god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v reward_v those_o that_o serve_v he_o because_o unless_o a_o man_n do_v first_o believe_v these_o there_o will_v neither_o be_v ground_n nor_o encouragement_n for_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n and_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o religion_n our_o b._n saviour_n call_v eternal_a life_n because_o it_o be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o attain_n of_o it_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a say_v he_o 17.3_o to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o be_v right_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n under_o which_o two_o general_a head_n be_v comprehend_v all_o the_o necessary_a principle_n both_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o 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this_o as_o they_o pretend_v upon_o a_o very_a charitable_a consideration_n only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v mad_a and_o have_v need_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o suppose_v man_n to_o be_v allow_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n afford_v and_o have_v appoint_v for_o we_o the_o great_a difficulty_n do_v not_o common_o lie_v in_o man_n understanding_n but_o in_o their_o will_n only_o when_o man_n know_v these_o thing_n they_o must_v attend_v to_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o their_o understanding_n may_v warm_v their_o heart_n and_o have_v its_o due_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n ii_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o frequent_a examination_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o all_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n for_o deliberate_a and_o wilful_a sin_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v call_v they_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o in_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n and_o surprise_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o we_o be_v always_o to_o remember_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a repentance_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o humble_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o a_o hearty_a trouble_n and_o contrition_n for_o they_o but_o chief_o in_o the_o steadfast_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o resolution_n in_o actual_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n by_o the_o constant_a exercise_n hereof_o we_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n provide_v that_o we_o persevere_v in_o this_o holy_a resolution_n and_o course_n but_o if_o we_o still_o retain_v the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o if_o after_o we_o have_v take_v up_o these_o good_a resolution_n we_o return_v again_o to_o a_o evil_a course_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n either_o that_o our_o repentance_n be_v not_o sincere_a at_o first_o or_o that_o we_o be_v relapse_v into_o our_o former_a state_n and_o then_o our_o soul_n be_v still_o in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o be_v lose_v and_o will_v continue_v in_o that_o dangerous_a state_n till_o we_o have_v renew_v our_o repentance_n and_o make_v it_o good_a in_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o our_o life_n iii_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n both_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a if_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o it_o especial_o at_o proper_a time_n and_o upon_o more_o solemn_a occasion_n by_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o by_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n by_o frequent_v his_o public_a worship_n and_o demeaning_a ourselves_o in_o it_o with_o that_o solemnity_n and_o seriousness_n which_o become_v the_o presence_n and_o service_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n who_o observe_v our_o behaviour_n and_o see_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o by_o receive_v the_o b._n sacrament_n as_o often_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n with_o due_a preparation_n and_o devotion_n of_o mind_n for_o these_o be_v not_o only_o outward_a testimony_n of_o our_o inward_a piety_n but_o they_o be_v mean_n likewise_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o improve_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o whoever_o neglect_v these_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o perform_v they_o in_o a_o flight_n and_o superficial_a manner_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o have_v neither_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n nor_o care_n of_o himself_o for_o in_o vain_a do_v any_o man_n pretend_v that_o he_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_a design_n the_o end_n when_o he_o neglect_v the_o best_a and_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o iv._o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v also_o in_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v pernicious_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o whereby_o man_n do_v often_o hazard_v their_o soul_n such_o in_o general_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n by_o this_o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v run_v upon_o the_o sword_n point_n and_o do_v endanger_v our_o salvation_n as_o much_o as_o a_o deep_a wound_n in_o our_o body_n will_v do_v our_o life_n and_o though_o such_o a_o wound_n may_v perhaps_o be_v cure_v afterward_o by_o repentance_n yet_o no_o man_n that_o commit_v any_o wilful_a sin_n know_v the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o whither_o by_o degree_n it_o may_v carry_v he_o at_o last_o for_o upon_o such_o a_o provocation_n god_n may_v leave_v the_o sinner_n to_o himself_o and_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o he_o and_o give_v he_o up_o to_o a_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n to_o proceed_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o and_o from_o one_o wickedness_n to_o another_o till_o he_o be_v final_o ruin_v so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o know_o to_o offend_v god_n and_o to_o commit_v any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n more_o particular_o a_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n because_o it_o quench_v the_o heavenly_a life_n and_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o earthly_a care_n and_o design_n it_o tempt_v man_n to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n when_o their_o worldly_a interest_n come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o and_o betray_v they_o to_o fraud_n and_o falsehood_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o injustice_n and_o many_o other_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v the_o soul_n in_o perdition_n but_o beside_o these_o danger_n which_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o apparent_a there_o be_v another_o which_o be_v less_o discernible_a because_o it_o have_v the_o face_n of_o piety_n and_o that_o be_v faction_n in_o religion_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o unpeaceable_a and_o uncharitable_a zeal_n about_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n either_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o little_o consist_v for_o beside_o that_o this_o temper_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o humility_n love_n peace_n meekness_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o it_o have_v likewise_o two_o very_o great_a mischief_n common_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o both_o of_o they_o pernicious_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n first_o that_o it_o take_v such_o man_n off_o from_o mind_v the_o more_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v so_o zealous_a about_o small_a thing_n the_o tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cummin_n that_o they_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n faith_n and_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o spend_v so_o much_o
we_o be_v now_o so_o loath_a to_o think_v upon_o i_o say_v if_o we_o believe_v this_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o serious_a and_o happy_a that_o man_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o health_n have_v retire_v himself_o from_o the_o noise_n and_o tumult_n of_o this_o world_n and_o make_v that_o careful_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o a_o better_a life_n as_o may_v give_v he_o that_o constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o thought_n and_o approach_n of_o his_o great_a change_n without_o amazement_n and_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n almost_o equal_o poise_v between_o that_o strong_a inclination_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v we_o desirous_a to_o live_v and_o that_o wise_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o religion_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o willing_a and_o content_v to_o die_v whenever_o god_n think_v fit_a many_o of_o we_o do_v not_o now_o so_o clear_o discern_v these_o thing_n because_o our_o eye_n be_v dazzele_v with_o the_o false_a light_n and_o splendour_n of_o earthly_a felicity_n but_o this_o assure_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o possess_v our_o soul_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o to_o be_v at_o perfect_a peace_n with_o our_o own_o mind_n have_v our_o heart_n fix_v trust_v in_o god_n to_o have_v our_o account_n make_v up_o and_o estate_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o well_o settle_v and_o secure_v as_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n humane_a care_n and_o endeavour_v though_o mix_v with_o much_o humane_a frailty_n be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v this_o our_o first_o and_o great_a care_n and_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v resolute_o disentangle_v ourselves_o from_o worldly_a care_n and_o encumbrance_n at_o least_o so_o far_o that_o we_o may_v have_v competent_a liberty_n and_o leisure_n to_o attend_v this_o great_a concernment_n and_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o fit_a posture_n and_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n that_o when_o sickness_n and_o death_n shall_v come_v we_o may_v not_o act_v our_o last_o part_n indecent_o and_o confuse_o and_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n to_o do_v when_o we_o shall_v want_v both_o time_n and_o all_o other_o advantage_n to_o do_v it_o in_o whereby_o our_o soul_n when_o they_o will_v stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o comfort_n and_o support_v will_v unavoidable_o be_v leave_v in_o a_o tremble_a and_o disconsolate_a condition_n and_o in_o a_o anxious_a doubtfulness_n of_o mind_n what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o for_o ever_o to_o conclude_v this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a that_o in_o comparison_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o neglect_v the_o very_a necessary_n of_o life_n so_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o 33._o take_v no_o thought_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v or_o wherewithal_o shall_v we_o be_v clothe_v but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v so_o very_o press_v and_o importunate_a that_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o delay_n or_o excuse_v whatsoever_o this_o our_o saviour_n signify_v to_o we_o by_o deny_v the_o disciple_n who_o he_o have_v call_v to_o follow_v he_o leave_v to_o go_v and_o bury_v his_o father_n let_v the_o dead_a say_v he_o bury_v their_o dead_a but_o do_v thou_o follow_v i_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n needful_a and_o that_o be_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o whatever_o else_o we_o neglect_v shall_v be_v careful_o mind_v and_o regard_v by_o every_o