clear_a right_n on_o his_o side_n than_o any_o man_n can_v now_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v entertain_v with_o the_o great_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o if_o any_o injury_n may_v just_o provoke_v our_o rage_n and_o passion_n those_o offer_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a nature_n but_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v he_o revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o he_o render_v not_o evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o rail_v for_o rail_v but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o now_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o own_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o saviour_n precept_n and_o example_n and_o yet_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n and_o virulency_n of_o speech_n towards_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o some_o of_o our_o zealous_a disputant_n do_v in_o these_o day_n s._n judas_n tell_v we_o that_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o he_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o in_o our_o religious_a debate_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v notwithstanding_o our_o misconception_n of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o fall_v into_o error_n in_o a_o word_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a he_o that_o will_v learn_v must_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v contradict_v and_o hear_v with_o patience_n what_o may_v be_v say_v be_v it_o never_o so_o opposite_a to_o his_o former_a notion_n or_o to_o his_o present_a wish_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v hardly_o capable_a to_o judge_v aright_o again_o he_o that_o will_v instruct_v and_o convince_v other_o must_v do_v it_o also_o with_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n confute_v error_n with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n he_o be_v able_a but_o spare_v the_o person_n he_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v for_o if_o by_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n he_o provoke_v their_o passion_n who_o he_o shall_v instruct_v he_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o reason_n by_o discompose_v those_o faculty_n which_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o 5._o the_o five_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o as_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a obligation_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o many_o precept_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n concern_v it_o pythagoras_n in_o particular_a advice_n to_o undertake_v no_o work_n to_o endeavour_v nothing_o without_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o he_o subjoin_v to_o many_o other_o precept_n of_o virtue_n as_o the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o our_o concern_v it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o our_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n for_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v and_o the_o same_o philosopher_n immediate_o after_o his_o precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o his_o direction_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v and_o perfect_a our_o endeavour_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a benefit_n that_o will_v redound_v to_o we_o thereby_o that_o we_o shall_v by_o so_o do_v gain_n the_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o much_o different_a from_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n have_v in_o itself_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o clear_v the_o understanding_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o sure_o if_o philosopher_n by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a principle_n understand_v the_o necessity_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v we_o who_o have_v receive_v better_a mean_n of_o instruction_n than_o they_o have_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o point_n of_o duty_n especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o full_a of_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n require_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o exigency_n and_o assure_v we_o of_o success_n by_o so_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o thus_o particular_o luke_n xi_o 9_o our_o saviour_n advise_v we_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o and_o then_o follow_v v._o 13._o if_o you_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 the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o s._n james_n yet_o more_o near_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n direct_v we_o to_o make_v our_o humble_a address_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n james_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n plenteous_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v on_o some_o particular_a duty_n each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a great_a efficacy_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o from_o whence_o the_o inference_n will_v be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a that_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o each_o of_o these_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n then_o sure_o where_o these_o be_v all_o unite_a they_o can_v ordinary_o fail_v of_o their_o desire_a effect_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v be_v not_o complete_v in_o our_o observance_n of_o those_o particular_a duty_n abovementioned_a but_o in_o a_o universal_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v already_o know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o further_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o upon_o perusal_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o man_n thus_o qualify_v beside_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o virtue_n to_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o receive_v the_o gospel_n have_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n to_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n and_o to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o account_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n proposition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o who_o seek_v for_o truth_n with_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o do_v his_o will_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o afford_v such_o further_a mean_n of_o instruction_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n mat._n twenty-five_o 29._o unto_o every_o man_n that_o have_v that_o be_v who_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n every_o one_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n he_o have_v god_n will_v give_v to_o he_o such_o further_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o great_a signal_n example_n in_o cornelius_n the_o good_a centurion_n act_v 10._o who_o prayer_n and_o alm_n while_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o christ_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o god_n that_o he_o be_v please_v miraculous_o to_o direct_v he_o to_o peter_n for_o further_a instruction_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o sincere_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n shall_v be_v thus_o miraculous_o instruct_v as_o cornelius_n be_v yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o abundant_a assurance_n that_o no_o such_o person_n shall_v miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a knowledge_n for_o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v his_o holy_a
