common_o the_o deep_a most_o lasting_a and_o indelible_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o apt_a to_o stick_v to_o their_o first_o principle_n be_v they_o true_a or_o false_a and_o for_o want_v of_o due_a enquiry_n how_o they_o come_v by_o they_o to_o take_v they_o for_o divine_a impression_n and_o eternal_a truth_n and_o thus_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o guide_n the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o which_o be_v a_o zealous_a opposition_n against_o all_o that_o standin_fw-mi its_o way_n or_o presume_v to_o check_v and_o disturb_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o for_o what_o ever_o ought_v to_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n present_a thought_n and_o principle_n be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n and_o that_o the_o worse_a any_o principle_n be_v and_o the_o early_o they_o be_v instil_v into_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o more_o strong_o they_o impregnate_n their_o mind_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o pursue_v the_o tendency_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o religion_n contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o his_o commandment_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o unity_n who_o be_v teach_v from_o their_o cradle_n to_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o bitter_a thing_n against_o we_o to_o break_v their_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o to_o mark_v we_o out_o for_o destruction_n if_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o grow_v expert_a in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o confusion_n and_o with_o undaunted_a courage_n undertake_v the_o bold_a crime_n which_o their_o party_n and_o principle_n do_v countenance_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v true_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n be_v not_o invincible_a if_o man_n will_v take_v a_o right_a course_n to_o overcome_v they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o choose_v to_o enjoy_v their_o error_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o our_o green_a and_o tender_a mind_n be_v once_o warp_a by_o false_a and_o pernicious_a principle_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v they_o straight_o and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o right_a posture_n again_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o consideration_n and_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o bottom_n of_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n want_v ability_n of_o mind_n other_o leisure_n humility_n patience_n and_o integrity_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o and_o the_o want_n of_o any_o of_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v for_o their_o obstinate_a persist_v in_o their_o first_o error_n and_o unreasonable_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n 2._o affect_a ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n natural_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o evil_a principle_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o approve_v of_o any_o rugged_a and_o violent_a course_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o they_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o ever_o man_n enjoy_v of_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o a_o ill_a education_n 1.18_o i_o pet._n 1.18_o or_o as_o st._n peter_n call_v it_o from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n they_o have_v the_o bright_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n that_o ever_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o those_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o their_o own_o messiah_n who_o they_o have_v long_o expect_v in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_v concern_v that_o infinite_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v who_o wrought_v the_o great_a and_o most_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n behold_v who_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a comment_n on_o the_o law_n which_o have_v be_v miserable_o corrupt_v by_o the_o gloss_n of_o their_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n and_o lay_v open_v their_o hypocrisy_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o so_o blind_a and_o sottish_a be_v they_o as_o to_o reject_v all_o his_o admonition_n with_o spite_n and_o scorn_n to_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n to_o admire_v their_o deluder_n and_o to_o crucify_v their_o guide_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n our_o saviour_n himself_o testify_v of_o they_o in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o rage_n and_o malice_n against_o he_o 23.34_o luke_n 23.34_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o have_v be_v teach_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o glorious_a king_n and_o conqueror_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o must_v have_v or_o none_o they_o have_v be_v long_o wont_v to_o a_o pompous_a and_o ceremonious_a service_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o have_v the_o stately_a fabric_n of_o their_o religion_n erect_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o support_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n take_v down_o by_o the_o carpenter_n son_n as_o they_o style_v our_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o fatal_a chain_n that_o hold_v they_o fast_o in_o that_o dungeon_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o paradise_n itself_o can_v not_o tempt_v they_o nor_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v not_o redeem_v they_o from_o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o wilful_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n still_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n some_o think_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a and_o universal_a head_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o will_v have_v what_o ever_o it_o cost_v they_o other_o that_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o christ_n personal_a reign_n upon_o earth_n think_v they_o ought_v to_o fight_v for_o king_n jesus_n against_o all_o opposer_n and_o why_o be_v ignorance_n so_o much_o cherish_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o it_o give_v the_o guide_n of_o that_o church_n a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o mislead_v the_o people_n and_o embolden_v they_o to_o act_v any_o illth_v they_o be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a use_n they_o make_v of_o it_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n to_o invert_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o fix_v the_o cross_a name_n they_o can_v devise_v upon_o they_o and_o then_o prosecute_v they_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o intrinsic_a merit_n just_o as_o the_o heathen_n clothe_v the_o christian_n in_o beast_n skin_n and_o then_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v worry_v by_o wild_a beast_n to_o death_n they_o first_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v our_o religion_n on_o heresy_n which_o natural_o create_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n of_o it_o and_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o they_o easy_o persuade_v they_o they_o can_v be_v