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prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lawful_a guide_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o indifference_n and_o prudence_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o whatever_o other_o do_v we_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o of_o peace_n and_o though_o after_o all_o the_o church_n be_v not_o that_o one_o body_n which_o it_o will_v be_v if_o all_o man_n do_v their_o duty_n yet_o that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v such_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o as_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v likewise_o the_o eleven_o sermon_n gen._n xv._o xuj_o but_o in_o the_o four_o generation_n they_o shall_v come_v hither_o again_o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v not_o yet_o full_a abraham_n be_v now_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o time_n god_n have_v appear_v to_o he_o and_o promise_v he_o that_o his_o seed_n shall_v possess_v that_o land_n in_o which_o 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of_o idolatry_n of_o violence_n and_o abominable_a uncleanness_n for_o they_o be_v for_o these_o sin_n cut_v off_o by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n to_o which_o they_o come_v in_o four_o hundred_o year_n time_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o amorites_n be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o god_n appear_v to_o abraham_n the_o worst_a of_o all_o the_o canaanite_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n mention_v they_o rather_o than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o they_o be_v afterward_o one_o of_o the_o first_o nation_n that_o be_v destroy_v as_o we_o read_v in_o numb_a 21._o and_o that_o with_o this_o particular_a remark_n that_o their_o spirit_n be_v harden_v and_o their_o heart_n obstinate_a as_o you_o may_v find_v deut._n 2.30_o 2._o we_o must_v not_o say_v that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o god_n defer_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o amorites_n four_o hundred_o year_n be_v because_o their_o iniquity_n be_v 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particular_a and_o only_a care_n while_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v as_o particular_o aim_v at_o and_o the_o mean_v direct_v to_o it_o as_o certain_o as_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o these_o thing_n seem_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o main_a point_n of_o instruction_n which_o be_v suggest_v in_o the_o text_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o the_o patience_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o provocation_n of_o his_o justice_n from_o wicked_a men._n and_o 2._o his_o untaxable_a justice_n in_o bring_v upon_o they_o that_o punishment_n at_o last_o which_o their_o incurable_a obstinacy_n deserve_v for_o both_o these_o observation_n be_v clear_o suggest_v by_o the_o text_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n shall_v not_o come_v four_o hundred_o year_n because_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v not_o yet_o full_a but_o then_o they_o shall_v come_v the_o former_a 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not_o man_n for_o the_o illustration_n of_o which_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o commend_v to_o your_o consideration_n which_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v useful_a to_o assist_v we_o in_o frame_v worthy_a and_o honourable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o be_v 1._o that_o god_n never_o want_v power_n and_o means_n and_o opportunity_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o wicked_a men._n 2._o that_o he_o have_v always_o the_o same_o displeasure_n against_o and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n for_o these_o thing_n put_v together_o do_v clear_o show_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o a_o divine_a perfection_n and_o infinite_o to_o be_v praise_v above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v imagine_v of_o the_o like_a quality_n among_o men._n for_o 1._o god_n never_o want_v power_n and_o
the_o church_n any_o more_o than_o the_o error_n of_o pergamos_n make_v she_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o nor_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o reform_a and_o the_o unreformed_a part_n of_o christendom_n shall_v be_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o creed_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n to_o have_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n both_o before_o and_o after_o her_o reformation_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o task_n i_o set_v myself_o and_o i_o hope_v need_n to_o make_v no_o apology_n for_o entertain_v you_o with_o a_o controversy_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o controversy_n among_o we_o but_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n or_o judge_n and_o yet_o require_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v as_o she_o believe_v to_o profess_v what_o she_o profess_v and_o to_o do_v what_o she_o enjoin_v it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o her_o minister_n shall_v sometime_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o she_o require_v this_o because_o she_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v and_o be_v not_o in_o these_o point_n deceive_v though_o she_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o any_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o have_v make_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v discourse_v plain_a enough_o to_o every_o understanding_n but_o whether_o that_o be_v so_o or_o not_o yet_o every_o one_o may_v perceive_v that_o we_o appeal_v to_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n if_o i_o understand_v nothing_o else_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o guide_v i_o with_o reason_n than_o of_o another_o that_o will_v govern_v i_o without_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o former_a be_v likely_a to_o take_v more_o care_n not_o to_o mislead_v i_o than_o the_o latter_a needs_o to_o do_v which_o when_o it_o have_v gain_v i_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o blind_a obedience_n may_v lead_v i_o whither_o she_o please_v as_o for_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o i_o have_v offer_v nothing_o to_o you_o but_o what_o i_o believe_v myself_o and_o far_o that_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o reason_n why_o i_o be_o fix_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o but_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o error_n of_o that_o church_n which_o if_o i_o shall_v profess_v or_o practice_v i_o can_v not_o entertain_v the_o least_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o we_o who_o be_v thus_o convince_v be_v as_o i_o take_v it_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o take_v seasonable_a opportunity_n of_o confirm_v our_o brethren_n in_o our_o communion_n and_o enable_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o other_o side_n be_v unsatisfactory_a and_o vain_a as_o i_o have_v in_o some_o part_n endeavour_v to_o show_v at_o this_o time_n we_o shall_v indeed_o not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n to_o recover_v those_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v educate_v in_o damnable_a error_n but_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v all_o we_o can_v to_o retain_v those_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o it_o see_v if_o they_o revolt_v we_o can_v have_v that_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o have_v of_o they_o who_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o discover_v they_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a state_n of_o the_o church_n indeed_o if_o all_o be_v unite_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o that_o they_o live_v answerable_o thereto_o but_o since_o we_o have_v two_o work_n upon_o our_o hand_n to_o guard_v you_o against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o to_o warn_v you_o against_o a_o wicked_a life_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v discharge_v our_o duty_n but_o by_o do_v one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o latter_a i_o be_o to_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o conclusion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o without_o true_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o best_a and_o pure_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v since_o the_o gospel_n begin_v can_v have_v do_v he_o no_o service_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o corruption_n as_o can_v be_v ready_o think_v of_o for_o any_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o save_v man_n by_o a_o trick_n and_o send_v they_o to_o heaven_n any_o other_o way_n than_o the_o plain_a way_n of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n keep_v therefore_o the_o pure_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o withal_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o still_o remember_v that_o if_o your_o work_n be_v not_o answerable_a your_o faith_n be_v vain_a for_o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n thereof_o shall_v be_v justify_v not_o he_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o second_o sermon_n matth_n xviii_o 7._o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o salvation_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o convert_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o from_o all_o dangerous_a error_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o right_a faith_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a that_o this_o end_n be_v not_o attain_v universal_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o therefore_o a_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o have_v in_o so_o great_a part_n fail_v of_o the_o end_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o pursue_v he_o may_v be_v easy_o bring_v to_o assurance_n again_o by_o consider_v the_o vast_a good_a which_o christianity_n have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o especial_o by_o observe_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v foretell_v that_o all_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o testify_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o nay_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o have_v forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o have_v tell_v we_o beforehand_o that_o the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a declaration_n that_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o can_v not_o but_o be_v effectual_a but_o only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o will_v in_o any_o measure_n comply_v with_o his_o gracious_a method_n and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o plain_a intimation_n that_o a_o great_a many_o will_v be_v never_o the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a for_o these_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o some_o for_o not_o receive_v they_o other_o for_o not_o improve_n they_o will_v fall_v into_o great_a condemnation_n but_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o foretell_v these_o thing_n only_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o too_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v obstruct_v the_o progress_n and_o design_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o those_o word_n of_o he_o which_o i_o have_v now_o choose_v for_o my_o subject_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v by_o offence_n or_o scandal_n we_o be_v here_o and_o almost_o everywhere_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o understand_v those_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o inducement_n to_o error_n which_o some_o man_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o they_o be_v sometime_o otherwise_o express_v snare_n stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n of_o fall_n for_o the_o