our_o security_n and_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o assist_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a against_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o oppressor_n but_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o malicious_a and_o censorious_a wound_v in_o secret_a and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o know_v from_o whence_o our_o harm_n arise_v a_o slanderous_a report_n spread_v wide_o and_o insensible_o nor_o can_v a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o trace_v out_o the_o beginning_n or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o nay_o many_o time_n the_o slander_n be_v improve_v beyond_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o devise_v it_o if_o but_o a_o bare_a suspicion_n be_v put_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o giddy_a and_o credulous_a multitude_n how_o easy_o do_v it_o gain_v credit_n as_o true_a and_o then_o sudden_o a_o thousand_o circumstance_n be_v add_v to_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n or_o virtue_n to_o resist_v whole_o or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o a_o false_a accusation_n 2._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o injury_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o manifest_o in_o that_o we_o can_v make_v sufficient_a reparation_n for_o it_o he_o that_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o false_a report_n though_o he_o shall_v afterward_o repent_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v ask_v forgiveness_n of_o the_o person_n injure_v and_o take_v all_o occasion_n for_o the_o future_a to_o wipe_v off_o all_o suspicion_n which_o himself_o have_v raise_v yet_o after_o all_o be_v do_v much_o of_o the_o report_n will_v be_v believe_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o it_o may_v be_v spread_v through_o many_o place_n wherein_o after-confession_n can_v reach_v and_o even_o then_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o believe_v the_o bad_a report_n than_o the_o good_a man_n will_v not_o lay_v aside_o a_o prejudice_n once_o entertain_v without_o great_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a than_o what_o cause_v it_o at_o first_o and_o such_o evidence_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o give_v to_o all_o person_n who_o have_v believe_v a_o slander_n a_o malicious_a censure_n may_v meet_v with_o many_o person_n who_o may_v think_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o continue_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o though_o the_o first_o inventor_n shall_v repent_v so_o that_o when_o once_o a_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v make_v and_o divulge_v i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o do_v it_o to_o stop_v the_o belief_n or_o spread_v of_o it_o or_o to_o make_v reparation_n 3._o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o injury_n do_v more_o afflict_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n or_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n than_o a_o false_a and_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o he_o every_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o a_o good_a name_n and_o agreeable_o to_o his_o value_n of_o it_o can_v but_o high_o resent_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o by_o a_o false_a and_o unjust_a accusation_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n compare_v the_o word_n of_o a_o slanderer_n and_o backbiter_n to_o the_o pierce_a of_o a_o sword_n prov._n xi_o 18._o and_o holy_a david_n tell_v we_o that_o sword_n be_v in_o their_o lip_n psal_n lix_o 7._o neither_o be_v it_o without_o good_a reason_n that_o man_n be_v thus_o tender_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o good_a name_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v disable_v from_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o just_a occasion_n of_o grief_n and_o dissatisfaction_n a_o man_n who_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n make_v it_o his_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o do_v what_o good_a he_o can_v in_o the_o place_n and_o station_n to_o which_o god_n have_v call_v he_o can_v but_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o injury_n as_o make_v his_o endeavour_n ineffectual_a for_o that_o end_n and_o though_o he_o may_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o forgive_v yet_o it_o can_v but_o cause_v a_o great_a unquietness_n of_o spirit_n in_o a_o good_a man_n which_o can_v easy_o be_v atone_v for_o but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o private_a injury_n only_o but_o have_v very_o great_a and_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o the_o society_n in_o which_o we_o live_v which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o consideration_n propose_v to_o show_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o uncharitable_a judge_n of_o one_o another_o namely_o the_o bad_a effect_n which_o redound_v from_o this_o practice_n to_o the_o public_a 1._o the_o first_o of_o those_o bad_a effect_n which_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o be_v that_o which_o i_o just_o now_o mention_v that_o it_o render_v particular_a person_n less_o able_a to_o do_v good_a in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n than_o otherwise_o they_o may_v be_v and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o public_a proportiotionable_o to_o the_o several_a ability_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o person_n so_o deal_v with_o now_o that_o slanderous_a report_n and_o false_a judgement_n spread_v concern_v the_o person_n of_o any_o man_n do_v tend_v much_o to_o hinder_v the_o good_a they_o may_v do_v otherwise_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o instance_v in_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a do_v in_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v of_o their_o person_n which_o must_v consequent_o be_v much_o lessen_v by_o malicious_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o they_o and_o even_o by_o the_o undue_a mention_n of_o fault_n that_o be_v true_a and_o real_a but_o yet_o be_v no_o man_n business_n to_o inquire_v into_o or_o accuse_v they_o for_o the_o person_n i_o mean_v be_v public_a minister_n either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o state_n for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o common_a experience_n that_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o security_n of_o any_o nation_n consist_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o when_o those_o that_o govern_v apply_v themselves_o zealous_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n and_o when_o subject_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o obedience_n to_o those_o