in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o such_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v often_o troublesome_a and_o always_o uncertain_a and_o unsettled_a so_o that_o whatever_o degree_n of_o worldly_a felicity_n any_o man_n be_v possess_v of_o he_o have_v no_o security_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o one_o moment_n ii_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o state_n of_o pilgrimage_n it_o imply_v a_o tendency_n to_o a_o future_a settlement_n and_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n into_o which_o we_o shall_v enter_v so_o soon_o as_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v immediate_o after_o the_o text_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o that_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o have_v live_v in_o such_o a_o restless_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n travel_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o as_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n do_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o he_o so_o solemn_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n do_v hereby_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o expect_v some_o happy_a condition_n hereafter_o wherein_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o god_n will_v be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o to_o the_o full_a so_o that_o he_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v be_v call_v their_o god_n have_v handle_v at_o large_a these_o two_o particular_n i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v what_o influence_n the_o consideration_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o these_o our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n as_o to_o another_o life_n if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o look_v for_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a this_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o these_o follow_a respect_n which_o i_o do_v but_o brief_o mention_v before_o but_o shall_v now_o prosecute_v and_o press_v more_o large_o i._o let_v we_o entangle_v and_o encumber_v ourselves_o as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n let_v we_o not_o engage_v our_o affection_n too_o far_o in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n because_o we_o be_v not_o to_o stay_v in_o it_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o it_o upon_o this_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n do_v so_o earnest_o exhort_v christian_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o fleshly_a lust_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 11._o dear_o belove_v i_o beseech_v you_o as_o strangers_z and_o pilgrim_n to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n the_o gratify_n of_o our_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o our_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a inclination_n be_v direct_o opposite_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o to_o their_o great_a design_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n fleshly_a lust_n do_v not_o only_o pollute_v and_o defile_v but_o even_o quench_v and_o extinguish_v our_o divine_a part_n and_o do_v work_v the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o it_o they_o sink_v our_o affection_n into_o the_o mud_n and_o filth_n of_o this_o world_n and_o do_v entangle_v and_o detain_v they_o there_o in_o a_o word_n they_o do_v whole_o indispose_v and_o unfit_a we_o for_o that_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a life_n which_o alone_o can_v qualify_v we_o for_o our_o heavenly_a country_n and_o inheritance_n and_o therefore_o while_o our_o soul_n be_v sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o they_o and_o preserve_v ourselves_o unspotted_a and_o untainted_a by_o they_o as_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a and_o perfect_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o heavenly_a country_n if_o we_o wallow_v in_o brutish_a and_o filthy_a lust_n as_o we_o pass_v through_o this_o world_n our_o native_a country_n when_o our_o soul_n think_v to_o return_v to_o it_o will_v reject_v we_o and_o cast_v we_o out_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n gate_n and_o knock_v there_o expect_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o shall_v cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o he_o will_v bid_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o because_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n nothing_o that_o be_v unclean_a can_v enter_v into_o heaven_n he_o who_o be_v to_o receive_v we_o into_o those_o bless_a mansion_n have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v his_o immutable_a resolution_n and_o decree_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o as_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o see_v god_n in_o that_o happy_a and_o blissful_a state_n we_o must_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o have_v render_v ourselves_o as_o like_v he_o as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o the_o other_o and_o as_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n let_v we_o not_o pursue_v they_o too_o eager_o we_o may_v take_v the_o convenience_n which_o fair_o offer_v themselves_o to_o we_o and_o be_v content_a to_o want_v what_o we_o can_v honest_o have_v and_o without_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n consider_v that_o we_o be_v traveller_n and_o that_o a_o little_a will_v serve_v for_o our_o passage_n and_o accommodation_n in_o our_o pilgrimage_n and_o beyond_o that_o why_o shall_v we_o so_o earnest_o covet_v more_o and_o trouble_v ourselves_o for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o journey_n why_o shall_v we_o at_o any_o time_n deal_v unjust_o to_o attain_v any_o of_o this_o world_n good_n they_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n for_o so_o little_a a_o while_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o injure_v or_o oppress_v any_o man_n to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o to_o wound_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o they_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n offer_v they_o to_o we_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o our_o hand_n in_o the_o use_n of_o honest_a diligence_n and_o lawful_a mean_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o refuse_v they_o so_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o nor_o to_o suffer_v our_o affection_n to_o be_v entangle_v in_o they_o the_o wise_a use_n we_o can_v make_v of_o they_o will_v be_v to_o do_v like_o those_o who_o traffic_n in_o foreign_a part_n to_o consign_v our_o estate_n into_o our_o own_o native_a country_n to_o send_v our_o treasure_n before_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o when_o we_o come_v there_o and_o this_o we_o may_v do_v by_o alm_n and_o charity_n whatever_o we_o spend_v upon_o the_o flesh_n we_o leave_v behind_o we_o and_o it_o will_v turn_v to_o no_o account_n to_o we_o in_o our_o own_o country_n but_o whatever_o we_o lie_v out_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v so_o much_o treasure_n lay_v out_o and_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o against_o another_o day_n so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n assure_v we_o luk._n 12._o 33._o that_o give_v of_o alm_n be_v provide_v for_o ourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o ii_o if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n than_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o great_a caution_n and_o to_o live_v blameless_o and_o inoffensive_o remember_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o people_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o those_o among_o who_o we_o sojourn_v will_v be_v very_o pry_v and_o curious_a and_o narrow_a observer_n of_o our_o manner_n and_o carriage_n they_o that_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a country_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o take_v that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o the_o native_n of_o the_o place_n may_v do_v but_o to_o keep_v a_o perpetual_a guard_n upon_o themselves_o know_v how_o strict_o they_o be_v observe_v and_o that_o they_o live_v among_o those_o who_o bear_v no_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_o that_o every_o bad_a thing_n we_o do_v reflect_v upon_o our_o nation_n and_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o country_n to_o which_o we_o belong_v you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n if_o you_o be_v of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n will_v love_v its_o own_o but_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n charge_v christian_n to_o be_v harmless_a and_o blameless_a and_o as_o it_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n
malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o renounce_v his_o happiness_n but_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o great_a advantage_n and_o do_v wise_o consider_v his_o own_o best_a and_o and_o most_o last_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o first_o ii_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n attend_v and_o consequent_a upon_o they_o that_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o they_o be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o they_o be_v short_a and_o but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o as_o to_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consquence_n of_o they_o that_o they_o end_n in_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a a_o wicked_a man_n may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n but_o even_o in_o laughter_n his_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mirth_n be_v heaviness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a and_o sincere_a pleasure_n in_o any_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o outward_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n for_o where_o ever_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v there_o must_v be_v guilt_n and_o wherever_o guilt_n be_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v restless_a and_o unquiet_a for_o there_o be_v two_o very_a troublesome_a and_o torment_a passion_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o guilt_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v discover_v and_o fear_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v punish_v and_o these_o do_v continual_o haunt_v the_o sinner_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o inward_a horror_n and_o confusion_n in_o his_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o if_o sin_n be_v attend_v with_o no_o other_o trouble_n but_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o commit_v it_o if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o mind_n 2._o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o be_v but_o short_a upon_o this_o consideration_n moses_n set_v no_o great_a price_n and_o value_n upon_o they_o but_o prefer_v affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o good_a company_n and_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n before_o the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v perfect_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n in_o they_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abatement_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a a_o continuance_n the_o pleasure_n of_o most_o sin_n expire_v with_o the_o act_n of_o they_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v the_o delight_n vanish_v i_o can_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v several_a worldly_a advantage_n to_o be_v purchase_v by_o sin_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o riches_n and_o honour_n the_o common_a purchase_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o of_o that_o long_a train_n of_o inferior_a vice_n which_o attend_v upon_o they_o and_o minister_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o these_o enjoyment_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n of_o a_o uncertain_a continuance_n and_o much_o more_o uncertain_a for_o be_v purchase_v by_o indirect_a and_o ill_a mean_n but_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o our_o life_n yet_o how_o short_a a_o duration_n be_v that_o compare_v with_o eternity_n make_v the_o utmu_v allowance_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v yet_o we_o can_v but_o enjoy_v they_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n it_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v stand_v before_o that_o high_a tribunal_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o in_o the_o least_o to_o have_v be_v prince_n and_o great_a man_n and_o judge_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o poor_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o this_o world_n will_v then_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o bige_a of_o we_o all_o for_o all_o mankind_n shall_v then_o stand_v upon_o a_o level_n and_o those_o civil_a distinction_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a of_o base_a and_o honourable_a which_o seem_v now_o so_o considerable_a and_o make_v such_o a_o glare_a difference_n among_o man_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v all_o then_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o moral_a difference_n shall_v only_o take_v place_n all_o the_o distinction_n which_o will_v then_o be_v make_v will_v be_v betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v real_o much_o great_a than_o ever_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o high_a and_o mean_a person_n in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v we_o value_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v only_o considerable_a and_o that_o only_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o vain_a man_n during_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n but_o bear_v no_o price_n at_o all_o in_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o or_o if_o they_o do_v we_o can_v carry_v they_o along_o with_o we_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o indeed_o will_v follow_v we_o with_o a_o vengeance_n the_o injustice_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a art_n we_o have_v use_v for_o the_o get_n or_o keep_v of_o they_o especial_o if_o at_o once_o we_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o we_o have_v change_v our_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v much_o worse_o if_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o have_v betray_v it_o and_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o for_o the_o gain_n or_o secure_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o sorrow_n that_o though_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n the_o guilt_n of_o it_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o but_o will_v stick_v close_o to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n which_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n many_o time_n in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o 1._o in_o this_o world_n the_o very_o best_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v be_v repentance_n and_o even_o this_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sensible_a pain_n and_o trouble_v in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v many_o time_n especial_o after_o great_a sin_n and_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o they_o accompany_v with_o much_o regret_n and_o horror_n with_o deep_a and_o pierce_a sorrow_n with_o dismal_a and_o despair_a thought_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o with_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a consequence_n of_o sin_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a no_o man_n that_o consider_v and_o calculate_v thing_n wise_o will_v purchase_v the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n at_o the_o price_n of_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o sorrow_n as_o a_o true_a and_o deep_a repentance_n will_v cost_v he_o especial_o since_o a_o true_a repentance_n do_v in_o many_o case_n oblige_v man_n to_o the_o restitution_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v gain_v by_o sin_n if_o it_o have_v be_v get_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o another_o and_o this_o consideration_n quite_o 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foundation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n will_v proceed_v and_o what_o testimony_n and_o proof_n she_o chief_o intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o doubt_n all_o man_n do_v see_v very_o plain_o to_o what_o purpose_n this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v of_o so_o large_a a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v admit_v how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o confirm_v and_o prove_v whatever_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o establish_v but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o another_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o the_o great_a author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v lay_v and_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o viz._n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o they_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o new_a part_n of_o this_o rule_n by_o the_o 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not_o do_v it_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v well_o resolve_v of_o peter_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o 2._o another_o sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o which_o be_v common_o more_o powerful_a than_o example_n be_v worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a bait_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o apt_a to_o work_v very_o strong_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o and_o upon_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o other_o some_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o necessity_n which_o many_o time_n make_v they_o do_v ugly_a and_o reproachful_a thing_n and_o like_o esau_n for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n to_o sell_v their_o 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err_v or_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n this_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o draw_v off_o demas_n from_o his_o religion_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n ambition_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o proud_a and_o aspire_a mind_n and_o make_v many_o man_n false_a to_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o find_v it_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o preferment_n and_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a worldly_a advantage_n and_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a dignity_n the_o devil_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o force_n of_o this_o temptation_n when_o he_o set_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o reserve_v it_o for_o the_o last_o assault_n he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o say_v to_o he_o all_z this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o give_v he_o over_o in_o despair_n and_o leave_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dazzle_a temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n to_o be_v set_v over-against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o it_o to_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o quench_v this_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o put_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o render_v all_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o as_o the_o very_a
