religion_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o we_o look_v on_o former_a time_n aâ—_n the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n which_o god_n wink_v at_o if_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o i_o shall_v think_v the_o time_n happy_a and_o bless_v the_o day_n we_o live_v into_o for_o as_o many_o sour_a and_o sad_a accident_n as_o they_o be_v mix_v withal_o indeed_o if_o the_o variety_n of_o book_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o discourse_n upon_o religion_n if_o the_o multitude_n of_o dispute_n about_o point_n of_o truth_n and_o frequency_n of_o sermon_n may_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o this_o pretention_n â—e_n shall_v not_o want_v store_n enough_o of_o knowledge_n and_o light_n but_o i_o fear_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v try_v the_o truth_n oâ—_n this_o assertion_n that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o measure_v either_o the_o truth_n or_o degree_n of_o our_o knowledge_n but_o for_o all_o that_o we_o may_v be_v lie_v bury_v in_o egyptian-darkness_n and_o while_o such_o a_o light_n seem_v to_o shine_v about_o we_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v a_o dungeon_n of_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o unbelief_n and_o our_o way_n and_o walk_v full_a of_o stumblingâ—_n in_o the_o darkness_n i_o be_o lead_v to_o entertain_v these_o sad_a thought_n oâ—_n the_o present_a timeâ—_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o give_v we_o the_o designation_n of_o â—_o true_a christian_n to_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o character_n oâ—_n his_o knowledge_n to_o be_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n if_o according_a to_o this_o level_n we_o take_v the_o estimat_fw-la of_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o knowledge_n â—nd_v light_n i_o be_o afraid_a lest_o there_o be_v find_v as_o much_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o daâ—kness_n as_o we_o do_v foolish_a fancy_n that_o we_o have_v of_o light_n however_o to_o find_v 〈◊〉_d will_v be_v some_o break_n up_o of_o light_n in_o our_o heart_n anâ—_n to_o discover_v how_o little_o we_o know_v indeed_o upon_o a_o 〈◊〉_d account_n will_v be_v the_o fiâ—st_a morning_n star_n oâ—_n that_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n which_o will_v shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o thâ—_n perfect_a day_n therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o bring_v ouâ—_n light_n to_o the_o lâ—mp_n of_o this_o word_n and_o our_o knowledge_n to_o this_o testimony_n of_o unquestionable_a authority_n thaâ—â—aving_v recourse_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n wâ—_n may_v find_v if_o there_o be_v light_n in_o we_o or_o so_o much_o light_n as_o man_n think_v they_o see_v if_o we_o can_v but_o open_a ouâ—_n eye_n to_o the_o shine_a light_n of_o this_o scripture_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v that_o which_o â—ew_a do_v see_v that_o be_v that_o much_o of_o the_o pretend_a light_n of_o this_o age_n be_v darkness_n and_o ignorance_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o error_n only_o that_o come_v â—orth_o in_o the_o garment_n oâ—_n new_a light_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o vulgar_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v â—ar_o adulterate_v from_o the_o true_a metal_n &_o stamp_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n by_o the_o intermixture_n of_o the_o gross_a darkness_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o conversation_n as_o that_o other_o be_v from_o the_o naked_a truth_n and_o therefore_o both_o of_o they_o be_v find_v light_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o sergeant_n by_o this_o touchstone_n of_o obedience_n to_o make_v out_o this_o examination_n the_o better_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v these_o three_o thing_n unto_o you_o which_o comprehend_v the_o word_n 1._o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a designation_n of_o a_o christian_a hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n 2._o that_o the_o proper_a character_n of_o true_a knowledge_n be_v obedience_n or_o conscionable_a practise_v of_o what_o we_o know_v and_o then_o last_o that_o the_o only_a estimat_fw-la or_o trial_n of_o our_o estate_n before_o god_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o appearance_n of_o his_o work_n in_o uâ—_n and_o not_o by_o immediate_a thrust_v ourselves_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n hide_a decree_n hereby_o we_o know_v etc._n etc._n here_o then_o in_o a_o narrow_a circle_v we_o have_v â—ll_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o a_o christian_a his_o direct_a â—nd_n principal_a duty_n be_v to_o know_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o command_n which_o be_v not_o two_o distinct_a duty_n as_o they_o come_v in_o a_o religious_a consideration_n but_o make_v up_o one_o complete_a woâ—k_n of_o christianity_n which_o consist_v in_o conformity_n to_o god_n then_o the_o reflex_n and_o secondary_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o make_v much_o for_o hiâ—_n comfort_n be_v to_o know_v that_o he_o know_v god_n to_o know_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o command_n iâ—_n a_o thing_n of_o indispensible_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v oâ—_n a_o christiâ—n_n to_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o comâ—ort_n and_o well-being_n oâ—_n a_o christian_a without_o the_o first_o a_o man_n be_v as_o miserablâ—â—s_v he_o can_v be_v without_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o misery_n because_o hâ—_n want_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o happiness_n without_o the_o second_o a_o christian_n be_v unhappy_a indeed_o for_o the_o present_a though_o he_o may_v not_o be_v call_v miserable_a because_o he_o be_v more_o happy_a than_o he_o know_v of_o and_o only_o unhappy_a because_o he_o know_v not_o his_o happiness_n for_o the_o first_o then_o knowledge_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o naturâ—l_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o the_o desire_n of_o it_o be_v restless_a and_o unsatiable_a there_o be_v some_o appetite_n of_o it_o in_o all_o man_n though_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n because_o of_o immersednesse_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o thâ—_n predominancy_n of_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o affection_n which_o hinder_v most_o man_n soul_n to_o wait_v upon_o thâ—_n more_o noble_a inquiry_n alter_v knowledge_n in_o which_o onâ—_n a_o man_n real_o differ_v from_o a_o beast_n there_o be_v little_a 〈◊〉_d no_o stir_v that_o way_n yet_o some_o fine_a spirit_n theâ—â—â—e_v that_o be_v unquiet_a this_o way_n and_o with_o solomoâ—_n give_v themselves_o and_o apply_v their_o heart_n to_o seaâ—câ—_n out_o wisdom_n but_o this_o be_v the_o cuâ—se_n of_o man_n curioâ—â—â—ty_n at_o first_o in_o seek_v after_o unnecessary_a knowledge_n when_o he_o be_v happy_a enough_o already_o and_o know_v a_o much_o of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n as_o may_v have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d most_o satisfy_a entertainment_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o say_v for_o that_o wretched_a aim_n we_o be_v to_o this_o day_n depriuâ—ed_v of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o man_n once_o have_v whicâ—_n be_v the_o ornament_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o repast_n oâ—_n his_o soul_n as_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v subdue_v under_o â—_o curse_o for_o sin_n so_o especial_o this_o which_o man_n have_v iâ—_n lose_v in_o seek_v that_o which_o he_o need_v not_o and_o the_o tract_n of_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o be_v so_o undiscernible_a and_o the_o way_n of_o it_o be_v like_o a_o bird_n in_o the_o air_n or_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n leave_v we_o few_o help_n to_o find_v it_o out_o that_o most_o part_n of_o man_n lose_v themselves_o in_o seek_v to_o find_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o inquiry_n and_o search_n of_o man_n after_o the_o knowledge_n even_o of_o natural_a thing_n that_o come_v under_o our_o view_n there_o be_v at_o length_n nothing_o find_v out_o remarkable_a but_o the_o increase_n of_o sorrow_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o ignorance_n as_o solomon_n say_v eâ—cles_n 1.18_o this_o be_v all_o the_o jewel_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o sea_n when_o man_n diuâ—_n deep_a into_o it_o for_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n can_v reach_v no_o more_o though_o his_o bucket_n be_v as_o long_o as_o any_o mansâ—_n chap._n 7.23_o i_o say_v i_o will_v he_o wise_a bâ—t_v it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o that_o which_o be_v far_o off_o and_o exceed_v deep_a who_o can_v find_v it_o out_o knowledge_n have_v take_v a_o far_a journey_n from_o man_n nature_n and_o have_v not_o lest_o any_o print_n behind_o it_o to_o find_v it_o out_o again_o but_o as_o it_o weâ—e_v have_v fly_v away_o in_o a_o instant_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v ask_v with_o job_n 28._o ver_fw-la 1.12_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o vein_n for_o the_o silver_n etc._n etc._n but_o where_o shall_v wisdom_n be_v find_v and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n what_o utopian_a isle_n have_v she_o transport_v unto_o that_o mortal_a man_n the_o
