Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n according_a judgement_n word_n 1,690 5 3.9979 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62570 Of sincerity and constancy in the faith and profession of the true religion, in several sermons by the Most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson ... ; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker. ... Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1695 (1695) Wing T1204; ESTC R17209 175,121 492

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another_o but_o truth_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o needs_o nothing_o to_o help_v it_o out_o it_o be_v always_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o sit_v upon_o our_o lip_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o drop_v out_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a whereas_o a_o lie_n be_v troublesome_a and_o set_v a_o man_n invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n and_o one_o trick_n needs_o a_o great_a many_o more_o to_o make_v it_o good_a it_o be_v like_a building_n upon_o a_o false_a foundation_n which_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o prop_n to_o shore_n it_o up_o and_o prove_v at_o last_o more_o chargeable_a than_o to_o have_v raise_v a_o substantial_a building_n at_o first_o upon_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a foundation_n for_o sincerity_n be_v firm_a and_o substantial_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o hollow_a and_o unsound_a in_o it_o and_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a fear_v no_o discovery_n of_o which_o the_o crafty_a man_n be_v always_o in_o danger_n and_o when_o he_o think_v he_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a all_o his_o pretence_n be_v so_o transparent_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o he_o be_v the_o last_o man_n that_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v find_v out_o and_o whilst_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o make_v fool_n of_o other_o he_o render_v himself_o ridiculous_a add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a wisdom_n and_o a_o excellent_a instrument_n for_o the_o speedy_a dispatch_n of_o business_n it_o create_v confidence_n in_o those_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o save_v the_o labour_n of_o many_o inquiry_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o issue_n in_o few_o word_n it_o be_v like_o travel_v in_o a_o plain_a beat_a road_n which_o common_o bring_v a_o man_n soon_o to_o his_o journey_n end_v than_o byway_n in_o which_o man_n often_o lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o convenience_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o falsehood_n and_o dissimulation_n it_o be_v soon_o over_o but_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_a because_o it_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o a_o everlasting_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o believe_v when_o he_o speak_v truth_n nor_o trust_v when_o perhaps_o he_o mean_v honest_o when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o forfeit_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o integrity_n he_o be_v set_v fast_o and_o nothing_o will_v then_o serve_v his_o turn_n neither_o truth_n nor_o falsehood_n and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o god_n have_v in_o great_a wisdom_n hide_v from_o man_n of_o false_a and_o dishonest_a mind_n the_o wonderful_a advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o the_o prosperity_n even_o of_o our_o worldly_a affair_n these_o man_n be_v so_o blind_v by_o their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n that_o they_o can_v look_v beyond_o a_o present_a advantage_n nor_o forbear_v to_o seize_v upon_o it_o though_o by_o way_n never_o so_o indirect_a they_o can_v see_v so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o remote_a consequence_n of_o a_o steady_a integrity_n and_o the_o vast_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o it_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n at_o last_o be_v but_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n wise_a and_o clear-sighted_a enough_o to_o discern_v this_o they_o will_v be_v honest_a out_o of_o very_a knavery_n not_o out_o of_o any_o love_n to_o honesty_n and_o virtue_n but_o with_o a_o crafty_a design_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v more_o effectual_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o therefore_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v hide_v this_o true_a point_n of_o wisdom_n from_o their_o eye_n that_o bad_a man_n may_v not_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o just_a and_o upright_a and_o serve_v their_o own_o wicked_a design_n by_o honest_a and_o lawful_a mean_n indeed_o if_o a_o man_n be_v only_o to_o deal_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o day_n and_o shall_v never_o have_v occasion_n to_o converse_v more_o with_o mankind_n never_o more_o need_v their_o good_a opinion_n or_o good_a word_n it_o be_v then_o no_o great_a matter_n speak_v as_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o world_n if_o a_o man_n spend_v his_o reputation_n all_o at_o once_o and_o venture_v it_o at_o one_o throw_v but_o if_o he_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o conversation_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o it_o let_v he_o make_v use_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n for_o nothing_o but_o this_o will_v last_v and_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n all_o other_o art_n will_v fail_v but_o truth_n and_o integrity_n will_v carry_v a_o man_n through_o and_o bear_v he_o out_o to_o the_o last_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 12._o 19_o the_o lip_n of_o truth_n be_v establish_v for_o ever_o but_o a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o the_o wise_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o clear_o will_v he_o discern_v how_o serviceable_a sincerity_n be_v to_o all_o the_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o man_n have_v make_v a_o good_a progress_n and_o profit_v much_o in_o the_o school_n of_o wisdom_n who_o value_v truth_n and_o sincerity_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n every_o man_n will_v ready_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v great_a virtue_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o generous_a mind_n but_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o true_a wisdom_n in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o real_o serve_v to_o profit_v our_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n seem_v a_o great_a paradox_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o general_o find_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n last_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o dissemble_v consider_v the_o shortness_n and_o especial_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o cunning_a when_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n be_v so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a why_o shall_v any_o man_n by_o dissemble_v his_o judgement_n or_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o incur_v at_o once_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o the_o discontent_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o our_o dissimulation_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v make_v manifest_a and_o publish_v on_o the_o open_a theatre_n of_o the_o world_n before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n to_o our_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o confusion_n all_o disguise_n and_o vizard_n shall_v then_o be_v pluck_v off_o and_o every_o man_n shall_v appear_v in_o his_o true_a colour_n for_o then_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v and_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n and_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil._n nothing_o be_v now_o cover_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v reveal_v nor_o hide_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v know_v let_v we_o then_o be_v now_o what_o we_o will_v 〈◊〉_d glad_a to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o day_n when_o all_o pretence_n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o the_o close_a hypocrisy_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o dash_v out_o of_o countenance_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v and_o all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o strict_a and_o severe_a trial_n and_o be_v censure_v by_o that_o impartial_a and_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n mdclxxxvi_o before_o the_o princess_n ann._n heb._n xi_o 17_o 18_o 19_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 begotton_n 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 account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n the_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v but_o new_o convert_v and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o constancy_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o suffering_n which_o attend_v it_o he_o set_v before_o they_o in_o this_o chapter_n several_a example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o those_o who_o tho_o they_o be_v under_o a_o much_o more_o imperfect_a dispensation_n yet_o by_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n in_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n have_v perform_v such_o wonderful_a act_n of_o
