_a that_o whatsoever_o in_o our_o ordinary_a conversation_n be_v beyond_o affirmation_n and_o denial_n come_v of_o evil_a i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o excuse_n will_v be_v hear_v for_o that_o man_n who_o go_v on_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n much_o less_o in_o his_o behalf_n who_o live_v in_o the_o violation_n of_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a a_o law_n as_o this_o which_o forbid_v common_a swear_v but_o because_o there_o be_v many_o give_v to_o this_o sin_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o present_o when_o they_o be_v admonish_v and_o to_o ask_v your_o pardon_n if_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v and_o grieve_v and_o then_o think_v that_o they_o have_v give_v you_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n as_o they_o hope_v they_o have_v do_v the_o like_a to_o god_n by_o confess_v that_o true_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v in_o this_o fashion_n and_o god_n forgive_v they_o for_o it_o but_o yet_o they_o go_v on_o still_o to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n one_o will_v think_v there_o be_v some_o notable_a temptation_n to_o this_o sin_n which_o will_v go_v very_o far_o to_o extenuate_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o which_o render_v the_o avoid_n of_o it_o so_o very_o difficult_a that_o all_o the_o regard_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v to_o be_v give_v to_o that_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v it_o be_v to_o confess_v our_o fault_n and_o cry_v god_n mercy_n every_o time_n we_o commit_v it_o and_o that_o a_o good_a nature_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o acknowledgement_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o excuse_n as_o much_o as_o any_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v that_o there_o be_v none_o less_o capable_a of_o a_o excuse_n by_o examine_v what_o be_v usual_o pretend_v for_o it_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o any_o swearer_n ever_o fancy_v his_o oath_n to_o be_v for_o his_o health_n or_o his_o wealth_n that_o they_o prolong_v his_o life_n or_o increase_v his_o estate_n that_o they_o give_v the_o wine_n a_o brisk_a flavour_n or_o bring_v the_o gamester_n any_o good_a luck_n that_o they_o ease_v he_o of_o his_o pain_n or_o set_v off_o his_o pleasure_n i_o suppose_v you_o be_v all_o sensible_a that_o these_o pretence_n will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o true_o they_o be_v not_o much_o better_a that_o follow_v as_o first_o of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v a_o ornament_n to_o a_o man_n discourse_n that_o they_o set_v off_o his_o language_n and_o if_o they_o be_v well_o place_v they_o make_v a_o sentence_n run_v the_o better_a i_o shall_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o mention_v this_o excuse_n but_o that_o they_o say_v it_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o some_o people_n now_o this_o very_a excuse_n betray_v fantasticalness_n and_o pride_n and_o come_v of_o a_o foolish_a affectation_n to_o be_v count_v a_o wit_n which_o every_o body_n almost_o know_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o degenerate_a spirit_n the_o reason_n why_o at_o any_o time_n oath_n and_o profane_a talk_n be_v affect_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v because_o they_o be_v sometime_o observe_v to_o surprise_v the_o hearer_n which_o make_v the_o profane_a person_n conceit_n that_o his_o wit_n be_v acknowledge_v when_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v only_o the_o extravagance_n and_o boldness_n of_o his_o talk_n that_o be_v wonder_v at_o folly_n that_o be_v something_o out_o of_o the_o road_n be_v more_o common_o apt_a to_o provoke_v laughter_n than_o a_o surprisal_n that_o be_v true_o ingenious_a and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o himself_o mere_o because_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o company_n stare_v upon_o he_o arise_v from_o nothing_o but_o a_o mixture_n of_o pride_n and_o ignorance_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a matter_n of_o swear_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o oath_n signify_v only_o to_o the_o affirm_v or_o deny_v of_o what_o be_v say_v but_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o sense_n or_o to_o the_o stile_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v it_o may_v startle_v a_o modest_a man_n but_o it_o can_v please_v any_o wise_a man_n because_o it_o neither_o mend_v the_o matter_n nor_o help_v the_o phrase_n but_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o that_o shall_v go_v for_o wit_n which_o the_o very_o base_a of_o the_o people_n can_v make_v use_n of_o with_o as_o much_o freedom_n and_o discretion_n and_o with_o as_o good_a a_o grace_n as_o a_o man_n of_o the_o best_a quality_n and_o breed_n can_v do_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v nothing_o require_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o pleasantness_n but_o to_o get_v one_o forehead_n furnish_v with_o impudence_n which_o if_o the_o mean_a peasant_n be_v capable_a of_o he_o be_v then_o qualify_v for_o a_o good_a companion_n mere_o by_o have_v a_o memory_n large_a enough_o to_o take_v in_o half_a a_o dozen_o oath_n and_o a_o
he_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o that_o this_o righteousness_n proceed_v from_o faith_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n 2._o that_o this_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v first_o to_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o passage_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v say_v to_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o the_o righteousness_n which_o please_v god_n be_v that_o which_o must_v begin_v from_o faith_n which_o must_v still_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o which_o at_o last_o must_v end_v in_o faith_n for_o this_o be_v a_o say_n like_o to_o that_o in_o rom._n 6.19_o as_o you_o have_v yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n even_o so_o yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n for_o by_o serve_v iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n be_v mean_v add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o daily_o grow_a worse_n and_o by_o serve_v righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n be_v mean_v add_v one_o degree_n of_o goodness_n to_o another_o and_o grow_v better_o and_o thus_o here_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n be_v a_o righteousness_n which_o first_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o be_v always_o build_v upon_o it_o afterward_o and_o be_v at_o last_o perfect_v by_o it_o for_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v by_o these_o word_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a have_v faith_n for_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v increase_v as_o his_o faith_n increase_v and_o that_o the_o more_o he_o be_v root_v and_o strengthen_v in_o faith_n the_o better_a he_o grow_v and_o he_o please_v god_n the_o more_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n viz._n that_o faith_n be_v all_o along_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o be_v please_v with_o but_o then_o 2._o what_o relation_n have_v that_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v hereby_o design_n to_o show_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n promise_n then_o that_o hold_v good_a man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v take_v out_o of_o habakk_n 2.4_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v return_v from_o their_o captivity_n in_o his_o appoint_a time_n v._o 3._o therefore_o say_v he_o though_o the_o vision_n tarry_v wait_v for_o it_o because_o it_o will_v sure_o come_v but_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o sure_a belief_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v support_v good_a man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n under_o the_o captivity_n in_o a_o idolatrous_a land_n and_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v reward_v with_o a_o return_n into_o their_o own_o country_n in_o god_n appoint_a time_n in_o like_a manner_n christian_n who_o have_v better_a promise_n viz._n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n do_v in_o this_o faith_n work_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o for_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n they_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o heavenly_a country_n faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jew_n observe_v their_o law_n of_o outward_a work_n and_o it_o be_v reward_v with_o such_o blessing_n as_o that_o law_n promise_v but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v still_o true_a but_o in_o a_o much_o high_a sense_n that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n because_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a righteousness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o promise_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a thing_n and_o because_o such_o faith_n shall_v bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a life_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o text._n and_o now_o my_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v so_o much_o to_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v do_v without_o any_o disparagement_n at_o all_o to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o argument_n to_o discourse_v upon_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o unreasonable_o we_o of_o the_o reformation_n be_v charge_v by_o our_o adversary_n as_o we_o often_o have_v be_v with_o solifidianism_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v with_o attribute_v all_o to_o faith_n and_o leave_v no_o necessity_n for_o righteousness_n and_o good_a work_n we_o do_v indeed_o with_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o just_a do_v live_v by_o faith_n but_o we_o do_v with_o the_o scripture_n also_o affirm_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o there_o be_v a_o righteousness_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n nor_o be_v justify_v before_o he_o we_o do_v also_o renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o resolve_v the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o not_o impute_v our_o sin_n to_o we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o they_o be_v the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n that_o we_o rely_v upon_o but_o then_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o these_o promise_n that_o make_v we_o live_v to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v dead_a without_o they_o now_o from_o hence_o indeed_o it_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v holiness_n will_v follow_v for_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n if_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n than_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v holy_a which_o if_o it_o be_v find_v true_a than_o we_o not_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v in_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o faith_n as_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o please_v god_n that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o seem_v hard_a to_o understand_v how_o those_o great_a thing_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o since_o it_o follow_v more_o certain_o that_o a_o man_n believe_v because_o he_o be_v holy_a than_o that_o he_o be_v holy_a because_o he_o believe_v it_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v say_v that_o a_o believer_n shall_v live_v by_o his_o righteousness_n than_o that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o yet_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o say_v that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o clear_v this_o difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v well_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o 2._o what_o power_n it_o have_v or_o what_o efficacy_n must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v to_o it_o and_o when_o it_o have_v that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o aim_v at_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n clear_a but_o also_o profitable_a unto_o godliness_n one_a then_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v any_o thing_n by_o faith_n but_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o something_o that_o be_v affirm_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o that_o affirm_v it_o or_o upon_o some_o other_o reason_n beside_o sensible_a evidence_n or_o immediate_a knowledge_n and_o thus_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v god_n testimony_n for_o and_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n faith_n or_o believe_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a because_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v alter_v the_o common_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o word_n but_o can_v we_o think_v that_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n require_v believe_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o
