shall_v not_o shelter_v ourselves_o in_o a_o formal_a outside_n sanctity_n but_o attain_v to_o that_o new-birth_n wherein_o all_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v perfect_o vanquish_v and_o subdue_v and_o no_o life_n stir_v but_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o and_o partake_v of_o god_n spirit_n and_o we_o have_v such_o a_o potent_a assistance_n it_o must_v needs_o enliven_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o put_v forth_o all_o our_o strength_n in_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v assure_v that_o through_o the_o mighty_a energy_n of_o this_o divine_a spirit_n we_o shall_v become_v victorious_a over_o all_o our_o enemy_n and_o that_o though_o we_o have_v old_a rebellious_a giant_n within_o we_o powerful_a lust_n like_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n yet_o this_o almighty_a spirit_n if_o we_o be_v not_o treacherous_a and_o false_a to_o his_o inspiration_n be_v able_a and_o certain_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o great_a success_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o sin_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o supply_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o from_o our_o own_o carelessness_n and_o falseness_n when_o he_o call_v to_o we_o to_o awake_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a from_o that_o dull_a and_o stupid_a condition_n we_o lie_v in_o under_o our_o sin_n we_o resist_v his_o influence_n and_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o fall_v again_o to_o our_o old_a slumber_n and_o drowziness_n but_o if_o we_o will_v collect_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n together_o and_o go_v against_o our_o strong_a vice_n and_o our_o habitual_a and_o customary_a sin_n with_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o destroy_v they_o this_o spirit_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o we_o but_o we_o shall_v find_v wonder_n wrought_v in_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o dry_a and_o parch_a soil_n that_o barren_a wilderness_n wherein_o no_o plant_n of_o sincere_a piety_n and_o righteousness_n have_v of_o a_o long_a time_n prosper_v to_o become_v a_o plantation_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v with_o all_o divine_a grace_n and_o virtue_n for_o certain_o god_n have_v not_o afford_v we_o this_o help_n to_o gratify_v our_o idleness_n or_o vanity_n but_o to_o actuate_v our_o diligence_n and_o to_o enliven_v our_o faint_a and_o droop_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v not_o conceit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v under_o a_o invincible_a infirmity_n and_o imbecility_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n but_o to_o go_v on_o with_o courage_n and_o rest_v assure_v that_o when_o the_o enemy_n come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o he_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n bring_v a_o wonderful_a comfort_n to_o a_o man_n under_o his_o strong_a temptation_n and_o in_o his_o sore_a conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o vice_n to_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v alone_o and_o forsake_a but_o that_o this_o eternal_a spirit_n shall_v cooperate_v with_o he_o and_o strengthen_v and_o perfect_v he_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v he_o unto_o glory_n and_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a prop_n and_o encouragement_n of_o a_o christian_a travel_v through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n and_o without_o a_o parable_n declare_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n john_n 14.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o but_o you_o know_v he_o for_o he_o dwell_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o 2._o a_o second_o powerful_a motive_n for_o the_o beget_n a_o divine_a life_n and_o nature_n in_o man_n which_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o stupendous_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n this_o our_o lord_n himself_o signify_v to_o we_o john_n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n god_n be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n that_o as_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v happy_a according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n so_o his_o compassionate_a eye_n can_v not_o behold_v they_o for_o ever_o lose_v and_o involve_v in_o a_o inextricable_a ruin_n though_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o not_o provide_v they_o some_o mean_n of_o recovery_n the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 145.9_o that_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o if_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n be_v essential_a attribute_n of_o god_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v then_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a suitableness_n and_o agreeableness_n between_o a_o poor_a and_o undo_v creature_n and_o pity_n and_o compassion_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v alone_o the_o infinite_a love_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n that_o move_v he_o to_o rescue_v the_o world_n from_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o this_o might_n more_o deep_o affect_v our_o heart_n and_o more_o powerful_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o our_o sin_n his_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n so_o contrive_v it_o that_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n shall_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o all_o his_o lose_a brethren_n what_o a_o strong_a argument_n now_o be_v this_o to_o reclaim_v