design_n of_o that_o subject_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o will_v also_o draw_v out_o the_o discourse_n upon_o this_o head_n into_o a_o unfitting_a length_n to_o supply_v therefore_o the_o want_n of_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o those_o case_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v need_v do_v no_o more_o than_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o god_n will_v accept_v be_v that_o which_o proceed_v from_o a_o true_a love_n to_o god_n now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o defeat_v the_o purpose_n of_o this_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o obedience_n lie_v on_o this_o side_n lest_o man_n shall_v mistake_v that_o for_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o be_v not_o i._n e._n reckon_v those_o to_o be_v mere_a infirmity_n which_o be_v wilful_a sin_n and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o know_v vice_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o avoid_v they_o this_o danger_n may_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n prevent_v by_o exhort_v of_o you_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o those_o many_o strong_a and_o clear_a motive_n thereunto_o which_o every_o christian_a may_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o for_o he_o that_o true_o love_v god_n be_v under_o the_o constraint_n of_o a_o inward_a law_n though_o of_o the_o high_a liberty_n yet_o of_o the_o great_a necessity_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v his_o love_n to_o god_n while_o he_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v it_o in_o he_o will_v guard_v and_o secure_v he_o from_o all_o wilful_a sin_n most_o diligent_o and_o careful_o it_o will_v keep_v he_o far_o from_o the_o brink_n of_o danger_n and_o from_o any_o approach_n to_o presumption_n it_o need_v not_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o precise_a limit_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v too_o curious_a in_o do_v well_o to_o want_v the_o knowledge_n how_o far_o we_o may_v go_v without_o do_v ill_o love_n be_v the_o noble_a principle_n of_o well_o do_v it_o give_v large_o without_o pinch_v it_o obey_v liberal_o without_o grudge_v it_o study_v not_o what_o liberty_n may_v be_v take_v without_o displease_v so_o much_o as_o how_o to_o please_v abundant_o and_o in_o doubtful_a case_n it_o always_o determine_v on_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a side_n viz._n on_o that_o side_n where_o our_o love_n be_v a_o party_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n it_o be_v a_o safe_a it_o be_v a_o infallible_a principle_n of_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n now_o be_v not_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o hereby_o we_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o that_o our_o former_a sin_n shall_v not_o hinder_v our_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n but_o neither_o also_o shall_v our_o infirmity_n and_o frailty_n for_o the_o future_a separate_v we_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n how_o do_v this_o belief_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o fear_n of_o serve_v a_o rigorous_a and_o a_o austere_a master_n that_o will_v not_o consider_v our_o frailty_n nor_o make_v abatement_n for_o the_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o no_o god_n be_v very_o earnest_o desirous_a of_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n he_o will_v not_o only_o pardon_v they_o but_o he_o will_v not_o impose_v impossible_a or_o grievous_a task_n upon_o they_o he_o consider_v we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o make_v allowance_n for_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n he_o require_v no_o more_o of_o we_o than_o what_o such_o creature_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o indeed_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o justifiable_a before_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n how_o cheerful_o therefore_o shall_v we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v he_o who_o charity_n to_o we_o be_v so_o large_a who_o government_n over_o we_o be_v so_o gentle_a who_o yoke_n be_v so_o easy_a and_o light_a how_o resolute_o shall_v we_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o that_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o although_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o many_o imperfection_n yet_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sincere_a disposition_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n will_v certain_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o that_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o to_o be_v own_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o belove_v to_o be_v justify_v and_o commend_v be_v the_o high_a glory_n that_o a_o creature_n can_v aspire_v unto_o 3._o the_o three_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o our_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n to_o please_v he_o though_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o god_n pardon_v sin_n upon_o repentance_n though_o he_o believe_v that_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o sincerity_n which_o though_o it_o exclude_v wilful_a sin_n yet_o it_o exclude_v not_o imperfection_n and_o humane_a frailty_n yet_o if_o he_o believe_v this_o very_a sincerity_n be_v above_o a_o human_a attainment_n and_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v universal_o good_a so_o as_o to_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n this_o will_v very_o much_o discourage_v he_o from_o endeavour_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n the_o truth_n be_v consider_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o strength_n of_o our_o passion_n the_o