irreligious_a to_o mix_v our_o talk_n with_o oath_n upon_o every_o occasion_n for_o hereby_o we_o make_v as_o cheap_a with_o god_n as_o by_o prostitute_v any_o other_o sacred_a thing_n to_o a_o common_a and_o trivial_a use_n 2._o it_o argue_v a_o man_n not_o to_o fear_v that_o horrid_a crime_n of_o perjury_n for_o if_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o how_o cautious_a and_o deliberate_a will_v he_o be_v ere_o he_o venture_v to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n upon_o oath_n he_o will_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v exact_o true_a whether_o it_o be_v certain_a or_o only_o probable_a whether_o he_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o mistake_v or_o misinformation_n in_o the_o case_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o necessary_a to_o come_v under_o consideration_n with_o that_o man_n that_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o perjury_n but_o the_o light_n be_v not_o more_o clear_a at_o midday_n than_o that_o common_a swearer_n trouble_v themselves_o with_o none_o of_o these_o thought_n what_o they_o say_v at_o a_o venture_n they_o bold_o swear_v what_o they_o rash_o utter_v they_o as_o rash_o add_v oath_n and_o curse_n to_o their_o habit_n of_o swear_v make_v they_o not_o one_o jot_n the_o more_o wary_a in_o their_o talk_n and_o the_o slipperiness_n of_o their_o tongue_n not_o at_o all_o the_o more_o afraid_a of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o they_o have_v little_a apprehension_n of_o perjury_n and_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o be_v forswear_v for_o i_o say_v do_v we_o ever_o find_v that_o those_o who_o be_v give_v to_o swear_v be_v more_o deliberate_a and_o slow_a to_o speak_v than_o other_o man_n do_v they_o weigh_v their_o word_n with_o more_o exactness_n do_v they_o refrain_v from_o looseness_n of_o talk_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n more_o than_o those_o who_o be_v content_a to_o speak_v upon_o their_o honest_a word_n no_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v usual_o more_o free_a and_o prodigal_a of_o their_o discourse_n their_o word_n be_v guide_v with_o less_o consideration_n and_o judgement_n and_o their_o tongue_n hang_v more_o loose_o in_o their_o head_n than_o be_v observable_a in_o other_o man_n nay_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v then_o most_o plentiful_a of_o their_o oath_n when_o they_o be_v least_o able_a to_o govern_v their_o talk_n with_o discretion_n i._n e._n when_o they_o be_v drink_v either_o with_o wine_n or_o passion_n and_o what_o numerous_a perjury_n then_o in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v these_o man_n guilty_a of_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v forswear_v every_o day_n they_o rise_v for_o though_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o think_v that_o they_o do_v but_o swear_v in_o jest_n yet_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o to_o be_v laugh_v away_o when_o man_n swear_v they_o will_v do_v this_o or_o that_o which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o intend_v not_o at_o all_o or_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o they_o know_v be_v false_a they_o be_v nevertheless_o guilty_a of_o perjury_n for_o not_o mind_v that_o they_o be_v so_o since_o a_o sin_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v mere_o by_o the_o stupidity_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n but_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o guilt_n nor_o afraid_a of_o the_o crime_n of_o perjury_n which_o be_v that_o immorality_n that_o i_o charge_v the_o common_a swearer_n withal_o and_o this_o st._n austin_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o assign_v why_o our_o saviour_n prohibit_v unnecessary_a oath_n be_v this_o ne_fw-la perjuri_fw-la simus_fw-la lest_o we_o shall_v be_v forswear_v which_o every_o man_n be_v in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o who_o promiscuous_o add_v oath_n to_o his_o talk_n as_o i_o have_v already_o note_v and_o doubtless_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o secure_v himself_o from_o perjury_n that_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v declare_v plain_o enough_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o careful_a against_o it_o as_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o foulness_n of_o that_o sin_n will_v make_v he_o that_o in_o the_o business_n of_o a_o oath_n man_n be_v oblige_v to_o proceed_v with_o great_a care_n and_o deliberation_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o go_v about_o the_o prove_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o man_n will_v tie_v themselves_o to_o weigh_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n they_o affirm_v before_o they_o will_v venture_v to_o swear_v to_o it_o they_o will_v spare_v a_o great_a many_o of_o their_o oath_n and_o if_o they_o find_v it_o be_v exact_o true_a they_o will_v be_v immediate_o sensible_a that_o it_o deserve_v not_o so_o solemn_a a_o confirmation_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o vanity_n of_o do_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n to_o no_o purpose_n which_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o more_o particular_o offer_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n 3._o needless_a swear_v argue_v immodesty_n and_o pride_n and_o a_o arrogant_a spirit_n few_o thing_n be_v more_o unseemly_a in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o