worship_n of_o god_n signify_v nothing_o you_o see_v in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o sake_n viz._n the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o that_o all_o institute_v religion_n that_o do_v not_o promote_v and_o further_o these_o or_o be_v destitute_a of_o they_o be_v abominable_a to_o god_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n prefer_v a_o moral_a duty_n before_o any_o gift_n we_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n and_o will_v have_v it_o to_o take_v place_n mat._n 5._o 23_o 24._o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n unto_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n but_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o this_o and_o what_o haâ—h_v be_v say_v before_o that_o god_n prefer_v goodness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o man_n before_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o second_o table_n before_o obedience_n to_o those_o of_o the_o first_o but_o this_o do_v but_o seem_v so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v already_o say_v be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n before_o any_o institute_v worship_n such_o as_o sacrifice_n be_v and_o before_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v mere_o positive_a though_o they_o do_v immediate_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o first_o nor_o of_o any_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v this_o our_o saviour_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n intimate_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o bear_v a_o revengeful_a mind_n towards_o our_o brethren_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o any_o gift_n or_o sacrifice_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v to_o he_o or_o indeed_o of_o any_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v three_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o restore_v and_o reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o moral_a duty_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n begin_v his_o first_o sermon_n by_o promise_a blessedness_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o meekness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o tell_v we_o as_o i_o show_v before_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o release_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n but_o to_o oblige_v they_o thereto_o more_o effectual_o and_o that_o as_o these_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o main_a duty_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o be_v they_o much_o more_o to_o be_v so_o of_o the_o christian_n this_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o these_o duty_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o effectual_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o that_o know_a and_o excellent_a text_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12â—_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldy_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o herein_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v jam._n 1._o 27._o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o chap._n 3._o 17._o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v that_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n have_v these_o property_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v these_o effect_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o of_o good_a fruit_n and_o the_o plant_n of_o these_o disposition_n in_o we_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 20_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n wherein_o the_o gentile_n live_v tell_v christian_n that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o instruct_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n that_o you_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n or_o as_o the_o word_n perhaps_o may_v better_o be_v render_v in_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n for_o it_o immediate_o follow_v wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o make_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n gal._n 6._o 15._o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o chapter_n before_o express_v thus_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v or_o be_v inspire_v by_o charity_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o the_o compare_v of_o which_o text_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o christianity_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o this_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o this_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o produce_v these_o virtue_n in_o we_o and_o indeed_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o justification_n in_o his_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o assistance_n therein_o promise_v be_v to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v and_o enable_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o moraâ—_n duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v it_o and_o build_v upon_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o namely_o that_o no_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n be_v ever_o design_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a duty_n but_o be_v intend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o and_o this_o also_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o reveal_v religion_n call_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o natural_a duty_n thus_o the_o jewish_a religion_n do_v the_o first_o law_n which_o god_n give_v they_o and_o which_o hâ—_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n by_o write_v they_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n with_o his_o own_o finger_n be_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o among_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v to_o reprove_v not_o so_o much_o their_o defect_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o institute_v worship_n as_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o immorality_n and_o to_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o reform_v and_o amend_v these_o fault_n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o it_o be_v almost_o whole_o make_v up_o of_o moral_a