one_o of_o we_o o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o we_o o_o that_o we_o be_v wise_a that_o we_o understand_v this_o that_o we_o will_v consider_v our_o latter_a end_n which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o hell-torment_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n march_v 7._o 1689_o 90._o of_o the_o eternity_n of_o hell-torment_n matth_n 25.46_o and_o these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a among_o all_o the_o argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n those_o have_v the_o great_a force_n and_o power_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v fetch_v from_o another_o world_n and_o from_o the_o final_a state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o lively_a manner_n in_o that_o prospect_n which_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o give_v we_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n namely_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o his_o glory_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o shall_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o all_o nation_n shall_v be_v gather_v before_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v separate_v into_o two_o great_a company_n the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a who_o shall_v stand_v the_o one_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a of_o this_o great_a judge_n who_o shall_v pronounce_v sentence_n several_o upon_o they_o according_a to_o the_o action_n which_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v reward_v with_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v sentence_v to_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o these_o that_o be_v the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a the_o word_n be_v plain_a and_o need_v no_o explication_n for_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o one_o at_o first_o hear_v of_o they_o do_v clear_o apprehend_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o between_o endless_a happiness_n and_o misery_n but_o although_o these_o word_n be_v so_o very_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v they_o can_v never_o be_v too_o much_o consider_v by_o we_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o different_a fate_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o another_o world_n and_o that_o their_o end_n there_o will_v be_v as_o different_a as_o their_o way_n and_o do_n have_v be_v here_o in_o this_o world_n the_o serious_a consideration_n whereof_o be_v the_o great_a discouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n take_v from_o our_o great_a and_o most_o last_a interest_n our_o happiness_n or_o our_o misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n a_o concernment_n of_o that_o vast_a consequence_n that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o great_a stupidity_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o neglect_v it_o this_o eternal_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o as_o to_o one_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n every_o one_o glad_o admit_v it_o but_o many_o be_v loath_a that_o the_o other_o part_n shall_v be_v true_a concern_v the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v temporary_a crime_n with_o eternal_a torment_n because_o justice_n always_o observe_v a_o proportion_n between_o offence_n and_o punishment_n but_o between_o temporary_a sin_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n there_o be_v no_o proportion_n and_o as_o this_o seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o justice_n so_o much_o more_o with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v that_o though_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v declare_v that_o impenitent_a sinner_n shall_v be_v everlasting_o punish_v yet_o these_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o to_o be_v mollify_v and_o understand_v as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o full_a force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o clear_v if_o i_o can_v this_o difficult_a point_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o goodness_n
a_o instant_n and_o with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o no_o create_a power_n can_v put_v any_o difficulty_n in_o his_o way_n much_o less_o make_v any_o effectual_a resistance_n because_o omnipotency_n can_v check_v and_o countermand_v and_o bear_v down_o before_o it_o all_o other_o power_n so_o that_o if_o god_n be_v on_o our_o side_n who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o we_o may_v safe_o commit_v our_o soul_n into_o his_o hand_n for_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o he_o can_v give_v we_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o evil_a for_o his_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o glorious_a power_n though_o all_o creature_n shall_v fail_v we_o we_o may_v rely_v upon_o god_n and_o live_v upon_o his_o all-sufficiency_n for_o our_o supply_n and_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n though_o the_o figtree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n neither_o fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n though_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v and_o the_o 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from_o we_o all_o other_o thing_n may_v leave_v we_o and_o forsake_v we_o we_o may_v be_v debar_v of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o banish_v from_o all_o our_o acquaintance_n but_o man_n can_v send_v we_o no_o whither_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n our_o communication_n with_o heaven_n can_v be_v prevent_v or_o interrupt_v our_o prayer_n and_o our_o soul_n will_v always_o find_v the_o way_n thither_o from_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n five_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a god_n and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a man_n have_v a_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o be_v design_v for_o a_o endless_a duration_n must_v have_v a_o happiness_n proportionable_a for_o which_o reason_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v make_v we_o happy_a because_o we_o shall_v abide_v and_o remain_v after_o it_o when_o a_o very_a few_o year_n be_v past_a and_o go_v and_o much_o soon_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v leave_v 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as_o our_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v easy_a to_o grant_v forgiveness_n to_o other_o and_o without_o this_o as_o god_n have_v reason_n to_o deny_v forgiveness_n to_o we_o so_o we_o ourselves_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n utter_o to_o despair_v of_o it_o it_o will_v almost_o transport_v a_o christian_n to_o read_v that_o admirable_a passage_n of_o the_o great_a heathen_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n m._n aurelius_n antoninus_n can_v the_o god_n 7._o say_v he_o that_o be_v immortal_a for_o the_o continuance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n bear_v without_o impatience_n with_o such_o and_o so_o many_o sinner_n as_o have_v ever_o be_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o likewise_o take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o provide_v for_o 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and_o other_o thing_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o great_a end_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o our_o b._n saviour_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n needful_a that_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o ought_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o and_o what_o that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o all_o to_o know_v that_o we_o may_v mind_n and_o pursue_v it_o as_o it_o deserve_v and_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v brief_o this_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v into_o a_o certain_a village_n where_o he_o be_v entertain_v at_o the_o house_n of_o two_o devout_a sister_n the_o elder_a who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o management_n of_o the_o family_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o make_v entertainment_n for_o such_o a_o guest_n the_o other_o sit_v at_o our_o saviour_n foot_n attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o preach_v the_o elder_a find_v herself_o not_o able_a to_o do_v all_o the_o business_n alone_o desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o will_v command_v her_o sister_n to_o come_v and_o help_v she_o upon_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v she_o this_o gentle_a reprehension_n martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o what_o that_o be_v he_o declare_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o she_o that_o be_v she_o have_v choose_v to_o take_v care_n of_o her_o salvation_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o altogether_o blame_v martha_n for_o her_o respectful_a care_n of_o he_o but_o cmmend_v her_o sister_n for_o her_o great_a care_n of_o her_o soul_n which_o make_v she_o either_o whole_o to_o forget_v or_o unwilling_a to_o mind_v other_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o high_o approve_v her_o wise_a choice_n in_o prefer_v a_o attentive_a regard_n to_o his_o doctrine_n even_o before_o that_o which_o may_v be_v think_v a_o necessary_a civility_n to_o his_o person_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o observation_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v be_v this_o that_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o that_o which_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o mind_n and_o regard_n this_o observation_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v handle_v it_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o application_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o mind_v this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o serious_a and_o 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to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n second_o in_o the_o frequent_a examination_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o all_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o three_o in_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n four_o in_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v pernicious_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o whereby_o man_n do_v often_o hazard_v their_o soul_n five_o in_o the_o even_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n i._o the_o due_a care_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a principle_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o good_a practice_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 11.6_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o now_o these_o two_o expression_n of_o please_a god_n and_o seek_v he_o be_v plain_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v religion_n or_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n which_o do_v antecedent_o suppose_v our_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o