the_o most_o stubborn_a offender_n have_v we_o but_o common_a gratitude_n it_o will_v certain_o move_v we_o to_o make_v our_o return_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n in_o some_o degree_n answerable_a to_o so_o infinite_a a_o kindness_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v further_o that_o all_o this_o provision_n be_v only_o upon_o our_o account_n and_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o better_v or_o make_v more_o happy_a by_o our_o salvation_n this_o will_v turn_v it_o into_o admiration_n that_o god_n shall_v take_v such_o pain_n and_o compass_v such_o strange_a design_n and_o all_o for_o his_o enemy_n that_o wilful_o depart_v and_o revolt_v from_o he_o there_o be_v another_o cogent_a argument_n to_o promote_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v a_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o the_o crucifixion_n and_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a privilege_n grant_v to_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o favour_n after_o their_o heinous_a rebellion_n against_o god._n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o privilege_n be_v not_o buy_v or_o procure_v for_o they_o by_o such_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n for_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n may_v be_v have_v but_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o immaculate_a lamb_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o this_o make_v it_o still_o more_o wonderful_a for_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o price_n by_o which_o any_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n be_v purchase_v for_o any_o man_n it_o be_v a_o high_a engagement_n upon_o he_o to_o improve_v this_o benefit_n to_o the_o utmost_a as_o well_o for_o his_o behoof_n who_o have_v make_v the_o purchase_n for_o he_o as_o for_o his_o own_o and_o what_o treasure_n be_v there_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n more_o valuable_a than_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o willing_o offer_v this_o for_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v disengage_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o follow_v holiness_n which_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o illustrate_v this_o by_o a_o familiar_a similitude_n suppose_v some_o dear_a friend_n shall_v part_v with_o his_o life_n to_o redeem_v another_o from_o some_o certain_a danger_n which_o otherwise_o will_v ruin_v he_o and_o shall_v only_o condition_n with_o he_o to_o perform_v some_o easy_a command_n which_o yet_o shall_v tend_v to_o his_o unspeakable_a good_a and_o advantage_n can_v such_o a_o man_n slight_a so_o great_a a_o love_n or_o ever_o think_v himself_o too_o punctual_a in_o observe_v those_o light_a injunction_n which_o his_o die_a friend_n have_v lay_v upon_o he_o sure_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o his_o own_o gain_n and_o profit_n he_o will_v never_o disregard_n they_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o
particular_a object_n 1._o it_o may_v here_o be_v say_v if_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n christian_n religion_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o fit_v to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n why_o be_v it_o then_o call_v a_o mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n be_v a_o sacred_a and_o hide_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n contain_v under_o it_o some_o great_a and_o excellent_a truth_n and_o such_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v eph._n 3.4_o 5._o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o coloss_n 1.26_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o saint_n now_o if_o as_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a thing_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a as_o we_o have_v say_v to_o every_o vulgar_a capacity_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v indeed_o a_o mystery_n and_o it_o be_v deserve_o call_v so_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o shall_v therefore_o first_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o i._n e._n that_o there_o shall_v be_v something_o hide_a and_o reserve_v in_o it_o that_o shall_v not_o present_o be_v discern_v by_o every_o oscitant_fw-la and_o careless_a person_n and_o then_o make_v it_o appear_v further_o that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o every_o christian_n salvation_n now_o beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n which_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v such_o as_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n nay_o the_o very_a resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n be_v term_v a_o mystery_n as_o contain_v something_o above_o common_a and_o vulgar_a conceit_n and_o apprehension_n and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o different_a sentiment_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n about_o these_o thing_n it_o will_v full_o evince_v some_o obscurity_n in_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o where_o of_o the_o same_o make_v but_o have_v some_o unfathomable_a depth_n as_o well_o as_o shallows_o that_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o be_v ford_v and_o understand_v by_o a_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a capacity_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o ever_o so_o many_o division_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n so_o many_o sect_n of_o different_a persuasion_n shall_v have_v arisen_a and_o so_o long_o trouble_v and_o vex_v the_o christian_a church_n if_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v