put_v a_o note_n and_o character_n of_o infamy_n and_o deformity_n upon_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o deceit_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o contrary_a to_o religion_n as_o a_o false_a appearance_n a_o show_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o religion_n be_v a_o most_o entire_a and_o equable_v thing_n like_v at_o 〈◊〉_d harmonious_a in_o all_o the_o paâ—ts_n of_o it_o the_o same_o wittlin_n and_o without_o in_o expression_n and_o action_n all_o corâ—respondent_a together_o now_o to_o 〈◊〉_d this_o hâ—â—mâ—â—ny_n and_o to_o make_v it_o up_o of_o unequal_a dissimile_n paâ—ts_n and_o to_o make_v our_o paâ—t_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o 〈◊〉_d other_o the_o couâ—se_n of_o a_o mâ—ns_n liâ—e_z in_o ignoâ—ancâ—_n negligence_n and_o sin_n proclaim_v contrary_a to_o â—hâ—_n profession_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v to_o make_v reliâ—gion_n a_o monstruous_a thing_n to_o deny_v the_o nature_n oâ—_n it_o and_o in_o our_o imagination_n to_o contrive_v a_o imâ—possible_a union_n of_o inconsistent_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o creaâ—ture_n make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n which_o can_v hauâ—_n no_o subsistence_n in_o the_o truth_n but_o only_o in_o the_o fanâ—cies_n of_o delude_a soul_n one_o profess_v christianity_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n fellowship_n with_o the_o original_a light_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousnesâ—â—_n and_o yet_o daâ—knesse_n of_o ignorance_n possess_v the_o mind_n and_o the_o heart_n caâ—â—ied_v away_o in_o thâ—_n way_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o ignorance_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o darkness_n this_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o christianity_n one_o so_o far_o misshapen_v that_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n and_o visage_n of_o it_o do_v not_o remain_v but_o i_o tell_v you_o reason_n confirm_v this_o for_o what_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o very_a natural_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o reasonable_a be_v then_o that_o the_o outward_a man_n shall_v be_v the_o image_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v answer_v one_o another_o aâ—_n fâ—ce_n answer_v face_n in_o the_o water_n that_o the_o tongue_n shall_v be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o tongue_n here_o be_v that_o beautiful_a proportion_n and_o that_o please_a harmonâ—_n when_o all_o these_o though_o different_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o conjoin_v together_o and_o make_v up_o one_o sweet_a concord_n now_o tru_o if_o we_o tâ—ke_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o our_o ordinary_a and_o habitual_a speech_n be_v carnal_a and_o earthly_a never_o salt_v with_o grace_n often_o poison_v with_o blasphemy_n oath_n and_o cursing_n and_o often_o defile_v with_o filthy_a speech_n and_o often_o intermingle_v with_o reproache_n of_o otheâ—s_n if_o our_o conversation_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o these_o lust_n that_o hurâ—y_v away_o multitude_n oâ—_n mankind_n to_o perdition_n and_o look_v to_o the_o heart_n within_o and_o behold_v never_o any_o labour_n about_o the_o purify_n of_o it_o from_o corruption_n never_o any_o mortification_n of_o evil_a affection_n and_o little_a or_o no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n not_o so_o much_o as_o may_v let_v christ_n in_o to_o the_o soul_n this_o i_o say_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a and_o abâ—â—â—d_a as_o it_o be_v irreligious_a it_o whole_o pervert_v that_o beautiful_a order_n make_v a_o irreconciliable_a discord_n between_o all_o the_o part_n in_o man_n that_o neither_o mind_n nor_o mouth_n nor_o hand_n answer_v one_o another_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o answer_v that_o holy_a call_v a_o man_n pretend_v to_o such_o a_o one_o pretend_v ordinary_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o god_n but_o now_o the_o tongue_n can_v interpret_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v exanctorate_v out_o of_o that_o natural_a office_n for_o the_o ordinary_a current_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o pretend_a goodness_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n send_v forth_o good_a thing_n but_o all_o these_o be_v either_o evil_a or_o never_o season_v with_o that_o spiritual_a goodness_n then_o the_o way_n and_o action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n which_o ought_v to_o interpret_v and_o expound_v his_o profession_n these_o be_v render_v altogether_o incapable_a of_o that_o they_o give_v no_o confirmation_n to_o they_o but_o rather_o â—_o manife_a contradiction_n for_o what_o arâ—_n your_o multiply_a oath_n drunkenness_n fornication_n rail_n contention_n lying_n sabbath-profanationâ—_a your_o woeful_a neglect_n of_o prayer_n in_o secret_a and_o in_o your_o family_n your_o continue_v in_o these_o evils_n that_o ever_o you_o walk_v into_o what_o be_v they_o i_o say_v but_o a_o manifest_a violation_n of_o both_o religion_n and_o reason_n and_o a_o clear_a confirmation_n that_o you_o be_v liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o you_o there_o be_v something_o even_o in_o nature_n to_o declare_v the_o absurdity_n and_o unnaturalness_n of_o this_o general_a discordance_n between_o man_n profession_n and_o practice_n look_v upon_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o do_v they_o not_o all_o with_o one_o voice_n proclaim_v sincerity_n have_v not_o every_o beast_n and_o every_o bird_n it_o be_v own_o outward_a shape_n outward_a gesture_n and_o voice_n and_o external_a work_n which_o declare_v the_o inward_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o staple-known_a rule_n in_o nature_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v know_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o a_o lion_n by_o his_o roar_n â—_o lark_n by_o its_o sing_n a_o horse_n by_o his_o neigh_a and_o â—n_a ox_n by_o his_o low_v etc._n etc._n all_o these_o speak_v forth_o nothing_o but_o sincerity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o these_o mark_n â—nd_v sign_n shall_v be_v confound_v â—nd_a beast_n use_v they_o indifferent_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n shall_v sudden_o fall_v to_o nothing_o this_o will_v put_v such_o a_o confusion_n both_o in_o thâ—_n woâ—ld_a and_o mankind_n o_o how_o do_v this_o condemn_v thâ—sâ—_n who_o pretend_v to_o thiâ—_n high_a call_v of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o discern_v they_o by_o nothing_o appear_v in_o they_o and_o ordinary_o proceed_v from_o they_o which_o may_v give_v a_o signification_n of_o the_o inward_a truth_n of_o their_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o rather_o that_o which_o give_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o pretention_n therâ—â—eâ—e_v no_o consent_n in_o nature_n if_o thaâ—_n be_v 〈◊〉_d neither_o be_v there_o any_o harmonious_a agreement_n in_o religion_n where_o thiâ—_n proportion_n and_o correspondence_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o a_o mâ—nâ—_n life_n the_o very_a heathen_n do_v not_o account_v they_o philosopher_n but_o those_o that_o express_v their_o doctrine_n in_o woâ—kâ—_n 〈◊〉_d well_o as_o word_n and_o true_o the_o lively_a image_n of_o truth_n be_v in_o practice_n they_o commend_v they_o that_o be_v spaâ—ing_v in_o word_n and_o abundant_a in_o deed_n who_o have_v short_a speech_n but_o long_o and_o large_a discourse_n in_o their_o life_n and_o what_o iâ—_n this_o but_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n every_o where_o from_o his_o own_o example_n inculcate_v upon_o we_o these_o wordâ—_n be_v emphatic_a to_o do_v the_o truth_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n to_o do_v his_o word_n to_o believe_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o such_o like_a all_o which_o declare_v that_o in_o so_o far_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o light_n as_o it_o be_v impress_v in_o the_o affection_n and_o express_v again_o in_o the_o conversation_n for_o the_o infinite_a truth_n and_o the_o infinite_a life_n be_v one_o and_o the_o original_a light_n and_o primitive_a life_n and_o love_n be_v onâ—_n too_o and_o whoever_o true_o receiveâ—_n the_o truth_n and_o light_n as_o it_o be_v can_v but_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o live_a truth_n and_o life-giving_a light_n and_o so_o be_v heat_v and_o warm_v inward_o by_o his_o beam_n which_o will_v certain_o cauâ—e_v some_o stir_v and_o work_v without_o for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o nature_n heat_n be_v always_o work_v so_o be_v the_o fiâ—e_n of_o love_n kindle_v in_o the_o heart_n incessant_a that_o way_n fâ—ith_v work_v by_o love_n foâ—_n action_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o life_n that_o which_o both_o show_v it_o and_o preserve_v it_o now_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o caâ—â—y_v these_o thing_n home_o to_o your_o heart_n where_o shall_v convince_a word_n be_v have_v which_o may_v break_v the_o hardness_n of_o your_o heart_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o you_o be_v in_o such_o a_o deep_a dream_n of_o delusion_n that_o nothing_o can_v awake_v you_o out_o of_o it_o and_o how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o you_o have_v to_o please_v yourselves_o into_o some_o external_a privilege_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o your_o ordinary_a bear_v the_o word_n and_o
