endure_v the_o most_o painful_a sort_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o worship_n a_o cake_n of_o bread_n invoke_v their_o fellow-creature_n admit_v any_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n but_o jesus_n or_o make_v the_o gospel_n depend_v upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o pope_n how_o illiterate_a and_o wicked_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v but_o be_v there_o no_o other_o history_n extant_a but_o the_o bible_n the_o number_n of_o the_o saint_n record_v there_o that_o have_v embrace_v the_o most_o bitter_a ignominious_a death_n and_o despise_v the_o torment_n and_o shame_n thereof_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n so_o dreadful_a but_o what_o may_v be_v bear_v by_o man_n and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o impossible_a nor_o so_o exceed_o difficult_a for_o christian_n to_o conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n as_o the_o profane_a and_o sensual_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o our_o religion_n pretend_v it_o to_o be_v the_o second_o 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but_o confess_v that_o his_o amorous_a intention_n and_o countenance_n will_v be_v change_v his_o jovial_a thought_n trouble_v his_o joint_n lose_v and_o his_o knee_n like_o king_n belshazzar_n knock_v one_o against_o another_o or_o last_o let_v we_o suppose_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n that_o a_o unexpected_a message_n shall_v come_v from_o his_o prince_n threaten_v the_o gibbet_n or_o the_o axe_n if_o he_o proceed_v to_o gratify_v his_o sinful_a desire_n such_o a_o terrible_a message_n will_v undoubted_o be_v sufficient_a to_o extinguish_v his_o present_a flame_n and_o restrain_v he_o from_o the_o sin_n he_o intend_v to_o commit_v or_o not_o to_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o such_o frightful_a enemy_n to_o his_o pleasure_n as_o damnation_n or_o death_n let_v we_o rather_o suppose_v that_o a_o little_a child_n much_o more_o a_o grave_a and_o reverend_a person_n shall_v unexpected_o come_v into_o the_o room_n before_o he_o proceed_v to_o execute_v his_o filthy_a lust_n certain_o 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a_o presumptuous_a sin_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o shall_v tell_v we_o we_o shall_v short_o die_v why_o shall_v not_o the_o consideration_n of_o eternal_a torment_n threaten_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o persuasive_a against_o sin_n as_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o write_v by_o a_o spirit_n upon_o a_o wall_n or_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o message_n of_o eternal_a death_n which_o we_o deliver_v from_o god_n prevail_v as_o much_o upon_o man_n as_o the_o message_n of_o temporal_a death_n from_o a_o king_n last_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o omnipresent_v god_n over-awe_n man_n more_o than_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o man_n or_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o infallible_a promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o infinite_a happiness_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o self-denial_n than_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o kingdom_n or_o treasure_n here_o below_o the_o shameful_a inconsideration_n stupidity_n and_o carnality_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o temporal_a expectation_n and_o proposal_n have_v more_o force_n upon_o their_o soul_n than_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o that_o present_a or_o approach_a sensible_a pain_n or_o loss_n fill_v their_o earthy_a mind_n with_o more_o dreadful_a apprehension_n than_o the_o prospect_n of_o infinite_a misery_n to_o come_v but_o to_o conclude_v this_o instance_n with_o a_o more_o familiar_a argument_n if_o the_o temptation_n to_o this_o sin_n be_v so_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v resist_v as_o debauch_a man_n pretend_v it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o careful_a and_o religious_a parent_n suffer_v their_o child_n to_o sojorn_n in_o mesech_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n i_o mean_v to_o go_v abroad_o and_o converse_v in_o this_o wicked_a world_n how_o dare_v they_o expose_v their_o soul_n which_o they_o tender_v next_o to_o their_o own_o to_o such_o certain_a danger_n in_o a_o adulterous_a generation_n if_o to_o deny_v one_o self_n and_o resist_v the_o 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much_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o verdict_n of_o right_a reason_n as_o he_o that_o give_v a_o affront_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o these_o example_n that_o bare_a reason_n and_o moral_a gallantry_n of_o spirit_n have_v sometime_o enable_v heathen_n and_o mahumet_n ans_fw-fr to_o resist_v those_o pain_n and_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n which_o as_o all_o man_n grant_v be_v the_o strong_a temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v it_o not_o shameful_a nonsense_n and_o horrid_a impiety_n for_o christian_n who_o god_n without_o a_o just_a provocation_n never_o fail_v to_o support_v and_o assist_v with_o his_o