small_a dust_n upon_o the_o balance_n what_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n can_v stand_v against_o that_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o it_o be_v serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n if_o we_o will_v consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o weigh_v they_o in_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a balance_n the_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n be_v of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a and_o vast_a concernment_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o the_o happy_a or_o miserable_a condition_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o this_o vast_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v bargain_v away_o and_o part_v with_o by_o we_o for_o the_o great_a thing_n this_o world_n can_v offer_v there_o be_v no_o 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those_o of_o they_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v escape_v that_o terrible_a storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o have_v take_v refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n here_o among_o we_o and_o out_o of_o his_o majesty_n great_a humanity_n and_o goodness_n be_v by_o his_o public_a letter_n recommend_v to_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o distress_a protestant_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o much_o easy_o our_o lot_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v than_o they_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o compassionate_v the_o suffering_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o distress_n of_o other_o than_o to_o be_v such_o sufferer_n and_o in_o such_o distress_n ourselves_o let_v we_o make_v their_o case_n our_o own_o and_o then_o we_o ourselves_o will_v be_v the_o best_a judge_n how_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n we_o ought_v to_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o they_o let_v we_o put_v on_o their_o case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v the_o sufferer_n and_o have_v flee_v to_o they_o for_o refuge_n the_o same_o pity_n and_o commiseration_n the_o same_o tender_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o sad_a case_n the_o same_o liberal_a and_o effectual_a relief_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o expect_v and_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v show_v and_o afford_v to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o give_v to_o they_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v want_v no_o fit_a comfort_n and_o support_v from_o we_o we_o enjoy_v bless_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o great_a peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o freedom_n from_o evil_a and_o suffer_a and_o sure_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o have_v these_o blessing_n continue_v to_o we_o and_o our_o tranquillity_n prolong_v be_v to_o consider_v and_o relieve_v those_o who_o want_v the_o blessing_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o provoke_v god_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o these_o blessing_n be_v to_o shut_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o our_o compassion_n from_o our_o distress_a brethren_n god_n can_v easy_o change_v the_o scene_n and_o make_v our_o suffering_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n yet_o in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o equal_a to_o they_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v remember_v the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n and_o say_v as_o his_o brethren_n do_v when_o they_o fall_v into_o trouble_n we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o god_n alone_o know_v what_o storm_n the_o devil_n may_v yet_o raise_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n religion_n to_o consider_v well_o beforehand_o and_o to_o calculate_v the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n it_o may_v expose_v they_o to_o and_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n against_o the_o fierce_a assault_n of_o temptation_n consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o all_o temporal_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o they_o and_o the_o lightness_n of_o they_o too_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o another_o world_n to_o which_o every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o forsake_v god_n and_o renounce_v his_o truth_n and_o wound_n his_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n and_o though_o fear_v in_o many_o case_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o death_n and_o extreme_a suffer_v be_v a_o great_a excuse_n for_o several_a action_n because_o it_o may_v cadere_fw-la in_o constantem_fw-la virum_fw-la happen_v to_o a_o resolute_a man_n yet_o in_o
of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n then_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o run_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n upon_o more_o and_o great_a hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o such_o as_o by_o no_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o man_n in_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o prevent_v as_o for_o the_o easy_a term_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o man_n they_o signify_v nothing_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v they_o good_a which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o believe_v they_o can_v do_v that_o have_v read_v the_o bible_n and_o do_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n that_o after_o the_o long_a course_n of_o a_o most_o lewd_a and_o flagitious_a life_n a_o man_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n forgive_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n upon_o 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we_o propose_v to_o man_n viz._n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n manifest_v in_o the_o tenure_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v not_o only_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a declaration_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o do_v likewise_o natural_o tend_v to_o engage_v man_n most_o effectual_o to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o therefore_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v such_o lavish_a offer_v of_o salvation_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o they_o for_o if_o after_o all_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v give_v of_o salvation_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n the_o sinner_n do_v real_o miscarry_v and_o miss_v of_o heaven_n it_o be_v but_o very_o ill_a comfort_n to_o he_o to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n for_o a_o minute_n or_o two_o before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o the_o next_o moment_n after_o to_o find_v himself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o particular_a i_o mention_v as_o imply_v in_o the_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v several_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n matth._n 24._o 4._o 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 and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o eph._n 4._o 14._o that_o you_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n signify_v the_o cunning_a of_o gamester_n at_o dice_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o chap._n 5._o 6._o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n col._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v by_o sophistry_n and_o vain_a reason_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n heb._n 13._o 9_o be_v not_o carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n and_o this_o caution_n be_v enforce_v by_o a_o express_a prediction_n of_o a_o great_a apostasy_n which_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o which_o many_o shall_v be_v seduce_v by_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n and_o by_o several_a art_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n this_o apostasy_n st._n paul_n express_o foretell_v 2_o thess._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n nor_o by_o word_n or_o message_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n for_o that_o day_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o there_o come_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v reveal_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o after_o a_o particular_a description_n of_o he_o he_o add_v v_o 9_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o in_o all_o deceitfulness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v v_o 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o kind_n of_o this_o apostasy_n the_o same_o apostle_n describe_v more_o full_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o now_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_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 i._n e._n under_o a_o great_a pretence_n of_o sanctity_n spread_v their_o pernicious_a error_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n this_o be_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o pat_o description_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v spread_v itself_o far_o and_o wide_o for_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v prevail_v under_o a_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o their_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n there_o marriage_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o meat_n be_v forbid_v to_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o men._n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o these_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o idolatry_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o do_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o inventor_n and_o great_a promoter_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v very_o much_o confirm_v by_o what_o we_o find_v add_v in_o some_o ancient_a greek_a copy_n in_o this_o text_n which_o run_v thus_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o shall_v worship_v the_o dead_a as_o some_o also_o in_o israel_n worship_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v
