which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o 2._o man_n that_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o under_o gospel_n light_n have_v some_o common_a resentment_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v true_a the_o natural_a man_n have_v no_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o however_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o conviction_n in_o the_o rational_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n accompany_v with_o a_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o work_v with_o some_o force_n upon_o their_o affection_n so_o as_o to_o raise_v in_o they_o a_o esteem_n for_o these_o truth_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o stony_a ground_n hearer_n mat._n 13._o 20._o he_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o beside_o the_o force_n of_o a_o good_a and_o pious_a education_n together_o with_o the_o common_a credit_n and_o commendation_n 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in_o righteous_a judgement_n punish_v they_o with_o such_o a_o desertion_n if_o they_o only_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o love_v it_o they_o be_v sometime_o leave_v to_o believe_v a_o lie_n which_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o great_a apostasy_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 9_o 10._o and_o now_o every_o deceiver_n impose_v on_o they_o if_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n and_o mean_v while_o some_o lust_n or_o other_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o a_o utter_a renounce_n of_o sin_n and_o entire_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n he_o righteous_o deliver_v they_o over_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o they_o follow_v they_o to_o a_o notorious_a deny_v of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n awful_a be_v that_o remark_n of_o the_o psalmist_n concern_v israel_n in_o psal_n 81._o 11_o 12._o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n 6._o and_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o a_o grow_a apostasy_n when_o man_n be_v once_o leave_v of_o god_n and_o begin_v to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n who_o can_v tell_v whither_o it_o will_v grow_v at_o length_n one_o thing_n will_v fall_v to_o decay_v after_o another_o they_o may_v begin_v at_o thing_n more_o tolerable_a and_o less_o scandalous_a but_o that_o will_v make_v the_o way_n to_o introduce_v far_o great_a abomination_n and_o when_o man_n take_v one_o step_n in_o this_o way_n there_o will_v be_v no_o limit_n short_a of_o that_o which_o god_n restrain_v they_o from_o if_o they_o let_v go_v their_o hold_n they_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o fall_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o deny_v the_o power_n to_o the_o cast_v off_o of_o the_o form_n too_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o for_o evil_a man_n if_o leave_v of_o god_n will_v grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o and_o such_o a_o decline_a be_v very_o infectious_a and_o will_v not_o only_o hazard_v to_o take_v effectual_o with_o those_o who_o have_v no_o save_a principle_n of_o piety_n in_o they_o and_o who_o carnal_a reason_n which_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o outside_n profession_n not_o only_o fail_v they_o but_o be_v now_o every_o whit_n as_o cogent_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o stimulate_v they_o to_o run_v with_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a but_o will_v also_o be_v too_o influential_a on_o godly_a man_n themselves_o to_o damp_n their_o vigour_n yea_o possible_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o carnal_a compliance_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v lead_v to_o a_o neglect_n or_o perfunctory_a performance_n of_o many_o duty_n if_o not_o to_o the_o do_v of_o many_o thing_n derogatory_n to_o their_o profession_n proposition_n ii_o that_o these_o time_n be_v very_o dangerous_a when_o this_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o prevail_a distemper_n among_o a_o profess_v people_n it_o be_v sad_o symptomatical_a how_o and_o wherein_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o that_o 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a_o reasonable_a impediment_n to_o practice_v the_o profound_a meekness_n and_o humility_n to_o watch_v against_o censure_v other_o to_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o holy_a thought_n in_o all_o place_n to_o shun_v all_o foresee_a occasion_n of_o evil_a to_o think_v often_o of_o the_o different_a estate_n of_o the_o glorify_a and_o the_o damn_a in_o the_o unchangeable_a eternity_n to_o which_o we_o be_v hasten_v to_o examine_v themselves_o every_o night_n what_o good_a or_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o day_n past_a to_o keep_v a_o private_a fast_o once_o a_o month_n especial_o near_o their_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o at_o their_o own_o disposal_n to_o shun_v spiritual_a pride_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o rail_a anger_n peevishness_n and_o impatience_n of_o contradiction_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o whole_a society_n in_o their_o private_a prayer_n to_o read_v pious_a book_n often_o for_o their_o edification_n but_o especial_o the_o holy_a bible_n these_o 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constant_o keep_v a_o copy_n of_o they_o by_o he_o now_o wherein_o do_v that_o account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n usual_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n at_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o their_o communion_n or_o our_o church_n covenant_n yea_o our_o renew_a covenant_n exceed_v what_o be_v beginning_n to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o godly_a conformist_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o affect_v and_o encourage_v as_o that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v this_o opportunity_n to_o publish_v they_o and_o although_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o mournful_a thought_n that_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v languish_v in_o new_a england_n it_o be_v a_o joyful_a meditation_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v revive_v in_o england_n which_o bring_v to_o mind_v the_o poetical_a shall_v i_o say_v or_o prophetical_a rapture_n of_o pious_a mr._n herbert_n many_o year_n since_o who_o conjecture_v that_o notwithstanding_o religion_n be_v then_o go_v into_o america_n it_o will_v like_v the_o sun_n return_v from_o the_o west_n to_o the_o east_n again_o concern_v the_o reverend_a author_n of_o these_o sermon_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n many_o of_o those_o discourse_n which_o he_o have_v former_o write_v discover_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o rare_a accomplishment_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n rich_o adorn_v he_o the_o subject_a here_o treat_v on_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n it_o be_v the_o present_a truth_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o