godly_a life_n because_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o clear_a and_o active_a thought_n and_o conversant_a in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o indeterminate_a persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a by_o experience_n that_o some_o such_o do_v retain_v the_o faith_n but_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n consist_v viz._n 3._o the_o permanence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o constancy_n of_o frequent_a consideration_n upon_o what_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a and_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o particular_o and_o with_o application_n to_o himself_o but_o likewise_o by_o very_a much_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o present_a and_o habitual_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v two_o advantage_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a man_n 1._o his_o persuasion_n or_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a to_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o most_o need_v it_o i.e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o though_o one_o believe_v all_o the_o awaken_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v busy_a with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o at_o the_o time_n as_o if_o he_o 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nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n 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to_o that_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o other_o mean_n do_v without_o this_o and_o indeed_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v ineffectual_a without_o it_o and_o they_o be_v then_o effectual_a when_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n that_o we_o make_v be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o their_o frequent_a return_n make_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n natural_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v good_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o our_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o godliness_n otherwise_o than_o by_o accustom_v of_o we_o to_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n good_a education_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o otherwise_o 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health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
he_o make_v and_o still_o preserve_v and_o more_o particular_o that_o he_o govern_v mankind_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n by_o prescribe_v moral_a law_n to_o he_o and_o expect_v obedience_n from_o he_o that_o he_o see_v and_z takes_z notice_n of_o all_o our_o action_n that_o he_o observe_v all_o that_o we_o do_v and_o all_o that_o we_o suffer_v and_o superintend_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o be_v clear_a by_o natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o upon_o several_a ground_n i_o shall_v instance_n but_o in_o one_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o make_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v regard_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o afterward_o i._n e_fw-la to_o be_v a_o creator_n and_o not_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o creation_n more_o particular_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o create_v such_o a_o be_v as_o man_n who_o faculty_n teach_v he_o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o honour_v his_o creator_n and_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o and_o then_o not_o to_o regard_v whether_o he_o be_v honour_v by_o his_o creature_n or_o no_o and_o to_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o chance_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o himself_o but_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o their_o serviceableness_n and_o usefulness_n to_o man_n that_o god_n do_v still_o govern_v the_o material_a world_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o his_o providence_n over_o they_o and_o that_o he_o mind_n and_o regard_v they_o now_o without_o the_o belief_n hereof_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o if_o he_o mind_v not_o our_o action_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v fear_v to_o offend_v he_o or_o take_v any_o care_n to_o please_v he_o or_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v persuade_v to_o worship_n god_n if_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o god_n regard_v his_o worship_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v pretend_v why_o he_o shall_v pray_v unto_o he_o unless_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n hear_v his_o prayer_n what_o consolation_n can_v he_o have_v under_o any_o distress_n what_o trust_n can_v he_o place_v upon_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n if_o he_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o human_a affair_n and_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o calamity_n of_o man_n and_o govern_v nothing_o by_o his_o providence_n in_o brief_a it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o whatsoever_o obligation_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n arise_v from_o the_o belief_n that_o there_o a_o god_n suppose_v also_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o god_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o action_n 3._o it_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o man_n believe_v that_o with_o some_o thing_n god_n be_v please_v and_o that_o with_o other_o he_o be_v offend_v i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v alter_v and_o take_v away_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o good_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v evil_a and_o some_o thing_n so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v good_a and_o if_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n such_o must_v be_v our_o persuasion_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_a for_o if_o justice_n be_v a_o indispensible_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n then_o be_v there_o a_o eternal_a relation_n between_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o fidelity_n and_o truth_n shall_v ever_o cease_v to_o be_v fit_v lovely_a and_o beautiful_a thing_n if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o nature_n than_o the_o relation_n between_o compassion_n and_o a_o indigent_a creature_n be_v eternal_a and_o charity_n and_o mercy_n be_v thing_n immutable_o good_a and_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o virtue_n it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o they_o be_v the_o imitation_n that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a than_o god_n can_v cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o disposition_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o they_o be_v immutable_o evil_a it_o can_v never_o be_v good_a to_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a to_o oppress_v the_o weak_a to_o be_v cruel_a and_o implacable_a to_o be_v sink_v into_o sensuality_n or_o worldliness_n no_o power_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n no_o will_n no_o authority_n can_v make_v it_o ever_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o most_o comely_a fit_v due_a thing_n for_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n to_o praise_v his_o god_n to_o honour_v he_o in_o all_o his_o perfection_n to_o love_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o trust_v in_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n to_o reverence_v his_o great_a and_o holy_a majesty_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o rectitude_n and_o duty_n hereof_o can_v be_v alter_v any_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o mathematical_a proposition_n upon_o this_o belief_n depend_v the_o persuasion_n that_o worship_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o the_o contrary_n displease_v to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v immutable_o good_a and_o love_n that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a this_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v that_o also_o which_o be_v wrought_v into_o our_o very_a nature_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o want_v a_o revelation_n be_v yet_o subject_a to_o this_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v terrify_v and_o punish_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o evil_n when_o they_o transgress_v that_o law_n cherish_v and_o reward_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o good_a when_o they_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v this_o sense_n that_o give_v they_o courage_n and_o assurance_n when_o they_o do_v well_o and_o that_o touch_v their_o guilty_a mind_n with_o remorse_n and_o make_v they_o tremble_v when_o they_o do_v ill_a i_o will_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n in_o sin_n to_o blot_v out_o these_o apprehension_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o let_v a_o man_n conscience_n be_v sear_v never_o so_o incurable_o though_o he_o have_v no_o inward_a sense_n to_o inform_v he_o perpetual_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n yet_o that_o difference_n be_v demonstrable_a to_o he_o from_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o irrefragable_a way_n of_o prove_v it_o against_o the_o most_o harden_a sinner_n but_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n hereof_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o please_a of_o god_n for_o what_o though_o a_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_n of_o which_o god_n be_v please_v he_o will_v never_o take_v care_n to_o please_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_v whereof_o god_n be_v displease_v he_o can_v never_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n he_o can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o make_v or_o observe_v any_o such_o difference_n in_o his_o action_n unless_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o practice_n virtue_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o rewardable_a by_o he_o nothing_o can_v effectual_o oblige_v he_o thereunto_o unless_o he_o believe_v the_o contrary_a to_o be_v evil_a displease_v and_o punishable_a no_o religious_a belief_n whatsoever_o can_v deter_v he_o from_o it_o so_o that_o to_o believe_v this_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n between_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o wherewith_o he_o be_v displease_v be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a and_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v
necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o life_n as_o bread_n etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o child_n we_o must_v understand_v all_o spiritual_a help_n necessary_a for_o our_o improvement_n in_o religion_n and_o virtue_n viz._n which_o hold_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o bread_n etc._n etc._n hold_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o body_n this_o upon_o our_o ask_n i._n e._n upon_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o we_o may_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o we_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o viz._n such_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a help_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o none_o of_o we_o less_o and_o he_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o expect_v more_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n himself_o will_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v we_o will_v help_v and_o support_v we_o will_v prosper_v and_o guard_v we_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o we_o have_v we_o such_o a_o patron_n and_o defender_n to_o overlook_v and_o care_n for_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_n of_o necessary_a help_n and_o yet_o can_v we_o be_v dishearten_v and_o dismay_v can_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n leave_v we_o can_v our_o heart_n sink_v within_o we_o when_o such_o powerful_a aid_n be_v near_o when_o such_o mighty_a encouragement_n be_v by_o we_o be_v it_o not_o from_o hence_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v fail_v of_o do_v those_o thing_n wherewith_o god_n will_v be_v please_v and_o his_o favour_n obtain_v but_o it_o must_v be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o not_o obtain_v by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n or_o in_o not_o improve_n by_o his_o good_a action_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o he_o may_v have_v arrive_v to_o a_o regenerate_v estate_n and_o persevere_v therein_o for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o feign_a but_o a_o sincere_a promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v and_o increase_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v real_a it_o can_v imply_v no_o less_o and_o it_o need_v not_o imply_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o our_o spiritual_a need_n and_o if_o that_o provision_n be_v not_o effectual_a in_o the_o event_n no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o ourselves_o the_o belief_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o be_v a_o motive_n of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n both_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v to_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v we_o against_o all_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o likewise_o because_o it_o can_v but_o show_v we_o what_o great_a aggravation_n our_o sin_n must_v receive_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o because_o thereby_o we_o resist_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 4._o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o point_n of_o belief_n be_v not_o knowable_a but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o be_v discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o pardon_v our_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n assist_v our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o give_v we_o any_o other_o confidence_n about_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o pardon_n and_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n which_o be_v excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v the_o high_a confidence_n we_o can_v arrive_v unto_o about_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o can_v amount_v reasonable_o to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o hereupon_o we_o shall_v be_v exempt_v and_o release_v from_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o our_o