unreadiness_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o importunity_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o vigilance_n of_o evil_a spirit_n if_o man_n be_v leave_v mere_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v for_o the_o cherish_n and_o maintain_v good_a principle_n and_o good_a affection_n in_o man_n than_o it_o be_v about_o any_o other_o matter_n the_o happy_a temper_a man_n will_v make_v but_o very_o inconsiderable_a improvement_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n if_o any_o at_o all_o and_o the_o general_a inability_n of_o man_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v not_o only_o testify_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o may_v be_v collect_v by_o experience_n now_o what_o can_v more_o effectual_o remove_v the_o discouragement_n arise_v from_o this_o consideration_n than_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o set_v ourselves_o honest_o and_o uprighte_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o our_o way_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v be_v concern_v for_o we_o in_o so_o special_a a_o manner_n that_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o crown_v our_o endeavour_n with_o success_n and_o perseverance_n i._n e._n such_o divine_a help_n as_o shall_v answer_v our_o need_n and_o bear_v a_o full_a proportion_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o must_v go_v through_o with_o that_o god_n will_v do_v this_o for_o we_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v promise_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o promise_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o unperceptible_o as_o that_o his_o motion_n can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o viz._n our_o good_a purpose_n and_o practice_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v assist_v good_a man_n in_o a_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o one_o man_n can_v persuade_v another_o man_n or_o convey_v his_o own_o thought_n into_o another_o mind_n but_o by_o make_v way_n by_o his_o sense_n yet_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v inform_v and_o persuade_v we_o by_o immediate_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n without_o make_v use_n of_o our_o sense_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o belong_v to_o our_o bodily_a frame_n now_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n for_o all_o those_o purpose_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n and_o happiness_n be_v plain_o understand_v by_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a thing_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o now_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o earthly_a parent_n be_v there_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o impart_v to_o their_o child_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o
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
shall_v commit_v such_o crime_n as_o these_o not_o only_o without_o regret_n and_o horror_n but_o with_o a_o cheerful_a conscience_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o action_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o my_o understanding_n in_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a matter_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v weak_a than_o a_o child_n or_o a_o idiot_n i_o will_v never_o engage_v myself_o with_o the_o contentious_a and_o factious_a i_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v myself_o with_o a_o party_n and_o will_v not_o serve_v a_o cause_n but_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n though_o it_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o follow_v truth_n wherever_o it_o lead_v i_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n than_o this_o that_o when_o man_n be_v lead_v aside_o by_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o their_o reputation_n be_v engage_v and_o they_o be_v make_v fast_o to_o a_o party_n their_o understanding_n be_v so_o disable_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n they_o confident_o put_v themselves_o upon_o defend_v thing_n most_o unjustifiable_a and_o believe_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o incredible_a and_o impossible_a let_v we_o therefore_o allow_v st._n peter_n direction_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n by_o he_o give_v viz._n that_o we_o may_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o where_o that_o assembly_n of_o sin_n be_v get_v together_o or_o indeed_o where_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v that_o very_a love_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a desire_n of_o know_v it_o to_o proceed_v luxury_n also_o and_o voluptuousness_n and_o a_o impure_a course_n of_o life_n be_v a_o very_a great_a impediment_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n sometime_o by_o introduce_v such_o disease_n as_o shatter_v the_o understanding_n and_o dull_a the_o apprehension_n they_o that_o always_o swim_v in_o sensual_a delight_n meet_v with_o rough_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n sometime_o that_o shake_v their_o body_n and_o at_o length_n reason_n like_o a_o drown_a pilot_n drop_v off_o and_o be_v drown_v in_o pleasure_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o epicure_n grow_v crazy_a before_o his_o time_n and_o when_o his_o airy_a fancy_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o his_o wit_n be_v grow_v flat_a and_o unweild_o he_o himself_o become_v contemptible_a to_o the_o young_a debauchee_n that_o reign_v in_o his_o stead_n temperance_n and_o regular_n live_v have_v a_o kind_a influence_n upon_o the_o intellectual_a ability_n of_o man_n to_o nourish_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o lengthen_v they_o and_o all_o the_o while_n to_o