grace_n to_o magnify_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a temptation_n with_o a_o malicious_a design_n nor_o only_o to_o justify_v themselves_o and_o excuse_v other_o but_o to_o debauch_v mankind_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n and_o render_v the_o christian_a the_o most_o grievous_a intolerable_a religion_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n from_o whence_o i_o proceed_v to_o prove_v by_o reason_n that_o no_o trial_n or_o temptation_n can_v happen_v to_o man_n but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o humane_a nature_n aid_v with_o grace_n and_o such_o as_o any_o christian_n that_o be_v true_a to_o his_o own_o endeavour_n and_o faithful_o use_v the_o restrain_v and_o assist_v help_n of_o god_n my_o not_o easy_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v my_o first_o reason_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o habitual_a power_n and_o ability_n in_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n to_o bear_v all_o sensible_a pain_n and_o loss_n and_o forbear_v all_o sensible_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n out_o of_o love_n to_o reason_n and_o the_o righteous_a law_n of_o god_n this_o excellent_a spiritual_a power_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o acquire_v by_o our_o own_o 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authority_n concern_v mortification_n self-denial_n and_o perseverance_n and_o all_o the_o brave_a discourse_n the_o latter_a have_v pen_v with_o such_o admirable_a reason_n and_o rhetoric_n concern_v fortitude_n temperance_n and_o patience_n be_v idle_a unprofitable_a harangue_n and_o as_o insignificant_a to_o the_o impotent_a race_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o the_o practical_a rule_n of_o dance_a to_o a_o cripple_n or_o a_o lecture_n in_o geometry_n to_o a_o natural_a fool._n in_o particular_a st._n paul_n who_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o much_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o protest_v he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o bear_v reproach_n persecution_n and_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n this_o great_a doctor_n and_o saint_n who_o declare_v upon_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o he_o be_v always_o most_o strong_a when_o he_o be_v most_o weak_a and_o that_o he_o can_v do_v and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n through_o the_o strength_n he_o receive_v from_o christ_n must_v pass_v for_o a_o cheat_n or_o enthusiast_n if_o man_n by_o the_o promise_a support_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v temptation_n unto_o sin_n there_o be_v never_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o more_o apt_a example_n to_o confirm_v this_o doctrine_n i_o now_o maintain_v than_o this_o apostle_n be_v for_o when_o the_o jew_n and_o gnostic_n persecute_v his_o righteous_a soul_n with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o violence_n as_o to_o make_v he_o call_v they_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n and_o compare_v the_o sharpness_n of_o the_o persecution_n which_o they_o raise_v against_o he_o to_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n like_o a_o true_a soldier_n of_o christ_n he_o still_o resist_v and_o hold_v out_o but_o yet_o suspect_v his_o own_o perseverance_n and_o fear_v lest_o his_o faith_n and_o patience_n may_v at_o last_o fail_v he_o pray_v god_n thrice_o to_o remove_v the_o sharp_a trial_n from_o he_o but_o god_n who_o know_v whereof_o he_o be_v make_v better_o than_o he_o himself_o still_o continue_v they_o assure_v the_o suffer_a apostle_n that_o his_o concurrent_a grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o that_o his_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o his_o weakness_n this_o relation_n the_o apostle_n make_v of_o himself_o be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a if_o false_a than_o he_o be_v either_o a_o impostor_n or_o a_o madman_n if_o he_o be_v mad_a as_o the_o festuse_n of_o this_o age_n represent_v he_o to_o be_v how_o come_v he_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n hw_o come_v he_o to_o write_v such_o learned_a and_o profound_a epistle_n and_o make_v such_o admirable_a defence_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o so_o many_o procurator_n and_o the_o emperor_n himself_o at_o rome_n how_o come_v he_o to_o be_v so_o very_o wise_a upon_o occasion_n as_o to_o plead_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o roman_a citizen_n and_o divide_v the_o sadducee_n against_o the_o pharisee_n when_o they_o have_v both_o conspire_v to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n how_o come_v he_o to_o baffle_v the_o jew_n out_o of_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o prophecy_n to_o convert_v the_o great_a city_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o acquire_v such_o a_o particular_a veneration_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o among_o the_o common_a people_n but_o among_o the_o philosopher_n both_o of_o greece_n and_o rome_n to_o conclude_v how_o come_v the_o church_n universal_a to_o canonize_v his_o write_n and_o how_o come_v they_o particular_o to_o