seasonable_a and_o proper_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o consider_v that_o not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o something_o of_o the_o form_n too_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v among_o we_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n be_v with_o such_o clearness_n and_o plainness_n as_o that_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v understand_v and_o be_v edify_v 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ascension_n and_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n however_o there_o be_v some_o early_o and_o some_o late_a period_n point_v to_o in_o this_o aera_fw-la this_o prediction_n may_v comprise_v general_o the_o whole_a time_n and_o this_o signify_v that_o the_o time_n of_o clear_a gospel_n light_n shall_v not_o be_v free_a from_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n notwithstanding_o their_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o christ_n there_o may_v also_o be_v aim_v in_o these_o word_n the_o give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o antichrist_n of_o which_o there_o be_v warning_n not_o a_o few_o offer_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichristianism_n be_v here_o abundant_o decipher_v but_o it_o be_v applicable_a to_o all_o time_n of_o defection_n among_o professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o the_o last_o and_o worst_a time_n precede_v the_o great_a reformation_n which_o be_v expect_v of_o which_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 18._o 8._o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o word_n perilous_a signifi_v hard_a difficult_a molestful_a and_o such_o time_n do_v expose_v man_n to_o danger_n and_o be_v therefore_o perilous_a it_o intend_v that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v like_o a_o true_a christian_a because_o he_o will_v expose_v himself_o thereby_o now_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o give_v warning_n in_o general_n of_o such_o time_n but_o he_o proceed_v to_o characterise_v they_o by_o the_o genius_n and_o carriage_n of_o man_n in_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o evil_a heart_n and_o carriage_n of_o man_n that_o make_v the_o time_n evil_a there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o note_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o lay_v down_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o inquire_v into_o but_o the_o word_n of_o our_o text_n contain_v in_o they_o one_o of_o these_o and_o the_o last_o mention_v but_o not_o the_o least_o to_o all_o of_o which_o he_o subjoin_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o verse_n a_o direction_n to_o christian_n how_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o such_o man_n viz._n to_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n all_o the_o former_a that_o be_v mention_v be_v open_a and_o flagitious_a crime_n that_o man_n fall_v into_o but_o this_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o more_o cover_a wickedness_n hide_v itself_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o piety_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n there_o be_v the_o great_a peril_n of_o all_o in_o the_o word_n than_o we_o have_v the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n hypocrite_n or_o of_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v religious_a but_o be_v indeed_o impious_a if_o we_o take_v all_o these_o particular_a note_n to_o go_v into_o the_o make_n up_o of_o the_o character_n of_o one_o apostate_n we_o have_v a_o monster_n indeed_o but_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o distributive_a and_o to_o be_v find_v some_o in_o one_o some_o in_o another_o and_o all_o together_o make_v up_o of_o a_o general_a apostasy_n in_o the_o word_n than_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o person_n describe_v in_o two_o part_n and_o these_o do_v contradict_v each_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o pretend_v to_o one_o thing_n and_o intend_v another_o to_o have_v the_o face_n one_o way_n and_o the_o heart_n quite_o contrary_a 1._o we_o have_v their_o pretention_n and_o outward_a carriage_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n what_o be_v intend_v by_o this_o will_v be_v afterward_o consider_v only_o observe_v that_o critickt_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o word_n form_n here_o use_v do_v not_o signify_v the_o essential_a but_o accidental_a form_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o hence_o some_o translate_v it_o a_o species_n or_o show_v 2._o we_o have_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o be_v and_o may_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o word_n
deny_v proper_o signifi_v that_o which_o be_v verbal_a but_o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o practise_v against_o a_o thing_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o form_n and_o the_o power_n be_v here_o oppose_v they_o have_v the_o one_o and_o be_v without_o the_o other_o the_o word_n may_v also_o be_v consider_v as_o mere_o negative_a viz._n a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n and_o both_o of_o these_o respect_n will_v after_o be_v consider_v hence_o doctrine_n the_o time_n be_v very_o dangerous_a when_o professor_n general_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o there_o be_v two_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n viz._n 1._o that_o sometime_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n do_v general_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o these_o time_n be_v very_o dangerous_a these_o may_v be_v distinct_o lay_v open_a 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restrain_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n both_o natural_a and_o institute_v both_o the_o manner_n and_o special_a time_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v synechdochrical_o for_o all_o religion_n and_o comprise_v under_o it_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n consider_v as_o do_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n or_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v here_o take_v it_o in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n and_o we_o before_o observe_v that_o the_o word_n form_n intend_v not_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a but_o accidental_a and_o indeed_o where_o there_o be_v the_o essential_a form_n it_o include_v the_o power_n in_o it_o for_o the_o essential_a form_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o our_o life_n for_o the_o operation_n of_o thing_n be_v according_a to_o their_o essential_a form_n but_o there_o be_v two_o other_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o greek_a language_n which_o may_v both_o come_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n as_o be_v separable_a from_o the_o power_n 1._o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o rule_n which_o a_o man_n profess_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o and_o pretend_v to_o follow_v in_o his_o action_n hence_o we_o read_v