godly_a life_n because_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o clear_a and_o active_a thought_n and_o conversant_a in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o indeterminate_a persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a by_o experience_n that_o some_o such_o do_v retain_v the_o faith_n but_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n consist_v viz._n 3._o the_o permanence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o constancy_n of_o frequent_a consideration_n upon_o what_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a and_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o particular_o and_o with_o application_n to_o himself_o but_o likewise_o by_o very_a much_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o present_a and_o habitual_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v two_o advantage_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a man_n 1._o his_o persuasion_n or_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a to_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o most_o need_v it_o i.e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o though_o one_o believe_v all_o the_o awaken_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v busy_a with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o at_o the_o time_n as_o if_o he_o 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nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n 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to_o that_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o other_o mean_n do_v without_o this_o and_o indeed_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v ineffectual_a without_o it_o and_o they_o be_v then_o effectual_a when_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n that_o we_o make_v be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o their_o frequent_a return_n make_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n natural_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v good_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o our_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o godliness_n otherwise_o than_o by_o accustom_v of_o we_o to_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n good_a education_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o otherwise_o promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n than_o by_o awaken_n our_o consideration_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o renew_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n affliction_n and_o judgement_n the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n the_o amaze_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n can_v of_o themselves_o work_v the_o reformation_n of_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v by_o beginning_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o that_o consideration_n which_o they_o continue_v afterward_o till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o faith_n that_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o believe_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o just_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v but_o by_o a_o constant_a consideration_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o future_a thing_n after_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o main_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n believe_v that_o he_o shall_v gain_v his_o health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
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
they_o can_v be_v well_o spare_v but_o that_o they_o work_v together_o one_o for_o one_o good_a end_n another_z for_o another_o all_o joint_o for_o his_o true_a happiness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a with_o reference_n to_o single_a person_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o any_o body_n of_o christian_n adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o watchful_a for_o a_o common_a than_o a_o particular_a interest_n and_o since_o this_o truth_n be_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o behalf_n of_o believer_n that_o feel_v the_o same_o trouble_n so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o to_o all_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n to_o consider_v god_n not_o as_o arbitrary_o dispose_v of_o our_o concern_v but_o rather_o as_o wise_o choose_v fit_a mean_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o this_o consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o repel_v all_o murmur_a thought_n against_o his_o providence_n 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make_v good_a by_o those_o trouble_n that_o befall_v he_o and_o the_o support_v he_o have_v under_o they_o and_o by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o dispose_v he_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n as_o much_o as_o for_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n that_o ever_o fall_v to_o his_o share_n but_o then_o 2._o something_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o convert_v all_o evil_n that_o do_v or_o may_v befall_v we_o into_o such_o advantage_n as_o may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o they_o indeed_o give_v we_o the_o opportunity_n and_o god_n give_v we_o the_o ability_n but_o then_o we_o must_v perform_v our_o duty_n they_o work_v as_o occasion_n and_o mean_n god_n work_v as_o the_o supreme_a director_n and_o mover_n but_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o work_v as_o the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o our_o own_o good_a and_o that_o by_o more_o consideration_n and_o more_o 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when_o we_o do_v nor_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n nor_o the_o rich_a promise_n of_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n there_o must_v be_v the_o consideration_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o make_v all_o thing_n work_v for_o our_o good_a otherwise_o this_o text_n be_v set_v here_o in_o vain_a nor_o need_v we_o to_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n it_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o if_o without_o lay_v it_o and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o heart_n they_o will_v work_v good_a for_o we_o by_o themselves_o 2._o fervent_a prayer_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o same_o end_n for_o otherwise_o the_o apostle_n need_v