sin_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v pardon_v sinner_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o such_o excellent_a and_o useful_a law_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v recompense_v the_o obedience_n of_o they_o with_o a_o present_a reward_n and_o thereupon_o shall_v remit_v the_o penalty_n due_a to_o sin_n this_o must_v needs_o argue_v as_o great_a goodness_n in_o god_n as_o any_o sinner_n can_v with_o reason_n or_o modesty_n expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o towards_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v over_o and_o above_o requite_v our_o imperfect_a if_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o free_a and_o ample_a reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o those_o reward_n shall_v be_v the_o high_a and_o full_a which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o long_o as_o our_o being_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n than_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o righteousness_n than_o life_n everlasting_a than_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o angel_n than_o the_o glorious_a and_o happy_a employment_n of_o spirit_n make_v perfect_a than_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v such_o abundant_a benignity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o sinner_n that_o it_o can_v flow_v from_o nothing_o but_o self-moving_a goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o unsought_a kindness_n and_o benevolence_n this_o can_v never_o be_v know_v by_o we_o but_o by_o god_n almighty_n revelation_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v labour_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o with_o modesty_n can_v never_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o if_o the_o declare_a promise_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o have_v not_o give_v we_o confidence_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o want_v no_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n he_o who_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n call_v we_o to_o repentance_n promise_v pardon_n thereupon_o and_o acceptance_n and_o assistance_n have_v moreover_o by_o the_o same_o messenger_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n his_o secret_a and_o hide_a purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o sinner_n by_o he_o i_o say_v he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a into_o a_o state_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o heaven_n this_o also_o after_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v a_o pregnant_a and_o strong_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o as_o the_o rest_n show_v the_o possibility_n thereof_o so_o this_o satisfi_v we_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o we_o thereby_o since_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v our_o rewarder_n if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v he_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v make_v for_o our_o advantage_n to_o accept_v of_o god_n pardon_n and_o to_o study_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o future_a the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n will_v captivate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o leave_v we_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o since_o the_o bountiful_a and_o righteous_a god_n have_v bid_v a_o everlasting_a immense_a reward_n for_o our_o poor_a and_o to_o he_o unprofitable_a but_o to_o ourselves_o most_o beneficial_a service_n what_o can_v be_v say_v in_o our_o excuse_n if_o we_o undervalue_v so_o magnificent_a and_o free_a a_o gift_n such_o rich_a grace_n and_o bounty_n if_o this_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o that_o a_o true_o good_a man_n find_v there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n to_o do_v they_o what_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o prefer_v a_o moment_n before_o eternity_n and_o those_o advantage_n we_o see_v but_o which_o we_o
after_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n upon_o new_a obedience_n it_o will_v indeed_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v so_o perfect_a a_o law_n under_o so_o bad_a a_o penalty_n for_o then_o if_o a_o temptation_n shall_v once_o prevail_v we_o be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v i_o say_v if_o we_o have_v violate_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n heretofore_o we_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a case_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o do_v the_o like_a again_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o we_o though_o we_o have_v heinous_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n yet_o we_o may_v with_o good_a comfort_n repair_v our_o past_a neglect_n by_o future_a diligence_n be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o do_v god_n will_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o our_o former_a sin_n so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o a_o snare_n nor_o make_v perfect_a that_o occasion_n may_v be_v take_v against_o we_o but_o that_o we_o at_o length_n may_v be_v perfect_a too_o and_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o accept_v repentance_n that_o grace_n which_o give_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n some_o good_a hope_n if_o they_o will_v lay_v hold_n upon_o it_o in_o time_n and_o without_o which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v have_v no_o hope_n at_o all_o 2._o the_o utmost_a perfection_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v not_o expect_v but_o upon_o a_o gradual_a improvement_n and_o such_o improvement_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n grievous_a it_o be_v intolerable_o hard_a indeed_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v under_o penalty_n of_o damnation_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n all_o at_o once_o which_o burden_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o who_o leave_v all_o to_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n if_o it_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o good_a account_n to_o grow_v better_a to_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o our_o high_a call_n to_o die_v unto_o sin_n daily_o and_o live_v unto_o righteousness_n but_o why_o be_v god_n patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o why_o do_v he_o allow_v we_o one_o year_n after_o another_o but_o that_o we_o may_v recover_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v we_o as_o we_o repent_v and_o to_o accept_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grow_v better_a and_o this_o be_v great_a grace_n to_o every_o man_n but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o he_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o can_v present_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o i._n e._n to_o do_v well_o universal_o for_o he_o may_v now_o begin_v his_o repentance_n well_o though_o he_o can_v yet_o complete_a it_o he_o may_v forbear_v the_o outward_a sin_n though_o he_o can_v yet_o repress_v the_o inordinacy_n of_o his_o desire_n he_o may_v avoid_v the_o temptation_n which_o he_o can_v resist_v he_o may_v pray_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o may_v attend_v to_o good_a exhortation_n and_o make_v good_a resolution_n and_o think_v of_o they_o afterward_o and_o desire_v the_o counsel_n and_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n he_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v all_o and_o by_o do_v those_o which_o at_o present_a be_v in_o his_o power_n he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o enable_v himself_o to_o do_v those_o which_o at_o present_a be_v not_o now_o that_o be_v no_o grievous_a task_n which_o will_v easy_o go_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o which_o we_o may_v therefore_o make_v easy_a by_o a_o early_a beginning_n and_o allow_v ourselves_o time_n for_o it_o 3._o as_o we_o grow_v more_o exact_a in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n so_o our_o uneasiness_n under_o it_o wear_v away_o and_o at_o length_n it_o end_v in_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a delight_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o self-denial_n and_o the_o resist_n of_o temptation_n will_v at_o first_o be_v painful_a especial_o to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v use_v to_o live_v without_o rule_n and_o restraint_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o colour_n for_o complaint_n if_o this_o will_v always_o last_v but_o the_o more_o earnest_o we_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o first_o discouragement_n will_v vanish_v the_o fast_o but_o more_o particulary_a 1._o it_o be_v not_o so_o hard_a to_o begin_v well_o as_o our_o prejudice_n and_o want_n of_o experience_n represent_v it_o for_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o help_n of_o mighty_a argument_n such_o as_o can_v be_v equal_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o freewill_n especial_o when_o join_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n be_v there_o any_o difficulty_n in_o be_v concern_v for_o everlasting_a salvation_n in_o be_v afraid_a of_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o yet_o where_o this_o concern_n be_v it_o can_v be_v hard_o to_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o a_o new_a life_n it_o be_v not_o grievous_a to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v our_o creator_n and_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o grievous_a thing_n for_o his_o sake_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v for_o our_o own_o too_o to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n beside_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o to_o grapple_v with_o our_o unruly_a affection_n by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n upon_o motive_n and_o the_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a liberty_n but_o have_v moreover_o promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o blessing_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o be_v it_o hard_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o being_n the_o god_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o with_o earnest_a prayer_n at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n to_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v endue_v we_o with_o wisdom_n and_o patience_n and_o safe_o guide_v we_o through_o all_o the_o discouragement_n of_o this_o world_n the_o importunity_n of_o fleshly_a desire_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n till_o we_o find_v every_o good_a work_n habitual_a and_o delightful_a and_o this_o one_o thing_n viz._n fervent_a prayer_n make_v a_o wonderful_a alteration_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o bring_v a_o kind_n of_o new_a soul_n into_o a_o man_n again_o no_o soon_o be_v repentance_n well_o begin_v but_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n without_o his_o wont_a consternation_n he_o be_v no_o long_o in_o a_o strait_a between_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n justice_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o prevail_a love_n of_o his_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o nor_o constrain_v to_o put_v god_n out_o of_o all_o his_o thought_n or_o to_o be_v in_o pain_n under_o they_o final_o now_o that_o he_o have_v conquer_v his_o first_o aversion_n he_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o complete_a victory_n if_o he_o pursue_v his_o end_n which_o be_v a_o comfort_n that_o the_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o in_o their_o way_n how_o many_o be_v they_o that_o covet_v wealth_n and_o greatness_n with_o the_o same_o greediness_n labour_n for_o it_o with_o the_o same_o industry_n contrive_v for_o it_o with_o the_o same_o wit_n and_o wait_v for_o it_o with_o the_o same_o patience_n but_o this_o with_o very_o different_a success_n one_o of_o they_o thrive_v and_o another_o decay_v as_o fast_o and_o for_o one_o that_o come_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n perhaps_o ten_o find_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o care_n reward_v with_o nothing_o but_o experience_n of_o this_o world_n uncertainty_n nay_o in_o these_o thing_n chance_n be_v often_o see_v to_o do_v more_o than_o wisdom_n and_o the_o wary_a and_o diligent_a man_n be_v disappoint_v while_o the_o lazy_a and_o foolish_a prosper_v but_o whoever_o make_v it_o his_o design_n and_o business_n to_o be_v save_v and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o to_o be_v good_a who_o find_v it_o too_o hard_a for_o he_o these_o and_o many_o other_o argument_n and_o invitation_n a_o man_n shall_v meet_v with_o at_o his_o first_o set_v out_o to_o run_v the_o race_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n which_o wonderful_o break_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o undertake_n but_o 2._o when_o he_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o spirit_n and_o habit_n of_o obedience_n then_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n perfect_o make_v good_a to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o his_o soul_n then_o he_o can_v with_o full_a advantage_n compare_v that_o sweet_a freedom_n he_o enjoy_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n with_o that_o servitude_n in_o which_o he_o once_o be_v to_o inordinate_a desire_n to_o foolish_a hope_n and_o to_o those_o sour_a affection_n of_o malice_n envy_n and_o revengefulness_n which_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n what_o the_o stone_n and_o strangury_n
