end_n wherein_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v esteem_v the_o very_o worst_a superstitious_a cold_a and_o formal_a man_n by_o those_o that_o be_v zealous_a in_o some_o faction_n and_o know_v no_o religion_n but_o that_o zeal_n because_o such_o time_n as_o these_o may_v be_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o content_v ourselves_o in_o gain_v those_o reward_n and_o blessing_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o religion_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o life_n eternal_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 3._o and_o then_o last_o because_o hypocrisy_n be_v so_o deceitful_a and_o sly_a a_o sin_n as_o always_o serve_v worldly_a interest_n which_o be_v apt_a insensible_o to_o blind_v the_o eye_n and_o infatuate_a the_o mind_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o yet_o hide_v itself_o from_o they_o themselves_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o frequent_a and_o impartial_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o to_o weigh_v our_o counsel_n to_o try_v our_o end_n to_o prove_v our_o design_n in_o every_o action_n relate_v any_o way_n to_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o consider_v whether_o we_o indeed_o design_v it_o real_o intend_v to_o promote_v and_o practice_v it_o wherever_o we_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o then_o because_o that_o god_n alone_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o because_o his_o grace_n be_v most_o needful_a to_o discover_v ourselves_o unto_o ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o many_o sin_n and_o passion_n that_o may_v infatuate_a and_o beguile_v we_o let_v we_o earnest_o pray_v for_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o infatuation_n and_o all_o the_o seduction_n of_o our_o lust_n let_v we_o make_v the_o address_n which_o david_n do_v psal_n 139.22_o 24._o with_o who_o word_n i_o shall_v conclude_v search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a the_o eleven_o sermon_n john_n 14.1_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o the_o whole_a verse_n be_v thus_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o these_o word_n be_v a_o preface_n to_o a_o very_a large_a and_o kind_a discourse_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n unto_o his_o follower_n wherein_o he_o deliver_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o practice_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o begin_v it_o with_o such_o word_n as_o may_v effectual_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o give_v both_o attention_n and_o belief_n to_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v deliver_v in_o it_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o a_o concession_n or_o supposition_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o be_v you_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o what_o be_v consequent_a hereupon_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v trust_v and_o obey_v although_o some_o other_o read_v the_o word_n not_o as_o a_o declaration_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o as_o a_o command_n believe_v in_o god_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o depart_v from_o our_o own_o translation_n in_o this_o matter_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o precept_n also_o believe_v in_o i_o that_o be_v to_o say_v believe_v that_o i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n send_v by_o he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o therefore_o judge_v yourselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o i_o reveal_v and_o obey_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o now_o be_v that_o belief_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n i_o have_v now_o explain_v unto_o you_o be_v here_o require_v as_o a_o addition_n or_o further_a accession_n to_o the_o mere_a belief_n in_o god_n only_o as_o he_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o subject_n which_o the_o word_n before_o we_o offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n be_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n over_o and_o above_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n afford_v unto_o we_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o point_n 1._o i_o must_v first_o consider_v that_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o express_o require_v by_o god_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o such_o belief_n forbid_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o the_o utter_a loss_n of_o life_n eternal_a salvation_n be_v always_o promise_v to_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o have_v reveal_v it_o and_o become_v his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n to_o other_o person_n it_o be_v not_o promise_v as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o must_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lift_v up_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 3.14_o 15._o nor_o be_v it_o only_o promise_v to_o those_o and_o those_o only_a that_o so_o believe_v but_o deny_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o to_o they_o that_o refuse_v to_o yield_v their_o belief_n to_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o sanctify_v to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o again_o omit_v several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o signification_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st_n john_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 10._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n thrice_o do_v god_n bear_v this_o record_n and_o own_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v send_v by_o he_o by_o a_o express_a voice_n from_o heaven_n once_o at_o his_o baptism_n in_o these_o word_n matt._n 3.17_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v a_o second_o time_n at_o his_o transfiguration_n upon_o the_o mount_n with_o some_o addition_n to_o those_o word_n matt._n 15.