of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o leave_v we_o these_o to_o guide_v their_o conversation_n by_o what_o they_o please_v yet_o we_o that_o intend_v to_o be_v such_o christian_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v oblige_v to_o make_v the_o write_v law_n of_o god_n the_o chief_a and_o principal_a rule_n of_o our_o conversation_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o three_o reason_n first_o because_o of_o the_o undoubted_a perfection_n and_o infallible_a truth_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v law_n and_o rule_n without_o any_o flaw_n and_o error_n which_o can_v possible_o deceive_v or_o misguide_v we_o because_o so_o true_a and_o perfect_a as_o to_o exclude_v the_o most_o critical_a correction_n and_o addition_n whereas_o the_o law_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o exact_o weigh_v at_o first_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o most_o consider_v judgement_n and_o make_v with_o the_o great_a foresight_n and_o circumspection_n will_v in_o a_o few_o year_n appear_v so_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a fallible_a and_o erroneous_a that_o no_o one_o can_v walk_v by_o they_o without_o fear_n uncertainty_n and_o danger_n but_o the_o law_n in_o the_o gospel_n because_o compose_v by_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v so_o sound_a and_o perfect_a and_o free_a from_o fault_n that_o no_o one_o can_v live_v by_o they_o but_o he_o walk_v with_o all_o courage_n and_o safety_n so_o that_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o conversation_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n need_v not_o doubt_n or_o fear_v his_o do_v ill_a or_o amiss_o for_o in_o such_o way_n as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n every_o man_n say_v solomon_n walk_v safe_o or_o as_o the_o original_a confident_o and_o secure_o prov._n 3._o 23._o second_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o make_v the_o law_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o our_o conversation_n because_o of_o their_o universal_a benefit_n and_o goodness_n for_o though_o law_n by_o some_o man_n may_v be_v count_v evil_a and_o perjudicial_a because_o they_o lay_v rigour_n and_o restraint_n upon_o that_o belove_a darling_a thing_n call_v liberty_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o discreet_a or_o prudent_a person_n but_o will_v have_v choose_v and_o take_v such_o a_o method_n to_o live_v by_o can_v he_o have_v have_v the_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n to_o have_v find_v it_o out_o nor_o do_v the_o goodness_n and_o benefit_n of_o these_o law_n give_v they_o a_o reputation_n but_o the_o universality_n of_o their_o goodness_n swell_v their_o character_n for_o let_v these_o law_n be_v put_v in_o use_n and_o practice_n in_o any_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o by_o man_n of_o all_o climate_n and_o country_n and_o they_o will_v be_v continual_o find_v beneficial_a to_o bodily_a health_n preserver_n of_o man_n credit_n and_o reputation_n encourager_n of_o industry_n and_o faithfulness_n distributer_n of_o justice_n reconciler_n of_o enemy_n favourer_n of_o the_o oppress_a promoter_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n union_n and_o agreement_n in_o all_o society_n and_o the_o great_a conservator_n of_o all_o our_o temporal_a felicity_n and_o what_o nation_n be_v there_o though_o heathenish_a and_o barbarous_a that_o can_v possible_o complain_v of_o mischief_n and_o prejudice_n shall_v they_o govern_v themselves_o by_o these_o reveal_v statute_n law_n of_o heaven_n three_o we_o ought_v only_o to_o guide_v our_o conversation_n by_o these_o because_o of_o their_o perpetual_a fitness_n and_o everlasting_a equity_n the_o law_n compose_v and_o enact_v by_o man_n be_v right_o call_v temporary_a because_o they_o be_v but_o for_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n for_o these_o like_o all_o humane_a government_n and_o life_n have_v their_o certain_a stage_n and_o fix_a period_n and_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v grow_v old_a and_o die_v we_o ourselves_o can_v observe_v and_o see_v that_o those_o act_n and_o statute_n which_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a convenient_a and_o necessary_a for_o one_o age_n become_v weak_a and_o foolish_a and_o very_o fit_a to_o be_v repeal_v and_o abrogate_a in_o the_o next_o nor_o have_v any_o the_o result_v and_o decree_n of_o the_o grave_a council_n in_o the_o great_a nation_n be_v of_o any_o long_a duration_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o ground_v upon_o or_o derive_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o such_o be_v the_o everlasting_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o our_o gospel_n law_n that_o they_o will_v never_o grow_v old_a or_o out_o of_o use_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n endure_v for_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o country_n will_v constant_o find_v it_o fit_a and_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o live_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n perhaps_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v sometime_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v for_o ever_o that_o be_v the_o law_n and_o precept_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v so_o well_o order_v temper_a and_o prepare_v that_o they_o will_v last_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v