wisdom_n if_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n we_o be_v well_o recompense_v though_o the_o outward_a man_n decay_v fast_o 2._o god_n do_v sometime_o send_v evil_a to_o prevent_v our_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o then_o we_o can_v be_v so_o sensible_a what_o we_o gain_v by_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o that_o danger_n we_o be_v run_v into_o if_o god_n have_v not_o apply_v a_o timely_a prevention_n who_o consult_v our_o safety_n not_o always_o by_o stay_v till_o a_o sudden_a remedy_n be_v needful_a but_o by_o keep_v off_o a_o approach_a mischief_n which_o he_o forsee_v whilst_o we_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o it_o and_o certain_o those_o thing_n work_v for_o our_o good_a which_o keep_v we_o from_o backslide_v and_o grow_v worse_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n the_o benefit_n be_v as_o real_a though_o not_o so_o sensible_a as_o the_o sharpness_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o so_o we_o may_v rest_v without_o the_o trouble_n of_o any_o objection_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n that_o upon_o our_o prayer_n and_o submission_n no_o ill_a ever_o have_v or_o shall_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o world_n without_o redound_v to_o a_o great_a good_a i_o have_v thus_o speak_v concern_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n all_o thing_n concern_v the_o manner_n whereby_o good_a be_v produce_v by_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o that_o good_a for_o which_o they_o work_v together_o i_o proceed_v 4._o to_o consider_v the_o qualification_n require_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o benefit_n they_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n i._n e._n to_o all_o righteous_a and_o godly_a person_n who_o be_v say_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n to_o be_v call_v according_a to_o purpose_n that_o be_v who_o answer_v their_o call_n to_o christianity_n by_o a_o steadfast_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o die_v for_o it_o now_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o such_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o no_o evil_a shall_v work_v for_o the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o this_o life_n may_v bring_v a_o wicked_a man_n to_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a abundant_o that_o they_o work_v for_o good_a to_o the_o righteous_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v more_o conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n they_o do_v already_o value_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o mind_n above_o outward_a advantage_n they_o be_v already_o dispose_v to_o receive_v all_o good_a instruction_n and_o upon_o all_o vicissitude_n to_o turn_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n they_o have_v already_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v therefore_o prepare_v to_o seek_v consolation_n from_o his_o word_n more_o diligent_o when_o any_o press_a need_n require_v to_o they_o it_o be_v less_o hard_a to_o obey_v in_o suffering_n have_v be_v already_o accustom_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o do_v love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o dispose_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n in_o good_a part_n from_o he_o believe_v in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n final_o they_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n already_o and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o more_o abundant_a supply_n upon_o all_o needful_a occasion_n upon_o all_o these_o account_n which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a but_o just_a to_o mention_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n have_v so_o many_o advantage_n towards_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o all_o accident_n of_o life_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v they_o will_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o point_n and_o that_o not_o of_o the_o least_o consideration_n viz._n 5._o that_o we_o know_v they_o will_v thus_o work_v for_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n which_o bring_v all_o the_o rest_n home_o to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v thus_o it_o will_v be_v if_o when_o the_o evil_a be_v present_a the_o remedy_n be_v absent_a it_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v absent_a from_o we_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n in_o general_n we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o expect_v a_o total_a exemption_n from_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a for_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o know_v likewise_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v for_o good_a to_o we_o as_o for_o those_o in_o particular_a which_o we_o be_v natural_o most_o afraid_a of_o we_o know_v not_o certain_o whether_o they_o will_v all_o befall_v we_o or_o not_o but_o under_o this_o uncertainty_n we_o be_v again_o relieve_v by_o know_v that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o benefit_n but_o how_o do_v we_o know_v it_o we_o know_v it_o many_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o grief_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n much_o less_o of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o he_o will_v not_o therefore_o send_v affliction_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v convert_v into_o a_o mean_n of_o great_a good_a the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n of_o this_o life_n be_v in_o themselves_o evil_a and_o therefore_o all_o that_o they_o can_v be_v good_a for_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o some_o good_a or_o other_o for_o they_o can_v never_o become_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o therefore_o god_n will_v not_o inflict_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o good_a in_o their_o consequence_n 2._o we_o know_v it_o far_o because_o we_o be_v sure_a our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v a_o complete_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o penitent_a so_o complete_a that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n they_o be_v neither_o liable_a to_o temporal_a nor_o eternal_a punishment_n but_o yet_o god_n sometime_o punish_v good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n he_o often_o visit_v they_o with_o affliction_n since_o therefore_o his_o justice_n be_v already_o satisfy_v it_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o his_o wise_a mercy_n and_o kindness_n towards_o they_o that_o he_o visit_v they_o with_o his_o rod_n and_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o go_v without_o some_o chastisement_n 3._o we_o know_v it_o because_o good_a man_n be_v so_o dispose_v that_o it_o be_v almost_o natural_a for_o they_o to_o reap_v great_a advantage_n by_o all_o the_o change_n and_o chance_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o state_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o action_n have_v promise_v all_o along_o as_o we_o observe_v before_o but_o 4_o above_o all_o we_o know_v it_o because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o he_o have_v say_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_o he_o will_v do_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a on_o his_o part_n to_o make_v it_o good_a he_o have_v say_v it_o in_o this_o very_a place_n and_o in_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o many_o as_o contain_v promise_n of_o his_o presence_n will_n and_o favour_n to_o his_o people_n in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n now_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o see_v all_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n none_o except_v shall_v work_v for_o our_o good_a see_v they_o do_v of_o themselves_o contribute_v towards_o it_o by_o offer_v to_o we_o very_o considerable_a opportunity_n of_o benefit_v ourselves_o see_v the_o good_a for_o which_o they_o work_v be_v great_a than_o the_o pain_n we_o endure_v and_o that_o the_o great_a the_o evil_n be_v the_o good_a will_v therefore_o be_v great_a see_v a_o good_a man_n be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o use_v those_o opportunity_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n which_o they_o yield_v see_v he_o be_v far_o enable_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v final_o since_o we_o know_v all_o this_o and_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o meritorious_a death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n can_v make_v we_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o divine_a say_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v all_o those_o that_o true_o love_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n or_o to_o persuade_v all_o other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o which_o i_o propose_v to_o show_v at_o first_o and_o now_o brethren_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o know_v these_o thing_n we_o be_v so_o happy_a and_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o do_v according_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v thorough_o
persuade_v to_o secure_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n to_o ourselves_o we_o have_v be_v consider_v either_o by_o keep_v always_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o good_a application_n and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o insist_v upon_o even_o this_o exhortation_n as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o reserve_v to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n intend_v then_o also_o to_o pursue_v some_o other_o point_n viz._n how_o this_o doctrine_n do_v consist_v with_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n against_o adversity_n and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o such_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n how_o it_o ought_v to_o influence_n the_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o happy_a or_o wretched_a estate_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n how_o true_a and_o profitable_a a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v to_o reckon_v upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o world_n why_o a_o righteous_a man_n only_o can_v do_v it_o without_o solicitude_n and_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o last_o how_o seasonable_o a_o vehement_a exhortaion_n to_o piety_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n the_o six_o sermon_n rom_n viii_o 28._o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n the_o remain_a point_n be_v now_o to_o be_v pursue_v the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o 1._o how_o this_o doctrine_n do_v consist_v with_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n against_o adversity_n and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o such_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n 1._o how_o it_o consist_v with_o they_o for_o if_o outward_a pain_n and_o trouble_v work_v for_o a_o good_a much_o great_a than_o the_o evil_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o if_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o this_o as_o we_o pretend_v why_o do_v the_o church_n pray_v against_o all_o adversity_n why_o do_v religious_a man_n avoid_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v no_o less_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o shall_v seem_v more_o agreeable_a to_o their_o faith_n in_o god_n in_o general_n and_o to_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n in_o particular_a to_o force_v misery_n upon_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o desire_n god_n to_o send_v they_o but_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o provide_v for_o their_o health_n and_o send_v for_o the_o physician_n when_o they_o be_v sick_a for_o their_o livelihood_n and_o use_v the_o law_n to_o secure_v or_o recover_v their_o right_n for_o their_o welfare_n every_o way_n and_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n take_v counsel_n and_o use_v mean_n for_o their_o relief_n depend_v all_o along_o upon_o god_n for_o success_n by_o continual_a prayer_n so_o that_o none_o seem_v to_o believe_v in_o good_a earnest_n what_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v unless_o perhaps_o something_o of_o this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o those_o who_o affect_v poverty_n renounce_v all_o propriety_n in_o worldly_a good_n impair_v their_o health_n by_o a_o spare_a and_o ill_a diet_n and_o at_o certain_a time_n whip_v their_o own_o body_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v more_o noise_n than_o truth_n in_o these_o appearance_n we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v superstition_n in_o the_o practice_n and_o we_o suspect_v hypocrisy_n in_o the_o pretence_n and_o that_o man_n do_v these_o thing_n more_o to_o amuse_v the_o world_n than_o to_o benefit_n themselves_o since_o therefore_o we_o know_v that_o evil_a work_n for_o a_o great_a good_a why_o do_v we_o avoid_v evil_a i_o answer_v 1._o when_o all_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o work_v together_o for_o good_a though_o evil_n be_v principal_o mean_v because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o administer_v comfort_n under_o they_o yet_o as_o i_o show_v at_o first_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v and_o therefore_o the_o good_a that_o come_v of_o evil_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n of_o run_v into_o adversity_n or_o pull_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o unless_o good_a can_v come_v to_o we_o no_o other_o way_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o text_n affirm_v which_o say_v all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a 2._o one_o principal_a reason_n why_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a be_v this_o because_o it_o be_v god_n that_o out_o of_o all_o thing_n choose_v that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v the_o best_a for_o we_o now_o the_o avoid_n of_o adversity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o belief_n