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o and_o yet_o again_o a_o three_o time_n a_o little_a before_o our_o saviour_n passion_n when_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o these_o word_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n he_o be_v answer_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v i_o have_v both_o glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o again_o john_n 12.28_o to_o all_o which_o clear_a and_o express_v testimony_n give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o his_o son_n i_o may_v first_o add_v the_o glorious_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n during_o his_o life_n than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n send_v by_o he_o and_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o and_o all_o his_o other_o follower_n also_o which_o be_v evident_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a son_n of_o god_n and_o send_v by_o he_o to_o save_v the_o world_n high_o aggravate_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o infidelity_n and_o unbelief_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o forbear_v to_o wonder_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o death_n eternal_a and_o that_o christ_n himself_o shall_v thus_o pronounce_v mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v 2._o but_o than_o second_o lest_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n mere_o because_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o further_a end_n in_o the_o truth_n therein_o reveal_v unto_o we_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o only_o i_o further_o add_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o truth_n be_v great_o necessary_a to_o several_a end_n of_o infinite_a moment_n and_o importance_n 1._o for_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v from_o we_o 2._o for_o the_o like_a knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a motion_n to_o those_o duty_n 3._o for_o our_o better_a support_n under_o all_o our_o trial_n fear_n and_o danger_n 1._o the_o belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v from_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o several_a consideration_n namely_o 1_o because_o that_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o improve_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n direct_v we_o to_o very_a many_o of_o they_o yet_o
rabbi_n here_o be_v their_o haughtiness_n and_o ambition_n their_o presumption_n and_o self_n conceit_n reprove_v and_o then_o there_o censure_n and_o scorn_n of_o other_o be_v also_o detect_v and_o chastise_v matt._n 7.3_o 4_o 5._o why_o behold_v thou_o the_o mote_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o brother_n eye_n but_o consider_v not_o the_o beam_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n or_o how_o will_v thou_o say_v to_o thy_o brother_n let_v i_o pull_v out_o the_o mote_n out_o of_o thy_o eye_n and_o behold_v a_o beam_n be_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n thou_o hypocrite_n first_o cast_v out_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o shall_v thou_o see_v clear_o to_o cast_v out_o the_o mote_n out_o of_o thy_o brother_n eye_n and_o although_o the_o pharisee_n in_o his_o prayer_n thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n particular_o that_o he_o be_v no_o extortioner_n luc._n 18.11_o yet_o one_o that_o know_v they_o much_o better_a than_o they_o themselves_o know_v they_o our_o lord_n himself_o give_v we_o another_o account_n of_o they_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o extortion_n great_o infect_v with_o it_o within_o matt._n 23.25_o and_o as_o for_o malicious_a craft_n and_o subtlety_n these_o be_v not_o obscure_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o he_o that_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v matt._n 23.33_o you_o serpent_n you_o generation_n of_o viper_n how_o can_v you_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n you_o say_v he_o build_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o garnish_v the_o sepulcher_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o say_v if_o we_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n we_o will_v not_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o they_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n their_o father_n be_v insomuch_o that_o they_o who_o here_o profess_v that_o they_o will_v never_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n shed_v that_o of_o the_o very_a son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n well_o foresee_v and_o therefore_o add_v v._n 32._o fill_v you_o up_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o father_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o as_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o mock-religion_n and_o so_o a_o abuse_n of_o true_a piety_n so_o likewise_o that_o it_o leave_v the_o hypocrite_n under_o the_o power_n of_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o animosity_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o those_o lust_n that_o be_v most_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o it_o 4._o have_v say_v so_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o this_o vice_n in_o the_o three_o particular_n last_v mention_v you_o will_v not_o wonder_v at_o what_o i_o shall_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n which_o be_v that_o hypocrisy_n mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o true_a religion_n not_o in_o the_o hypocrite_n for_o in_o he_o it_o have_v no_o place_n at_o all_o but_o in_o the_o very_a world_n itself_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o all_o other_o person_n and_o this_o it_o do_v two_o several_a way_n 1._o by_o debauch_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o by_o bring_v a_o scandal_n upon_o it_o 1._o for_o first_o its_o the_o nature_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o debauch_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a religion_n by_o turn_v it_o into_o mere_a formality_n into_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a superstition_n in_o the_o avoid_n or_o in_o the_o