affirm_v every_o thing_n with_o confidence_n and_o to_o be_v peremptory_a in_o all_o his_o talk_n for_o this_o be_v to_o impose_v upon_o his_o company_n and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o body_n to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o such_o companion_n be_v shun_v by_o all_o wise_a person_n as_o be_v void_a of_o that_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n which_o make_v man_n sociable_a and_o conversible_a but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o only_o positive_a and_o dogmatical_a in_o their_o common_a discourse_n but_o assert_v every_o thing_n almost_o which_o they_o say_v upon_o oath_n certain_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o behaviour_n there_o be_v as_o much_o ill_a manner_n towards_o man_n as_o there_o be_v rudeness_n towards_o god_n for_o what_o great_a instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o imperious_a and_o a_o peremptory_a temper_n than_o to_o seal_v our_o talk_n with_o oath_n and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o another_o to_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o say_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o accuse_v we_o of_o perjury_n a_o modest_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o he_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n in_o many_o thing_n where_o possible_o he_o may_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v accuse_v of_o arrogance_n be_v peremptory_a and_o conclusive_a yet_o choose_v to_o declare_v himself_o with_o that_o reservedness_n as_o may_v invite_v another_o man_n to_o show_v all_o his_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a without_o fear_n of_o displease_v he_o and_o this_o we_o all_o know_v be_v a_o great_a ornament_n to_o any_o man_n conversation_n and_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o good_a will_n and_o good_a correspondence_n in_o all_o society_n but_o light_n be_v not_o more_o contrary_a to_o darkness_n than_o the_o custom_n of_o swear_v be_v to_o this_o human_a and_o gentle_a temper_n wherefore_o it_o betray_v immodesty_n and_o arrogance_n last_o it_o proceed_v also_o from_o great_a vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o spirit_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o two_o plain_a instance_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v in_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o matter_n of_o serious_a importance_n and_o consideration_n and_o such_o as_o be_v frivolous_a and_o of_o little_a consequence_n in_o treat_v those_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o behaviour_n that_o be_v suitable_a only_o to_o these_o which_o be_v a_o undoubted_a argument_n of_o childishness_n and_o a_o frothy_a mind_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o swearer_n be_v apparent_o chargeable_a with_o for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v he_o in_o the_o same_o light_a humour_n wherein_o he_o be_v deliver_v something_o to_o make_v the_o company_n laugh_v presume_v to_o profane_v so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o a_o oath_n be_v by_o accompany_v a_o poor_a silly_a jest_n with_o it_o do_v the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n require_v no_o more_o seriousness_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o tell_n of_o a_o tale_n or_o can_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o tie_v so_o grave_a a_o thing_n to_o a_o sentence_n which_o if_o it_o be_v write_v down_o will_v within_o a_o hour_n after_o perhaps_o appear_v hateful_o ridiculous_a and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a with_o those_o that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o this_o sin_n second_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o vanity_n to_o take_v more_o pain_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o what_o we_o say_v than_o the_o thing_n do_v at_o all_o deserve_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o by_o discourse_n and_o correspondence_n do_v not_o require_v any_o solemn_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o word_n much_o less_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o great_a security_n we_o can_v
necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o life_n as_o bread_n etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o child_n we_o must_v understand_v all_o spiritual_a help_n necessary_a for_o our_o improvement_n in_o religion_n and_o virtue_n viz._n which_o hold_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o bread_n etc._n etc._n hold_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o body_n this_o upon_o our_o ask_n i._n e._n upon_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o we_o may_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o we_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o viz._n such_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a help_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o none_o of_o we_o less_o and_o he_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o expect_v more_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n himself_o will_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v we_o will_v help_v and_o support_v we_o will_v prosper_v and_o guard_v we_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o we_o have_v we_o such_o a_o patron_n and_o defender_n to_o overlook_v and_o care_n for_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_n of_o necessary_a help_n and_o