find_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o man_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o truth_n and_o perfection_n the_o universal_a goodness_n and_o perpetual_a fitness_n of_o these_o sacred_a rule_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o such_o guide_n for_o our_o conversation_n as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o s._n paul_n do_v wise_o advise_v his_o philippian_n and_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v principal_o careful_a in_o let_v their_o conversation_n only_o be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v wherein_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o a_o man_n conversation_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v consist_v in_o these_o two_o general_n thing_n first_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n second_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n and_o whatever_o promote_v unity_n peace_n and_o charity_n with_o all_o man_n first_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v not_o well_o expect_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n shall_v tend_v to_o any_o thing_n else_o because_o the_o author_n of_o that_o religion_n be_v himself_o a_o person_n that_o know_v no_o sin_n and_o lead_v a_o most_o exemplary_a life_n in_o all_o the_o path_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o prepare_v all_o man_n heart_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a spirit_n and_o if_o we_o will_v also_o but_o consult_v what_o be_v partly_o speak_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o partly_o dictate_v by_o this_o holy_a spirit_n we_o shall_v easy_o see_v that_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o content_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o first_o of_o all_o it_o command_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o first_o courtship_n of_o sin_n for_o it_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o our_o mind_n thought_n and_o lust_n after_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v vile_a and_o wicked_a and_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v defile_v if_o sin_n be_v but_o conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n though_o it_o be_v not_o bring_v forth_o into_o act_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o bare_a lust_a after_o a_o woman_n and_o of_o harbour_v malice_n and_o revenge_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a thought_n and_o intention_n second_o it_o do_v positive_o prohibit_v and_o that_o under_o severe_a penalty_n all_o and_o every_o action_n that_o render_v a_o man_n conversation_n vile_a and_o odious_a base_a and_o scandalous_a mean_a and_o contemptible_a namely_o all_o carnal_a uncleanness_n surfeiting_n drunkenness_n swear_v curse_v lie_v perjury_n bribery_n oppression_n cozenage_n and_o fraud_n sloth_n and_o idleness_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o our_o god_n and_o creator_n may_v not_o be_v dishonour_v and_o that_o his_o and_o our_o enemy_n may_v not_o have_v occasion_n to_o blaspheme_v we_o and_o our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n three_o it_o press_v upon_o we_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o adorn_v our_o profession_n and_o outward_a conversation_n with_o the_o flower_n and_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n say_v s._n paul_n our_o sanctification_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v appear_v and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o
will_v be_v object_v that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v will_n have_v give_v promise_n and_o assurance_n of_o provide_v for_o and_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o good_a and_o righteous_a yet_o we_o see_v frequent_o in_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n be_v not_o always_o firm_a to_o his_o word_n for_o how_o often_o do_v we_o see_v the_o wicked_a flourish_n and_o prevail_v and_o triumph_v over_o the_o godly_a and_o those_o that_o be_v far_o better_o than_o themselves_o as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o turk_n trample_v upon_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o papist_n upon_o the_o protestant_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o in_o general_n that_o the_o proceed_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o mysterious_a so_o that_o we_o may_v just_o subscribe_v to_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n roman_n 11._o 33._o how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o but_o second_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a in_o the_o solution_n of_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v only_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n which_o as_o to_o all_o outward_a appearance_n and_o in_o our_o esteem_n be_v very_o pious_a and_o good_a yet_o there_o be_v none_o so_o virtuous_a and_o good_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o as_o they_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o god_n make_v use_v of_o prosperous_a wicked_a man_n as_o rod_n to_o correct_v they_o who_o through_o their_o own_o carelessness_n or_o idleness_n may_v be_v much_o better_a than_o they_o be_v and_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o reason_n which_o statesman_n give_v for_o the_o growth_n of_o mahometism_n over_o christian_n and_o of_o popery_n over_o protestant_n i_o shall_v only_o offer_v one_o which_o the_o most_o