give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o the_o particular_a kind_n of_o idolatry_n into_o which_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v apostatise_v be_v here_o point_a at_o that_o they_o shall_v worship_v soul_n depart_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o dead_a man_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n into_o which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v frequent_o relapse_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v here_o foretell_v such_o a_o apostasy_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o fall_v into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n they_o shall_v be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o israelite_n also_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o dangerous_a seduction_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o charge_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n against_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_a spirit_n not_o but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o we_o be_v always_o to_o have_v a_o ear_n open_a to_o reason_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o hearken_v and_o to_o yield_v to_o that_o whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v but_o to_o be_v overreach_v and_o rook_v out_o of_o one_o religion_n by_o little_a sophistical_a art_n and_o trick_n be_v childish_a and_o silly_a after_o we_o be_v upon_o due_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n settle_v and_o establish_v in_o it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o by_o the_o groundless_a pretence_n of_o confident_a people_n to_o infallibility_n and_o to_o be_v practise_v upon_o by_o cunning_a man_n who_o lie_v at_o catch_n to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n this_o be_v to_o be_v like_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o 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ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n concern_v what_o they_o have_v be_v persuade_v he_o to_o because_o they_o for_o their_o own_o interest_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o just_o thus_o do_v these_o seducer_n practise_v upon_o weak_a people_n they_o charge_v they_o not_o to_o acquaint_v their_o minister_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v nor_o what_o discourse_n they_o have_v have_v about_o religion_n nor_o what_o book_n have_v be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n because_o then_o all_o their_o kind_a design_n and_o intention_n towards_o they_o will_v be_v defeat_v but_o above_o all_o they_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o read_v no_o book_n on_o the_o other_o side_n because_o they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o read_n on_o both_o side_n will_v rather_o confound_v than_o clear_a their_o understanding_n they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v state_v the_o matter_n true_o and_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n deceive_v they_o and_o they_o may_v easy_o perceive_v by_o their_o earnest_a application_n to_o they_o that_o nothing_o but_o charity_n and_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n make_v they_o take_v all_o these_o pain_n with_o they_o but_o this_o be_v so_o gross_a a_o way_n of_o proceed_v that_o any_o man_n of_o common_a understanding_n must_v needs_o discern_v by_o this_o kind_a treatment_n that_o these_o man_n can_v have_v no_o honest_a design_n upon_o they_o to_o come_v then_o to_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o art_n and_o method_n which_o they_o use_v i_o mean_v particular_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n as_o 1._o in_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v very_o competent_a and_o sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n but_o for_o these_o they_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n when_o they_o be_v in_o it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o damnable_a error_n and_o mistake_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o consider_v in_o what_o method_n they_o proceed_v with_o their_o intend_a proselyte_n they_o propose_v to_o he_o to_o change_v his_o church_n and_o his_o religion_n because_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o they_o will_v show_v he_o a_o better_a and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o and_o in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o persuade_v he_o hereto_o 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you_o and_o will_v pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v by_o these_o teacher_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n quit_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o embrace_v another_o gospel_n v._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o pervert_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o they_o who_o quit_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v thus_o pervert_v christianity_n be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a state_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o 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eminency_n as_o be_v of_o all_o sin_n the_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a ch._n 10._o 26._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o have_v exhort_v they_o before_o v_o 23._o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o he_o immediate_o add_v for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o ch._n 12_o 1._o let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o that_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v then_o so_o strong_o tempt_v by_o that_o fierce_a persecution_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o that_o be_v let_v we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o suffering_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o man_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o it_o john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v but_o to_o desert_v the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n may_v proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n which_o be_v a_o great_a extenuation_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o all_o his_o violent_a persecution_n of_o christianity_n he_o find_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n the_o apostle_n make_v wilfulness_n a_o usual_a ingredient_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o this_o sin_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o effectual_a disparagement_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v what_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n speak_v against_o it_o because_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o and_o of_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o trial_n and_o experience_n but_o he_o that_o fall_v off_o from_o religion_n after_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v try_v it_o and_o dislike_v it_o and_o pretend_v to_o leave_v it_o because_o he_o have_v not_o find_v that_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o which_o he_o expect_v and_o upon_o long_a experience_n of_o it_o see_v reason_n to_o prefer_v another_o religion_n before_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o despiteful_a to_o religion_n than_o this_o and_o more_o likely_a to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n v._n 29._o of_o this_o chapter_n call_v it_o a_o trample_n under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o profane_a thing_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o we_o can_v put_v a_o great_a scorn_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o upon_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o come_v down_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o than_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o to_o renounce_v this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o forsake_v this_o religion_n but_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o see_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o which_o be_v the_o iv._o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o terrible_a manner_n not_o only_o in_o this_o epistle_n but_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o sin_n be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o pardonable_a sin_n and_o next_o to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o be_v near_o akin_a to_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a severe_a manner_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o the_o solemn_a profession_n of_o it_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o gospel
we_o 1._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v principal_o intend_v in_o the_o metaphor_n of_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n such_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n they_o have_v no_o constant_a abide_v and_o fix_v habitation_n but_o be_v continual_o wander_v from_o one_o kingdom_n and_o country_n to_o another_o in_o which_o travel_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o great_a many_o hazard_n and_o danger_n affliction_n and_o misery_n affront_v and_o injury_n as_o we_o read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o history_n of_o their_o travel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o such_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v often_o troublesome_a and_o always_o uncertain_a and_o unsettled_a it_o be_v often_o very_o troublesome_a not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o weak_a condition_n of_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n the_o helplesness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o it_o for_o its_o own_o preservation_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o its_o natural_a want_n and_o necessity_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o dangerous_a vanity_n and_o desperate_a folly_n of_o youth_n nor_o the_o infirmity_n and_o contempt_n the_o many_o tedious_a and_o wearisome_a day_n and_o night_n that_o old_a age_n be_v common_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v withal_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v life_n not_o only_o unpleasant_a but_o almost_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o we_o not_o to_o dwell_v upon_o these_o which_o yet_o take_v up_o and_o possess_v a_o great_a share_n and_o portion_n of_o our_o life_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o man_n in_o his_o best_a state_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o as_o david_n have_v long_o since_o pronounce_v on_o he_o to_o be_v altogether_o vanity_n we_o need_v not_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n and_o travel_v into_o remote_a country_n to_o make_v life_n more_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o world_n soever_o we_o be_v even_o that_o which_o we_o improper_o call_v our_o own_o home_n and_o native_a country_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o we_o be_v but_o stranger_n in_o it_o more_o especial_o good_a man_n be_v peculiar_o liable_a to_o a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o suffering_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n john_n 15._o 19_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o and_o take_v all_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n to_o vex_v and_o persecute_v they_o in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o either_o by_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a