holiness_n of_o life_n i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a and_o the_o apostle_n explain_v this_o new_a creation_n most_o express_o tell_v we_o ephes_n 2._o 10_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n â—ath_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o colos_n 3._o 10_o 12_o 13_o 14._o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v testimony_n of_o their_o renovation_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n by_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o goodness_n you_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long-suffer_v forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o and_o above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o regeneration_n which_o he_o call_v sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v unto_o obedience_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 2._o so_o that_o our_o renovation_n consist_v in_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o charity_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o what_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n when_o there_o be_v not_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n as_o express_o make_v a_o condition_n both_o of_o our_o present_a and_o final_a justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n as_o faith_n be_v and_o in_o truth_n be_v the_o same_o with_o a_o live_n and_o operative_a faith_n and_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v consummate_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n act_n 10._o 34_o 35._o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v say_v st._n peter_n that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o which_o speech_n do_v as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n declare_v to_o we_o upon_o what_o term_n all_o mankind_n of_o what_o condition_n or_o nation_n soever_o may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n rom._n 2._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o who_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n but_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n to_o every_o man_n that_o work_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o gentile_a as_o to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n it_o matter_n not_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n circumcise_a or_o uncircumcised_a that_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n be_v obey_v the_o truth_n or_o obey_v unrighteousness_n work_v good_a or_o do_v evil_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n or_o condemnation_n at_o the_o great_a day_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o say_v of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 5._o 9_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o two_o remarkable_a say_n the_o one_o towards_o the_o beginning_n the_o other_o towards_o the_o â—nd_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o it_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n gen._n 4._o 7._o it_o be_v god_n speech_n to_o cain_n if_o thou_o do_v well_o shall_v thou_o not_o be_v accept_v and_o rev._n 22._o 14._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o may_v enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n into_o the_o city_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o this_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n be_v the_o same_o with_o faith_n make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n the_o three_o and_o last_o particular_a remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o namely_o that_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n holiness_n second_o in_o order_n to_o the_o qualify_a of_o we_o for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n first_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n holiness_n for_o shall_v god_n have_v receive_v man_n to_o his_o favour_n and_o reward_v they_o with_o eternal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n for_o the_o mere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o a_o confident_a persuasion_n that_o christ_n will_v save_v they_o without_o any_o change_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n without_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n he_o have_v not_o give_v sufficient_a testimony_n to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o love_n to_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n in_o the_o justifi-fication_a of_o a_o sinner_n declare_v his_o righteousness_n but_o shall_v he_o justify_v man_n upon_o other_o term_n this_o will_v not_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n and_o love_n of_o holiness_n but_o rather_o a_o indifferency_n whether_o man_n be_v good_a and_o righteous_a or_o not_o for_o a_o bare_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v not_o a_o live_a but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o and_o a_o confident_a reliance_n upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o a_o justify_v faith_n but_o a_o bold_a and_o impudent_a presumption_n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o indeed_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a that_o be_v those_o that_o have_v be_v so_o but_o not_o those_o that_o continue_v so_o and_o if_o god_n shall_v pardon_v sinner_n and_o reward_v they_o with_o eternal_a life_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o upon_o our_o become_a new_a creature_n than_o upon_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n that_o be_v by_o keep_v the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n and_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o hatred_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n that_o it_o will_v give_v the_o great_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o it_o imaginable_a second_o it_o be_v likewise_o very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o a_o faith_n that_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n and_o be_v perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o justification_n in_o order_n to_o the_o qualify_a of_o we_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n that_o be_v for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o to_o forgive_v man_n upon_o other_o term_n be_v to_o give_v countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o perpetual_a rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n that_o man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v forgive_v who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o fault_n that_o he_o go_v on_o to_o offend_v he_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o mercy_n who_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o resolve_v to_o amend_v no_o prince_n ever_o think_v a_o rebellious_a subject_a capable_a of_o pardon_n upon_o low_a term_n than_o these_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n unfit_a that_o a_o obstinate_a offender_n shall_v have_v any_o mercy_n or_o favour_n show_v to_o he_o and_o