be_v obey_v in_o matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o expedience_n religion_n have_v be_v make_v to_o run_v out_o into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o this_o have_v beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o appearance_n of_o beauty_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o excess_n of_o man_n in_o depart_v from_o one_o extreme_a be_v scandalous_a to_o those_o who_o they_o leave_v and_o do_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n thus_o because_o there_o be_v some_o who_o abuse_v the_o liberty_n this_o church_n give_v to_o all_o of_o use_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o who_o reject_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o guide_n they_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o people_n shall_v know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o bible_n as_o be_v possible_a argue_v from_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o former_a how_o dangerous_a a_o instrument_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v allow_v to_o all_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v they_o that_o abuse_v it_o to_o the_o make_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o innovation_n give_v a_o candle_n to_o that_o church_n to_o glory_n in_o her_o dissension_n which_o provide_v that_o all_o shall_v believe_v as_o she_o believe_v because_o of_o her_o authority_n and_o that_o no_o man_n judge_n of_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o himself_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o undeniable_a that_o whenever_o any_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v by_o community_n or_o church_n that_o consist_v in_o one_o extreme_a a_o man_n may_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n foretell_v that_o if_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o will_v in_o time_n beget_v the_o other_o extreme_a it_o be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o opposite_a error_n which_o look_v as_o if_o one_o will_v destroy_v the_o other_o do_v real_o strive_v to_o support_v one_o another_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o foolish_a advice_n more_o frequent_a than_o to_o run_v from_o a_o extreme_a as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o it_o but_o by_o this_o mean_v woeful_a mischief_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o world_n division_n have_v be_v multiply_v uncharitableness_n increase_v and_o man_n more_o and_o more_o harden_a in_o their_o way_n of_o error_n and_o sin_n 6._o the_o scandal_n of_o mix_v absurd_a and_o impious_a doctrine_n with_o the_o truth_n and_o unjustifiable_a practice_n with_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v have_v this_o notorious_a mischief_n still_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n and_o be_v a_o terrible_a obstruction_n to_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n averro_n do_v not_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n alone_o when_o he_o say_v since_o the_o christian_n eat_v their_o god_n let_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o the_o philosopher_n the_o scandal_n that_o be_v give_v to_o jew_n and_o turk_n i_o need_v not_o name_n but_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o unpleasing_a argument_n 7._o and_o last_o the_o mischief_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o offence_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o when_o once_o offence_n be_v give_v no_o man_n can_v tell_v where_o the_o mischief_n will_v end_v for_o instance_n suppose_v by_o my_o example_n i_o animate_v another_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n or_o that_o i_o do_v not_o only_o corrupt_v his_o manner_n but_o his_o principle_n too_o and_o so_o do_v he_o all_o the_o hurt_n i_o can_v who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o be_v all_o the_o mischief_n i_o have_v do_v be_v it_o not_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v infect_v other_o as_o i_o have_v infect_v he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o to_o propagate_v the_o mischief_n which_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o i_o and_o that_o the_o next_o age_n may_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o i_o and_o that_o my_o gild_n may_v be_v grow_a age_n after_o i_o be_o dead_a apply_v this_o to_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o spread_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v great_a reason_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n but_o 2._o whence_o come_v it_o that_o offence_n be_v take_v and_o so_o all_o this_o mischief_n do_v by_o they_o in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o for_o whatever_o cause_n some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v offence_n for_o the_o same_o other_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o call_v over_o in_o this_o place_n the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o to_o the_o vanity_n of_o mankind_n whether_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n or_o worship_n but_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o for_o want_v of_o either_o good_a natural_a ability_n or_o good_a education_n have_v little_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o part_n take_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o man_n example_n or_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n they_o fare_v according_o to_o which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o because_o there_o will_v be_v some_o person_n sincere_o dispose_v who_o in_o many_o thing_n can_v not_o judge_v for_o themselves_o but_o must_v be_v lead_v by_o authority_n our_o saviour_n for_o their_o great_a security_n provide_v this_o frightful_a threaten_v to_o deter_v all_o man_n from_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o weakness_n to_o mislead_v they_o 2._o some_o stumble_v at_o offence_n lay_v before_o they_o and_o take_v up_o pernicious_a doctrine_n mere_o from_o impatience_n of_o consider_v and_o take_v time_n to_o lay_v thing_n together_o he_o that_o judge_v rash_o and_o hasty_o may_v by_o chance_n make_v a_o true_a judgement_n but_o he_o shall_v as_o often_o judge_v false_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a thing_n as_o i_o observe_v last_o time_n to_o lay_v such_o colour_n upon_o error_n as_o will_v require_v some_o leisure_n to_o see_v through_o they_o and_o in_o such_o case_n if_o a_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n and_o desire_n to_o come_v present_o and_o easy_o to_o the_o conclusion_n he_o give_v the_o seducer_n all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v desire_v and_o be_v indeed_o just_a the_o person_n he_o desire_v to_o meet_v with_o one_o easy_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o reason_n 3._o the_o strange_a influence_n which_o the_o carnal_a affection_n of_o man_n and_o their_o worldly_a interest_n have_v upon_o their_o judgement_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o desire_v doctrine_n and_o example_n in_o favour_n of_o liberty_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o god_n say_v by_o jeremy_n jer._n 5.31_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_o and_o my_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v other_o cause_n viz._n the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n undue_a admiration_n of_o man_n person_n prejudice_n against_o truth_n arise_v from_o prejudice_n against_o person_n a_o inclination_n to_o opinion_n suitable_a to_o our_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n love_v of_o novelty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hatred_n to_o change_v though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o better_a all_o which_o disposition_n and_o circumstance_n expose_v those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o to_o the_o mischief_n of_o offence_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v over-tedious_a to_o run_v into_o all_o the_o particular_n under_o this_o head_n which_o may_v also_o be_v more_o profitable_o supply_v by_o direction_n in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o intention_n which_o be_v to_o reduce_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n and_o i_o shall_v leave_v with_o you_o these_o two_o necessary_a caution_n i._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n ii_o be_v
careful_a to_o take_v none_o i._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n i._n e._n to_o lay_v no_o stumbling-block_n in_o any_o man_n way_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o sin_n or_o error_n or_o to_o confirm_v he_o in_o it_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v now_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o this_o guilt_n be_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n ourselves_o sincere_o to_o desire_v it_o diligent_o to_o pursue_v it_o and_o likewise_o in_o all_o our_o action_n to_o live_v by_o rule_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v give_v ill_a example_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o oblige_v to_o this_o because_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n but_o of_o ourselves_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o good_a or_o ill_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v by_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v my_o brethren_n how_o careful_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o our_o own_o action_n and_o those_o especial_o that_o lie_v open_a to_o other_o when_o if_o we_o do_v ill_a ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o our_o own_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n but_o very_o likely_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o who_o be_v either_o lead_v into_o some_o unlawful_a practice_n or_o confirm_v in_o it_o by_o our_o example_n which_o make_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o gild_n and_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n in_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v sometime_o needful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o abate_v of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o thing_n not_o unlawful_a of_o themselves_o lest_o another_o that_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o make_v a_o wrong_a construction_n of_o it_o and_o to_o encourage_v himself_o in_o manifest_a sin_n shall_v indeed_o do_v so_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n paul_n handle_v the_o question_n of_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n acknowledge_v that_o meat_n commend_v we_o not_o unto_o god_n for_o neither_o if_o we_o eat_v be_v we_o the_o better_a neither_o if_o we_o eat_v not_o be_v we_o the_o worse_o but_o say_v he_o take_v heed_n lest_o by_o any_o mean_v this_o liberty_n of_o you_o become_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a who_o be_v not_o thorough_o confirm_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o which_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n i._o e._n be_v embolden_v to_o commit_v idolatry_n 1_o cor._n 8._o so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a to_o be_v present_a at_o those_o sacrifice_n yet_o the_o example_n be_v scandalous_a st._n paul_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n and_o against_o christ_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o this_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o will_v grieve_v their_o weak_a conscience_n i._n e._n not_o as_o we_o use_v i_o doubt_v to_o understand_v that_o word_n grieve_v that_o it_o will_v trouble_v and_o displease_v they_o but_o real_o hurt_v they_o by_o make_v they_o bold_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o idolatrous_a sacrifice_n and_o now_o brethren_n if_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v perhaps_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n lawful_a we_o ought_v to_o use_v caution_n lest_o by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n we_o encourage_v other_o to_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o absolute_o unlawful_a how_o much_o more_o cautious_a shall_v we_o be_v not_o to_o give_v any_o authority_n to_o sin_n by_o a_o example_n that_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o so_o likewise_o we_o ought_v with_o the_o more_o care_n to_o choose_v our_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n because_o in_o all_o likelihood_n we_o do_v not_o choose_v they_o for_o ourselves_o only_o but_o for_o our_o child_n for_o our_o servant_n for_o some_o of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o many_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o depend_v upon_o we_o and_o for_o who_o we_o must_v answer_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o since_o we_o can_v profess_v we_o can_v live_v but_o the_o world_n observe_v we_o so_o how_o instruct_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o profession_n how_o instruct_v our_o