consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n not_o to_o overbear_v the_o world_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o by_o force_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o man_n it_o have_v rather_o be_v much_o more_o strange_a if_o it_o have_v escape_v opposition_n and_o corruption_n than_o to_o have_v be_v both_o oppose_v and_o corrupt_v as_o it_o have_v thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o it_o will_v be_v take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o be_o christ_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o many_o false_a prophet_n stall_n arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o there_o be_v christ_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o thus_o he_o foretell_v how_o christianity_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o imposture_n and_o fraud_n again_o say_v he_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o kill_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o nation_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o shall_v many_o be_v offend_v and_o shall_v betray_v one_o another_o and_o shall_v hate_v one_o another_o thus_o he_o foretell_v the_o violence_n that_o shall_v be_v use_v to_o extinguish_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n again_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o thess_n 2._o there_o shall_v be_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n theâ—e_n he_o foretell_v a_o fearful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n again_o say_v he_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce-breaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n there_o he_o foretell_v a_o terrible_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o again_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o know_v the_o truth_n now_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o here_o be_v as_o plain_a warning_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a time_n even_o after_o christ_n first_o come_v and_o so_o that_o be_v express_o foretell_v which_o the_o text_n evident_o suppose_v for_o here_o will_v be_v glorious_a pretence_n to_o deceive_v violence_n to_o compel_v and_o wicked_a example_n to_o offend_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o provision_n have_v our_o lord_n leave_v to_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v mislead_v where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n they_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v we_o at_o first_o by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o be_v deceive_v they_o must_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a example_n and_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v when_o they_o shall_v happen_v nor_o be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o either_o christianity_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o the_o first_o or_o at_o least_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v neglect_v all_o care_n of_o it_o since_o because_o it_o do_v so_o little_a good_a as_o yet_o in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o error_n and_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v so_o vehement_o oppose_v for_o say_v our_o saviour_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o but_o still_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n by_o such_o prediction_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v guard_v themselves_o against_o error_n and_o evil_a example_n and_o therefore_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n will_n in_o all_o likelihood_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o believer_n and_o cause_v some_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o not_o regard_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n beforehand_o and_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v unavoidable_a from_o the_o text_n that_o even_o after_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v degenerate_a age_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n find_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o visit_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o iniquity_n and_o offence_n it_o abound_v with_o the_o 2._o supposition_n be_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v intimate_v manifest_o that_o his_o come_n be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v when_o little_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o consequent_o when_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o they_o i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o man_n receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o that_o receive_v it_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o there_o be_v as_o monstrous_a error_n and_o lewd_a example_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n or_o as_o there_o be_v now_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o profess_a now_o at_o this_o rate_n shall_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v thing_n go_v as_o they_o will_v it_o will_v in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o of_o christianity_n will_v remain_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o name_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n with_o it_o than_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o divine_a providence_n will_v interpose_v or_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v and_o will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v never_o more_o remarkable_o fulfil_v than_o when_o he_o interpose_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o irresistible_a mean_n of_o convince_a vnbeliever_n and_o reform_v wicked_a man_n therefore_o it_o will_v in_o time_n be_v needful_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v christian_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v by_o his_o providence_n correct_v his_o own_o disciple_n and_o reduce_v wretched_a mankind_n into_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o consideration_n that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o utter_o fall_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v
design_n in_o christianity_n to_o set_v up_o any_o nation_n or_o party_n of_o man_n in_o opposition_n and_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o but_o it_o plain_o aim_v at_o a_o general_a good_a and_o under_o its_o penalty_n require_v all_o its_o professor_n to_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o too_o and_o condemn_v those_o who_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o among_o the_o great_a offender_n and_o this_o religion_n as_o machiavelli_n well_o observe_v be_v not_o calculate_v for_o the_o inspire_a of_o man_n with_o great_a design_n such_o i_o suppose_v as_o his_o caesar_n borgia_n aim_v at_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a too_o philosophical_a too_o innocent_a and_o charitable_a to_o raise_v a_o ambitious_a heat_n or_o to_o serve_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v out_o by_o other_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n that_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o swell_n of_o worldly_a pride_n into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o african_a father_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o celestine_n call_v it_o and_o advance_v one_o part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o