yet_o can_v we_o be_v dishearten_v and_o dismay_v can_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n leave_v we_o can_v our_o heart_n sink_v within_o we_o when_o such_o powerful_a aid_n be_v near_o when_o such_o mighty_a encouragement_n be_v by_o we_o be_v it_o not_o from_o hence_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v fail_v of_o do_v those_o thing_n wherewith_o god_n will_v be_v please_v and_o his_o favour_n obtain_v but_o it_o must_v be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o not_o obtain_v by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n or_o in_o not_o improve_n by_o his_o good_a action_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o he_o may_v have_v arrive_v to_o a_o regenerate_v estate_n and_o persevere_v therein_o for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o feign_a but_o a_o sincere_a promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v and_o increase_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v real_a it_o can_v imply_v no_o less_o and_o it_o need_v not_o imply_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o our_o spiritual_a need_n and_o if_o that_o provision_n be_v not_o effectual_a in_o the_o event_n no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o ourselves_o the_o belief_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o be_v a_o motive_n of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n both_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v to_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v we_o against_o all_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o likewise_o because_o it_o can_v but_o show_v we_o what_o great_a aggravation_n our_o sin_n must_v receive_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o because_o thereby_o we_o resist_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 4._o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o point_n of_o belief_n be_v not_o knowable_a but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o be_v discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o pardon_v our_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n assist_v our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o give_v we_o any_o other_o confidence_n about_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o pardon_n and_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n which_o be_v excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v the_o high_a confidence_n we_o can_v arrive_v unto_o about_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o can_v amount_v reasonable_o to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o hereupon_o we_o shall_v be_v exempt_v and_o release_v from_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o our_o sin_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v pardon_v sinner_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o such_o excellent_a and_o useful_a law_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v recompense_v the_o obedience_n of_o they_o with_o a_o present_a reward_n and_o thereupon_o shall_v remit_v the_o penalty_n due_a to_o sin_n this_o must_v needs_o argue_v as_o great_a goodness_n in_o god_n as_o any_o sinner_n can_v with_o reason_n or_o modesty_n expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o towards_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v over_o and_o above_o requite_v our_o imperfect_a if_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o free_a and_o ample_a reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o those_o reward_n shall_v be_v the_o high_a and_o full_a which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o long_o as_o our_o being_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n than_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o righteousness_n than_o life_n everlasting_a than_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o angel_n than_o the_o glorious_a and_o happy_a employment_n of_o spirit_n make_v perfect_a than_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v such_o abundant_a benignity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o sinner_n that_o it_o can_v flow_v from_o nothing_o but_o self-moving_a goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o unsought_a kindness_n and_o benevolence_n this_o can_v never_o be_v know_v by_o we_o but_o by_o god_n almighty_n revelation_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v labour_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o with_o modesty_n can_v never_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o if_o the_o declare_a promise_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o have_v not_o give_v we_o confidence_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o want_v no_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n he_o who_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n call_v we_o to_o repentance_n promise_v pardon_n thereupon_o and_o acceptance_n and_o assistance_n have_v moreover_o by_o the_o same_o messenger_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n his_o secret_a and_o hide_a purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o sinner_n by_o he_o i_o say_v he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a into_o a_o state_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o heaven_n this_o also_o after_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v a_o pregnant_a and_o strong_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o as_o the_o rest_n show_v the_o possibility_n