be_v adore_v by_o such_o gallant_a man_n as_o justin_n origen_n tertullian_n and_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v all_o as_o great_a wit_n and_o philosopher_n as_o ever_o the_o world_n can_v show_v a_o impostor_n likewise_o he_o can_v not_o be_v for_o than_o he_o must_v have_v act_v for_o glory_n or_o gain_n for_o glory_n he_o do_v not_o because_o he_o have_v so_o often_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o sinfulness_n unworthiness_n and_o insufficiency_n represent_v himself_o as_o the_o least_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o free_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v what_o he_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o designation_n of_o god_n and_o for_o gain_n or_o secular_a interest_n he_o can_v not_o act_v for_o in_o this_o life_n he_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a his_o apostolical_a office_n render_v his_o whole_a life_n but_o a_o continual_a tragedy_n or_o catalogue_n of_o misery_n as_o you_o may_v read_v 2_o cor._n 11._o from_o the_o 23._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n this_o story_n then_o i_o cite_v out_o of_o his_o write_n must_v be_v infallible_o true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v than_o virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v real_a notion_n and_o by_o consequence_n no_o temptation_n can_v happen_v to_o any_o man_n but_o what_o humane_a nature_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o lest_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o god_n have_v a_o more_o particular_a care_n for_o this_o apostle_n than_o other_o christian_n and_o supply_v he_o with_o more_o particular_a aid_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n you_o may_v find_v he_o exhort_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n you_o may_v find_v he_o charge_v timothy_n to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o exhort_v the_o whole_a city_n of_o the_o philippian_n to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o care_n and_o solicitude_n because_o god_n by_o his_o prevent_n and_o assist_v grace_n be_v work_v in_o their_o heart_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do._n perseverance_n or_o the_o work_n out_o of_o salvation_n consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o constant_o resist_v temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sense_n in_o that_o nor_o any_o other_o such_o like_a exhortation_n unless_o god_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v be_v a_o present_a help_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o his_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proportionable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n or_o such_o as_o other_o before_o they_o have_v endure_v so_o for_o the_o future_a he_o likewise_o assure_v they_o that_o god_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o his_o promise_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o their_o strength_n but_o upon_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o their_o patience_n and_o courage_n in_o resist_v will_v make_v a_o way_n for_o they_o to_o escape_v in_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o give_v they_o sufficient_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o support_v and_o overcome_v the_o violence_n thereof_o there_o have_v no_o temptation_n take_v you_o say_v he_o but_o such_o as_o be_v moderate_a or_o common_a to_o man_n for_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n and_o therefore_o by_o good_a analogy_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o reason_n we_o may_v counclude_v that_o god_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n take_v the_o same_o care_n of_o we_o in_o all_o other_o trial_n and_o temptation_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o assure_v we_o he_o do_v in_o persecution_n which_o be_v in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o gospel_n emphatical_o call_v temptation_n because_o that_o of_o all_o the_o trial_n which_o man_n can_v undergo_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n those_o terrible_a pain_n and_o suffering_n wherein_o persecution_n consist_v be_v by_o far_o most_o difficult_a to_o be_v withstand_v by_o feeble_a flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o prove_v so_o great_a a_o truth_n by_o consequence_n and_o analogy_n when_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o assistant_n form_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o most_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a term_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v encourage_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o we_o bound_v ourselves_o by_o our_o sacramental_a oath_n to_o resist_v such_o temptation_n as_o unassi_v humane_a nature_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v because_o we_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o sincere_o ask_v it_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v perfect_v his_o strength_n in_o human_a weakness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v make_v we_o more_o than_o conqueror_n in_o all_o temptation_n and_o find_v out_o a_o