not_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v in_o which_o word_n as_o i_o have_v 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good_a and_o all_o evil_n of_o life_n do_v themselves_o work_v for_o it_o by_o dispose_v we_o to_o these_o thing_n i.e._n to_o consideration_n and_o devotion_n to_o consider_v the_o sovereignty_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n our_o infinite_a concern_v in_o a_o better_a life_n more_o serious_o and_o close_o than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o all_o needful_a thing_n more_o affectionate_o and_o hearty_o now_o where_o such_o disposition_n as_o these_o be_v follow_v there_o all_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o worldly_a evil_n will_v grow_v plentiful_o which_o what_o they_o be_v come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a for_o ourselves_o and_o that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o use_v they_o aright_o and_o cherish_v those_o good_a inclination_n and_o disposition_n which_o they_o beget_v in_o our_o mind_n they_o will_v actual_o produce_v the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o good_a be_v for_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o what_o kind_n of_o good_a it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o kind_n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o evil_n and_o that_o god_n send_v the_o temporal_a evil_n to_o bring_v about_o a_o temporal_a good_a thus_o joseph_n who_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o man_n in_o egypt_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o granary_n of_o that_o part_n of_o
so_o call_v also_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n require_v either_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_v to_o some_o needful_a truth_n which_o perhaps_o do_v not_o often_o happen_v or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n to_o themselves_o which_o happen_v more_o often_o or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o frequent_a assent_v of_o a_o permanent_a persuasion_n fix_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o consideration_n which_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o frequent_a defect_n but_o now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o bare_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n but_o moreover_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n that_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_o to_o require_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o 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subdue_a our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o god_n from_o the_o heart_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n by_o constant_a consideration_n to_o have_v gain_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o by_o assiduity_n man_n come_v to_o have_v in_o all_o matter_n they_o frequent_o think_v of_o and_o converse_v about_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n but_o man_n be_v but_o half_o persuade_v that_o never_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a point_n wherein_o we_o exercise_v liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n viz._n whether_o we_o will_v consider_v or_o not_o i._n e._n whether_o we_o will_v often_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o a_o world_n to_o come_v or_o but_o very_o rare_o this_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n upon_o which_o our_o state_n turn_v and_o here_o lie_v the_o 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profess_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o tit._n 1.16_o but_o work_v neither_o deny_v nor_o affirm_v any_o thing_n they_o only_o show_v whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v one_o or_o the_o other_o if_o then_o all_o that_o be_v disobedient_a be_v in_o a_o true_a sense_n unbeliever_n then_o all_o who_o full_o believe_v be_v holy_a by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n but_o if_o the_o command_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o have_v he_o not_o obey_v his_o belief_n have_v not_o be_v true_a therefore_o also_o where_o the_o belief_n be_v true_a where_o it_o be_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n where_o it_o do_v not_o come_v in_o as_o a_o sojourner_n but_o dwell_v rich_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o in_o short_a this_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o and_o with_o which_o we_o shall_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v final_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n stand_v have_v your_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breast_n plate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o above_o all_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o take_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o christian_a truth_n be_v our_o armour_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o humble_a man_n prayer_n be_v we_o and_o our_o care_n answerable_a lord_n we_o believe_v help_v thou_o our_o unbelief_n and_o may_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n increase_v our_o faith_n in_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o the_o second_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o word_n be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n for_o bring_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o true_a nature_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o proper_a use_n of_o faith_n under_o one_o text_n which_o possible_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v if_o you_o consider_v with_o i_o the_o very_a deep_a and_o yet_o clear_a sense_n of_o these_o excellent_a word_n the_o first_o clause_n of_o they_o contain_v a_o general_a proposition_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n the_o second_o contain_v a_o proof_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v etc._n etc._n by_o compare_v the_o proposition_n prove_v with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v every_o phrase_n and_o word_n of_o the_o text._n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o please_a god_n in_o the_o general_a proposition_n let_v we_o see_v what_o answer_v thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o please_a god_n be_v mean_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o to_o come_v to_o god_n be_v a_o obvious_a phrase_n signify_v to_o worship_n god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o apostle_n