metaphor_n this_o three_o doctrine_n follow_v well_o enough_o from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a enough_o that_o that_o which_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o omnipotence_n without_o any_o concurrence_n or_o operation_n on_o our_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o not_o that_o this_o be_v necessary_a but_o that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o why_o shall_v omnipotence_n use_v delay_n and_o take_v time_n and_o proceed_v by_o degree_n in_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o can_v do_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n especial_o consider_v how_o well_o this_o suit_n with_o the_o other_o metaphor_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o with_o this_o of_o a_o new_a creation_n viz._n the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n and_o resurrection_n a_o child_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o metaphor_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v either_o upon_o scripture_n or_o experience_n not_o but_o that_o god_n can_v do_v so_o if_o he_o please_v and_o work_v this_o change_n in_o some_o much_o soon_o and_o quick_a than_o in_o other_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o experience_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a much_o less_o the_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o in_o a_o instant_n without_o any_o sensible_a step_n and_o degree_n but_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v upon_o what_o mistake_a ground_n and_o principle_n this_o doctrine_n rely_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n second_o i_o shall_v plain_o show_v what_o regeneration_n be_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o but_o admit_v of_o degree_n three_o that_o it_o be_v evident_o so_o in_o experience_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n both_o in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v by_o a_o pious_a and_o religious_a education_n and_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n four_o that_o all_o this_o be_v very_a consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o constant_o declare_v concern_v it_o first_o i_o shall_v discover_v several_a mistake_v upon_o which_o this_o doctrine_n be_v ground_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v and_o which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n viz._n that_o regeneration_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n as_o 1._o that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v not_o only_o different_a expression_n but_o do_v signify_v two_o thing_n real_o different_a but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v but_o different_a expression_n of_o the_o self_n self_n same_o thing_n for_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphor_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v our_o translation_n and_o change_n from_o one_o state_n to_o another_o from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v over_o again_o and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o another_o father_n and_o from_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n do_v become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o sanctification_n be_v our_o be_v make_v holy_a our_o be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n and_o impurity_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n principal_a and_o instrumental_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o if_o sanctification_n be_v the_o make_n of_o we_o holy_a and_o regeneration_n make_v we_o holy_a then_o regeneration_n be_v sanctification_n 2._o it_o be_v say_v that_o regeneration_n only_o signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n and_o sanctification_n our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o regeneration_n do_v signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o it_o only_o signify_v that_o for_o it_o be_v use_v likewise_o in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v our_o continuance_n in_o that_o state_n for_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o regenerate_a state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o instant_n of_o this_o change_n but_o during_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o beside_o that_o our_o first_o change_n be_v as_o well_o call_v our_o sanctification_n as_o our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n so_o that_o neither_o in_o this_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n they_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v both_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o a_o holy_a state_n and_o our_o continuance_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o '_o thou_o regeneration_n do_v more_o frequent_o denote_v the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n and_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o one_o of_o the_o main_a difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v this_o that_o regeneration_n be_v incapable_a of_o degree_n and_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v be_v equal_o so_o and_o one_o regenerate_v person_n be_v not_o more_o or_o less_o regenerate_v than_o another_o whereas_o sanctification_n be_v a_o gradual_a progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o another_o and_o of_o â—hem_n that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o holy_a one_o may_v be_v more_o sanctify_a and_o more_o holy_a than_o another_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n without_o any_o real_a ground_n for_o as_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n do_v plain_o admit_v of_o degree_n so_o likewise_o do_v the_o regenerate_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n admit_v of_o degree_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o some_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v more_o wicked_a than_o other_o and_o thereby_o more_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o devil_n than_o