that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o bring_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o will_v destroy_v a_o main_a reason_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n choose_n and_o not_o our_o own_o if_o by_o any_o wicked_a way_n i_o compass_v a_o worldly_a end_n the_o good_a thing_n be_v not_o proper_o of_o god_n give_v if_o by_o my_o own_o folly_n and_o wilfulness_n i_o fall_v into_o misery_n the_o evil_n be_v not_o proper_o of_o god_n send_v in_o both_o case_n i_o have_v be_v my_o own_o carver_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v good_a from_o either_o i_o can_v hope_v for_o gods_n blessing_n upon_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o since_o i_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o issue_n of_o my_o affair_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n but_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v my_o own_o chooser_n so_o that_o the_o operation_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v one_o indispensable_a cause_n of_o the_o profit_n which_o good_a man_n make_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n the_o good_a that_o come_v of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v expose_v themselves_o voluntary_o to_o evil_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o and_o that_o because_o we_o can_v expect_v god_n blessing_n where_o we_o lean_a to_o our_o own_o wisdom_n altogether_o and_o will_v not_o submit_v our_o affair_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o this_o argue_n a_o man_n that_o contrive_v for_o his_o own_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n can_v hope_v that_o it_o will_v work_v for_o his_o good_a when_o he_o have_v compass_v it_o because_o he_o choose_v for_o himself_o as_o absolute_o as_o if_o he_o pull_v calamity_n upon_o his_o own_o head_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o his_o own_o chooser_n in_o that_o case_n as_o he_o will_v be_v in_o this_o for_o he_o that_o bring_v evil_a upon_o himself_o or_o neglect_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v it_o do_v absolute_o choose_v it_o but_o so_o do_v not_o he_o choose_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n that_o contrive_v for_o they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o honesty_n and_o religion_n for_o he_o still_o leave_v the_o issue_n to_o providence_n this_o can_v only_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o by_o way_n of_o injustice_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n grasp_v at_o worldly_a prosperity_n it_o be_v of_o these_o true_o say_v that_o they_o will_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a and_o make_v their_o fortune_n here_o that_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o god_n but_o lean_a to_o their_o own_o will_n that_o they_o refer_v nothing_o to_o his_o wisdom_n but_o will_v dispose_v absolute_o of_o themselves_o and_o no_o less_o true_a will_v this_o be_v of_o a_o man_n who_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v abandon_v himself_o to_o adversity_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o both_o case_n god_n wisdom_n be_v no_o way_n acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o his_o grace_n can_v be_v expect_v 3._o to_o both_o these_o consideration_n let_v we_o add_v that_o of_o the_o natural_a aversion_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o to_o pain_n and_o want_v and_o other_o evil_n of_o the_o body_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o text_n infer_v no_o obligation_n to_o inflict_v they_o voluntary_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n to_o avoid_v they_o as_o to_o these_o evil_n it_o can_v never_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o fear_v they_o when_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n nor_o feel_v they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a nor_o desire_v to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o they_o because_o these_o be_v the_o necessary_a result_v of_o our_o nature_n all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v fear_v they_o moderate_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o they_o be_v and_o bear_v they_o patient_o admit_v those_o comfort_n under_o they_o which_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v and_o remove_v they_o by_o all_o such_o mean_n as_o will_v not_o bring_v great_a mischief_n upon_o we_o but_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o because_o religion_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o sense_n of_o bodily_a good_a and_o evil_a
and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a sense_n therefore_o it_o shall_v not_o require_v the_o mortification_n of_o lust_n covetousness_n envy_n and_o such_o inordinate_a appetite_n because_o they_o be_v natural_a too_o and_o we_o find_v that_o we_o go_v down_o hill_n when_o we_o give_v way_n to_o they_o for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n for_o these_o wretched_a inclination_n do_v not_o grow_v from_o any_o necessary_a ingredient_n in_o our_o nature_n they_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o essence_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o original_a constitution_n but_o they_o be_v the_o disease_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o we_o have_v contract_v since_o we_o come_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o now_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o the_o pain_n of_o heat_n or_o cold_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o bodily_a evil_n be_v root_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v create_v first_o of_o all_o and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o than_o we_o can_v be_v divide_v from_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o yield_v in_o this_o case_n though_o not_o in_o the_o other_o if_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n we_o speak_v of_o before_o be_v true_o natural_a all_o man_n will_v undoubted_o be_v libidinous_a or_o covetous_a or_o envious_a and_o cruel_a etc._n etc._n but_o all_o man_n be_v not_o so_o some_o have_v crucify_v these_o affection_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v temperate_a chaste_a just_a and_o merciful_a but_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o pain_n all_o man_n feel_v alike_o which_o show_v that_o this_o sense_n and_o consequent_o the_o fear_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o ease_n and_o relief_n be_v true_o natural_a and_o belong_v to_o the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o those_o nature_n in_o which_o god_n have_v make_v we_o and_o therefore_o those_o philosopher_n that_o will_v teach_v man_n to_o live_v without_o fear_n and_o without_o pain_n let_v what_o outward_a thing_n happen_v to_o they_o that_o can_v happen_v be_v mere_a romantic_a pretender_n and_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n take_v the_o right_a way_n to_o guide_v mankind_n to_o happiness_n true_a religion_n wise_o consider_v humane_a nature_n and_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o confess_v that_o it_o can_v but_o feel_v adversity_n and_o forbid_v we_o not_o to_o decline_v it_o if_o prudent_o we_o can_v if_o honest_o we_o may_v but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v it_o represent_v to_o we_o so_o many_o advantage_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o it_o administer_v so_o many_o comfort_n under_o it_o as_o may_v keep_v the_o bitterness_n of_o grief_n from_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o patient_a and_o content_v nay_o and_o thankful_a to_o god_n for_o choose_v for_o we_o that_o wholesome_a though_o bitter_a medicine_n which_o though_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o take_v yet_o we_o dare_v not_o refuse_v when_o it_o come_v from_o his_o hand_n and_o what_o inconsistence_n be_v there_o between_o keep_v off_o those_o evil_n by_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a nature_n not_o to_o recoil_v from_o and_o believe_v that_o when_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v god_n will_v turn_v they_o to_o a_o great_a good_a because_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o we_o shall_v undergo_v they_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v never_o contrary_a to_o himself_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n bad_a his_o disciple_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a when_o they_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n because_o great_a be_v their_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o they_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o city_n he_o bid_v they_o flee_v to_o another_o nay_o though_o he_o himself_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n he_o yet_o nevertheless_o testify_v the_o reluctance_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o that_o prayer_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o which_o yet_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o his_o submission_n but_o make_v it_o more_o worthy_a of_o praise_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v which_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o next_o point_n viz._n that_o although_o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o reprove_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n against_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n for_o instance_n 1._o that_o our_o prayer_n be_v with_o submission_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n as_o well_o because_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o we_o be_v as_o because_o he_o be_v infinite_o above_o we_o and_o the_o more_o particular_a our_o desire_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v offer_v with_o more_o express_a reservation_n to_o god_n supreme_a and_o wise_a disposal_n of_o we_o for_o it_o be_v in_o worldly_a thing_n that_o that_o hold_v true_a we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v add_v folly_n to_o our_o ignorance_n to_o desire_v passionate_o this_o or_o that_o when_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o desire_v and_o whether_o it_o will_v work_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o point_n so_o discernible_a that_o the_o wise_a heathen_n see_v it_o what_o else_o can_v juvenal_n mean_v in_o say_v charior_fw-la est_fw-la &_o c_o man_n be_v dear_a to_o god_n than_o to_o himself_o we_o lead_v on_o by_o a_o blind_a passion_n desire_v thing_n and_o have_v they_o not_o because_o god_n see_v how_o they_o will_v prove_v but_o we_o see_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v present_a 2._o the_o assurance_n we_o have_v that_o all_o thing_n will_v work_v together_o for_o good_a be_v a_o close_a restraint_n from_o the_o use_n of_o all_o unlawful_a method_n in_o keep_v off_o the_o evil_n of_o life_n to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v be_v in_o itself_o manifest_o unlawful_a but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o it_o and_o take_v away_o all_o excuse_n that_o we_o know_v evil_a will_v work_v for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n when_o we_o prosecute_v our_o worldly_a design_n with_o heat_n and_o passion_n it_o happen_v not_o seldom_o that_o we_o strive_v against_o god_n purpose_n to_o do_v we_o a_o great_a good_a by_o a_o disappointment_n but_o this_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o excusable_a ignorance_n so_o long_o as_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a endeavour_n but_o when_o once_o we_o transgress_v those_o bound_n we_o make_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o inexcusable_a sin_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o wound_v our_o own_o conscience_n either_o to_o obtain_v that_o which_o may_v be_v for_o our_o hurt_n or_o to_o prevent_v that_o which_o may_v be_v for_o our_o good_a in_o a_o word_n we_o may_v upon_o other_o account_n be_v satisfy_v that_o to_o do_v evil_a for_o a_o good_a end_n be_v damnable_a but_o he_o that_o know_v all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n if_o he_o himself_o love_v god_n can_v be_v under_o no_o temptation_n to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v 3._o and_o last_o this_o belief_n be_v a_o proper_a mean_n of_o separate_a all_o our_o thought_n for_o this_o life_n from_o anxiety_n and_o vexation_n i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o suppose_v that_o it_o shall_v reduce_v we_o to_o a_o perfect_a indifference_n about_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n but_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o temper_v our_o care_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o reasonable_a moderation_n about_o it_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o evil_a must_v affect_v we_o with_o grief_n or_o fear_n the_o good_a which_o it_o will_v yield_v may_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n supply_v we_o with_o hope_n and_o joy_n and_o the_o consolation_n will_v be_v strong_a than_o the_o affliction_n because_o the_o good_a will_v be_v great_a than_o the_o evil_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o care_n and_o thoughtfulness_n shall_v be_v the_o less_o because_o god_n himself_o care_v for_o we_o and_o have_v undertake_v for_o the_o event_n thus_o much_o concern_v the_o consistency_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n with_o endeavour_n and_o prayer_n against_o the_o evil_n of_o life_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o prescribe_v to_o they_o 2._o let_v we_o consider_v how_o it_o ought_v to_o influence_n the_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o happy_a or_o wretched_a estate_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o learn_v from_o