that_o rule_n over_o they_o now_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o nothing_o more_o effectual_o engage_v the_o obedience_n and_o affection_n of_o subject_n to_o their_o sovereign_n and_o minister_n employ_v by_o he_o than_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o integrity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o respective_a employment_n whoever_o therefore_o make_v it_o their_o design_n as_o many_o busybody_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v to_o misrepresent_v all_o the_o proceed_n of_o their_o governor_n that_o suit_n not_o with_o their_o present_a humour_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o rip_v up_o and_o aggravate_v those_o private_a fault_n of_o such_o person_n which_o concern_v they_o not_o such_o person_n i_o say_v can_v but_o be_v think_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o public_a by_o abate_v the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v which_o be_v just_o due_a and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o superior_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n what_o do_v man_n of_o this_o temper_n propose_v to_o themselves_o do_v they_o think_v their_o governor_n be_v not_o man_n of_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o other_o do_v they_o not_o know_v that_o the_o employment_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o be_v of_o more_o variety_n and_o difficulty_n than_o can_v be_v manage_v with_o so_o exact_a evenness_n but_o there_o will_v be_v still_o some_o inconvenience_n unavoidable_a how_o be_v it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v that_o even_o then_o when_o they_o complain_v of_o and_o censure_v the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n contribute_v to_o and_o increase_v the_o inconvenience_n they_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o government_n arise_v whole_o or_o chief_o from_o the_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n but_o in_o great_a part_n from_o the_o perverse_a and_o ungovernable_a temper_n of_o some_o man_n who_o study_n to_o be_v unquiet_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n stick_v not_o to_o declaim_v zealous_o against_o all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o superior_n which_o they_o think_v capable_a of_o blame_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a depend_v much_o upon_o the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v of_o their_o person_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o business_n of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o immortal_a spirit_n of_o man_n whoever_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o
his_o good_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o though_o god_n will_v infuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o miracle_n but_o that_o those_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v blessed_v by_o he_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o old_a oeconomy_n the_o jew_n be_v refer_v to_o moses_n for_o their_o instruction_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o these_o man_n and_o their_o successor_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n in_o order_n to_o instruction_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o these_o themselves_o we_o may_v have_v recourse_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o as_o a_o certain_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o their_o successor_n we_o have_v recourse_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a ministry_n who_o derive_v their_o commission_n by_o a_o continue_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o ordain_v other_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o these_o person_n thus_o impower_v all_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o apply_v themselves_o with_o humility_n and_o diligence_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n abovementioned_a 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and_o vainglory_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v wise_a and_o more_o learned_a than_o their_o neighbour_n and_o sometime_o they_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n as_o other_o man_n do_v their_o merchandise_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o gain_n of_o it_o and_o provide_v for_o their_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n now_o now_o all_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o enquirer_n may_v possible_o attain_v the_o several_a end_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v grow_v learned_a and_o wise_a in_o the_o ordinary_a account_n of_o man_n they_o may_v grow_v rich_a and_o gain_v esteem_n and_o applause_n among_o man_n and_o in_o this_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n but_o still_o they_o may_v want_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o any_o that_o do_v not_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n this_o alone_a make_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o full_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v talk_v superficial_o about_o religious_a matter_n or_o that_o can_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v dispute_v learned_o about_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o decide_v controverfy_v not_o every_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o accomplish_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o our_o saviour_n sense_n no_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n absolute_o and_o entire_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v receive_v a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o than_o can_v be_v gain_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o most_o convince_a demonstration_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o soul_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v such_o as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubtfulness_n or_o dispute_v 4._o we_o must_v not_o only_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o this_o as_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o enquiry_n but_o we_o must_v actual_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n we_o already_o know_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o attaim_v to_o a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o he_o already_o know_v he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o submit_v to_o those_o further_a instruction_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o place_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o exact_v this_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v practice_v those_o duty_n they_o already_o know_v if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o persuade_v man_n first_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o to_o promise_v they_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o enter_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o live_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v without_o be_v satisfy_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o that_o be_v true_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o require_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a