other_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n expression_n concern_v the_o degree_n of_o man_n wickedness_n and_o impiety_n in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o more_o like_a god_n be_v more_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v more_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v more_o regenerate_v that_o be_v more_o renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a precarious_a assertion_n and_o evident_o false_a to_o affirm_v that_o regeneration_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o degree_n and_o that_o one_o be_v not_o more_o regenerate_v than_o another_o 4_o thly_a and_o last_o they_o ground_n this_o conceit_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n which_o teach_v that_o in_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n all_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la together_o and_o at_o once_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o regard_n much_o less_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o infuse_a habit_n which_o yet_o be_v much_o talk_v of_o in_o divinity_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n these_o word_n serve_v only_o to_o obscure_v the_o thing_n for_o to_o say_v that_o in_o conversion_n the_o habit_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v infuse_v together_o and_o at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v that_o in_o a_o instant_a man_n that_o be_v vicious_a before_o in_o several_a kind_n be_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a act_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o by_o a_o new_a principle_n infuse_v into_o they_o endue_v with_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o contraâ—y_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v as_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a and_o just_o and_o meek_a and_o humble_a as_o if_o by_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n they_o have_v become_v so_o that_o
plain_a from_o his_o follow_a discourse_n and_o the_o character_n he_o give_v of_o those_o person_n of_o who_o he_o be_v speak_v who_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o this_o he_o prove_v because_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o without_o all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o invisible_a be_v and_o power_n that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n haec_fw-la est_fw-la summa_fw-la delicti_fw-la nolle_fw-la agnoscere_fw-la quem_fw-la ignorare_fw-la non_fw-la possis_fw-la say_v tertullian_n to_o the_o heathen_a this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o thy_o fault_n not_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o who_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o know_v not_o to_o own_v he_o of_o who_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a if_o thou_o will_v neither_o be_v thankful_a they_o do_v not_o pay_v those_o acknowledgement_n to_o he_o which_o of_o right_n be_v due_a to_o the_o author_n of_o their_o be_v and_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v fool_v with_o their_o own_o reason_n this_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o in_o those_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o bâ—ing_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immoâ—allity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n have_v lose_v the_o truth_n by_o too_o much_o subtlety_n about_o it_o and_o have_v dispute_v themselves_o into_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v natural_o know_v for_o nimium_fw-la alterâ—ando_fw-la veritas_fw-la amittitur_fw-la truth_n be_v many_o time_n glo_v by_o too_o much_o contention_n and_o dispute_n about_o it_o and_o by_o too_o eager_a a_o pursuit_n of_o it_o man_n many_o time_n outrun_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o behind_o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n man_n never_o play_v the_o fool_n more_o than_o by_o endeavour_v to_o be_v over_o subtle_a and_o wise_a ver_fw-la 23._o and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n four_o footed_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n here_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o sottishness_n of_o their_o idolatry_n whereby_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o lewdness_n and_o impurity_n ver_fw-la 24._o wherefore_o god_n also_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o uncleanness_n through_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o again_o ver_fw-la 26._o for_o this_o cause_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o then_o he_o innumerate_v the_o abominable_a lust_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o notwithstanding_o their_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n ver_fw-la 32._o who_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a who_o offend_v against_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o be_v without_o excuse_n quam_fw-la sibâ—_n veniam_fw-la sperare_fw-la possunâ—_n impieâ—atis_fw-la suae_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la agnoscunt_fw-la cultum_fw-la ejus_fw-la quem_fw-la prorsùs_fw-la ignorari_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la fas_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la say_v lactantius_n how_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o pardon_v of_o their_o impiety_n who_o deny_v to_o worship_v that_o god_n of_o who_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a mankind_n shall_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a so_o that_o this_o be_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n injurious_o to_o suppress_v it_o and_o to_o hinder_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o mind_n and_o action_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v as_o well_o as_o to_o hold_v fast_o and_o this_o every_o man_n do_v who_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o believe_v and_o know_v he_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o keep_v that_o a_o prisoner_n which_o will_v set_v he_o free_a you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n say_v our_o lord_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o offend_v against_o knowledge_n and_o that_o light_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o every_o man_n mind_n if_o man_n wander_v and_o stumble_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o many_o time_n it_o be_v unavoidable_a