thereof_o so_o this_o satisfi_v we_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o we_o thereby_o since_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v our_o rewarder_n if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v he_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v make_v for_o our_o advantage_n to_o accept_v of_o god_n pardon_n and_o to_o study_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o future_a the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n will_v captivate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o leave_v we_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o since_o the_o bountiful_a and_o righteous_a god_n have_v bid_v a_o everlasting_a immense_a reward_n for_o our_o poor_a and_o to_o he_o unprofitable_a but_o to_o ourselves_o most_o beneficial_a service_n what_o can_v be_v say_v in_o our_o excuse_n if_o we_o undervalue_v so_o magnificent_a and_o free_a a_o gift_n such_o rich_a grace_n and_o bounty_n if_o this_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o that_o a_o true_o good_a man_n find_v there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n to_o do_v they_o what_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o prefer_v a_o moment_n before_o eternity_n and_o those_o advantage_n we_o see_v but_o which_o we_o
untoward_a accident_n of_o life_n as_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o be_v for_o here_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n encouragement_n and_o assistance_n to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a therein_o as_o there_o ever_o be_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o same_o cause_n still_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n those_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v now_o with_o god_n have_v the_o same_o appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o govern_v that_o we_o have_v they_o endure_v the_o same_o temptation_n and_o overcome_v they_o they_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o have_v and_o be_v encompass_v with_o infirmity_n and_o yet_o they_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n not_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o court_v by_o man_n but_o to_o be_v see_v and_o reward_v of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o have_v the_o same_o god_n to_o trust_v that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o holy_a word_n of_o 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in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o very_o easy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v most_o man_n to_o practise_v it_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o speculation_n fit_a for_o the_o pulpit_n but_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o offer_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o daily_a use_n we_o must_v pardon_v they_o there_o for_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v pursue_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o or_o regard_n of_o the_o daily_a occurrence_n of_o life_n what_o live_v will_v there_o be_v for_o we_o in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o shall_v forgive_v injury_n and_o wrong_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o be_v do_v and_o put_v up_o affront_v as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o we_o this_o will_v encourage_v the_o insolent_a man_n that_o have_v do_v we_o one_o injury_n to_o offer_v a_o great_a and_o by_o our_o tameness_n in_o bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o one_o man_n we_o invite_v 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from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o objection_n that_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v against_o his_o rule_n though_o if_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o be_v so_o plain_o imply_v one_o will_v think_v a_o little_a modesty_n will_v serve_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o it_o be_v better_a for_o we_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o will_n than_o by_o our_o own_o foolish_a reason_n at_o least_o if_o we_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v christian_n we_o shall_v not_o think_v much_o to_o take_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o do_v as_o he_o
by_o thy_o head_n and_o by_o thy_o life_n and_o consequent_o by_o thy_o hope_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o to_o swear_v by_o he_o upon_o who_o thou_o depende_v for_o thy_o life_n and_o who_o only_o have_v all_o power_n to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v so_o that_o the_o general_a reason_n why_o these_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v be_v because_o they_o be_v equivalent_a to_o formal_a swear_v by_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n bring_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o he_o that_o use_v they_o with_o swear_v downright_o by_o our_o maker_n now_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o swear_v direct_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o where_o that_o be_v use_v be_v not_o lawful_a in_o their_o ordinary_a occasion_n of_o speak_v our_o saviour_n proceed_v upon_o this_o supposition_n and_o infer_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o use_v those_o other_o oath_n upon_o those_o occasion_n because_o they_o imply_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o justice_n and_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o