conversation_n how_o apt_a to_o promote_v innocence_n truth_n virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o this_o the_o more_o the_o more_o we_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o in_o short_a no_o word_n i_o can_v use_v can_v make_v such_o a_o impression_n upon_o you_o as_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n ought_v to_o make_v woe_n be_v to_o he_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o 2._o we_o must_v also_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o take_v offence_n not_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o sin_n and_o error_n by_o example_n or_o allurement_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o temptation_n whatsoever_o to_o justify_v which_o exhortation_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v foretell_v that_o offence_n will_v come_v nay_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o come_v nay_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n be_v particular_o foretell_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o brethren_n this_o very_a warning_n in_o general_n much_o more_o those_o particular_a warning_n be_v design_v to_o take_v away_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o danger_n of_o those_o scandal_n by_o arm_v we_o with_o caution_n against_o they_o beforehand_o since_o that_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o other_o particular_a scandal_n that_o be_v express_o add_v to_o the_o prediction_n of_o lie_a wonder_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o now_o if_o the_o offence_n though_o very_o dangerous_a of_o themselves_o be_v lessen_v by_o be_v foretell_v our_o guilt_n in_o fall_v by_o such_o offence_n must_v be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o be_v forewarn_v we_o will_v yet_o take_v no_o warning_n the_o offensiveness_n of_o these_o offence_n be_v in_o some_o part_n abate_v by_o the_o caution_n of_o the_o scripture_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v startle_v and_o amaze_v and_o to_o question_v the_o care_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o his_o church_n because_o offence_n come_v since_o the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v tell_v we_o beforehand_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o come_v and_o 2._o we_o be_v also_o forewarn_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o misery_n of_o fall_v by_o offence_n inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n i_o e._n as_o i_o tell_v you_o at_o first_o because_o of_o that_o evil_n which_o will_v happen_v by_o take_v offence_n but_o if_o man_n be_v free_a from_o guilt_n in_o the_o commit_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o fall_v into_o by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n that_o be_v lay_v in_o their_o way_n in_o short_a if_o take_v offence_n be_v not_o itself_o a_o sin_n and_o in_o many_o case_n a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o we_o shall_v be_v sad_o accountable_a for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v why_o our_o saviour_n shall_v denounce_v a_o woe_n upon_o this_o account_n woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n 3._o let_v we_o not_o forget_v what_o be_v observe_v last_o time_n that_o god_n permit_v offence_n to_o come_v which_o according_a to_o the_o common_a course_n of_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o likely_a to_o come_v he_o permit_v they_o i_o say_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o ingenuity_n our_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n unavoidable_a to_o stumble_v at_o scandal_n because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v of_o they_o but_o if_o we_o take_v warning_n it_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o keep_v to_o god_n word_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n do_v by_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_n that_o be_v they_o will_v deceive_v the_o very_o best_a man_n but_o that_o they_o be_v guard_v by_o sincerity_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o these_o word_n plain_o intimate_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o touchstone_n to_o distinguish_v person_n true_o and_o solid_o good_a from_o all_o other_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o fair_a colour_n that_o will_v be_v put_v upon_o wicked_a practice_n and_o error_n they_o will_v persevere_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o now_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v mislead_v by_o offence_n but_o keep_v ourselves_o
unspotted_a from_o this_o present_a world_n and_o escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n let_v we_o take_v these_o few_o follow_a rule_n along_o with_o we_o 1._o let_v that_o which_o be_v on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o more_o power_n and_o force_v with_o we_o than_o all_o human_a authority_n whatsoever_o which_o rule_n as_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a so_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o if_o it_o be_v follow_v it_o will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o great_a offence_n as_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n 2._o let_v we_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o our_o church_n faithful_o deliver_v for_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o offer_v the_o least_o doubt_n against_o that_o nay_o all_o that_o we_o be_v challenge_v for_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v those_o addition_n to_o the_o creed_n which_o in_o comparison_n be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o these_o ancient_a form_n of_o confess_v the_o faith_n show_v what_o article_n of_o mere_a belief_n be_v think_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o hold_v by_o all_o and_o because_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n no_o more_o can_v be_v necessary_a now_o than_o be_v then_o now_o if_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o christian_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_o guard_v against_o all_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o by_o any_o party_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o necessary_a truth_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o profess_v all_o that_o be_v think_v necessary_a at_o first_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o ease_n and_o feel_v no_o disturbance_n in_o examine_v what_o be_v moreover_o propound_v and_o determine_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o have_v none_o much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o which_o rule_n i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o judge_v what_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v not_o in_o judge_v whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o even_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o which_o we_o may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o will_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o he_o can_v miscarry_v great_o but_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n secure_v from_o the_o mischief_n of_o offence_n who_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n will_v be_v determine_v by_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n and_o who_o in_o matter_n of_o external_a order_n which_o be_v no_o way_n determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v still_o ready_a to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o man._n but_o then_o 3._o let_v we_o keep_v ourselves_o always_o in_o the_o proper_a disposition_n and_o preparation_n to_o judge_v and_o conclude_v aright_o for_o ourselves_o i._n e._n by_o sincerity_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o this_o that_o we_o will_v be_v honest_a and_o good_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v use_v all_o good_a rule_n well_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o whit_n the_o more_o incline_v to_o embrace_v doctrine_n for_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n because_o they_o make_v for_o our_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o this_o go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n good_a and_o evil._n offence_n from_o without_o will_v not_o stumble_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o weaken_v and_o blind_v by_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o vicious_a disposition_n within_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v warning_n against_o the_o former_a in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n do_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n proceed_v to_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o secure_v ourselves_o against_o they_o and_o that_o by_o prevent_v the_o latter_a wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n or_o foot_n offend_v thou_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o that_o be_v subdue_v thy_o dear_a lust_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o that_o be_v hard_a to_o part_v with_o than_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v grow_v a_o part_n of_o thyself_o though_o it_o cost_v thou_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o divide_v thyself_o from_o it_o as_o it_o will_v to_o cut_v off_o thy_o hand_n or_o pull_v out_o thy_o eye_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n do_v thou_o mortify_v it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o when_o the_o world_n will_v be_v full_a of_o offence_n i._n e._n encouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o of_o deceitful_a error_n if_o thou_o also_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o thyself_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a heart_n and_o purify_n thy_o mind_n from_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a lust_n thou_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o art_n and_o force_n of_o outward_a temptation_n now_o the_o way_n to_o gain_v this_o honest_a mind_n be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n steadfast_o upon_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o mean_v our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o the_o use_n of_o in_o this_o place_n too_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o for_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n with_o one_o eye_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n fire_n last_o let_v all_o our_o other_o care_n be_v begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o purify_v our_o intention_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o keep_v we_o in_o it_o by_o his_o grace_n for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o for_o another_o but_o much_o more_o for_o himself_o and_o most_o of_o all_o when_o he_o ask_v the_o best_a thing_n when_o he_o ask_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v god_n best_a a_o mind_n purify_v from_o worldly_a lust_n and_o a_o understanding_n enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v never_o fall_v the_o four_o sermon_n matth_n xxvi_o 41_o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o a_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o exhortation_n be_v make_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a in_o the_o exhortation_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o direction_n to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n watch_n and_o pray_v and_o then_o the_o end_v why_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n as_o to_o the_o mean_n watch_v and_o pray_v the_o use_n of_o they_o both_o suppose_v a_o great_a concern_v for_o the_o event_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o only_a to_o be_v careful_a myself_o but_o to_o get_v all_o the_o help_n i_o can_v nay_o if_o i_o be_o to_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o his_o help_n and_o to_o seek_v it_o constant_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o the_o end_v i_o aim_v at_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o trivial_a so_o neither_o ought_v i_o to_o be_v trivial_o affect_v with_o it_o a_o great_a concern_v for_o the_o end_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n but_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o watch_v that_o signify_v such_o a_o care_n of_o ourselves_o as_o suppose_v danger_n and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o disciple_n to_o who_o the_o exhortation_n be_v immediate_o give_v our_o saviour_n be_v now_o prepare_v they_o for_o his_o approach_a passion_n he_o will_v therefore_o have_v they_o consider_v beforehand_o what_o a_o terrible_a temptation_n it_o will_v be_v to_o see_v their_o own_o master_n forsake_v and_o contemn_v and_o almost_o every_o body_n ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o own_v he_o he_o will_v have_v they_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o examine_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o hold_v out_o against_o such_o a_o temptation_n as_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o he_o will_v have_v they_o furnish_v their_o mind_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o