practise_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o these_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o only_o employ_v man_n mind_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o any_o moment_n and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o whole_o destroy_v christian_n charity_n fill_v man_n with_o mutual_a animosity_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n eat_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o piety_n it_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o accommodate_v itself_o to_o the_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o man_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n look_v no_o far_o than_o to_o the_o show_n and_o surface_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o hypocrisy_n concern_v itself_o in_o nothing_o further_o than_o to_o obtain_v the_o applause_n of_o man_n either_o in_o the_o observe_n or_o the_o avoid_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v or_o omit_v unless_o command_v by_o superior_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a on_o one_o hand_n to_o recommend_v a_o man_n to_o god_n if_o he_o abound_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o outward_a action_n such_o as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o on_o the_o other_o while_o all_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o avoid_v all_o that_o be_v decent_a in_o appearance_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v a_o ceremony_n and_o a_o man_n must_v certain_o be_v a_o saint_n that_o shall_v defy_v and_o rail_v at_o this_o true_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v almost_o forget_v and_o lay_v aside_o in_o the_o noise_n of_o these_o dispute_n and_o quarrel_n 2._o but_o last_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o way_n wherein_o hypocrisy_n dangerous_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v by_o the_o scandal_n which_o it_o bring_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o although_o it_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o strange_o charm_v by_o the_o show_v and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n yet_o when_o it_o appear_v as_o it_o do_v at_o last_o where_o it_o be_v not_o real_a that_o all_o these_o show_n be_v void_a of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v but_o show_v and_o nothing_o more_o this_o make_v the_o very_a name_n of_o religion_n despicable_a odious_a and_o abhor_v it_o bring_v profaneness_n and_o infidelity_n and_o make_v the_o very_a profession_n of_o piety_n vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o world_n a_o dangerous_a and_o a_o destructive_a issue_n as_o we_o ourselves_o have_v plain_o find_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n in_o this_o nation_n hypocrisy_n be_v but_o a_o counterfeit_a coin_n never_o long_a retain_v its_o credit_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o happen_v at_o last_o among_o the_o pharisee_n for_o although_o they_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n yet_o i_o find_v that_o they_o lose_v it_o afterward_o and_o become_v so_o despicable_a in_o the_o nation_n that_o they_o be_v brand_v with_o scurrilous_a name_n some_o they_o call_v sechemitical_a pharisee_n such_o as_o be_v so_o for_o their_o own_o profit_n other_o they_o style_v the_o stumble_a pharisee_n who_o for_o a_o appearance_n of_o humility_n will_v scarce_o lift_v up_o their_o foot_n in_o the_o street_n other_o they_o call_v the_o wound_a pharisee_n who_o shut_v their_o eye_n as_o they_o go_v in_o the_o street_n lest_o they_o shall_v perhaps_o behold_v a_o temptation_n but_o by_o so_o do_v often_o fell_a and_o hurt_v themselves_o other_o they_o style_v the_o boast_a pharisee_n because_o they_o pretend_v not_o only_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v but_o also_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o so_o other_o approbrious_a name_n and_o title_n they_o put_v upon_o some_o other_o sort_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v at_o last_o lose_v all_o their_o credit_n among_o people_n nor_o need_v we_o question_v that_o even_o true_a religion_n itself_o become_v contemptible_a on_o that_o account_n the_o life_n be_v deride_v for_o the_o deformity_n of_o the_o picture_n the_o truth_n be_v prejudice_v by_o the_o counterfeit_n the_o fault_n and_o baseness_n of_o hypocrisy_n ascribe_v to_o true_a religion_n itself_o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v one_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n and_o profaneness_n that_o reign_n at_o present_a in_o this_o nation_n god_n of_o his_o mercy_n remove_v the_o scandal_n and_o heal_v the_o distemper_n that_o be_v among_o we_o the_o ten_o sermon_n luk._n 12.1_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o be_v hypocrisy_n in_o these_o word_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n suggest_v to_o we_o 1._o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o evil_a which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o avoid_v this_o i_o have_v already_o finish_v 2._o the_o diligence_n that_o must_v be_v use_v if_o we_o will_v due_o observe_v the_o precept_n intimate_v in_o the_o word_n beware_v which_o show_v it_o be_v no_o such_o easy_a thing_n to_o avoid_v all_o pharisaism_n and_o hypocrisy_n as_o we_o may_v perhaps_o imagine_v it_o be_v and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o a_o appearance_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o religion_n in_o outward_a show_n void_a of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o recommend_v itself_o and_o strange_o to_o impose_v on_o man_n as_o such_o a_o religion_n which_o be_v