censorious_a critic_n will_v allow_v do_v belong_v to_o our_o office_n to_o give_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n notorious_o abuse_v their_o most_o excellent_a religion_n and_o protestant_n in_o particular_a not_o live_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o god_n afflict_v and_o chastise_v christendom_n with_o the_o turk_n because_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n so_o much_o neglect_v the_o live_n answerable_o to_o their_o religion_n and_o god_n do_v trouble_v and_o correct_v the_o protestant_n in_o europe_n with_o papist_n because_o though_o their_o religion_n be_v best_a as_o be_v reform_v from_o superstition_n heresy_n and_o idolatry_n yet_o the_o visible_a conversation_n of_o protestant_n be_v notorious_o scandalous_a and_o quite_o different_a from_o and_o opposite_a to_o that_o purity_n and_o godliness_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o glory_n in_o and_o for_o aught_o any_o man_n can_v yet_o see_v or_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a we_o may_v reasonable_o judge_n that_o god_n will_v suffer_v the_o turk_n and_o papist_n to_o prosper_n and_o prevail_v the_o one_o over_o christian_n in_o general_n the_o other_o over_o protestant_n in_o particular_a till_o such_o time_n as_o both_o be_v more_o zealous_a and_o careful_a than_o they_o be_v now_o to_o let_v their_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n but_o second_o another_o reason_n why_o in_o evil_a and_o perilous_a time_n we_o ought_v then_o to_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o good_a be_v this_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o our_o gainsayer_n and_o either_o convince_v our_o enemy_n or_o at_o least_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o we_o than_o now_o they_o have_v in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n crumble_v into_o several_a faction_n and_o party_n we_o can_v expect_v no_o less_o than_o violent_a heat_n and_o passion_n and_o bitter_a rail_n and_o revile_n one_o against_o another_o for_o we_o know_v that_o different_a persuasion_n and_o interest_n be_v ever_o uphold_v with_o fierce_a controversy_n zealous_a debate_n and_o clamorous_a jangle_n all_o which_o thing_n never_o tend_v to_o cement_v and_o heal_v division_n but_o make_v the_o rent_n much_o wide_a for_o it_o be_v rare_o see_v that_o controversy_n and_o dispute_n especial_o in_o religion_n bring_v enemy_n to_o be_v friend_n no_o the_o only_a way_n of_o silence_v our_o adversary_n and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o slander_v and_o revile_v of_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o evil_a thing_n which_o may_v give_v they_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o do_v it_o and_o though_o the_o world_n will_v still_o be_v pester_v with_o such_o critical_a and_o malicious_a inquisitor_n as_o will_v censure_v and_o condemn_v the_o most_o harmless_a and_o inoffensive_a action_n and_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v so_o if_o do_v by_o themselves_o yet_o the_o man_n that_o go_v on_o in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o a_o upright_a honest_a conversation_n will_v in_o time_n convince_v his_o gainsayer_n and_o proselyte_n his_o most_o spiteful_a enemy_n be_v it_o not_o the_o advice_n and_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o we_o shall_v bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o do_v not_o s._n paul_n say_v if_o thy_o enemy_n hunger_n feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v give_v he_o drink_v and_o what_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o the_o benefit_n we_o shall_v reap_v by_o it_o why_o in_o so_o do_v thou_o heap_a coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o his_o head_n that_o be_v thou_o will_v in_o time_n melt_v he_o down_o into_o brotherly_a love_n and_o compliance_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o s._n peter_n charge_v his_o convert_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n only_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o have_v represent_v they_o at_o caesar_n court_n to_o be_v man_n of_o turbulent_a factious_a and_o seditious_a spirit_n that_o so_o with_o welldoing_a say_v s._n peter_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 15._o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o advises_n they_o to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n for_o in_o time_n it_o will_v make_v they_o ashamed_a that_o false_o accuse_v you_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 16._o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o second_o reason_n with_o the_o caution_n of_o s._n paul_n ephes_n 5._o 15_o 16._o see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a and_o that_o you_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v without_o redeem_v the_o time_n colos_n 4._o 5._o three_o we_o ought_v most_o especial_o to_o guide_n our_o conversation_n only_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a time_n because_o we_o shall_v thereby_o be_v best_a fit_v and_o prepare_v to_o meet_v with_o and_o endure_v the_o worst_a that_o may_v befall_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o prospect_n or_o foresight_n of_o any_o calamity_n or_o misery_n come_v upon_o we_o we_o have_v but_o two_o thing_n to_o do_v either_o prudential_o to_o prevent_v it_o or_o else_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o bear_v it_o first_o prudential_o to_o prevent_v