down_o which_o be_v proper_o religious_a that_o be_v which_o accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n or_o any_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o give_v to_o no_o other_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o outward_a worship_n which_o by_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v religious_a or_o a_o signification_n of_o the_o least_o divine_a honour_n upon_o these_o ground_n i_o intend_v to_o build_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v what_o those_o sin_n be_v which_o manifest_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v these_o rule_n and_o they_o may_v i_o think_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n first_o atheism_n of_o which_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n proper_o so_o call_v either_o i._n not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o ii_o not_o worship_v he_o 1._o not_o believe_v a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o invisible_a spiritual_n be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o atheism_n to_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a stupidity_n and_o the_o great_a corruption_n imaginable_a of_o a_o man_n understanding_n so_o it_o be_v fundamental_o opposite_a to_o all_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n which_o suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n of_o god_n i_o say_v that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a be_v which_o know_v and_o understand_v which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o thing_n depend_v but_o 2._o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o atheism_n true_o so_o call_v which_o consist_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o a_o direct_a denial_n of_o his_o be_v and_o that_o be_v not_o worship_v he_o he_o that_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n before_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n to_o the_o world_n and_o he_o that_o worship_v he_o not_o at_o all_o be_v a_o atheist_n before_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n too_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o he_o that_o be_v the_o one_o be_v the_o other_o too_o every_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o profess_v religion_n and_o worship_n god_n may_v indeed_o be_v call_v a_o practical_a atheist_n because_o he_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o god_n but_o he_o that_o be_v grow_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o make_v no_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o by_o appear_v in_o his_o worship_n be_v much_o more_o so_o and_o do_v in_o effect_n renounce_v his_o maker_n before_o the_o world_n and_o it_o can_v be_v more_o true_o say_v of_o any_o one_o than_o of_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o although_o the_o epicurean_a sect_n acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n yet_o because_o they_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o worship_v he_o they_o be_v by_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n call_v atheist_n this_o however_o be_v also_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o rule_n we_o be_v upon_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n but_o 3._o idolatry_n be_v oppose_v to_o it_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v that_o impiety_n which_o the_o rule_n be_v chief_o design_v against_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v idolatry_n be_v a_o term_n in_o religion_n or_o divinity_n to_o which_o we_o must_v give_v that_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v it_o and_o i_o think_v all_o be_v agree_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o there_o that_o it_o be_v the_o give_v of_o any_o divine_a worship_n to_o a_o creature_n i._n e._n any_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o these_o word_n be_v a_o rule_n against_o all_o idolatry_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o 1._o all_o honour_n which_o be_v do_v to_o any_o invisible_a be_v beside_o god_n by_o formal_a invocation_n of_o it_o or_o call_v upon_o it_o must_v therefore_o necessary_o be_v idolatry_n because_o it_o ascribe_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o act_n omnipresence_n to_o it_o which_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n 2._o all_o the_o external_a honour_n do_v to_o any_o such_o being_n which_o refer_v to_o that_o service_n be_v also_o idolatrous_a because_o they_o be_v signification_n of_o divine_a honour_n also_o and_o therefore_o dedicate_a church_n and_o altar_n to_o they_o bowing_n kneel_v prostrate_v burn_a incense_n and_o the_o like_a religious_a rite_n perform_v to_o they_o be_v idolatry_n 3._o any_o service_n pay_v to_o a_o create_v be_v that_o be_v either_o visible_a or_o invisible_a see_v nor_o not_o see_v present_a or_o absent_a which_o service_n do_v imply_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v god_n or_o ascribe_v any_o divine_a attribute_n to_o it_o or_o much_o more_o that_o service_n which_o in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o what_o be_v give_v to_o god_n himself_o this_o also_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a service_n 4._o the_o worship_n of_o a_o image_n or_o any_o visible_a representation_n of_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v idolatrous_a for_o if_o it_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o creature_n it_o can_v '_o escape_v be_v so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o than_o that_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o original_a but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o pretend_a image_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o worship_n of_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v set_v there_o to_o receive_v that_o external_a worship_n at_o least_o which_o be_v due_a to_o that_o invisible_a be_v who_o it_o be_v say_v to_o represent_v but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o to_o none_o but_o he_o i_o pass_v by_o two_o material_a thing_n one_o be_v that_o the_o image-worship_n of_o the_o people_n be_v know_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o expectation_n of_o receive_v benefit_n from_o the_o image_n itself_o which_o make_v the_o idolatry_n to_o be_v very_o gross_a in_o they_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o image_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o outward_a act_n of_o divine_a honour_n by_o all_o that_o worship_v they_o they_o give_v to_o the_o image_n that_o worship_n which_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n only_o another_o be_v this_o that_o to_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o image_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o gross_a dishonour_n that_o can_v be_v possible_o do_v to_o he_o because_o that_o suppose_v the_o godhead_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o wood_n or_o to_o stone_n and_o the_o work_n of_o man_n hand_n and_o tend_v to_o corrupt_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n in_o all_o that_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v his_o image_n or_o representation_n but_o i_o do_v not_o place_v idolatry_n in_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o actual_a worship_v of_o it_o and_o that_o because_o we_o be_v to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o only_o but_o to_o worship_v image_n be_v not_o to_o worship_v he_o for_o god_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o a_o pretend_a image_n of_o he_o be_v another_o all_o this_o i_o make_v bold_a to_o lay_v down_o peremptory_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o worship_n be_v prohibit_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o serve_v god_n only_o and_o that_o these_o prohibit_v worship_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v idolatry_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o more_o particular_o prove_v against_o a_o certain_a pretence_n that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n be_v this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o viz._n the_o worship_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n the_o sun_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n or_o any_o other_o visible_a and_o corporeal_a deity_n as_o the_o supreme_a god_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a godhead_n the_o plain_a english_a of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o idolater_n that_o be_v not_o such_o a_o sot_n as_o to_o take_v something_o which_o he_o know_v can_n neither_o understand_v any_o thing_n nor_o choose_v one_o thing_n before_o another_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n and_o as_o such_o to_o worship_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o must_v take_v something_o which_o have_v no_o more_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o it_o than_o a_o piece_n of_o stone_n or_o a_o log_n of_o wood_n and_o exclude_v all_o reference_n that_o it_o can_v have_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o he_o must_v fall_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n to_o
in_o those_o error_n than_o it_o have_v be_v and_o perhaps_o utter_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v they_o among_o christian_n without_o destroy_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o such_o caution_n have_v be_v necessary_a a_o thousand_o time_n as_o many_o more_o have_v be_v necessary_a too_o for_o so_o many_o addition_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n must_v have_v be_v make_v as_o there_o be_v way_n of_o elude_v and_o pervert_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o have_v provide_v express_o against_o they_o all_o will_v have_v make_v the_o bible_n a_o more_o voluminous_a book_n than_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v for_o whoever_o write_v or_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o possible_a way_n of_o be_v mistake_v or_o have_v his_o word_n pervert_v according_a to_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o a_o hour_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v his_o explication_n may_v be_v pervert_v too_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o god_n have_v not_o provide_v express_a caution_n against_o all_o possible_a mistake_v and_o abuse_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o worship_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v all_o honest_a person_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n though_o not_o sufficient_a to_o exclude_v all_o cavil_v and_o abuse_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o all_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n must_v necessary_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o he_o require_v constant_o a_o certain_a temper_n of_o mind_n consist_v of_o humility_n sincerity_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n be_v his_o true_a disciple_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o peculiar_a probity_n or_o teachable_a spirit_n a_o mind_n ready_a to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v all_o duty_n these_o be_v the_o sheep_n that_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o the_o ground_n that_o will_v receive_v his_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n such_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v hear_v and_o understand_v and_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o will_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o reject_v it_o with_o some_o colour_n for_o so_o do_v or_o to_o pervert_v it_o if_o they_o once_o admit_v it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o deliver_v truth_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n gratify_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n or_o please_v their_o imagination_n or_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o other_o and_o than_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n