make_v they_o more_o fit_a for_o their_o proper_a employment_n but_o much_o more_o be_v they_o requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n because_o it_o require_v a_o serious_a consideration_n &_o diligent_a attention_n which_o the_o epicure_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o because_o she_o be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o mind_n can_v converse_v with_o she_o while_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o fume_n of_o sensuality_n because_o she_o be_v of_o a_o purify_n nature_n and_o not_o more_o a_o enemy_n to_o uncleanness_n than_o the_o voluptuary_n be_v averse_a from_o she_o good_a reason_n therefore_o have_v st._n james_n when_o he_o show_v how_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o meekness_n to_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o lie_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n in_o a_o word_n the_o bent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v such_o a_o sway_n over_o the_o understanding_n that_o daily_a experience_n show_v how_o the_o same_o thing_n appear_v different_o to_o man_n nay_o to_o the_o same_o man_n according_a to_o the_o temper_n they_o be_v in_o for_o instance_n if_o person_n that_o have_v live_v long_o friendly_a together_o chance_v to_o fall_v out_o immediate_o former_a action_n and_o speech_n be_v remember_v and_o comment_v upon_o and_o a_o ill_a construction_n put_v upon_o they_o though_o till_o that_o time_n they_o be_v take_v well_o enough_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v as_o able_a before_o as_o now_o only_o there_o be_v dislike_v now_o instead_o of_o the_o kindness_n that_o be_v before_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o a_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n to_o obstruct_v the_o entrance_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n into_o the_o mind_n since_o they_o must_v needs_o create_v a_o aversation_n to_o it_o discourse_n to_o a_o greedy_a worlding_n of_o immortality_n and_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o can_v hardly_o understand_v what_o you_o say_v it_o be_v as_o insipid_a talk_n to_o he_o as_o a_o lecture_n of_o philosophy_n to_o a_o child_n that_o understand_v nothing_o but_o play_n but_o fall_v upon_o some_o discourse_n that_o tend_v to_o get_v drop_v but_o the_o hint_n of_o a_o good_a bargain_n he_o greedy_o embrace_v every_o word_n and_o be_v as_o apprehensive_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o guilty_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o belove_a sin_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o sin_n do_v more_o or_o less_o bar_v up_o the_o understanding_n against_o divine_a truth_n man_n love_v darkeness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a now_o the_o conclusion_n from_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o one_o side_n one_o habitual_a worldly_a lust_n be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o true_a apprehensive_a of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o who_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n who_o labour_n to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v divine_a truth_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o sincere_a intention_n towards_o god_n remove_v all_o those_o impediment_n which_o obstruct_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o moreover_o give_v several_a advantage_n of_o its_o own_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n a_o scorner_n seek_v wisdom_n and_o find_v it_o not_o but_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n peculiar_a to_o good_a man_n but_o god_n have_v in_o justice_n threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n he_o do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a now_o if_o goodness_n do_v of_o itself_o lead_v to_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a blessing_n that_o go_v along_o with_o the_o sincere_a man_n to_o prosper_v his_o endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n what_o great_a advantage_n can_v we_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n than_o those_o which_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n entitle_v we_o too_o thus_o the_o very_a text_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o promise_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v we_o have_v our_o saviour_n word_n for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v make_v it_o good_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o other_o place_n that_o something_o more_o be_v here_o mean_v than_o that_o knowledge_n be_v natural_o promote_v by_o goodness_n in_o psal_n 25.9_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o immediate_o again_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n now_o certain_o here_o be_v something_o promise_v to_o the_o meek_a that_o be_v not_o common_a to_o other_o and_o the_o guidance_n and_o teach_v which_o be_v promise_v denote_v clear_o a_o blessing_n on_o their_o understanding_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o meekness_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o god_n will_v more_o plentiful_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o add_v to_o meekness_n purity_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o that_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o such_o person_n ver_fw-la 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n where_o god_n covenant_n explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o secret_n and_o by_o his_o way_n ver_fw-la 9_o that_o way_n of_o god_n in_o ver_fw-la 10._o be_v say_v to_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o former_a age_n so_o that_o the_o good_a man_n he_o that_o sincere_o love_v truth_n and_o intend_v obedience_n be_v here_o promise_v a_o signal_n blessing_n on_o his_o