after_o the_o reality_n of_o religion_n always_o remember_v that_o a_o sincere_a piety_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o show_n but_o substance_n not_o in_o appearance_n but_o in_o effect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v still_o and_o calm_a charitable_a and_o peaceable_a make_v as_o little_a show_n and_o stir_v as_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o true_o and_o sincere_o good_a man_n do_v not_o affect_v vain_a ostentation_n and_o a_o unseasonable_a discovery_n of_o his_o good_a quality_n but_o endeavour_n rather_o real_o to_o be_v than_o to_o seem_v religious_a and_o of_o the_o two_o rather_o seek_v to_o conceal_v his_o piety_n than_o to_o set_v it_o out_o with_o pomp_n give_v his_o alm_n private_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o make_v no_o appearance_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o such_o fruit_n and_o effect_n as_o can_v be_v hide_v in_o the_o quiet_a and_o silent_a virtue_n of_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n in_o govern_v his_o passion_n and_o take_v heed_n not_o to_o offend_v with_o his_o tongue_n by_o slander_n and_o calumny_n by_o envious_a detraction_n or_o rash_a censure_n or_o by_o any_o word_n or_o action_n that_o may_v be_v to_o the_o hurt_n and_o prejudice_n of_o his_o neighbour_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a sign_n if_o a_o man_n affect_v to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o bustle_v about_o religion_n if_o he_o blow_v a_o trumpet_n before_o his_o good_a work_n and_o by_o extraordinary_a show_n of_o devotion_n summon_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o behold_v he_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v call_v aloud_o to_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o to_o come_v to_o see_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o such_o a_o man_n with_o all_o his_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n may_v have_v some_o real_a goodness_n in_o he_o but_o he_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v and_o do_v as_o like_v one_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o by_o the_o mighty_a show_n that_o he_o make_v to_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n great_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o with_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o piety_n towards_o god_n let_v we_o join_v the_o simplicity_n and_o integrity_n of_o manner_n in_o our_o conversation_n with_o man_n let_v we_o strict_o charge_v ourselves_o to_o use_v truth_n and_o plainness_n in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o do_n let_v our_o tongue_n be_v ever_o the_o true_a interpreter_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o expression_n the_o lively_a image_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o our_o outward_a action_n exact_o agreeable_a to_o our_o inward_a purpose_n and_o intention_n among_o too_o many_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o great_a and_o general_a want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o conversation_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v so_o full_a of_o dissimulation_n and_o compliment_n that_o man_n word_n be_v hardly_o any_o signification_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o if_o any_o man_n measure_v his_o word_n by_o his_o heart_n and_o speak_v as_o he_o think_v and_o do_v not_o express_v more_o kindness_n to_o every_o man_n than_o man_n usual_o have_v for_o any_o man_n he_o can_v hardly_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o rudeness_n and_o want_n of_o breed_v the_o old_a english_a plainness_n and_o sincerity_n that_o generous_a integrity_n of_o nature_n and_o honesty_n of_o disposition_n which_o always_o argue_v true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v among_o we_o there_o have_v be_v a_o long_a endeavour_n to_o transform_v we_o into_o foreign_a manner_n and_o fashion_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o servile_a imitation_n of_o none_o of_o the_o best_a of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o their_o quality_n the_o dialect_n of_o conversation_n be_v now_o adays_o so_o swell_v with_o vanity_n and_o compliment_n and_o so_o surfeit_v as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o expression_n of_o kindness_n and_o respect_n that_o if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v a_o age_n or_o two_o ago_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o world_n again_o he_o will_v real_o want_v a_o dictionary_n to_o help_v he_o to_o understand_v his_o own_o language_n and_o to_o know_v the_o true_a intrinsic_a value_n of_o the_o phrase_n in_o fashion_n and_o will_v hardly_o at_o first_o believe_v at_o what_o a_o low_a rate_n the_o high_a strain_n and_o expression_n of_o kindness_n imaginable_a do_v common_o pass_v in_o currant_n payment_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o can_v bring_v himself_o with_o a_o good_a countenance_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o converse_v with_o man_n upon_o equal_a term_n and_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o it_o shall_v more_o provoke_v our_o contempt_n or_o our_o pity_n to_o hear_v what_o solemn_a expression_n of_o respect_n and_o kindness_n will_v pass_v between_o man_n almost_o upon_o no_o occasion_n how_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v they_o will_v declare_v for_o one_o who_o perhaps_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o or_o see_v before_o and_o how_o entire_o they_o be_v all_o on_o the_o sudden_a devote_a to_o his_o service_n and_o interest_n for_o no_o reason_n how_o infinite_o and_o eternal_o oblige_v to_o he_o for_o no_o benefit_n and_o how_o extreme_o they_o will_v be_v concern_v for_o he_o yea_o and_o afflict_v too_o for_o no_o cause_n i_o know_v it_o be_v say_v in_o justification_n of_o this_o hollow_a kind_n of_o conversation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n no_o real_a deceit_n in_o compliment_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v well_o enough_o so_o long_o as_o we_o understand_v one_o another_o et_fw-la verba_fw-la valent_fw-la ut_fw-la nummi_fw-la word_n be_v like_o money_n and_o when_o the_o currant_n value_n of_o they_o be_v general_o understand_v no_o man_n be_v cheat_v by_o they_o this_o be_v something_o if_o such_o word_n be_v any_o thing_n but_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o account_n they_o be_v mere_a cipher_n however_o it_o be_v still_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o complaint_n that_o sincerity_n and_o plainness_n be_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o that_o our_o language_n be_v run_v into_o a_o lie_n that_o man_n have_v almost_o quite_o pervert_v the_o use_n of_o speech_n and_o make_v word_n to_o signify_v nothing_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o conversation_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o their_o intercourse_n with_o one_o another_o be_v little_a else_o but_o drive_v a_o trade_n of_o dissimulation_n insomuch_o that_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n hearty_o sick_a and_o weary_a of_o the_o world_n to_o see_v the_o little_a sincerity_n that_o be_v in_o use_n and_o practice_n among_o man_n and_o tempt_v he_o to_o break_v out_o into_o that_o melancholy_a complaint_n and_o wish_v of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 9_o o_o that_o i_o have_v in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o lodging-place_n of_o way-faring_a man_n that_o i_o may_v leave_v my_o people_n and_o go_v from_o they_o for_o they_o be_v all_o adulterer_n and_o a_o assembly_n of_o treacherous_a man_n and_o they_o bend_v their_o tongue_n like_o their_o bow_n for_o lie_n but_o have_v no_o courage_n for_o the_o truth_n upon_o earth_n take_v you_o heed_n every_o one_o of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o trust_v you_o not_o in_o any_o brother_n for_o every_o brother_n will_v utter_o supplant_v and_o every_o neighbour_n will_v walk_v with_o slander_n thy_o habitation_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o deceit_n one_o speak_v peaceable_o to_o his_o neighbour_n but_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o lie_v in_o wait_v shall_v not_o i_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v of_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v both_o the_o forerunner_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o terrible_a calamity_n which_o befall_v they_o afterward_o and_o this_o character_n agree_v but_o too_o well_o to_o the_o present_a age_n which_o be_v so_o wretched_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n for_o which_o reason_n there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o recommend_v this_o virtue_n to_o we_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v flee_v from_o we_o that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n may_v return_v and_o glory_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o land_n and_o god_n may_v show_v his_o mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o grant_v we_o his_o salvation_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n may_v kiss_v each_o other_o to_o this_o end_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o high_a commendation_n and_o the_o very_o best_a character_n that_o