which_o though_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o instruct_v and_o convince_v all_o honest_a man_n yet_o will_v not_o infallible_o bear_v down_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n now_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o error_n impatient_a of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o of_o true_a doctrine_n human_a nature_n do_v affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v well_o bear_v to_o be_v confine_v and_o it_o be_v so_o disease_a that_o it_o do_v not_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o remedy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v have_v be_v so_o tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o he_o have_v send_v it_o to_o we_o and_o doctrine_n have_v be_v teach_v which_o give_v that_o liberty_n that_o truth_n deny_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v not_o effectual_o overcome_v those_o lust_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n those_o lust_n will_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v that_o doctrine_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n licentiousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n pride_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n though_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n satisfaction_n and_o glory_n in_o draw_v many_o people_n into_o a_o party_n and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o natural_a inconstancy_n and_o waver_v of_o some_o will_v carry_v they_o away_o from_o the_o truth_n the_o natural_a stiffness_n and_o inflexibility_n of_o other_o will_v detain_v they_o in_o error_n the_o very_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o novelty_n will_v at_o first_o help_n to_o bring_v in_o some_o and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n will_v be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o able_a to_o gain_v other_o final_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o most_o man_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a ease_n of_o depend_v upon_o the_o absolute_a authority_n of_o other_o will_v give_v a_o far_a advantage_n to_o error_n which_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o examination_n and_o therefore_o discourage_v all_o person_n from_o give_v themselves_o so_o needless_a a_o trouble_n since_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o those_o for_o their_o security_n who_o can_v possible_o mislead_v they_o consider_v the_o disease_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o cure_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o all_o the_o care_n that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o restore_v mankind_n there_o will_v be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n there_o will_v be_v covetousness_n and_o injustice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v luxury_n and_o licentiousness_n there_o will_v be_v both_o inconstancy_n and_o stiffneckedness_n there_o will_v be_v laziness_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o unaptness_n for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n will_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n so_o certain_o 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to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o advance_v error_n do_v prove_v what_o man_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o will_v appear_v all_o alike_o if_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v equal_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o great_a difference_n that_o break_v out_o be_v that_o between_o the_o probity_n of_o some_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n heresy_n have_v upon_o honest_a and_o godly_a man_n while_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o hypocrite_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o ease_n their_o safety_n their_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o several_a party_n
prediction_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v christ_n and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o general_a head_n by_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v so_o overrule_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v light_o turn_v ourselves_o any_o way_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v encounter_v with_o some_o or_o other_o prophetic_a passage_n concern_v christ_n all_o which_o be_v design_v of_o god_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o who_o not_o only_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a prophecy_n but_o all_o other_o type_n and_o the_o more_o obscure_a prefiguration_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v be_v fulfil_v we_o may_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_n believe_v and_o follow_v he_o 2._o this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v say_v 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shall_v consider_v what_o evidence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n take_v all_o together_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o our_o saviour_n take_v to_o instruct_v the_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emmaus_n they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v mighty_o stagger_v at_o the_o shameful_a death_n of_o their_o master_n we_o trust_v say_v they_o that_o this_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n but_o now_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o it_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o they_o o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n but_o what_o course_n do_v he_o take_v to_o convince_v they_o do_v he_o take_v some_o one_o notable_a prediction_n by_o itself_o and_o lay_v all_o the_o stress_n upon_o that_o no_o but_o beginning_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v this_o that_o clear_v all_o their_o doubt_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n so_o perfect_o that_o they_o afterward_o say_v one_o to_o another_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o while_o he_o talk_v with_o we_o by_o the_o way_n and_o while_o he_o open_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n luke_n 24._o 3._o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o sure_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o ascribe_v the_o prediction_n of_o these_o event_n to_o any_o cause_n less_o than_o divine_a omniscience_n for_o as_o st._n peter_n say_v prophecy_n come_v not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n i._n e._n not_o as_o some_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v meditate_a upon_o and_o read_v by_o private_a man_n but_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o utter_v their_o prediction_n by_o the_o private_a spirit_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o if_o at_o vast_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o event_n it_o be_v foretell_v in_o several_a age_n that_o one_o in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v will_v come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n of_o such_o a_o family_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o place_n with_o several_a public_a and_o notorious_a character_n by_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v know_v then_o certain_o he_o in_o who_o all_o these_o prediction_n have_v be_v fulfil_v be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n omniscience_n declare_v to_o be_v that_o great_a prophet_n who_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o policy_n or_o combination_n or_o chance_n can_v the_o most_o politic_a statesman_n foresee_v the_o rise_n of_o empire_n not_o yet_o begin_v how_o much_o less_o can_v they_o fix_v their_o period_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v in_o their_o prediction_n concern_v christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o they_o can_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o many_o age_n with_o their_o utmost_a skill_n foresee_v so_o many_o particular_a event_n as_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o accomplish_v in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o confederacy_n between_o moses_n and_o jesus_n
how_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v and_o never_o more_o foolish_a than_o when_o we_o will_v from_o god_n providence_n make_v conclusion_n contrary_a to_o his_o word_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o say_v what_o the_o god_n of_o wisdom_n the_o god_n of_o patience_n the_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o goodness_n and_o of_o infinite_a power_n shall_v do_v it_o be_v the_o least_o honour_n we_o can_v give_v he_o to_o allow_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v best_a which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n every_o thing_n to_o be_v bear_v with_o patience_n that_o he_o permit_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v with_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o that_o he_o command_v and_o that_o as_o we_o can_v mend_v his_o word_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o mend_v his_o work_n but_o be_v content_a as_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o do_v the_o one_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o either_o 2._o no_o sinner_n have_v reason_n to_o presume_v upon_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n or_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n do_v not_o abide_v upon_o he_o because_o he_o have_v prosper_v long_o in_o a_o evil_a way_n and_o no_o great_a evil_n have_v happen_v to_o he_o he_o ought_v to_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o do_v not_o serve_v we_o as_o we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o serve_v one_o another_o and_o as_o we_o do_v when_o upon_o every_o great_a provocation_n we_o express_v a_o sharp_a resentment_n god_n punishment_n be_v not_o less_o certain_a because_o they_o be_v more_o slow_a than_o we_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o certain_a because_o they_o be_v not_o inflict_v in_o passion_n but_o the_o more_o certain_a he_o that_o punish_v when_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n require_v severity_n punish_v more_o certain_o than_o he_o that_o punish_v but_o only_o as_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o sudden_a and_o passionate_a anger_n if_o therefore_o thou_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o of_o deed_n high_o worthy_a of_o punishment_n think_v of_o god_n patience_n and_o let_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o patience_n work_v a_o more_o reasonable_a effect_n in_o thou_o than_o what_o be_v the_o common_a effect_n of_o it_o let_v not_o his_o patience_n make_v thou_o secure_v but_o let_v it_o make_v thou_o fear_v and_o go_v away_o and_o humble_v thyself_o before_o he_o if_o peradventure_o the_o repentance_n may_v keep_v off_o that_o punishment_n for_o the_o future_a which_o his_o patience_n have_v keep_v off_o hitherto_o for_o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o be_v consider_v there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o we_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o have_v be_v long_o since_o commit_v and_o that_o the_o more_o if_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o think_v fit_a to_o chastise_v we_o for_o they_o for_o there_o be_v the_o more_o cause_n to_o apprehend_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o as_o our_o thought_n be_v and_o there_o be_v this_o notable_a instance_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o be_v near_o concern_v when_o we_o commit_v any_o wickedness_n the_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v troublesome_a and_o grievous_a to_o we_o for_o the_o present_a unless_o we_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o care_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o by_o degree_n it_o wear_v off_o and_o that_o which_o a_o few_o day_n since_o lay_v heavy_a upon_o our_o mind_n be_v now_o grow_v so_o light_a that_o we_o do_v not_o feel_v it_o and_o so_o the_o next_o sin_n that_o wound_v our_o conscience_n be_v feel_v perhaps_o as_o the_o former_a be_v and_o forget_v at_o last_o as_o it_o be_v too_o and_o thus_o we_o be_v natural_o dispose_v not_o to_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o sin_n long_o ago_o commit_v as_o of_o guilt_n we_o have_v late_o contract_v but_o this_o be_v a_o infirmity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o reason_n and_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n the_o evil_a