he_o have_v give_v great_a knowledge_n and_o great_a ability_n to_o obey_v he_o who_o can_v deny_v either_o of_o these_o and_o if_o these_o can_v be_v deny_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v now_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o great_a degree_n of_o natural_a duty_n require_v from_o man_n where_o that_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v than_o be_v accept_v or_o require_v before_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o 3._o to_o all_o this_o add_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o there_o be_v now_o some_o certain_a duty_n enjoin_v unto_o we_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n discover_v to_o we_o such_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n such_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o such_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n all_o which_o duty_n pure_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n and_o be_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a 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speak_v doubtful_o in_o the_o point_n as_o the_o academic_n or_o those_o of_o plato_n school_n or_o have_v infinite_o false_a as_o well_o as_o useless_a conception_n of_o it_o as_o the_o pythagorean_n have_v of_o old_a who_o hold_v the_o transmigration_n of_o man_n soul_n out_o of_o one_o body_n into_o another_o yea_o into_o the_o body_n of_o brute_n creature_n so_o that_o this_o chief_a and_o principal_a motive_n to_o obedience_n the_o very_a immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n much_o more_o that_o of_o their_o body_n also_o be_v either_o doubt_v or_o disbelieved_a or_o else_o believe_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o render_v it_o useless_a to_o that_o end_n among_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a and_o as_o for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n those_o do_v at_o best_a no_o more_o than_o fancy_n a_o sensual_a paradise_n after_o death_n which_o can_v no_o more_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v they_o from_o sensual_a appetite_n than_o 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be_v our_o judge_n who_o know_v our_o frailty_n by_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v demonstration_n of_o such_o a_o incomparable_a love_n to_o we_o such_o a_o concern_n for_o our_o salvation_n as_o will_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o thought_n of_o mortal_a man_n have_v it_o not_o be_v thus_o reveal_v unto_o we_o these_o be_v mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n discovery_n of_o a_o great_a love_n than_o natural_a light_n can_v have_v imagine_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o herein_o be_v love_n say_v st_n john_n 1_o ep._n 4.10_o not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o st_n paul_n rom._n 5.8_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o now_o the_o gospel_n have_v clear_o reveal_v infinite_o more_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v discover_v have_v likewise_o give_v we_o infinite_o great_a and_o strong_a motive_n to_o love_n god_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o consequent_o to_o obey_v he_o than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v afford_v 3._o add_v hereunto_o the_o express_a promise_n which_o god_n make_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n to_o confirm_v our_o hope_n to_o inflame_v our_o love_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n which_o we_o can_v perform_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n so_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 11.13_o if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o can_v all_o the_o skill_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o the_o best_a improve_a natural_a light_n give_v we_o such_o assurance_n of_o god_n assistance_n in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o this_o express_a promise_n give_v we_o do_v the_o philosopher_n ever_o speak_v at_o this_o rate_n do_v they_o dream_v of_o divine_a assistance_n to_o make_v they_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a what_o say_v tully_n in_o the_o name_n of_o cotta_n on_o this_o point_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-la natura_fw-la deor._n virtutem_fw-la nemo_fw-la unquam_fw-la acceptam_fw-la deo_fw-la retulit_fw-la no_o man_n ever_o judge_v he_o have_v virtue_n from_o god_n and_o afterward_o nunquis_fw-la quòd_fw-la bone_fw-la vir_fw-la esset_fw-la gratias_fw-la diis_fw-la egit_fw-la unquam_fw-la at_o quòd_fw-la dive_v quòd_fw-la honoratus_fw-la quòd_fw-la incolumis_fw-la do_v ever_o any_o man_n thank_v the_o god_n because_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n no_o but_o because_o he_o be_v rich_a and_o honourable_a and_o safe_a these_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o 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this_o comparison_n when_o he_o clear_o discern_v and_o firm_o judge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o this_o comparison_n represent_v they_o when_o he_o apply_v this_o judgement_n to_o every_o instance_n of_o life_n and_o action_n be_v it_o not_o a_o effectual_a principle_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o every_o wilful_a sin_n to_o urge_v and_o press_v he_o to_o every_o duty_n will_v he_o choose_v what_o be_v no_o way_n recommend_v and_o refuse_v what_o be_v represent_v to_o he_o under_o all_o the_o motive_n to_o choice_n and_o practice_n no_o man_n choose_v or_o do_v amiss_o but_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a or_o forgetful_a either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o in_o the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o in_o the_o case_n let_v the_o charm_n of_o the_o world_n entice_v to_o evil_n he_o know_v they_o be_v deceit_n and_o vanity_n and_o can_v believe_v what_o he_o know_v be_v false_a nor_o be_v cheat_v by_o what_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v let_v the_o dread_v and_o calamity_n of_o the_o world_n encumber_v and_o perplex_v his_o duty_n he_o reckon_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o rom._n 8.18_o this_o give_v he_o courage_n strength_n and_o patience_n and_o make_v he_o choose_v afflict_v innocence_n rather_o than_o guilty_a and_o short_a prosperity_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o great_a example_n of_o the_o high_a and_o the_o noble_a virtue_n all_o these_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o trouble_n and_o adversity_n that_o be_v record_v in_o sacred_a