can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n it_o be_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o goodness_n it_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v perfection_n and_o frequent_o join_v with_o it_o and_o throughout_o the_o bible_n there_o be_v the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n lay_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o religion_n only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n say_v joshua_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n jos._n 24._o 14._o god_n take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o it_o so_o david_n assure_v we_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 17._o i_o know_v my_o god_n that_o thou_o trye_v the_o heart_n and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o uprightness_n and_o again_o thou_o love_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n to_o this_o disposition_n of_o mind_n the_o promise_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o blessing_n be_v particular_o make_v psal._n 15._o 1_o 2._o lord_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n psal._n 32._o 2._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v no_o sin_n and_o in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o character_n of_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v of_o nathaniel_n be_v the_o only_a full_a and_o perfect_a commendation_n that_o we_o read_v be_v ever_o give_v by_o he_o of_o any_o particular_a person_n he_o commend_v some_o particular_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o other_o as_o st._n peter_n confession_n of_o he_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o centurion_n and_o of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v heal_v by_o touch_v the_o hem_v of_o his_o garment_n the_o charity_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o cast_v she_o two_o mite_n into_o the_o treasury_n and_o the_o bounty_n of_o that_o other_o devout_a woman_n who_o pour_v upon_o he_o a_o box_n of_o precious_a ointment_n but_o here_o he_o give_v the_o particular_a character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n when_o he_o say_v of_o nathaniel_n that_o he_o be_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guilford_n and_o the_o apostle_n mention_n this_o quality_n as_o the_o chief_a ingredient_n into_o the_o character_n of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guilford_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n second_o the_o rarity_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v a_o far_a commendation_n of_o it_o a_o sincere_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n without_o any_o guile_n or_o disguise_n be_v not_o a_o sight_n to_o be_v see_v every_o day_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o of_o special_a remark_n and_o observation_n and_o break_v out_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o wonder_n upon_o the_o occasion_n as_o if_o to_o see_v a_o man_n of_o perfect_a integrity_n and_o simplicity_n be_v a_o occurrence_n very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o our_o more_o especial_a attention_n and_o regard_n behold_v say_v he_o a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guil._n three_o the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n will_v quite_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n and_o acceptance_n of_o all_o our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n and_o certain_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o our_o external_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n if_o not_o animate_v by_o sincerity_n be_v like_o a_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o heart_n which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n four_o hypocrisy_n and_o insincerity_n be_v a_o very_a vain_a and_o foolish_a thing_n it_o be_v design_v to_o cheat_v other_o but_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o deceive_a of_o ourselves_o no_o man_n will_v flatter_v or_o dissemble_v do_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v see_v and_o discover_v a_o open_a knave_n be_v a_o great_a fool_n who_o destroy_v at_o once_o both_o his_o design_n and_o his_o reputation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o hypocrite_n all_o the_o disagreement_n which_o be_v between_o his_o tongue_n and_o his_o thought_n his_o action_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o that_o eye_n from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v for_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n may_v hide_v themselves_o five_o truth_n and_o reality_n have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o appearance_n and_o many_o more_o if_o the_o show_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a sincerity_n be_v better_a for_o why_o do_v any_o man_n dissemble_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o but_o because_o he_o think_v it_o good_a to_o have_v such_o a_o quality_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o for_o to_o counterfeit_v and_o dissemble_v be_v to_o put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o some_o real_a excellency_n now_o the_o best_a way_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n be_v real_o to_o be_v what_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v many_o time_n as_o troublesome_a to_o make_v good_a the_o pretence_n of_o a_o good_a quality_n as_o to_o have_v it_o and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v it_o not_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o he_o be_v discover_v to_o want_v it_o and_o then_o all_o his_o pain_n and_o labour_n to_o seem_v to_o have_v it_o be_v lose_v there_o be_v something_o unnatural_a in_o paint_v which_o a_o skilful_a eye_n will_v easy_o discern_v from_o native_a beauty_n and_o complexion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o personate_v and_o act_v a_o part_n long_o for_o where_o truth_n be_v not_o at_o the_o bottom_n nature_n will_v always_o be_v endeavour_v to_o return_v and_o will_v peep_v out_o and_o betray_v herself_o one_o time_n or_o other_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n think_v it_o convenient_a to_o seem_v good_a let_v he_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o then_o his_o goodness_n will_v appear_v to_o every_o body_n satisfaction_n for_o truth_n be_v convince_a and_o carry_v it_o be_v own_o light_n and_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o and_o will_v not_o only_o commend_v we_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n but_o which_o be_v much_o more_o to_o god_n who_o search_v and_o see_v our_o heart_n so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n sincerity_n be_v true_a wisdom_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n integrity_n have_v many_o advantage_n over_o all_o the_o fine_a and_o artificial_a way_n of_o dissimulation_n and_o deceit_n it_o be_v much_o the_o plain_o and_o easy_o much_o the_o safe_a and_o more_o secure_a way_n of_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v less_o of_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o entanglement_n and_o perplexity_n of_o danger_n and_o hazard_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o short_a and_o near_a way_n to_o our_o end_n carry_v we_o thither_o in_o a_o straight_a line_n and_o will_v hold_v out_o and_o last_o long_a the_o art_n of_o deceit_n and_o cunning_a do_v continual_o grow_v weak_a and_o less_o effectual_a and_o serviceable_a to_o they_o that_o use_v they_o whereas_o integrity_n gain_v strength_n by_o use_n and_o the_o more_o and_o long_o any_o man_n practise_v it_o the_o great_a service_n it_o do_v he_o by_o confirm_v his_o reputation_n and_o encourage_v those_o with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o repose_v the_o great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o the_o business_n and_o affair_n of_o life_n but_o a_o dissembler_n must_v always_o be_v upon_o his_o guard_n and_o watch_v himself_o careful_o that_o he_o do_v not_o contradict_v his_o own_o pretence_n for_o he_o act_v a_o unnatural_a part_n and_o therefore_o must_v put_v a_o continual_a force_n and_o restraint_n upon_o himself_o truth_n always_o lie_v uppermost_a and_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o careful_o attend_v he_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o bolt_n it_o out_o whereas_o he_o that_o act_v sincere_o have_v the_o easy_a task_n in_o the_o world_n because_o he_o follow_v nature_n and_o so_o be_v put_v to_o no_o trouble_n and_o care_n about_o his_o word_n and_o action_n he_o need_v not_o invent_v any_o pretence_n beforehand_o nor_o make_v excuse_n afterward_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v say_v or_o do_v but_o insincerity_n be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o manage_v a_o man_n have_v so_o many_o thing_n to_o attend_v to_o so_o many_o end_n to_o bring_v together_o as_o make_v his_o life_n a_o very_a perplex_a and_o intricate_a thing_n oportet_fw-la mendacem_fw-la esse_fw-la memorem_fw-la a_o liar_n have_v need_n have_v a_o good_a memory_n lest_o he_o contradict_v at_o one_o time_n what_o he_o say_v at_o
great_a and_o conspicuous_a be_v we_o very_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v one_o day_n be_v verify_v and_o make_v good_a what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n how_o will_v the_o lively_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o set_v we_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a temptation_n that_o this_o world_n can_v assault_v we_o withal_o and_o make_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o eternity_n and_o to_o that_o solemn_a and_o dreadful_a account_n which_o we_o must_v one_o day_n make_v to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o want_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o steady_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v our_o devotion_n so_o dead_a and_o heartless_a and_o our_o resolution_n of_o do_v better_a so_o weak_a and_o inconsistent_a this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v we_o so_o easy_a a_o prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o look_v so_o much_o big_a than_o they_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o more_o tempt_a and_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o more_o terrible_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o in_o all_o dispute_v betwixt_o our_o conscience_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o hold_v the_o balance_n so_o unequal_o and_o to_o put_v our_o foot_n upon_o the_o light_a scale_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o weigh_v down_o the_o other_o in_o a_o word_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o constant_a uniform_a and_o perfect_a because_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 5._o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinary_a stroke_n of_o god_n providence_n upon_o ourselves_o or_o near_a relation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o most_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o compare_v with_o abraham_n case_n it_o require_v a_o prodigious_a strength_n of_o faith_n to_o perform_v so_o miraculous_a a_o act_n of_o obedience_n 6._o and_o last_o we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o disobey_v the_o easy_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n former_a dispensation_n this_o be_v a_o grievous_a commandment_n which_o god_n give_v to_o abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n indeed_o and_o which_o of_o we_o can_v have_v