way_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v escape_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n consist_v in_o such_o like_a promise_n of_o receive_v sufficient_a assistance_n from_o god_n and_o indeed_o in_o have_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o require_v we_o to_o swear_v resistance_n against_o such_o temptation_n as_o deprave_a human_a nature_n be_v not_o able_a to_o withstand_v unless_o withal_o ne_v will_v have_v give_v we_o concurrent_a supply_v of_o supernatural_a strength_n sufficient_a of_o support_v we_o in_o they_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o do_v exact_a this_o then_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n stand_v bind_v in_o his_o gospel_n to_o take_v special_a care_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o temptation_n and_o grant_v we_o sufficient_a supply_v of_o his_o grace_n i_o proceed_v to_o prove_v the_o apostle_n consequnce_v that_o no_o temptation_n how_o violent_a soever_o be_v irresistible_a by_o christian_n or_o that_o no_o temptation_n or_o trial_n have_v or_o ever_o shall_v happen_v by_o god_n permission_n unto_o any_o person_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o power_n of_o human_a nature_n strengthen_v by_o grace_n and_o such_o as_o a_o reasonable_a considerate_a man_n that_o due_o use_v and_o improve_v the_o present_a assistance_n of_o god_n may_v not_o easy_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v this_o assertion_n i_o shall_v prove_v two_o way_n first_o by_o authority_n or_o precedent_n and_o second_o by_o reason_n first_o by_o authority_n take_v from_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v resist_v the_o strong_a and_o overcome_v the_o most_o difficult_a temptation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o those_o traitorous_a ungodly_a christian_n who_o love_n to_o represent_v the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n as_o desperate_a and_o indefensible_a contradict_v the_o experience_n of_o age_n and_o belie_v the_o record_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man._n i_o shall_v but_o instance_n in_o three_o or_o four_o of_o the_o most_o violent_a assure_a temptation_n which_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o curse_a agent_n use_v as_o the_o strong_a battery_n to_o subdue_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o brave_a men._n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o bildad_o in_o job_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o king_n of_o consternation_n or_o terror_n and_o yet_o as_o terrible_a as_o be_v the_o approach_n of_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n the_o brave_a adventure_n of_o those_o gallant_a heathen_n who_o have_v meet_v he_o with_o all_o his_o train_n of_o terror_n without_o astonishment_n and_o fear_n and_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n for_o their_o country_n and_o friend_n these_o generous_a soul_n i_o say_v who_o can_v scarce_o die_v for_o high_a end_n infallible_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o be_v neither_o strange_a nor_o difficult_a for_o reason_n without_o grace_n or_o unassi_v humane_a nature_n to_o overcome_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o supreme_a motive_n of_o religion_n to_o have_v make_v coward_n and_o common_a people_n valiant_a and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o the_o jewish_a writer_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o may_v so_o to_o have_v fortify_v the_o courage_n of_o woman_n and_o child_n as_o to_o make_v they_o die_v with_o more_o resolution_n than_o the_o worthy_n of_o greece_n and_o rome_n the_o time_n will_v fail_v as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v in_o tell_v of_o those_o that_o be_v stone_v saw_v asunder_o 11.7_o asunder_o vid._n imadversios_fw-gr honorabilis_fw-la doctis_fw-la nort._n natchbulli_fw-la u._fw-mi aur_fw-it in_o ep._n hebr._n c._n 11.7_o empale_a and_o slay_v with_o the_o sword_n and_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a martyrology_n the_o bloody_a calendar_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n the_o history_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o christian_n by_o they_o both_o and_o of_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a reformer_n by_o the_o papal_a see_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o waldenses_n to_o this_o last_o age_n be_v so_o many_o stand_a act_n and_o monument_n to_o prove_v that_o no_o trial_n can_v happen_v to_o man_n but_o what_o humane_a nature_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o particular_o that_o death_n in_o all_o his_o array_n of_o terror_n be_v no_o such_o insuperable_a consideration_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n the_o spanish_a christian_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n behave_v themselves_o with_o such_o resolution_n and_o assurance_n at_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n that_o his_o procurator_n and_o their_o judge_n pliny_n mistake_v their_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n for_o stubbernness_n of_o opinion_n or_o a_o certain_a superstitious_a obstination_n of_o mind_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o