prohibition_n contain_v in_o this_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o the_o precept_n but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o it_o need_v no_o far_a inquiry_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o they_o already_o appear_v to_o be_v this_o content_v yourselves_o with_o bare_a affirm_v and_o deny_v whatever_o you_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o without_o add_v thereto_o any_o kind_n of_o oath_n and_o imprecation_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o law_n itself_o which_o one_o will_v think_v be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v practise_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o certain_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v need_v much_o persuasion_n to_o keep_v it_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o we_o do_v not_o want_v argument_n clear_a and_o strong_a enough_o to_o prevail_v with_o any_o 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receive_v from_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o can_v now_o be_v no_o dispute_n whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o swear_v in_o those_o case_n wherein_o a_o oath_n be_v needless_a for_o our_o lord_n command_n be_v so_o full_a against_o it_o that_o a_o question_n have_v be_v make_v though_o upon_o no_o just_a ground_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o swear_v at_o all_o now_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n authority_n can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o govern_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n where_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o will_n be_v so_o easy_a and_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v not_o reward_v by_o any_o gain_n or_o pleasure_n nor_o solicit_v by_o any_o temptation_n that_o can_v fasten_v upon_o our_o sensual_a lust_n and_o appetite_n nor_o can_v be_v resolve_v easy_o into_o any_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o may_v make_v we_o astonish_v that_o in_o a_o age_n pretend_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o nation_n form_v into_o a_o christian_a church_n so_o many_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o almost_o all_o quality_n and_o degree_n who_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o refuse_v to_o make_v so_o small_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o as_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o law_n so_o easy_a as_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v thus_o put_v into_o our_o discourse_n a_o peculiar_a character_n to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o we_o be_v no_o christian_n though_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n lest_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v observe_v by_o our_o practice_n that_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o discover_v it_o by_o our_o language_n that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o those_o who_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o rule_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o certain_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o conclude_v we_o he_o that_o shall_v want_v a_o far_a obligation_n deserve_v to_o be_v rank_v with_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n and_o yet_o the_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o forbid_v be_v evil_a in_o itself_o too_o and_o contain_v many_o foul_a and_o detestable_a immorality_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o common_a swearer_n sin_n how_o enormous_a must_v it_o needs_o be_v who_o refuse_v to_o do_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o guilt_n that_o the_o heinousness_n whereof_o may_v yet_o far_o appear_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n under_o this_o head_n viz._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o the_o plainness_n of_o affirmation_n and_o denial_n in_o common_a discourse_n come_v of_o evil_a i_o will_v therefore_o endeavour_v these_o two_o follow_a thing_n 1._o to_o make_v 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and_o indeed_o there_o must_v be_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o to_o make_v up_o a_o common_a swearer_n for_o if_o he_o either_o have_v reverend_a thought_n of_o god_n or_o fear_v to_o be_v forswear_v or_o if_o he_o have_v but_o a_o little_a modesty_n and_o good_a manner_n or_o any_o tolearable_a measure_n of_o a_o steady_a and_o serious_a spirit_n any_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v secure_v he_o 1._o customary_a swear_v betray_v great_a irreverence_n towards_o god_n for_o unless_o a_o man_n have_v very_o mean_a and_o dishonourable_a thought_n of_o god_n how_o dare_v he_o make_v so_o bold_a with_o he_o as_o to_o affirm_v nothing_o so_o silly_a and_o transact_v nothing_o so_o trivial_a and_o mean_a but_o he_o must_v summon_v god_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n reverence_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v always_o express_v by_o separate_v holy_a thing_n from_o vile_a and_o common_a use_n and_o because_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o be_v great_a rudeness_n to_o press_v it_o to_o unnecessary_a service_n than_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o mean_a of_o people_n to_o call_v the_o king_n out_o of_o his_o throne_n to_o hear_v every_o idle_a tale_n they_o bring_v against_o one_o another_o if_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o holy_a thing_n let_v we_o use_v it_o as_o we_o do_v those_o holy_a place_n which_o we_o do_v not_o put_v to_o all_o employment_n but_o reserve_v they_o for_o their_o peculiar_a use_n what_o a_o contempt_n of_o religion_n will_v it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o bring_v their_o market_n into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o pretend_v to_o sanctify_v their_o worldly_a affair_n and_o pleasure_n by_o transact_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o worship_n i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o