at_o first_o sight_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o every_o one_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o many_o prophecy_n utter_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v no_o otherwise_o know_v but_o by_o their_o event_n and_o fulfil_n and_o till_o then_o man_n make_v but_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n about_o they_o and_o that_o this_o obscurity_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o become_v the_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a 1._o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o esteem_v to_o religion_n shall_v god_n at_o once_o have_v lay_v open_a all_o the_o pearl_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o every_o carnal_a eye_n they_o will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v contemn_v and_o despise_v they_o since_o it_o be_v the_o common_a guise_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o esteem_v that_o of_o little_a worth_n and_o value_n that_o cost_v no_o labour_n and_o pain_n to_o come_v at_o whereas_o they_o apprehend_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a some_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o which_o be_v wrap_v up_o and_o keep_v secret_a and_o reserve_v from_o common_a sight_n therefore_o that_o this_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n may_v not_o prove_v despicable_a and_o contemptible_a he_o be_v please_v to_o veil_n it_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n that_o man_n may_v not_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o at_o once_o but_o that_o the_o more_o they_o look_v into_o it_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v admire_v the_o unvaluableness_n and_o richness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v record_v of_o some_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n that_o they_o show_v themselves_o to_o their_o subject_n but_o once_o a_o year_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o reverence_v and_o adore_v when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o people_n view_n and_o god_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v more_o reverence_n and_o estimation_n to_o this_o infinite_a treasure_n wherewith_o he_o have_v enrich_v the_o world_n he_o keep_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o hide_a and_o be_v not_o win_v without_o many_o prayer_n and_o earnest_a importunity_n accompany_v with_o great_a diligence_n to_o show_v unto_o man_n the_o glorious_a beauty_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v very_o become_v that_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v be_v obscure_a and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o high_a and_o raise_v truth_n above_o the_o level_n of_o common_a understanding_n that_o so_o all_o holy_a person_n may_v find_v matter_n of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n according_a to_o their_o several_a stature_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n hence_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 1.13_o speak_v of_o little_a child_n and_o young_a man_n and_o father_n in_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o this_o their_o several_a growth_n and_o stature_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o must_v likewise_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o meat_n or_o food_n they_o 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salvation_n of_o every_o one_o and_o than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v store_v with_o high_a and_o more_o raise_v doctrine_n for_o the_o gratification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n in_o christ_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o growth_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o character_n of_o a_o bishop_n say_z 1_o tim._n 3.6_o that_o he_o must_v not_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o novice_n i._n e._n one_o that_o only_o know_v the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pierce_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o exercise_v man_n diligence_n in_o search_v after_o these_o hide_a treasure_n of_o wisdom_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o careless_a oscitant_fw-la person_n but_o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o inquisitive_a that_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o increase_n of_o wisdom_n he_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o divine_a knowledge_n must_v seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v after_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n as_o solomon_n long_o since_o advise_v prov._n 2.4_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o a_o parable_n mat._n 13.45_o 46._o likens_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o merchantman_n seek_v goodly_a pearl_n who_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o all_o these_o thing_n denote_v our_o diligent_a search_n and_o careful_a enquiry_n after_o wisdom_n now_o god_n that_o he_o may_v gratify_v the_o innocent_a desire_n of_o man_n after_o knowledge_n and_o likewise_o reward_v their_o pain_n and_o labour_n in_o search_v after_o it_o he_o open_v and_o discover_v to_o they_o such_o treasure_n