god_n to_o manifest_v so_o much_o of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o glory_n in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o a_o impostor_n or_o deceiver_n therefore_o though_o no_o moâ—e_n can_v be_v at_o first_o extorted_a fâ—om_n a_o enemy_n of_o châ—ist_n doctrine_n but_o that_o such_o mighty_a work_n do_v show_v forth_o themselves_o which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n anâ—_n extraordinary_a help_n of_o god_n yet_o even_o â—rom_o that_o conâ—eâ—â—ion_n it_o may_v be_v strong_o conclude_v that_o see_v there_o be_v no_o other_o end_n imaginable_a of_o suâ—h_n extraordinary_a assistance_n but_o the_o confirmation_n of_o hiâ—_n new_a doctrine_n and_o that_o of_o hiâ—_n divine_a nature_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o it_o it_o must_v needâ—_n inâ—oâ—ce_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o help_v by_o god_n as_o mâ—ses_n but_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n by_o his_o own_o power_n by_o this_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o after_o so_o many_o prophecy_n of_o he_o and_o expectation_n from_o the_o beginning_n we_o see_v but_o a_o man_n in_o outward_a appearance_n despisable_v and_o without_o comeliness_n and_o form_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o â—ouls_n and_o six_o they_o upon_o he_o we_o behold_v as_o through_o some_o small_a crainy_n majesty_n shine_v in_o his_o misery_n power_n discover_v itself_o in_o his_o weakness_n even_o that_o power_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o man_n too_o he_o be_v bear_v indeed_o yet_o of_o a_o virgin_n he_o be_v weak_a and_o infirm_a himself_o yet_o he_o heal_v all_o other_o infirmity_n even_o by_o his_o word_n he_o be_v often_o a_o hunger_a yet_o he_o can_v feed_v five_o thousand_o at_o one_o time_n and_o seven_o thousand_o at_o another_o upon_o that_o which_o will_v not_o have_v serve_v his_o disciple_n or_o but_o serve_v they_o he_o be_v weary_v with_o travel_n yet_o he_o give_v rest_n to_o weary_a soul_n at_o length_n himself_o die_v and_o that_o a_o ignominious_a death_n notwithstanding_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a by_o his_o word_n and_o at_o length_n he_o raise_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o power_n all_o this_o be_v include_v in_o this_o we_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v we_o see_v he_o glorious_o transfigure_v on_o the_o mount_n where_o his_o countenance_n do_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n and_o his_o raiment_n be_v white_a as_o light_v and_o two_o the_o great_a person_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n come_v out_o of_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v to_o yield_v up_o the_o administration_n of_o shadow_n to_o his_o substance_n and_o we_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o many_o thousand_o and_o hear_v a_o testimony_n give_v he_o from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n hear_v he_o and_o then_o when_o he_o waâ—_n bâ—â—ied_v and_o our_o hope_n with_o he_o we_o see_v he_o â—isen_v again_o and_o our_o hope_n do_v â—ise_v with_o he_o and_o then_o â—ome_v of_o â—s_n handle_v his_o siâ—eâ—_n to_o get_v â—ull_a persuasion_n and_o all_o of_o we_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o forty_o day_n and_o to_o make_v a_o period_n at_o length_n we_o see_v he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o aâ—_n a_o châ—â—iot_n to_o take_v he_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n thuâ—_n thâ—_n wâ—rd_n be_v make_v flâ—sh_a and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o we_o â—aâ—e_v see_v his_o gloâ—y_n as_o â—f_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n but_o beside_o that_o which_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n carry_v engrave_v in_o it_o of_o divinity_n there_o be_v one_o miracle_n which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o transcend_v all_o that_o ever_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v one_o continue_a wonder_n since_o his_o resurrection_n even_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o that_o crucify_a saviour_n to_o conquer_v the_o world_n by_o such_o unsuitable_a yea_o contraâ—y_o meanâ—_n and_o instrument_n heathenish_a religion_n be_v spread_v indeed_o universal_o through_o the_o woâ—ld_n but_o that_o be_v not_o one_o religion_n but_o one_o name_n for_o as_o many_o nation_n as_o many_o fancy_a god_n and_o in_o one_o nation_n many_o and_o true_a it_o be_v that_o mâ—humetâ—nism_n have_v spread_v itself_o far_o but_o by_o what_o meanâ—_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o empire_n but_o here_o be_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o all_o the_o receive_v custom_n and_o imbred_a opinion_n of_o man_n without_o any_o such_o mean_n prevail_v throughout_o the_o world_n cyrus_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o conquer_v neighbour_a nation_n give_v out_o a_o proclamation_n if_o any_o will_v follow_v i_o if_o he_o be_v a_o footman_n i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o horseman_n if_o he_o have_v a_o village_n i_o will_v give_v he_o a_o city_n if_o a_o city_n i_o will_v bestow_v on_o he_o a_o country_n etc._n etc._n now_o mark_v how_o contrary_a the_o proceed_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v go_v and_o preach_v say_v he_o repent_v you_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n here_o be_v his_o proclamation_n repent_v you_o and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o take_v up_o his_o â—ross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o deny_v himself_o wâ—at_o disproportion_v meanâ—_n and_o yet_o how_o infinite_o great_a success_n cyrus_n can_v not_o gain_v the_o lacedaemonian_n to_o his_o side_n for_o all_o that_o but_o christ_n though_o poor_a despise_a and_o contemptible_a while_o alive_a and_o at_o length_n think_v to_o be_v quite_o vanquish_v by_o the_o most_o shameful_a death_n when_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n to_o the_o view_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o world_n he_o draw_v all_o man_n after_o he_o he_o by_o a_o few_o fisherman_n not_o commander_n nor_o orator_n persuade_v the_o world_n and_o within_o a_o few_o year_n that_o crucify_a lord_n be_v adore_v further_a and_o wide_a than_o any_o empire_n do_v ever_o stretch_v itself_o all_o the_o power_n majesty_n and_o success_n of_o alexander_n can_v neuâ—r_o persuade_v the_o nation_n no_o not_o his_o own_o follower_n to_o adore_v he_o as_o god_n but_o hâ—re_v one_o nail_v to_o the_o cross_n crown_v with_o thorn_n reject_v of_o all_o man_n and_o within_o a_o little_a space_n adore_v worship_v suffer_v for_o throughout_o the_o nation_n yea_o king_n and_o emperor_n cast_v down_o theiâ—_n crownâ—_n at_o his_o foot_n many_o thousand_o count_v it_o their_o honour_n to_o die_v upon_o that_o account_n and_o do_v not_o the_o trophy_n of_o these_o apostolic_a victory_n remain_v to_o this_o dâ—y_n in_o every_o coâ—ner_n of_o the_o woâ—ld_n after_o so_o many_o hunâ—â—ed_a yeaâ—â—_n in_o so_o many_o different_a aâ—d_v so_o far_o distâ—nt_a â—_z thâ—t_o sâ—me_o nâ—me_o pâ—eâ—ched_v â—nd_v all_o kâ—eeâ—_n boâ—inâ—_n to_o it_o these_o thing_n consider_v how_o much_o do_v and_o by_o meanâ—_n woâ—â—e_v then_o nothing_o it_o transcend_v all_o the_o miracle_n thâ—t_v ever_o the_o world_n wonder_v at_o nâ—w_o my_o belove_a these_o thing_n i_o mâ—ntiâ—n_o â—or_a this_o end_n that_o you_o may_v be_v persuade_v upon_o sure_a groundâ—_n that_o he_o who_o be_v preach_v unto_o you_o be_v god_n able_a to_o save_v you_o and_o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o ground_n you_o may_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o give_v that_o cordial_a assent_n to_o these_o everlasting_a truth_n anâ—_n that_o welcome_a entertainment_n to_o â—im_v in_o your_o heart_n that_o becomeâ—_n i_o think_v certain_o there_o iâ—_n veâ—y_v little_o even_a oâ—_n this_o solid_a assent_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o goâ—pel_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o mâ—â—t_v pâ—â—t_v because_o they_o tâ—kâ—_n thing_n or_o nameâ—â—athâ—r_n implicit_o and_o never_o serious_o consider_v what_o thâ—â—_n believe_v and_o 〈…〉_z ground_n but_o 〈…〉_z a_o more_o pleasant_a or_o profitable_a meditation_n thâ—n_o this_o if_o we_o will_v enter_v in_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v receive_v o_o how_o will_v such_o evidence_n open_v the_o heart_n to_o â—n_v entire_a and_o full_a closure_n with_o they_o and_o embracement_n of_o they_o sermon_n v·_n 1_o joh._n 1.3_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o alsâ—_n may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o you_o may_v desire_v to_o hear_v and_o it_o may_v be_v be_v usual_o speak_v of_o in_o public_a which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n â—_z be_v more_o carry_v after_o but_o tru_o i_o shall_v wrong_v myself_o and_o you_o both_o if_o i_o shall_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o discourse_v in_o these_o thing_n which_o it_o may_v be_v some_o desire_n for_o direction_n or_o information_n concern_v the_o time_n for_o i_o can_v neither_o speak_v of_o they_o with_o â—o_o much_o certainty_n of_o persuasion_n as_o be_v needful_a nor_o can_v i_o think_v