history_n all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v do_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v suffer_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n have_v spring_v from_o a_o settle_a resolution_n ground_v upon_o stable_a judgement_n never_o to_o vary_v from_o god_n will_n and_o the_o way_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n so_o moses_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n heb._n 11.16_o so_o christ_n himself_o for_o that_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n heb._n 12.2_o and_o so_o do_v his_o first_o and_o faithful_a follower_n for_o the_o secure_n of_o their_o innocence_n and_o the_o reward_n thereunto_o belong_v patient_o endure_v all_o their_o suffering_n as_o know_v that_o their_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n wrought_v for_o they_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o thus_o be_v the_o approbation_n of_o thing_n excellent_a that_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o stable_a judgement_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o there_o declare_v and_o recommend_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o the_o disease_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o wit_n ignorance_n doubt_v and_o vanity_n but_o also_o a_o constant_a guide_n and_o monitor_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o 2._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o it_o the_o second_o head_n before_o propound_v 1._o and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v that_o since_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o it_o must_v be_v seek_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n man_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a and_o powerful_a mere_o by_o the_o permission_n of_o providence_n by_o practice_n not_o allow_v by_o god_n by_o fraud_n and_o injury_n and_o oppression_n but_o no_o man_n be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o by_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v this_o special_a grace_n but_o where_o it_o be_v diligent_o seek_v of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o st_n paul_n so_o often_o put_v it_o into_o his_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v man_n with_o this_o wisdom_n so_o he_o pray_v for_o timothy_n that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o understand_v in_o all_o thing_n 2_o tim._n 2.7_o for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o eph._n 1.17_o for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n col._n 1.9_o and_o last_o for_o the_o philippian_n here_o that_o there_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a from_o all_o which_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o wisdom_n for_o sound_a judgement_n in_o all_o our_o duty_n as_o represent_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o fervent_a prayer_n especial_o see_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o that_o in_o a_o promise_n confirm_v by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o common_a and_o know_a experience_n for_o so_o be_v that_o luke_n 11.13_o if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o 2._o nor_o shall_v i_o need_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o to_o our_o prayer_n for_o the_o illumination_n of_o god_n grace_n something_o of_o industry_n must_v be_v join_v in_o the_o study_n both_o our_o of_o duty_n themselves_o and_o the_o motive_n that_o recommend_v they_o to_o we_o and_o yet_o in_o truth_n both_o these_o thing_n be_v partly_o so_o write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o express_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o we_o need_v not_o weary_a or_o waste_v our_o body_n nor_o vex_v and_o torment_v our_o understanding_n to_o gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o either_o of_o they_o we_o need_v not_o now_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v down_o christ_n from_o above_o to_o reveal_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o we_o or_o who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a that_o be_v to_o bring_v up_o christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v confirm_v that_o revelation_n both_o these_o thing_n be_v already_o do_v so_o that_o now_o as_o the_o apostle_n add_v rom._n 10.8_o 9_o the_o word_n be_v high_a thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v that_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o that_o firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n can_v scarce_o fail_v in_o the_o very_a practice_n much_o less_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o clear_o be_v all_o our_o duty_n reveal_v and_o so_o effectual_o recommend_v in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o so_o that_o what_o be_v now_o main_o requisite_a to_o gain_v a_o clear_a and_o stable_a judgement_n in_o the_o good_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o antecedent_n probity_n so_o much_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n as_o that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v his_o will_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o wonder_v not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o gain_n of_o stable_a judgement_n in_o it_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o very_a belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n may_v produce_v in_o every_o man_n so_o believe_v if_o a_o man_n have_v nothing_o of_o inclination_n to_o do_v god_n will_v when_o he_o shall_v know_v it_o why_o shall_v god_n reveal_v it_o to_o he_o or_o suppose_v what_o be_v so_o indeed_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o how_o unapt_a a_o man_n be_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o practice_v and_o what_o if_o believe_v and_o not_o practise_v will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a anguish_n to_o he_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o in_o this_o case_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o powerful_a lust_n and_o passion_n bribe_n and_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n for_o a_o man_n to_o prevaricate_v with_o himself_o and_o baffle_v and_o cheat_v his_o own_o mind_n but_o where_o there_o