ten_o persecution_n they_o so_o little_o regard_v their_o life_n that_o they_o throw_v they_o away_o and_o offer_v unnecessary_a affront_n to_o the_o heathen_a god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o die_v martyr_n in_o the_o fact_n and_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n insomuch_o that_o the_o wise_a council_n of_o matyrum_fw-la of_o ex._n consil_n elib_n annv_o 305._o siquas_fw-la idola_fw-la for_o gerit_fw-la &_o ibidem_fw-la fuerit_fw-la occisus_fw-la placuit_fw-la numerum_fw-la eun_fw-mi nonre_fw-la ipi_fw-la matyrum_fw-la eliberis_n be_v fain_o to_o make_v a_o decree_n to_o correct_v such_o unwarrantable_a riotous_a zeal_n and_o make_v they_o less_o prodigal_a of_o their_o blood_n but_o both_o they_o and_o the_o more_o primitive_a christian_n of_o other_o country_n will_v have_v die_v have_v it_o be_v possible_a a_o thousand_o time_n rather_o than_o drop_v a_o grain_n of_o incense_n bow_v before_o a_o idol_n or_o do_v any_o other_o significant_a action_n which_o custom_n have_v make_v a_o sign_n of_o deny_v christ_n and_o since_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n the_o noble_a army_n of_o reform_a martyr_n in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v choose_v to_o meet_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n in_o his_o most_o terrible_a appearance_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o dreadful_a inquisition_n and_o
assist_a grace_n concur_v to_o the_o aid_n and_o relief_n of_o all_o those_o that_o need_v and_o sincere_o desire_v it_o and_o like_o the_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n improve_v it_o as_o fast_o as_o it_o be_v bestow_v to_o all_o which_o let_v i_o add_v the_o precept_n of_o mortification_n patience_n and_o self-denial_n the_o exhortation_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a temperate_a sober_a chaste_a to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a to_o be_v steadfast_a to_o the_o end_n to_o resist_v the_o devil_n to_o resist_v he_o unto_o blood_n of_o all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o original_a author_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o man_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o have_v ordinary_o power_n to_o resist_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n nay_o to_o resist_v they_o all_o to_o martyrdom_n and_o to_o blood_n and_o therefore_o none_o but_o fool_n and_o atheist_n can_v be_v so_o absurd_a and_o impious_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n with_o reverence_n be_v it_o speak_v can_v so_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o advise_v his_o creature_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o he_o know_v bofore_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v nay_o this_o damnable_a assertion_n of_o the_o libertine_n of_o this_o age_n who_o like_o that_o filthy_a goat_n nero_n think_v all_o the_o world_n as_o lascivious_a as_o themselves_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o imagine_v he_o can_v delude_v his_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o far_o as_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o he_o know_v be_v impracticable_a and_o above_o their_o power_n to_o do_v but_o god_n that_o be_v better_a acquaint_v with_o our_o nature_n than_o we_o ourselves_o can_v put_v we_o upon_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o know_v be_v either_o absolute_o in_o our_o power_n or_o at_o least_o as_o to_o conquer_v temptation_n be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o our_o nature_n assist_v by_o grace_n to_o perform_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n it_o be_v that_o god_n and_o the_o church_n bound_v every_o christian_a at_o his_o first_o admission_n into_o covenant_n by_o such_o a_o solemn_a oath_n to_o resist_v temptation_n as_o i_o mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o substance_n of_o which_o solemn_a obligation_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o i_o do_v here_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n my_o saviour_n and_o all_o the_o heavenly_a host_n devote_v myself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o church_n militant_a and_o triumphant_a to_o bear_v witness_n that_o i_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o i_o will_v resist_v their_o temptation_n to_o my_o last_o breath_n this_o i_o avow_v to_o be_v my_o resolution_n and_o upon_o this_o condition_n and_o this_o alone_a i_o now_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o my_o god_n and_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o church_n and_o i_o call_v my_o conscience_n to_o record_v this_o day_n that_o i_o will_v never_o repent_v of_o this_o promise_n nor_o revoke_v it_o but_o continue_v christ_n faithful_a soldier_n to_o the_o end_n of_o my_o life_n so_o help_v i_o o_o my_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o a_o strong_a obligation_n than_o this_o but_o unless_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v practicable_a it_o be_v a_o solemn_a piece_n of_o nonsense_n and_o delusion_n and_o god_n and_o his_o church_n for_o above_o 1600_o year_n have_v mock_v and_o abuse_v the_o world_n the_o second_o reason_n