of_o their_o time_n and_o heat_n about_o thing_n doubtful_a that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o be_v so_o concern_v about_o little_a speculative_a opinion_n in_o religion_n which_o they_o always_o call_v fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v almost_o whole_o neglect_v by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v so_o take_v up_o in_o spy_v out_o and_o censure_a error_n and_o heresy_n in_o other_o that_o they_o never_o think_v of_o cure_v those_o lust_n and_o vice_n and_o passion_n which_o do_v so_o visible_o reign_v in_o themselves_o delude_v people_n that_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a heresy_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o wicked_a life_n because_o it_o be_v so_o direct_o and_o fundamental_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n will_v soon_o forgive_v a_o man_n a_o hundred_o defect_n of_o his_o understanding_n than_o one_o fault_n of_o his_o will._n second_o another_o great_a mischef_n which_o attend_v this_o temper_n be_v that_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o interpret_v this_o zeal_n of_o they_o against_o other_o to_o be_v great_a piety_n in_o themselves_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n and_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v very_o religious_a because_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o maintain_v the_o outwork_n of_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v starve_v within_o and_o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o denominate_v they_o good_a christian_n but_o to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o party_n and_o to_o be_v list_v of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o they_o always_o take_v for_o grant_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o and_o then_o zealous_o to_o hate_v and_o uncharitable_o to_o censure_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n how_o many_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o think_v they_o have_v make_v very_o sure_a of_o heaven_n not_o by_o the_o old_a plain_a way_n of_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o reform_v their_o life_n but_o by_o a_o more_o close_a and_o cunning_a way_n of_o carry_v their_o vice_n along_o with_o they_o into_o another_o church_n and_o call_v themselves_o good_a cathlique_n and_o all_o other_o heretic_n and_o that_o have_v do_v this_o they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n as_o if_o a_o mere_a name_n will_v admit_v a_o man_n into_o heaven_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v this_o fantastical_a privilege_n belong_v to_o it_o that_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v save_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o be_v of_o it_o therefore_o as_o thou_o value_v thy_o soul_n take_v heed_n of_o engage_v in_o any_o faction_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o thy_o zeal_n will_v be_v so_o employ_v about_o lesser_a thing_n that_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v neglect_v beside_o that_o a_o man_n deep_o engage_v in_o heat_n and_o controversy_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v very_o hardly_o escape_v be_v possess_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o uncharitableness_n and_o contention_n of_o peevishness_n and_o fierceness_n which_o reign_v in_o all_o faction_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o those_o of_o religion_n v._o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o even_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o exercise_v ourselves_o always_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n for_o herein_o be_v religion_n best_o see_v in_o the_o equal_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n not_o only_o in_o serve_v god_n devout_o but_o in_o demeaning_n ourselves_o peaceable_o and_o just_o kind_o and_o charitable_o towards_o all_o man_n not_o only_o in_o restrain_v ourselves_o from_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n but_o in_o mortify_v the_o inward_a inclination_n to_o it_o in_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o bridle_v our_o tongue_n as_o he_o that_o will_v have_v a_o prudent_a care_n of_o his_o health_n and_o life_n must_v not_o only_o guard_v himself_o against_o the_o chief_a and_o common_a disease_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o man_n and_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v they_o but_o must_v likewise_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o those_o which_o be_v esteem_v less_o dangerous_a but_o yet_o sometime_o do_v prove_v mortal_a he_o must_v not_o only_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v his_o head_n and_o heart_n from_o be_v wound_v but_o must_v have_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o every_o part_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o disease_n or_o wound_v so_o slight_a but_o that_o some_o have_v die_v of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o a_o universal_a regard_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o no_o part_n of_o it_o though_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o especial_a regard_n to_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v more_o considerable_a and_o wherein_o religion_n do_v main_o consist_v as_o piety_n towards_o god_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o charity_n towards_o the_o poor_a truth_n and_o justice_n goodness_n and_o kindness_n towards_o all_o man_n but_o then_o no_o other_o grace_n and_o virtue_n though_o of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n aught_o to_o be_v neglect_v by_o we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o plain_o and_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o declare_v to_o you_o in_o what_o instance_n the_o due_a care_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n do_v chief_o consist_v and_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o man_n think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v a_o easy_a business_n and_o require_v but_o little_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o and_o that_o a_o small_a degree_n of_o diligence_n and_o industry_n will_v serve_v for_o this_o purpose_n to_o master_n and_o root_v out_o the_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o sin_n to_o bring_v our_o passion_n under_o the_o command_n and_o government_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o every_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o charity_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n may_v all_o have_v their_o perfect_a work_n and_o that_o as_o st._n james_n say_v we_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o nothing_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o of_o a_o good_a christian_n and_o this_o whenever_o we_o come_v to_o make_v the_o trial_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o long_a work_n some_o indeed_o will_v make_v religion_n to_o be_v a_o very_a short_a and_o easy_a business_n and_o to_o consist_v only_o in_o believe_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o rely_v confident_o upon_o it_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o much_o mistake_v it_o be_v the_o very_a definition_n of_o presumption_n for_o the_o bible_n plain_o teach_v we_o that_o unless_o our_o faith_n work_v by_o charity_n and_o purify_v our_o heart_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n unless_o like_o abraham_n faith_n it_o be_v perfect_v by_o work_n it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a avail_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n and_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o great_a author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v of_o say_v one_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o faith_n separate_v from_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n will_v save_v any_o man_n but_o he_o have_v say_v very_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o very_o plain_o for_o he_o promise_v blessedness_n to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v particular_o mention_v by_o he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o excellent_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n etc._n of_o humility_n and_o repentance_n and_o meekness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o patience_n under_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o same_o sermon_n 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o 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 my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o again_o 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o unto_o a_o wise_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o 27._o that_o whosoever_o build_v his_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n upon_o any_o other_o
foundation_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o precept_n do_v build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o rain_n and_o the_o wind_n will_v fall_v and_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o will_v be_v great_a and_o elsewhere_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n 17._o happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o and_o he_o do_v very_o severe_o check_v the_o vain_a confidence_n and_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o will_v needs_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n without_o keep_v his_o commandment_n why_o call_v you_o i_o 6.46_o say_z he_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v do_v any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o love_a god_n and_o christ_n and_o this_o say_v st._n john_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n 5.3_o that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o again_o 2.4_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o that_o say_v i_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o if_o you_o love_v i_o 14.15_o say_v our_o b._n lord_n keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o again_o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o do_v any_o man_n think_v that_o any_o but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n 3.7_o hear_v then_o what_o st._n john_n say_v little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a 10._o and_o again_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o that_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v the_o perpetual_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n 11._o if_o thou_o do_v well_o say_v god_n to_o cain_n shall_v thou_o not_o be_v accept_v and_o again_o say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o for_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o young_a man_n come_v to_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o what_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n our_o lord_n give_v he_o this_o short_a and_o plain_a advice_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n 19.17_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o in_o the_o very_a last_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o find_v this_o solemn_a declaration_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n into_o the_o city_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n so_o vain_a and_o groundless_a be_v the_o imagination_n of_o those_o who_o trust_v to_o be_v save_v by_o a_o idle_a and_o ineffectual_a faith_n without_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n ii_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o convince_v we_o all_o if_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v religion_n and_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o call_v any_o thing_n necessary_a we_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o order_n to_o some_o end_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o it_o we_o call_v those_o thing_n the_o necessary_n of_o life_n without_o which_o man_n can_v subsist_v and_o live_v in_o a_o tolerable_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v now_o happiness_n be_v our_o chief_a end_n whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o all_o other_o thing_n not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v neglect_v by_o we_o now_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o and_o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v religion_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extreme_o and_o for_o ever_o miserable_a first_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v god_n express_a declaration_n and_o promise_n the_o best_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v he_o that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n