thou_o justify_v thyself_o which_o be_v a_o abomination_n before_o he_o nor_o yet_o will_v it_o total_o extinguish_v and_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o thy_o conscience_n but_o that_o some_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v spoil_v of_o all_o that_o sels-confidence_n and_o self-defence_n and_o find_v thy_o selâ—_n so_o much_o the_o more_o displease_v to_o god_n that_o thou_o do_v please_v thyself_o and_o undertake_v to_o pacify_v he_o therefore_o my_o belove_a let_v i_o above_o all_o thing_n recommend_v this_o unto_o you_o as_o the_o prime_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n must_v be_v build_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v apply_v unto_o your_o conscience_n by_o believe_v and_o that_o first_o of_o all_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o your_o enmity_n with_o god_n and_o infinite_a distance_n from_o he_o you_o apply_v your_o heart_n unto_o this_o blood_n which_o be_v the_o atonement_n to_o the_o reconcile_a sacrifice_n which_o alone_o have_v virtue_n and_o power_n with_o god_n do_v not_o imagine_v that_o any_o peace_n can_v be_v without_o this_o will_v you_o walk_v with_o god_n which_o be_v a_o â—â—dgâ—_n of_o agreement_n â—_o will_v you_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n which_o iâ—â—â—â—uit_n of_o reconciliation_n will_v you_o have_v pardon_n oâ—_n sin_n and_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o it_o whiâ—h_n be_v the_o great_a effect_n of_o â—avour_n and_o all_o this_o without_o and_o before_o application_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o peace_n in_o who_o the_o father_n only_o be_v well_o please_v will_v you_o seek_v these_o and_o yet_o dispute_v this_o point_n of_o believe_v as_o if_o it_o weâ—e_v possible_a to_o attain_v these_o without_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o that_o blood_n on_o the_o heaâ—t_n which_o indeed_o cleanse_v it_o fâ—om_o a_o evil_a accuse_a conscience_n if_o you_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n why_o weaâ—y_v you_o yourselves_o in_o byways_a why_o take_v you_o such_o a_o compâ—sse_a oâ—_n endless_a and_o fruitless_a agitation_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o come_v straight_o way_n at_o it_o by_o the_o door_n of_o jesuâ—_n christ_n â—oâ—_n he_o be_v the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n into_o which_o you_o must_v enter_v if_o you_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o the_o wound_n of_o his_o side_n out_o of_o which_o this_o blood_n gush_v these_o open_a you_o a_o way_n of_o access_n to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v pierce_v for_o we_o that_o stream_n of_o blood_n iâ—_n you_o come_v to_o it_o and_o follow_v it_o all_o along_o it_o will_v certain_o carry_v you_o to_o the_o sea_n of_o light_n and_o love_n where_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o o_o how_o much_o comfort_n be_v in_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o stream_n run_v all_o the_o way_n of_o our_o walk_n with_o god_n all_o the_o way_n of_o our_o fellowship_n that_o fountain_n of_o christ_n blood_n run_v not_o dâ—y_o but_o â—â—ns_v along_o with_o the_o believer_n for_o the_o cleanse_n of_o his_o after_o pollution_n of_o â—is_n defilement_n even_o in_o the_o very_a light_n itself_o this_o then_o as_o it_o be_v the_o fiâ—st_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o perpetual_a assurance_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o that_o which_o first_o give_v boldness_n and_o that_o alone_a which_o still_o câ—ntâ—nueâ—_n boldness_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o fiâ—st_a ground_n and_o the_o constant_a warrant_n and_o security_n of_o it_o without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v as_o soon_o dissolve_v as_o make_v if_o that_o blood_n do_v not_o run_v along_o all_o this_o way_n to_o wâ—sh_v all_o his_o step_n if_o the_o way_n of_o light_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v not_o water_v and_o reâ—â—eshed_v with_o the_o continual_a current_n of_o this_o blood_n certain_o none_o can_v walk_v in_o it_o without_o be_v consume_v therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o riches_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n have_v provide_v this_o bloâ—d_n for_o uâ—_n both_o to_o cleanse_v the_o sinâ—_n of_o ignorance_n before_o â—elieving_v and_o the_o sinâ—_n oâ—_n light_n after_o believe_v tâ—at_v a_o poor_a sinner_n may_v constant_o go_v on_o his_o wâ—â—_n and_o not_o be_v break_v off_o â—rom_o god_n by_o his_o infirmity_n and_o eâ—capes_n in_o the_o way_n you_o â—ee_n then_o the_o gospel_n â—uns_v in_o these_o two_o golden_a streamâ—_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o purity_n of_o walk_v they_o run_v undivide_o all_o along_o in_o one_o channel_n yet_o without_o confusion_n one_o with_o another_o as_o it_o be_v report_v of_o some_o great_a river_n that_o run_v together_o between_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o yet_o retain_v distinct_a colour's_n and_o nature_n all_o the_o way_n till_o they_o part_v but_o these_o stream_n that_o glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n never_o part_v one_o from_o another_o the_o cleanse_a blood_n anâ—_n the_o purify_n light_n 〈◊〉_d aâ—e_a 〈◊〉_d entire_a aâ—d_n perfect_a â—um_n of_o the_o gospel_n purification_n â—rom_o sin_n the_o guilt_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o purity_n of_o â—alking_v in_o the_o light_n flow_v from_o that_o make_v up_o the_o â—ull_a complexion_n oâ—_n chrâ—â—â—ianity_n wâ—ich_a be_v â—o_o near_o conjoin_v together_o that_o iâ—_n they_o be_v divide_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v and_o can_v any_o of_o they_o subsist_v save_v in_o man_n delude_a imagination_n the_o end_n oâ—â—â—shing_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n iâ—_n that_o we_o may_v coâ—e_n to_o this_o light_n and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o it_o for_o the_o darkness_n of_o hell_n the_o utter_a daâ—kness_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n which_o overspread_v the_o unbelieving_a soul_n and_o eclipse_n all_o the_o light_a oâ—_n god_n countenance_n from_o he_o that_o daâ—k_v and_o thick_a cloud_n of_o guiltiness_n that_o heap_n of_o unrenewed_a conversation_n this_o i_o say_v must_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n be_v admit_v to_o enjoy_v that_o light_n and_o walk_v into_o it_o and_o it_o be_v remove_v chief_o for_o this_o end_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o impediment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o fellowship_n this_o blood_n cleanse_v that_o you_o be_v cleanse_v may_v henceforth_o walk_v in_o purity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o purity_n like_o that_o of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o command_n and_o so_o you_o be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n and_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o defile_v not_o your_o garment_n again_o but_o if_o so_o be_v and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v our_o weakness_n that_o you_o defile_v yourselves_o again_o like_o soolish_a child_n who_o after_o they_o have_v wash_v run_v to_o the_o puddle_n again_o forget_v that_o thâ—y_n be_v cleanse_v if_o either_o youâ—_n daily_a infirmity_n troâ—ble_a or_o some_o grosser_n pollution_n defile_v and_o waste_v youâ—_n conscience_n know_v thâ—t_o this_o blood_n â—uns_v all_o along_o in_o the_o same_o channel_n of_o your_o obligation_n to_o holy_a walk_n and_o it_o be_v as_o sufficient_a now_o as_o ever_o to_o cleanse_v you_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o sin_n of_o daily_a incursion_n and_o sin_n of_o a_o grosser_n nature_n there_o be_v no_o exception_n in_o that_o blood_n let_v there_o be_v none_o in_o your_o application_n to_o iâ—_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o give_v boldness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o sin_n or_o continue_v in_o sin_n because_o of_o the_o lengthen_v use_v and_o continue_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v such_o a_o result_n fâ—om_n it_o and_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o declareâ—_n himself_o to_o have_v no_o portion_n in_o it_o never_o to_o have_v be_v wâ—shed_v by_o it_o for_o what_o soul_n can_v in_o sobriety_n look_v upon_o that_o blood_n shed_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o worlâ—_n and_o find_v a_o embolden_v to_o sin_n from_o that_o view_n who_o can_v wash_v and_o cleaâ—â—e_v here_o and_o present_o think_v of_o defilement_n but_o with_o indignation_n i_o speâ—k_v these_o thing_n the_o rather_o because_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a misapprehension_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o christian_n and_o on_o both_o hand_n much_o darkness_n â—nd_v stumble_v be_v occasion_v we_o have_v poor_a narrow_a spirit_n and_o do_v not_o take_v entire_a truth_n in_o its_o full_a comprehension_n and_o so_o we_o be_v as_o unfit_a and_o unequal_a discerner_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o receiver_n of_o it_o as_o he_o that_o will_v judge_v of_o a_o sentence_n by_o one_o word_n of_o a_o book_n by_o one_o page_n of_o a_o harmony_n by_o one_o note_n and_o of_o the_o world_n by_o