duty_n and_o interest_n to_o obey_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o sad_a experience_n that_o many_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v yet_o very_o backward_o to_o practice_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o but_o how_o much_o more_o unwilling_o will_v they_o undertake_v this_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o they_o have_v obey_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v in_o part_n be_v understand_v of_o those_o previous_a instruction_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n have_v before_o receive_v the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o discourse_n have_v the_o instruction_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v understand_v the_o principal_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v a_o great_a preparation_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o for_o those_o enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n no_o man_n can_v ordinary_o grow_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a society_n to_o a_o age_n capable_a of_o such_o inquiry_n but_o must_v have_v be_v competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n in_o the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n those_o three_o great_a branch_n of_o duty_n which_o s._n paul_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o of_o so_o evident_a a_o obligation_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n especial_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o live_v so_o suppose_v we_o then_o a_o man_n competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n whether_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o his_o
mind_n or_o conscience_n as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o heathen_n or_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n or_o last_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o among_o ourselves_o be_v who_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o near_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o suppose_v we_o a_o man_n already_o instruct_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n in_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o practice_n desirous_a of_o further_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o live_v up_o to_o those_o principle_n he_o be_v already_o instruct_v in_o resolve_v also_o to_o submit_v obedient_o to_o whatsoever_o else_o upon_o his_o further_a enquiry_n he_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n such_o a_o man_n thus_o prepare_v by_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v belong_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o success_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o this_o preparation_n and_o here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v brief_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v before_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v therefore_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o universal_o as_o though_o no_o man_n who_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o kind_n of_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v contradict_v by_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n for_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o suppose_v that_o among_o most_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n in_o religion_n who_o maintain_v great_a controversy_n with_o one_o another_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v some_o person_n true_o devout_a and_o sincere_a on_o both_o side_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n true_o religious_a shall_v not_o err_v at_o all_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v lead_v into_o such_o error_n as_o be_v dangerous_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o salvation_n and_o indeed_o the_o promise_n in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o so_o general_a term_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o require_v any_o large_a interpretation_n than_o this_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o now_o beliver_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v extend_v beyond_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o he_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n 2._o he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v also_o concern_v those_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n these_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o undoubted_a effect_n of_o a_o religious_a frame_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a to_o all_o who_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n and_o this_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o natural_a influence_n that_o a_o religious_a temper_n of_o mind_n have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o divine_a truth_n 2._o the_o peculiar_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v a_o true_o religious_a man_n to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o former_a and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n have_v a_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n to_o clear_v its_o discern_a faculty_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o understanding_n and_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o particular_a duty_n which_o be_v of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a immediate_a influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o consideration_n of_o which_o it_o will_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o these_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n the_o duty_n i_o shall_v particular_o insist_v on_o be_v these_o 1._o simplicity_n of_o mind_n without_o prejudice_n 2._o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n 3._o humility_n 4._o calmness_n of_o temper_n 5._o prayer_n to_o god_n these_o be_v all_o duty_n of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v presume_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o unwilling_a to_o practice_v they_o if_o he_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n with_o that_o preparation_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 1._o he_o that_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o this_o intention_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n not_o bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n such_o a_o one_o will_v consider_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o petty_a reason_n that_o a_o strong_a imagination_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n article_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v bring_v with_o he_o no_o preconceive_a opinion_n which_o he_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v aside_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o distort_v and_o wrest_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o sense_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o former_o have_v but_o will_v ready_o yield_v up_o all_o his_o former_a notion_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o be_v natural_o oblige_v to_o this_o simplicity_n of_o judgement_n in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n be_v evident_a