form_n of_o argue_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v to_o please_v he_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o to_o please_v god_n signify_v the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o god_n because_o the_o apostle_n intent_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o general_a proposition_n be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o each_o part_n thereof_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v all_o along_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n beside_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 god_n to_o direct_v we_o the_o same_o promise_v to_o inflame_v we_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v we_o the_o same_o everlasting_a reward_n to_o encourage_v we_o which_o they_o have_v so_o that_o god_n have_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o and_o let_v not_o we_o i_o beseech_v you_o make_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o ourselves_o and_o they_o as_o to_o miss_v of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o once_o enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o that_o infinite_a reward_n which_o they_o have_v in_o part_n attain_v to_o in_o a_o better_a a_o reward_n so_o vast_a that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o within_o a_o trifle_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o tribulation_n whether_o with_o ease_n or_o difficulty_n with_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n we_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n prepare_v we_o by_o his_o his_o holy_a word_n by_o his_o gracious_a spirit_n by_o his_o wise_a providence_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o now_o to_o god_n almighty_a the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o thanks_o and_o praise_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o eight_o sermon_n a_o assize_n sermon_n matth_n v._o 38_o 39_o 40._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v sue_v thou_o at_o the_o law_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o coat_n let_v he_o have_v thy_o cloak_n also_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v compel_v thou_o to_o go_v a_o mile_n go_v with_o he_o twain_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o the_o duty_n here_o prescribe_v be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o to_o some_o principle_n of_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v currant_n 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 another_o to_o deal_v as_o ill_o by_o we_o or_o worse_o than_o the_o former_a which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v affront_v by_o every_o scoundrel_n and_o trample_v upon_o at_o every_o man_n pleasure_n no_o but_o let_v we_o make_v man_n afraid_a of_o presume_v to_o do_v we_o any_o harm_n by_o let_v they_o see_v what_o other_o have_v get_v by_o it_o we_o must_v make_v they_o example_n that_o dare_v put_v any_o contempt_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o will_v live_v quiet_o and_o maintain_v our_o honour_n and_o when_o other_o sees_z how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o provoke_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v respect_v and_o court_v by_o they_o they_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v we_o and_o think_v themselves_o happy_a in_o our_o friendship_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o under_o abuse_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v scorn_v and_o insult_v over_o by_o every_o body_n tell_v they_o of_o forgive_a injury_n that_o want_v a_o spirit_n to_o resent_v they_o and_o have_v not_o courage_n enough_o to_o revenge_v they_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n fit_a for_o none_o but_o coward_n or_o fool_n either_o for_o those_o that_o be_v so_o dull_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v a_o affront_n or_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o dare_v not_o return_v it_o but_o it_o come_v too_o late_o for_o man_n of_o honour_n and_o mettle_n that_o know_v what_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v expose_v themselves_o to_o injury_n and_o abuse_n when_o they_o have_v strength_n and_o courage_n enough_o to_o guard_v themselves_o from_o they_o thus_o in_o truth_n they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o plain_o show_v by_o their_o action_n revenge_v every_o little_a disrespect_n or_o affront_v or_o injury_n of_o any_o kind_n by_o return_v a_o equal_a or_o very_o often_o a_o vast_o great_a mischief_n upon_o the_o wrongdoer_n and_o this_o to_o secure_v themselves_o as_o they_o pretend_v from_o further_a wrong_n by_o make_v all_o that_o observe_v it_o careful_a to_o forbear_v offend_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o will_v be_v encourage_v to_o do_v if_o the_o present_a injury_n be_v tame_o pass_v by_o and_o nothing_o do_v to_o revenge_v it_o but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o objection_n be_v well_o foresee_v by_o our_o saviour_n he_o know_v it_o will_v be_v pretend_v against_o the_o duty_n of_o forgive_a injury_n that_o this_o will_v be_v to_o pull_v great_a inconvenience_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o invite_v every_o body_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o get_v by_o it_o to_o multiply_v injury_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o forgiveness_n in_o those_o very_a term_n that_o imply_v he_o consider_v the_o objection_n well_o enough_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a resist_v not_o the_o evil_a or_o the_o injurious_a man_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o thy_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o the_o latter_a word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n as_o if_o i_o be_v to_o offer_v myself_o to_o a_o second_o stroke_n after_o i_o have_v be_v strike_v once_o but_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n i._n e._n venture_v a_o second_o injury_n rather_o than_o go_v about_o to_o be_v revenge_v of_o the_o first_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o probable_a that_o the_o wrongdoer_n will_v take_v heart_n by_o thy_o meekness_n to_o add_v another_o abuse_n to_o the_o former_a thou_o shall_v not_o secure_v thyself_o by_o revenge_n for_o all_o that_o and_o so_o if_o any_o man_n will_v sue_v thou_o at_o the_o law_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o coat_n let_v he_o have_v thy_o cloak_n also_o not_o that_o i_o be_o present_o to_o part_v with_o more_o to_o he_o than_o he_o have_v unjust_o get_v by_o a_o wrong_a verdict_n but_o that_o i_o be_o to_o venture_v another_o loss_n rather_o than_o be_v revenge_v for_o the_o first_o and_o so_o be_v the_o other_o instance_n to_o be_v understand_v 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
endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n whether_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o or_o promise_v those_o benefit_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o life_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o this_o very_a promise_n we_o have_v again_o repeat_v prov._n 3.32_o his_o secret_a be_v with_o the_o righteous_a it_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o but_o once_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o repeat_v it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o better_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o other_o in_o john_n 8._o the_o like_a promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o like_a condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v be_v annex_v ver_fw-la 12._o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n shall_v know_v all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o life_n eternal_a ver_fw-la 32._o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n ver_fw-la 33._o that_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n and_o john_n 14.21_o i_o will_v love_v and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o every_o one_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a promise_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o ground_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o best_a most_o auspicious_a entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n have_v good_a security_n that_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a from_o all_o these_o promise_v we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v secure_v his_o eternal_a life_n and_o even_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o angel_n attend_v we_o constant_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n and_o exciting_a good_a thought_n when_o our_o passion_n grow_v wild_a and_o we_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v infuse_v a_o great_a regard_n of_o all_o we_o do_v into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o happy_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o have_v he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o open_n our_o ear_n and_o seal_v instruction_n to_o we_o blessing_n our_o search_n into_o holy_a thing_n and_o accompany_v our_o meditation_n with_o a_o ready_a and_o prosperous_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v god_n will_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o advantage_n will_v appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v up_o wicked_a man_n to_o darkness_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o st._n paul_n show_v plain_o rom._n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o first_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v ver_fw-la 21._o so_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o reprobate_n i._n e._n a_o undiscerning_a mind_n which_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a warning_n in_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v and_o now_o they_o be_v in_o turkish_a darkness_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fulfil_v but_o why_o i_o beseech_v you_o shall_v that_o admonition_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o threaten_n there_o denounce_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n as_o well_o as_o of_o asia_n and_o to_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ephesus_n and_o see_v every_o one_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o hear_v therefore_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o severity_n as_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o deliver_v it_o up_o to_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o may_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o lie_a spirit_n and_o suffer_v seducer_n to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n nor_o discern_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o monstrous_a error_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n that_o reign_v among_o many_o wicked_a man_n be_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n their_o habitual_a vice_n have_v violate_v their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o raise_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o moreover_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v upon_o they_o give_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o vileness_n permit_v they_o to_o run_v on_o in_o wickedness_n without_o the_o check_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n and_o to_o defy_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n thereby_o fulfil_v that_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o none_o of_o the_o wich_v shall_v understand_v dan._n 12.10_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o sum_n be_v this_o if_o godliness_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o have_v moreover_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o unrighteous_a have_v not_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n ungodly_a man_n be_v under_o so_o many_o natural_a impediment_n that_o obstruct_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o moreover_o lie_v under_o such_o severe_a threaten_n of_o blindness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a have_v vast_a advantage_n yet_o above_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v though_o in_o other_o respect_v he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o superior_a to_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o be_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o power_n of_o good_a principle_n to_o fortify_v he_o against_o temptation_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n to_o render_v it_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o to_o moderate_v he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n and_o to_o support_v he_o in_o adversity_n and_o by_o all_o this_o he_o understand_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o true_a religion_n incomparable_o better_o than_o any_o man_n who_o can_v talk_v learned_o and_o argue_v dexterous_o about_o it_o but_o never_o feel_v the_o