and_o no_o care_n can_v prevent_v it_o but_o in_o the_o light_n it_o be_v expect_v man_n shall_v look_v before_o they_o and_o discern_v their_o way_n that_o natural_a light_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v though_o it_o be_v but_o comparative_o dim_a and_o imperfect_a yet_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a and_o abominable_a practice_n those_o natural_a notion_n which_o all_o man_n have_v of_o god_n if_o they_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n attend_v to_o they_o and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v preserve_v they_o from_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o worship_v creature_n instead_o of_o god_n the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v enough_o to_o have_v discover_v to_o they_o the_o evil_n of_o those_o lewd_a and_o unnatural_a practice_n which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o they_o detain_v and_o suppress_v the_o truth_n most_o injurious_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v its_o natural_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o have_v do_v better_a and_o to_o have_v preserve_v they_o from_o those_o great_a crime_n which_o be_v so_o common_a among_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n what_o apology_n can_v be_v make_v for_o the_o impiety_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v so_o strong_a and_o clear_a a_o light_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v it_o to_o who_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o powerful_a and_o such_o a_o improvement_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o man_n must_v use_v great_a force_n and_o violence_n to_o suppress_v they_o and_o to_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o upon_o their_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a our_o knowledge_n by_o so_o much_o the_o less_o be_v our_o excuse_n and_o so_o much_o the_o great_a punishment_n be_v due_a to_o our_o fault_n so_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o luke_n 12._o 47._o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o john_n 9_o 41._o if_o you_o be_v blind_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o jew_n you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o there_o be_v of_o our_o duty_n so_o much_o abatement_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o our_o fault_n but_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 fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._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 imply_v that_o man_n can_v pretend_v ignorance_n for_o their_o fault_n after_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o be_v make_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o aggravate_v the_o impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o it_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v afford_v to_o
mankind_n john_n 15._o 22_o 23_o 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n that_o be_v in_o comparison_n their_o sin_n have_v be_v much_o more_o excusable_a but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o that_o hate_v i_o hate_v my_o father_n also_o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n how_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o they_o have_v now_o sin_v against_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o mankind_n can_v possible_o have_v at_o once_o oppose_v natural_a light_n which_o be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o his_o son_n now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n the_o two_o remain_a observation_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n xi_o the_o danger_n of_o all_o know_a sin_n both_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n rome_n i._o 18_o 19_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o i_o have_v handle_v four_o of_o the_o observation_n which_o i_o raise_v from_o these_o word_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o two_o that_o remain_v five_o observation_n that_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n if_o they_o live_v contrary_a to_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o hold_v the_o trâ—th_n of_o god_n iâ—_n unrighteousness_n for_o thâ—â—eason_n why_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o this_o be_v because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o that_o god_n have_v show_v it_o â—nto_o they_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o of_o god_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v there_o be_v something_o of_o god_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o his_o be_v and_o essential_a perfection_n may_v be_v know_v which_o he_o call_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n thâ—se_a he_o tell_v we_o be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v that_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n to_o man_n of_o the_o be_v and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o then_o god_n be_v natural_o know_v to_o man_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o socinus_n positive_o maintain_v though_o therein_o he_o be_v forsake_v by_o most_o of_o his_o follower_n a_o opinion_n in_o my_o judgement_n very_o unworthy_a of_o one_o who_o not_o without_o reason_n be_v esteem_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o reason_n and_o though_o i_o believe_v he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o undermine_v the_o strong_a and_o sure_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o when_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v once_o take_v away_o will_v certain_o want_v its_o best_a support_n beside_o that_o by_o deny_v any_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o essential_a perfection_n he_o free_o give_v away_o one_o of_o the_o most_o plausible_a ground_n of_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o he_o be_v a_o great_a man_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o contempt_n but_o by_o better_a reason_n if_o it_o can_v be_v find_v i_o will_v consider_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o opinion_n and_o return_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o they_o first_o he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v natural_a it_o will_v not_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n if_o it_o have_v any_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o natural_o know_v the_o schoolman_n