depress_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o true_a christianity_n serve_v no_o such_o design_n therefore_o be_v our_o saviour_n oppose_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o doctrine_n do_v not_o tend_v at_o all_o that_o way_n viz._n to_o make_v jerusalem_n the_o mistress_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o shall_v depend_v upon_o she_o it_o do_v not_o minister_v to_o their_o ambitious_a and_o worldly_a hope_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n 3._o if_o we_o look_v upon_o christianity_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v still_o hold_v true_a that_o offence_n must_v needs_o come_v because_o the_o worship_n it_o prescribe_v be_v a_o worship_n of_o great_a simplicity_n that_o have_v but_o two_o or_o three_o positive_a institution_n of_o divine_a authority_n viz._n the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o holy_a son_n jesus_n now_o this_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o love_n rather_o a_o pompous_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o nice_a observation_n than_o a_o grave_n and_o decent_a administration_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o former_a do_v amuse_v the_o sense_n and_o entertain_v the_o imagination_n the_o latter_a do_v that_o but_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n and_o rather_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n but_o most_o people_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o thing_n that_o touch_v their_o fancy_n than_o their_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o time_n there_o will_v grow_v very_o great_a excess_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o there_o do_v even_o in_o st._n augustine_n day_n who_o complain_v of_o it_o not_o a_o little_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o januarius_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o such_o excess_n will_v be_v accompany_v with_o false_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n for_o whereas_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o appoint_v so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o external_a observation_n leave_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o decency_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n be_v this_o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o pretence_n of_o place_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o by_o their_o very_a worship_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o show_v they_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v without_o those_o thing_n whereas_o he_o do_v hereby_o effectual_o declare_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o pious_a heart_n and_o the_o obedience_n that_o be_v express_v in_o a_o good_a life_n the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v as_o averse_a from_o this_o as_o it_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o other_o and_o desire_n to_o please_v god_n by_o so_o easy_a a_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o run_v out_o into_o a_o world_n of_o mystery_n and_o show_v and_o observation_n and_o seem_v to_o save_v they_o the_o labour_n of_o subdue_a their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o of_o serve_v god_n by_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n contemptible_a and_o odious_a to_o the_o heathen_n that_o they_o have_v so_o few_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o plain_a and_o simple_a a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n but_o one_o altar_n but_o one_o mediator_n no_o tutelar_a deity_n and_o patron_n no_o throng_n of_o petty_a god_n but_o one_o or_o two_o mystery_n and_o those_o too_o plain_a and_o instruct_v without_o pomp_n and_o amuzement_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o these_o they_o reckon_v the_o christian_n little_o better_a than_o atheist_n believe_v that_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v no_o stately_a show_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n himself_o appoint_v a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o consist_v of_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o ceremony_n but_o beside_o this_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o type_n to_o discover_v the_o messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v there_o be_v another_o end_n of_o divine_a providence_n observable_a in_o that_o constitution_n which_o be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v a_o stately_a and_o mystical_a form_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v less_o under_o a_o temptation_n of_o learning_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o numerous_a and_o gaudy_a ceremony_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v have_v bewitch_v the_o jew_n ten_o time_n more_o than_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o vie_v with_o they_o but_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n say_v that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o best_a in_o themselves_o but_o consider_v the_o time_n the_o best_a for_o they_o for_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v all_o mankind_n to_o worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o nation_n from_o idolatry_n the_o scheme_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n be_v take_v down_o and_o the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o nothing_o but_o prayer_n and_o praise_n two_o sacrament_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o fond_a and_o foolish_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o that_o offence_n be_v ready_a to_o come_v upon_o this_o account_n also_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n too_o good_a for_o a_o wicked_a world_n too_o wise_a for_o a_o vain_a and_o foolish_a world_n i_o mean_v it_o be_v too_o good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o escape_v opposition_n and_o all_o change_n the_o world_n will_v either_o try_v to_o keep_v it_o out_o or_o when_o that_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v any_o long_o to_o square_v and_o form_v it_o better_o to_o its_o own_o purpose_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n viz._n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n that_o a_o peculiar_a temper_n be_v require_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o order_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o his_o doctrine_n a_o spirit_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n willingness_n to_o learn_v patience_n of_o reproof_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o disposition_n the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n will_v certain_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o be_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o since_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o over-rule_v they_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v first_o of_o all_o great_o oppose_v as_o it_o be_v and_o afterward_o insincere_o handle_v as_o it_o have_v be_v and_o this_o although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v peculiar_o furnish_v with_o mean_n to_o infuse_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a disposition_n into_o they_o that_o want_v it_o for_o those_o mean_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o after_o all_o man_n may_v be_v the_o worse_o and_o not_o the_o better_a for_o they_o nothing_o can_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v more_o fit_a to_o awaken_v man_n to_o consideration_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o honesty_n and_o wisdom_n and_o to_o conquer_v all_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la than_o the_o
promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o warning_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o mend_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n consist_v but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n that_o can_v be_v do_v man_n may_v choose_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v and_o consider_v and_o it_o well_o become_v divine_a providence_n to_o permit_v those_o to_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a difference_n make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o insincere_a and_o incorrigible_a on_o the_o other_o which_o have_v be_v impossible_a if_o god_n have_v by_o his_o omnipotence_n equal_o overbear_v all_o man_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o touchstone_n that_o distinguish_v between_o the_o humble_a and_o sincere_a and_o the_o unteachable_a and_o dishonest_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v give_v by_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o be_v a_o far_a trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o one_o kind_n of_o offence_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o offence_n that_o remain_v true_a which_o our_o saviour_n say_v all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o john_n 6.37_o i_o e._n all_o sincere_a and_o humble_a person_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o special_a care_n of_o christ_n to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o eternal_a life_n will_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v against_o temptation_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v lay_v in_o their_o way_n shall_v but_o clear_v their_o sincerity_n and_o wisdom_n more_o to_o the_o world_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o reward_n 2._o as_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o righteous_a so_o neither_o have_v the_o proper_a advantage_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n be_v see_v have_v god_n interpose_v his_o irresistible_a power_n to_o prevent_v all_o offence_n and_o endeavour_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v please_v to_o suffer_v error_n and_o folly_n to_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n even_o after_o the_o heavenly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v to_o mankind_n that_o by_o its_o own_o strength_n it_o may_v struggle_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o opposition_n and_o prevail_v and_o be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n 3._o by_o this_o way_n the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o care_n over_o the_o church_n be_v see_v more_o illustrious_o than_o if_o offence_n have_v never_o be_v suffer_v that_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o faith_n lose_v from_o the_o earth_n have_v lie_v in_o the_o gospel_n unobserved_a we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o occasion_n for_o recourse_n to_o it_o no_o mean_n of_o trial_n whether_o we_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o it_o have_v the_o truth_n be_v never_o oppose_v never_o corrupt_v we_o have_v want_v one_o notable_a reason_n to_o praise_n god_n that_o while_o the_o offence_n be_v so_o rise_v in_o this_o world_n this_o church_n give_v no_o offence_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o god_n may_v count_v we_o worthy_a to_o enjoy_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n let_v we_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v give_v no_o offence_n by_o our_o example_n let_v we_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o our_o conversation_n and_o show_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o action_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o offence_n that_o thus_o will_v arise_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v the_o three_o sermon_n matth_n xviii_o 7._o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n that_o offence_n will_v do_v great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n what_o mischief_n be_v do_v by_o offence_n ii_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o pernicious_a a_o consequence_n i._o what_o mischief_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o question_n i_o need_v not_o be_v large_a because_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o have_v in_o some_o part_n be_v already_o give_v under_o those_o several_a head_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o show_v where_o the_o scandal_n of_o any_o practice_n or_o opinion_n lie_v without_o touch_v upon_o the_o mischief_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v but_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v something_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o the_o general_a mischief_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o prevail_a temptation_n upon_o many_o in_o the_o world_n to_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n for_o as_o good_a example_n and_o encouragement_n good_a counsel_n and_o instruction_n be_v proper_a mean_n of_o make_v other_o better_a so_o ill_a example_n and_o the_o art_n of_o seduce_a must_v needs_o have_v a_o contrary_a influence_n god_n have_v put_v we_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o have_v thereby_o give_v we_o opportunity_n of_o the_o great_a charity_n and_o the_o best_a kind_n of_o do_v good_a viz._n of_o lead_v and_o confirm_v one_o another_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n but_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o the_o society_n we_o have_v with_o one_o another_o may_v be_v abuse_v into_o a_o mean_n of_o do_v one_o another_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o as_o where_o truth_n be_v sincere_o represent_v where_o virtue_n be_v encourage_v where_o authority_n protect_v they_o where_o wit_n and_o learning_n be_v engage_v to_o recommend_v they_o there_o abundance_n of_o good_a will_v be_v do_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v frame_v to_o learn_v and_o not_o to_o teach_v to_o follow_v but_o not_o to_o lead_v the_o way_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o the_o abuse_n of_o all_o those_o advantage_n will_v create_v prejudices_fw-la against_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o mislead_v multitude_n and_o this_o be_v too_o evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n no_o opinion_n how_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a soever_o how_o pernicious_a soever_o to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n if_o they_o have_v be_v set_v off_o with_o plausible_a colour_n or_o support_v by_o authority_n or_o have_v be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o wicked_a man_n but_o they_o have_v have_v abettor_n and_o follower_n and_o have_v very_o often_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convert_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n but_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o the_o scandal_n of_o advance_v doctrine_n that_o give_v liberty_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o ease_v to_o their_o mind_n without_o effectual_a reformation_n this_o scandal_n i_o say_v have_v this_o pernicious_a effect_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o fear_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o all_o reproof_n although_o it_o be_v a_o terrible_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o his_o conscience_n pull_v he_o back_o from_o and_o for_o which_o he_o know_v he_o must_v give_v a_o sad_a account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o sorrow_n and_o reformation_n yet_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o one_o that_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o and_o believe_v his_o condition_n to_o be_v good_a enough_o while_o he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n without_o reformation_n because_o he_o have_v another_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n for_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n believe_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v and_o know_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o he_o will_v at_o length_n lay_v these_o thing_n serious_o to_o heart_n and_o that_o