all_o the_o happiness_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v and_o of_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a be_v promise_v to_o we_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o religion_n upon_o our_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n a_o mighty_a reward_n for_o a_o little_a service_n a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n for_o the_o diligence_n and_o industry_n of_o a_o few_o day_n a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n second_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o this_o he_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o term_n he_o have_v say_v that_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o by_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v live_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o that_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n or_o adultery_n or_o malice_n or_o revenge_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o this_o happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o by_o who_o favour_n and_o bounty_n alone_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o say_v it_o in_o his_o word_n yet_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v plain_o declare_v it_o for_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n for_o it_o we_o must_v be_v like_a to_o god_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n before_o we_o can_v find_v any_o felicity_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o man_n must_v be_v purge_v from_o their_o lust_n and_o from_o those_o ill-natured_a and_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n before_o they_o can_v be_v fit_a company_n for_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o meet_v to_o dwell_v with_o he_o who_o be_v love_n and_o dwell_v in_o love_n three_o if_o we_o neglect_v religion_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extreme_o and_o for_o ever_o miserable_a the_o word_n of_o truth_n have_v say_v it_o that_o indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n shall_v be_v upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a nay_o if_o god_n shall_v hold_v his_o hand_n and_o shall_v inflict_v no_o positive_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o spare_v themselves_o but_o will_v be_v their_o own_o executioner_n and_o tormentor_n the_o guilt_n of_o that_o wicked_a life_n which_o they_o have_v lead_v in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n must_v necessary_o make_v they_o miserable_a whenever_o their_o own_o thought_n be_v let_v loose_a upon_o they_o as_o they_o will_v certain_o be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o either_o of_o pleasure_n or_o business_n to_o divert_v they_o so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v concern_v either_o to_o be_v happy_a 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mind_n the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o some_o degree_n but_o not_o so_o hearty_o and_o vigorous_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o infinite_a consequence_n do_v require_v and_o deserve_v and_o here_o i_o fear_v the_o very_o best_a be_v great_o defective_a and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v blame_v by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o convince_v than_o other_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o without_o this_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a they_o believe_v likewise_o that_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o every_o man_n holiness_n and_o virtue_n in_o this_o life_n will_v be_v the_o degree_n of_o his_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o that_o he_o that_o sow_v spare_o shall_v reap_v spare_o and_o he_o that_o sow_v plentiful_o shall_v reap_v plentiful_o and_o that_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o man_n reward_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o improvement_n of_o the_o talent_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o but_o how_o little_a do_v man_n live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o these_o conviction_n and_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v allure_v by_o the_o most_o glorious_a promise_n and_o hope_n and_o awe_v by_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o urge_v by_o the_o most_o forcible_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o evident_a necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n yet_o how_o faint_o do_v we_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o how_o frequent_o and_o how_o easy_o be_v we_o stop_v or_o divert_v in_o our_o christian_a course_n by_o very_o little_a temptation_n how_o cold_a and_o how_o careless_a and_o how_o inconstant_a be_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o how_o defective_a in_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v we_o act_v reasonable_o and_o as_o man_n use_v to_o do_v in_o matter_n of_o much_o less_o moment_n we_o can_v not_o be_v so_o indifferent_a about_o a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a so_o slight_a and_o careless_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o eternity_n do_v depend_v let_v we_o then_o shake_v off_o this_o sloth_n and_o security_n and_o resolve_v to_o make_v that_o the_o great_a business_n of_o time_n which_o be_v our_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o when_o we_o be_v immerse_v in_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n let_v this_o thought_n often_o come_v into_o our_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n needful_a and_o which_o therefore_o deserve_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o second_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o be_v gross_o careless_a of_o this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o mind_v it_o at_o all_o who_o go_v on_o secure_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n as_o if_o either_o they_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o no_o concernment_n for_o they_o i_o may_v say_v to_o these_o as_o the_o master_n of_o the_o ship_n do_v to_o jonah_n when_o he_o be_v fast_o 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misery_n of_o another_o world_n this_o this_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o bend_v and_o apply_v all_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_n if_o we_o will_v fair_o compare_v the_o necessity_n of_o thing_n and_o wise_o weigh_v the_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o in_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a balance_n we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o misplace_v our_o diligence_n and_o industry_n as_o we_o do_v to_o bestow_v our_o best_a thought_n and_o time_n about_o these_o vain_a and_o perish_a thing_n and_o to_o take_v no_o care_n about_o that_o better_a part_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o we_o fond_n and_o vain_a man_n that_o we_o be_v who_o be_v so_o solicitous_a how_o we_o shall_v pass_v a_o few_o day_n in_o this_o world_n but_o matter_n not_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o we_o for_o ever_o but_o as_o careless_a as_o we_o be_v now_o about_o these_o thing_n time_n will_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v sad_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n and_o when_o they_o will_v touch_v we_o to_o the_o quick_a when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n if_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o then_o so_o much_o time_n and_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o recollect_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v convince_v how_o great_a a_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o mind_v our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o prodigious_a folly_n of_o neglect_v they_o and_o of_o our_o not_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o value_n of_o they_o till_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o despair_v of_o save_v they_o but_o bless_a be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o yet_o our_o case_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o it_o may_v be_v let_v we_o then_o be_v wise_a and_o consider_v these_o thing_n in_o time_n lest_o death_n and_o despair_n shall_v overtake_v and_o oppress_v we_o at_o once_o you_o that_o be_v young_a be_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a opportunity_n of_o your_o life_n for_o the_o mind_v and_o do_v of_o this_o work_n you_o be_v now_o most_o capable_a of_o the_o best_a impression_n before_o the_o habit_n of_o vice_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o your_o heart_n be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a weighty_a consideration_n to_o be_v urge_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v old_a if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o own_v themselves_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o last_o opportunity_n of_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v lay_v hold_n of_o it_o and_o improve_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n for_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v pass_v and_o when_o it_o be_v nothing_o can_v call_v it_o back_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a while_n before_o we_o shall_v all_o certain_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n that_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v have_v do_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o prepare_v for_o the_o other_o can_v i_o represent_v to_o you_o that_o invisible_a world_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o you_o will_v all_o ready_o assent_v to_o this_o counsel_n and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o follow_v it_o and_o put_v it_o speedy_o in_o practice_n do_v but_o then_o open_a your_o eye_n and_o look_v a_o little_a before_o you_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o far_o off_o from_o any_o of_o we_o and_o to_o many_o of_o we_o may_v perhaps_o be_v much_o near_a than_o we_o be_v aware_a let_v we_o but_o judge_v of_o thing_n now_o as_o we_o shall_v all_o short_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o let_v we_o live_v now_o as_o after_o a_o few_o day_n we_o shall_v every_o one_o of_o we_o wish_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o have_v live_v and_o be_v as_o serious_a as_o if_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o to_o enter_v upon_o that_o change_n which_o death_n will_v quick_o make_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o strange_a stupidity_n of_o man_n that_o a_o change_n so_o near_o so_o great_a so_o certain_a shall_v affect_v we_o so_o cold_o and_o be_v so_o little_o consider_v and_o provide_v for_o by_o we_o that_o the_o thing_n of_o time_n shall_v move_v we_o so_o much_o and_o the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n so_o little_a what_o will_v we_o do_v when_o this_o change_n come_v if_o we_o have_v make_v no_o preparation_n for_o it_o if_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o do_v very_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o after_o a_o few_o day_n more_o be_v pass_v death_n will_v come_v and_o draw_z aside_o that_o thick_a veil_n of_o sense_n and_o security_n which_o now_o hide_v these_o thing_n from_o we_o and_o show_v we_o that_o fearful_a and_o amaze_a sight_n which_o