be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o but_o if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v we_o to_o the_o more_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o his_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n we_o must_v after_o the_o example_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n not_o think_v much_o to_o deny_v or_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o no_o not_o life_n itself_o but_o even_o this_o which_o be_v the_o hard_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v easy_a than_o what_o god_n put_v upon_o abraham_n for_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v near_o the_o violence_n to_o nature_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o a_o good_a cause_n as_o it_o will_v do_v to_o put_v a_o child_n to_o death_n with_o our_o own_o hand_n beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a comfort_n and_o support_v and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n that_o be_v express_o promise_v to_o our_o obedience_n and_o self_n denial_n in_o such_o a_o case_n encouragement_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o very_a difficult_a duty_n easy_a and_o whilst_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n that_o may_v attend_v it_o i_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o of_o humane_a resolution_n but_o with_o all_o a_o most_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o who_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o to_o show_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o abraham_n case_n and_o we_o god_n command_v he_o to_o do_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o easy_a commandment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v effectual_o oblige_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o he_o require_v abraham_n to_o do_v for_o he_o he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n his_o only_a son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o all_o and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n for_o we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v shall_v be_v execute_v but_o one_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o that_o immense_a love_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n as_o a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n so_o the_o most_o express_a and_o lively_a type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v abraham_n offering_n up_o his_o son_n and_o as_o st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o from_o a_o ancient_a and_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o mountain_n in_o moriah_n where_o abraham_n be_v command_v to_o sacrifice_n isaac_n be_v mount_n calvary_n where_o our_o lord_n also_o be_v crucify_a and_o offer_v up_o that_o by_o this_o one_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o once_o offer_v he_o may_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o now_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o honour_n thanksgiving_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n mdclxxxvii_o before_o the_o princess_n ann._n heb._n xi_o 24_o 25._o by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n the_o text_n set_v before_o we_o a_o great_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o i_o will_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n to_o which_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o passage_n do_v refer_v when_o moses_n be_v bear_v his_o parent_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o cruel_a law_n which_o pharaoh_n have_v make_v that_o all_o the_o male_a child_n of_o the_o hebrew_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n after_o they_o have_v hide_v he_o three_o month_n do_v at_o last_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n upon_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o commit_v he_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o they_o despair_v to_o conceal_v any_o long_o by_o their_o own_o care_n pharaoh_n daughter_n come_v by_o the_o river_n side_n espy_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o and_o guess_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hebrew_n child_n call_v for_o a_o hebrew_n nurse_n to_o take_v care_n of_o he_o who_o as_o the_o prviodence_n of_o god_n have_v order_v it_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o child_n be_v own_o mother_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o pharaoh_n daughter_n take_v care_n of_o his_o education_n in_o all_o princely_a quality_n and_o adopt_v he_o for_o her_o son_n and_o pharaoh_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o be_v without_o son_n design_v he_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n moses_n refuse_v this_o great_a offer_n but_o why_o do_v he_o refuse_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v present_v to_o he_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v about_o in_o so_o strange_a a_o manner_n and_o when_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v probable_o have_v have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v ease_v the_o israelite_n of_o their_o cruel_a bondage_n and_o perhaps_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o reduce_v that_o great_a kingdom_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a god_n
of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o en●●●ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
small_a dust_n upon_o the_o balance_n what_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n can_v stand_v against_o that_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o it_o be_v serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n if_o we_o will_v consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o weigh_v they_o in_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a balance_n the_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n be_v of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a and_o vast_a concernment_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o the_o happy_a or_o miserable_a condition_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o this_o vast_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v bargain_v away_o and_o part_v with_o by_o we_o for_o the_o great_a thing_n this_o world_n can_v offer_v there_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n of_o a_o sordid_a spirit_n than_o to_o put_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o thing_n of_o little_a worth_n and_o no_o great_a mark_n of_o folly_n than_o to_o make_v a_o unequal_a bargain_n to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o great_a price_n for_o a_o slender_a and_o trifle_a consideration_n as_o if_o a_o man_n of_o great_a fortune_n and_o estate_n shall_v sell_v the_o inheritance_n of_o it_o for_o a_o picture_n which_o when_o he_o have_v it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o yield_v so_o much_o as_o will_v maintain_v he_o for_o one_o year_n the_o folly_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a in_o thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a value_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o quit_v god_n and_o religion_n to_o sell_v the_o truth_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o part_v with_o his_o everlasting_a inheritance_n for_o a_o convenient_a service_n for_o a_o good_a customer_n and_o some_o present_a advantage_n in_o his_o trade_n and_o profession_n or_o indeed_o for_o any_o condition_n which_o the_o foolish_a language_n of_o this_o world_n call_v a_o high_a place_n or_o a_o great_a preferment_n the_o thing_n which_o these_o man_n part_v with_o upon_o these_o cheap_a term_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n be_v to_o those_o who_o understand_v themselves_o and_o the_o just_a value_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n thing_n of_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o not_o to_o be_v part_v with_o by_o a_o considerate_a man_n for_o any_o price_n that_o this_o world_n can_v bid_v and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v buy_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n upon_o such_o low_a term_n and_o so_o easy_o part_v from_o it_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o religion_n to_o hold_v fast_o 2._o as_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o this_o world_n so_o likewise_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o fear_n be_v a_o passion_n of_o great_a force_n and_o if_o man_n be_v not_o very_o resolute_a and_o constant_a will_v be_v apt_a to_o stagger_v they_o and_o to_o move_v they_o from_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o case_n of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o truth_n happen_v we_o have_v need_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sower_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o when_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o though_o bless_a be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o now_o our_o case_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o it_o be_v the_o general_a case_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o several_a age_n after_o though_o with_o some_o intermission_n and_o interval_n of_o ease_n it_o be_v then_o a_o general_a rule_n and_o the_o common_a expectation_n of_o christian_n that_o through_o many_o tribulation_n they_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o must_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o in_o several_a age_n since_o those_o primitive_a time_n the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n have_v in_o divers_a place_n be_v expose_v to_o most_o grievous_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n in_o several_a place_n the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v exercise_v with_o the_o sharp_a and_o sore_a trial_n that_o perhaps_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o age_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n be_v torment_v and_o kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n it_o be_v their_o hard_a lot_n to_o be_v call_v to_o these_o cruel_a and_o bitter_a suffering_n