constancy_n which_o they_o may_v infer_v from_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n he_o have_v teach_v they_o they_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o value_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o whatever_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o jesus_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o good_a mind_n they_o be_v in_o at_o present_a he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o resolve_v well_o and_o to_o fix_v their_o resolution_n not_o upon_o a_o sudden_a heat_n only_o not_o mere_o upon_o the_o general_a disposition_n of_o a_o honest_a mind_n but_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a judgement_n what_o they_o must_v lose_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v get_v by_o do_v as_o become_v they_o final_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o maintain_v a_o constant_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o be_v find_v unprovided_a on_o the_o sudden_a all_o this_o be_v imply_v in_o watch_v a_o work_n which_o the_o disciple_n be_v bid_v more_o strict_o to_o attend_v because_o the_o lord_n have_v tell_v they_o that_o the_o hour_n be_v at_o hand_n when_o a_o terrible_a trial_n will_v befall_v they_o and_o therefore_o upon_o their_o neglect_n to_o do_v according_o he_o just_o upbraid_v they_o afterward_o what_o can_v you_o not_o watch_v with_o i_o one_o hour_n and_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v into_o consequence_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o his_o disciple_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o their_o life_n that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n of_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n of_o the_o fearful_a consequence_n of_o yield_v to_o these_o temptation_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v maintain_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o our_o mind_n by_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o make_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n present_a to_o our_o mind_n by_o a_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v incumbent_a upon_o we_o all_o since_o our_o saviour_n think_v it_o needful_a for_o all_o for_o say_v he_o what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v to_o all_o watch_z mark_v 13.37_o but_o to_o watchfulness_n our_o lord_n command_v we_o to_o add_v prayer_n watch_n and_o pray_v and_o prayer_n imply_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o just_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n that_o if_o god_n be_v absent_a from_o we_o our_o purpose_n be_v uncertain_a our_o resolution_n waver_v and_o inconstant_a and_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n alterable_a by_o every_o blast_n of_o temptation_n though_o we_o may_v be_v provide_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n of_o constancy_n in_o do_v well_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o mere_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o argument_n and_o motive_n though_o they_o be_v necessary_a but_o have_v promise_v moreover_o the_o supernatural_a help_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o former_a but_o know_v that_o we_o need_v far_a assistance_n we_o shall_v daily_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o prayer_n for_o it_o 2._o it_o imply_v not_o only_o a_o consciousness_n of_o our_o inability_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n require_v but_o moreover_o a_o steady_a belief_n of_o and_o trust_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o that_o he_o who_o be_v good_a to_o all_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o help_v they_o especial_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a such_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n which_o concern_v the_o mean_n watch_n and_o pray_v now_o 2._o the_o end_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n be_v that_o we_o may_v not_o enter_v into_o temptation_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o phrase_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v by_o temptation_n not_o as_o the_o word_n at_o first_o hear_v seem_v to_o import_v that_o no_o temptation_n may_v befall_v we_o for_o as_o to_o that_o temptation_n which_o require_v the_o vigilance_n and_o devotion_n of_o our_o lord_n disciple_n at_o this_o time_n he_o plain_o tell_v they_o it_o will_v happen_v and_o therefore_o by_o enter_v into_o temptation_n must_v be_v mean_v fall_v into_o that_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o temptation_n be_v a_o inducement_n and_o so_o the_o exhortation_n run_v as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v you_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o you_o ought_v as_o if_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o tell_v you_o beforehand_o that_o this_o confidence_n of_o you_o be_v a_o dangerous_a presumption_n and_o you_o will_v find_v yourselves_o deceive_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n if_o you_o take_v no_o more_o care_n than_o you_o be_v now_o dispose_v to_o take_v i_o advise_v you_o therefore_o to_o consider_v what_o will_v happen_v better_a than_o you_o have_v do_v and_o to_o call_v together_o all_o those_o instruction_n you_o have_v hear_v from_o i_o and_o make_v they_o present_v to_o your_o mind_n and_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o they_o as_o to_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o prayer_n that_o be_v thus_o arm_v not_o with_o a_o hasty_a but_o a_o prudent_a resolution_n and_o with_o dependence_n upon_o god_n you_o may_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n when_o it_o happen_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o natural_a meaning_n of_o the_o exhortation_n watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n i_o proceed_v next_o to_o explain_v the_o reason_n which_o our_o saviour_n add_v to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v week_n and_o now_o i_o doubt_v when_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v these_o word_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o interpret_v they_o as_o if_o jesus_n have_v mean_v to_o excuse_v the_o sluggishness_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o have_v indeed_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v well_o if_o you_o will_v watch_v and_o pray_v that_o you_o may_v not_o fall_v by_o