of_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n rom._n 2._o 20._o and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o sound_a creed_n we_o read_v of_o the_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n now_o there_o a_o form_n or_o a_o scheam_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o and_o when_o man_n do_v understand_v the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v those_o article_n and_o resolve_v to_o stand_v up_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o these_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n i._n e._n they_o have_v it_o in_o their_o head_n and_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o possible_o they_o make_v no_o little_a noise_n in_o stand_v up_o in_o defence_n of_o they_o against_o such_o as_o do_v profess_o set_v themselves_o to_o withstand_v and_o undermine_v they_o now_o this_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n but_o a_o thing_n necessary_a for_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v right_o to_o exert_v it_o in_o their_o conversation_n godliness_n be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n endow_v with_o the_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n rom._n 12._o 1._o how_o can_v we_o lead_v godly_a life_n unless_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o rule_n point_v of_o we_o thereunto_o and_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o rule_n for_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n of_o god_n of_o which_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n etc._n etc._n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o however_o this_o may_v be_v where_o the_o other_o be_v not_o man_n may_v know_v and_o yet_o not_o do_v they_o may_v make_v a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o yet_o lead_v a_o irregular_a conversation_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o such_o tit._n 1._o ult_n they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o 2._o sometime_o the_o word_n be_v use_v for_o a_o outward_a show_n or_o pretence_n for_o a_o mask_n or_o a_o vizard_n or_o a_o outward_a appearance_n when_o a_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v not_o and_o endeavour_n by_o his_o carriage_n before_o other_o to_o make_v a_o specious_a show_n as_o if_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o he_o be_v say_v to_o take_v such_o a_o form_n upon_o he_o thus_o when_o a_o man_n will_v fain_o persuade_v other_o that_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o use_v such_o word_n and_o action_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o impose_v upon_o their_o credit_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o he_o have_v not_o the_o root_n of_o piety_n in_o he_o but_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n he_o may_v then_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v jehu_n 2_o king_n 10._o 16._o 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n a._n to_o make_v this_o clear_a let_v we_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n comprehend_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o word_n power_n use_v in_o our_o text_n signify_v the_o virtue_n efficacy_n and_o force_v of_o a_o thing_n and_o also_o the_o faculty_n or_o principle_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v hence_o in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n there_o be_v contain_v 1â—_n the_o inward_a principle_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o godliness_n in_o a_o christian_n the_o power_n of_o a_o thing_n consist_v in_o the_o internal_a virtue_n that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o now_o grace_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v any_o a_o godly_a man_n who_o have_v not_o this_o grace_n in_o he_o god_n always_o regard_v the_o heart_n and_o he_o know_v it_o and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v no_o man_n to_o be_v godly_a but_o he_o who_o heart_n be_v right_a that_o therefore_o be_v it_o which_o spoil_v all_o their_o fair_a pretence_n psal_n 78._o 37._o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v be_v a_o godly_a man_n because_o he_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o godliness_n in_o he_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a love_v god_n fear_v god_n delight_n in_o his_o law_n hate_v sin_n mourn_v for_o it_o and_o restles_o seek_v a_o deliverance_n from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o very_a disposition_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o 2._o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n this_o be_v metonymical_o call_v power_n because_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n flow_v from_o it_o and_o so_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o action_n the_o habit_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v and_o judge_v of_o hence_o according_a to_o the_o life_n of_o a_o professor_n according_o be_v this_o power_n evidence_v and_o hence_o we_o read_v of_o weak_a grace_n and_o strong_a grace_n when_o a_o christian_a live_v so_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o generation_n as_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o a_o zealous_a resolute_a pursuance_n of_o holiness_n and_o withstand_v of_o sin_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o will_v withstand_v or_o hinder_v he_o or_o discourage_v his_o pursuit_n of_o it_o he_o show_v this_o power_n and_o this_o power_n be_v oppose_v to_o weakness_n or_o infirmity_n peter_n have_v faith_n but_o he_o do_v not_o discover_v power_n in_o
those_o prayer_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o may_v be_v charge_v on_o they_o isa_n 29._o 13._o with_o their_o lip_n do_v they_o honour_v i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o 3._o when_o all_o their_o zeal_n spend_v itself_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o they_o be_v careless_a in_o duty_n of_o righteousness_n the_o whole_a reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o godliness_n and_o for_o man_n to_o divide_v and_o take_v but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o neglect_v the_o rest_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o as_o there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o follow_v their_o calling_n and_o to_o do_v no_o man_n any_o wrong_n and_o to_o â—e_v strict_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o thing_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o these_o alone_o will_v not_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n so_o there_o be_v other_o who_o suppose_v that_o if_o they_o be_v but_o careful_a and_o constant_a in_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o natural_a and_o institute_v worship_n they_o be_v true_o godly_a if_o they_o read_v the_o word_n pray_v in_o their_o family_n attend_v on_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n house_n and_o do_v show_v life_n and_o forwardness_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o may_v bolster_v themselves_o on_o this_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n neglect_v the_o business_n of_o their_o call_v four_o steal_v oppress_v use_v