to_o they_o or_o by_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a of_o they_o but_o suppose_v we_o escape_v trouble_v upon_o this_o account_n there_o be_v abundance_n of_o common_a and_o natural_a inconvenience_n which_o render_v human_a life_n very_o uneasy_a for_o either_o we_o must_v live_v alone_o or_o in_o the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o other_o one_o of_o these_o two_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a suppose_v we_o will_v live_v alone_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o can_v enjoy_v themselves_o tolerable_o alone_a for_o any_o considerable_a time_n for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o of_o self-love_n in_o mankind_n and_o man_n be_v general_o extreme_o fond_a of_o themselves_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o happen_v though_o so_o it_o be_v that_o very_o few_o man_n in_o the_o world_n care_n for_o their_o own_o company_n or_o can_v endure_v for_o any_o considerable_a time_n to_o converse_v only_o with_o themselves_o nay_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v soon_o glut_v with_o themselves_o and_o surfeit_v of_o their_o own_o conversation_n than_o of_o the_o worst_a company_n they_o can_v meet_v with_o a_o shrewd_a sign_n as_o one_o will_v think_v that_o they_o know_v something_o worse_o by_o themselves_o than_o of_o any_o body_n else_o or_o at_o least_o they_o know_v it_o more_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a say_v of_o aristotle_n whoever_o affect_v to_o be_v alone_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d either_o a_o god_n or_o a_o wild_a beast_n either_o he_o must_v be_v sufficient_a for_o himself_o and_o want_v nothing_o or_o of_o so_o wild_a and_o savage_a a_o disposition_n as_o to_o destroy_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v weak_a and_o to_o run_v away_o from_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v strong_a than_o himself_o now_o man_n be_v neither_o good_a enough_o to_o be_v content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o nor_o bad_a enough_o to_o hate_v and_o avoid_v every_o body_n else_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v enter_v into_o society_n and_o keep_v company_n with_o other_o men._n and_o if_o we_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o try_v the_o conversation_n of_o man_n it_o can_v but_o grieve_v we_o to_o see_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n which_o yet_o we_o must_v see_v every_o day_n the_o censoriousness_n and_o uncharitableness_n and_o insincerity_n of_o man_n one_o towards_o another_o to_o see_v with_o what_o kindness_n they_o will_v treat_v one_o another_o to_o the_o face_n and_o how_o hardly_o they_o will_v use_v they_o behind_o their_o back_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o this_o one_o naughty_a quality_n so_o common_a and_o reign_v among_o mankind_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o honest_a and_o true-hearted_a man_n one_o that_o love_v plainness_n and_o sincerity_n to_o be_v hearty_o sick_a of_o the_o world_n and_o glad_a to_o steal_v off_o the_o stage_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o native_a and_o sincere_a but_o all_o personate_a and_o act_v where_o the_o conversation_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v all_o design_v and_o insidious_a full_a of_o flattery_n and_o flashood_n of_o good_a word_n and_o ill_a office_n one_o speak_v peaceable_o to_o his_o neighbour_n with_o his_o mouth_n but_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o lie_v in_o wait_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 9_o 8._o and_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o the_o good_a turn_n he_o can_v and_o endeavour_v to_o oblige_v every_o man_n and_o not_o only_o to_o live_v inoffensive_o but_o exemplary_o he_o be_v fair_o deal_v withal_o and_o come_v off_o upon_o good_a term_n if_o he_o can_v but_o escape_v the_o ill_a word_n of_o man_n for_o do_v well_o and_o obtain_v a_o pardon_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o true_o deserve_v praise_n but_o set_v aside_o these_o and_o the_o like_a melancholy_a consideration_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o age_n when_o our_o blood_n be_v warm_a and_o our_o spirit_n quick_a and_o the_o humour_n of_o our_o body_n not_o yet_o turn_v and_o sour_v by_o great_a disappointment_n and_o grievous_a loss_n of_o our_o estate_n or_o near_a friend_n and_o relation_n by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o affliction_n by_o many_o cross_a event_n and_o calamitous_a accident_n yet_o we_o be_v continual_o liable_a to_o all_o these_o and_o the_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o danger_n of_o they_o be_v no_o small_a trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n rob_v we_o of_o the_o comfort_n and_o eat_v out_o the_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n of_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o by_o degree_n the_o evil_n we_o fear_v overtake_v we_o and_o as_o one_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n go_v on_o another_o succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o like_o job_n messenger_n who_o bad_a tiding_n and_o report_n of_o calamitous_a accident_n come_v so_o thick_a upon_o he_o that_o they_o overtake_v one_o another_o if_o we_o have_v a_o plentiful_a fortune_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o abuse_v it_o to_o intemperance_n and_o luxury_n and_o this_o natural_o breed_v bodily_a pain_n and_o disease_n which_o take_v away_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o great_a estate_n if_o we_o have_v health_n it_o may_v be_v we_o be_v afflict_v with_o loss_n or_o deprive_v of_o friend_n or_o cross_v in_o our_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o happen_v to_o impede_fw-la and_o interrupt_v the_o contentment_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o life_n sometime_o a_o unexpected_a storm_n or_o some_o other_o sudden_a calamity_n sweep_v away_o in_o a_o instant_n all_o that_o which_o with_o so_o much_o industry_n and_o care_n we_o have_v be_v gather_v many_o year_n or_o if_o a_o estate_n stand_v firm_a our_o child_n be_v take_v away_o to_o who_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n all_o the_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n be_v devote_v or_o if_o none_o of_o these_o happen_v as_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a to_o escape_v most_o or_o some_o of_o they_o yet_o for_o a_o demonstration_n to_o we_o that_o god_n intend_v this_o world_n to_o be_v uneasy_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o happiness_n
among_o who_o we_o shall_v shame_v as_o light_n the_o same_o argument_n st._n peter_n use_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 11_o 12._o i_o beseech_v you_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v consider_v that_o you_o be_v among_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o bring_v no_o scandal_n upon_o your_o holy_a profession_n among_o those_o who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v all_o advantage_n against_o you_o particular_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o same_o heavenly_a country_n must_v be_v kind_a to_o one_o another_o and_o whilst_o we_o live_v among_o stranger_n have_v no_o quarrel_n among_o ourselves_o in_o a_o strange_a country_n it_o use_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o man_n to_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o country_n and_o fellow_n citizen_n and_o this_o alone_a be_v common_o sufficient_a to_o unite_v their_o affection_n and_o to_o link_v their_o interest_n together_o but_o how_o little_a of_o this_o be_v to_o be_v see_v among_o christian_n how_o shameful_o do_v they_o quarrel_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o and_o never_o expect_v to_o meet_v at_o last_o in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o there_o to_o live_v together_o for_o ever_o iii_o let_v we_o be_v as_o patient_n and_o cheerful_a as_o we_o can_v under_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o life_n they_o who_o be_v in_o strange_a country_n must_v expect_v to_o encounter_v many_o injury_n and_o affront_v and_o to_o be_v put_v to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o hardship_n those_o which_o be_v light_a and_o more_o tolerable_a we_o must_v bear_v with_o cheerfulness_n upon_o a_o journey_n man_n use_v to_o put_v on_o all_o the_o pleasantness_n they_o can_v and_o to_o make_v sport_n of_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o way_n and_o wether_n and_o little_a cross_a accident_n that_o befall_v they_o and_o thus_o if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o art_n and_o wisdom_n to_o do_v it_o many_o of_o the_o lesser_a inconvenience_n of_o humane_a life_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v play_v off_o and_o make_v matter_n rather_o of_o mirth_n and_o diversion_n than_o of_o melancholy_n and_o serious_a trouble_n but_o there_o be_v some_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o be_v too_o heavy_a and_o serious_a to_o be_v jest_v withal_o and_o require_v the_o great_a consideration_n and_o a_o very_a great_a degree_n of_o patience_n to_o support_v we_o under_o they_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o bear_v they_o decent_o as_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n and_o dear_a relation_n as_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o only_a son_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v well_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o a_o virtuous_a course_n and_o promise_v all_o the_o comfort_n to_o his_o parent_n that_o they_o themselves_o can_v wish_v these_o certain_o be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o world_n and_o hard_a to_o be_v bear_v for_o man_n may_v pretend_v what_o they_o will_v to_o philosophy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o perish_a comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o a_o insensibility_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o weak_a and_o undisciplined_a part_n of_o mankind_n keep_v such_o a_o wail_v and_o lamentation_n about_o but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v nature_n have_v frame_v we_o as_o we_o be_v and_o have_v plant_v in_o our_o nature_n strong_a inclination_n and_o affection_n to_o our_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o these_o