of_o the_o world_n they_o must_v be_v in_o great_a part_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v bring_v over_o again_o especial_o since_o for_o the_o most_o part_n one_o of_o the_o contrary_n be_v inseparable_a from_o we_o we_o must_v either_o want_v or_o have_v enough_o live_v in_o health_n or_o sickness_n in_o freedom_n or_o servitude_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v in_o great_a pain_n or_o suffer_v wrong_a when_o a_o good_a husband_n or_o a_o belove_a child_n die_v though_o we_o complain_v and_o lament_v as_o if_o so_o sad_a a_o case_n never_o happen_v before_o and_o perhaps_o say_v so_o too_o yet_o these_o be_v but_o word_n of_o passion_n for_o there_o have_v be_v the_o like_a complaint_n before_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o complaint_n too_o we_o be_v not_o make_v in_o a_o different_a mould_n and_o to_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o those_o that_o have_v live_v in_o former_a time_n for_o they_o be_v affect_v with_o pain_n and_o grief_n as_o we_o be_v and_o from_o the_o same_o cause_n too_o for_o which_o reason_n when_o providence_n either_o punish_v or_o reward_v in_o this_o life_n when_o it_o either_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o try_v the_o righteous_a by_o adversity_n or_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o ensnare_v the_o wicked_a with_o prosperity_n it_o go_v the_o same_o way_n to_o work_v either_o inflict_v that_o which_o be_v equal_o ungrateful_a to_o all_o man_n as_o pestilence_n sword_n famine_n disappointment_n loss_n and_o the_o like_a or_o send_v the_o contrary_a thing_n which_o be_v always_o grateful_a so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o good_a or_o the_o evil_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o now_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v already_o be_v 2._o all_o man_n have_v the_o same_o natural_a passion_n and_o appetite_n which_o they_o either_o govern_v or_o not_o govern_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o which_o according_a as_o they_o be_v well_o use_v or_o not_o will_v perpetual_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o affection_n of_o envy_n pride_n ambition_n revenge_n covetousness_n and_o voluptuousness_n have_v reign_v among_o evil_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o injustice_n still_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o covetousness_n or_o partiality_n rebellion_n at_o home_n and_o unjust_a invasion_n from_o abroad_o from_o the_o same_o ambition_n and_o desire_n of_o rule_n cruelty_n from_o the_o same_o revengefulness_n or_o fear_v or_o anger_n or_o hatred_n luxury_n from_o the_o same_o inordinate_a love_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o insolent_a contempt_n of_o other_o from_o the_o same_o pride_n and_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o one_o self_n these_o vice_n have_v their_o root_n in_o the_o ungoverned_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o the_o abuse_n of_o man_n free_a will_n and_o therefore_o since_o god_n have_v leave_v mankind_n to_o a_o natural_a liberty_n and_o power_n over_o their_o own_o action_n under_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o bad_a inclination_n and_o with_o the_o help_n only_o of_o such_o grace_n as_o may_v be_v resist_v no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o similitude_n of_o event_n still_o return_v because_o so_o much_o of_o the_o good_a that_o happen_v to_o we_o depend_v upon_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o many_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n upon_o folly_n and_o vice_n it_o have_v always_o be_v see_v that_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n reverence_n of_o god_n and_o good_a will_n to_o man_n unity_n and_o charity_n and_o good_a manner_n have_v enable_v man_n to_o do_v well_o for_o themselves_o but_o when_o they_o degenerate_a and_o their_o manner_n be_v corrupt_v than_o their_o prosperity_n begin_v to_o be_v undermine_v and_o if_o they_o grow_v from_o bad_a to_o worse_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o do_n and_o all_o their_o sin_n to_o ripen_v into_o those_o mischief_n which_o they_o natural_o produce_v in_o which_o also_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n indeed_o it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a neither_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o yet_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o yet_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o i_o e._n through_o the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n thing_n do_v sometime_o happen_v otherwise_o than_o by_o common_a rule_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o fall_v out_o so_o seldom_o as_o to_o be_v always_o new_a and_o surprise_v yet_o neither_o do_v it_o happen_v so_o often_o but_o that_o the_o contrary_n be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o faithful_a man_n shall_v be_v trust_v a_o charitable_a man_n shall_v be_v love_v a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n shall_v be_v honour_v a_o honest_a and_o diligent_a man_n shall_v thrive_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o upright_o shall_v guide_v they_o but_o the_o perverseness_n of_o transgressor_n shall_v destroy_v they_o the_o wise_a shall_v inherit_v glory_n but_o shame_n shall_v be_v the_o promotion_n of_o fool_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n be_v in_o all_o age_n the_o same_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o too_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o virtue_n and_o the_o vice_n the_o wisdom_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n superintend_v all_o and_o always_o govern_v all_o for_o the_o best_a and_o therefore_o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v already_o be_v 3._o this_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o learn_v to_o be_v wise_a by_o the_o example_n and_o instruction_n of_o former_a age_n alas_o we_o do_v not_o often_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o though_o we_o see_v their_o course_n and_o their_o end_n with_o our_o own_o eye_n if_o we_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o their_o example_n at_o all_o it_o be_v but_o to_o learn_v how_o we_o may_v play_v the_o fool_n with_o more_o discretion_n to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o come_v off_o better_o than_o they_o do_v and_o so_o we_o go_v on_o as_o bold_o as_o those_o that_o go_v just_a before_o we_o in_o the_o same_o dangerous_a way_n till_o we_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o same_o unhappy_a end_n and_o all_o our_o experience_n come_v too_o late_o to_o do_v we_o any_o good_a but_o then_o how_o much_o less_o be_v we_o instruct_v by_o the_o history_n of_o age_n that_o be_v long_o since_o past_a and_o go_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o god_n speak_v at_o first_o to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o at_o last_o to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n and_o when_o he_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n when_o his_o judgement_n be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o visit_v man_n for_o their_o sin_n these_o thing_n happen_v to_o they_o for_o example_n and_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v but_o now_o do_v we_o every_v where_o see_v that_o fruit_n of_o these_o observation_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o see_v so_o little_a righteousness_n and_o fidelity_n integrity_n and_o uprightness_n unity_n and_o charity_n so_o little_a of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n as_o much_o old_a as_o the_o world_n be_v it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v much_o wise_a than_o it_o have_v be_v but_o as_o one_o generation_n pass_v away_o and_o another_o come_v that_o that_o come_v begin_v as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o learn_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n by_o those_o which_o be_v pass_v away_o of_o all_o which_o perverseness_n the_o people_n who_o god_n choose_v to_o himself_o be_v a_o instance_n never_o enough_o to_o be_v admire_v when_o at_o first_o he_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n they_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o sing_v his_o praise_n but_o they_o soon_o forget_v his_o work_n and_o tempt_v god_n in_o the_o desert_n they_o forget_v god_n their_o saviour_n who_o have_v do_v great_a thing_n in_o egypt_n they_o commit_v idolatry_n they_o murmur_v and_o rebel_v and_o they_o be_v plague_v for_o it_o and_o god_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n against_o they_o to_o overthrow_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o for_o all_o this_o when_o their_o posterity_n come_v into_o canaan_n they_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o idol_n there_o and_o than_o god_n
conscience_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o we_o be_v prompt_v to_o by_o our_o worldly_a interest_n but_o i_o add_v further_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v honest_a and_o discreet_a which_o such_o rule_n as_o these_o suppose_v man_n to_o be_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o know_v what_o injury_n be_v so_o small_a that_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n they_o be_v total_o to_o be_v remit_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a sagacity_n in_o a_o good_a mind_n to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o by_o which_o it_o can_v apply_v general_a rule_n to_o particular_a case_n it_o be_v not_o say_v in_o scripture_n or_o any_o law_n how_o much_o wine_n be_v lawful_a to_o be_v drink_v at_o a_o time_n and_o yet_o drunkenness_n be_v forbid_v nor_o how_o many_o hour_n in_o a_o day_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o honest_a labour_n and_o industry_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o to_o be_v idle_a nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o such_o particular_a rule_n in_o these_o matter_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o which_o can_v reach_v the_o case_n of_o every_o man_n in_o every_o circumstance_n so_o be_v it_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o may_v be_v a_o very_a great_a injury_n to_o one_o man_n that_o be_v but_o a_o little_a one_o to_o another_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o difference_n he_o must_v either_o make_v use_n of_o his_o own_o honesty_n and_o discretion_n or_o of_o some_o body_n else_o the_o latter_a way_n may_v be_v very_o good_a either_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v partial_a to_o his_o worldly_a interest_n and_o overvalue_a a_o small_a injury_n or_o of_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n and_o undervalue_v a_o great_a one_o it_o may_v then_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o take_v advice_n of_o a_o man_n of_o know_a wisdom_n and_o integrity_n who_o be_v indifferent_a be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v in_o the_o former_a and_o be_v honest_a as_o well_o as_o discreet_a may_v also_o judge_v of_o the_o latter_a case_n and_o then_o to_o follow_v his_o judgement_n this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n a_o man_n can_v take_v and_o god_n require_v no_o more_o than_o the_o use_n of_o the_o best_a mean_n we_o can_v to_o apply_v rule_n give_v in_o general_a term_n to_o our_o own_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o he_o that_o do_v according_o may_z and_o aught_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n but_o if_o a_o man_n mind_n be_v furnish_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o wrong_n if_o also_o he_o be_v a_o discreet_a man_n in_o the_o order_n of_o his_o other_o affair_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v but_o he_o will_v be_v likewise_o able_a of_o himself_o to_o discern_v between_o injury_n that_o may_v be_v altogether_o bear_v withal_o and_o those_o that_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v redress_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o which_o man_n be_v chief_o want_v in_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o what_o i_o have_v further_o to_o say_v shall_v tend_v to_o the_o awaken_n of_o we_o into_o such_o a_o sense_n by_o represent_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o the_o meekness_n and_o patience_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o we_o and_o if_o these_o do_v prevail_v in_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o indiscreet_a as_o to_o suffer_v great_a harm_n without_o use_v lawful_a mean_n to_o help_v ourselves_o and_o therefore_o first_o of_o all_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o example_n of_o god_n himself_o towards_o we_o who_o we_o have_v daily_o provoke_v by_o our_o sin_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v bear_v with_o we_o hitherto_o and_o patient_o wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n if_o god_n be_v so_o hasty_a with_o we_o as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v with_o one_o another_o we_o have_v be_v long_o since_o consume_v in_o his_o displeasure_n it_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a that_o his_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o man_n presumption_n in_o go_v on_o to_o offend_v he_o if_o sentence_n be_v always_o speedy_o execute_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v not_o be_v set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a and_o yet_o although_o he_o know_v that_o forbear_n to_o punish_v we_o when_o we_o deserve_v it_o very_o often_o prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o multiply_a provocation_n against_o he_o he_o notwithstanding_o be_v patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o not_o only_o forbear_v to_o inflict_v those_o punishment_n which_o we_o every_o day_n deserve_v but_o continue_v those_o blessing_n to_o we_o which_o we_o every_o day_n forfeit_v but_o what_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n and_o presumptuous_a disobedience_n have_v be_v prevent_v if_o god_n have_v be_v so_o ready_a to_o take_v fire_n against_o we_o as_o a_o angry_a man_n be_v to_o prosecute_v his_o neighbour_n