too_o zealous_a to_o suppress_v it_o the_o next_o step_n to_o which_o persuasion_n be_v to_o think_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o will_v do_v it_o or_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v meritorious_a and_o then_o to_o destroy_v heretic_n follow_v of_o course_n to_o be_v a_o glorious_a work_n but_o sure_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v so_o when_o he_o confess_v the_o contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n think_v so_o when_o he_o reprove_v the_o rash_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v consume_v the_o samaritan_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o and_o after_o this_o 9.55_o luke_n 9.55_o shall_v i_o presume_v to_o say_v that_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v manage_v with_o invincible_a strength_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o our_o side_n or_o shall_v i_o say_v that_o no_o cause_n since_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o that_o of_o our_o common_a christianity_n be_v ever_o better_a defend_v than_o our_o departure_n from_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o confidence_n of_o boast_v 3._o secular_a interest_n have_v great_a power_n to_o distort_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o to_o inflame_v their_o passion_n against_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v they_o place_v their_o chief_a satisfaction_n in_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o the_o port_n of_o gain_n or_o honour_n or_o liberty_n we_o common_o find_v they_o make_v all_o the_o sail_n that_o ever_o they_o can_v to_o come_v speedy_o to_o it_o if_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n be_v to_o appear_v stout_o for_o this_o or_o that_o party_n or_o persuasion_n they_o will_v ready_o do_v it_o and_o serve_v the_o cause_n to_o the_o utmost_a if_o they_o happen_v to_o thrive_v by_o it_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a
eight_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n by_o nathanael_n whaley_n rector_n of_o broughton_n in_o northamptonshire_n london_n print_v for_o john_n everingham_n at_o the_o star_n in_o ludgate-street_n near_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1695._o imprimatur_fw-la carolus_n alstton_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n a_o sacris_fw-la april_n 30_o 1695._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o true_a end_n of_o print_v sermon_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n which_o must_v be_v at_o a_o low_a ebb_n while_o the_o witty_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v float_v in_o scepticism_n and_o the_o heavy_a sink_v into_o downright_a atheism_n and_o sensuality_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o good_a a_o end_n in_o itself_o that_o it_o certain_o need_v no_o excuse_n for_o i_o know_v not_o why_o any_o man_n may_v not_o venture_v upon_o do_v good_a without_o ask_v leave_n of_o the_o world_n or_o plead_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n or_o crave_v a_o protection_n for_o it_o all_o the_o discouragement_n lie_v in_o the_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o reach_v this_o excellent_a end_n especial_o in_o this_o singular_a and_o confident_a age_n in_o which_o he_o be_v no_o body_n almost_o that_o have_v not_o a_o opinion_n by_o himself_o and_o he_o be_v count_v a_o very_a easy_a man_n that_o will_v resign_v it_o to_o a_o strong_a judgement_n for_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o contradiction_n or_o two_o or_o convince_v of_o a_o few_o untoward_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o however_o this_o be_v i_o think_v it_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v wise_a and_o happy_a and_o while_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a sermon_n the_o two_o first_o of_o which_o be_v frame_v to_o show_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o stable_n and_o wellgrounded_n faith_n and_o mere_a confidence_n and_o opinion_n or_o between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n which_o carry_v he_o through_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o difficulty_n and_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi which_o do_v as_o strange_a thing_n in_o their_o kind_n for_o as_o abraham_n by_o faith_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o saul_n by_o the_o impulse_n of_o his_o opinion_n persecute_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o very_o think_v till_o our_o saviour_n call_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o be_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o christianity_n itself_o the_o design_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o sermon_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o trust_v to_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n these_o i_o fear_v be_v very_o grate_v and_o unpleasant_a subject_n but_o i_o the_o rather_o think_v they_o require_v the_o plain_a deal_n and_o must_v needs_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o latter_a that_o upon_o the_o review_n i_o can_v esteem_v it_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v wrest_v a_o text_n perhaps_o more_o frequent_o mis-applyed_n than_o any_o other_o in_o the_o gospel_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o be_v never_o fair_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o be_v apt_a as_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o some_o other_o to_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o five_o be_v deliver_v at_o a_o time_n when_o great_a endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o protestant_a faith_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n it_o have_v above_o the_o romish_a in_o point_n of_o certainty_n how_o much_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o to_o adorn_v it_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o example_n and_o the_o way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v describe_v and_o recommend_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n concern_v our_o improvement_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o be_v we_o once_o persuade_v to_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o may_v just_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v they_o more_o and_o perhaps_o much_o long_o than_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v think_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o suffer_v those_o that_o affront_v and_o despiteful_o use_v we_o to_o live_v out_o the_o short_a term_n of_o life_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v set_v they_o and_o make_v better_a use_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o which_o happy_a temper_n be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o two_o last_o sermon_n as_o to_o the_o composure_n of_o these_o few_o discourse_n the_o reader_n will_v find_v enough_o to_o exercise_v his_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n all_o i_o can_v hope_v for_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v serviceable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v publish_v &_o that_o the_o venture_n will_v be_v the_o more_o pardonable_a because_o my_o infirmity_n at_o present_a be_v such_o as_o hinder_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o my_o function_n god_n grant_v his_o blessing_n