affection_n be_v as_o natural_o move_v upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o pluck_v every_o string_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o violent_o as_o extreme_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n do_v gnaw_v upon_o our_o stomach_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v foolish_a for_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o love_v thing_n mighty_o and_o to_o rejoice_v great_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o be_v so_o easy_o content_v to_o lose_v they_o and_o to_o be_v part_v from_o they_o this_o be_v to_o separate_v thing_n which_o nature_n have_v strong_o link_v together_o whatever_o we_o mighty_o love_v do_v thereby_o in_o some_o sort_n become_v part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o it_o can_v hand_n loose_v to_o we_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o divorce_v from_o we_o without_o trouble_v no_o more_o than_o a_o limb_n that_o be_v vital_o and_o by_o strong_a ligament_n unite_v to_o the_o body_n can_v be_v drop_v off_o when_o we_o please_v or_o rend_v from_o the_o body_n without_o pain_n and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a affection_n for_o any_o thing_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v pretend_v that_o he_o can_v content_o and_o without_o any_o great_a sense_n or_o signification_n of_o pain_n bear_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o do_v not_o talk_v like_o a_o philosopher_n but_o like_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o be_v a_o wise_a be_v in_o truth_n a_o illnatured_n man._n for_o most_o certain_o in_o proportion_n to_o our_o love_n of_o any_o thing_n will_v be_v our_o trouble_n and_o grief_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o so_o that_o under_o these_o great_a and_o heavy_a stroke_n we_o have_v need_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v a_o man_n in_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n and_o to_o sustain_v his_o spirit_n under_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n but_o this_o full_o answer_v all_o that_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o nay_o that_o if_o we_o bear_v these_o affliction_n patient_o and_o with_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n especial_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o cause_n it_o will_v certain_o increase_v our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_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 iv._o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o of_o our_o future_a hope_n shall_v set_v we_o above_o the_o fondness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n for_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v raise_v to_o their_o true_a pitch_n and_o height_n till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n conquer_v these_o two_o passion_n and_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o what_o be_v it_o that_o we_o see_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o strange_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o quae_fw-la lucis_fw-la miseris_fw-la tam_fw-la dira_fw-la cupido_fw-la this_o world_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a place_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o bear_v himself_o towards_o it_o with_o the_o most_o indifferent_a mind_n and_o affection_n that_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o yet_o patient_a to_o stay_v in_o it_o as_o long_o as_o god_n please_v and_o as_o for_o death_n though_o the_o dread_a of_o it_o be_v natural_a yet_o why_o shall_v the_o terror_n of_o it_o be_v so_o very_o surprise_v and_o amaze_a to_o we_o after_o we_o have_v consider_v that_o to_o a_o good_a and_o pious_a soul_n it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o entrance_n into_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o wonder_v to_o see_v a_o man_n undaunted_a at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o to_o be_v not_o only_o content_v but_o cheerful_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n this_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o vale_n of_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n whereas_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n that_o man_n be_v so_o patient_a to_o live_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o glad_a of_o any_o fair_a excuse_n and_o opportunity_n of_o get_v out_o of_o this_o strange_a country_n and_o retire_v home_o and_o of_o rid_v themselves_o of_o the_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o life_n for_o consider_v the_o numerous_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o a_o long_a pilgrimage_n there_o be_v real_o but_o three_o consideration_n that_o i_o can_v ready_o think_v of_o that_o can_v make_v this_o world_n and_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o it_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n tolerable_a to_o a_o wise_a man_n viz._n that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o to_o stay_v in_o it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o happiness_n design_v
and_o reserve_v for_o we_o in_o another_o place_n which_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v and_o make_v amends_o to_o we_o for_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o fast_o most_o man_n cling_v to_o life_n and_o that_o even_o in_o old_a age_n how_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o twig_n that_o may_v but_o hold_v they_o up_o a_o little_a while_n and_o how_o fond_o they_o hanker_v after_o a_o miserable_a life_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o of_o pleasure_n to_o be_v enjoy_v nothing_o more_o of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o hope_v for_o in_o it_o when_o they_o be_v just_o put_v in_o to_o the_o port_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v rejoice_v at_o their_o very_a heart_n that_o they_o see_v land_n yet_o how_o glad_a will_v they_o be_v then_o of_o any_o cross_a wind_n that_o will_v carry_v they_o back_o into_o the_o sea_n again_o as_o if_o they_o love_v to_o be_v toss_v and_o be_v fond_a of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n nay_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o even_o after_o we_o have_v make_v that_o acknowledgement_n of_o david_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o sojourner_n with_o thou_o as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v be_v apt_a with_o he_o to_o be_v still_o importune_v god_n for_o a_o little_o long_a life_n o_o spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o and_o when_o god_n have_v grant_v we_o this_o request_n than_o we_o will_v be_v spare_v yet_o a_o little_a long_o but_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o god_n do_v not_o design_n we_o to_o continue_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n make_v it_o so_o uneasy_a to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o linger_v here_o below_o we_o be_v detain_v from_o our_o happiness_n while_o we_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n this_o consideration_n make_v st._n paul_n so_o desirous_a to_o be_v dissolve_v because_o he_o know_v that_o when_o his_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o much_o better_a habitation_n a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v he_o so_o full_a of_o joy_n and_o triumph_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o leave_v the_o world_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 6._o i_o be_o now_o ready_a say_v he_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o 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 course_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 god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o in_o that_o day_n nay_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o though_o but_o obscure_o apprehend_v by_o they_o do_v raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o better_a heathen_a and_o fill_v they_o with_o great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o dissolution_n with_o what_o constancy_n and_o evenness_n of_o mind_n do_v socrates_n receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n and_o with_o what_o excellent_a discourse_n do_v he_o entertain_v his_o friend_n just_a before_o he_o drink_v off_o the_o fatal_a cup_n and_o after_o he_o have_v take_v it_o down_o whilst_o death_n be_v gradual_o seize_v upon_o he_o one_o can_v hardly_o without_o a_o very_a sensible_a transport_n read_v cato_n discourse_n concern_v his_o death_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o tully_n in_o his_o book_n of_o old_a age._n i_o be_o say_v he_o transport_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o see_v my_o forefather_n those_o excellent_a person_n of_o who_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v and_o write_a and_o now_o i_o be_o go_v to_o they_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v draw_v back_o into_o this_o world_n again_o quod_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la deus_fw-la mihi_fw-la largiatur_fw-la ut_fw-la ex_fw-la hac_fw-la aetate_fw-la repuerascam_fw-la &_o in_o cunis_fw-la vagiam_fw-la valde_fw-la recusem_fw-la if_o some_o god_n will_v offer_v i_o at_o this_o age_n to_o be_v a_o child_n again_o and_o to_o cry_v in_o the_o cradle_n i_o will_v earnest_o refuse_v it_o and_o upon_o no_o term_n accept_v it_o and_o now_o that_o my_o race_n be_v almost_o run_v and_o my_o course_n just_o finish_v how_o loath_a shall_v i_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v back_o and_o make_v to_o begin_v again_o for_o what_o advantage_n be_v there_o in_o life_n nay_o rather_o what_o labour_n and_o trouble_v be_v there_o not_o in_o it_o but_o let_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v there_o be_v certain_o some_o measure_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n and_o man_n ought_v to_o know_v when_o they_o have_v enough_o of_o it_o o_o praeclarum_fw-la diem_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o illud_fw-la animorum_fw-la consilium_fw-la caetumque_fw-la proficiscar_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la ex_fw-la hac_fw-la turbâ_fw-la &_o colluvione_fw-la discedam_fw-la o_o bless_a and_o glorious_a day_n when_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o that_o great_a council_n and_o assembly_n of_o spirit_n and_o have_v get_v out_o of_o this_o tumult_n and_o sink_v and_o if_o a_o heathen_a