by_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n by_o god_n assistance_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o if_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o the_o sin_n they_o commit_v they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n resist_v why_o shall_v they_o sorrow_n and_o repent_v for_o what_o be_v past_a or_o so_o contradict_v themselves_o and_o mock_v god_n as_o to_o promise_v amendment_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v why_o instead_o of_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o he_o do_v they_o not_o rather_o expostulate_v with_o he_o and_o say_v it_o be_v true_a o_o lord_n i_o have_v do_v many_o thing_n which_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v thy_o minister_n and_o trouble_v the_o world_n by_o thy_o authority_n declare_v to_o be_v grievous_a sin_n but_o if_o they_o be_v i_o protest_v i_o can_v not_o help_v it_o thou_o know_v i_o can_v not_o resist_v they_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o do_v better_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v thou_o must_v give_v i_o more_o grace_n than_o hitherto_o i_o have_v have_v which_o horrible_a expostulation_n show_v how_o inconsistent_a this_o damnable_a doctrine_n i_o oppose_v be_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n how_o ridiculous_a it_o render_v confession_n and_o contrition_n for_o sin_n nay_o how_o it_o make_v the_o great_a sin_n we_o be_v tempt_v to_o commit_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o and_o many_o more_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n flow_v from_o it_o as_o may_v just_o make_v the_o blade_n or_o licentious_a wit_n that_o talk_v it_o about_o the_o town_n if_o they_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o conscience_n leave_v to_o abhor_v it_o and_o recant_v my_o three_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o law_n which_o common_o beside_o the_o thing_n they_o command_v or_o forbid_v contain_v either_o general_a or_o special_a threaten_n and_o promise_n as_o most_o proper_a and_o suitable_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o abstain_v from_o the_o sin_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o commit_v but_o if_o the_o free_a and_o rational_a nature_n of_o man_n neither_o simple_o in_o itself_o nor_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n if_o reason_n with_o no_o more_o than_o without_o grace_n have_v power_n to_o overcome_v temptation_n to_o wilful_a sin_n it_o will_v be_v transcendent_a folly_n and_o cruelty_n for_o prince_n and_o state_n to_o make_v temporal_a law_n for_o their_o subject_n and_o much_o more_o for_o god_n to_o make_v spiritual_a law_n for_o his_o church_n he_o may_v with_o as_o much_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n have_v charge_v man_n not_o to_o be_v hungry_a or_o sick_a not_o to_o be_v hot_a or_o cold_a as_o not_o to_o commit_v adultery_n not_o to_o steal_v not_o to_o murder_n not_o to_o bear_v false_a witness_n etc._n etc._n unless_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o resist_v the_o strong_a temptation_n that_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v invent_v to_o induce_v they_o to_o commit_v the_o foresay_a sin_n my_o four_o reason_n i_o ground_n on_o the_o 10_o of_o st._n matthew_n v._o 33._o where_o our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v he_o before_o man_n that_o he_o will_v he_o deny_v before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o be_v any_o suffer_v so_o intolerable_o sharp_a be_v any_o persecution_n so_o dismal_a and_o grievous_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o support_v humane_a nature_n to_o bear_v they_o be_v all_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o roman_a inquisition_n and_o all_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o cruelty_n which_o wit_n and_o malice_n can_v invent_v above_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o insuperable_a by_o reason_n strengthen_v with_o grace_n the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o take_v our_o infirmity_n upon_o he_o and_o know_v by_o experience_n what_o humane_a nature_n be_v he_o i_o say_v that_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n will_v never_o deny_v any_o man_n a_o share_n in_o his_o atonement_n for_o do_v that_o which_o extremity_n of_o torment_n must_v force_v he_o to_o commit_v to_o conclude_v with_o such_o another_o reason_n you_o may_v remember_v that_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o description_n he_o give_v of_o hell_n in_o the_o 9th_o of_o st._n mark_n have_v this_o ingenious_a hebrew_n phrase_n where_o their_o worm_n die_v not_o which_o worm_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n signify_v nothing_o here_o and_o in_o the_o 66th_o of_o isaiah_n but_o that_o sting_a remorse_n of_o conscience_n or_o continual_a fret_v or_o vexation_n of_o soul_n in_o damn_a spirit_n cause_v by_o the_o remembrance_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o wilful_a treachery_n and_o baseness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o commit_v those_o sin_n and_o yield_v to_o those_o temptation_n which_o they_o know_v they_o have_v power_n sufficient_a to_o resist_v but_o be_v the_o