self-destroying_a deceit_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o not_o past_a over_o that_o line_n that_o pass_v between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o thâ—y_o be_v study_v to_o find_v out_o only_o that_o they_o may_v pass_v so_o far_o over_o it_o as_o may_v keep_v their_o soul_n and_o hell_n asunder_o without_o earnest_a desire_n of_o advancement_n towards_o heaven_n in_o conformity_n to_o god_n now_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o profess_a christian_n though_o there_o be_v none_o have_v that_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n often_o and_o more_o ready_o in_o their_o mouth_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrat_fw-la that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o self-deceit_a in_o they_o which_o declare_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o you_o know_v both_o god_n and_o man_n construct_v of_o man_n by_o their_o wâ—yes_n not_o by_o their_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n may_v interpret_v your_o heart_n by_o their_o disposition_n and_o raise_v a_o collection_n 〈◊〉_d atheism_n out_o of_o all_o together_o â—he_n fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n even_o so_o say_v i_o many_o pretended_a christian_n say_v in_o their_o heart_n we_o have_v no_o sin_n how_o prove_v you_o that_o i_o seek_v nothing_o else_o to_o prove_v it_o than_o your_o own_o ordinary_a clearing_n and_o excusing_n of_o yourselves_o you_o confess_v you_o be_v sinner_n and_o break_v all_o the_o command_n yet_o come_v to_o particular_n and_o i_o know_v not_o one_o of_o twenty_o that_o will_v cordial_o or_o serious_o take_v with_o almost_o any_o sin_n yea_o what_o you_o have_v grant_v in_o a_o general_n you_o retract_v and_o deny_v it_o in_o all_o the_o particular_n which_o declare_v both_o that_o even_o that_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o know_v you_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o that_o you_o aâ—e_v overblinded_n with_o a_o fond_a love_n of_o yourselves_o i_o know_v not_o â—o_o what_o purpose_v your_o general_a acknowledgement_n be_v but_o to_o â—e_v a_o mask_n or_o shadow_n to_o deceive_v you_o to_o be_v a_o blind_a to_o hide_v you_o from_o yourselves_o since_o the_o most_o part_n of_o you_o whensoever_o challenge_v of_o any_o particular_a sin_n or_o inclination_n to_o it_o justify_v yourselves_o and_o when_o ever_o you_o arâ—_n put_v to_o a_o particular_a confession_n of_o your_o sin_n you_o have_v all_o wrap_v up_o in_o such_o a_o bundle_n of_o confusion_n that_o you_o never_o know_v one_o sin_n by_o another_o certain_o you_o deceive_v yourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o you_o let_v i_o add_v moreover_o another_o instance_n do_v you_o not_o so_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o sin_n so_o secure_o so_o impenitent_o as_o if_o you_o have_v no_o sin_n no_o fear_n of_o god_n wrath_n do_v not_o the_o most_o part_n content_o and_o peaceable_o live_v in_o so_o much_o ignorance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o sin_n for_o if_o you_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o indeed_o consider_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v sink_v of_o iniquity_n and_o impurity_n will_v you_o not_o think_v iâ—_n necessary_a to_o apply_v to_o thâ—_n physician_n and_o will_v you_o not_o then_o labour_v to_o know_v the_o physician_n &_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o report_n of_o he_o certain_o in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o take_v no_o pain_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o saviour_n you_o declare_v that_o you_o know_v not_o your_o sin_n â—or_a if_o you_o know_v the_o one_o you_o can_v not_o but_o search_v to_o know_v the_o other_o what_o iâ—_n the_o voice_n of_o most_o man_n late-walking_a do_v it_o not_o proclaim_v this_o that_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v sin_n in_o you_o be_v there_o not_o a_o curse_n upon_o you_o and_o wrath_n before_o you_o and_o if_o you_o do_v real_o see_v the_o one_o will_v you_o not_o see_v the_o other_o and_o do_v you_o sâ—e_v it_o will_v it_o not_o drive_v you_o to_o more_o serious_a thought_n will_v it_o not_o aâ—right_v you_o will_v it_o not_o cause_v you_o often_o to_o retire_v in_o to_o yourselves_o and_o from_o the_o world_n and_o above_o all_o how_o precious_a will_v the_o tiding_n of_o a_o saviour_n be_v that_o now_o be_v common_a and_o contemptible_a will_v you_o not_o every_o day_n wash_v in_o that_o blood_n will_v the_o current_n of_o repentance_n dry_a but_o forasmuch_o as_o you_o be_v not_o exercise_v this_o way_n give_v no_o thought_n nor_o time_n for_o reconcilement_n with_o god_n walk_v without_o any_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o without_o any_o earnest_n and_o serious_a study_n of_o change_v your_o wayeâ—_n and_o purify_n your_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n though_o you_o confess_v sin_n in_o the_o general_n yet_o your_o whole_a carriage_n of_o heart_n and_o way_n declare_v so_o much_o that_o you_o think_v it_o not_o â—_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v fear_v or_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v busy_v himself_o about_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v live_v in_o it_o and_o be_v well_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o deny_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o deceive_v your_o own_o soul_n sermon_n xvii·_n 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o 〈◊〉_d faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n the_o current_n of_o sin_n dry_v not_o up_o but_o runâ—_n constant_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o life_n it_o iâ—_n true_a it_o be_v much_o diminish_v in_o a_o believer_n and_o it_o run_v not_o in_o such_o a_o universal_a flood_n over_o the_o whole_a man_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o unbeliever_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o live_a spring_n of_o sin_n within_o the_o godly_a which_o be_v never_o cease_v to_o drop_v out_o pollution_n and_o defilement_n either_o upon_o their_o whole_a person_n or_o at_o least_o to_o intermingle_v it_o with_o their_o good_a action_n now_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n for_o this_o but_o this_o one_o that_o there_o be_v another_o stream_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o never_o dry_v up_o be_v never_o exhau_v never_o empty_v but_o flow_v as_o full_a and_o as_o free_a â—s_a clear_a and_o fâ—esh_a as_o ever_o it_o do_v and_o this_o be_v so_o great_a and_o of_o so_o great_a virtue_n that_o it_o be_v â—ble_n to_o swallow_v up_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o pollution_n and_o to_o tâ—ke_v away_o the_o daily_a filth_n of_o a_o believer_n conversation_n now_o indeed_o though_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v of_o such_o infinite_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o cleanse_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o will_v be_v a_o over-ransome_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o â—ll_a man_n there_o iâ—_n so_o much_o worth_n in_o it_o that_o flood_n of_o guiltiness_n that_o have_v drown_v the_o world_n this_o flood_n of_o christ_n blood_n that_o gush_v out_o of_o his_o side_n be_v of_o sufficient_a virtue_n to_o cleanse_v it_o perfect_o away_o not_o withstand_v of_o this_o absolute_a universal_a sufficiency_n yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o iâ—_n be_v not_o actual_o apply_v unto_o the_o cleanse_n of_o all_o man_n sinâ—_n but_o yet_o the_o moâ—â—_n part_n of_o man_n be_v still_o drown_v in_o the_o deluge_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o lie_v entomb_v in_o darkness_n therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o application_n of_o this_o blood_n to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o sinner_n and_o this_o way_n be_v set_v down_o in_o thiâ—_n verse_n if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v just_a to_o forgive_v there_o be_v something_o hinâ—ed_v at_o obscure_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n for_o when_o he_o show_v that_o such_o as_o say_v they_o have_v no_o sin_n who_o either_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o heart_n or_o carriage_n of_o their_o way_n do_v by_o interpretation_n say_v they_o want_v sin_n such_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o benefit_n oâ—_n that_o blood_n that_o cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o it_o be_v import_v here_o that_o though_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v full_o sufficient_a to_o cleanse_v all_o sin_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o prostitute_v and_o base_o spend_v upon_o sinner_n as_o to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o do_v not_o know_v their_o sin_n and_o never_o enter_v into_o any_o serious_a &_o impartial_a examination_n of_o themselves_o such_o though_o they_o say_v they_o be_v sinner_n yet_o never_o descend_v into_o themselves_o to_o search_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o wayeâ—_n and_o so_o never_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o feel_v of_o they_o they_o can_v at_o all_o make_v application_n of_o that_o blood_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n either_o serious_o