with_o revenge_n but_o than_o who_o of_o we_o can_v thus_o long_o have_v stand_v before_o he_o which_o of_o we_o have_v not_o long_o before_o this_o perish_a under_o the_o stroke_n of_o his_o angry_a justice_n and_o who_o be_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v ease_v our_o mind_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o petty_a wrong_n but_o present_a revenge_n that_o we_o must_v have_v immediate_a satisfaction_n for_o every_o affront_n or_o secure_v ourselves_o against_o possible_a injury_n for_o the_o future_a by_o make_v a_o example_n of_o every_o man_n that_o trespass_v upon_o we_o what_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n what_o foolish_a and_o overween_a conceit_n be_v there_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o our_o maker_n infinite_o great_a as_o well_o as_o good_a have_v be_v infinite_o provoke_v by_o we_o and_o have_v yet_o thus_o long_o merciful_o spare_v we_o if_o his_o goodness_n his_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n namely_o to_o repent_v of_o all_o our_o other_o sin_n much_o more_o of_o this_o which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o example_n much_o more_o i_o say_v of_o a_o proud_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a spirit_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o that_o be_v for_o judgement_n without_o mercy_n shall_v have_v no_o mercy_n that_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o god_n will_v proceed_v against_o we_o in_o judgement_n that_o he_o will_v not_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n if_o we_o from_o our_o heart_n do_v not_o forgive_v every_o one_o his_o brother_n their_o trespass_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v deprive_v ourselves_o of_o god_n mercy_n in_o that_o day_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v most_o sensible_a that_o we_o need_v it_o unless_o we_o choose_v to_o be_v judge_v in_o rigour_n and_o deal_v withal_o according_a to_o the_o extremity_n of_o justice_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o anger_n malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o put_v on_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n meekness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o any_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o what_o shall_v i_o speak_v of_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o who_o suffer_v the_o great_a indignity_n who_o bear_v the_o most_o contumelious_a reproach_n who_o be_v provoke_v by_o the_o most_o outrageous_a affront_v and_o injury_n who_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o who_o at_o last_o undergo_v the_o most_o ignominious_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o even_o then_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o pain_n and_o reproach_n be_v most_o bitter_a to_o he_o pray_v to_o his_o father_n to_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n and_o excuse_v as_o well_o as_o may_v be_v their_o inexcusable_a wickedness_n by_o say_v they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n for_o we_o to_o make_v any_o difficulty_n of_o pass_v by_o ordinary_a wrong_n and_o trespass_n after_o such_o a_o example_n or_o at_o least_o to_o pretend_v that_o we_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n while_o we_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o he_o in_o temper_n and_o disposition_n 2._o neither_o be_v we_o leave_v without_o all_o guard_n against_o future_a injury_n if_o we_o silent_o pass_v over_o those_o that_o be_v commit_v against_o we_o at_o first_o for_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o proper_a way_n to_o secure_v we_o against_o wrong_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v although_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o patience_n will_v but_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o further_a abuse_n yet_o general_o it_o be_v true_a that_o revenge_n expose_v he_o to_o a_o great_a many_o
and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a when_o it_o bring_v little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o have_v doubtless_o be_v a_o true_a say_n if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v notevery_a one_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o also_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n i._n e._n who_o do_v moreover_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o be_v my_o disciple_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v true_a but_o than_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o instruct_v and_o useful_a a_o admonition_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n because_o it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v out_o ward_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o every_o one_o who_o do_v profess_v it_o will_v live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n lay_v his_o caution_n where_o the_o danger_n be_v and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o 2d_o point_v that_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o we_o shall_v do_v his_o will_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o general_a that_o our_o affection_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a if_o we_o once_o come_v serious_o to_o consider_v it_o that_o there_o be_v as_o little_a need_n of_o proof_n to_o make_v it_o out_o as_o one_o will_v think_v there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n not_o to_o trust_v in_o outward_a profession_n when_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o profess_v what_o be_v a_o profess_a christian_a but_o one_o that_o declare_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o unrighteous_a the_o unmerciful_a the_o unclean_a the_o ungodly_a shall_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n one_o that_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o his_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o whilst_o himself_o live_v in_o ungodliness_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o worldly_a lust_n he_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o man_n that_o have_v skill_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o his_o call_v by_o which_o he_o must_v live_v as_o the_o concern_v of_o another_o world_n be_v above_o all_o our_o interest_n in_o this_o for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o profession_n such_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o profession_n that_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o have_v the_o lie_v give_v he_o by_o the_o world_n such_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o faith_n that_o his_o own_o conscience_n one_o will_v think_v shall_v give_v he_o the_o lie_n too_o but_o yet_o as_o plain_v a_o case_n as_o it_o be_v that_o mere_a profession_n without_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o save_v we_o our_o saviour_n nevertheless_o think_v fit_a here_o and_o elsewhere_o plain_o to_o admonish_v we_o of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v there_o will_v be_v man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o how_o plain_a soever_o the_o mistake_n be_v of_o trust_v to_o profession_n without_o a_o practice_n answerable_a to_o it_o yet_o man_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o that_o mistake_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v hereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o 1._o that_o experience_n have_v prove_v the_o proneness_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o folly_n of_o presume_v upon_o mere_a profession_n that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o they_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o so_o wretched_a a_o conceit_n so_o void_a of_o all_o shadow_n or_o pretence_n to_o reason_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o insist_v but_o little_a upon_o it_o because_o alas_o the_o thing_n be_v too_o apparent_a in_o our_o own_o day_n and_o every_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a have_v a_o testimony_n of_o it_o from_o his_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o will_v hearken_v to_o it_o too_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n among_o the_o jew_n especial_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n their_o father_n have_v for_o 400_o year_n be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o fondness_n of_o the_o god_n of_o their_o neighbour_n round_o about_o they_o they_o have_v smart_v too_o severe_o for_o that_o ever_o to_o return_v to_o it_o again_o but_o they_o soon_o fall_v to_o make_v the_o profession_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n a_o dispensation_n for_o luxury_n and_o injustice_n and_o unmercifulness_n and_o wicked_a live_n instead_o of_o a_o restraint_n from_o it_o plain_o show_v thereby_o that_o their_o father_n do_v not_o like_o the_o true_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v too_o good_a for_o they_o since_o their_o posterity_n not_o dare_v to_o revolt_v from_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o it_o yet_o soon_o learned_a to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o a_o licentious_a practice_n nay_o if_o we_o will_v take_v st._n paul_n word_n who_o do_v not_o use_v to_o reprove_v without_o cause_n they_o think_v that_o the_o same_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o with_o the_o gentile_n will_v not_o have_v so_o bad_a a_o construction_n make_v of_o they_o nor_o be_v so_o displease_v to_o god_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o gentile_n for_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o rom._n 2._o they_o judge_v the_o gentile_n for_o do_v evil_a thing_n and_o do_v they_o themselves_o think_v all_o the_o while_n to_o escape_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o they_o have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n among_o they_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o posterity_n god_n service_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n sacrifice_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o wash_n and_o divers_a ordinance_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o which_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n and_o believe_v that_o no_o israelite_n shall_v go_v without_o his_o portion_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o this_o state_n our_o saviour_n find_v they_o they_o trust_v in_o moses_n and_o say_v we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n they_o build_v and_o garnish_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n those_o very_a prophet_n that_o have_v be_v so_o ill_o entertain_v by_o their_o forefather_n for_o declare_v against_o their_o sin_n and_o because_o they_o do_v this_o external_a honour_n to_o the_o monument_n of_o those_o good_a man_n they_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o follow_v their_o instruction_n be_v full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o iniquity_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n now_o this_o be_v so_o notorious_a in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o some_o age_n before_o it_o seem_v needful_a that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v warn_v against_o the_o like_a fatal_a mistake_n into_o which_o there_o be_v no_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a they_o will_v fall_v for_o by_o how_o much_o a_o great_a person_n jesus_n be_v than_o moses_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n more_o excellent_a than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o his_o religion_n a_o more_o rational_a and_o perfect_a religion_n than_o any_o that_o have_v be_v before_o so_o much_o great_a danger_n there_o may_v be_v least_o man_n shall_v trust_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n without_o a_o holy_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o the_o jew_n can_v say_v we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o quiet_v their_o guilty_a fear_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v christian_n will_v say_v we_o have_v christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n our_o deliverer_n and_o saviour_n and_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o it_o if_o they_o trust_v in_o moses_n there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o other_o will_v hereafter_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n and_o think_v themselves_o safe_a enough_o by_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o he_o no_o less_o than_o the_o jew_n have_v do_v before_o of_o moses_n and_o consequent_o great_a reason_n for_o this_o earnest_a admonition_n not_o every_o one_o