deceit_n in_o their_o deal_n carry_v it_o very_o loose_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o sobriety_n and_o righteousness_n these_o be_v not_o godly_a but_o by_o thus_o do_v they_o deny_v it_o and_o say_v that_o their_o worship_n be_v hypocrisy_n that_o be_v a_o stand_a truth_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 20._o if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n 4._o when_o they_o use_v the_o pretension_n of_o godliness_n for_o a_o cloak_n to_o cover_v their_o iniquity_n though_o they_o talk_v of_o godliness_n yet_o they_o have_v perverse_a design_n to_o hide_v under_o it_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n charge_v heavy_o on_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n mat._n 23._o 14._o they_o devour_v widow_n house_n and_o for_o a_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n when_o jezebel_n have_v a_o design_n to_o perpetrate_v a_o horrible_a murder_n she_o direct_v to_o the_o call_n of_o a_o fast_a for_o a_o introduction_n to_o it_o 1_o king_n 21._o 9_o and_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o can_v pray_v and_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o then_o sin_n upon_o a_o new_a score_n and_o it_o may_v be_v then_o to_o their_o confession_n and_o prayer_n again_o and_o so_o in_o a_o round_a what_o pretence_n have_v that_o harlot_n for_o her_o insinuation_n into_o the_o simple_a young_a man_n prov._n 7._o 14._o i_o have_v peace_n offering_n with_o i_o this_o day_n i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n and_o herein_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o those_o jew_n be_v decipher_v by_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 7._o 9_o 10._o steal_v murder_n etc._n etc._n and_o come_v and_o stand_v before_o i_o in_o this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n and_o say_v we_o be_v deliver_v to_o do_v all_o these_o abomination_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v godliness_n a_o shelter_n for_o impiety_n than_o which_o what_o great_a contradiction_n can_v there_o be_v 5._o when_o they_o abuse_v their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o defend_v and_o encourage_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v a_o precious_a truth_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v a_o right_a for_o his_o people_n to_o these_o thing_n which_o no_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v claim_v they_o be_v all_o they_o for_o their_o use_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n withal_o but_o as_o there_o be_v a_o use_n so_o there_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o the_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v their_o happiness_n but_o also_o when_o they_o allow_v to_o themselves_o a_o incordinate_a use_n of_o they_o when_o they_o transcend_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o moderation_n which_o christ_n have_v limit_v the_o use_n of_o they_o unto_o and_o thereby_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n when_o meat_n drink_n apparel_n recreation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o excess_n and_o to_o the_o just_a scandal_n of_o serious_a christian_n when_o man_n insist_v upon_o lawfulness_n and_o never_o consider_v what_o be_v expedient_a hence_o there_o be_v caution_n give_v in_o the_o gospel_n about_o these_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 29_o 30_o 31._o rom._n 13_o 13._o 1_o pet._n 3_o 3._o all_o of_o which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o man_n take_v their_o liberty_n too_o far_o such_o licentiousness_n be_v a_o deny_v of_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o 6._o when_o they_o can_v accommodate_v themselves_o to_o man_n in_o all_o their_o humour_n there_o be_v a_o pretence_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o condescendency_n which_o man_n make_v and_o plead_v religion_n for_o it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v right_o limit_v it_o be_v good_a but_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o abuse_n that_o of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 23._o i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n they_o be_v like_o the_o planet_n mercury_n good_a with_o good_a and_o bad_a with_o bad_a when_o they_o be_v among_o serious_a christian_n who_o more_o religious_a and_o demure_a in_o their_o word_n and_o carriage_n than_o they_o be_v but_o when_o they_o get_v among_o loose_a company_n and_o carnal_a man_n they_o can_v present_o turn_v the_o table_n and_o be_v like_o picture_n that_o have_v the_o devil_n on_o one_o side_n and_o a_o saint_n on_o the_o other_o they_o can_v pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o they_o can_v drink_v and_o swear_v and_o game_n and_o health_n and_o what_o not_o with_o jewd_a man_n and_o be_v good_a companion_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o company_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 7._o when_o they_o be_v easy_o allure_v or_o discourage_v from_o the_o strict_a serve_v of_o god_n they_o set_v out_o brave_o in_o a_o profession_n but_o a_o little_a thing_n stop_v they_o and_o make_v they_o either_o to_o drive_v heavy_o or_o to_o stand_v still_o for_o when_o they_o go_v quite_o off_o they_o then_o lie_v aside_o the_o form_n too_o if_o a_o temptation_n of_o profit_n or_o credit_n among_o man_n offer_v itself_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o follow_v it_o and_o their_o zeal_n be_v damp_a or_o when_o difficulty_n or_o disgrace_n present_v themselves_o before_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o flinch_v and_o turn_v aside_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n at_o least_o that_o the_o power_n be_v decay_v if_o not_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o and_o to_o this_o head_n do_v those_o also_o belong_v who_o in_o time_n of_o apostasy_n let_v the_o vigour_n of_o their_o profession_n fall_v lose_v some_o thing_n altogether_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o other_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v as_o they_o be_v charge_v rev._n 3._o begin_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 2._o whence_o be_v it_o that_o a_o people_n in_o general_n come_v to_o do_v so_o a._n this_o will_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o man_n be_v natural_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o vigorous_a activity_n of_o it_o in_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n since_o the_o apostasy_n be_v a_o state_n of_o alienation_n from_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o true_a piety_n be_v not_o redscate_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o sallen_a man_n but_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o we_o in_o our_o regeneration_n till_o which_o we_o be_v full_a of_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o impiety_n we_o have_v a_o full_a description_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n give_v we_o in_o rom._n 3._o 10_o to_o 20._o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o godliness_n and_o yet_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o every_o child_n of_o adam_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o woeful_a fall_n of_o he_o and_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a man_n have_v it_o in_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o jew_n and_o gentile_a share_n alike_o in_o this_o rom._n 3._o 9_o they_o be_v all_o under_o sin_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o one_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o advantage_n to_o seek_v and_o obtain_v a_o deliverance_n from_o it_o