tongue_n in_o his_o head_n to_o use_v they_o as_o occasion_n serve_v which_o experience_n show_v may_v be_v do_v without_o any_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o rule_n of_o art_n 2._o it_o be_v sometime_o pretend_a by_o common_a swearer_n though_o i_o think_v but_o rare_o that_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v they_o without_o a_o oath_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o confess_v they_o have_v be_v so_o notorious_o give_v to_o lie_v that_o no_o body_n dare_v trust_v they_o upon_o their_o bear_n word_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v know_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o speak_v the_o truth_n find_v no_o difficulty_n of_o create_v a_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o say_v among_o any_o of_o his_o friend_n without_o make_v any_o appeal_n to_o god_n beside_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o common_a swearer_n give_v indeed_o but_o very_o little_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v if_o i_o know_v a_o man_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o oath_n his_o oath_n shall_v satisfy_v i_o beyond_o any_o other_o testimony_n that_o he_o can_v give_v and_o upon_o the_o oath_n of_o such_o a_o man_n a_o court_n of_o judicature_n may_v proceed_v with_o confidence_n but_o what_o regard_n can_v reasonable_o be_v have_v to_o his_o oath_n above_o his_o simple_a and_o bare_a word_n as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v who_o be_v know_v to_o swear_v upon_o all_o occasion_n if_o he_o do_v not_o lie_v it_o be_v well_o but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v no_o peculiar_a assurance_n by_o his_o oath_n because_o it_o be_v as_o ordinary_a with_o he_o to_o swear_v as_o to_o speak_v and_o therefore_o in_o athens_n a_o common_a swearer_n oath_n be_v not_o allow_v nor_o accept_v of_o in_o their_o court_n and_o sometime_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o man_n of_o know_a probity_n and_o honour_n be_v admit_v without_o it_o this_o last_o seem_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o law_n which_o suppose_v the_o asseveration_n of_o a_o peer_n to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o another_o man_n and_o therefore_o for_o another_o man_n to_o swear_v needless_o be_v to_o disparage_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o fidelity_n but_o for_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n to_o do_v so_o be_v to_o renounce_v his_o privilege_n and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v thus_o be_v not_o only_o to_o bring_v the_o honesty_n of_o his_o word_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o oath_n also_o into_o question_n 3._o the_o most_o usual_a excuse_v frame_v for_o the_o extenuation_n of_o this_o impiety_n be_v that_o of_o sudden_a passion_n thus_o when_o some_o man_n be_v a_o little_a provoke_v or_o when_o they_o be_v surprise_v with_o some_o unexpected_a good_a fortune_n or_o any_o unlooked-for_a misadventure_n befall_v they_o either_o their_o rage_n or_o their_o joy_n burst_v out_o present_o into_o oath_n and_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v help_v it_o for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discharge_v their_o mind_n and_o give_v vent_v to_o their_o passion_n but_o by_o curse_v and_o swear_v now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plain_a confession_n that_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o government_n of_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o rule_n over_o their_o own_o spirit_n so_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n while_o they_o be_v frame_v a_o excuse_n for_o one_o sin_n to_o betray_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o another_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v light_o be_v give_v of_o a_o impotent_a mind_n than_o that_o every_o petty_a accident_n be_v able_a to_o bereave_v one_o of_o all_o consideration_n and_o make_v he_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o own_o man_n till_o the_o fit_n be_v over_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o passion_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o mitigate_v the_o business_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o any_o trifle_a occasion_n be_v able_a to_o set_v these_o man_n a_o swear_v that_o make_v this_o excuse_n for_o themselves_o when_o provocation_n be_v allege_v to_o mollify_v this_o crime_n one_o will_v think_v it_o must_v arise_v from_o no_o less_o a_o cause_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v find_v his_o house_n in_o flame_n or_o his_o friend_n attempt_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o bed_n but_o upon_o examination_n this_o same_o emotion_n and_o heat_n of_o spirit_n be_v plead_v for_o the_o beg_n of_o your_o pardon_n when_o a_o man_n swear_v upon_o the_o most_o trifle_a and_o inconsiderable_a