continue_v in_o rebellion_n pardon_v and_o forgive_v and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o contrary_a to_o câ—mmon_a sense_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v in_o godâ—_n favour_n and_o yet_o not_o accept_v that_o favour_n to_o be_v a_o friend_n and_o yet_o a_o enemy_n to_o have_v sin_n forgive_v and_o yet_o not_o know_v nor_o confess_v these_o i_o say_v â—ound_v some_o plain_a dissonancy_n and_o discord_n to_o our_o very_a fiâ—st_a apprehension_n certain_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o declare_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o hide_v and_o cover_v of_o sin_n even_o to_o discover_v sin_n to_o the_o sinner_n else_o if_o god_n shall_v hide_v sin_n and_o it_o be_v hide_v withal_o from_o the_o conscience_n both_o thy_o sin_n â—nd_n god_n grace_n shall_v be_v hide_v and_o cover_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o will_v appear_v take_v it_o thus_o then_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o for_o this_o end_n to_o have_v any_o causal_a influence_n upon_o thy_o â—emission_n or_o to_o procure_v any_o more_o favour_n and_o like_n with_o god_n but_o it_o be_v simple_o this_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o most_o accommodat_fw-la way_n of_o the_o profession_n and_o publication_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o forgive_n of_o sin_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o set_v down_o as_o condition_n prerequired_n on_o thy_o part_n that_o may_v procure_v salvation_n oâ—_n forgiveness_n but_o they_o be_v inseparable_o annex_v unto_o salvation_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v manifest_v to_o our_o sensible_a conviction_n that_o grace_n and_o freedom_n of_o grace_n which_o shine_v in_o forgiveness_n and_o salvation_n he_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a etc._n etc._n herein_o be_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o infinite_a punishment_n for_o sin_n and_o bind_v guilty_a before_o his_o justice_n that_o the_o most_o great_a and_o potent_a lord_n who_o can_v easy_o rid_v himself_o of_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o do_v all_o his_o pleasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v come_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o man_n to_o forgive_v he_o his_o sin_n a_o strange_a exchange_n man_n be_v stand_v bind_v by_o the_o cord_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n over_o to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n he_o be_v under_o that_o insoluble_a tie_n of_o guiltiness_n god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v free_a and_o loose_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n that_o be_v his_o promise_n of_o give_v life_n to_o man_n we_o have_v loose_v he_o from_o that_o voluntary_a engagement_n and_o be_v bind_v under_o a_o curse_n and_o yet_o behold_v the_o permutation_n of_o grace_n man_n be_v loose_v from_o sin_n to_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v and_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o forgive_v sin_n to_o which_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v he_o enter_v in_o a_o new_a and_o voluntary_a engagement_n by_o his_o promise_n and_o giveâ—_n right_a to_o poor_a creature_n to_o sue_v and_o seek_v forgiveness_n of_o he_o according_a to_o his_o faithfulness_n yet_o in_o this_o plea_n as_o it_o become_v we_o to_o uâ—e_v confidence_n because_o he_o give_v we_o ground_n by_o his_o promise_n so_o we_o shall_v â—eason_v it_o with_o humility_n know_v how_o infinite_o fâ—ee_v and_o voluntary_a his_o condescension_n be_v be_v always_o mindful_a that_o he_o may_v in_o righteousness_n exact_a punishment_n of_o we_o for_o sin_n â—ather_o than_o we_o seek_v forgiveness_n from_o he_o and_o yet_o seek_v it_o we_o ought_v because_o he_o have_v engage_v his_o faithful_a promise_n which_o opportunity_n to_o neglect_v and_o not_o to_o improve_v either_o through_o fear_n or_o security_n be_v as_o high_a contempt_n and_o disobedience_n to_o he_o as_o these_o sin_n by_o which_o we_o offend_v he_o certain_o the_o very_a nâ—me_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o or_o know_v by_o nature_n light_n those_o general_a character_n of_o his_o name_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n power_n and_o greatness_n may_v suffice_v to_o so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v we_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o our_o own_o guiltiness_n and_o provocation_n of_o his_o holiness_n to_o look_v no_o other_o way_n then_o to_o his_o own_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a nature_n suppose_v we_o have_v nothing_o of_o a_o promise_n from_o he_o by_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v yet_o as_o the_o very_a apprehension_n of_o the_o general_a goodness_n and_o unlimited_a bounty_n and_o original_a happiness_n that_o be_v in_o god_n ought_v natural_o to_o draw_v the_o creature_n towards_o he_o in_o all_o its_o want_n to_o supplicat_fw-la his_o fullness_n that_o can_v supply_v all_o necessity_n without_o lessen_v his_o own_o abundance_n eâ—en_o â—o_o if_o we_o do_v only_o apprehend_v that_o god_n iâ—_n the_o fountain_n of_o mercy_n and_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o above_o we_o and_o ouâ—_n injury_n and_o that_o all_o our_o be_v and_o well-being_n eternal_o consist_v in_o his_o sole_a favour_n this_o i_o say_v alone_o consider_v may_v draw_v we_o to_o a_o pour_v out_o our_o heaâ—â—s_n before_o he_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o guiltiness_n and_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o his_o mercy_n as_o the_o term_n be_v use_v in_o war_n when_o there_o be_v no_o quarteâ—_n promise_v and_o no_o capitulation_n make_v it_o be_v the_o last_o refuge_n of_o a_o desperate_a sinner_n to_o render_v unto_o god_n upon_o mercy_n to_o resign_v himself_o to_o his_o free_a disposal_n since_o i_o can_v but_o perish_v may_n a_o soul_n say_v without_o he_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o escape_v from_o his_o wrath_n i_o will_v rather_o venture_v and_o go_v in_o to_o the_o king_n and_o if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v there_o be_v more_o hope_n in_o this_o way_n to_o come_v to_o he_o then_o to_o fly_v from_o he_o perhaps_o he_o may_v show_v a_o act_n of_o absolute_a sovereign_a goodness_n and_o be_v as_o glorious_a in_o pass_v by_o a_o offence_n as_o just_a in_o punish_v it_o do_v i_o not_o see_v in_o man_n in_o who_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v imprint_v some_o character_n of_o conscience_n and_o honesty_n that_o it_o be_v more_o generous_a and_o noble_a to_o forgive_v then_o to_o revenge_v and_o do_v i_o not_o see_v general_o among_o man_n clemency_n and_o compassion_n be_v commend_v above_o severity_n and_o â—igour_n though_o just_a especial_o towards_o these_o who_o be_v inferior_a weak_a unable_a to_o resist_v and_o have_v yield_v themselves_o to_o mercy_n now_o shall_v i_o not_o much_o more_o apprehend_v that_o of_o god_n which_o i_o admire_v in_o a_o sinful_a man_n shall_v not_o that_o be_v most_o perfect_a in_o he_o which_o be_v but_o a_o maim_a and_o break_a piece_n of_o his_o image_n in_o lose_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v the_o gloâ—y_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o offence_n as_o well_o as_o to_o publish_v it_o and_o he_o can_v show_v as_o much_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n in_o mercy_n as_o in_o justice_n therefore_o i_o will_v whole_o commit_v myself_o to_o he_o i_o think_v a_o man_n ought_v to_o reason_n so_o from_o the_o very_a natural_a knowledge_n he_o have_v oâ—_n god_n but_o when_o you_o hauâ—_n not_o only_o his_o name_n and_o nature_n publish_v but_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n so_o often_o proclaim_v himself_o come_v under_o some_o â—ye_z to_o receive_v and_o accept_v gracious_o all_o sinner_n that_o fly_v in_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n of_o mercy_n then_o o_o with_o how_o much_o persuasion_n and_o boldness_n shall_v we_o come_v to_o he_o and_o lay_v open_a our_o sin_n before_o he_o who_o not_o only_o mâ—y_a pardon_n they_o and_o not_o only_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v it_o see_v he_o have_v a_o gracious_a nature_n but_o certain_o will_v pardon_v they_o can_v but_o do_v it_o because_o his_o faithfulness_n require_v it_o certain_o he_o have_v superad_v his_o word_n to_o his_o name_n his_o promise_n to_o his_o nature_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o give_v we_o ample_a ground_n of_o strong_a consolation_n there_o be_v another_o more_o suitable_a notion_n about_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o forgive_a sin_n it_o have_v some_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v import_v here_o i_o dare_v not_o certain_o affirm_v some_o take_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o price_n and_o ransom_n pay_v by_o christ_n import_v as_o much_o as_o thiâ—_n what_o ever_o sinner_n come_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n confess_v their_o own_o guiltiness_n in_o sincerity_n and_o supplicate_v for_o pardon_n he_o can_v in_o justice_n refuse_v to_o give_v it_o out_o unto_o they_o since_o he_o have_v take_v complete_a satisfaction_n of_o christ._n when_o a_o sinner_n seek_v a_o discharge_n of_o all_o sin_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n the_o lord_n be_v bind_v by_o his_o own_o â—ustice_n to_o give_v