a_o happiness_n by_o what_o mean_v then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o world_n be_v no_o full_a of_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o must_v be_v confess_v with_o all_o sadness_n of_o heart_n that_o notwithstanding_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a and_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n like_o the_o prophet_n vision_n hab._n 2.2_o be_v write_v in_o such_o legible_a character_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o have_v that_o due_a effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o although_o the_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v resolve_v into_o many_o and_o different_a cause_n yet_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o some_o which_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o frequent_a as_o 1._o because_o man_n place_v their_o religion_n in_o opinion_n and_o sect_n in_o word_n and_o notion_n more_o than_o in_o the_o everlasting_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n charity_n goodness_n and_o truth_n it_o can_v but_o be_v matter_n of_o sorrow_n to_o every_o sober_a and_o serious_a christian_n to_o see_v the_o catholic_n church_n rend_v into_o so_o many_o piece_n and_o division_n one_o cry_v as_o of_o old_a i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n and_o a_o three_o of_o cephas_n as_o if_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o baptise_a into_o christ_n jesus_n but_o into_o some_o particular_a person_n who_o dictate_v and_o persuasion_n he_o most_o of_o all_o affect_a to_o follow_v every_o one_o almost_o lock_v up_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o key_n of_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o exclude_v all_o they_o that_o can_v compromise_v with_o his_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n and_o thus_o they_o build_v up_o again_o that_o partition-wall_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v rend_v asunder_o to_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v col._n 3.11_o there_o shall_v be_v neither_o greek_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n shall_v be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o that_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o distinction_n of_o party_n but_o all_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n profess_v the_o same_o christian_a faith_n and_o own_v the_o same_o common_a saviour_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o unite_v and_o incorporate_v together_o as_o to_o become_v as_o it_o be_v one_o mystical_a christ_n religion_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o brain_n neither_o be_v it_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n that_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o haven_n of_o his_o desire_a happiness_n without_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n great_a knowledge_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o like_o the_o fruitless_a figtree_n that_o send_v forth_o nothing_o but_o broad_a leave_n and_o render_v a_o man_n so_o much_o the_o more_o miserable_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o happy_a be_v it_o for_o the_o world_n if_o every_o man_n knowledge_n will_v blossom_v into_o practice_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n answerable_a to_o that_o holy_a and_o pure_a religion_n he_o live_v under_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n in_o christianity_n that_o will_v do_v a_o man_n any_o good_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o he_o only_o be_v true_o wise_a who_o make_v this_o use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n that_o he_o may_v become_v the_o better_a christian_a though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 13.1_o i_o be_o become_v but_o as_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n epitomise_v and_o contain_v within_o his_o own_o breast_n yet_o if_o he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o for_o ostentation_n or_o to_o gain_v a_o party_n and_o not_o for_o the_o purify_n his_o heart_n and_o enlarge_a the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o soul_n his_o religion_n will_v be_v but_o a_o empty_a noise_n and_o he_o will_v find_v this_o build_n which_o he_o have_v raise_v upon_o the_o sand_n too_o weak_a to_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o storm_n of_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o as_o st._n james_n inform_v we_o chap._n 3.17_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n and_o again_o chap._n 1.27_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n now_o when_o man_n shall_v neglect_v these_o plain_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o take_v up_o with_o some_o self-chosen_a opinion_n that_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o true_a honour_v of_o god_n or_o the_o edify_n of_o our_o fellow_n christian_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o religion_n do_v not_o gain_v ground_n and_o thrive_v in_o the_o world_n 2._o another_o reason_n why_o religion_n prevail_v so_o little_a upon_o man_n heart_n be_v because_o they_o live_v too_o much_o upon_o sense_n we_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o the_o present_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n than_o with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o and_o be_v only_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n whereas_o christianity_n when_o firm_o seat_v in_o we_o and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o display_v upon_o our_o soul_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n 2_o cor._n 5.7_o and_o according_o if_o we_o do_v make_v the_o infinite_a reward_n of_o immortality_n but_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v they_o as_o we_o do_v what_o we_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o handle_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v equal_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o they_o will_v have_v as_o strong_a a_o faith_n upon_o we_o the_o sure_a promise_n of_o immortal_a glory_n will_v as_o strong_o move_v