because_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o dispute_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o challenge_v from_o our_o adversary_n as_o our_o undoubted_a right_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v without_o prejudice_n and_o therefore_o we_o also_o ought_v to_o bring_v with_o we_o to_o a_o religious_a debate_n the_o same_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n which_o we_o expect_v from_o other_o and_o indeed_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n be_v high_o necessary_a and_o very_o advantageous_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n for_o certain_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n be_v very_o great_a to_o darken_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o mould_v they_o into_o such_o apprehension_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o party_n and_o prepossess_v with_o the_o distinguish_a opinion_n of_o their_o sect_n easy_o find_v way_n to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o analogy_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o their_o darling_n notion_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n in_o the_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o we_o must_v call_v in_o question_n all_o kind_n of_o preconception_n we_o have_v have_v concern_v religious_a matter_n some_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o religion_n of_o so_o great_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v he_o such_o be_v those_o preconception_n we_o have_v concern_v the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a just_a powerful_a faithful_a
appetite_n which_o every_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n be_v in_o themselves_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o be_v design_v by_o he_o for_o good_a end_n and_o we_o may_v lawful_o gratify_v they_o so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o our_o prudence_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a bound_n how_o far_o we_o may_v lawful_o indulge_v the_o low_a faculty_n and_o to_o restthere_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n which_o shall_v prefide_v over_o they_o once_o let_v go_v the_o reins_o by_o which_o she_o shall_v govern_v and_o restrain_v they_o they_o easy_o get_v the_o mastery_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o their_o just_a measure_n without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n now_o the_o regulate_v these_o desire_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n recommend_v to_o we_o s._n matt._n v._n 8._o as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n which_o blessing_n though_o it_o principal_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o blissful_a sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o have_v it_o part_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n in_o this_o life_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n be_v the_o best_a qualify_v to_o judge_v of_o those_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o contrary_a vice_n tend_v to_o the_o debauch_v the_o understanding_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o fume_n of_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n be_v very_o pernicious_a to_o our_o rational_a power_n they_o make_v man_n dull_a and_o of_o no_o understanding_n even_o in_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o life_n and_o then_o sure_o if_o they_o make_v man_n unfit_a for_o worldly_a business_n they_o will_v render_v they_o infinite_o more_o uncapable_a of_o religious_a inquiry_n a_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o his_o impure_a desire_n will_v not_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n to_o inquire_v serious_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o satisfaction_n he_o be_v afraid_a he_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o something_o that_o will_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v his_o thought_n awaken_v his_o conscience_n and_o put_v a_o check_n to_o his_o career_n of_o pleasure_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o can_v find_v pretence_n to_o defer_v his_o enquiry_n he_o will_n but_o then_o suppose_v a_o man_n of_o this_o temper_n shall_v for_o once_o undertake_v to_o peruse_v the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o love_n of_o these_o sensual_a delight_n he_o will_v find_v out_o many_o argument_n to_o defend_v himself_o withal_o many_o art_n and_o evasion_n to_o justify_v or_o at_o least_o to_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v his_o practice_n and_o then_o withal_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o will_v not_o have_v a_o due_a relish_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o precept_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v nor_o of_o the_o reward_v it_o promise_n they_o be_v of_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o kind_n so_o vast_o different_a from_o what_o he_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o so_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n ij_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v to_o this_o purity_n of_o heart_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o may_v be_v reduce_v a_o generous_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n a_o freedom_n from_o all_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a desire_n for_o he_o that_o have_v his_o heart_n set_v upon_o riches_n or_o upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o gallantry_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o any_o capacity_n of_o receive_v or_o understand_v the_o gospel_n these_o two_o vice_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n have_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v note_v for_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o young_a man_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n go_v away_o sorrowful_a because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v a_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n without_o relinquish_a his_o large_a possession_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o demus_n apostasy_n from_o the_o religion_n he_o once_o embrace_v because_o he_o love_v the_o present_a world_n diotrephes_n be_v note_v by_o s._n john_n for_o his_o ambition_n for_o he_o withstand_v the_o apostle_n love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n s._n paul_n also_o put_v these_o two_o cause_n together_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n as_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n vj._n 3._o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v any_o man_n of_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o interest_n or_o ambitious_a desire_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o understand_v that_o this_o duty_n of_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o consist_v in_o regulate_v our_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a affection_n high_o conduce_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n because_o it_o take_v away_o those_o dangerous_a cause_n of_o error_n and_o apostasy_n 3._o a_o three_o branch_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o