place_n to_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n by_o which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v a_o resolution_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o likewise_o a_o due_a care_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n aright_o that_o he_o may_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o his_o duty_n conscience_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o our_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n only_o be_v but_o it_o be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n and_o director_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n but_o because_o conscience_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a large_a and_o various_a signification_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v very_o brief_o to_o give_v you_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o now_o in_o common_a speech_n concern_v conscience_n every_o man_n be_v represent_v as_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o court_n and_o tribunal_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n where_o he_o try_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o action_n and_o conscience_n under_o one_o notion_n or_o other_o sustain_v all_o part_n in_o this_o trial_n the_o court_n be_v call_v the_o court_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o bar_n at_o which_o the_o sinner_n stand_v implead_v be_v call_v the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n also_o be_v the_o accuser_n and_o it_o be_v the_o record_n and_o register_n of_o our_o crime_n in_o which_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v and_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n for_o or_o against_o we_o hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n be_v to_o he_o instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o judge_n which_o declare_v the_o law_n and_o what_o we_o ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o case_n and_o according_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o we_o by_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v we_o thus_o according_a to_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n conscience_n sustain_v all_o imaginable_a part_n in_o this_o spiritual_a court_n it_o be_v the_o court_n and_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o bar_n the_o accuser_n and_o witness_v and_o register_n and_o all_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a consider_v conscience_n in_o the_o most_o common_a and_o famous_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o faculty_n whereby_o we_o judge_v of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o do_v according_o direct_a and_o govern_v our_o action_n so_o that_o in_o short_a conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n that_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferency_n of_o they_o tell_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v our_o duty_n what_o thing_n be_v forbid_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v sinful_a what_o thing_n be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o consequent_o be_v indifferent_a i_o proceed_v in_o the_o five_o the_o place_n to_o give_v some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o follow_v first_o never_o in_o any_o case_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n for_o that_o certain_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o which_o proper_o offend_v the_o conscience_n and_o render_v we_o guilty_a guilt_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o trouble_n arise_v in_o our_o mind_n from_o a_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o though_o perhaps_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o always_o well_o ground_v yet_o the_o guilt_n be_v the_o same_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v because_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o accuse_v or_o absolve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o offend_v against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n second_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v concern_v our_o duty_n or_o if_o we_o do_v that_o our_o error_n and_o mistake_n may_v not_o be_v gross_o wilful_a and_o faulty_a and_o this_o rule_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v and_o regard_v by_o we_o because_o general_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v it_o according_a to_o their_o conscience_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n 2_o lie_v and_o these_o sin_n may_v prove_v damnable_a without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o 1_o sy_n that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n man_n may_v neglect_v and_o abuse_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o do_v some_o of_o the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v well_o 16.2_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v they_o to_o death_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n nay_o the_o jew_n murder_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o through_o ignorance_n and_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n father_n forgive_v they_o 23.34_o say_v our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o be_v breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o st._n peter_n after_o he_o have_v charge_v the_o jew_n with_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n 3.17_o he_o present_o add_v i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o mitigation_n of_o that_o great_a crime_n say_v have_v they_o know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o concern_v himself_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o very_o think_v with_o himself_o 26.9_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o act_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a and_o a_o murderer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o great_a of_o sinner_n so_o 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in_o execution_n as_o against_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o secular_a business_n by_o vain_a sport_n and_o pastime_n which_o by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o dissolve_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o carry_v they_o off_o from_o all_o serious_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o from_o the_o meditation_n of_o another_o world_n and_o to_o give_v the_o devil_n a_o advantage_n and_o a_o opportunity_n which_o be_v never_o fail_v to_o take_v to_o steal_v the_o good_a seed_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o day_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v it_o of_o none_o effect_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o by_o lewd_a and_o sinful_a practice_n which_o be_v unlawful_a at_o any_o time_n but_o upon_o that_o day_n be_v a_o double_a breach_n and_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n and_o likewise_o by_o neglect_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o law_n against_o profane_a swear_v 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2._o the_o sin_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o serve_v at_o god_n altar_n and_o watch_v over_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o blood_n will_v be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n if_o any_o of_o they_o perish_v through_o their_o fault_n and_o neglect_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o good_a number_n of_o faithful_a shepherd_n in_o the_o land_n who_o watch_n over_o their_o flock_n with_o great_a care_n and_o conscience_n remember_v the_o dreadful_a account_n which_o they_o must_v one_o day_n make_v to_o he_o who_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a of_o the_o soul_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o yet_o how_o gross_o do_v many_o of_o we_o fail_v of_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o this_o high_a office_n want_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v take_v little_a or_o no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o a_o exemplary_a conversation_n nay_o too_o many_o among_o we_o demean_v themselves_o so_o scandalous_o as_o perfect_o to_o undermine_v the_o credit_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o lead_v life_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o to_o alienate_v their_o people_n from_o the_o church_n and_o to_o make_v they_o to_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o their_o wicked_a and_o unhallowed_a conversation_n hereby_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o craft_n of_o seducer_n and_o render_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o the_o emissary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o to_o any_o other_o sect_n and_o faction_n that_o pretend_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n or_o make_v a_o better_a show_n of_o a_o strict_a and_o unblameable_a life_n for_o who_o will_v regard_v or_o believe_v those_o teacher_n who_o give_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v by_o their_o life_n and_o action_n that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o doctrine_n when_o all_o be_v say_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o preacher_n be_v the_o best_a eloquence_n and_o have_v that_o dint_n and_o power_n of_o persuasion_n in_o they_o which_o no_o word_n no_o art_n can_v equal_v who_o so_o live_v as_o he_o speak_v do_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v as_o one_o that_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n not_o as_o the_o scribe_n who_o word_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o formality_n and_o gravity_n with_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v do_v therefore_o want_v weight_n and_o force_n because_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o they_o they_o say_v but_o do_v not_o their_o life_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o their_o doctrine_n whereas_o our_o bless_a saviour_n therefore_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v because_o he_o live_v as_o never_o man_n live_v so_o innocent_a so_o useful_a so_o exemplary_a a_o life_n he_o be_v holy_a harmless_a and_o undefiled_a he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o lip_n he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o do_v good_a this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v he_o so_o powerful_a a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n and_o we_o must_v necessary_o fall_v so_o much_o short_a of_o he_o in_o the_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n of_o our_o sermon_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o life_n such_o a_o preacher_n and_o such_o a_o practice_n as_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v be_v every_o way_n fit_v to_o reprove_v and_o persuade_v and_o reform_v mankind_n we_o now_o live_v in_o a_o age_n and_o church_n wherein_o they_o who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n ought_v to_o take_v great_a heed_n both_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o life_n that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o his_o holy_a religion_n be_v bring_v into_o contempt_n by_o those_o who_o above_o all_o other_o be_v most_o near_o concern_v to_o preserve_v and_o support_v the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o we_o can_v but_o see_v how_o our_o religion_n and_o church_n be_v beset_v and_o endanger_v on_o every_o side_n by_o the_o rude_a assault_n of_o infidelity_n and_o by_o the_o cunning_a art_n of_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o by_o our_o own_o intestine_a heat_n and_o division_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o lament_v no_o though_o it_o be_v with_o tear_n of_o blood_n that_o we_o who_o particular_a charge_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v to_o build_v up_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o a_o holy_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n shall_v for_o want_v of_o due_a instruction_n and_o by_o the_o dissolute_a and_o profligate_v life_n of_o too_o many_o among_o we_o and_o by_o inflame_v our_o needless_a difference_n about_o lesser_a thing_n have_v so_o great_a a_o hand_n in_o pull_v down_o religion_n and_o in_o betray_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n either_o to_o downright_a infidelity_n or_o to_o a_o careless_a neglect_n and_o profane_a contempt_n of_o all_o religion_n may_v not_o god_n just_o expostulate_v this_o matter_n with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a with_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n 31._o a_o wonderful_a and_o horrible_a thing_n be_v commit_v in_o the_o land_n the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_o and_o the_o priest_n bear_v rule_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o my_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o and_o what_o will_v you_o do_v in_o the_o end_n thereof_o when_o they_o who_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n have_v by_o their_o ill_a conduct_n and_o management_n bring_v matter_n to_o that_o pass_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n sit_v down_o content_v with_o the_o worst_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v become_v almost_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o have_v any_o religion_n or_o not_o what_o can_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n will_v be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o public_a reformation_n among_o we_o it_o must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n must_v lead_v on_o this_o work_n and_o be_v more_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o high_a and_o holy_a office_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n else_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v when_o god_n shall_v challenge_v we_o as_o he_o once_o do_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o his_o prophet_n say_v where_o be_v the_o flock_n that_o be_v give_v thou_o 21._o thy_o beautiful_a