who_o have_v but_o some_o obscure_a glimmering_n of_o another_o life_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o depart_a soul_n can_v speak_v thus_o cheerful_o of_o death_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o who_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n v._o we_o shall_v always_o prefer_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o the_o world_n because_o it_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n infinite_o more_o valuable_a if_o so_o be_v our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o do_v survive_v in_o another_o world_n and_o we_o must_v there_o give_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o all_o the_o action_n do_v by_o we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a to_o the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v evil._n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffer_v and_o death_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n or_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o present_a loss_n and_o suffer_v to_o deny_v or_o dissemble_v our_o religion_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a in_o any_o kind_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o conscience_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o what_o will_v be_v the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o what_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v to_o i_o i_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n this_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v and_o these_o frown_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o bitter_a wrath_n and_o cruel_a malice_n of_o men._n what_o if_o to_o preserve_v this_o frail_a and_o mortal_a body_n i_o shall_v evident_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o my_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o escape_v a_o temporal_a inconvenience_n i_o forfeit_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o plunge_v myself_o into_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o wild_a bargain_n and_o a_o mad_a exchange_n for_o any_o temporal_a gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o lose_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v eternal_a and_o for_o the_o please_a of_o ourselves_o for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o arrive_v after_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n be_v over_o let_v we_o not_o by_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o stranger_n and_o the_o vicious_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o evil_a world_n bar_v ourselves_o of_o our_o hope_n and_o banish_v ourselves_o from_o that_o happy_a place_n to_o which_o we_o all_o profess_v we_o be_v go_v we_o pretend_v to_o be_v travel_v towards_o heaven_n but_o if_o we_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o destroy_v our_o own_o hope_n of_o ever_o arrive_v at_o that_o happy_a port._n we_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o our_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n if_o the_o unseen_a glory_n of_o another_o world_n do_v not_o raise_v we_o above_o all_o the_o temptation_n
obedience_n and_o self-denial_n he_o begin_v with_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o flood_n but_o insist_o chief_o upon_o the_o example_n of_o two_o eminent_a person_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o near_o to_o they_o and_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n the_o one_o the_o father_n of_o their_o nation_n the_o other_o their_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o both_o of_o they_o the_o great_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o self-denial_n that_o the_o history_n of_o all_o former_a age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v afford_v i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n by_o god_n assistance_n treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n the_o constancy_n of_o who_o faith_n and_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o who_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o difficult_a case_n be_v so_o remarkable_a above_o all_o the_o other_o example_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o leave_v his_o kindred_n and_o his_o country_n not_o know_v whither_o he_o shall_v go_v by_o which_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v whole_o at_o god_n disposal_n and_o ready_a to_o follow_v he_o but_o this_o be_v no_o trial_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o here_o in_o my_o text_n when_o god_n command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n but_o such_o be_v the_o immutable_a steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o perfect_a submission_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o make_v the_o least_o check_n at_o it_o but_o out_o of_o perfect_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n he_o go_v about_o it_o as_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o as_o if_o god_n have_v bid_v he_o do_v some_o small_a thing_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o word_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_n second_o the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_a it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v tempt_v that_o be_v god_n intend_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v gen._n 22._o 1._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n do_v tempt_v abraham_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v now_o thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n now_o there_o be_v two_o difficulty_n concern_v this_o matter_n it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n that_o god_n shall_v tempt_v any_o man_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o god_n who_o know_v what_o every_o man_n will_v do_v need_v not_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o any_o man_n faith_n or_o obedience_n first_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n which_o say_v god_n tempt_v no_o man_n and_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o he_o may_v try_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o great_a difficulty_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o illustrious_a thus_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o he_o permit_v job_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v second_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o reason_n that_o god_n who_o know_v what_o any_o man_n will_v do_v in_o any_o circumstance_n shall_v go_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o it_o but_o god_n do_v not_o try_v man_n for_o his_o own_o information_n but_o to_o give_v a_o illustrious_a proof_n and_o example_n to_o other_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o though_o after_o this_o trial_n of_o abraham_n god_n say_v to_o he_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o love_v i_o because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o as_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o god_n elsewhere_o speak_v to_o abraham_n concern_v sodom_n i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v altogether_o aecord_v to_o the_o cry_n which_o be_v come_v up_o unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n god_n accept_v of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o because_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o part_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v perform_v the_o rest_n if_o god_n have_v not_o countermand_v he_o and_o this_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o abraham_n will_v appear_v the_o more_o illustrious_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o second_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o resolution_n notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o hard_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o objection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o case_n enough_o to_o shake_v a_o very_a strong_a faith_n there_o be_v three_o great_a objection_n against_o this_o command_n and_o such_o as_o may_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n doubtful_a whether_o this_o command_n be_v from_o god_n the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v the_o grievous_a scandal_n that_o may_v seem_v almost_o unavoidable_o to_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o former_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n void_a first_o the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v which_o be_v for_o a_o father_n to_o kill_v his_o own_o child_n this_o must_v needs_o appear_v very_o barbarous_a and_o unnatural_a and_o look_v like_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o a_o idol_n than_o to_o the_o true_a god_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o kindness_n and_o affection_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o there_o be_v no_o affection_n more_o natutural_a and_o strong_a than_o this_o for_o there_o be_v many_o person_n that_o will_v redeem_v the_o life_n of_o their_o child_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o now_o that_o god_n have_v plant_v such_o a_o affection_n in_o nature_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n that_o increase_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o fact_n that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n first_o that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a it_o will_v grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o any_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o undutiful_a and_o disobedient_a so_o passionate_o be_v david_n affect_v with_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n absolom_n as_o to_o wish_v he_o have_v die_v for_o he_o though_o he_o die_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o though_o the_o save_n of_o his_o life_n have_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o government_n how_o deep_o then_o must_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o innocent_a son_n to_o death_n and_o such_o a_o son_n be_v isaac_n for_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n god_n himself_o give_v he_o this_o testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n who_o his_o father_n love_v and_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o this_o can_v not_o but_o appear_v strange_a to_o a_o good_a man_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v a_o innocent_a person_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o second_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v be_v command_v not_o only_o to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n but_o to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o spectator_n but_o to_o be_v the_o actor_n in_o this_o tragedy_n what_o father_n will_v not_o shrink_v and_o start_v back_o at_o such_o a_o command_n what_o good_a man_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o where_o nature_n be_v so_o hard_o press_v will_v not_o have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v look_v upon_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o rather_o as_o the_o suggestion_n and_o illusion_n of_o a_o evil_a spirit_n than_o a_o command_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o abraham_n faith_n be_v