man_n mind_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v his_o will_n or_o not_o and_o though_o the_o gospel_n in_o some_o case_n that_o be_v when_o truth_n be_v contradict_v require_v we_o rather_o to_o suffer_v for_o it_o than_o to_o forsake_v or_o to_o deny_v it_o yet_o see_v suffering_n in_o this_o case_n evident_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a this_o very_a love_n of_o patient_a suffering_n in_o this_o case_n can_v offend_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o but_o those_o that_o be_v prejudice_v by_o their_o lust_n those_o who_o will_v not_o do_v god_n will_v although_o sufficient_o propound_v to_o they_o 2._o as_o for_o those_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o do_v not_o contain_v matter_n of_o practice_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o contradiction_n nothing_o at_o all_o of_o absurdness_n in_o they_o since_o those_o that_o declare_v matter_n of_o fact_n as_o that_o our_o lord_n live_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o and_o send_v the_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n be_v attest_v by_o universal_a consent_n of_o those_o that_o can_v not_o but_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o abuse_v it_o since_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v clear_o confirm_v by_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n we_o can_v imagine_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v doubt_v or_o disbelieve_v they_o save_v only_a prejudice_n against_o the_o precept_n against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o same_o gospel_n wherein_o these_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v so_o that_o whosoever_o be_v so_o dispose_v as_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v be_v under_o a_o effectual_a preparation_n to_o believe_v and_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n whensoever_o due_o propound_v to_o he_o 3._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v the_o upright_a and_o sincere_a and_o that_o a_o willingness_n to_o do_v god_n will_v whensoever_o we_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o sincerity_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o luk._n 11.9_o and_o afterward_o at_o the_o 13_o verse_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_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 to_o who_o be_v this_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v if_o unto_o all_o that_o pray_v for_o it_o much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o sincere_o ask_v it_o to_o these_o at_o least_o or_o else_o to_o none_o to_o these_o although_o to_o no_o other_o person_n the_o meek_a say_v david_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psal_n 25.9_o and_o more_o express_o at_o the_o 14_o verse_n 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 they_o will_v he_o bless_v with_o his_o assistance_n they_o will_v he_o guide_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n they_o will_v he_o govern_v and_o direct_v for_o as_o he_o sometime_o offer_v his_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o refuse_v to_o entertain_v it_o so_o he_o never_o deny_v it_o to_o they_o that_o do_v sincere_o desire_v and_o use_v it_o now_o then_o to_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n be_v they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o use_v the_o best_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v it_o be_v they_o be_v free_a from_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n hence_o we_o conclude_v what_o we_o have_v observe_v that_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a inclination_n to_o do_v god_n will_v be_v a_o most_o effectual_a preparation_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n now_o for_o the_o use_n of_o this_o point_n 1._o hence_o you_o see_v that_o god_n be_v not_o want_v to_o those_o person_n who_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v assistance_n from_o he_o to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v his_o will_n when_o it_o be_v due_o discover_v to_o they_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v may_v assure_v himself_o of_o god_n assistance_n to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o needful_a truth_n into_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n whosoever_o be_v not_o thus_o dispose_v can_v just_o expect_v assistance_n from_o he_o for_o why_o shall_v god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n where_o it_o be_v certain_a before_o hand_n that_o it_o will_v it_o not_o be_v comply_v withal_o why_o shall_v he_o discourse_v his_o will_n to_o they_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o serve_v their_o lust_n whatsoever_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v nay_o to_o they_o who_o will_v scarce_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v their_o lust_n and_o passion_n though_o never_o so_o due_o propound_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o false_a insincere_a person_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o corruption_n god_n have_v not_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v fee_v who_o suffer_v their_o lust_n to_o shut_v their_o eye_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o have_v the_o light_n nor_o be_v their_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o promise_n this_o full_o acquit_v god_n providence_n that_o he_o have_v token_n sufficient_a care_n so_o to_o recommend_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o salvation_n to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n that_o whosoever_o be_v dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o suggest_v shall_v easy_o know_v and_o entertain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n such_o be_v the_o course_n that_o god_n have_v take_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o none_o will_v complain_v of_o want_n of_o evidence_n but_o only_o those_o that_o want_v integrity_n