temptation_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o you_o be_v willing_a so_o to_o do_v yet_o you_o be_v not_o very_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o some_o part_n to_o be_v excuse_v if_o you_o do_v not_o and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o human_a nature_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o not_o to_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v these_o word_n for_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n true_a nor_o in_o the_o least_o worthy_a of_o our_o saviour_n wisdom_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o his_o doctrine_n let_v we_o not_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o our_o lord_n as_o if_o he_o give_v his_o disciple_n necessary_a direction_n and_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n excuse_v they_o whether_o they_o fulfil_v his_o direction_n or_o not_o these_o word_n i_o say_v do_v not_o contain_v a_o excuse_n of_o their_o neglect_n to_o watch_n and_o pray_v but_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v do_v both_o and_o such_o a_o reason_n too_o as_o leave_v they_o without_o all_o excuse_n if_o they_o fail_v in_o either_o for_o thus_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o run_v watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n for_o though_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a yet_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o so_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o you_o watch_v and_o pray_v which_o interpretation_n as_o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a meaning_n of_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v clear_o warrant_v by_o the_o circumstance_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o by_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o person_n at_o present_a to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v use_v and_o by_o what_o befall_v they_o afterward_o and_o this_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a if_o we_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n by_o these_o rule_n for_o than_o you_o will_v see_v 1._o that_o by_o a_o willing_a spirit_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o forwardness_n to_o watch_n and_o pray_v but_o a_o present_a resolution_n to_o overcome_v temptation_n and_o that_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n too_o such_o a_o resolution_n as_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o disciple_n for_o if_o we_o look_v back_o in_o this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o upon_o their_o master_n forewarn_n they_o what_o occasion_n of_o offence_n they_o will_v
meet_v with_o that_o very_a night_n st._n peter_n brisk_o step_v forward_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o agree_v to_o what_o he_o say_v v._o 23._o though_o all_o man_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o never_o be_v offend_v thus_o the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n show_v itself_o that_o be_v a_o forwardness_n to_o do_v all_o that_o become_v he_o in_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n but_o our_o saviour_n willing_a to_o prove_v he_o far_o answer_v v._o 34._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o that_o this_o night_n before_o the_o cock_n crow_n thou_o shall_v deny_v i_o thrice_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v down_o that_o it_o rather_o raise_v his_o assurance_n for_o he_o reply_v five_o 35._o though_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o likewise_o also_o say_v all_o the_o disciple_n there_o the_o spirit_n show_v itself_o willing_a again_o and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v they_o be_v all_o at_o this_o time_n hearty_o dispose_v to_o do_v as_o they_o say_v all_o but_o the_o traitor_n judas_n for_o which_o reason_n about_o this_o time_n jesus_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v all_o sincere_a and_o honest_a person_n except_v judas_n only_o john_n 13.10_o 11._o you_o be_v clean_a but_o not_o all_o for_o he_o know_v who_o shall_v betray_v he_o therefore_o say_v he_o you_o be_v not_o all_o clean_a i._n e._n you_o be_v not_o all_o honest_a man_n but_o you_o be_v all_o so_o but_o one_o all_o but_o one_o mean_a as_o you_o say_v and_o intend_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o your_o word_n and_o do_v believe_v that_o you_o shall_v so_o that_o if_o we_o explain_v these_o word_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a by_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o by_o their_o present_a disposition_n and_o persuasion_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o meaning_n be_v plain_o this_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v i_o know_v you_o be_v man_n of_o sincere_a and_o honest_a disposition_n and_o do_v intend_v very_o well_o and_o say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o you_o resolve_v to_o make_v good_a by_o performance_n and_o i_o see_v that_o you_o believe_v you_o shall_v be_v as_o good_a as_o your_o word_n now_o therefore_o 2._o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o be_v plain_o lead_v to_o understand_v those_o imperfection_n and_o passion_n which_o honest_a man_n be_v not_o whole_o free_a from_o and_o which_o will_v make_v temptation_n dangerous_a even_o to_o the_o sincere_a person_n especial_o if_o they_o trust_v to_o a_o present_a good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n because_o they_o be_v now_o well_o resolve_v the_o apostle_n when_o our_o lord_n tell_v they_o beforehand_o of_o the_o temptation_n that_o will_v happen_v be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n and_o be_v so_o strong_o possess_v with_o a_o assurance_n of_o it_o that_o be_v man_n hitherto_o but_o of_o little_a experience_n they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v or_o so_o much_o as_o feel_v their_o own_o weakness_n because_o the_o temptation_n which_o will_v make_v they_o feel_v it_o be_v not_o present_a but_o their_o master_n be_v aware_a of_o those_o imperfection_n and_o passion_n in_o they_o which_o now_o indeed_o give_v they_o no_o disturbance_n but_o within_o a_o little_a time_n will_v do_v so_o that_o be_v when_o the_o temptation_n shall_v be_v present_a upon_o they_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o the_o passion_n of_o fear_n will_v work_v when_o it_o be_v once_o plain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o own_o their_o master_n they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o human_a resolution_n under_o strong_a inducement_n to_o inconstancy_n and_o how_o very_o possible_a it_o be_v even_o for_o sincere_a man_n to_o be_v stagger_v nay_o and_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o temptation_n which_o they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o guard_v against_o by_o their_o integrity_n but_o our_o saviour_n know_v all_o this_o and_o therefore_o tell_v they_o of_o it_o beforehand_o and_o use_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o watch_n and_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o trust_v mere_o to_o a_o willing_a mind_n or_o a_o sincere_a disposition_n he_o produce_v this_o argument_n i_o say_v to_o make_v they_o abate_v of_o their_o confidence_n and_o use_v more_o diligence_n that_o they_o may_v be_v prepare_v by_o their_o own_o care_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o answer_v the_o occasion_n that_o be_v at_o hand_n but_o to_o confirm_v this_o plain_a