it_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o prevention_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o so_o positive_o and_o indispensable_o oblige_v we_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n as_o that_o we_o may_v not_o use_v all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o mean_n we_o can_v to_o save_v and_o defend_v ourselves_o from_o suffer_v no_o in_o all_o temptation_n and_o trial_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o make_v a_o way_n for_o a_o escape_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n allow_v of_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o prevent_v of_o a_o approach_v evil_a and_o danger_n but_o what_o be_v honest_a and_o just_o and_o lawful_a for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v perpetual_o true_a and_o of_o everlasting_a force_n that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereby_o so_o that_o though_o my_o own_o will_n and_o reason_n bias_v by_o self-love_n and_o interest_n shall_v put_v i_o upon_o prevent_v a_o misery_n that_o be_v come_v yet_o i_o must_v be_v cautious_a and_o careful_a of_o use_v any_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o which_o i_o can_v justify_v to_o be_v good_a and_o lawful_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o which_o my_o own_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v i_o be_v base_a and_o dishonest_a and_o unbecoming_a a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_n for_o first_o i_o have_v no_o divine_a divine_a warrant_n or_o licence_n to_o do_v any_o unjust_a act_n though_o it_o be_v for_o my_o temporal_a safety_n and_o worldly_a advantage_n
second_o i_o have_v no_o promise_n or_o assurance_n from_o god_n that_o the_o do_v of_o a_o unjust_a thing_n for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n shall_v ever_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v for_o god_n have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o reveal_v will_n that_o he_o will_v bless_v a_o man_n in_o any_o wicked_a design_n and_o undertake_n and_o therefore_o if_o for_o my_o own_o preservation_n i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o method_n which_o i_o can_v and_o dare_v not_o pray_v god_n to_o bless_v and_o assist_v i_o in_o and_o wherein_o i_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v i_o then_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a doubtful_a and_o hazardous_a case_n whether_o the_o mean_n i_o use_v will_v ever_o prevent_v that_o evil_a or_o misery_n which_o i_o think_v and_o conclude_v they_o will_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o i_o take_v upon_o i_o and_o that_o upon_o my_o own_o contrivance_n and_o design_n to_o do_v that_o for_o my_o safety_n and_o preservation_n which_o my_o own_o conscience_n if_o guide_v by_o god_n will_n will_v tell_v i_o i_o can_v expect_v god_n blessing_n and_o assistance_n in_o nor_o any_o happy_a success_n from_o it_o but_o second_o if_o in_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n our_o approaching_n misery_n and_o ruin_n can_v be_v prevent_v we_o have_v then_o nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o put_v ourselves_o in_o the_o best_a posture_n we_o can_v to_o meet_v with_o it_o and_o endure_v it_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o complete_o arm_n and_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o worldly_a affliction_n as_o the_o constant_a inure_v a_o man_n self_n to_o a_o holy_a gospel-conversation_n when_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v well_o train_v up_o in_o the_o spiritual_a warfare_n he_o do_v not_o then_o fear_v to_o grapple_v with_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n nor_o dread_a to_o engage_v the_o great_a peril_n indeed_o to_o a_o worldly_a covetous_a man_n the_o loss_n of_o land_n house_n and_o riches_n be_v a_o very_a hard_a say_n to_o a_o ambitious_a spirit_n that_o aim_v at_o crown_n and_o the_o enlargement_n of_o dominion_n imprisonment_n and_o part_n with_o a_o head_n be_v a_o intolerable_a affliction_n to_o one_o that_o spend_v his_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o jollity_n and_o pleasure_n the_o thought_n of_o die_v be_v dreadful_a and_o troublesome_a but_o to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v get_v the_o dominion_n over_o himself_o who_o have_v tame_v his_o will_n affection_n and_o lust_n to_o one_o that_o scorn_v and_o despise_v the_o guild_a vanity_n and_o empty_a splendour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o one_o that_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n while_o upon_o earth_n and_o hope_n for_o reward_n and_o treasure_n above_o there_o be_v nothing_o come_v to_o he_o unlooked_a for_o or_o unpleasant_a in_o short_a the_o more_o like_a we_o be_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n the_o more_o able_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o suffer_v with_o he_o and_o like_o he_o for_o let_v come_v what_o will_v to_o we_o whether_o tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n yet_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o romans_z 8._o 35_o 37._o application_n and_o first_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v as_o reasonable_o we_o may_v that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o same_o or_o like_v trouble_v and_o distress_a circumstance_n with_o these_o philippian_n tear_v and_o harass_v with_o unnatural_a heat_n and_o division_n among_o ourselves_o or_o threaten_v with_o ruin_n