occasion_n and_o what_o can_v excuse_v that_o childishness_n and_o impotency_n of_o mind_n to_o which_o these_o man_n have_v thus_o give_v themselves_o over_o but_o let_v never_o such_o extraordinary_a cause_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n or_o anger_n happen_v it_o be_v a_o unmanly_a thing_n to_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o these_o passion_n and_o they_o be_v never_o less_o unbridled_a than_o when_o we_o make_v such_o undue_a expression_n of_o they_o as_o oath_n and_o curse_n be_v st._n james_n give_v we_o this_o rule_n above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n neither_o by_o the_o earth_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o oath_n james_n 5.12_o but_o the_o particular_a case_n wherein_o he_o think_v this_o rule_n be_v useful_a be_v that_o of_o affliction_n for_o he_o have_v before_o exhort_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o take_v the_o prophet_n for_o a_o example_n of_o suffer_a affliction_n and_o of_o patience_n and_o particular_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o meekness_n and_o patience_n of_o job_n for_o their_o imitation_n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o but_o if_o they_o can_v not_o perfect_o equal_v such_o great_a example_n as_o those_o be_v yet_o at_o least_o he_o strict_o enjoin_v they_o not_o to_o be_v transport_v so_o far_o into_o anger_n and_o impatience_n as_o to_o break_v forth_o into_o oath_n but_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o but_o keep_v yourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o modest_a and_o christian_a language_n and_o that_o they_o may_v see_v that_o he_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v far_o from_o think_v it_o a_o virtue_n to_o be_v stupid_a and_o dull_a and_o unconcern_v about_o either_o the_o comfort_n or_o the_o calamity_n of_o human_a life_n he_o direct_v they_o how_o they_o may_v convert_v the_o passion_n which_o be_v thereby_o excite_v to_o a_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a use_n be_v any_o man_n among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n ver_fw-la 13_o 15._o if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v with_o worldly_a misery_n let_v he_o turn_v himself_o to_o more_o devout_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v either_o remove_v his_o burden_n or_o give_v he_o patience_n under_o it_o if_o he_o be_v surprise_v with_o some_o new_a blessing_n let_v he_o break_v forth_o into_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o who_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n he_o stand_v oblige_v for_o it_o thus_o to_o improve_v the_o excitation_n of_o joy_n and_o grief_n within_o we_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o our_o passion_n have_v not_o overwhelm_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o leave_v we_o the_o free_a use_n of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v what_o become_v we_o as_o man_n and_o christian_n but_o in_o either_o case_n to_o lash_v out_o into_o oath_n be_v a_o plain_a token_n of_o a_o impotent_a mind_n that_o have_v no_o rule_n over_o itself_o but_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o intemperate_a passion_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o so_o much_o shame_n to_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o much_o more_o to_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v blush_v to_o confess_v so_o much_o evil_n against_o ourselves_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o excuse_n of_o any_o other_o sin_n 4._o if_o swear_v be_v excuse_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o other_o man_n who_o be_v our_o friend_n and_o companion_n this_o pretence_n indeed_o carry_v a_o show_n of_o civility_n and_o kind_a nature_n but_o for_o all_o that_o be_v the_o silly_a that_o can_v ready_o be_v think_v of_o and_o the_o make_n of_o it_o argue_v a_o mean_a and_o degenerate_a mind_n for_o although_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a nature_n it_o be_v commendable_a for_o man_n to_o remit_v of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o humour_n and_o to_o suit_n themselves_o to_o the_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o who_o they_o converse_v with_o yet_o to_o be_v complaisant_a in_o all_o thing_n without_o exception_n be_v the_o way_n to_o grow_v as_o profligate_v and_o vile_a as_o the_o devil_n will_v wish_v any_o man_n to_o be_v for_o what_o wickedness_n can_v want_v authority_n if_o this_o pretence_n be_v once_o admit_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o proclaim_v that_o a_o man_n have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o judge_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o