to_o all_o faithful_a endeavour_n to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n and_o promote_v peace_n and_o piety_n the_o content_n sermon_n i._n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n heb._n 11.17_o 18._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v sermon_n ii_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinform_v conscience_n or_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n act_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n sermon_n iii_o of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n matth._n 11.21.22_o wo_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o sermon_n iv_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n matth._n 20.9_o and_o when_o they_o come_v that_o be_v hire_v about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n they_o receive_v every_o man_n a_o penny_n sermon_n v._n the_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n hebr._n 12.13_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n sermon_n vi._n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n sermon_n vii_o of_o murder_n particular_o duel_v and_o self-murder_n matth._n 5.21_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v sermon_n viii_o of_o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o humane_a life_n james_n 4.14_o for_o what_o be_v your_o life_n it_o be_v even_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o sermon_n i._o concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n hebr._n 11.17_o 18._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v rerceive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n discourse_v in_o this_o chapter_n of_o two_o eminent_a point_n of_o knowledge_n the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v etc._n ver_fw-la 3.5_o etc._n etc._n such_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o this_o and_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o better_a world_n and_o this_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o lie_v in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o truth_n and_o promise_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o and_o according_o the_o holy_a man_n who_o faith_n be_v so_o much_o magnify_v in_o this_o chapter_n 13._o ver_fw-la 13._o
upon_o his_o son_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o way_n to_o moriah_n nature_n shall_v make_v a_o stand_n and_o his_o heart_n shall_v fail_v he_o to_o think_v what_o a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a errand_n he_o be_v go_v upon_o but_o we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o abraham_n deportment_n during_o the_o whole_a process_n of_o his_o trial_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o false_a step_n in_o three_o day_n journey_n to_o moriah_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o stagger_v at_o the_o strangeness_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v on_o without_o delay_n and_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o this_o great_a action_n proceed_v by_o even_o and_o constant_a step_n through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o tedious_a duty_n 22.9_o gen._n 22.9_o even_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o mountain_n which_o god_n tell_v he_o of_o have_v build_v a_o altar_n and_o lay_v the_o wood_n in_o order_n upon_o it_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o to_o say_v must_v i_o now_o burn_v the_o staff_n of_o my_o old-age_n and_o the_o dear_a pledge_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o i_o and_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o see_v he_o perfect_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n and_o surmount_v the_o discouragement_n which_o his_o way_n be_v obstruct_v with_o 2._o the_o power_n or_o principle_n by_o which_o this_o transcendent_a act_n of_o righteousness_n be_v wrought_v i._n e._n by_o which_o abraham_n prevail_v with_o himself_o and_o over_o all_o discouragement_n to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o his_o faith_n now_o faith_n we_o know_v be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o habitual_a belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o perfection_n truth_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o single_a act_n of_o this_o eminent_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v place_n of_o which_o the_o text_n be_v one_o in_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o use_v in_o both_o sense_n 1._o first_o then_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o noble_a action_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o constant_a and_o habitual_a persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o promise_n which_o abraham_n have_v attain_v unto_o he_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o believe_v god_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o concernment_n of_o all_o that_o he_o reveal_v to_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o conclude_v and_o settle_v upon_o this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o his_o piety_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n for_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o follow_v the_o clue_n of_o god_n providence_n whithersoever_o it_o lead_v he_o it_o direct_v his_o step_n when_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o undertake_v the_o hard_a trial_n and_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o god_n shall_v demand_v of_o he_o and_o according_o when_o god_n demand_v his_o son_n the_o dear_a thing_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o any_o case_n but_o he_o to_o slay_v a_o innocent_a youth_n though_o it_o be_v in_o common_a esteem_n a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n which_o a_o father_n name_n carry_v in_o it_o and_o no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o endearment_n of_o the_o conjugal_a relation_n nay_o though_o it_o have_v all_o the_o visible_a mark_n of_o unnatural_a rage_n and_o inhumanity_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o indelible_a blemish_n to_o religion_n though_o these_o consideration_n be_v no_o less_o obvious_a than_o weighty_a yet_o be_v abraham_n through_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n so_o naturalize_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o but_o i_o confess_v this_o do_v not_o full_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n employ_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o abraham_n shall_v offer_v up_o his_o son_n by_o faith_n while_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n concern_v his_o seed_n it_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n or_o reason_n that_o if_o isaac_n die_v without_o issue_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v bless_v after_o he_o so_o that_o abraham_n may_v be_v a_o strong_a believer_n and_o do_v great_a thing_n by_o his_o faith_n yet_o still_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o stagger_v while_o he_o shake_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n which_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n have_v rest_v upon_o as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o promise_a line_n and_o so_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o signify_v 2._o some_o special_a and_o eminent_a act_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o such_o we_o find_v in_o the_o present_a