and_o put_v we_o upon_o action_n as_o any_o worldly_a and_o sensible_a good_a if_o the_o belief_n be_v equal_a and_o if_o we_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n the_o reason_n and_o argument_n suggest_v to_o we_o by_o our_o rational_a faculty_n aught_o as_o forcible_o and_o powerful_o to_o persuade_v we_o as_o those_o which_o be_v urge_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o sense_n but_o while_o we_o speak_v doubtful_o and_o believe_v waver_o and_o uncertain_o the_o felicity_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o other_o world_n make_v little_a or_o no_o impression_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o doubtless_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n that_o religion_n have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o our_o mind_n suppose_v we_o see_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n attend_v with_o thousand_o of_o mighty_a angel_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n which_o with_o the_o glory_n and_o brightness_n of_o their_o heavenly_a body_n shall_v cause_v a_o light_n surpass_v that_o of_o the_o sun_n how_o strange_o will_v such_o a_o sight_n as_o this_o affect_v we_o sure_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o our_o earthliness_n and_o the_o dwell_n of_o our_o mind_n so_o much_o upon_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v so_o little_o affect_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o now_o since_o that_o which_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o just_a now_o present_a 3._o last_o to_o the_o forego_n particular_n we_o may_v add_v as_o one_o no_o mean_a cause_n why_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v so_o little_a upon_o man_n viz._n the_o want_n of_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n st._n judas_n speak_v of_o ver_fw-la 20._o the_o build_n up_o one_o another_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n as_o god_n renew_v and_o regenerate_v our_o nature_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v worker_n together_o with_o he_o and_o to_o edify_v and_o strengthen_v one_o another_o and_o help_v to_o carry_v on_o to_o perfection_n that_o work_n which_o god_n have_v begin_v in_o their_o soul_n in_o rom._n 15.2_o 3._o the_o apostle_n charge_v this_o duty_n upon_o every_o christian_n let_v every_o one_o of_o you_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n i._n e._n let_v every_o man_n subject_a his_o own_o end_n and_o desire_n to_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o other_o man_n viz._n to_o the_o confirm_v and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o bind_v this_o exhortation_n yet_o
fast_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o word_n for_o even_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o i._n e._n christ_n have_v no_o respect_n for_o himself_o no_o end_n of_o his_o own_o to_o consult_v but_o as_o if_o he_o have_v whole_o forget_v himself_o he_o devote_a himself_o perfect_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o his_o father_n glory_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n that_o believe_v in_o jesus_n be_v one_o body_n now_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o of_o another_o so_o ought_v every_o man_n to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o good_a of_o his_o fellow-christian_a if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a christian_a he_o will_v not_o walk_v solitary_a and_o alone_a in_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o will_v strive_v to_o draw_v as_o many_o to_o accompany_v he_o as_o he_o can_v in_o so_o pleasant_a and_o gainful_a a_o journey_n he_o will_v always_o be_v instruct_v those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a comfort_v the_o weak-hearted_a and_o strengthen_v those_o that_o be_v waver_v and_o unsettled_a and_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v and_o every_o one_o life_n as_o a_o stranger_n to_o another_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v draw_v off_o man_n from_o sin_n so_o successful_o and_o with_o so_o much_o triumph_n as_o it_o will_v if_o man_n will_v lay_v aside_o their_o little_a self-end_n and_o be_v of_o more_o universal_a and_o public_a spirit_n and_o employ_v their_o wit_n and_o diligence_n in_o do_v good_a to_o one_o another_o the_o sum_n and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v this_o since_o christian_a religion_n be_v intend_v not_o mere_o for_o wiseman_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o great_a reach_n and_o understanding_n but_o for_o the_o poor_a and_o weak_a person_n it_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n make_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o that_o god_n may_v gratify_v our_o innocent_a search_n after_o knowledge_n he_o have_v hide_v many_o precious_a treasure_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o diligence_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v deliver_v so_o obscure_o that_o with_o our_o best_a diligence_n we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n that_o whatever_o sense_n god_n intend_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o make_v that_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o men._n for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v have_v lay_v it_o down_o in_o plain_a and_o not_o in_o intricate_a and_o ambiguous_a term_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o must_v all_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o pray_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n for_o his_o disciple_n the_o colossian_n chap._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o to_o desire_v