miracle_n though_o we_o take_v but_o little_a notice_n of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o do_v not_o die_v every_o day_n since_o we_o be_v bear_v i_o say_v consider_v the_o nice_a and_o curious_a frame_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o innumerable_a contingency_n and_o hazard_n of_o humane_a life_n which_o be_v set_v in_o so_o slippery_a a_o place_n that_o we_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n we_o can_v ascribe_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o watchful_a providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n who_o hold_v our_o soul_n in_o life_n and_o suffer_v not_o our_o foot_n to_o be_v move_v to_o the_o same_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n we_o owe_v that_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o life_n we_o have_v any_o comfortable_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o that_o which_o make_v we_o man_n i_o mean_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o our_o imagination_n be_v not_o let_v loose_a upon_o we_o to_o haunt_v and_o torment_v we_o with_o melancholic_a freak_n and_o fear_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deliver_v up_o to_o the_o horror_n of_o a_o gloomy_a and_o guilty_a mind_n that_o every_o day_n we_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o frenzy_n and_o distraction_n which_o next_o to_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n be_v the_o sore_a calamity_n and_o sad_a disguise_n of_o humane_a nature_n i_o say_v next_o to_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n which_o be_v a_o wilful_a frenzy_n a_o madness_n not_o from_o misfortune_n but_o from_o choice_n whereas_o the_o other_o proceed_v from_o natural_a and_o necessary_a cause_n such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n out_o of_o our_o power_n so_o that_o we_o be_v perpetual_o liable_a to_o it_o from_o any_o secret_a and_o sudden_a disorder_n of_o the_o brain_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o disease_n or_o the_o vehement_a transport_n of_o any_o passion_n now_o if_o thing_n be_v under_o no_o government_n what_o can_v hinder_v so_o many_o probable_a evil_n from_o break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o from_o tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o one_o another_o like_o the_o calamity_n of_o job_n when_o the_o hedge_n which_o god_n have_v set_v about_o he_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v be_v break_v down_o and_o remove_v so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o we_o can_v be_v secure_a of_o no_o sort_n no_o degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n no_o not_o for_o one_o moment_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o other_o world_n for_o we_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o and_o to_o make_v amends_o to_o we_o for_o all_o the_o fear_n and_o danger_n all_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n for_o god_n and_o another_o world_n stand_v and_o fall_v together_o without_o he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o and_o if_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n man_n of_o all_o other_o being_n in_o this_o low_a world_n will_v certain_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a i_o can_v say_v that_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v will_v happen_v to_o all_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v not_o rule_v the_o world_n but_o that_o every_o man_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o they_o all_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v he_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o danger_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n consider_v by_o itself_o be_v plain_o insufficient_a for_o its_o own_o happiness_n so_o that_o we_o must_v necessary_o look_v abroad_o and_o seek_v for_o it_o somewhere_o else_o and_o who_o can_v show_v we_o that_o good_a that_o be_v equal_a to_o all_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n all_o the_o capacity_n and_o desire_n all_o the_o fear_n and_o hope_n of_o humane_a nature_n whatsoever_o can_v answer_v all_o these_o must_v have_v these_o follow_a property_n first_o it_o must_v be_v a_o all-sufficient_a good_a second_o it_o must_v be_v perfect_a goodness_n three_o it_o must_v be_v firm_a and_o unchangeable_a in_o itself_o four_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o good_a as_o none_o can_v deprive_v we_o of_o and_o take_v away_o from_o we_o five_o it_o must_v be_v eternal_a six_o it_o must_v be_v able_a to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o every_o condition_n and_o under_o all_o the_o accident_n and_o adversity_n of_o humane_a life_n last_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o good_a as_o can_v give_v perfect_a rest_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o our_o mind_n nothing_o that_o be_v short_a of_o all_o this_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o no_o creature_n no_o not_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v all_o this_o to_o we_o all_o these_o property_n meet_v only_o in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o supreme_a good_a as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n more_o particular_o to_o show_v and_o consequent_o that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a happiness_n of_o man._n first_o god_n be_v a_o all-sufficient_a good_n and_o this_o do_v import_n two_o thing_n wisdom_n to_o contrive_v our_o happiness_n and_o power_n to_o effect_v it_o for_o neither_o of_o these_o without_o the_o other_o be_v sufficient_a and_o both_o these_o in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o eminent_a degree_n be_v in_o god_n he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a to_o design_n and_o contrive_v our_o happiness_n because_o he_o know_v what_o happiness_n be_v and_o how_o to_o frame_v we_o so_o as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o happiness_n he_o design_n for_o we_o and_o how_o to_o order_v and_o dispose_v all_o other_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o hindrance_n and_o impediment_n to_o it_o he_o perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o possibility_n of_o thing_n and_o how_o to_o fit_v mean_n to_o any_o end_n he_o know_v all_o our_o want_n and_o how_o to_o supply_v they_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o desire_n and_o how_o to_o satisfy_v they_o he_o fore-sees_a all_o the_o danger_n and_o evil_n which_o threaten_v we_o and_o know_v how_o to_o prevent_v or_o divert_v they_o if_o he_o think_v fit_a or_o if_o he_o permit_v they_o to_o come_v how_o to_o support_v we_o under_o they_o or_o to_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o they_o or_o to_o turn_v they_o to_o our_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o last_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n his_o wisdom_n can_v be_v surprise_v by_o any_o accident_n which_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v and_o which_o he_o be_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v but_o short_a and_o imperfect_a and_o liable_a to_o infinite_a error_n and_o mistake_n in_o many_o case_n man_n know_v not_o what_o be_v safe_a and_o best_a for_o they_o nor_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o will_v conduce_v most_o to_o their_o happiness_n nay_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o those_o very_a mean_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n choose_v for_o their_o security_n do_v prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o ruin_n and_o they_o be_v throw_v down_o by_o those_o very_a way_n whereby_o they_o think_v to_o raise_v and_o to_o establish_v themselves_o especial_o if_o god_n breathe_v upon_o the_o counsel_n of_o man_n how_o be_v their_o design_n blast_v how_o be_v they_o infatuate_v and_o foil_v in_o their_o deep_a contrivance_n and_o snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o great_a politician_n be_v turn_v into_o foolishness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n nor_o understanding_n nor_o counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v found_v upon_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v thereby_o secure_v against_o all_o possibility_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_n god_n perfect_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o they_o to_o any_o of_o his_o purpose_n so_o that_o none_o of_o his_o design_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n can_v miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o good_a contrivance_n or_o wise_a conduct_n and_o as_o he_o be_v perfect_o wise_a to_o contrive_v our_o happiness_n so_o be_v he_o infinite_o powerful_a to_o effect_v it_o and_o to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n all_o the_o obstacle_n and_o impediment_n of_o it_o we_o may_v understand_v many_o time_n what_o will_v conduce_v to_o our_o happiness_n but_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o compass_v it_o but_o nothing_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o omnipotency_n many_o thing_n be_v difficult_a to_o we_o but_o nothing_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o god_n many_o thing_n be_v impossible_a with_o we_o but_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a for_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o power_n from_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o upon_o who_o it_o depend_v and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v perfect_o subject_a and_o subordinate_a he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o in_o