casu_fw-la namely_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o abraham_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o this_o the_o context_n express_o ascribe_v his_o success_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n 19.1_o v._o 19.1_o etc._n etc._n account_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n by_o bring_v isaac_n to_o life_n again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o suffer_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o die_v with_o he_o and_o now_o his_o way_n though_o hard_a be_v clear_a and_o open_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o interrupt_v his_o obedience_n but_o what_o his_o almighty_a faith_n can_v deal_v withal_o he_o have_v doubtless_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v a_o better_a interest_n in_o his_o son_n and_o all_o his_o other_o possession_n than_o any_o he_o can_v lay_v claim_n unto_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n he_o have_v for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n hush_v his_o natural_a affection_n and_o whereas_o god_n command_n seem_v to_o oppose_v his_o promise_n he_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n too_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o bring_v back_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o give_v he_o his_o first_o be_v when_o he_o spring_v from_o one_o as_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o chapter_n that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a that_o be_v himself_o that_o have_v outlive_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o give_v life_n to_o other_o we_o see_v then_o the_o eminency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n 12._o v._o 12._o and_o the_o support_v it_o give_v he_o all_o along_o in_o his_o trial_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o he_o keep_v his_o eye_n all_o the_o while_n upon_o god_n command_n and-winked_a at_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n that_o oppose_v his_o obedience_n to_o it_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o kill_v and_o to_o make_v alive_a to_o command_v what_o he_o please_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o short_a amid_o all_o the_o hard_a thing_n that_o bear_v upon_o abraham_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o appear_v so_o incredible_a to_o he_o as_o that_o god_n shall_v lie_v or_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suspend_v his_o obedience_n while_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n faithfulness_n to_o he_o and_o according_o he_o immediate_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o light_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n without_o any_o falter_a or_o regret_n through_o all_o the_o dark_a scene_n of_o that_o cloudy_a providence_n which_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o after_o a_o most_o express_a and_o emphatical_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n first_o then_o 1._o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n which_o certain_o it_o have_v never_o be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o command_n which_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n if_o abraham_n then_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n which_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n and_o that_o no_o other_o faith_n than_o this_o can_v justify_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v more_o than_o
great_a light_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o our_o foot_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o perfect_a fruition_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v we_o command_v only_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 12.57_o 1_o thes_n 5.21_o 1_o job_n 1.4_o luk._n 12.57_o and_o to_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o what_o be_v right_o that_o be_v we_o must_v use_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o compare_v matter_n in_o controversy_n with_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o scripture_n for_o some_o rule_n we_o must_v have_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v and_o judge_n by_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o any_o other_o rule_n but_o itself_o and_o that_o of_o modern_a and_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o opposite_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v security_n enough_o against_o any_o dangerous_a error_n consider_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o much_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n 5._o we_o find_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o course_n so_o far_o that_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n after_o a_o competent_a trial_n of_o it_o do_v right_o believe_v and_o understand_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o visible_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v for_o a_o ingenious_a reader_n to_o overlook_v they_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o he_o only_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v that_o he_o send_v his_o only_o beget_v to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o he_o die_v and_o rose_n again_o that_o as_o many_o as_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v save_v these_o and_o other_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o full_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n to_o certify_v for_o they_o a_o common_a understanding_n with_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n can_v reach_v the_o discovery_n i_o mean_v without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o roman_a telescope_n or_o stand_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o st._n peters_n pretend_a successor_n this_o we_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o we_o feel_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o we_o see_v the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o in_o ten_o thousand_o instance_n and_o do_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o our_o faith_n for_o be_v protestant_n i._n e._n immediate_o ground_v upon_o the_o evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o inviolable_a birth_n right_a to_o judge_v of_o plain_a truth_n when_o we_o see_v they_o and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n on_o our_o side_n and_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o put_v it_o to_o any_o man_n to_o judge_v for_o we_o whether_o or_o no_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o christ_n or_o a_o heaven_n that_o all_o necessary_a truth_n be_v plain_a be_v allow_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o those_o that_o make_v article_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o if_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a be_v plain_a then_o i_o hope_v a_o plain_a man_n may_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o without_o ask_v leave_n of_o any_o other_o man_n may_v believe_v they_o and_o so_o do_v he_o certain_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o then_o the_o church_n that_o declare_v he_o be_v not_o can_v be_v infallible_a unless_o a_o church_n can_v err_v and_o be_v infallible_a at_o the_o same_o instant_n 6._o it_o be_v far_o easy_a for_o man_n who_o implore_v the_o direction_n of_o god_n and_o use_v the_o help_n which_o