which_o thou_o do_v twenty_o year_n ago_o be_v as_o fresh_a in_o his_o remembrance_n and_o lie_v before_o he_o as_o much_o to_o thy_o disadvantage_n as_o that_o which_o be_v do_v but_o yesterday_o god_n displeasure_n do_v not_o wear_v off_o as_o our_o trouble_n do_v though_o because_o we_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o vile_a action_n that_o be_v do_v a_o great_a while_n since_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o neither_o be_v he_o so_o angry_a with_o we_o as_o he_o be_v we_o behave_v ourselves_o too_o often_o as_o if_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o none_o but_o the_o last_o sin_n we_o commit_v we_o do_v evil_a thing_n and_o cry_v god_n mercy_n and_o then_o we_o do_v they_o again_o and_o go_v on_o in_o this_o way_n as_o if_o nothing_o be_v upon_o the_o score_n against_o we_o but_o what_o trouble_v we_o for_o the_o present_a but_o we_o shall_v argue_v quite_o contrary_a god_n have_v all_o our_o wicked_a action_n in_o order_n before_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v set_v they_o before_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o remember_v that_o if_o we_o have_v have_v our_o profit_n without_o loss_n and_o our_o pleasure_n without_o pain_n our_o sin_n without_o punishment_n there_o be_v the_o more_o behind_o and_o that_o we_o be_v as_o much_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o all_o the_o ill_n we_o have_v do_v since_o as_o of_o the_o late_a of_o all_o for_o which_o reason_n we_o shall_v say_v spare_v we_o good_a lord_n and_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n shall_v confess_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o our_o former_a offence_n and_o fear_n and_o tremble_v to_o add_v new_a one_o to_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o conclusion_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o the_o whole_a matter_n to_o wit_n 4._o to_o use_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o his_o anger_n from_o flame_v out_o against_o we_o either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o that_o by_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o do_v remarkable_o well_o in_o all_o those_o kind_n wherein_o we_o have_v former_o do_v evil_a remember_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 2.4_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n where_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n which_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o mind_v it_o not_o viz._n that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n i._n e._n the_o goodness_n of_o his_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o sensible_a that_o his_o threaten_n do_v natural_o lead_v man_n to_o thought_n of_o amendment_n but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o well_o aware_a that_o his_o forbearance_n be_v design_v for_o the_o same_o end_n though_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v it_o be_v what_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v for_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n threaten_v be_v because_o he_o will_v have_v the_o punishment_n avoid_v since_o he_o that_o threaten_v beforehand_o do_v it_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o punishment_n so_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o threaten_a be_v not_o inflict_v present_o be_v the_o very_a same_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v declare_v express_o that_o repentance_n will_v be_v admit_v i_o say_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o forbearance_n be_v the_o very_a same_o viz._n that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n to_o repent_v and_o mean_n to_o escape_v which_o use_v of_o god_n forbearance_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v so_o it_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o our_o escape_n in_o this_o although_o that_o be_v a_o concern_v for_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o in_o any_o measure_n to_o be_v so_o solicitous_a as_o for_o the_o other_o when_o bad_a man_n grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o god_n will_v visit_v the_o world_n and_o no_o long_o bear_v the_o indignity_n that_o be_v do_v to_o his_o holy_a name_n and_o therefore_o the_o security_n of_o good_a man_n must_v lie_v in_o the_o grow_a better_a and_o better_o when_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o alike_o and_o some_o be_v incurable_a and_o grow_v harden_v by_o it_o and_o other_o frame_v themselves_o to_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n more_o than_o ever_o they_o do_v before_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o when_o he_o find_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n he_o will_v make_v as_o great_a a_o difference_n and_o for_o a_o general_a instruction_n make_v it_o plain_a on_o both_o side_n that_o he_o will_v neither_o
fail_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a nor_o to_o protect_v the_o righteous_a brethren_n let_v we_o remember_v our_o profession_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o make_v safe_a by_o wealth_n or_o by_o favour_n by_o worldly_a power_n or_o by_o worldly_a policy_n but_o that_o god_n be_v more_o to_o we_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o depend_v entire_o upon_o he_o that_o by_o forsake_v he_o we_o forsake_v our_o strength_n and_o defence_n that_o by_o adhere_v to_o he_o we_o have_v that_o power_n for_o our_o security_n and_o that_o goodness_n for_o our_o security_n which_o make_v the_o world_n and_o which_o govern_v the_o world_n let_v we_o then_o in_o this_o our_o day_n consider_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n and_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o that_o he_o may_v be_v near_o unto_o we_o in_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o adversity_n whensoever_o they_o oppress_v we_o and_o be_v find_v of_o we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o in_o himself_o he_o always_o be_v and_o which_o he_o desire_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v to_o we_o all_o let_v therefore_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o wicked_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v to_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n let_v we_o ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o twelve_o sermon_n luk._n xiii_o v._o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v concern_v the_o galilean_n who_o blood_n pilate_n mingle_v with_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o eighteen_o jew_n upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v and_o slay_v they_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o those_o that_o be_v present_a be_v this_o suppose_v you_o that_o these_o glileans_n and_o these_o jew_n be_v sinner_n above_o all_o the_o galilean_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o man_n that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o peperish_v from_o which_o word_n take_v in_o connexion_n with_o what_o go_v before_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o observation_n that_o may_v be_v lay_v down_o the_o former_a be_v rather_o suppose_v than_o express_v and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o god_n be_v just_a in_o the_o punishment_n that_o he_o inflict_v upon_o sinner_n 2._o that_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o evil_a happen_v to_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o the_o second_o kind_n be_v intend_v more_o direct_o viz._n 1._o that_o they_o who_o suffer_v very_o great_a evil_n be_v not_o always_o great_a sinner_n than_o those_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n suffer_v nothing_o 2._o that_o one_o reason_n why_o such_o evil_n do_v not_o befall_v all_o person_n at_o the_o same_o time_n who_o be_v equal_o sinner_n be_v that_o while_o some_o be_v visit_v with_o the_o rod_n other_o may_v take_v warning_n by_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v warning_n they_o shall_v not_o escape_v these_o be_v all_o profitable_a instruction_n and_o such_o as_o this_o place_n natural_o yield_v which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o pursue_v without_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o show_v how_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o something_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o very_o brief_o of_o the_o two_o first_o because_o they_o be_v suppose_v in_o these_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o not_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v the_o first_o be_v that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v here_o concern_v the_o end_n of_o those_o unhappy_a man_n he_o know_v that_o his_o hearer_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o pass_v a_o hard_a censure_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o that_o extreme_a if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v fix_v in_o all_o of_o they_o that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v far_o from_o correct_v but_o rather_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o by_o conclude_v that_o they_o also_o shall_v perish_v except_o they_o repent_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o man_n know_v by_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o they_o do_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o sense_n the_o world_n be_v so_o bad_a how_o much_o worse_o will_v it_o have_v be_v if_o these_o apprehension_n can_v have_v be_v extinguish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n inspire_v a_o man_n with_o assurance_n and_o that_o gild_n make_v he_o a_o coward_n that_o the_o disaster_n of_o other_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v hardly_o think_v of_o and_o that_o our_o own_o affliction_n bring_v our_o old_a sin_n to_o remembrance_n the_o native_n of_o melita_n though_o they_o be_v barbarian_n yet_o when_o they_o see_v a_o viper_n fasten_v upon_o st._n paul_n hand_n present_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o murderer_n who_o though_o he_o have_v escape_v the_o sea_n yet_o vengeance_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o live_v act_v 28._o there_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n wrought_v though_o they_o carry_v it_o too_o far_o but_o with_o something_o better_a reason_n do_v joseph_n brethren_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o distress_n argue_v with_o one_o another_o very_o we_o be_v guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n therefore_o this_o distress_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o gen._n 42.21_o it_o be_v this_o natural_a belief_n that_o support_v many_o mystery_n of_o religion_n every_o where_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o those_o mystery_n be_v of_o god_n appoint_v or_o of_o man_n invent_v a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o worship_n be_v to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o beast_n be_v kill_v to_o confess_v that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o that_o man_n for_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v it_o be_v this_o sense_n that_o dispose_v man_n to_o believe_v strange_a delusion_n that_o there_o be_v virtue_n in_o little_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o he_o no_o better_o than_o charm_n to_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o when_o people_n wear_v habit_n and_o go_v pilgrimage_n and_o touch_v relic_n and_o apply_v holy_a water_n and_o twenty_o other_o such_o remedy_n to_o themselves_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o mind_n though_o they_o take_v a_o silly_a way_n to_o their_o end_n yet_o the_o principle_n be_v good_a at_o the_o bottom_n that_o sin_n and_o punishment_n be_v link_v together_o and_o that_o one_o natural_o draw_v on_o the_o other_o if_o some_o method_n be_v not_o use_v to_o break_v the_o chain_n which_o belief_n be_v so_o troublesome_a to_o a_o guilty_a mind_n that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o dispose_v to_o like_v a_o religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o have_v great_a variety_n of_o relief_n for_o a_o uneasy_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o mankind_n if_o good_a care_n be_v not_o take_v be_v ready_a to_o run_v into_o a_o thousand_o superstition_n to_o prevent_v which_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n shall_v cheerful_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o first_o observation_n that_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o all_o this_o discourse_n proceed_v be_v a_o natural_a truth_n viz._n that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n 2._o that_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o evil_n befall_v man_n it_o still_o come_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n either_o direct_o send_v it_o or_o at_o least_o know_o permit_v it_o and_o for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n determine_v to_o permit_v it_o this_o also_o be_v evident_o presume_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o upon_o the_o relation_n of_o those_o disaster_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o hearer_n present_o turn_v to_o this_o conclusion_n that_o they_o be_v very_o great_a sinner_n that_o suffer_v such_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o evil_n be_v send_v by_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a