present_a fruit_n this_o earnest_n as_o i_o may_v say_v and_o ready_a money_n in_o hand_n the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v much_o more_o valuable_a than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n the_o unspeakable_a comfort_n whereof_o every_o man_n will_v then_o find_v when_o he_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o for_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o he_o not_o only_o under_o the_o sore_a affliction_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n but_o even_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n when_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n oppress_v he_o and_o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v he_o about_o and_o the_o pang_n of_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o there_o be_v certain_o no_o such_o comfort_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n as_o a_o faithful_a witness_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n when_o we_o be_v afflict_v by_o god_n or_o persecute_v and_o revile_v by_o man_n it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a consolation_n to_o we_o to_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n for_o though_o no_o man_n can_v acquit_v and_o justify_v himself_o before_o god_n as_o to_o the_o perfect_a innocency_n of_o his_o life_n in_o which_o sense_n st._n paul_n say_v 4.4_o that_o though_o he_o know_v nothing_o by_o himself_o yet_o be_v he_o not_o thereby_o justify_v i_o say_v though_o no_o man_n can_v plead_v perfect_a innocency_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o a_o unblameable_a life_n a_o good_a man_n may_v appeal_v to_o god_n and_o even_o when_o he_o afflict_v he_o may_v look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a father_n and_o not_o as_o a_o angry_a and_o revengeful_a judge_n with_o this_o holy_a and_o patient_a job_n under_o all_o those_o terrible_a disaster_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v he_o be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o comfort_v himself_o after_o he_o have_v lose_v all_o and_o he_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o lose_v when_o he_o be_v forsake_v of_o all_o other_o comfort_n even_o the_o charitable_a opinion_n of_o his_o best_a friend_n concern_v his_o sincerity_n in_o these_o sad_a and_o disconsolate_a circumstance_n what_o be_v it_o that_o bear_v up_o his_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n see_v with_o what_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n he_o assert_n and_o maintain_v it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v he_o 6._o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o my_o righteousness_n will_v i_o hold_v fast_o and_o will_v not_o let_v it_o go_v my_o heart_n shall_v not_o reproach_v i_o so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v you_o see_v that_o when_o every_o thing_n else_o be_v go_v his_o intergrity_n stick_v by_o he_o and_o support_v he_o to_o the_o last_o and_o as_o to_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n from_o man_n our_o own_o innocency_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n will_v be_v our_o best_a comfort_n under_o they_o when_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v deserve_v they_o from_o man_n and_o be_v inward_o assure_v that_o whatever_o we_o patient_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v all_o turn_v to_o our_o account_n another_o day_n and_o work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n this_o be_v that_o which_o support_v the_o first_o christian_n that_o noble_a army_n of_o martyr_n under_o all_o those_o bitter_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n which_o have_v otherwise_o be_v beyond_o all_o humane_a patience_n to_o have_v endure_v this_o comfort_v they_o in_o all_o their_o tribulation_n our_o rejoice_v say_v st._n paul_n be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n so_o likewise_o under_o that_o inferior_a but_o equal_o malicious_a sort_n of_o persecution_n of_o which_o this_o age_n be_v so_o very_o profuse_a and_o prodigal_a i_o mean_v the_o causeless_a calumny_n and_o reproach_n of_o man_n if_o under_o these_o we_o can_v but_o approve_v our_o conscience_n to_o god_n the_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o some_o impression_n they_o will_v make_v upon_o a_o tender_a mind_n but_o we_o must_v not_o if_o we_o can_v help_v it_o let_v they_o sink_v too_o deep_a into_o our_o spirit_n 3.21_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o may_v have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o then_o sure_o much_o more_o towards_o man_n if_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n do_v but_o acquit_v we_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o difficult_a matter_n to_o bear_v the_o slander_n and_o hard_a censure_n of_o man_n but_o above_o all_o other_o time_n the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v most_o sensible_a and_o most_o considerable_a at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n for_o as_o nothing_o deject_v a_o man_n spirit_n more_o and_o send_v he_o down_o with_o so_o much_o sorrow_n to_o the_o grave_n as_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n what_o terror_n and_o anguish_n what_o rage_n and_o despair_n do_v seize_v upon_o a_o sinner_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o revive_v and_o raise_v the_o faint_a spirit_n of_o a_o die_a man_n like_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o useful_a life_n which_o have_v bring_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o man_n the_o wicked_a 14.32_o say_v solomon_n be_v drive_v away_o in_o his_o wickedness_n that_o be_v he_o be_v carry_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o tempest_n but_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n he_o usual_o die_v calm_o and_o comfortable_o mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n say_v david_n 37.37_o and_o behold_v the_o upright_a for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n if_o a_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o please_v he_o if_o he_o have_v live_v inoffensive_o and_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o 23.1_o in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o man_n what_o a_o unspeakable_a consolation_n must_v it_o be_v to_o he_o in_o that_o dark_a and_o gloomy_a time_n and_o when_o he_o be_v walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n then_o to_o fear_v no_o evil_a and_o to_o be_v able_a with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o say_v though_o in_o a_o much_o inferior_a measure_n and_o degree_n father_n 17.4_o i_o have_v glorify_v thou_o on_o the_o earth_n i_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o to_o do_v and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n with_o the_o like_a courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v when_o he_o see_v it_o approach_v towards_o he_o i_o be_o now_o 8._o say_v he_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v and_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o race_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n a_o comfortable_a death_n that_o be_v free_a from_o the_o sting_n and_o upbraid_n the_o terror_n and_o torture_n the_o confusion_n and_o amazement_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v a_o happiness_n so_o desirable_a as_o to_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o best_a care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n let_v we_o then_o have_v a_o conscientious_a regard_n to_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o with_o st._n paul_n let_v we_o exercise_v ourselves_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o let_v we_o never_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o shall_v offer_v violence_n to_o the_o light_n of_o our_o mind_n god_n have_v give_v we_o this_o principle_n to_o be_v our_o constant_a guide_n and_o companion_n and_o whoever_o after_o due_a care_n to_o inform_v himself_o aright_o do_v sincere_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o this_o guide_n shall_v never_o fatal_o miscarry_v but_o whoever_o go_v against_o the_o clear_a dictate_v and_o conviction_n of_o his_o conscience_n in_o so_o do_v he_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o own_o comfort_n and_o peace_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v keep_v our_o conscience_n clear_a of_o guilt_n we_o shall_v frequent_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o action_n of_o
our_o life_n and_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o they_o that_o where-in-soev_a we_o have_v fail_v of_o innocency_n we_o may_v make_v it_o up_o by_o repentance_n and_o may_v get_v our_o conscience_n clear_v of_o guilt_n by_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v this_o we_o can_v with_o confidence_n rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n because_o many_o great_a sin_n may_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o which_o yet_o do_v require_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o particular_a repentance_n especial_o we_o shall_v search_v our_o conscience_n more_o narrow_o at_o these_o more_o solemn_a time_n of_o repentance_n and_o when_o we_o be_v prepare_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o if_o at_o these_o time_n our_o heart_n do_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v we_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o hearty_o lament_v and_o bewail_v it_o before_o god_n but_o sincere_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o reform_v in_o that_o particular_a and_o from_o that_o time_n to_o break_v off_o that_o sin_n which_o we_o have_v then_o repent_v of_o and_o have_v ask_v forgiveness_n of_o god_n for_o for_o if_o after_o we_o have_v repent_v of_o it_o we_o return_v to_o it_o again_o we_o wound_v our_o conscience_n afresh_o and_o involve_v they_o in_o a_o new_a guilt_n in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o shall_v reverence_v our_o conscience_n and_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o they_o and_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o their_o testimony_n and_o verdict_n for_o conscience_n be_v a_o domestic_a judge_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o familiar_a god_n and_o therefore_o next_o to_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n every_o man_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n which_o whenever_o we_o know_o do_v amiss_o will_v beat_v we_o with_o many_o stripe_n and_o handle_v we_o more_o severe_o than_o the_o great_a enemy_n we_o have_v in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o next_o to_o the_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o the_o great_a day_n every_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o dread_v the_o sentence_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n god_n indeed_o be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o under_o he_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o nothing_o but_o that_o can_v give_v we_o comfort_n and_o nothing_o can_v create_v so_o much_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v to_o we_o and_o though_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o always_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o several_a account_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v and_o so_o conclude_v first_o because_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v free_a from_o any_o compulsion_n no_o body_n can_v force_v it_o from_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o and_o make_v we_o to_o pass_v sentence_n against_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o see_v reason_n for_o it_o or_o not_o second_o the_o sentence_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n be_v very_o likely_a to_o be_v impartial_a at_o lest_o not_o too_o hard_o on_o the_o severe_a side_n because_o man_n natural_o love_v themselves_o and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v favourable_a in_o their_o own_o case_n all_o the_o world_n can_v bribe_v a_o man_n against_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v not_o either_o distemper_v by_o melancholy_a or_o delude_v by_o false_a principle_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v credulous_a against_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o peace_n three_o the_o judgement_n which_o our_o conscience_n pass_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n be_v upon_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o true_a motive_n and_o end_n we_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o judgement_n of_o the_o action_n of_o other_o man_n and_o