he_o afford_v they_o to_o find_v their_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o infallible_a guide_n on_o earth_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v obscure_a as_o well_o as_o plain_a passage_n in_o scripture_n some_o place_n so_o very_o dark_a and_o intricate_a that_o they_o even_o pose_v the_o most_o skilful_a and_o judicious_a guide_n but_o than_o our_o happiness_n be_v that_o our_o way_n do_v not_o lie_v through_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v light_a enough_o in_o innumerable_a other_o place_n to_o direct_v our_o step_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o in_o a_o straight_a line_n to_o everlasting_a bliss_n and_o perfection_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o if_o we_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n beg_v of_o god_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o error_n all_o which_o we_o have_v great_a encouragement_n to_o do_v since_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n indeed_o offer_v to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a method_n of_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o guide_n that_o will_v infallible_o show_v we_o every_o step_n of_o our_o way_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o any_o tedious_a inquiry_n nor_o any_o long_o in_o danger_n of_o miss_v our_o aim_n in_o they_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o own_o fallible_a judgement_n and_o who_o will_v not_o glad_o embrace_v so_o free_a and_o kind_a a_o offer_n as_o this_o provide_v there_o be_v no_o trick_n or_o fallacy_n it_o it_o the_o trial_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v if_o the_o proposes_n of_o this_o way_n of_o certainty_n be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o a_o few_o reasonable_a case_n without_o which_o as_o great_a as_o the_o courtesy_n seem_v to_o be_v we_o cnnot_v prudent_o accept_v of_o their_o offer_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v free_o proffer_v i_o the_o indies_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v a_o very_a noble_a gift_n if_o he_o can_v make_v it_o good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v convince_v i_o that_o he_o can_v i_o will_v thankful_o accept_v it_o from_o he_o but_o before_o he_o can_v give_v i_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o i_o find_v there_o must_v be_v a_o few_o word_n exchange_v between_o we_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o please_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v the_o owner_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o treasure_n which_o be_v or_o late_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o many_o great_a and_o potent_a prince_n and_o which_o way_n he_o will_v put_v i_o into_o possession_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o can_v answer_v these_o query_n as_o i_o believe_v he_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v never_o convey_v the_o indies_n to_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o trouble_v my_o head_n more_o about_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v there_o such_o a_o church_n or_o person_n as_o they_o boast_v of_o at_o rome_n that_o can_v infallible_o solve_v all_o doubt_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n be_v rich_o worth_a both_o the_o indies_n together_o but_o before_o i_o accept_v of_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o guide_n i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o few_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o he_o as_o 1._o how_o i_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o guide_n or_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o i_o find_v there_o be_v a_o great_a controversy_n in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o till_o he_o have_v end_v all_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o great_a blessing_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n promise_v from_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o this_o age_n of_o controversy_n to_o inquire_v any_o far_a after_o he_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o may_v i_o or_o any_o other_o protestant_n determine_v this_o controversy_n by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o fallible_a judgement_n if_o we_o may_v than_o it_o seem_v a_o fallible_a judgement_n may_v do_v more_o sometime_o than_o a_o infallible_a judg._n however_o a_o fallible_a judgement_n be_v all_o the_o judgement_n that_o we_o have_v and_o if_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n which_o at_o rome_n go_v for_o a_o lead_a article_n of_o faith_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v certain_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o we_o may_v
holiness_n through_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o grace_n in_o good_a man_n no_o man_n ever_o deny_v and_o that_o the_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a degree_n be_v attain_v by_o a_o more_o frequent_a sincere_a and_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n all_o divine_n be_v agree_v the_o part_n therefore_o which_o every_o good_a man_n have_v in_o his_o spiritual_a growth_n be_v to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n for_o his_o grow_a better_a i.e._n more_o perfect_a in_o every_o grace_n and_o more_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o because_o some_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o diffusive_a influence_n upon_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n than_o other_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n chief_o consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o those_o radical_a grace_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v convey_v into_o all_o the_o branch_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o of_o these_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a root_n all_o other_o grace_n be_v feed_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o and_o enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o their_o proper_a fruit_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o love_v god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o noble_a and_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n be_v because_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v all_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a property_n in_o he_o and_o so_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o fear_v he_o be_v because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v powerful_a and_o just_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a and_o we_o therefore_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o these_o grace_n so_o have_v they_o a_o radical_a virtue_n of_o their_o own_o a_o power_n i_o mean_v of_o diffuse_v holiness_n into_o all_o part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christirn_n life_n hence_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n say_v s._n john_n that_o have_v the_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a to_o grow_v therefore_o in_o these_o grace_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o grow_v in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n consist_v 2._o in_o be_v more_o frequent_o and_o carnest_o employ_v in_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o worship_v god_n with_o more_o life_n zeal_n and_o