and_o our_o happy_a opportunity_n to_o be_v call_v upon_o for_o their_o relief_n those_o of_o they_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v escape_v that_o terrible_a storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o have_v take_v refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n here_o among_o we_o and_o out_o of_o his_o majesty_n great_a humanity_n and_o goodness_n be_v by_o his_o public_a letter_n recommend_v to_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o distress_a protestant_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o much_o easy_o our_o lot_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v than_o they_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o compassionate_v the_o suffering_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o distress_n of_o other_o than_o to_o be_v such_o sufferer_n and_o in_o such_o distress_n ourselves_o let_v we_o make_v their_o case_n our_o own_o and_o then_o we_o ourselves_o will_v be_v the_o best_a judge_n how_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n we_o ought_v to_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o they_o let_v we_o put_v on_o their_o case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v the_o sufferer_n and_o have_v flee_v to_o they_o for_o refuge_n the_o same_o pity_n and_o commiseration_n the_o same_o tender_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o sad_a case_n the_o same_o liberal_a and_o effectual_a relief_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o expect_v and_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v show_v and_o afford_v to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o give_v to_o they_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v want_v no_o fit_a comfort_n and_o support_v from_o we_o we_o enjoy_v bless_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o great_a peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o freedom_n from_o evil_a and_o suffer_a and_o sure_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o have_v these_o blessing_n continue_v to_o we_o and_o our_o tranquillity_n prolong_v be_v to_o consider_v and_o relieve_v those_o who_o want_v the_o blessing_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o provoke_v god_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o these_o blessing_n be_v to_o shut_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o our_o compassion_n from_o our_o distress_a brethren_n god_n can_v easy_o change_v the_o scene_n and_o make_v our_o suffering_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n yet_o in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o equal_a to_o they_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v remember_v the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n and_o say_v as_o his_o brethren_n do_v when_o they_o fall_v into_o trouble_n we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o god_n alone_o know_v what_o storm_n the_o devil_n may_v yet_o raise_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n religion_n to_o consider_v well_o beforehand_o and_o to_o calculate_v the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n it_o may_v expose_v they_o to_o and_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n against_o the_o fierce_a assault_n of_o temptation_n consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o all_o temporal_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o they_o and_o the_o lightness_n of_o they_o too_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o another_o world_n to_o which_o every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o forsake_v god_n and_o renounce_v his_o truth_n and_o wound_n his_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n and_o though_o fear_v in_o many_o case_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o death_n and_o extreme_a suffer_v be_v a_o great_a excuse_n for_o several_a action_n because_o it_o may_v cadere_fw-la in_o constantem_fw-la virum_fw-la happen_v to_o a_o resolute_a man_n yet_o in_o
profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v not_o mean_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v blind_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v because_o upon_o these_o term_n every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o a_o ill_a choice_n be_v his_o religion_n true_a or_o false_a without_o examine_v and_o look_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n for_o till_o a_o man_n examine_v every_o man_n think_v his_o religion_n right_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o be_v the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o their_o baptism_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v without_o enlarge_n upon_o they_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o all_o terror_n and_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o the_o gospel_n have_v propose_v in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n last_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n but_o without_o enter_v into_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v in_o order_n to_o establishment_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n apply_v myself_o at_o this_o time_n to_o make_v a_o short_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n lie_v and_o in_o make_v this_o comparison_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o issue_n and_o be_v i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n which_o of_o these_o he_o ought_v in_o reason_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o embrace_v and_o they_o be_v these_o i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o be_v plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o iii_o that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o these_o as_o i_o can_v i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o it_o that_o be_v they_o have_v join_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o their_o church_n concern_v several_a point_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v they_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o they_o do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v they_o with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n and_o all_o this_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a declaration_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o this_o never_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v decree_v not_o much_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o this_o sure_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o presume_v to_o alter_v the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o enlarge_v it_o and_o add_v to_o it_o at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n it_o become_v consequent_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n take_v this_o into_o consideration_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o put_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o their_o decree_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o practice_n for_o which_o without_o this_o new_a rule_n there_o have_v be_v no_o colour_n ii_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_n christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o as_o for_o their_o two_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n over_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o scripture_n concern_v these_o privilege_n nay_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o privilege_n that_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o long_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n either_o then_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v now_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o can_v have_v omit_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o remarkable_a privilege_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o church_n above_o any_o in_o the_o world_n have_v he_o know_v they_o have_v belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o mighty_a prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o he_o will_v have_v write_v with_o more_o deference_n and_o submission_n to_o this_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n and_o centre_n of_o unity_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v pay_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o this_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n where_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o vicar_n of_o christ_n either_o be_v already_o seat_v or_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n be_v design_v for_o ever_o to_o fix_v his_o throne_n and_o establish_v his_o residence_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n or_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n throughout_o this_o whole_a epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o that_o both_o these_o pretend_a