degenerate_a generation_n when_o god_n leave_v man_n up_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o giddiness_n and_o heedlessness_n and_o licentiousness_n to_o grow_v loose_a in_o their_o principle_n and_o inconsiderate_a in_o their_o practice_n he_o therein_o plague_v they_o terriblyâ—_n and_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a fruit_n and_o recompense_v of_o hypocrisy_n and_o atheistical_a content_v themselves_o and_o hope_v to_o put_v god_n off_o with_o a_o outside_n how_o awful_a be_v that_o prediction_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 9_o 10._o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o trnth_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n and_o we_o have_v such_o a_o account_n give_v of_o they_o psal_n 81._o 11_o 12._o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n god_n withdraw_v his_o spirit_n from_o such_o a_o people_n which_o before_o enlighten_v and_o re_fw-mi strain_v they_o and_o abandon_v they_o to_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o now_o iniquity_n break_v in_o as_o a_o torrent_n and_o bear_v all_o down_o before_o it_o now_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o god_n way_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o now_o the_o word_n harden_v instead_o of_o soften_a now_o wholesome_a doctrine_n be_v despise_v and_o close_a application_n be_v provoke_v to_o man_n they_o can_v bear_v to_o have_v their_o sore_n rub_v and_o must_v have_v none_o but_o smooth_a thing_n preach_v to_o they_o now_o a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n invade_v they_o and_o they_o be_v become_v insensible_a of_o their_o decay_n though_o never_o so_o great_a and_o this_o be_v a_o tremendous_a condition_n 2._o in_o temporal_a judgement_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o very_a frame_n among_o a_o people_n be_v that_o which_o open_v the_o gap_n to_o let_v in_o all_o those_o provocation_n which_o will_v pull_v down_o heaven_n vengeance_n upon_o they_o as_o long_o as_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v preserve_v among_o they_o such_o sin_n be_v keep_v out_o at_o least_o from_o bring_v of_o public_a guilt_n along_o with_o they_o because_o there_o be_v a_o suitable_a care_n take_v to_o prevent_v their_o break_n out_o and_o due_a testimony_n be_v bear_v against_o they_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o look_v abroad_o and_o endeavour_n be_v attend_v to_o suppress_v they_o but_o now_o they_o abound_v and_o become_v dare_v and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o god_n can_v no_o long_o withhold_v god_n tell_v they_o that_o all_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v be_v for_o the_o avenge_a of_o the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n leu._n 26_o 25._o and_o though_o many_o particular_a immorality_n usual_o forerun_v such_o calamity_n yet_o they_o flow_v from_o hence_o and_o the_o foundation_n of_o they_o be_v lay_v here_o god_n therefore_o threaten_v laodicea_n for_o her_o lukewarmness_n to_o sove_o her_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n rev._n 3._o 16_o and_o ephesus_z for_o the_o lose_n of_o her_o first_o love_n to_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n chap_n 2._o 4_o 5._o and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o through_o enquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v it_o which_o have_v lay_v waste_n populous_a place_n and_o blow_v up_o sometime_o famous_a church_n and_o make_v they_o a_o desolation_n sure_o then_o such_o be_v perilous_a time_n use_v i._n for_o information_n in_o a_o few_o thing_n 1._o we_o may_v hence_o learn_v that_o the_o best_a judgement_n that_o we_o can_v make_v of_o professor_n be_v but_o of_o charity_n there_o be_v a_o judgement_n which_o one_o christian_a lawful_o may_v and_o sometime_o aught_o to_o pass_v concern_v another_o and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n whenever_o we_o so_o do_v to_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n and_o that_o be_v such_o which_o answer_v the_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o word_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o censure_n that_o we_o pass_v one_o upon_o another_o now_o god_n have_v see_v it_o meet_v to_o reserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n immediate_o to_o himself_o &_o our_o judgement_n can_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n such_o be_v the_o difference_n express_v 1_o sam._n 16._o 7._o man_n look_v on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v very_o uncertain_a i_o can_v certain_o know_v another_o state_n to_o be_v good_a but_o by_o revelation_n though_o i_o may_v know_v the_o state_n of_o some_o to_o be_v bad_a by_o observation_n as_o he_o psa_n 36_o 1._o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v within_o my_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n the_o bond_n therefore_o of_o christian_a communion_n be_v charity_n which_o ought_v to_o think_v and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o another_o allow_v for_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o judge_v well_o of_o his_o honest_a and_o religious_a action_n and_o put_v the_o best_a and_o most_o fair_a interpretation_n upon_o his_o dubious_a carriage_n and_o there_o be_v a_o double_a charity_n here_o to_o be_v observe_v sometime_o that_o which_o be_v only_o negative_a be_v the_o far_a that_o we_o can_v safe_o proceed_v unâ—o_o viz._n we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v man_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n for_o such_o spot_n as_o god_n child_n may_v catch_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v be_v without_o some_o fear_n or_o jealousy_n about_o they_o when_o we_o see_v little_a or_o nothing_o positive_o to_o encourage_v we_o however_o we_o suspend_v our_o determinate_a judgement_n sometime_o we_o have_v room_n for_o a_o affirmative_a charity_n when_o we_o see_v that_o proceed_v from_o they_o which_o bespeak_v they_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v godly_a and_o zealous_a christian_n because_o of_o their_o good_a and_o excellent_a conversation_n now_o when_o our_o judgement_n proceed_v upon_o these_o ground_n it_o be_v a_o regular_a and_o therefore_o a_o righteous_a judgement_n and_o this_o may_v be_v right_a when_o we_o be_v mistake_v about_o man_n a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o yet_o i_o shall_v sin_v if_o i_o judge_v he_o to_o be_v so_o and_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v my_o duty_n to_o be_v suspicious_a about_o he_o and_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o this_o lie_v