take_v thiâ—_n along_v with_o uâ—_n let_v the_o impression_n of_o this_o description_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n abide_v on_o our_o heart_n god_n be_v light_n and_o if_o we_o often_o rumino_fw-la and_o ponder_v on_o this_o i_o think_v iâ—_n will_v make_v we_o often_o to_o â—eflâ—ct_v upon_o ourselves_o how_o we_o be_v darkness_n and_o this_o will_v breâ—d_v some_o carefulness_n and_o deâ—ire_n in_o the_o soul_n how_o to_o have_v this_o daâ—kness_n remove_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o soul_n capable_a of_o divine_a illustration_n this_o be_v it_o that_o advance_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o nâ—â—â—est_a conformity_n with_o god_n the_o look_v often_o upon_o god_n till_o our_o soul_n be_v enlighten_v and_o our_o heart_n purify_v and_o this_o â—gâ—in_n put_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o near_a capacity_n for_o tâ—â—t_a bless_a communion_n with_o god_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n mat._n 5.8_o tâ—uly_n it_o iâ—_n not_o profoundness_n of_o engine_n it_o be_v not_o acuteness_n and_o sharpness_n of_o wit_n it_o be_v not_o pregnancy_n in_o understanding_n or_o eminency_n in_o part_n that_o will_v dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o this_o bless_a vision_n of_o god_n and_o fâ—ame_v it_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o fellowship_n with_o he_o no_o there_o needâ—_n no_o extraordinary_a partâ—_n for_o this_o nothing_o but_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v purify_v from_o corruption_n those_o inward_a earthly_a quality_n that_o be_v like_o so_o many_o vicious_a and_o gross_a â—_z fill_v the_o organ_n of_o the_o sight_n these_o pride_n conceit_n self-love_n passion_n anger_n maliâ—e_v â—nvy_n sâ—â—ife_n covetousness_n love_v of_o pleasure_n ambition_n these_o i_o say_v that_o possess_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a natural_a spirit_n cast_v a_o mist_n upon_o â—â—â—ir_a eye_n and_o 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o see_v gâ—d_v or_o enjoy_v that_o delight_n in_o â—â—m_fw-la that_o â—ome_v poor_a weak_a and_o ignorant_a â—_z whoâ—e_v heart_n the_o loâ—d_n have_v puâ—gâ—d_v â—â—om_a sin_n do_v find_v in_o god_n therefore_o iâ—_n any_o oâ—â—ou_fw-mi haâ—e_v a_o aim_n at_o this_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n know_v both_o â—or_a your_o diâ—ection_n and_o youâ—_n encouragement_n that_o god_n be_v l_o ght_n for_o your_o diâ—ection_n because_o that_o must_v be_v your_o pattern_n and_o if_o you_o have_v no_o study_n that_o way_n to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o holin_a sse_n you_o shall_v not_o see_v he_o but_o take_v it_o likewise_o for_o a_o encouragement_n for_o that_o stile_n carrieâ—_n not_o only_o the_o necessity_n of_o what_o he_o must_v be_v but_o it_o hold_v out_o likewise_o the_o fountain_n and_o store-house_n of_o all_o our_o qualification_n for_o god_n be_v light_n the_o original_n primitive_a light_n all_o must_v borrow_v of_o he_o and_o that_o light_n be_v free_o and_o impartial_o communicable_a to_o poor_a sinner_n with_o thou_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o sâ—e_v light_n let_v a_o soul_n that_o appâ—ehends_v its_o own_o daâ—knesse_n and_o distance_n from_o he_o thus_o encourage_v itself_o my_o light_n be_v but_o a_o beam_n derive_v fâ—om_o his_o light_n and_o there_o be_v no_o want_n in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n if_o i_o shut_v â—ot_n up_o my_o heaâ—t_n through_o unwillingness_n and_o unbelief_n if_o i_o desiâ—e_v not_o to_o keep_v my_o sinâ—_n but_o will_v be_v puâ—ged_v from_o they_o than_o that_o glorious_a light_n may_v shinâ—_n without_o stop_n and_o impediment_n in_o to_o my_o heaâ—t_n he_o be_v not_o only_a light_n in_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o he_o be_v a_o light_n to_o we_o and_o if_o he_o please_v to_o remove_v that_o which_o be_v interpose_v between_o he_o and_o we_o it_o shall_v be_v daylight_n in_o our_o heart_n again_o thus_o a_o â—oul_n may_v strengthen_v itself_o to_o wâ—it_v on_o he_o and_o by_o look_v thus_o up_o to_o he_o and_o fix_v on_o he_o we_o shall_v be_v enlighten_v and_o our_o face_n not_o be_v ashamed_a sermon_n xii·_n 1_o joh._n 1.6_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o man_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o easy_o deceive_v as_o in_o thiâ—_n high_a concernment_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o the_o eternal_a interest_n of_o their_o â—ouls_n lie_v there_o be_v no_o delusion_n either_o so_o gross_a or_o so_o universal_a in_o any_o other_o thing_n as_o in_o this_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v nothing_o this_o have_v overspread_v the_o world_n to_o speak_v only_o of_o that_o part_n which_o pretend_v to_o châ—istianity_n a_o strong_a pertinacious_a â—nd_v blind_a â—ancy_n of_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v interest_n in_o salvation_n i_o call_v it_o a_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a â—ancy_n for_o true_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n be_v the_o strong_a foundation_n of_o such_o conceit_n papist_n call_v it_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o a_o man_n groundless_a devotion_n towards_o himself_o that_o be_v of_o delusion_n this_o together_o with_o self-love_n which_o always_o hood-winkâ—_a the_o mind_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v â—_o serious_a impartial_a examination_n of_o a_o man_n self_n these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o â—ottom_n of_o this_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o possess_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n now_o what_o it_o want_v of_o knowledge_n it_o have_v of_o wilfulness_n it_o be_v a_o conceit_n altogether_o void_a of_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v so_o wilful_a and_o pertinacious_a that_o it_o be_v almost_o utter_o inconvincible_a and_o so_o it_o put_v soul_n in_o the_o most_o desperate_a forlorn_a estate_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o make_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes._n 5.6_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d child_n of_o imperswasion_n it_o be_v render_v common_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v join_v together_o they_o be_v child_n of_o disobedience_n carry_v the_o manifest_a characteâ—â—_n of_o wrath_n upon_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v withal_o child_n of_o imperswasion_n uncapable_a of_o any_o persuasion_n contrary_a to_o these_o delude_a insinuation_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n though_o they_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n to_o be_v son_n of_o disobedience_n live_v in_o rebellion_n against_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o persuade_v they_o of_o it_o they_o be_v as_o far_o from_o conviction_n of_o what_o they_o be_v as_o reformation_n to_o what_o they_o shall_v be_v notwithstanding_o if_o man_n will_v but_o give_v â—n_o impartial_a and_o attentive_a ear_n to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v here_o i_o suppose_v the_o very_a frame_n of_o his_o argument_n be_v so_o convince_a that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o leave_v some_o impression_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v convince_v a_o child_n of_o imperswasion_n the_o term_n here_o propound_v â—re_n fit_a god_n be_v light_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n hence_o it_o follow_v by_o inavoidable_a consequence_n as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n those_o that_o delude_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n the_o generality_n pretend_v to_o christianity_n in_o general_n and_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o salvation_n but_o if_o we_o descend_v into_o the_o chief_a part_n and_o member_n of_o christianity_n as_o holiness_n fellowship_n with_o god_n walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o like_a these_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v 〈◊〉_d and_o withal_o think_v they_o have_v a_o dispensation_n from_o such_o strictness_n and_o make_v it_o a_o sufficient_a plea_n thaâ—_n they_o be_v not_o such_o because_o they_o never_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o other_o again_o though_o few_o can_v pretend_v even_o to_o these_o high_a point_n of_o christianity_n as_o communion_n with_o god_n walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o they_o be_v more_o consonant_n to_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v there_o may_v be_v a_o practical_a liâ—_n in_o it_o too_o if_o we_o consider_v and_o compare_v their_o practice_n with_o their_o profession_n i_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n by_o way_n of_o preparation_n to_o you_o who_o be_v of_o the_o first_o sort_n that_o be_v the_o very_a multitude_n of_o profess_v christian_n because_o you_o do_v not_o profess_v so_o much_o as_o other_o and_o do_v not_o give_v out_o yourselves_o for_o the_o student_n of_o holiness_n you_o think_v yourselves_o exempt_v from_o the_o stroke_n of_o all_o this_o soul-piercing_a doctrine_n you_o think_v ready_o it_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o apply_v this_o to_o you_o of_o walk_v contrary_n to_o profession_n and_o so_o commit_v this_o gross_a lie_n in_o not_o do_v the_o truth_n if_o any_o say_v i_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o