indeed_o say_v so_o but_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n faith_n more_o large_o for_o a_o rela_fw-la persuasion_n of_o any_o thing_n whether_o ground_v upon_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o our_o saviour_n speech_n to_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v do_v sufficient_o intimate_v that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v what_o he_o see_v and_o if_o so_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o natural_o know_v that_o be_v be_v real_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n from_o natural_a light_n second_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v because_o the_o same_o apostle_n conclude_v enoch_n to_o have_v believe_v god_n because_o he_o please_v god_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n may_v be_v without_o this_o belief_n which_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a they_o can_v indeed_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n obey_v and_o please_v he_o than_o the_o inference_n have_v be_v good_a that_o all_o man_n do_v not_o natural_o believe_v a_o god_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v not_o please_v he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a the_o other_o way_n no_o more_o than_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v argue_v thus_o that_o because_o whoever_o act_n reasonable_o must_v be_v endow_v with_o reason_n therefore_o man_n be_v not_o natural_o endow_v with_o reason_n for_o as_o man_n may_v natural_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o yet_o not_o always_o make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o man_n may_v natural_o know_v and_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v he_o his_o three_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n for_o which_o he_o cite_v that_o of_o david_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o certain_o prove_v that_o bad_a man_n live_v so_o as_o if_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n nay_o it_o may_v far_o import_v that_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o stifle_v and_o extinguish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_v glad_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o they_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o whether_o david_n mean_v so_o or_o not_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o some_o may_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o for_o a_o time_n at_o least_o and_o in_o some_o mood_n to_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n and_o to_o be_v very_o confident_a of_o the_o argument_n on_o that_o side_n but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n therefore_o not_o natural_a to_o mankind_n nature_n itself_o as_o constant_a and_o uniform_a as_o it_o be_v admit_v of_o some_o irregularity_n and_o exception_n in_o effect_n that_o be_v mere_o natural_a much_o more_o in_o those_o which_o have_v something_o in_o they_o that_o be_v voluntary_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o there_o be_v no_o argue_v from_o what_o be_v monstrous_a against_o what_o be_v natural_a it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o have_v five_o finger_n upon_o a_o hand_n and_o yet_o some_o be_v bear_v otherwise_o but_o in_o voluntary_a agent_n that_o which_o be_v natural_a may_v be_v pervert_v and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n extinguish_v in_o some_o particular_a instance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o force_n at_o all_o in_o this_o objection_n his_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o have_v not_o only_o be_v particular_a person_n but_o whole_a nation_n who_o have_v have_v no_o sense_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o suspicion_n of_o a_o deity_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v of_o great_a force_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o he_o produce_v the_o instance_n of_o brasil_n in_o america_n but_o i_o utter_o deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o history_n and_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o bring_v good_a testimony_n not_o only_o of_o any_o nation_n but_o of_o any_o city_n in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o be_v profess_v atheist_n i_o know_v
the_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o sure_a and_o fast_o hold_v that_o religion_n have_v on_o humane_a nature_n beside_o how_o shall_v god_n judge_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n if_o they_o have_v no_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v under_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o any_o law_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o where_o man_n be_v guilty_a oâ—_n the_o breach_n of_o no_o law_n they_o can_v be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v for_o it_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o now_o this_o be_v establish_v that_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n if_o they_o contradict_v it_o by_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o by_o this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o heathen_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o notwithstanding_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v they_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o the_o most_o abominable_a sin_n and_o vice_n and_o this_o concern_v we_o much_o more_o who_o have_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n add_v to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o if_o they_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v we_o be_v think_v worthy_a if_o we_o neglect_v those_o infinite_a advantage_n which_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v superad_v to_o natural_a light_n he_o have_v now_o set_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o clear_a and_o strong_a light_n that_o ever_o be_v afford_v to_o mankind_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o now_o believe_v and_o repent_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o we_o but_o we_o must_v die_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o so_o much_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 fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o consume_v we_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v on_o this_o argument_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o those_o great_a duty_n