those_o who_o will_v not_o do_v god_n will_v although_o they_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v to_o blame_v themselves_o and_o consequent_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o their_o infidelity_n or_o misbelief_n 2._o but_o than_o second_o see_v they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v find_v the_o gospel_n so_o attest_v as_o that_o they_o who_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o shall_v know_v and_o understand_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n hence_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o misbelief_n wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v the_o gospel_n forbid_v the_o gospel_n threaten_v the_o sinful_a lust_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n cavil_v and_o quarrel_n and_o contradict_v it_o they_o hate_v that_o doctrine_n which_o reprove_v they_o and_o will_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o hate_v although_o it_o flash_n in_o their_o very_a face_n these_o man_n see_v see_v not_o and_o hear_v they_o hear_v not_o say_v our_o lord_n and_o in_o they_o be_v fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n which_o say_v by_o hear_v you_o shall_v hear_v and_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o see_v you_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v not_o perceive_v matt._n 13.14_o and_o as_o there_o be_v some_o who_o disbelieve_v the_o whole_a gospel_n mere_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o lust_n so_o other_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n gross_o mistake_v and_o misunderstand_v it_o they_o will_v admit_v no_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o sin_n what_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n and_o hope_v for_o pardon_v notwithstanding_o man_n who_o resolve_v to_o retain_v their_o lust_n who_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o darling_n sin_n upon_o any_o condition_n whatsoever_o must_v search_v out_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n find_v out_o other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v propound_v let_v the_o gospel_n be_v never_o so_o express_v in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o those_o sin_n they_o live_v in_o they_o must_v find_v out_o some_o art_n and_o shift_n to_o evade_v and_o escape_v the_o plain_a truth_n by_o some_o reserve_v or_o false_a gloss_n by_o cloud_v what_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o express_o say_v and_o that_o by_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v if_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o for_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o thou_o that_o one_o of_o thy_o
may_v suggest_v to_o we_o where_o i_o shall_v grant_v what_o man_n presume_v that_o be_v that_o they_o will_v repent_v hereafter_o and_o further_a yet_o that_o all_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o they_o entitle_v to_o life_n eternal_a upon_o repentance_n but_o i_o must_v not_o grant_v what_o they_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v as_o well_o to_o retrieve_v a_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n for_o it_o as_o to_o prevent_v the_o sin_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v no_o loss_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o have_v delay_v their_o reformation_n it_o be_v a_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n spend_v to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o no_o true_a advantage_n to_o the_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o loss_n of_o growth_n in_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n which_o may_v have_v improve_v to_o high_a measure_n if_o they_o have_v be_v early_o apply_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o loss_n of_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n unless_o the_o time_n that_o have_v be_v misspend_v be_v retrieve_v by_o a_o very_a singular_a diligence_n and_o excellent_a improvement_n afterward_o it_o be_v the_o loss_n perhaps_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o may_v have_v be_v mislead_v and_o prejudice_v by_o the_o worse_a part_n of_o a_o man_n example_n namely_o by_o his_o sin_n and_o vanity_n but_o not_o amend_v by_o the_o better_a that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o reformation_n for_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o assure_v himself_o that_o the_o example_n of_o his_o repentance_n shall_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o reform_v as_o that_o of_o his_o sin_n be_v to_o mislead_v and_o corrupt_v his_o neighbour_n beside_o all_o this_o the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n render_v the_o duty_n far_o more_o irksome_a and_o fill_v it_o with_o great_a pang_n and_o sorrow_n and_o make_v a_o man_n birth_n a_o new_a life_n like_o that_o of_o a_o child_n overgrow_v in_o the_o womb_n infinite_o grievous_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n moreover_o it_o give_v very_o great_a occasion_n of_o such_o reflection_n wherein_o a_o man_n guilt_n recoil_v upon_o he_o in_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o regret_v even_o after_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n it_o give_v advantage_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o he_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o take_v it_o to_o upbraid_v the_o conscience_n with_o sharp_a remembrance_n of_o former_a sin_n although_o they_o be_v already_o pardon_v it_o give_v he_o advantage_n to_o raise_v many_o scruple_n fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o man_n repentance_n and_o of_o the_o acceptance_n it_o find_v with_o god_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o late_a repentance_n be_v apt_a to_o leave_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o many_o weakness_n and_o distemper_n just_a like_o a_o recovery_n from_o a_o obstinate_a long_a disease_n of_o body_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o recovery_n indeed_o yet_o general_o leave_v it_o ever_o after_o under_o many_o infirmity_n and_o decay_n all_o