constancy_n in_o do_v good_a with_o more_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o bear_v affliction_n with_o more_o evenness_n and_o patience_n in_o great_a industry_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o temporal_a calling_n in_o get_v a_o more_o absolute_a sway_n over_o our_o passion_n and_o reduce_v our_o affection_n to_o farthly_a thing_n to_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o moderate_a temper_n in_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n which_o have_v any_o apparent_a temptation_n in_o they_o in_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o insult_n of_o inordinate_a anger_n and_o the_o sudden_a start_n of_o any_o sinful_a inclination_n in_o prune_v off_o the_o undecency_n of_o our_o external_n behaviour_n in_o abate_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o use_v better_o care_n to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n herein_o lie_v our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o our_o endeavour_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n be_v strict_o necessary_a if_o we_o aim_v as_o we_o ought_v at_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o our_o great_a example_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o here_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n of_o it_o must_v give_v it_o the_o more_o lively_a and_o finish_v stroke_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o use_n especial_o of_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n at_o first_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n require_v as_o well_o of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o of_o those_o that_o remain_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n 1._o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o mean_n s._n peter_n seem_v to_o recommend_v in_o the_o context_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n imply_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o grow_v in_o other_o grace_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o parallel_n exhortation_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o word_n deliver_v without_o any_o deceit_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a food_n for_o the_o new_a creature_n for_o promote_a the_o growth_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o every_o way_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2.1_o 2_o tim._n 2.1_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o lively_a draught_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o they_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o god_n sacred_a will_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n from_o eternity_n here_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o kind_a invitation_n to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o saviour_n with_o the_o most_o admirable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v here_o unveil_v and_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v open_a to_o our_o view_n that_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n 3.18_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o frequent_a converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o observe_v the_o tenor_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o attain_v to_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o to_o a_o firm_a and_o rule_v judgement_n and_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o error_n and_o doubtfulness_n which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o impediment_n to_o our_o thrive_a in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v be_v always_o quick_a and_o urgent_a upon_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v feel_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o misery_n press_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o we_o shall_v thence_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o present_a answer_n to_o all_o temptation_n to_o gratify_v any_o sinful_a lust_n or_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n so_o that_o by_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o daily_a study_n and_o meditation_n we_o shall_v neither_o wander_v for_o want_v of_o light_n nor_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n through_o any_o mistrust_n of_o our_o way_n nor_o can_v we_o easy_o fail_v of_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o it_o be_v quicken_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o a_o present_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o encourage_v with_o a_o prospect_n of_o our_o reward_n 2._o regular_n and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o service_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o have_v our_o thought_n sequester_v from_o the_o world_n
but_o a_o solid_a and_o expereienced_a truth_n and_o how_o shall_v this_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n and_o enliven_v we_o in_o our_o spiritual_a course_n that_o the_o better_a speed_n we_o make_v the_o less_o weary_a we_o shall_v be_v with_o our_o journey_n and_o that_o have_v past_o the_o first_o stage_n of_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o loiter_v by_o the_o way_n we_o shall_v gather_v strength_n all_o along_o as_o we_o go_v and_o be_v less_o tire_v than_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o sit_v still_o the_o while_n every_o step_n will_v yield_v we_o a_o new_a refreshment_n as_o it_o bring_v we_o near_o the_o glorious_a end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o shorten_v the_o distance_n betwixt_o we_o and_o heaven_n 7._o last_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o better_a we_o grow_v the_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v to_o die_v and_o the_o ripe_a for_o eternity_n every_o degree_n of_o grace_n will_v help_v to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o last_o agony_n when_o of_o all_o the_o hour_n we_o have_v to_o live_v we_o will_v choose_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n easy_a and_o cheerful_a to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o our_o future_a state_n and_o to_o have_v nothing_o upon_o our_o spirit_n that_o may_v occasion_v any_o bitter_a reflection_n upon_o the_o live_v we_o have_v lead_v or_o any_o misgive_a thought_n of_o our_o approach_a eternity_n when_o our_o last_o and_o determine_a hour_n come_v we_o shall_v need_v all_o the_o succour_n which_o a_o strong_a faith_n a_o vigorous_a hope_n and_o a_o perefect_a patience_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n can_v afford_v we_o to_o vanquish_v the_o fear_n and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o pang_n and_o struggle_n of_o death_n to_o make_v our_o passage_n easy_a and_o our_o dissolution_n desirable_a we_o be_v general_o apt_a when_o we_o perceive_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o immortality_n to_o stand_v shiver_v at_o the_o amaze_a prospect_n of_o the_o boundless_a ocean_n before_o we_o be_v natural_o very_o loath_a to_o put_v off_o from_o this_o belove_a world_n and_o common_o very_o fearful_a of_o our_o land_n upon_o the_o next_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v perfect_o cure_v we_o of_o this_o fear_n but_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n after_o this_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n i._n e._n our_o improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v