interpretation_n as_o the_o willingness_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o sincerity_n of_o these_o man_n express_v itself_o in_o their_o forward_a undertake_n and_o promise_v to_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v so_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n discover_v itself_o in_o their_o fail_v to_o perform_v what_o they_o promise_v whereby_o they_o make_v good_a the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o will_v be_v all_o offend_a because_o of_o he_o that_o night_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o flesh_n prevail_v against_o the_o spirit_n why_o do_v these_o honest_a undertaker_n fail_v of_o performance_n even_o because_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v their_o master_n advice_n they_o do_v not_o watch_n and_o pray_v for_o have_v they_o use_v this_o mean_n they_o have_v not_o fail_v of_o the_o end_n since_o jesus_n himself_o direct_v they_o to_o use_v this_o method_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a wherefore_o you_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o these_o word_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a be_v not_o intend_v here_o for_o a_o excuse_n of_o their_o not_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o and_o consequent_o as_o a_o aggravation_n of_o their_o fault_n in_o not_o do_v it_o for_o since_o there_o be_v so_o much_o need_n of_o vigilance_n and_o devotion_n they_o be_v the_o more_o to_o blame_v that_o they_o neglect_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o natural_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o place_n now_o there_o be_v two_o point_n of_o instruction_n which_o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o commend_v to_o your_o serious_a thought_n 1._o that_o we_o look_v well_o to_o it_o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o have_v that_o willing_a spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n acknowledge_v and_o commend_v to_o his_o apostle_n 2._o that_o we_o do_v not_o altogether_o trust_v to_o our_o present_a sincerity_n and_o best_a purpose_n but_o because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o we_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o thereby_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o all_o temptation_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o the_o honesty_n of_o our_o purpose_n which_o for_o the_o present_a any_o man_n may_v be_v easy_o assure_v of_o if_o he_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v if_o he_o be_v honest_o resolve_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n under_o all_o circumstance_n of_o temptation_n for_o what_o can_v a_o man_n ever_o arrive_v to_o a_o assurance_n of_o if_o not_o of_o his_o own_o present_a intention_n now_o the_o argument_n whereby_o i_o be_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o look_v well_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v of_o very_o great_a force_n and_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o offer_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o resolution_n that_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o be_v for_o the_o present_a sincere_o and_o honest_o dispose_v we_o have_v some_o title_n to_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n whereas_o hypocrite_n and_o insincere_a person_n have_v none_o at_o all_o for_o this_o be_v that_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n value_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o have_v a_o willing_a spirit_n and_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o by_o and_o by_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o watch_v over_o they_o why_o he_o continual_o instruct_v they_o why_o he_o explain_v thing_n to_o they_o why_o he_o take_v care_n to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n and_o to_o correct_v their_o fault_n and_o to_o give_v they_o all_o the_o way_n of_o improvement_n because_o they_o be_v honest_a man_n and_o ever_o intend_v to_o behave_v themselves_o like_o honest_a man_n they_o be_v all_o but_o judas_n man_n of_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n teachable_a and_o willing_a to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o truth_n open_a and_o free_a in_o their_o behaviour_n not_o addict_v to_o any_o notorious_a vice_n of_o a_o religious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o every_o way_n fit_a
we_o have_v never_o meet_v with_o any_o instance_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o man_n very_o honest_o dispose_v who_o example_n show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n the_o mean_n we_o be_v direct_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o use_v and_o if_o we_o do_v use_v these_o mean_n if_o we_o do_v set_v the_o advantage_n of_o care_n and_o prayer_n against_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o human_a frailty_n we_o shall_v never_o fall_v for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o our_o lord_n give_v the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o text_n to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o for_o their_o instruction_n only_o but_o it_o be_v for_o we_o also_o in_o all_o age_n that_o he_o leave_v this_o direction_n with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o always_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n will_v attend_v they_o and_o either_o keep_v they_o from_o great_a fault_n or_o set_v they_o right_n again_o after_o their_o miscarrying_n while_o they_o neglect_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o action_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o we_o much_o less_o who_o have_v be_v long_o under_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n grace_n than_o they_o have_v be_v even_o from_o our_o infancy_n ever_o since_o we_o be_v baptize_v and_o take_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v also_o have_v the_o instruction_n of_o their_o example_n and_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o our_o lord_n admonition_n to_o they_o and_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o more_o neglect_n and_o miscarrying_n than_o they_o be_v who_o moreover_o have_v be_v educate_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o nature_n of_o christianity_n than_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o under_o these_o circumstance_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v the_o watchful_a care_n of_o god_n spirit_n over_o we_o to_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o temptation_n and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a if_o we_o do_v not_o watch_v ourselves_o and_o to_o watchfulness_n add_v prayer_n that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n we_o be_v not_o to_o trust_v to_o our_o general_a good_a purpose_n and_o honest_a way_n but_o to_o remember_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o flesh_n i._n e._n the_o unsteadiness_n of_o our_o purpose_n the_o mutability_n of_o our_o affection_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o to_o supply_v all_o our_o defect_n with_o what_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n we_o can_v and_o in_o do_v all_o this_o to_o be_v very_o earnest_a in_o all_o our_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v crown_v all_o with_o his_o grace_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o we_o be_v undoubted_o safe_a if_o we_o continual_o keep_v