will_v say_v that_o â—_o say_v you_o who_o will_v speak_v such_o a_o high_a word_n of_o himself_o as_o this_o therefore_o since_o you_o do_v not_o presume_v so_o high_a you_o think_v you_o have_v escape_v the_o censure_n that_o follow_v but_o i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v what_o your_o profession_n import_v and_o what_o you_o engage_v yourselves_o to_o even_o by_o the_o general_a profession_n of_o christianity_n i_o know_v you_o will_v all_o say_v you_o be_v christian_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v now_o do_v you_o understand_v what_o be_v include_v in_o that_o if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o real_o say_v that_o he_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o say_v he_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.9_o declâ—res_n unto_o you_o if_o any_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o that_o be_v he_o be_v no_o christian_a for_o what_o be_v it_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n form_v again_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o therefore_o in_o as_o far_o as_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o professor_n of_o holiness_n and_o think_v you_o have_v a_o dispensation_n from_o such_o a_o walk_n in_o god_n and_o after_o christ_n you_o fall_v under_o a_o twofold_a contradiction_n and_o commit_v a_o twofold_a lie_n first_o between_o your_o profession_n and_o practice_n then_o in_o your_o profession_n itself_o your_o practice_n be_v direct_o cross_v to_o the_o very_a general_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o your_o profession_n you_o affirm_v you_o be_v christian_n and_o yet_o refuse_v the_o profession_n of_o holiness_n you_o say_v you_o hope_v for_o heaven_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o godliness_n and_o walk_v spiritual_o nay_o these_o you_o disjoin_v in_o your_o profession_n which_o aâ—e_v real_o one_o without_o which_o the_o name_n of_o châ—istianity_n be_v a_o empty_a vain_a and_o ridiculous_a appellation_n there_o must_v be_v then_o a_o great_a daâ—knesse_n of_o misapprehension_n in_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o take_v on_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o will_v not_o know_v what_o it_o import_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o profess_v that_o which_o destroy_v and_o anull_v your_o former_a profession_n now_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o gâ—osser_a lie_n a_o flatter_a contradiction_n than_o it_o need_v much_o inquiry_n into_o to_o find_v it_o out_o it_o be_v so_o palpable_a that_o i_o wonder_v that_o these_o very_a common_a and_o receive_v principle_n of_o truth_n do_v not_o â—â—se_v up_o within_o to_o testify_v against_o it_o for_o if_o you_o do_v not_o own_o the_o profession_n of_o holiness_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n what_o advantage_n have_v you_o then_o of_o christianity_n tell_v i_o what_o will_v it_o seâ—ve_v you_o for_o can_v it_o save_v you_o can_v a_o bare_a empty_a contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v title_n save_o you_o and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o save_v you_o it_o will_v make_v your_o condemnation_n the_o great_a let_v this_o then_o fiâ—st_v be_v settle_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o the_o most_o general_a profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v a_o inviolable_a bond_n and_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o all_o that_o be_v import_v in_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o a_o christian_n nature_n walk_v and_o society_n whether_o we_o take_v it_o so_o or_o not_o thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n infold_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o import_v these_o it_o be_v not_o true_a to_o its_o own_o signification_n nor_o conform_v to_o châ—ists_n meaning_n you_o may_v deprave_v the_o world_n as_o you_o please_v and_o deform_v that_o holy_a call_n so_o as_o it_o may_v suit_v to_o your_o carriage_n but_o according_a to_o this_o woâ—d_n in_o this_o acceptation_n of_o it_o you_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o if_o your_o judge_n shall_v in_o that_o great_a day_n lie_v all_o this_o great_a charge_n upon_o you_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v you_o now_o to_o absolve_v yourselves_o in_o your_o imagination_n even_o from_o the_o very_a obligation_n itself_o let_v we_o suppose_v then_o that_o you_o be_v convict_v of_o this_o that_o christianity_n in_o the_o most_o general_a and_o common_a acceptation_n be_v inclusive_a of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o that_o you_o profess_v and_o pretend_v to_o both_o then_o let_v we_o apply_v this_o just_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n the_o rule_n be_v strâ—ight_n and_o so_o may_v be_v a_o trial_n both_o of_o that_o which_o be_v straight_o and_o crooked_a recâ—um_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o obliqui_fw-la index_n and_o here_o the_o application_n be_v make_v there_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o crookedness_n of_o most_o man_n heart_n this_o golden_a rule_n of_o examination_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o proportion_n so_o to_o speak_v or_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o harmony_n that_o shall_v be_v between_o profession_n and_o practice_n word_n and_o deed_n and_o upon_o that_o conformity_n shall_v intercede_v between_o those_o that_o have_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o now_o apply_v these_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o behold_v there_o be_v no_o harmony_n and_o consent_n between_o their_o speak_n and_o walk_v their_o call_n and_o profession_n as_o christian_n import_v communion_n with_o god_n who_o be_v the_o pure_a unmixed_a light_n and_o yet_o they_o declare_v otherwise_o that_o themselves_o be_v in_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o sin_n anâ—_n so_o that_o communion_n must_v be_v pretend_v wherâ—_n there_o be_v no_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n to_o god_n intend_v the_o result_n then_o of_o â—ll_o be_v this_o herein_o be_v the_o great_a lie_n and_o most_o dangerous_a withal_o commit_v it_o be_v the_o great_a liâ—_n because_o it_o take_v in_o all_o a_o man_n conversation_n which_o all_o along_o makeâ—_n up_o one_o great_a universal_a lie_n a_o lie_v compose_v of_o infinite_a contrariety_n of_o innumerable_a particular_a lie_n for_o every_o step_n every_o word_n and_o action_n iâ—_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n contâ—aâ—y_o to_o that_o holy_a profession_n but_o all_o combine_v together_o make_v up_o a_o black_a constellation_n of_o lie_n one_o powerful_a lie_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o against_o a_o particular_a truth_n but_o against_o the_o whole_a complex_fw-la of_o christianity_n a_o eâ—â—or_n be_v a_o lie_n against_o such_o a_o particular_a truth_n as_o it_o oppose_v but_o the_o tract_n and_o couâ—se_n of_o a_o ignorant_a ungodly_a conversation_n iâ—_n one_o continue_a lie_n against_o the_o whole_a bulk_n â—nd_v body_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v a_o lie_n draw_v the_o length_n of_o many_o week_n month_n and_o yearâ—_n against_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christiâ—n_a profession_n for_o theâ—e_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o call_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o iâ—_n not_o retract_v contradict_v and_o reproach_v by_o it_o oh_o thâ—t_v you_o can_v unbowel_v your_o own_o way_n and_o see_v what_o a_o closâ—er_n of_o lie_n and_o incongruity_n be_v in_o they_o what_o reproacheâ—_n and_o calumny_n these_o practical_a lie_v câ—st_v upon_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o christian_a call_v how_o they_o tend_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o the_o disgrace_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o blaspheme_n of_o god_n name_n tâ—ese_n thing_n you_o will_v find_v if_o you_o will_v rip_v up_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o if_o you_o find_v how_o great_a that_o lie_n be_v you_o can_v not_o but_o fear_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o deny_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o real_a abrenunciation_n of_o he_o it_o put_v you_o without_o the_o refuge_n of_o sinner_n and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o keep_v you_o without_o the_o bless_a city_n for_o there_o shall_v in_o no_o way_n enter_v therein_o any_o thing_n that_o defile_v or_o make_v a_o lie_n rev._n 21.27_o what_o shall_v then_o become_v of_o they_o who_o life_n all_o along_v be_v but_o one_o continue_a lie_n sermon_n xiii·_n 1_o joh._n 1.6_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v etc._n etc._n that_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n sincerity_n and_o a_o correspondency_n between_o profession_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v confirm_v by_o reason_n and_o much_o strengthen_v by_o nature_n itself_o so_o that_o religion_n reason_n and_o nature_n conspire_v in_o one_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o sincerity_n and_o to_o