entrust_v we_o with_o such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o will_v charm_v our_o natural_a fear_n disarm_v death_n of_o its_o terror_n and_o make_v we_o even_o glad_a to_o die_v and_o desirous_a to_o see_v that_o happy_a world_n we_o have_v so_o long_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o expectation_n of_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o give_v up_o our_o account_n if_o we_o have_v be_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n but_o rejoice_v that_o our_o audit_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v be_v do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v a_o unexpressible_a comfort_n to_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o his_o sight_n 38.3_o isa_n 38.3_o and_o what_o great_a happiness_n can_v we_o imagine_v or_o choose_v for_o ourselves_o than_o to_o sail_v with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o full_a tide_n of_o joy_n into_o a_o bless_a eternity_n if_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n as_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n plain_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o best_a man_n in_o this_o world_n will_v certain_o be_v the_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o and_o since_o there_o be_v glory_n enough_o there_o to_o crown_v all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o improvement_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o aim_v at_o as_o great_a a_o share_n of_o it_o and_o to_o rise_v as_o high_a in_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v possible_o attain_v unto_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v bestow_v our_o time_n better_o than_o in_o lay_v up_o all_o the_o treasure_n that_o we_o can_v in_o heaven_n where_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v be_v safe_a and_o will_v be_v always_o in_o a_o thrive_a and_o grow_v state_n and_o where_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o after_o a_o few_o day_n improve_v into_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v these_o mighty_a reason_n to_o quicken_v our_o spiritual_a growth_n aspire_v every_o day_n to_o exceed_v ourselves_o and_o to_o mend_v our_o progress_n in_o religion_n they_o that_o be_v but_o in_o a_o infant-state_n of_o grace_n have_v many_o stage_n and_o degree_n to_o pass_v through_o before_o they_o can_v arrive_v at_o any_o great_a perfection_n and_o so_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v press_v on_o lest_o time_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v too_o hasty_a for_o they_o and_o not_o allow_v they_o space_n to_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o great_a strength_n and_o maturity_n as_o better_a fruit_n will_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o than_o other_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o real_a shame_n and_o prejudice_n to_o they_o to_o come_v behind_o themsleve_n and_o that_o their_o last_o work_n shall_v be_v worse_o than_o their_o first_o when_o all_o be_v say_v to_o satisfy_v man_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o spiritual_a state_n assure_o the_o most_o comfortable_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o growth_n and_o flourish_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherefore_o belove_v see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n vii_o of_o murder_v particular_o duel_v and_o self-murder_n matth._n 5.21_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v the_o precept_n in_o the_o text_n be_v no_o modern_a say_n no_o positive_a command_n of_o christ_n but_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o stand_a rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o be_v at_o first_o engrave_v in_o the_o deep_a character_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o creator_n the_o write_a law_n be_v only_o a_o transcript_n or_o copy_n of_o that_o original_a but_o even_o this_o as_o it_o be_v no_o less_o authentic_a be_v very_o ancient_a too_o you_o have_v hear_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o ancient_n or_o to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v most_o natural_o render_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v that_o be_v this_o precept_n be_v deliver_v to_o their_o father_n at_o mount_n sinai_n under_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o after_o age_n by_o his_o priest_n and_o prophet_n but_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o thorough_o understand_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o jew_n apprehend_v themselves_o clear_a of_o this_o commandment_n if_o they_o do_v not_o kill_v and_o murder_n one_o another_o to_o rectify_v this_o great_a mistake_n our_o saviour_n be_v about_o to_o give_v they_o a_o large_a and_o more_o perfect_a exposition_n of_o the_o law_n than_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o famous_a expositor_n of_o the_o age_n general_o do_v express_o tell_v they_o that_o causeless_a and_o reproachful_a anger_n be_v forbid_v under_o the_o great_a penalty_n of_o this_o commandment_n v._o 22._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whoseover_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o brother_n racha_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o counsel_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v thou_o fool_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell_n fire_n viz._n because_o this_o quarrelsome_a and_o provoke_a passion_n of_o anger_n be_v as_o aristotle_n observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ordinary_a principle_n and_o cause_n of_o murder_n and_o therefore_o very_o sinful_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n to_o insist_v upon_o our_o saviour_n improvement_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o law_n otherwise_o than_o the_o state_v of_o particular_a case_n may_v lead_v i_o to_o it_o
ourselves_o and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v as_o great_a obligation_n to_o the_o full_a to_o be_v tender_a of_o our_o own_o life_n as_o of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v murder_n to_o kill_v our_o neighbour_n it_o must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n to_o kill_v ourselves_o nay_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o exceed_v all_o the_o instance_n of_o inhumanity_n and_o vice_n and_o transcend_v the_o most_o cruel_a and_o cry_v sin_n for_o 1._o to_o kill_v ourselves_o be_v the_o most_o unnatural_a murder_n that_o can_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o deep_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n be_v plant_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n teach_v we_o to_o abhor_v the_o destruction_n of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v the_o best_a care_n we_o can_v to_o preserve_v our_o own_o life_n and_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o unnatural_a murder_n as_o the_o put_n of_o ourselves_o to_o death_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a union_n in_o the_o world_n so_o dear_a and_o intimate_v as_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n nor_o any_o that_o have_v great_a interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o and_o the_o future_a state_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o voice_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n than_o the_o wilful_a