for_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o call_v the_o age_n of_o the_o messiah_n seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la or_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o to_o be_v renew_v again_o unto_o repentance_n where_o the_o least_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o impossible_a be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o so_o the_o word_n impossible_a be_v sometime_o use_v as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n say_v if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v they_o who_o renounce_v christianity_n since_o they_o reject_v the_o only_a way_n of_o expiation_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n st._n peter_n likewise_o express_v himself_o very_o severe_o concern_v this_o sort_n of_o person_n 2_o epist._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v after_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n they_o be_v entangle_v therein_o again_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n he_o seem_v loath_a to_o say_v how_o sad_a the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n be_v but_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n before_o and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o st._n john_n call_v this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o forbid_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o 1_o epist._n 5._o 16._o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o this_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n be_v most_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v verse_n 18._o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v this_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o the_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o be_v preserve_v from_o idolatry_n unto_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o viz._n the_o devil_n who_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v have_v bring_v we_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o caution_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o dependence_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o unless_o we_o understand_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v because_o apostasy_n be_v so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o st._n john_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o at_o the_o very_o best_a the_o scripture_n speak_v doubtful_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o this_o sin_n however_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v be_v very_o dreadful_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v mild_o express_v here_o in_o the_o text_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v the_o more_o severe_a for_o be_v express_v so_o mild_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o figure_n here_o use_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n this_o expression_n of_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o such_o person_n be_v explain_v by_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n but_o we_o be_v not_o of_o they_o that_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n and_o in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n there_o be_v very_o severe_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n ch._n 2._o 2_o 3._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_v moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o know_v he_o who_o have_v say_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v recompense_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o severe_a and_o terrible_a than_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o and_o that_o be_v rev._n 21._o 8._o where_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o great_a sinner_n those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o religion_n out_o of_o fear_n do_v lead_v the_o van_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o book_n express_v by_o continue_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o i_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a and_o the_o abominable_a and_o whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o idolater_n and_o all_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o liar_n that_o be_v they_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n relapse_n into_o infidelity_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o offender_n and_o be_v punish_v according_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o apostasy_n the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n the_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n in_o expose_v man_n to_o and_o be_v there_o any_o need_n now_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n when_o the_o danger_n of_o draw_v back_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o terrible_a or_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n and_o occasion_n for_o it_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n among_o we_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o christianity_n and_o turn_v jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_n i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n not_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o but_o from_o religion_n to_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o of_o this_o worst_a kind_n of_o apostasy_n of_o all_o other_o i_o wish_v the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o have_v not_o afford_v we_o too_o many_o instance_n it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v christianity_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o shall_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o undermine_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o most_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n into_o contempt_n and_o
and_o live_v of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o sermon_n on_o matth_n xvi_o 24._o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o than_o say_v jesus_n to_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o former_a discourse_n with_o they_o wherein_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o approach_a passion_n that_o he_o must_v short_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o they_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o religion_n if_o any_o man_n choose_v and_o resolve_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a he_o must_v be_v so_o upon_o these_o term_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o he_o must_v follow_v i_o in_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n and_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o his_o religion_n he_o offer_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o compel_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o fair_o offer_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n and_o choice_n and_o tell_v they_o plain_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o they_o be_v content_v and_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o term_n well_o if_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o follow_v he_o any_o long_o for_o they_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n ii_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v this_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n express_v in_o these_o word_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o iii_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o it_o whenever_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o without_o this_o we_o can_v be_v christ_n disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o iv._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a and_o i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o particular_n as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n and_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o his_o religion_n he_o offer_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o fair_o propose_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n and_o choice_n tell_v they_o plain_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o like_v they_o and_o be_v content_a and_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o well_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n if_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o follow_v he_o any_o long_o for_o they_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o offer_v they_o no_o worldly_a preferment_n and_o advantage_n to_o entice_v they_o into_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o outward_o to_o profess_v what_o they_o do_v not_o inward_o believe_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o do_v not_o hale_v and_o drag_v they_o by_o force_n and_o awe_v they_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o torture_n and_o death_n to_o sign_v the_o christian_a faith_n though_o most_o undoubted_o true_a and_o to_o confess_v with_o their_o mouth_n and_o subscribe_v with_o their_o hand_n what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o do_v not_o obtrude_v his_o sacrament_n upon_o they_o and_o plunge_v they_o into_o the_o water_n to_o baptise_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o thrust_v the_o sacrament_n of_o bread_n into_o their_o mouth_n as_o if_o man_n may_v be_v worthy_a receiver_n of_o that_o bless_a sacrament_n whether_o they_o receive_v it_o willing_o or_o no._n our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n make_v use_v of_o none_o of_o these_o way_n of_o violence_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n and_o especial_o of_o christianity_n and_o fit_v only_o to_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n but_o not_o convert_v he_o only_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n he_o use_v no_o argument_n but_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o proper_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o as_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o be_v his_o subject_n take_v from_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o the_o weapon_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o subdue_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o carnal_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o conquer_v the_o obstinacy_n and_o infidelity_n of_o man_n this_o great_a and_o infallible_a teacher_n who_o certain_o come_v from_o god_n all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v to_o propose_v his_o religion_n to_o man_n with_o such_o evidence_n and_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o he_o acquaint_v they_o likewise_o with_o all_o the_o worldly_a disadvantage_n of_o it_o and_o the_o hazard_n and_o suffering_n that_o will_v attend_v it_o and_o now_o if_o upon_o full_a consideration_n they_o will_v make_v his_o religion_n their_o free_a choice_n and_o become_v his_o disciple_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o he_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n better_o than_o to_o go_v about_o to_o force_v it_o upon_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n ii_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v this_o duty_n or_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n express_v in_o these_o word_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n these_o be_v difficult_a term_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o own_o cross_n that_o be_v