before_o we_o plain_a in_o our_o doctrine_n viz._n because_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o high_a and_o most_o commendable_a form_n of_o godliness_n and_o yet_o be_v utter_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o now_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v open_a and_o manifest_a it_o be_v expose_v to_o public_a view_n and_o every_o one_o may_v see_v it_o whereas_o the_o latter_a be_v secret_a and_o hide_a from_o man_n and_o know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o the_o man_n own_o conscience_n david_n have_v a_o excellent_a esteem_n for_o achitophel_n before_o he_o discover_v himself_o psal_n 55._o 13._o 14._o my_o equal_a my_o guide_n and_o my_o acquaintance_n we_o take_v sweet_a counsel_n together_o and_o walk_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o company_n and_o he_o do_v not_o amiss_o so_o to_o think_v of_o he_o the_o disciple_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o suspect_v each_o one_o himself_o than_o judas_n when_o christ_n tell_v they_o that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v betray_v he_o and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o paul_n be_v mâ—ch_o endear_v to_o demas_n and_o make_v use_v of_o he_o in_o his_o travel_n and_o ministry_n and_o it_o be_v right_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o all_o these_o be_v ungodly_a man_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v unsound_a all_o this_o while_n a_o man_n may_v carry_v it_o among_o man_n with_o great_a forwardness_n and_o constancy_n in_o outward_a performance_n follow_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o carry_v it_o very_o reverendly_a at_o they_o discourse_n very_o know_o and_o lofty_o about_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n pray_v like_o a_o angel_n high_o commend_v the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v very_o circumspect_a in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n exceed_v charitable_a and_o honest_a in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n diligent_a in_o the_o call_v that_o god_n have_v set_v he_o in_o and_o yet_o his_o heart_n all_o this_o while_n not_o righ_n with_o god_n but_o he_o may_v pursue_v it_o for_o by_o and_o sinister_a end_n and_o upon_o pitiful_o mean_a motive_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o discovery_n of_o this_o falseness_n to_o we_o or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o so_o contradict_v his_o profession_n as_o shall_v undermine_v our_o charity_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o look_v on_o he_o as_o any_o other_o than_o a_o saint_n when_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o devil_n or_o a_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n a_o mere_a hypocrite_n hence_o no_o wonder_n if_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v sometime_o force_v to_o change_v their_o
of_o god_n and_o to_o neglect_v no_o know_a duty_n at_o any_o time_n we_o owe_v our_o whole_a life_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n all_o time_n be_v alike_o to_o we_o but_o still_o as_o the_o time_n change_v the_o special_a and_o more_o peculiar_a deportment_n require_v of_o christian_n do_v change_v with_o they_o and_o hence_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o one_o generation_n and_o something_o else_o the_o work_n of_o another_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n commend_v noah_n with_o this_o remark_n gen_n 7._o 1_o thou_o have_v i_o see_v righteous_a before_o i_o in_o this_o generation_n which_o in_o part_n at_o least_o intend_v that_o he_o have_v serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o generation_n he_o live_v in_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o david_n act_v 13._o 36._o that_o he_o serve_v his_o own_o generation_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v one_o work_n for_o david_n to_o do_v in_o his_o time_n and_o another_o for_o solomon_n to_o do_v in_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v every_o one_o duty_n in_o his_o place_n to_o thrust_v into_o the_o gap_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v off_o the_o evil_n threaten_v when_o there_o be_v fad_a prognostic_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o cloud_n begin_v to_o gather_v apace_o and_o mischief_n apparent_o impend_v over_o a_o profess_v people_n when_o god_n anger_n be_v enkindle_v against_o they_o and_o sin_n have_v open_v a_o wide_a gap_n for_o it_o to_o come_v in_o and_o evil_a begin_v to_o crowd_n in_o at_o it_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n to_o pacify_v his_o anger_n and_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n hence_o that_o admonition_n give_v upon_o a_o threaten_a amos_n 4._o 12._o shus_o will_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o oh_o israel_n and_o because_o i_o will_v do_v this_o unto_o thou_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n oh_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o way_n to_o hold_v god_n hand_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o displeasure_n we_o read_v that_o moses_n do_v so_o psal_n 106._o 23._o and_o we_o find_v that_o god_n complain_v that_o when_o he_o look_v for_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v none_o and_o he_o give_v that_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o torrent_n of_o his_o fierce_a indignation_n break_v in_o upon_o that_o unhappy_a people_n ezek._n 22._o 30_o 31._o i_o seek_v for_o a_o man_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o have_v i_o pour_v my_o indignation_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v true_a every_o one_o be_v not_o in_o a_o equal_a capacity_n to_o this_o work_n or_o of_o do_v alike_o public_a service_n for_o the_o put_v away_o of_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o provocation_n there_o be_v a_o work_n lie_v upon_o person_n in_o public_a place_n such_o as_o moses_n and_o phineas_n be_v who_o may_v if_o they_o be_v faithful_a do_v a_o great_a deal_n upon_o this_o account_n however_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o if_o he_o be_v upright_o and_o will_v be_v industrious_a in_o the_o station_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v he_o may_v do_v something_o with_o god_n which_o may_v contribute_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o public_a good_a for_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v a_o respect_n for_o such_o as_o these_o isa_n 66._o 2._o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v even_o to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n 3._o they_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n that_o make_v they_o peculiar_o perilous_a the_o great_a danger_n that_o a_o people_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v from_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n which_o be_v kindle_v upon_o they_o if_o he_o be_v please_v with_o they_o they_o be_v safe_a nor_o need_v they_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o run_v into_o and_o that_o be_v a_o strong_a tower_n prov._n 18._o 10._o but_o if_o god_n be_v displease_v at_o