not_o stagger_v so_o as_o to_o call_v this_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o question_n second_o the_o grievous_a scandal_n that_o may_v seem_v almost_o unavoidable_o to_o follow_v upon_o it_o be_v another_o great_a objection_n against_o it_o the_o report_n of_o such_o a_o action_n will_v in_o all_o appearance_n blemish_v the_o reputation_n even_o of_o so_o good_a a_o man_n among_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n who_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v to_o censure_v he_o as_o a_o wicked_a and_o unnatural_a man._n and_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v put_v to_o sacrifice_n at_o once_o two_o of_o the_o dear_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n his_o reputation_n and_o his_o son_n nor_o can_v he_o have_v easy_o defend_v himself_o from_o this_o imputation_n by_o allege_v a_o express_a revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o for_o who_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o a_o revelation_n to_o another_o man_n be_v nothing_o to_o i_o unless_o i_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v such_o a_o revelation_n which_o i_o can_v be_v but_o either_o by_o another_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o by_o some_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o the_o act_n have_v a_o appearance_n of_o so_o much_o horror_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v command_v it_o and_o if_o every_o man_n confident_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n be_v admit_v the_o worst_a action_n may_v plead_v this_o in_o their_o excuse_n so_o that_o this_o pretence_n will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v his_o fault_n that_o it_o must_v rather_o have_v be_v esteem_v a_o high_a aggravation_n of_o it_o by_o add_v the_o bold_a impiety_n to_o the_o most_o barbarous_a inhumanity_n but_o abraham_n be_v not_o stumble_v at_o this_o nor_o at_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o religion_n will_v make_v of_o such_o a_o occasion_n who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v here_o be_v your_o excellent_a good_a man_n and_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o god_n who_o be_v so_o cruel_a a_o enemy_n to_o his_o own_o son_n all_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o may_v consider_v but_o it_o do_v not_o move_v he_o be_v resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o wisdom_n to_o provide_v against_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o it_o three_o the_o strong_a objection_n of_o all_o be_v the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o clash_v with_o former_a revelation_n and_o to_o make_v void_a the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v before_o make_v to_o abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v which_o promise_n be_v express_o limit_v to_o isaac_n and_o his_o posterity_n who_o have_v then_o no_o son_n and_o of_o this_o difficulty_n the_o apostle_n take_v express_a notice_n in_o the_o text_n that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o they_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v and_o this_o objection_n be_v real_o so_o strong_a that_o if_o abraham_n can_v not_o have_v give_v himself_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o he_o may_v just_o have_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n for_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o entertain_v two_o contradictory_n revelation_n as_o from_o god_n but_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n question_v one_o or_o both_o of_o they_o but_o so_o strong_a be_v abraham_n faith_n as_o not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o these_o two_o revelation_n ii_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o constancy_n of_o his_o resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n notwithstanding_o the_o harshness_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o abraham_n be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o this_o command_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n be_v real_o from_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o bring_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o so_o difficult_a a_o case_n and_o out_o of_o mere_a reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n to_o divest_v himself_o of_o his_o nature_n and_o to_o thwart_v the_o strong_a inclination_n of_o it_o a_o man_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o confer_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o such_o a_o case_n let_v but_o any_o man_n that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o father_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o his_o heart_n and_o consider_v his_o own_o bowel_n and_o he_o will_v be_v astonish_v at_o abraham_n obedience_n as_o well_o as_o his_o faith_n to_o take_v his_o son_n his_o only_a son_n his_o son_n who_o he_o love_v and_o in_o who_o he_o place_v all_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o happy_a posterity_n and_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o all_o his_o hope_n together_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strong_a faith_n that_o will_v engage_v a_o man_n to_o obedience_n in_o so_o difficult_a a_o instance_n there_o be_v one_o circumstance_n more_o especial_o which_o render_v abraham_n obedience_n very_o remarkable_a the_o deliberateness_n of_o the_o action_n it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o if_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v receive_v this_o command_n from_o god_n he_o have_v upon_o a_o sudden_a impulse_n and_o transport_v of_o zeal_n do_v this_o but_o that_o his_o obedience_n may_v be_v the_o more_o glorious_a and_o have_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o advantage_n give_v to_o it_o god_n will_v have_v it_o do_v deliberate_o and_o upon_o full_a consideration_n and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v he_o go_v to_o the_o mountain_n three_o day_n journey_n from_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v and_o there_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n it_o be_v in_o act_n of_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n as_o in_o act_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n the_o more_o deliberate_a the_o sin_n be_v and_o the_o more_o calm_a and_o sedate_v temper_v the_o man_n be_v in_o when_o he_o commit_v it_o the_o great_a be_v the_o fault_n whereas_o what_o be_v do_v by_o surprise_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o temptation_n or_o transport_v of_o passion_n have_v some_o excuse_n from_o the_o suddainness_n and_o indeliberateness_n of_o it_o so_o be_v it_o in_o act_n of_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o considerable_a difficulty_n the_o more_o deliberate_o they_o be_v do_v the_o more_o virtuous_a they_o be_v and_o the_o great_a praise_n be_v due_a to_o they_o now_o that_o abraham_n obedience_n may_v want_v nothing_o to_o heighten_v it_o god_n seem_v on_o purpose_n to_o have_v put_v so_o long_a a_o space_n betwixt_o the_o command_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o he_o give_v he_o time_n to_o cool_v upon_o it_o to_o weigh_v the_o command_n and_o to_o look_v on_o every_o side_n of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n he_o give_v scope_n for_o his_o reason_n to_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o case_n and_o opportunity_n for_o natural_a affection_n to_o play_v its_o part_n and_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o raise_v all_o its_o battery_n against_o the_o resolution_n which_o he_o have_v take_v up_o and_o now_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v what_o conflict_n this_o good_a man_n have_v within_o himself_o during_o those_o three_o day_n that_o he_o be_v travel_v to_o the_o mountain_n in_o moriah_n and_o how_o his_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v rend_v in_o piece_n betwixt_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o affection_n to_o his_o child_n so_o that_o every_o step_n of_o this_o unwelcome_a and_o wearisome_a journey_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o he_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n but_o once_o but_o he_o sacrifice_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o will_v every_o moment_n for_o three_o day_n together_o and_o when_o he_o come_v thither_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v ready_a the_o altar_n the_o wood_n and_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o knife_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o stab_a question_n and_o wound_v he_o to_o the_o heart_n which_o his_o innocent_a son_n so_o innocent_o ask_v he_o where_o be_v the_o lamb_n for_o a_o burnt-offering_a it_o must_v be_v a_o strong_a faith_n indeed_o and_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n that_o can_v make_v he_o to_o hold_v out_o three_o day_n against_o the_o violent_a assault_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o charm_a presence_n of_o his_o son_n enough_o to_o melt_v his_o heart_n as_o often_o as_o he_o cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o he_o and_o yet_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o make_v he_o to_o stagger_v in_o his_o duty_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n he_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o miraculous_a act_n of_o obedience_n that_o ever_o be_v exact_v from_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o men._n iii_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o he_o be_v able_a