of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o manifest_a token_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o of_o his_o indignation_n at_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o passage_n in_o st._n peter_n the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v you_o therefore_o sober_a and_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n 1_o pet._n 4.7_o not_o that_o this_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v not_o come_v in_o person_n as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v because_o he_o appear_v by_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n in_o part_n which_o will_v with_o incomparable_o great_a perfection_n be_v do_v at_o the_o last_o i.e._n to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o to_o save_v his_o own_o people_n for_o the_o incorrigibleness_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o their_o incurable_a hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o obstinate_a persecution_n of_o it_o be_v dreadful_o punish_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o only_o all_o escape_v out_o of_o it_o before_o the_o roman_a army_n come_v against_o it_o but_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o they_o gain_v also_o a_o very_a considerable_a rest_n from_o persecution_n for_o some_o time_n after_o and_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o wonderful_a providence_n be_v call_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v all_o power_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v he_o that_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n such_o remarkable_a revolution_n as_o that_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o save_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v call_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o passage_n as_o that_o be_v be_v call_v his_o come_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n no_o less_o than_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o order_v they_o as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o order_v all_o thing_n then_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n then_o though_o in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o come_n he_o will_v come_v but_o once_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o this_o improper_a sense_n of_o it_o his_o appearance_n to_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n and_o to_o save_v his_o people_n that_o trust_n in_o he_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v often_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i._n e._n as_o often_o as_o his_o providence_n do_v signal_o and_o remarkable_o appear_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o wicked_a one_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o personal_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o his_o destruction_n shall_v be_v so_o remarkable_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o all_o shall_v confess_v it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o worldly_a policy_n but_o no_o less_o the_o do_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o if_o himself_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o whenever_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n cover_v the_o earth_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n when_o those_o magnificent_a prediction_n be_v fulfil_v concern_v the_o universal_a prevalence_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n among_o man_n with_o which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v plentiful_o furnish_v and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n then_o also_o be_v it_o true_a that_o the_o lord_n come_v i.e._n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o providence_n to_o renew_v and_o reform_v a_o degenerate_a world_n that_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o perdition_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o i_o have_v show_v do_v principal_o signify_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a revolution_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o come_v in_o his_o own_o person_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n do_v also_o signify_v the_o remarkable_a work_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o punish_v some_o and_o save_v other_o even_o in_o this_o life_n now_o 2._o how_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o other_o clause_n will_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o the_o eartb_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o question_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n but_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o parable_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o that_o go_v before_o the_o design_n of_o both_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o that_o be_v to_o say_v god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n take_v their_o cause_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o then_o say_v our_o saviour_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n i._n e._n notwithstanding_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o interpose_v for_o they_o that_o depend_v upon_o he_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o these_o promise_v find_v up-upon_a the_o earth_n even_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v to_o fulfil_v they_o the_o great_a part_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v be_v surprise_v with_o that_o day_n without_o any_o preparation_n for_o it_o or_o expectation_n of_o it_o many_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o throw_v off_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n will_v think_v to_o secure_v themselves_o by_o flattery_n and_o hypocrisy_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a man_n other_o will_v despair_v of_o any_o better_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o very_o few_o will_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o save_v they_o few_o will_v strengthen_v themselves_o in_o god_n by_o cry_v to_o he_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o put_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a and_o strong_a reason_n they_o have_v from_o his_o word_n so_o to_o do_v nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n observe_v that_o immediate_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a fall_v away_o from_o christian_a piety_n and_o charity_n nay_o and_o the_o world_n shall_v begin_v once_o more_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o and_o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a but_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v thereby_o intimate_v that_o it_o will_v be_v some_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n to_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n thus_o also_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v plain_o mean_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n before_o which_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n satan_n be_v to_o be_v loose_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o to_o go_v out_o and_o to_o deceive_v the_o nation_n and_o to_o gather_v they_o together_o against_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v remarkable_o true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o
little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o world_n will_v be_v in_o a_o careless_a posture_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n when_o god_n enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o the_o world_n for_o the_o violence_n and_o iniquity_n of_o man_n and_o assert_n the_o cause_n of_o innocence_n and_o righteousness_n against_o they_o for_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o apostasy_n be_v very_o great_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o in_o such_o a_o wicked_a age_n as_o call_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o open_a enemy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a number_n will_v be_v void_a of_o all_o regard_n whatsoever_o to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o his_o providence_n or_o if_o they_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o scoffer_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o will_v say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n many_o of_o his_o profess_a servant_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n and_o depend_v more_o upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n than_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o abate_v so_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o i_o persuade_v myself_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o true_a illustration_n of_o these_o remarkable_a word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o two_o signification_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v both_o intend_a in_o this_o text_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o know_v which_o be_v principal_o intend_v the_o day_n of_o the_o general_a judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_a judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o principal_a meaning_n of_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o yet_o the_o parable_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o that_o generation_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o to_o give_v a_o firm_a faith_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a trouble_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n therefore_o neither_o can_v the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o these_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o deliver_v his_o servant_n be_v exclude_v but_o be_v as_o direct_o intend_v as_o the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o two_o main_a point_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v beside_o those_o which_o it_o affirm_v and_o the_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v manifest_o that_o after_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o our_o sin_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v degenerate_a age_n sometime_o and_o a_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n before_o his_o second_o personal_a come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o suppose_a that_o his_o providence_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v all_o thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o that_o his_o first_o come_n will_v not_o infallible_o prevent_v the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o future_a age_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n iniquity_n will_v abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o will_v wax_v cold_a and_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o advantage_n yet_o his_o own_o servant_n will_v sometime_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o state_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o they_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o may_v cause_v some_o wonder_n if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o general_o corrupt_v before_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o appear_v strange_a at_o all_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o after_o the_o creation_n the_o earth_n shall_v so_o abound_v with_o luxury_n and_o violence_n that_o god_n sweep_v all_o mankind_n away_o with_o the_o flood_n but_o eight_o person_n that_o after_o noah_n family_n have_v people_v the_o earth_n again_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n so_o universal_o that_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o