they_o and_o his_o wrath_n begin_v to_o wax_v hot_a they_o now_o lie_v open_a to_o every_o mischief_n their_o defence_n forsake_v they_o and_o every_o evil_n will_v make_v a_o prey_n of_o they_o now_o if_o god_n be_v displease_v at_o a_o people_n sin_n always_o be_v the_o procure_a cause_n of_o it_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o while_o they_o do_v faithful_o serve_v he_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o sin_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v endure_v and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o warn_v they_o against_o it_o as_o jer._n 44._o 4._o oh_o do_v not_o this_o abominable_a thing_n that_o i_o hate_v and_o yet_o they_o will_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o it_o he_o be_v now_o grievous_o provoke_v and_o such_o a_o people_n lie_v open_a to_o his_o judgement_n his_o holiness_n justice_n and_o truth_n do_v oblige_v he_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o he_o have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o except_o they_o repent_v and_o if_o he_o engage_v in_o this_o work_n it_o will_v be_v terrible_a 4._o hence_o they_o that_o will_v prevent_v the_o danger_n must_v do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o put_v away_o the_o sin_n that_o have_v expose_v their_o people_n thereunto_o they_o that_o will_v keep_v off_o threaten_v judgement_n must_v thrust_v out_o the_o sin_n that_o have_v expose_v they_o thereto_o the_o cause_n must_v be_v remove_v if_o the_o effect_n be_v either_o prevent_v or_o make_v to_o cease_v all_o the_o other_o course_n that_o man_n can_v take_v let_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v never_o so_o probable_a will_v never_o avail_v while_o this_o be_v neglect_v sin_n will_v blow_v up_o the_o strong_a fortification_n and_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o best_a temper_a weapon_n take_v away_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o most_o courageous_a spirit_n and_o turn_v the_o most_o mature_a counsel_n into_o foolishness_n jehu_n speak_v the_o truth_n to_o he_o who_o demand_v be_v it_o peace_n â—_o king_n 9_o 22._o what_o peace_n so_o long_o as_o the_o whoredom_n of_o thy_o mother_n jezebel_n and_o her_o witchcraft_n be_v so_o many_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o prov._n 21._o 30._o there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n nor_o understanding_n nor_o counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n now_o all_o these_o counsel_n be_v against_o he_o by_o which_o man_n devise_v to_o fortify_v against_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o resolve_v still_o to_o retain_v these_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o bring_v his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o revolt_a people_n god_n himself_o therefore_o make_v suâ—â—_n a_o demand_n of_o they_o jer._n 5._o 7._o how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o direction_n which_o he_o give_v they_o as_o that_o which_o be_v alone_o like_a to_o succeed_v viz_o to_o put_v away_o their_o sin_n and_o return_v to_o their_o god_n again_o this_o be_v the_o best_a prudence_n because_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o good_a make_v unto_o it_o whereas_o all_o other_o course_n be_v threaten_v while_o this_o be_v neglect_v jer._n 7._o 3_o 5._o amend_v your_o way_n and_o your_o do_n and_o i_o will_v cause_v you_o to_o dwell_v in_o this_o place_n etc._n etc._n hence_o there_o aâ—e_v none_o that_o can_v do_v any_o kindness_n to_o such_o a_o people_n but_o those_o who_o thus_o do_v hereupon_o god_n so_o upbraid_v those_o pastor_n jer._n 23._o 22._o if_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o my_o counsel_n and_o have_v cause_v my_o people_n to_o have_v hear_v my_o word_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n 5._o and_o there_o be_v usual_o some_o peculiar_a sin_n which_o god_n bring_v his_o judgement_n for_o and_o have_v a_o special_a aim_n at_o true_o when_o god_n draw_v up_o a_o indictment_n against_o a_o people_n he_o put_v a_o great_a many_o article_n into_o it_o as_o in_o ezek._n 22._o but_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o particular_a that_o he_o bear_v upon_o as_o that_o which_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o other_o and_o so_o carry_v a_o more_o aggravate_v provocation_n in_o it_o there_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o apostasy_n which_o be_v not_o only_a sin_n themselves_o but_o be_v chargeable_a as_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n when_o god_n come_v to_o root_v a_o people_n up_o for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v grow_v to_o the_o height_n of_o provocation_n as_o 2_o chron_n 36._o 14_o 15._o he_o use_v mean_n to_o reclaim_v they_o till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o other_o judgement_n of_o his_o do_v often_o come_v upon_o place_n when_o iniquity_n be_v not_o arrive_v to_o such_o a_o prodigious_a height_n and_o sometime_o god_n charge_v one_o and_o sometime_o another_o as_o the_o lead_v evil_a thus_o isa_n 57_o 17._o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o covetcousness_n i_o waâ—_n wroth_a with_o he_o and_o in_o 2_o sam
21._o begin_v the_o famine_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o saul_n slay_v the_o gibeonite_n 6._o hence_o without_o observation_n man_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o regard_n unless_o we_o know_v what_o be_v the_o provocation_n we_o shall_v not_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o instant_a duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o the_o sin_n must_v be_v find_v out_o before_o they_o can_v be_v particular_o provide_v against_o and_o be_v suitable_o repent_v of_o and_o turn_v from_o and_o so_o the_o proper_a mean_n be_v use_v for_o the_o put_n of_o they_o away_o and_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v but_o upon_o observation_n and_o search_n and_o that_o by_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o view_v the_o frame_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n general_o &_o compare_v they_o herewithal_o and_o hereupon_o want_v of_o consideration_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o god_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o stupidity_n on_o the_o account_n of_o it_o isa_n 1._o 3._o my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v jer._n 8._o 6._o no_o man_n repent_v of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o when_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o they_o he_o invite_v they_o to_o consideration_n hag._n 1._o 5._o now_o therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n consider_v your_o way_n 7._o formality_n attend_v with_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v the_o first_o bad_a symptom_n in_o a_o profess_v people_n we_o have_v observe_v that_o apostasy_n from_o a_o fair_a profession_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v all_o at_o once_o but_o it_o have_v its_o gradual_a step_n and_o may_v have_v many_o remove_n before_o it_o come_v to_o the_o height_n but_o all_o apostasy_n begin_v with_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o