ourselves_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o put_v ourselves_o under_o his_o protection_n by_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o it_o avail_v much_o for_o another_o much_o more_o for_o himself_o it_o avail_v much_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n much_o more_o for_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a god_n do_v not_o always_o crown_v the_o industry_n of_o a_o man_n in_o his_o labour_v for_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n with_o desire_a success_n and_o sometime_o he_o send_v they_o to_o the_o lazy_a and_o bestow_v they_o upon_o those_o that_o never_o pray_v but_o the_o most_o necessary_a thing_n a_o good_a mind_n the_o best_a wisdom_n the_o improvement_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o ever_o give_v to_o the_o diligent_a and_o to_o those_o that_o depend_v upon_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o never_o otherwise_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a conviction_n that_o if_o we_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n if_o we_o make_v no_o progress_n in_o virtue_n nor_o move_v at_o all_o towards_o perfection_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n who_o have_v so_o ready_a a_o way_n to_o gain_v that_o help_n from_o god_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o better_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o temptation_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o how_o vain_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o plead_v frailty_n and_o infirmity_n for_o not_o watch_v and_o pray_v since_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n our_o saviour_n direct_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n because_o although_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a yet_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o make_v the_o same_o plea_n for_o those_o miscarriage_n that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o infirmity_n since_o there_o be_v this_o to_o make_v they_o the_o effect_n of_o wilfulness_n too_o that_o we_o have_v neglect_v to_o consider_v our_o own_o weakness_n and_o to_o go_v to_o god_n for_o help_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a and_o natural_a than_o for_o a_o frail_a creature_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a the_o god_n of_o power_n and_o mercy_n for_o a_o supply_n of_o his_o own_o defect_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o excusable_a if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o constant_o and_o earnest_o when_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o it_o i_o have_v but_o one_o motive_n more_o to_o lay_v before_o you_o but_o that_o methinks_v a_o very_a prevail_a one_o and_o that_o be_v that_o our_o bless_a master_n himself_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n nor_o sinful_a infirmity_n he_o i_o say_v himself_z who_o so_o little_o need_v any_o other_o strength_n but_o his_o own_o practise_v that_o advice_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n he_o watch_v and_o pray_v when_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n be_v come_v on_o whilst_o his_o disciple_n throw_v away_o their_o time_n and_o we_o see_v the_o different_a effect_n of_o their_o different_a behaviour_n our_o lord_n witness_v a_o good_a confession_n but_o his_o slothful_a disciple_n flee_v away_o shameful_o and_o peter_n the_o most_o forward_o of_o all_o a_o little_a before_o miscarry_v the_o most_o shameful_o of_o all_o and_o deny_v his_o master_n a_o very_a instruct_v example_n to_o show_v we_o how_o much_o depend_v upon_o prayer_n and_o how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o stand_v against_o temptation_n when_o we_o have_v so_o ready_a but_o withal_o so_o necessary_a a_o mean_n of_o relief_n that_o jesus_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o it_o and_o sure_o one_o main_a reason_n why_o he_o do_v so_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v instruct_v by_o his_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v tempt_v for_o we_o because_o we_o also_o be_v to_o be_v tempt_v and_o he_o pray_v under_o his_o temptation_n for_o our_o sake_n too_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v of_o he_o the_o way_n to_o overcome_v temptation_n and_o to_o be_v always_o prepare_v against_o they_o let_v we_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n let_v we_o also_o remember_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o himself_o watch_v and_o pray_v though_o he_o of_o all_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v lest_o need_v any_o assistance_n against_o temptation_n let_v we_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o let_v we_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n and_o never_o omit_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a for_o by_o every_o such_o omission_n we_o lose_v a_o opportunity_n for_o our_o soul_n we_o weaken_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n we_o lie_v more_o open_a to_o danger_n from_o within_o and_o from_o without_o and_o have_v make_v one_o step_n more_o backward_o and_o be_v far_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n let_v we_o purge_v ourselves_o from_o all_o insincerity_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v the_o guilt_n of_o any_o wilful_a sin_n to_o lie_v upon_o we_o and_o ever_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o to_o this_o general_a habit_n of_o honesty_n let_v we_o add_v a_o jealousy_n over_o ourselves_o do_v like_o those_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o continue_v thus_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o fail_v and_o that_o because_o god_n be_v our_o help_n who_o be_v not_o want_v to_o prevent_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o will_v therefore_o never_o fail_v to_o follow_v we_o with_o it_o whilst_o we_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o
ease_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o uncertain_a and_o miserable_a world_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n illustrate_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v evil_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v propound_v to_o your_o consideration_n some_o of_o those_o many_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v effectual_o persuade_v ourselves_o so_o to_o do_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o manner_n of_o bear_v evil_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n particular_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a with_o the_o same_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o we_o must_v abate_v nothing_o of_o our_o esteem_n of_o his_o righteousness_n or_o of_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o sense_n of_o misery_n be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o breed_v hard_a thought_n of_o all_o those_o by_o who_o mean_n it_o come_v if_o they_o have_v know_o contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o design_v what_o we_o suffer_v but_o let_v we_o remember_v brethren_n that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n always_o to_o be_v except_v god_n know_v and_o see_v all_o the_o trouble_n that_o befall_v we_o nay_o and_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o he_o for_o it_o and_o though_o we_o take_v it_o ill_o of_o any_o man_n that_o can_v easy_o help_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o