as_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o all_o enquirer_n after_o divine_a truth_n be_v humility_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o divine_a impression_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o property_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n 1._o he_o that_o be_v true_o humble_a and_o sensible_a of_o his_o many_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v all_o mystery_n he_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o his_o finite_a and_o narrow_a faculty_n he_o know_v that_o no_o reason_v of_o we_o can_v give_v we_o so_o true_a a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o man_n as_o god_n himself_o can_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v with_o all_o reverence_n submit_v his_o understanding_n to_o those_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o provide_v they_o be_v there_o plain_o deliver_v he_o will_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o his_o belief_n of_o they_o by_o any_o of_o those_o imperfect_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n may_v endeavour_v to_o shake_v his_o faith_n 2._o a_o true_o humble_a man_n will_v not_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o pray_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v much_o less_o will_v he_o be_v positive_a and_o dogmatical_a concern_v they_o this_o virtue_n of_o humility_n will_v lead_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o and_o such_o controvert_v doctrine_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o they_o will_v have_v be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n with_o the_o same_o plainness_n as_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n be_v he_o will_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o have_v interpret_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o he_o think_v convenient_a and_o therefore_o where_o god_n have_v not_o use_v this_o plainess_n he_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a check_n to_o his_o curiosity_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n deut._n xxix_o 29._o the_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o 3._o a_o humble_a man_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o learn_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v instruct_v he_o will_v easy_o believe_v that_o some_o other_o man_n may_v have_v better_a ability_n to_o understand_v and_o judge_v of_o truth_n than_o himself_o especial_o he_o will_v have_v a_o great_a deference_n and_o regard_n to_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n who_o be_v set_v over_o he_o for_o his_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n he_o will_v consider_v that_o these_o man_n be_v commission_v by_o god_n and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a
prize_n his_o adversary_n perhaps_o who_o be_v of_o less_o ability_n and_o courage_n may_v by_o such_o a_o advantage_n easy_o get_v the_o start_n of_o he_o and_o defeat_v he_o of_o the_o crown_n and_o he_o become_v the_o derision_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o beholder_n the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a race_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o be_v religious_a and_o devout_a by_o fit_n and_o start_v at_o some_o set_a time_n or_o upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a behaviour_n the_o continue_a employment_n of_o our_o life_n the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o our_o business_n than_o any_o other_o employment_n whatsoever_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o constant_o and_o vigorous_o pursue_v for_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o give_v ourselves_o leisure_n to_o be_v idle_a and_o make_v any_o least_o delay_n or_o stop_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n alas_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o easy_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o our_o desire_a end_n for_o how_o fast_o soever_o we_o go_v on_o in_o our_o way_n our_o former_a lust_n and_o desire_v we_o have_v cast_v off_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o follow_v we_o close_o to_o tread_v in_o our_o step_n and_o will_v watch_v every_o opportunity_n to_o desire_v parley_n with_o we_o and_o entreat_v our_o stay_n and_o if_o we_o once_o make_v the_o least_o intermission_n to_o treat_v with_o they_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v how_o soon_o our_o vigour_n and_o heat_n with_o which_o we_o begin_v the_o race_n will_v abate_v and_o cool_v our_o joint_n will_v then_o grow_v stiff_a and_o unactive_a and_o then_o present_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n arise_v and_o we_o be_v as_o far_o from_o our_o journey_n end_v as_o when_o we_o first_o set_v out_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v when_o we_o have_v begin_v well_o and_o go_v on_o for_o a_o while_n then_o to_o stay_v and_o look_v back_o and_o deliberate_a whether_o we_o shall_v go_v far_o or_o not_o nay_o in_o these_o case_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n to_o stay_v be_v to_o go_v backward_o for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o can_v be_v altogether_o idle_a if_o he_o be_v not_o engage_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a he_o will_v certain_o be_v employ_v in_o somewhat_o else_o that_o be_v bad_a and_o sinful_a and_o then_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o good_a habit_n be_v much_o more_o weaken_a by_o a_o little_a intermission_n than_o it_o can_v be_v strengthen_v or_o improve_v by_o many_o instance_n of_o virtue_n so_o that_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o may_v abundant_o appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o our_o progress_n in_o this_o race_n before_o we_o shall_v be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o this_o exhortation_n be_v that_o our_o vigour_n and_o diligence_n in_o this_o affair_n must_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v run_v with_o patience_n how_o diligent_a and_o active_a soever_o we_o may_v have_v be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n how_o far_o soever_o we_o have_v proceed_v in_o our_o christian_a race_n let_v no_o man_n yet_o flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o whole_a duty_n or_o that_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o perfection_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o that_o he_o be_v already_o secure_a of_o his_o reward_n and_o crown_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a mistake_n and_o many_o who_o do_v run_v once_o well_o may_v upon_o this_o presumption_n foolish_o miscarry_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o have_v heretofore_o endure_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n and_o this_o very_a similitude_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o for_o who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v win_v the_o prize_n without_o run_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o that_o our_o life_n here_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o trial_n wherein_o we_o must_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n and_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o and_o