which_o result_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o so_o that_o whatever_o man_n say_v and_o pretend_v as_o to_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n setting_z aside_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v all_o natural_o convince_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o of_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n need_v only_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o what_o they_o natural_o know_v better_a than_o any_o body_n else_o can_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n so_o that_o i_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o wicked_a man_n from_o themselves_o rash_a and_o heat_v and_o intoxicate_v with_o pleasure_n and_o vanity_n transport_v and_o hurry_v away_o by_o lust_n and_o passion_n to_o themselves_o serious_a and_o compose_v and_o in_o a_o cool_a and_o considerate_a temper_n and_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n forbear_v to_o follow_v the_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o to_o resolve_v to_o do_v what_o he_o inward_o consent_v to_o as_o best_o let_v we_o but_o be_v true_a to_o ourselves_o and_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o give_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n to_o counsel_n we_o and_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o law_n to_o ourselves_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o six_o and_o last_o observation_n namely_o that_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o impiety_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n be_v one_o principal_a thing_n which_o render_v it_o so_o very_o powerful_a and_o likely_a a_o mean_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o two_o thing_n which_o give_v the_o gospel_n so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o his_o severity_n towards_o the_o impenitent_a both_o which_o be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v because_o therein_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v that_o be_v his_o great_a grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o justification_n and_o pardon_n of_o sinner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v give_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 22._o the_o other_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n be_v the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o impenitent_a sinner_n because_o therein_o also_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n first_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v second_o that_o they_o be_v very_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a three_o that_o there_o be_v no_o safety_n or_o hope_n of_o impunity_n for_o man_n that_o go_v on_o and_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n four_o that_o this_o argument_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o most_o desperate_a and_o profligate_v sinner_n and_o still_o retain_v its_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o all_o other_o consideration_n fail_v and_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o efficacy_n and_o five_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v urge_v this_o argument_n with_o that_o force_n and_o advantage_n that_o christianity_n do_v first_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v most_o plain_a and_o express_v and_o that_o not_o only_o against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o general_n but_o against_o particular_a sin_n and_o vice_n so_o that_o no_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o evil_a and_o vicious_a course_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o danger_n our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o general_a what_o shall_v be_v the_o doom_n of_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n yea_o though_o they_o may_v have_v own_v he_o and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n mat._n 7._o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n math._n 13._o 49_o 50._o so_o shall_v it_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o angel_n shall_v come_v forth_o and_o sever_v the_o wicked_a from_o among_o the_o just_a and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o the_o furnace_n of_o fire_n there_o shall_v be_v wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n math._n 25._o 46._o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a joh._n 5._o 28_o 29._o the_o hour_n be_v come_v in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnatiom_n rom._n 2._o 6._o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n who_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a 2_o thes_n 1._o 7_o 8_o 9_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o express_v than_o these_o general_a
they_o but_o the_o remedy_n which_o he_o prescribe_v against_o this_o mischief_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o withhold_v from_o man_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o to_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o quite_o contrary_a chap._n 14._o of_o that_o epistle_n he_o strict_o enjoin_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o perform_v as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n which_o he_o say_v can_v be_v if_o it_o be_v celebrate_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o the_o remedy_n he_o prescribe_v against_o the_o accidental_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o ignorance_n but_o charity_n to_o govern_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o help_v they_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 20._o of_o that_o chapt._n after_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n he_o immediate_o add_v brethren_n be_v not_o child_n in_o understanding_n howbeit_a in_o malice_n be_v you_o child_n but_o in_o understanding_n be_v you_o men._n he_o commend_v knowledge_n he_o encourage_v it_o he_o require_v it_o of_o all_o christian_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o check_v the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o every_o man_n to_o know_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v design_v to_o promote_v holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o if_o man_n make_v any_o other_o use_n of_o their_o knowledge_n it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n for_o it_o certain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o be_v so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o