that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n nay_o 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o like_a forewarning_n yet_o man_n have_v and_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n delude_v themselves_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o occasion_n tell_v his_o disciple_n before_o hand_n many_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o certain_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o live_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o mirales_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o terrible_a instance_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o presumption_n that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o only_o see_v but_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v yet_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o other_o shall_v not_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o dispossess_v themselves_o of_o their_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o cleanse_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o when_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n become_v the_o reward_n of_o profess_v christianity_n the_o instance_n of_o this_o folly_n and_o madness_n grow_v still_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o open_a and_o man_n more_o easy_o pass_v for_o christian_n than_o in_o former_a time_n though_o they_o be_v as_o lustful_a and_o revengeful_a as_o vain_a and_o insolent_a and_o altogether_o as_o worldly_a and_o vicious_a as_o other_o man_n they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o more_o ease_n and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o with_o more_o difficulty_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o under_o a_o discipline_n less_o severe_a than_o in_o former_a time_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a example_n there_o be_v still_o more_o and_o more_o who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v themselves_o christian_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v two_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o to_o rest_v upon_o so_o false_a a_o foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n as_o a_o mere_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v such_o person_n in_o life_n and_o soul_n as_o their_o profession_n require_v now_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o it_o be_v than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o no_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v a_o part_n speak_v against_o causeless_a anger_n and_o a_o adulterous_a eye_n and_o a_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o vainglory_n and_o worldly_a solicitude_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o as_o hard_o to_o reform_v as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n especial_o where_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n in_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v conceit_v any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o foolish_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v feel_v a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a way_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n become_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n but_o whilst_o one_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o lust_n of_o passion_n his_o indulgence_n to_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v like_o drink_n to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o till_o he_o recover_v his_o health_n know_v no_o other_o pleasure_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a torment_n to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v deny_v it_o now_o they_o be_v those_o rule_n of_o christianity_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n our_o manner_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o obligation_n to_o profess_v a_o religion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n among_o those_o that_o do_v so_o do_v not_o of_o itself_o thwart_o they_o otherways_o than_o it_o bring_v the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_o in_o all_o our_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o man_n will_v fain_o believe_v that_o their_o care_n in_o one_o part_n shall_v supply_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o in_o good_a stead_n although_o they_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o concern_v for_o a_o life_n to_o come_v as_o there_o be_v to_o come_v up_o thorough_o to_o that_o which_o religion_n require_v and_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o difficulty_n i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v as_o difficult_a but_o more_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o become_v mere_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n than_o even_o bad_a man_n have_v make_v it_o to_o become_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o natural_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v downright_a atheist_n or_o even_a unbeliever_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n easy_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v self-condemned_n without_o any_o relief_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v some_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o consistent_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o a_o diligent_a profession_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n take_v together_o viz._n the_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o other_o that_o have_v not_o only_o make_v many_o person_n take_v up_o this_o false_a way_n of_o comfort_v themselves_o but_o have_v also_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v divers_a error_n which_o help_v to_o support_v this_o to_o expect_v spiritual_a relief_n from_o thing_n blessed_v by_o man_n without_o any_o appointment_n from_o god_n and_o to_o place_n religion_n in_o thing_n which_o have_v neither_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o divine_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o valuable_a certain_o if_o it_o be_v either_o easy_a for_o mankind_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o 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