willing_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o those_o suffering_n which_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n may_v inflict_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n for_o this_o expression_n of_o take_v up_o one_o cross_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o roman_a custom_n which_o be_v this_o that_o he_o that_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v crucify_a be_v to_o take_v his_o cross_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n this_o the_o jew_n make_v our_o saviour_n to_o do_v as_o we_o read_v joh._n 19_o 17._o till_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v under_o it_o and_o lest_o he_o shall_v die_v away_o before_o he_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n they_o compel_v simon_n of_o cyrene_n to_o carry_v it_o for_o he_o as_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n must_v follow_v he_o bear_v their_o own_o cross_n that_o be_v be_v ready_a if_o god_n call_v they_o to_o it_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o like_a suffering_n for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v short_o to_o undergo_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o though_o these_o term_n seem_v very_o hard_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n some_o indeed_o have_v make_v they_o so_o by_o extend_v this_o self-denial_n too_o far_o attend_v more_o to_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o word_n than_o to_o the_o meaning_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n which_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v call_v self-denial_n which_o yet_o our_o saviour_n never_o intend_v to_o oblige_v christian_n to_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n great_a self-denial_n for_o a_o man_n without_o any_o necessity_n to_o deny_v himself_o the_o necessary_a support_v of_o life_n for_o a_o man_n to_o starve_v and_o make_v away_o himself_o but_o no_o man_n certain_o ever_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n ever_o intend_v by_o this_o precept_n to_o enjoin_v this_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n it_o be_v
to_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o we_o than_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v for_o his_o best_a friend_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o want_n let_v we_o consider_v he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a if_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o lot_n to_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o exercise_v with_o suffering_n and_o reproach_n let_v we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o our_o sake_n in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o condition_n or_o decline_v it_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o content_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o destitute_a how_o meek_a and_o patient_a in_o the_o most_o afflict_a and_o suffer_a condition_n how_o he_o welcome_v all_o event_n and_o be_v so_o perfect_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n that_o whatever_o please_v god_n please_v he_o and_o sure_o in_o no_o case_n be_v example_n more_o necessary_a than_o in_o this_o to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o difficult_a a_o duty_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n a_o bare_a precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o a_o peremptory_a command_n to_o sacrifice_v our_o own_o will_n our_o ease_n our_o pleasure_n our_o reputation_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o truth_n will_v have_v sound_v very_o harsh_a and_o severe_a have_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o this_o be_v mollify_v and_o sweeten_v by_o a_o pattern_n of_o so_o much_o advantage_n by_o one_o who_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n deny_v himself_o much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v by_o one_o who_o may_v have_v insist_v upon_o a_o great_a right_n who_o abase_v himself_n and_o stoop_v from_o a_o great_a hight_n and_o dignity_n who_o be_v not_o force_v into_o a_o condition_n of_o meanness_n and_o poverty_n but_o choose_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n who_o submit_v to_o suffer_v though_o he_o have_v never_o deserve_v it_o here_o be_v a_o example_n that_o have_v all_o the_o argument_n and_o all_o the_o encouragement_n that_o can_v be_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o such_o a_o example_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n than_o any_o precept_n or_o law_n can_v be_v so_o that_o well_o may_v our_o lord_n thus_o go_v before_o we_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o for_o if_o he_o thus_o deny_v himself_o well_o may_v we_o who_o have_v much_o less_o to_o deny_v but_o much_o more_o cause_n and_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o he_o do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o of_o choice_n but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n he_o do_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n we_o do_v it_o for_o our_o own_o his_o own_o goodness_n move_v he_o to_o deny_v himself_o for_o we_o but_o gratitude_n oblige_v we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o he_o have_v whole_o merit_v all_o this_o and_o infinite_o more_o from_o we_o so_o that_o such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o be_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n will_v yet_o far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v they_o therein_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v eph._n 1._o 19_o that_o you_o may_v know_v say_v st._n paul_n speak_v in_o general_a to_o all_o christian_n what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n very_o powerful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n reside_v in_o every_o true_a christian_a able_a to_o bear_v we_o up_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 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verse_n 38._o now_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o chapter_n he_o make_v it_o his_o main_a business_n to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o at_o large_a the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o first_o tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n he_o mean_v viz._n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n not_o present_a and_o visible_a to_o sense_n but_o invisible_a and_o future_a ver._n 1._o now_o faith_n say_v he_o be_v the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v faith_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v invisible_a to_o sense_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o as_o the_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v by_o particular_a and_o famous_a instance_n that_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o 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and_o reserve_v for_o we_o in_o another_o place_n which_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v and_o make_v amends_o to_o we_o for_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o fast_o most_o man_n cling_v to_o life_n and_o that_o even_o in_o old_a age_n how_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o twig_n that_o may_v but_o hold_v they_o up_o a_o little_a while_n and_o how_o fond_o they_o hanker_v after_o a_o miserable_a life_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o of_o pleasure_n to_o be_v enjoy_v nothing_o more_o of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o hope_v for_o in_o it_o when_o they_o be_v just_o put_v in_o to_o the_o port_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v rejoice_v at_o their_o very_a heart_n that_o they_o see_v land_n yet_o how_o glad_a will_v they_o be_v then_o of_o any_o cross_a wind_n that_o will_v carry_v they_o back_o into_o the_o sea_n again_o as_o if_o they_o love_v to_o be_v toss_v and_o be_v fond_a of_o storm_n and_o 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aetate_fw-la repuerascam_fw-la &_o in_o cunis_fw-la vagiam_fw-la valde_fw-la recusem_fw-la if_o some_o god_n will_v offer_v i_o at_o this_o age_n to_o be_v a_o child_n again_o and_o to_o cry_v in_o the_o cradle_n i_o will_v earnest_o refuse_v it_o and_o upon_o no_o term_n accept_v it_o and_o now_o that_o my_o race_n be_v almost_o run_v and_o my_o course_n just_o finish_v how_o loath_a shall_v i_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v back_o and_o make_v to_o begin_v again_o for_o what_o advantage_n be_v there_o in_o life_n nay_o rather_o what_o labour_n and_o trouble_v be_v there_o not_o in_o it_o but_o let_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v there_o be_v certain_o some_o measure_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n and_o man_n ought_v to_o know_v when_o they_o have_v enough_o of_o it_o o_o praeclarum_fw-la diem_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o illud_fw-la animorum_fw-la consilium_fw-la caetumque_fw-la proficiscar_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la ex_fw-la hac_fw-la turbâ_fw-la &_o 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and_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a to_o the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v evil._n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffer_v and_o death_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n or_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o present_a loss_n and_o suffer_v to_o deny_v or_o dissemble_v our_o religion_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a in_o any_o kind_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o conscience_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o what_o will_v be_v the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o what_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v to_o i_o i_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n this_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v and_o these_o frown_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o bitter_a wrath_n and_o cruel_a malice_n of_o men._n what_o if_o to_o preserve_v this_o frail_a and_o mortal_a body_n i_o shall_v