he_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n in_o his_o family_n and_o posterity_n that_o pharaoh_n shall_v oppress_v the_o israelite_n after_o his_o country_n have_v be_v save_v by_o they_o that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v fall_v to_o worship_v other_o god_n after_o that_o the_o true_a god_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o they_o that_o when_o not_o without_o much_o ado_n they_o be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o scandalous_a way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o immorality_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o because_o god_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o use_v the_o last_o mean_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a of_o those_o after_o christ_n himself_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o oppression_n violence_n fraud_n hypocrisy_n error_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o scandalous_a example_n shall_v for_o some_o age_n reign_v no_o less_o than_o before_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o shake_v even_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deceive_v the_o very_o best_a of_o all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o amaze_a consideration_n and_o though_o the_o noble_a example_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o assure_a expectation_n of_o a_o large_a progress_n that_o christianity_n will_v make_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o better_a effect_n that_o it_o will_v produce_v may_v answer_v the_o objection_n yet_o that_o the_o world_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o bad_a under_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v what_o may_v raise_v some_o admiration_n but_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o come_v not_o to_o establish_v a_o religion_n which_o shall_v either_o by_o its_o truth_n convince_v or_o by_o its_o power_n reform_v mankind_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o both_o purpose_n if_o they_o will_v be_v wise_a and_o honest_a and_o suffer_v the_o concernment_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o above_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o universal_a reformation_n as_o to_o expect_v that_o man_n will_v not_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o the_o gospel_n be_v furnish_v with_o no_o irresistible_a mean_n but_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o natural_a liberty_n they_o have_v before_o with_o a_o provision_n of_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o likely_a that_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o corrupt_v by_o other_o and_o by_o many_o hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n that_o several_a to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v will_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o several_a that_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o time_n that_o it_o will_v be_v mix_v with_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o frame_v to_o the_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n nay_o the_o better_a and_o more_o divine_a a_o religion_n that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o more_o violent_o it_o will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o the_o more_o certain_o corrupt_v by_o other_o so_o that_o if_o we_o
share_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n be_v rule_v by_o a_o principle_n that_o do_v not_o only_o improve_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o nature_n but_o mend_n what_o be_v bad_a in_o it_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o to_o observe_v humane_a law_n since_o the_o law_n of_o man_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o restrain_v people_n from_o be_v intolerable_o bad_a and_o such_o as_o humane_a society_n can_v bear_v he_o that_o believe_v in_o god_n submit_v to_o just_a authority_n for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o the_o case_n have_v often_o happen_v when_o for_o the_o same_o conscience_n sake_n such_o a_o one_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n by_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o the_o law_n of_o man_n require_v which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o human_a authority_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n and_o that_o we_o must_v live_v by_o a_o high_a principle_n than_o that_o of_o obedience_n to_o man_n if_o we_o live_v in_o all_o respect_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v something_o more_o than_o to_o govern_v our_o intention_n and_o action_n by_o do_v well_o for_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n for_o although_o integrity_n and_o well-doing_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o duty_n be_v general_o the_o best_a way_n to_o prosperity_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o sometime_o the_o contrary_n happen_v and_o more_o be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o flattery_n and_o falsehood_n than_o by_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n that_o still_o make_v man_n do_v base_a and_o wicked_a thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o regard_n of_o our_o ease_n and_o advantage_n here_o can_v be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v bring_v every_o other_o reason_n of_o do_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o trial_n every_o other_o reason_n beside_o that_o of_o faith_n will_v be_v find_v very_o defective_a and_o insufficient_a and_o such_o as_o will_v lead_v a_o man_n to_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a as_o it_o happen_v but_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n with_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o his_o perfection_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n make_v a_o man_n every_o way_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v because_o it_o show_v he_o all_o his_o duty_n and_o oblige_v he_o to_o all_o his_o duty_n and_o while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o be_v steady_a in_o the_o right_a way_n not_o to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o it_o by_o any_o temptation_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v opportunity_n invite_v or_o danger_n threaten_v what_o temptation_n soever_o set_v upon_o he_o he_o will_v say_v with_o joseph_n how_o can_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n set_v aside_o faith_n it_o may_v bear_v dispute_n whether_o it_o be_v adviseable_a or_o no_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o case_n to_o do_v what_o become_v a_o righteous_a and_o virtuous_a man_n but_o let_v a_o man_n live_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o fight_n of_o thy_o eye_n and_o the_o imagination_n of_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o pleasure_n nothing_o but_o wealth_n and_o greatness_n but_o the_o splendour_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o gratify_n of_o a_o lust_n this_o liberty_n may_v possible_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v not_o so_o very_o unreasonable_a but_o know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o judgement_n that_o to_o be_v sure_o turn_v the_o case_n and_o answer_v every_o objection_n against_o our_o duty_n and_o every_o argument_n for_o any_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n do_v all_o his_o duty_n otherwise_o be_v good_a in_o all_o kind_n and_o in_o every_o place_n where_o his_o business_n lie_v or_o where_o his_o temptation_n lie_v for_o god_n be_v in_o all_o his_o thought_n in_o all_o his_o affair_n in_o all_o his_o company_n and_o in_o his_o retirement_n from_o company_n god_n word_n be_v with_o he_o that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o show_v he_o his_o duty_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o which_o show_v he_o the_o reward_n of_o do_v what_o be_v command_v and_o the_o punishment_n of_o disobedience_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o presence_n be_v with_o he_o that_o sense_n which_o fill_v he_o with_o life_n and_o joy_n in_o well-doing_n especial_o where_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v very_o great_a and_o which_o will_v dismay_v he_o and_o make_v he_o a_o burden_n to_o himself_o if_o he_o shall_v act_v contrary_a to_o his_o clear_a and_o settle_a judgement_n of_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o short_a to_o walk_v with_o god_n be_v to_o be_v universal_o good_a and_o righteous_a which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v but_o he_o who_o live_v by_o faith_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v god_n himself_o encourage_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o go_v on_o in_o his_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o hitherto_o he_o have_v do_v walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a chap._n 17_o v._o 1._o that_o be_v be_v thou_o still_o rule_v by_o my_o word_n still_o believe_v my_o promise_n and_o trust_v my_o providence_n and_o in_o all_o that_o thou_o do_v be_v mindful_a of_o this_o that_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o and_o then_o shall_v thou_o be_v perfect_a a_o example_n to_o all_o generation_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o of_o piety_n and_o of_o all_o good_a work_n no_o less_o than_o of_o a_o firm_a faith_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n prov._n 16.6_o and_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o life_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o snare_n of_o death_n prov._n 14.27_o and_o st._n john_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1_o john_n 5.4_o i_o have_v thus_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o character_n of_o enoch_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n viz._n that_o his_o regard_n to_o god_n be_v the_o overrule_a principle_n of_o all_o his_o action_n and_o that_o because_o he_o be_v govern_v by_o faith_n he_o live_v also_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o all_o relation_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o make_v a_o man_n in_o every_o respect_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v i_o proceed_v 2._o to_o say_v something_o concern_v the_o end_n he_o make_v in_o this_o world_n he_o be_v not_o for_o god_n take_v he_o which_o place_n be_v thus_o explain_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 11._o v._n 5._o that_o enoch_n be_v translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n and_o be_v not_o find_v because_o god_n have_v translate_v he_o i._n e._n he_o die_v not_o but_o be_v translate_v alive_a into_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a surprise_n to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o he_o live_v who_o by_o his_o sudden_a removal_n from_o they_o and_o their_o hear_n no_o more_o of_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o have_v take_v he_o to_o a_o better_a life_n now_o that_o which_o we_o be_v in_o this_o place_n to_o consider_v be_v the_o instruction_n so_o singular_a a_o act_n of_o providence_n afford_v to_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v these_o two_o end_n to_o which_o it_o manifest_o serve_v viz._n that_o that_o age_n may_v be_v awaken_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o life_n by_o so_o surprise_v a_o testimony_n thereof_o as_o this_o be_v and_o withal_o that_o they_o may_v by_o so_o sensible_a a_o argument_n be_v lead_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o true_a reward_n of_o piety_n and_o integrity_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o a_o better_a 1._o there_o be_v this_o instruction_n in_o the_o translation_n of_o enoch_n which_o the_o world_n can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o there_o be_v undoubted_o another_o life_n after_o this_o to_o which_o he_o be_v take_v soul_n and_o body_n have_v leave_v no_o part_n of_o himself_o behind_o he_o here_o as_o other_o mortal_n do_v and_o by_o this_o time_n such_o a_o instruction_n be_v grow_v very_o needful_a for_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o its_o youth_n and_o vigour_n be_v grow_v old_a enough_o for_o man_n to_o forget_v their_o creator_n and_o to_o abandon_v themselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o a_o voluptuous_a and_o dissolute_a life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o uncertain_a conjecture_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o enoch_n be_v translate_v but_o sixty_o nine_o year_n before_o noah_n be_v bear_v in_o