power_n and_o vigour_n of_o grace_n in_o man_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o discover_v man_n decline_v from_o what_o they_o sometime_o maintain_v will_v also_o give_v evidence_n to_o their_o deny_v of_o the_o power_n it_o be_v of_o itself_o a_o practical_a contradiction_n of_o that_o piâ—ty_n which_o man_n will_v have_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v sincere_o profess_v here_o then_o let_v we_o take_v a_o brief_a prospect_n of_o the_o frame_n and_o genius_n of_o this_o people_n on_o this_o account_n and_o for_o our_o help_n in_o this_o necessary_a duty_n let_v i_o offer_v at_o the_o follow_a remark_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n a_o among_o we_o be_v manifest_a let_v we_o take_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o form_n in_o either_o of_o the_o sense_n before_o observe_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o intend_v a_o outward_a species_n show_v or_o pretence_n whether_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v sincere_a or_o only_o in_o pretence_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o this_o people_n do_v give_v it_o out_o that_o they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o sovereign_n that_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o his_o service_n and_o that_o they_o do_v stand_v up_o for_o the_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o order_n or_o if_o we_o take_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n that_o man_n declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o we_o have_v a_o sound_a confession_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o we_o declare_v that_o we_o adhere_v unto_o and_o be_v not_o a_o little_a zealous_a for_o the_o uphold_v of_o those_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o gospel_n these_o thing_n be_v evident_a and_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v more_o of_o this_o among_o we_o than_o in_o most_o other_o place_n 2._o but_o the_o great_a enquiry_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o too_o much_o of_o a_o general_a deny_v of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o discouragement_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o those_o who_o be_v serious_a and_o watchful_a christian_n who_o heart_n be_v true_o set_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o his_o interest_n and_o let_v it_o be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o all_o such_o that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o name_n in_o a_o degenerate_a sardis_n god_n do_v not_o overlook_v they_o nor_o will_v he_o forget_v they_o see_v how_o comfortable_o he_o speak_v to_o such_o rev._n 3._o 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a but_o if_o the_o other_o frame_n be_v grow_v too_o general_a and_o prevail_a the_o symptom_n be_v bad_a and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v many_o discovery_n which_o may_v be_v make_v of_o such_o a_o spirit_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o all_o find_v in_o every_o one_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v find_v distributive_o and_o spread_v general_o it_o will_v amount_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v inquire_v after_o when_o god_n charge_v a_o people_n in_o this_o regard_n he_o do_v not_o always_o say_v you_o be_v all_o thus_o &_o so_o but_o such_o be_v find_v in_o thou_o see_v ezek._n 22._o 7_o etc._n etc._n and_o be_v it_o not_o too_o much_o thus_o with_o we_o whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o that_o follow_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prevalency_n of_o so_o many_o immorality_n among_o professor_n i_o confess_v that_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o the_o best_a time_n and_o in_o place_n where_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v most_o flourish_a there_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n there_o be_v so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a reformation_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v expect_v that_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v mix_v with_o the_o godly_a and_o such_o as_o will_v dare_v to_o show_v their_o wickedness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o transgress_v in_o a_o land_n of_o uprightness_n but_o when_o such_o be_v not_o countenance_v but_o due_a testimony_n be_v bear_v against_o they_o when_o they_o be_v contemn_v in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v and_o a_o note_n of_o infamy_n and_o scandal_n be_v put_v upon_o they_o this_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o such_o a_o people_n for_o apostasy_n but_o when_o such_o sin_n grow_v frequent_a and_o those_o that_o have_v take_v on_o themselves_o a_o name_n of_o be_v religious_a begin_v to_o indulge_v themselves_o herein_o and_o man_n that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o reproach_v for_o it_o but_o be_v in_o as_o good_a credit_n as_o the_o best_a it_o than_o become_v a_o bad_a symptom_n and_o say_v that_o the_o time_n be_v decline_v and_o perilous_a much_o more_o when_o such_o as_o these_o will_v undertake_v to_o justify_v and_o patronize_v such_o thing_n and_o be_v there_o not_o sad_a complaint_n make_v on_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v here_o instance_n only_o in_o some_o that_o be_v more_o notorious_a be_v not_o god_n sabbath_n woeful_o neglect_v how_o little_a care_n be_v there_o use_v in_o make_v of_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o how_o woeful_o can_v such_o as_o will_v be_v esteem_v godly_a encroach_v upon_o holy_a time_n and_o be_v engage_v either_o in_o secular_a business_n or_o in_o vain_a company_n and_o possible_o in_o public_a house_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o home_n in_o their_o closet_n or_o with_o their_o family_n sanctify_v of_o god_n day_n and_o show_v of_o the_o honourable_a esteem_n they_o have_v for_o it_o and_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o where_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o god_n sabbath_n be_v lose_v there_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v go_v how_o much_o complaint_n be_v there_o make_v of_o woeful_a dishonesty_n in_o their_o deal_n practise_v by_o such_o as_o can_v talk_v high_a of_o their_o religion_n how_o many_o fallacious_a trick_n they_o can_v use_v in_o their_o commerce_n how_o deceitful_a in_o their_o labour_n how_o false_a to_o their_o word_n and_o promise_n as_o if_o dissemble_a and_o lie_v be_v not_o reproach_n to_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n how_o many_o intemperate_a church_n member_n be_v there_o report_v to_o be_v who_o spend_v their_o precious_a time_n in_o frequent_v public_a house_n and_o keep_v of_o loose_a and_o lewd_a company_n who_o can_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n on_o the_o sabbath_n and_o wrong_v themselves_o by_o excessive_a drink_v on_o the_o week_n day_n how_o much_o animosity_n contention_n and_o implacable_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n break_v forth_o in_o indecent_a word_n and_o carriage_n between_o