may_v think_v they_o to_o be_v much_o better_a or_o worse_o than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v because_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v with_o what_o mind_n they_o be_v do_v and_o what_o circumstance_n there_o may_v be_v to_o excuse_v or_o aggravate_v they_o how_o strong_a the_o temptation_n be_v or_o how_o weak_a the_o judgement_n of_o he_o that_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o into_o error_n and_o folly_n but_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o all_o the_o secret_a spring_n and_o motive_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o own_o action_n we_o can_v descend_v into_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o dive_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o and_o search_v into_o the_o most_o retire_a corner_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o end_n which_o none_o beside_o ourselves_o but_o only_o god_n can_v do_v for_o except_v he_o only_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o four_o the_o sentence_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v peremptory_a and_o inexorable_a and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o 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the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o thorough_o affright_v with_o its_o own_o gild_n may_v be_v a_o more_o ghastly_a and_o amaze_a spectacle_n than_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n there_o be_v no_o such_o frightful_a apparition_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n be_v own_o guilty_a and_o terrify_a conscience_n stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n a_o spirit_n that_o be_v thus_o wound_v who_o can_v bear_v to_o conclude_v let_v these_o consideration_n prevail_v with_o we_o always_o to_o live_v not_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o which_o may_v be_v ground_v upon_o mistake_n or_o may_v not_o indeed_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o their_o flattery_n but_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n which_o though_o it_o may_v sometime_o be_v mistake_v can_v never_o be_v bribe_v and_o corrupt_v we_o may_v be_v hypocrite_n to_o other_o and_o base_a flatterer_n but_o our_o conscience_n whenever_o they_o be_v thorough_o awaken_v be_v always_o sincere_a and_o deal_v true_o with_o we_o and_o speak_v to_o we_o as_o they_o think_v therefore_o whatever_o we_o say_v or_o do_v let_v it_o be_v sincere_a for_o though_o hypocrisy_n may_v for_o a_o while_o preserve_v our_o esteem_n and_o reputation_n with_o other_o yet_o it_o can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o then_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o conceal_v any_o thing_n from_o other_o man_n when_o we_o can_v hide_v nothing_o that_o we_o say_v or_o do_v from_o our_o own_o conscience_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o if_o we_o will_v keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n let_v we_o always_o be_v calm_a and_o considerate_a and_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o examine_v thing_n thorough_o and_o impartial_o let_v we_o be_v humble_a and_o willing_a to_o learn_v and_o never_o too_o proud_a and_o stiff_o to_o be_v better_o inform_v let_v we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n from_o self-conceit_n and_o self-interest_n which_o be_v often_o too_o strong_a a_o bias_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o best_a man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v every_o day_n in_o very_o sad_a and_o melancholy_a instance_n and_o have_v take_v all_o due_a care_n to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n a-right_a let_v we_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o what_o we_o do_v and_o then_o we_o have_v do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o please_v god_n and_o if_o we_o will_v always_o take_v this_o care_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n we_o shall_v always_o be_v easy_a and_o good_a company_n to_o ourselves_o but_o if_o we_o offend_v our_o conscience_n by_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a dictate_v and_o conviction_n of_o they_o we_o make_v the_o unhappy_a breach_n in_o the_o world_n we_o stir_v up_o a_o
soul_n and_o so_o long_o as_o that_o remain_v unwounded_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n god_n be_v intimate_v to_o our_o soul_n and_o have_v secret_a way_n whereby_o to_o convey_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n into_o our_o heart_n under_o the_o bitter_a affliction_n and_o sharp_a suffering_n he_o can_v enable_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n when_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v take_v from_o we_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o trouble_v about_o we_o he_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v when_o we_o be_v persecute_v afflict_a and_o torment_v he_o can_v give_v we_o that_o ravish_a sight_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o world_n that_o steadfast_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n as_o shall_v quite_o extinguish_v all_o sense_n of_o present_a suffering_n how_o do_v many_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a martyr_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o under_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o may_v happen_v to_o fall_v into_o those_o circumstance_n of_o danger_n and_o of_o bodily_a pain_n and_o suffering_n as_o to_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o relief_n and_o comfort_n but_o from_o god_n none_o in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o trust_v to_o but_o he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o life_n he_o be_v a_o sure_a refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n and_o to_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n after_o the_o text_n when_o our_o heart_n fail_v and_o our_o strength_n fail_v god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o portion_n for_o ever_o now_o what_o will_v any_o of_o we_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n humane_a nature_n be_v liable_a to_o desperate_a strait_n and_o exigency_n and_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o be_v not_o provide_v against_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v it_o be_v sad_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n and_o hope_n and_o yet_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n they_o will_v not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o or_o how_o to_o entertain_v their_o thought_n with_o any_o comfortable_a consideration_n under_o their_o present_a anguish_n all_o man_n natural_o resort_v to_o god_n in_o extremity_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o he_o for_o help_v even_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a when_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o other_o comfort_n will_v run_v to_o god_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o he_o and_o cling_v about_o he_o but_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n in_o those_o who_o neglect_n and_o despise_v he_o in_o their_o prosperity_n though_o they_o owe_v that_o also_o entire_o to_o he_o but_o when_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v than_o they_o lay_v hold_v of_o he_o as_o their_o only_a refuge_n when_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o they_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v he_o early_o then_o they_o will_v cry_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o in_o that_o day_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n for_o i_o know_v you_o not_o here_o will_v be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o such_o person_n that_o god_n will_v then_o appear_v terrible_a to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a when_o they_o look_v up_o to_o he_o to_o abide_v his_o frown_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o to_o supplicate_v to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o despair_v of_o it_o then_o those_o terrible_a threaten_n of_o god_n word_n will_v come_v to_o their_o mind_n because_o i_o call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n etc._n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n come_v as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o you_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n the_o ease_n of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v that_o terrible_a passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a jew_n they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n 27.11_o therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n and_o man_n be_v miserable_a creature_n indeed_o when_o god_n their_o maker_n do_v abandon_v they_o and_o have_v so_o far_o harden_v his_o heart_n against_o they_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o pity_n and_o compassion_n for_o they_o seven_o and_o last_o which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o all_o the_o rest_n god_n be_v such_o a_o good_a as_o can_v give_v perfect_a rest_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o which_o can_v do_v this_o though_o it_o have_v all_o the_o property_n before_o mention_v can_v make_v we_o happy_a for_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o so_o whatever_o cause_n he_o may_v have_v to_o think_v so_o now_o what_o in_o reason_n can_v give_v we_o disquiet_n if_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n rule_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a and_o that_o god_n be_v all_o that_o to_o good_a man_n which_o have_v now_o be_v say_v of_o he_o why_o shall_v not_o our_o mind_n be_v in_o perfect_a repose_n when_o we_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o have_v find_v out_o that_o which_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v we_o so_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o by_o our_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o do_v not_o oppose_v and_o frustrate_v this_o design_n if_o a_o considerate_a man_n be_v permit_v to_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o wish_v the_o great_a good_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o devise_v after_o he_o have_v search_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o result_n of_o all_o his_o wish_n will_v be_v that_o there_o be_v just_o such_o a_o be_v as_o we_o must_v necessary_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v nor_o will_v he_o choose_v any_o other_o friend_n or_o benefactor_n any_o other_o protector_n for_o himself_o or_o governor_n for_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o infinite_a power_n conduct_v and_o manage_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n after_o all_o his_o enquiry_n he_o will_v come_v to_o the_o psalmist_n conclusion_n here_o in_o the_o text_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o vain_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n elsewhere_o but_o this_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o due_a consideration_n for_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v and_o all_o account_n right_o cast_v up_o and_o adjust_v we_o shall_v at_o last_o settle_v in_o david_n resolution_n of_o that_o great_a question_n what_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a of_o man_n 8._o there_o be_v many_o say_v he_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a that_o be_v man_n be_v general_o inquisitive_a after_o happiness_n but_o great_o divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o it_o most_o man_n place_v it_o in_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n but_o david_n for_o his_o part_n pitch_v upon_o god_n in_o who_o he_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o wine_n increase_v the_o great_a joy_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n and_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o david_n have_v