that_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v the_o time_n of_o reward_n or_o retribution_n as_o long_o therefore_o as_o we_o live_v here_o we_o must_v keep_v up_o our_o diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a calling_n labour_v every_o day_n to_o go_v on_o from_o strength_n to_o strength_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o improve_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n of_o live_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o imagine_v to_o themselves_o i_o know_v not_o what_o security_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v make_v no_o such_o irrevocable_a decree_n for_o any_o particular_a man_n salvation_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o if_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n ez._n 33._o 13._o when_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o righteous_a that_o he_o shall_v sure_o live_v if_o he_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n all_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o possibility_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o s._n paul_n exhort_v we_o 1_o cor._n x._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v where_o the_o apostle_n plain_o intimate_v that_o they_o who_o think_v themselves_o perfect_a and_o secure_a of_o their_o condition_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v than_o other_o because_o that_o very_a security_n be_v apt_a in_o its_o own_o natural_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n supine_n and_o negligent_a and_o unwilling_a to_o proceed_v further_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n though_o we_o have_v make_v it_o our_o endeavour_n to_o throw_v off_o every_o weight_n though_o we_o have_v use_v great_a diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n yet_o still_o we_o have_v something_o more_o to_o do_v we_o have_v still_o many_o adversary_n to_o contend_v with_o many_o temptation_n to_o resist_v the_o seed_n of_o those_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v before_o do_v still_o remain_v in_o we_o which_o will_v always_o afford_v new_a matter_n for_o our_o vigilance_n and_o care_n nor_o can_v we_o ever_o be_v secure_a that_o we_o have_v earn_v our_o prize_n till_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o patience_n and_o god_n call_v we_o hence_o to_o receive_v our_o reward_n sure_o i_o be_o if_o any_o man_n may_v be_v secure_a before_o hand_n that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o whole_a duty_n and_o be_v now_o ascertain_v of_o his_o reward_n s._n paul_n may_v pretend_v as_o reasonable_o to_o that_o privilege_n as_o any_o other_o but_o yet_o he_o describe_v his_o own_o condition_n as_o still_o imperfect_a and_o still_o depend_v upon_o his_o future_a diligence_n phil._n iij._n 12._o not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a but_o i_o follow_v after_o if_o that_o i_o may_v apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o also_o i_o be_o apprehend_v of_o christ_n jesus_n brethren_n i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n thus_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v s._n paul_n example_n and_o the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n we_o must_v still_o continue_v press_v forward_o and_o run_v with_o patience_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o race_n have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o i_o may_v now_o endeavour_v 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not_o be_v without_o his_o witness_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o it_o without_o waver_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v die_v in_o this_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o very_a few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o have_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v all_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o reply_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o testimony_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o number_n and_o noise_n of_o those_o that_o affirm_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o evidence_n they_o give_v now_o a_o few_o man_n who_o give_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o they_o understand_v perfect_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o be_v 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obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n recite_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n they_o be_v man_n of_o find_a mind_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o glorious_a thing_n they_o do_v and_o suffer_v many_o of_o which_o be_v at_o large_a record_v in_o sacred_a story_n they_o know_v the_o value_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o disgrace_n and_o pain_n and_o want_v and_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o these_o thing_n without_o a_o mighty_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v concern_v god_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o reward_v they_o after_o this_o life_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o know_v when_o and_o how_o to_o do_v it_o better_o than_o they_o can_v choose_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o but_o then_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o those_o that_o have_v reject_v this_o belief_n or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o live_v answerable_o to_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v only_o a_o rash_a inconsiderate_a multitude_n of_o no_o understanding_n in_o these_o matter_n who_o never_o take_v time_n to_o think_v whether_o religion_n have_v any_o real_a foundation_n in_o nature_n or_o reason_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o these_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o witness_n for_o those_o other_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o and_o have_v yet_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o ground_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o be_v most_o of_o they_o self-condemned_n and_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o
appearance_n we_o must_v all_o appear_v all_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v or_o shall_v live_v upon_o the_o earth_n high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a no_o order_n or_o degree_n of_o man_n except_v we_o must_v all_o than_o make_v our_o appearance_n 5._o there_o be_v something_o considerable_a in_o the_o appearance_n itself_o doctor_n hammond_n interpret_v the_o phrase_n we_o must_v appear_v only_o with_o analogy_n to_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n that_o as_o prisoner_n at_o the_o bar_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o conspicuous_a place_n in_o order_n to_o their_o trial_n so_o we_o also_o must_v give_v our_o appearance_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o more_o important_a signification_n and_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o our_o be_v actual_o present_a at_o god_n tribunal_n but_o we_o must_v appear_v or_o be_v make_v manifest_a as_o the_o same_o word_n be_v interpret_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n mean_v thus_o much_o that_o all_o our_o hide_a action_n