by_o restless_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n from_o abroad_o we_o have_v then_o no_o better_a way_n or_o course_n to_o take_v for_o our_o safety_n and_o defence_n but_o close_o and_o earnest_o to_o follow_v this_o best_a guide_n and_o sure_a rule_n only_o to_o take_v all_o care_n and_o heed_n that_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n whatever_o method_n other_o in_o distress_n and_o danger_n may_v choose_v to_o take_v and_o follow_v yet_o let_v we_o show_v ourselves_o the_o true_a christian_n by_o make_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sole_a standard_n and_o only_a measure_n of_o all_o our_o action_n for_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o wise_a councillor_n upon_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o free_a from_o error_n and_o defect_n deceiveableness_n and_o danger_n as_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v of_o such_o certain_a and_o universal_a goodness_n nor_o so_o just_a and_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a for_o we_o in_o all_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o none_o can_v or_o will_v dare_v to_o speak_v against_o this_o but_o platonic_a republican_n hobbean_n politician_n atheistical_a statesman_n and_o those_o who_o dislike_v the_o gospel_n because_o they_o design_v to_o do_v what_o they_o know_v the_o gospel_n condemn_v second_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a let_v we_o exercise_n ourselves_o in_o those_o essential_a indispensable_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v purity_n and_o peace_n first_o in_o purity_n for_o never_o be_v there_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a penance_n and_o better_v our_o life_n as_o now_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o hell_n and_o all_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o seem_v to_o conspire_v our_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n god_n himself_o by_o many_o warning_n and_o some_o amaze_a judgement_n have_v evident_o discover_v that_o he_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o the_o devil_n with_o agent_n and_o instrument_n as_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a as_o himself_o have_v plot_v and_o contrive_v as_o it_o be_v in_o hell_n our_o total_a overthrow_n and_o desolation_n and_o now_o can_v there_o be_v a_o better_a or_o sure_a way_n find_v out_o by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n for_o our_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n than_o what_o s._n paul_n have_v propose_v to_o we_o in_o the_o text_n be_v there_o any_o other_o course_n to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o god_n or_o which_o will_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o take_v our_o part_n and_o to_o pity_n help_v and_o preserve_v we_o in_o our_o low_a estate_n but_o only_o lay_v down_o and_o part_n with_o our_o defy_v and_o provoke_v sin_n and_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v there_o any_o way_n for_o we_o to_o repel_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o escape_v the_o trap_n and_o snare_n that_o he_o and_o his_o confederate_n have_v lay_v for_o we_o but_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n under_o the_o shield_n of_o a_o active_a faith_n and_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n be_v there_o any_o way_n to_o silence_v our_o slanderer_n and_o reviler_n to_o convince_v our_o enemy_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n but_o our_o studious_a and_o conscientious_a guide_v ourselves_o and_o action_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o pious_a and_o peaceable_a conversation_n and_o if_o providence_n for_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n though_o unintelligible_a to_o we_o shall_v suffer_v wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n to_o ride_v over_o our_o head_n and_o trample_v we_o into_o picee_n what_o be_v there_o can_v fit_v we_o for_o the_o endurance_n of_o such_o suffering_n but_o the_o apply_v ourselves_o in_o time_n to_o the_o learning_n and_o practice_n of_o self_n denial_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o serve_v our_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v a_o miracle_n once_o to_o see_v the_o strange_a assistance_n and_o success_n that_o attend_v the_o piety_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n now_o to_o see_v man_n not_o believe_v it_o or_o at_o least_o not_o believe_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o experiment_n it_o once_o again_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o customary_a but_o deplorable_a sin_n and_o folly_n of_o our_o nation_n though_o christian_n and_o protestant_n too_o to_o repose_v all_o its_o trust_n confidence_n and_o safety_n upon_o its_o own_o council_n and_o upon_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n neglect_v all_o gospel_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o its_o impossible_a to_o be_v safe_a and_o prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n or_o save_v and_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o oh_o never_o never_o think_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o all_o your_o trouble_n as_o long_o as_o by_o your_o loose_a and_o profane_a life_n you_o provoke_v god_n to_o be_v your_o enemy_n tempt_v the_o devil_n to_o do_v his_o worst_a and_o give_v his_o instrument_n the_o papist_n any_o just_a cause_n of_o reproach_v and_o blaspheme_v