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_o in_o all_o our_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o man_n will_v fain_o believe_v that_o their_o care_n in_o one_o part_n shall_v supply_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o in_o good_a stead_n although_o they_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o concern_v for_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o be_v to_o come_v up_o thorough_o to_o that_o which_o religion_n require_v and_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o difficulty_n i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v as_o difficult_a but_o more_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o become_v mere_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n than_o even_o bad_a man_n have_v make_v it_o to_o become_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o natural_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v downright_a atheist_n or_o even_a unbeliever_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n easy_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_n without_o any_o relief_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v some_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o consistent_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o a_o diligent_a profession_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n take_v together_o viz._n the_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o other_o that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v many_o person_n take_v up_o this_o false_a way_n of_o comfort_v themselves_o but_o have_v also_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v divers_a error_n which_o help_v to_o support_v this_o to_o expect_v spiritual_a relief_n from_o thing_n blessed_v by_o man_n without_o any_o appointment_n from_o god_n and_o to_o place_n religion_n in_o thing_n which_o have_v neither_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o divine_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o valuable_a certain_o if_o it_o be_v either_o easy_a for_o mankind_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o can_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n on_o the_o other_o it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o hard_a thing_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n than_o experience_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v conscience_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o will_v be_v while_o the_o world_n endure_v and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o will_v be_v lust_n and_o passion_n vice_n and_o wickedness_n more_o or_o less_o among_o man_n so_o long_o also_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n that_o promise_v security_n without_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o more_o mistake_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n
shall_v commit_v such_o crime_n as_o these_o not_o only_o without_o regret_n and_o horror_n but_o with_o a_o cheerful_a conscience_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o action_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o my_o understanding_n in_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a matter_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v weak_a than_o a_o child_n or_o a_o idiot_n i_o will_v never_o engage_v myself_o with_o the_o contentious_a and_o factious_a i_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v myself_o with_o a_o party_n and_o will_v not_o serve_v a_o cause_n but_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n though_o it_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o follow_v truth_n wherever_o it_o lead_v i_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n than_o this_o that_o when_o man_n be_v lead_v aside_o by_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o their_o reputation_n be_v engage_v and_o they_o be_v make_v fast_o to_o a_o party_n their_o understanding_n be_v so_o disable_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n they_o confident_o put_v themselves_o upon_o defend_v thing_n most_o unjustifiable_a and_o believe_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o incredible_a and_o impossible_a let_v we_o therefore_o allow_v st._n peter_n direction_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n by_o he_o give_v viz._n that_o we_o may_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o where_o that_o assembly_n of_o sin_n be_v get_v together_o or_o indeed_o where_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v that_o very_a love_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a desire_n of_o know_v it_o to_o proceed_v luxury_n also_o and_o voluptuousness_n and_o a_o impure_a course_n of_o life_n be_v a_o very_a great_a impediment_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n sometime_o by_o introduce_v such_o disease_n as_o shatter_v the_o understanding_n and_o dull_a the_o apprehension_n they_o that_o always_o swim_v in_o sensual_a delight_n meet_v with_o rough_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n sometime_o that_o shake_v their_o body_n and_o at_o length_n reason_n like_o a_o drown_a pilot_n drop_v off_o and_o be_v drown_v in_o pleasure_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o epicure_n grow_v crazy_a before_o his_o time_n and_o when_o his_o airy_a fancy_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o his_o wit_n be_v grow_v flat_a and_o unweild_o he_o himself_o become_v contemptible_a to_o the_o young_a debauchee_n that_o reign_v in_o his_o stead_n temperance_n and_o regular_n live_v have_v a_o kind_a influence_n upon_o the_o intellectual_a ability_n of_o man_n to_o nourish_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o lengthen_v they_o and_o all_o the_o while_n to_o make_v they_o more_o fit_a for_o their_o proper_a employment_n but_o much_o more_o be_v they_o requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o 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instance_n if_o person_n that_o have_v live_v long_o friendly_a together_o chance_v to_o fall_v out_o immediate_o former_a action_n and_o speech_n be_v remember_v and_o comment_v upon_o and_o a_o ill_a construction_n put_v upon_o they_o though_o till_o that_o time_n they_o be_v take_v well_o enough_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v as_o able_a before_o as_o now_o only_o there_o be_v dislike_v now_o instead_o of_o the_o kindness_n that_o be_v before_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o a_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n to_o obstruct_v the_o entrance_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n into_o the_o mind_n since_o they_o must_v needs_o create_v a_o aversation_n to_o it_o discourse_n to_o a_o greedy_a worlding_n of_o immortality_n and_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o can_v hardly_o understand_v what_o you_o say_v it_o be_v as_o insipid_a talk_n to_o he_o as_o a_o lecture_n of_o philosophy_n to_o a_o child_n that_o understand_v nothing_o but_o play_n but_o fall_v upon_o some_o discourse_n that_o tend_v to_o get_v drop_v but_o the_o hint_n of_o a_o good_a bargain_n he_o greedy_o embrace_v every_o word_n and_o be_v as_o apprehensive_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o guilty_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o belove_a sin_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o sin_n do_v more_o or_o less_o bar_v up_o the_o understanding_n against_o divine_a truth_n man_n love_v darkeness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a now_o the_o conclusion_n from_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o one_o side_n one_o habitual_a worldly_a lust_n be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o true_a apprehensive_a of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o who_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n who_o labour_n to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v divine_a truth_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o sincere_a intention_n towards_o god_n remove_v all_o those_o impediment_n which_o obstruct_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o moreover_o give_v several_a advantage_n of_o its_o own_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n a_o scorner_n seek_v wisdom_n and_o find_v it_o not_o but_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n peculiar_a to_o good_a man_n but_o god_n have_v in_o justice_n threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n he_o do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a now_o if_o goodness_n do_v of_o itself_o lead_v to_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a blessing_n that_o go_v along_o with_o the_o sincere_a man_n to_o prosper_v his_o endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n what_o great_a advantage_n can_v we_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n than_o those_o which_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n entitle_v we_o too_o thus_o the_o very_a text_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o promise_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v we_o have_v our_o saviour_n word_n for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v make_v it_o good_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o other_o place_n that_o something_o more_o be_v here_o mean_v than_o that_o knowledge_n be_v natural_o promote_v by_o goodness_n in_o psal_n 25.9_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o immediate_o again_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n now_o certain_o here_o be_v something_o promise_v to_o the_o meek_a that_o be_v not_o common_a to_o other_o and_o the_o guidance_n and_o teach_v which_o be_v promise_v denote_v clear_o a_o blessing_n on_o their_o understanding_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o meekness_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o god_n will_v more_o plentiful_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o add_v to_o meekness_n purity_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o that_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o such_o person_n ver_fw-la 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n where_o god_n covenant_n explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o secret_n and_o by_o his_o way_n ver_fw-la 9_o that_o way_n of_o god_n in_o ver_fw-la 10._o be_v say_v to_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o former_a age_n so_o that_o the_o good_a man_n he_o that_o sincere_o love_v truth_n and_o intend_v obedience_n be_v here_o promise_v a_o signal_n blessing_n on_o his_o
endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n whether_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o or_o promise_v those_o benefit_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o life_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o this_o very_a promise_n we_o have_v again_o repeat_v prov._n 3.32_o his_o secret_a be_v with_o the_o righteous_a it_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o but_o once_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o repeat_v it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o better_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o other_o in_o john_n 8._o the_o like_a promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o like_a condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v be_v annex_v ver_fw-la 12._o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n shall_v know_v all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o life_n eternal_a ver_fw-la 32._o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n ver_fw-la 33._o that_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n and_o john_n 14.21_o i_o will_v love_v and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o every_o one_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a promise_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o ground_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o best_a most_o auspicious_a entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n have_v good_a security_n that_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a from_o all_o these_o promise_v we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v secure_v his_o eternal_a life_n and_o even_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o angel_n attend_v we_o constant_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n and_o exciting_a good_a thought_n when_o our_o passion_n grow_v wild_a and_o we_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v infuse_v a_o great_a regard_n of_o all_o we_o do_v into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o happy_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o have_v he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o open_n our_o ear_n and_o seal_v instruction_n to_o we_o blessing_n our_o search_n into_o holy_a thing_n and_o accompany_v our_o meditation_n with_o a_o ready_a and_o prosperous_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v god_n will_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o advantage_n will_v appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v up_o wicked_a man_n to_o darkness_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o st._n paul_n show_v plain_o rom._n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o first_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v ver_fw-la 21._o so_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o reprobate_n i._n e._n a_o undiscerning_a mind_n which_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a warning_n in_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v and_o now_o they_o be_v in_o turkish_a darkness_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fulfil_v but_o why_o i_o beseech_v you_o shall_v that_o admonition_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o threaten_n there_o denounce_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n as_o well_o as_o of_o asia_n and_o to_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ephesus_n and_o see_v every_o one_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o hear_v therefore_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o severity_n as_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o deliver_v it_o up_o to_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o may_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o lie_a spirit_n and_o suffer_v seducer_n to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n nor_o discern_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o monstrous_a error_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o 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mean_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o have_v moreover_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o unrighteous_a have_v not_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n ungodly_a man_n be_v under_o so_o many_o natural_a impediment_n that_o obstruct_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o moreover_o lie_v under_o such_o severe_a threaten_n of_o blindness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a have_v vast_a advantage_n yet_o above_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v though_o in_o other_o 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