affect_v towards_o god_n and_o whilst_o we_o complain_v of_o that_o grief_n from_o which_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v deliver_v we_o in_o one_o moment_n we_o must_v at_o no_o hand_n complain_v of_o he_o nor_o entertain_v the_o least_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o for_o see_v we_o in_o pain_n and_o suffer_v we_o to_o continue_v under_o it_o 2._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a with_o the_o same_o constancy_n of_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o as_o if_o we_o receive_v nothing_o but_o good_a we_o be_v not_o to_o grow_v weary_a of_o religion_n nor_o to_o give_v over_o pray_v nor_o to_o depart_v from_o justice_n or_o charity_n or_o any_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o must_v be_v great_a stranger_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n who_o can_v be_v tempt_v to_o count_v their_o prayer_n and_o their_o repentance_n and_o righteousness_n unprofitable_a when_o they_o do_v not_o save_v they_o from_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n under_o the_o law_n indeed_o the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v temporal_a we_o may_v observe_v the_o temptation_n prevail_v upon_o some_o good_a men._n very_o say_v asaph_n i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n for_o all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o be_v plague_v and_o chasten_v every_o morning_n psal_n 73.13_o 14._o but_o then_o he_o recover_v a_o better_a mind_n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o thus_o my_o heart_n be_v grieve_v and_o i_o be_v prick_v in_o my_o reins_o so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a i_o be_v as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o it_o be_v this_o that_o job_n wife_n bid_v he_o do_v i.e._n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o serve_v god_n who_o have_v thus_o forsake_v he_o say_v she_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v scorn_v to_o serve_v he_o any_o long_o and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o say_v he_o thou_o speak_v as_o one_o of_o the_o foolish_a woman_n speak_v what_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a nay_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a from_o god_n with_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v enjoy_v for_o those_o which_o remain_v and_o for_o those_o which_o we_o expect_v and_o above_o all_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o must_v thank_v he_o for_o the_o care_n he_o take_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o for_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o for_o send_v we_o that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o we_o yea_o for_o those_o very_a trial_n and_o chastisement_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o though_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v grievous_a and_o thus_o job_n receive_v evil_a the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o be_v hard_a lesson_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o must_v learn_v and_o how_o hard_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o let_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o point_n i_o be_v to_o show_v and_o what_o i_o chief_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o at_o present_a therefore_o 1._o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o have_v not_o deserve_v the_o good_a that_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o receive_v that_o we_o have_v abundant_o deserve_v all_o indeed_o do_v not_o deserve_v evil_a from_o god_n equal_o but_o all_o deserve_v it_o more_o or_o less_o and_o as_o for_o merit_v good_a from_o he_o that_o no_o man_n must_v pretend_v to_o how_o righteous_a and_o godly_a soever_o he_o be_v for_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v severe_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v amss_n who_o can_v stand_v before_o he_o if_o he_o shall_v enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o his_o servant_n no_o flesh_n live_v will_v be_v justify_v now_o if_o job_n who_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n a_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n receive_v evil_a from_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o do_v so_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o perfection_n when_o we_o suffer_v affliction_n our_o heart_n must_v justify_v god_n in_o all_o because_o they_o condemn_v we_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n our_o own_o conscience_n be_v enough_o to_o stop_v our_o mouth_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v we_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v sin_v but_o that_o god_n be_v righteous_a especial_o since_o all_o the_o good_a that_o we_o eveâ—_n enjoy_v and_o do_v now_o enjoy_v be_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n for_o if_o we_o who_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n have_v yet_o receive_v innumerable_a benefit_n from_o he_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o complain_v of_o he_o though_o but_o in_o our_o thought_n that_o he_o sometime_o let_v we_o feel_v a_o little_a of_o his_o anger_n and_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o own_o justice_n and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o a_o bountiful_a so_o he_o be_v withal_o a_o holy_a god_n which_o consideration_n shall_v prevail_v the_o more_o because_o 2._o god_n have_v absolute_a authority_n over_o we_o and_o so_o be_v every_o way_n just_a in_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o offence_n not_o only_o because_o we_o have_v do_v that_o which_o deserve_v punishment_n but_o because_o also_o he_o have_v a_o just_a and_o rightful_a power_n to_o punish_v we_o for_o it_o though_o a_o man_n know_v that_o he_o have_v do_v ill_o yet_o every_o body_n must_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v he_o correction_n a_o servant_n will_v submit_v to_o his_o master_n and_o a_o child_n to_o his_o father_n and_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n when_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v punishment_n from_o every_o hand_n as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o submit_v to_o the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n upon_o who_o we_o absolute_o depend_v because_o he_o make_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o and_o sustain_v we_o every_o moment_n that_o we_o live_v when_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o bring_v nothing_o with_o we_o into_o the_o world_n but_o have_v live_v ever_o since_o upon_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n of_o his_o bounty_n have_v lend_v we_o for_o our_o use_n and_o if_o he_o for_o good_a reason_n take_v they_o away_o he_o do_v we_o no_o wrong_n for_o they_o be_v not_o we_o otherwise_o than_o by_o his_o continual_a gift_n which_o consideration_n dispose_v job_n to_o submit_v when_o he_o be_v divest_v of_o all_o naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o to_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o i_o be_v take_v the_o lord_n give_v etc._n etc._n let_v we_o remember_v that_o no_o lord_n have_v that_o right_a over_o his_o servant_n nor_o parent_n in_o his_o child_n which_o god_n have_v in_o we_o all_o and_o that_o since_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n like_a to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v to_o god_n that_o