these_o thing_n may_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o way_n offer_v to_o we_o and_o these_o suggestion_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o to_o continue_v in_o sin_n at_o present_a with_o purpose_n to_o reform_v hereafter_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v wound_v himself_o out_o of_o presumption_n of_o a_o cure_n or_o break_v a_o limb_n with_o purpose_n to_o have_v it_o set_v again_o or_o throw_v himself_o into_o a_o sharp_a fever_n with_o resolution_n to_o use_v the_o method_n for_o a_o recovery_n afterward_o see_v then_o the_o prevention_n of_o far_a sin_n by_o speedy_a amendment_n of_o our_o life_n be_v by_o many_o degree_n better_a for_o we_o than_o to_o retract_v it_o by_o repentance_n and_o that_o although_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a we_o shall_v repent_v and_o amend_v hereafter_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o now_o design_v it_o let_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o and_o of_o all_o i_o have_v say_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n dissuade_v the_o delay_n of_o reformation_n and_o because_o that_o frequent_a recollection_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o render_v the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n effectual_a upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n let_v we_o often_o retire_v into_o our_o closert_n and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_n both_o of_o business_n and_o diversion_n and_o then_o diligent_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o way_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v be_v in_o former_a time_n as_o well_o as_o what_o they_o be_v at_o present_a let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v our_o many_o omission_n and_o neglect_n our_o many_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o choose_v and_o wilful_a sin_n let_v we_o remember_v how_o much_o we_o have_v suffer_v or_o yet_o may_v possible_o suffer_v by_o they_o for_o nothing_o of_o real_a satisfaction_n let_v we_o weigh_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o their_o different_a issue_n and_o effect_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o call_v loud_o upon_o we_o to_o amend_v what_o we_o find_v amiss_o in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o life_n the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o delay_n in_o a_o work_n of_o such_o concernment_n to_o we_o press_v we_o to_o do_v it_o without_o delay_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o mercy_n so_o assist_v our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v succeed_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o to_o our_o eternal_a peace_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v all_o glory_n honour_n and_o praise_v now_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o seventeen_o sermon_n 1_o john_n 3.7_o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a the_o gospel_n have_v not_o be_v long_o preach_v unto_o the_o world_n but_o there_o arise_v a_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o though_o they_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o live_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o precept_n such_o be_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n who_o take_v occasion_n from_o certain_a word_n of_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n the_o sense_n whereof_o they_o do_v mistake_v see_v grot._n &_o hammond_n add_v revel_v 2.6_o too_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o sensual_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v in_o filthiness_n and_o impurity_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o reflection_n be_v make_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n this_o thou_o have_v that_o thou_o hate_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o i_o also_o hate_n rev._n 2.6_o like_o unto_o these_o be_v those_o that_o be_v mention_v by_o st_n peter_n 2_o ep._n 2.18_o when_o they_o speak_v great_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n they_o allure_v through_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n through_o much_o wantonness_n those_o that_o be_v clean_o escape_v from_o they_o that_o live_v in_o error_n and_o by_o st_n judas_n verse_n 8._o of_o his_o epistle_n likewise_o also_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n defile_v the_o flesh_n despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o afterward_o at_o the_o 10_o v._o what_o they_o know_v natural_o as_o brute_n beast_n in_o those_o thing_n they_o corrupt_v themselves_o these_o be_v the_o gnostic_n a_o sect_n of_o libertine_n who_o as_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o lib._n 1_n do_v practice_v all_o forbid_a thing_n without_o any_o modesty_n shame_n or_o blush_a as_o believe_v it_o lawful_a so_o to_o do_v and_o think_v themselves_o nothing_o less_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o so_o do_v which_o be_v the_o error_n which_o our_o apostle_n oblique_o touch_v in_o these_o word_n little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a little_a child_n so_o he_o style_v those_o person_n who_o be_v less_o know_v or_o less_o stable_n in_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n so_o he_o style_v they_o cap._n 2.13_o although_o he_o seem_v in_o another_o place_n namely_o cap._n 2.1_o to_o give_v that_o title_n to_o all_o christian_n little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o that_o be_v to_o say_v suffer_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o that_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v righteous_a in_o god_n account_n and_o grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o although_o you_o do_v not_o do_v righteousness_n that_o be_v although_o your_o life_n and_o action_n be_v not_o habitual_o just_a and_o holy_a for_o as_o christ_n himself_o be_v righteous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v real_o so_o in_o himself_o so_o those_o only_a that_o do_v righteousness_n that_o yield_v sincere_a and_o true_a obedience_n to_o