that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o as_o god_n have_v distribute_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o every_o one_o according_o shall_v their_o account_n be_v at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o that_o can_v read_v the_o bible_n and_o have_v few_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n his_o account_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o great_a as_o his_o that_o can_v read_v and_o have_v leisure_n and_o time_n to_o inform_v himself_o and_o he_o that_o have_v skill_n and_o knowledge_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n shall_v yet_o be_v more_o severe_o treat_v if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o both_o for_o his_o own_o and_o his_o neighbour_n good_n a_o defence_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n v._n rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v dispatch_v the_o three_o first_o cause_n of_o shame_n we_o come_v now_o to_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o four_o and_o last_o and_o to_o show_v the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o world_n the_o usefulness_n therefore_o of_o any_o thing_n consist_v in_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o it_o for_o that_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v now_o this_o very_a apostle_n assure_v we_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o that_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o say_v christianity_n be_v serviceable_a useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v first_o then_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o christ_n religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o next_o world_n and_o show_v how_o excellent_o well_o suit_v it_o be_v to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o intimate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n when_o he_o call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v have_v christian_a religion_n design_v the_o instruct_n of_o man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n give_v they_o a_o true_a system_fw-la of_o the_o heaven_n and_o declare_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o our_o earthly_a globe_n it_o will_v indeed_o have_v fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o abundance_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n but_o have_v mighty_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o universal_a usefulness_n that_o now_o it_o have_v the_o great_a end_n therefore_o which_o god_n intend_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o advancement_n of_o true_a godliness_n the_o pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o the_o erect_n and_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o light_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n can_v be_v unknown_a to_o any_o who_o consider_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christianity_n and_o what_o a_o high_a measure_n of_o purity_n and_o sanctity_n they_o aim_v at_o namely_o the_o entire_a purification_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o terrestrial_a defilement_n and_o pollution_n and_o the_o raise_n up_o in_o it_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n which_o be_v that_o state_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o first_o create_v and_o into_o which_o we_o be_v recover_v by_o the_o gentle_a influence_n and_o illapse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n upon_o we_o there_o be_v beget_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o daily_a tendency_n upward_o and_o a_o restless_a endeavour_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o that_o preternatural_a load_n that_o hang_v about_o they_o and_o this_o effort_n of_o they_o receive_v fresh_a strength_n and_o supply_n from_o above_o never_o cease_v till_o it_o have_v wrought_v they_o to_o such_o a_o high_a pitch_n as_o through_o the_o benignity_n and_o power_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o peaceful_a mansion_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n we_o shall_v consider_v then_o the_o exquisite_a suitableness_n and_o serviceableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o put_v man_n in_o possession_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o divine_a nature_n which_o sure_o be_v the_o most_o advantageous_a happiness_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o if_o religion_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o power_n and_o assistance_n as_o will_v against_o all_o opposition_n whatever_o attain_v this_o great_a end_n than_o its_o usefulness_n to_o the_o world_n will_v be_v evident_o discover_v and_o no_o man_n will_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o now_o that_o this_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v 1._o god_n be_v please_v to_o promise_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n for_o we_o be_v so_o sink_v into_o this_o earthly_a state_n that_o we_o be_v whole_o carry_v away_o with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n can_v never_o by_o our_o own_o single_a effort_n and_o solitary_a endeavour_n bring_v ourselves_o back_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o divine_a life_n we_o fall_v from_o therefore_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o compassion_n and_o upon_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o regenerate_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o form_n in_o we_o such_o a_o strong_a and_o active_a principle_n of_o holiness_n as_o shall_v steady_o carry_v our_o will_n to_o a_o perfect_a compliance_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n that_o we_o