evident_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o my_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o escape_v a_o temporal_a inconvenience_n i_o forfeit_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o plunge_v myself_o into_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o wild_a bargain_n and_o a_o mad_a exchange_n for_o any_o temporal_a gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o lose_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v eternal_a and_o for_o the_o please_a of_o ourselves_o for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o 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present_a in_o hope_n to_o have_v more_o trouble_n afterward_o than_o the_o pleasure_n come_v to_o but_o especial_o no_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n in_o hope_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o afterward_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o such_o sin_n without_o restitution_n and_o it_o be_v perfect_a madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n in_o hope_n of_o restore_v it_o again_o for_o so_o he_o must_v do_v that_o true_o repent_v of_o such_o a_o sin_n but_o 2._o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o will_v certain_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n how_o quiet_o soever_o a_o sinner_n may_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n or_o out_o of_o it_o misery_n will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o in_o the_o next_o unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a misery_n arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sharp_a pain_n and_o those_o sad_o aggravate_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o future_a ease_n from_o a_o sad_a apprehension_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n upon_o his_o inestimable_a loss_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o miserable_a sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o wicked_a depart_v from_o i_o sinner_n be_v not_o now_o sensible_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o estimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o loss_n but_o this_o stupidity_n and_o insensibleness_n of_o sinner_n continue_v only_o during_o this_o present_a state_n which_o afford_v man_n variety_n of_o object_n and_o pleasure_n to_o divert_v and_o entertain_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n they_o will_v then_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n but_o the_o sad_a condition_n into_o which_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v plunge_v themselves_o they_o shall_v then_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n at_o once_o see_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o feel_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o torment_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o beside_o the_o apprehension_n of_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n they_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sore_a and_o sharp_a pain_n and_o how_o grievous_a those_o shall_v be_v we_o may_v conjecture_v by_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o they_o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a displeasure_n of_o anger_n and_o omnipotence_n meet_v together_o far_o great_a than_o can_v be_v describe_v by_o any_o pain_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n one_o will_v think_v this_o be_v misery_n enough_o and_o need_v no_o frather_o aggravation_n but_o yet_o it_o have_v two_o terrible_a one_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n make_v present_a suffering_n more_o sharp_a and_o sensible_a for_o as_o nothing_o commend_v pleasure_n more_o and_o give_v a_o quick_a relish_n to_o happiness_n than_o precedent_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n than_o in_o the_o sudden_a ease_n which_o a_o man_n find_v after_o a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o stone_n so_o nothing_o enrage_v affliction_n more_o and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o misery_n than_o to_o pass_v into_o great_a pain_n immediate_o out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n this_o be_v the_o sting_a aggravation_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n torment_n that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o have_v receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o have_v fair_v so_o delicious_o every_o day_n but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o all_o be_v the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o duration_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o such_o expression_n as_o do_v signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n matth._n 25._o and_o mark_v 9_o 43._o where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o in_o the_o revel_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o intermission_n and_o without_o end_n and_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o misery_n for_o a_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n and_o to_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o ever_o find_v the_o least_o ease_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v thing_n together_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o will_v certain_o overtake_v they_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o wise_a man_n choice_n and_o indeed_o the_o choice_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v strange_o forsake_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o blind_v by_o sense_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o will_v probable_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o there_o remain_v now_o only_a the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n suppose_v this_o choice_n to_o be_v reasonable_a to_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o make_v a_o quite_o contrary_a choice_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o wide_o mistake_v as_o to_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o conscience_n and_o religion_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o as_o brief_a a_o account_n as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n this_o wrong_a choice_n general_o proceed_v from_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o from_o want_n of_o consideration_n or_o of_o both_o 1._o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n be_v unbelief_n either_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o recompense_n of_o another_o life_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o man_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v he_o that_o think_v of_o be_v religious_a must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v infidel_n as_o to_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o great_a many_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o waver_a their_o faith_n be_v rather_o negative_a they_o do_v not_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o their_o faith_n be_v rather_o a_o opinion_n than_o a_o root_a and_o well_o ground_a persuasion_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a a_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o like_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o other_o worthy_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o where_o faith_n be_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n it_o will_v have_v proportionable_a effect_n upon_o the_o resolution_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o where_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a it_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o efficacy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o forsake_fw-mi religion_n and_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n choose_v rather_o to_o sin_n than_o to_o suffer_v and_o will_v rather_o quit_v the_o truth_n than_o endure_v persecution_n for_o it_o these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v who_o receive_v receive_v the_o
word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o any_o man_n live_v so_o as_o no_o man_n that_o hearty_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v live_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v he_o do_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n than_o word_n there_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o man_n action_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o do_v best_a declare_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o man._n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v short_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o action_n to_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o eternal_o happy_a but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n or_o interest_n have_v desert_v the_o faith_n or_o live_v wicked_a life_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n i_o say_v be_v man_n firm_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o i'faith_o even_o in_o temporal_a matter_n be_v a_o mighty_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o will_v make_v man_n to_o attempt_v and_o undergo_v strange_a and_o difficult_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o operative_a and_o powerful_a because_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o it_o present_v to_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v tempt_v or_o terrify_v we_o withal_o will_v we_o but_o by_o faith_n make_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v we_o as_o very_o persuade_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o view_n how_o shall_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n and_o with_o what_o ease_n shall_v we_o resist_v and_o repel_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v seduce_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n or_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n which_o man_n fancy_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o most_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o another_o reason_n of_o this_o wrong_a choice_n be_v want_n of_o consideration_n for_o this_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n