and_o secret_a design_n which_o be_v now_o undiscovered_a by_o man_n shall_v then_o at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v manifest_a and_o lay_v open_a to_o we_o before_o god_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n we_o have_v now_o many_o way_n to_o hide_v ourselves_o and_o to_o disguise_v our_o action_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n we_o can_v now_o put_v on_o the_o mask_n and_o garb_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o appear_v as_o such_o to_o the_o world_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o wickedness_n and_o deceit_n but_o at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n all_o these_o art_n will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o our_o false_a pretence_n will_v then_o be_v discover_v our_o disguise_n pull_v off_o our_o hypocrisy_n make_v visible_a and_o manifest_a inasmuch_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v 6._o here_o be_v the_o method_n that_o will_v be_v use_v at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 7._o here_o be_v the_o use_n s_o paul_n make_v of_o all_o these_o consideration_n know_v therefore_o these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v assure_v how_o dreadful_a this_o appearance_n and_o the_o event_n of_o it_o will_v be_v we_o persuade_v man_n that_o they_o will_v now_o behave_v themselves_o as_o man_n that_o must_v then_o appear_v but_o to_o insist_v particular_o on_o all_o these_o circumstance_n will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o exercise_n of_o your_o patience_n i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o remind_v you_o of_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o method_n of_o proceed_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n every_o man_n shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 3._o i_o shall_v draw_v some_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n first_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o follow_a account_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v and_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n 3._o from_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o nation_n 4._o from_o the_o particular_a revelation_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o holy_a scripture_n 1._o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o examine_v the_o natural_a power_n we_o be_v endue_v with_o they_o will_v afford_v we_o great_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o our_o action_n here_o and_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v according_a to_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o do_v one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o be_v natural_o write_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v wicked_a without_o violence_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o best_a faculty_n every_o man_n bear_v about_o with_o he_o a_o secret_a monitor_n in_o his_o bosom_n which_o upon_o the_o temptation_n to_o evil_n do_v faithful_o forewarn_v he_o of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o commission_n of_o evil_n do_v afflict_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o guilt_n and_o with_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o punishment_n due_a upon_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v a_o secret_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n which_o be_v a_o exceed_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o enable_v he_o to_o bear_v many_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n which_o ofttimes_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n his_o conscience_n breed_v in_o he_o a_o strong_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o some_o future_a recompense_n for_o his_o good_a deed_n now_o that_o conscience_n be_v thus_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o forewarn_v man_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o in_o order_n the_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v and_o to_o support_v they_o in_o do_v good_a every_o man_n that_o give_v himself_o the_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n may_v be_v convince_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n or_o if_o we_o will_v rather_o learn_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o other_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v a_o crowd_n of_o witness_n which_o give_v we_o large_a description_n of_o the_o unsupportable_a burden_n a_o trouble_a spirit_n and_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o security_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o now_o will_v we_o know_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n which_o the_o conscience_n natural_o suggest_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o they_o can_v be_v assign_v but_o this_o that_o they_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n forewarn_v we_o of_o another_o state_n after_o this_o when_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v recompense_v according_a to_o that_o they_o have_v do_v here_o for_o that_o the_o fear_n and_o disquiet_v of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v indeed_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n as_o some_o vain_o suppose_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o that_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o any_o earthly_a tribunal_n have_v yet_o be_v the_o great_a example_n of_o this_o force_n of_o conscience_n the_o story_n of_o caligula_n be_v in_o every_o body_n mouth_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o signal_n instance_n of_o this_o truth_n he_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o so_o unlimited_a a_o sovereignty_n over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o exercise_v his_o power_n with_o so_o extravagant_a a_o cruelty_n be_v yet_o upon_o every_o flash_n of_o lightning_n and_o clap_n of_o thunder_n awaken_v to_o a_o sense_n and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o that_o god_n who_o at_o other_o time_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o defy_v but_o not_o to_o dwell_v upon_o a_o single_a instance_n a_o further_a evidence_n that_o these_o fear_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n be_v most_o remarkable_a in_o those_o action_n which_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a and_o far_o remove_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n for_o though_o we_o seek_v the_o dark_a retirement_n where_o no_o mortal_a eye_n can_v trace_v our_o step_n or_o behold_v our_o do_n yet_o there_o our_o conscience_n be_v as_o a_o thousand_o witness_n continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o afflict_v we_o with_o terror_n which_o can_v proceed_v from_o nothing_o else_o but_o from_o a_o secret_a conviction_n of_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n reach_v to_o all_o place_n even_o to_o our_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o who_o will_v one_o day_n bring_v upon_o we_o punishment_n proportionable_a to_o our_o deserve_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v long_o upon_o this_o argument_n than_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o s._n paul_n himself_o seem_v