destruction_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v most_o near_o concern_v to_o preserve_v and_o enjoy_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v of_o any_o sin_n the_o most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_a condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o all_o other_o sin_n but_o this_o self-murder_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o that_o quick_a dispatch_n and_o that_o desperate_a nature_n that_o it_o leave_v a_o man_n no_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o other_o sin_n and_o may_v live_v to_o repent_v of_o they_o but_o he_o that_o murder_v himself_o be_v fure_z to_o die_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o in_o the_o reek_n and_o gild_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n without_o allow_v himself_o time_n to_o ask_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o purge_v his_o conscience_n from_o so_o deep_a and_o indelible_a a_o stain_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o we_o can_v not_o he_o that_o destroy_v his_o own_o life_n can_v be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-covenant_n because_o he_o die_v in_o a_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v repent_v of_o it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v have_v more_o mercy_n for_o sinner_n than_o he_o make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o which_o may_v be_v just_a enough_o to_o keep_v our_o hope_n alive_a at_o the_o death_n of_o such_o person_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o infinite_a presumption_n in_o expectation_n of_o unrevealed_a grace_n to_o venture_v upon_o a_o sin_n which_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o truth_n that_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v too_o little_a to_o secure_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o these_o be_v great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o self-murder_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o excuse_n which_o be_v make_v for_o it_o will_v prove_v no_o better_o since_o they_o all_o centre_n in_o a_o high_a discontent_n at_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n no_o man_n offer_v to_o make_v away_o himself_o that_o think_v himself_o well_o in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o submit_v to_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v he_o as_o come_v from_o the_o just_a and_o overrule_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o for_o man_n to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n in_o a_o pet_n and_o to_o grow_v so_o utter_o weary_a of_o they_o that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o live_v a_o few_o day_n long_a or_o wait_v for_o god_n permission_n to_o depart_v in_o peace_n be_v a_o very_a high_a reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o if_o he_o have_v thrust_v they_o into_o a_o world_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o live_v in_o as_o if_o hey_n know_v better_a when_o and_o how_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n than_o he_o do_v as_o if_o god_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o their_o suffering_n or_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o discharge_v themselves_o from_o his_o service_n when_o they_o please_v or_o have_v not_o provide_v a_o better_a world_n to_o requite_v they_o for_o it_o as_o if_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a recompense_n for_o their_o patience_n under_o the_o heavy_a affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n this_o be_v so_o false_a and_o insolent_a a_o charge_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o best-designed_n action_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o can_v excuse_v so_o bloody_a and_o unnatural_a a_o one_o as_o self-murder_n be_v i_o shall_v close_v all_o with_o a_o caution_n or_o two_o concern_v this_o desperate_a &_o unnatural_a sin_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o that_o have_v travel_v into_o foreign_a country_n that_o self-murder_n be_v far_o more_o common_a in_o this_o than_o in_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n about_o we_o 1._o first_o then_o let_v we_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v occasion_v many_o and_o some_o very_a serious_a person_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o fling_v away_o themselves_o into_o the_o dreadful_a abyss_n of_o eternity_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o i_o know_v of_o from_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v no_o goodwill_n to_o any_o particular_a man_n from_o eternity_n and_o much_o less_o to_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v bind_v over_o to_o destruction_n with_o the_o iron_n chain_n of_o a_o irrespective_a decree_n or_o that_o christ_n die_v to_o save_v but_o very_o few_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o methinks_v the_o effect_n which_o these_o and_o the_o like_a doctrine_n have_v have_v upon_o poor_a melancholy_a soul_n shall_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o recom_v they_o to_o any_o serious_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o narrow_a the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v or_o lay_v the_o damnation_n of_o man_n upon_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o wilful_a opposition_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o repentance_n 2._o it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o all_o the_o method_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o sin_n such_o as_o pierce_v our_o heart_n with_o worldly_a care_n poison_v our_o health_n and_o surfeit_v our_o body_n with_o excess_n and_o die_v the_o martyr_n of_o intemperance_n or_o lust_n how_o many_o owe_v their_o death_n to_o the_o revel_n of_o a_o night_n drink_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o drown_v themselves_o in_o river_n of_o wine_n game_n high_a and_o when_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o money_n or_o engage_v their_o estate_n or_o honour_n sell_v their_o life_n to_o redeem_v they_o these_o man_n do_v as_o certain_o kill_v themselves_o and_o very_o often_o as_o sudden_o too_o as_o he_o that_o strangle_v himself_o or_o sheath_n the_o fatal_a poniard_n in_o his_o sob_a and_z despairin_fw-mi breast_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o die_v as_o a_o fool_n dyes._n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o the_o life_n he_o have_v lead_v or_o of_o the_o everlasting_a state_n he_o be_v launch_v into_o that_o man_n that_o be_v not_o fond_a of_o destruction_n and_o in_o love_n wih_o misery_n will_v venture_v his_o life_n and_o soul_n upon_o such_o hazard_n as_o these_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n than_o this_o a_o prudent_a man_n will_v not_o be_v prodigal_a of_o it_o but_o to_o throw_v it_o away_o at_o one_o cast_v or_o to_o stake_v it_o against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o debauch_n when_o all_o eternity_n depend_v upon_o it_o be_v a_o astonish_a instance_n of_o the_o madness_n of_o folly_n oh_o that_o mean_v be_v wise_a 32.9_o deut._n 32.9_o that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n that_o in_o kindness_n to_o their_o soul_n which_o must_v live_v forever_o they_o will_v frequent_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n and_o not_o suffer_v their_o lust_n and_o