so_o good_a a_o purpose_n man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v debar_v of_o it_o three_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o ignorance_n be_v equal_o pernicious_a and_o much_o more_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a than_o those_o which_o be_v accidental_o occasion_v by_o knowledge_n for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v do_v it_o he_o that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v a_o bad_a christian_a but_o he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o can_v be_v none_o at_o all_o or_o if_o ignorance_n do_v beget_v and_o promote_v some_o kind_n of_o devotion_n in_o man_n it_o be_v such_o a_o devotion_n as_o be_v not_o proper_o religion_n but_o superstition_n the_o ignorant_a man_n may_v be_v zealous_o superstitious_a but_o without_o some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a that_o the_o soul_n be_v without_o knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o good_a say_v solomon_n prov._n 19_o 2._o because_o good_a practice_n depend_v upon_o our_o knowledge_n and_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o it_o when_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v train_v up_o only_o to_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o say_n over_o so_o many_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n this_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a because_o nothing_o be_v religious_a that_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o no_o service_n can_v be_v reasonable_a that_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o our_o understanding_n indeed_o if_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v only_o to_o give_v god_n to_o understand_v what_o we_o want_v it_o be_v all_o one_o what_o language_n we_o pray_v in_o and_o whether_o we_o understand_v what_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o or_o not_o but_o so_o long_o as_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o testify_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n and_o of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v in_o any_o tolerable_a propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v who_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o ask_v and_o the_o say_n over_o so_o many_o pater_fw-la noster_n by_o one_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o a_o prayer_n than_o the_o repeat_n over_o so_o many_o verse_n in_o virgil._n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a reason_v that_o man_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o they_o can_v in_o religion_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v grow_v troublesome_a with_o their_o knowledge_n then_o certain_o the_o best_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o maintain_v peace_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v be_v to_o let_v the_o people_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n will_v be_v to_o keep_v the_o priest_n as_o ignorant_a as_o the_o people_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v teach_v they_o nothing_o but_o then_o the_o mischief_n will_v be_v that_o out_o of_o a_o fondness_n to_o maintain_v peace_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o will_v be_v no_o church_n nor_o no_o christianity_n which_o will_v be_v the_o same_o wise_a contrivance_n as_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v destroy_v his_o subject_n to_o keep_v his_o kingdom_n quiet_a four_o let_v we_o likewise_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v good_a it_o be_v much_o strong_a for_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o learned_a than_o from_o the_o people_n because_o the_o danger_n of_o start_a error_n and_o heresy_n and_o countenance_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o manage_v they_o plausible_o and_o with_o advantage_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v from_o the_o learned_a than_o from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v show_v that_o the_o great_a broacher_n and_o abettor_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o wit_n and_o most_o of_o the_o famous_a heresy_n that_o be_v record_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n have_v their_o name_n from_o some_o learned_a man_n or_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v error_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n so_o long_o as_o the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o skill_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o danger_n of_o pervert_v it_o be_v much_o great_a the_o ancient_a father_n i_o be_o sure_a do_v frequent_o prescribe_v to_o the_o people_n the_o constant_a and_o careful_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o sure_a antidote_n against_o the_o poison_n of_o dangerous_a error_n and_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o seduction_n into_o error_n from_o the_o oracle_n of_o truth_n by_o what_o other_o or_o better_a mean_n can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v secure_v against_o this_o danger_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o cross_a and_o improper_a a_o mean_n to_o this_o end_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v much_o less_o effectual_a so_o that_o man_n must_v either_o be_v leave_v in_o their_o ignorance_n or_o they_o must_v be_v permit_v to_o learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o whatever_o force_n this_o reason_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o heresy_n have_v in_o it_o to_o deprive_v the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v much_o strong_a to_o wrest_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o learned_a because_o they_o be_v much_o more_o capable_a of_o pervert_v they_o to_o so_o bad_a a_o purpose_n five_o and_o last_o this_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o visible_a in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o yet_o they_o take_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n there_o be_v heresy_n then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o think_v by_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o they_o do_v not_o think_v the_o take_n of_o they_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n a_o proper_a remedy_n the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o epistle_n do_v earnest_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o commend_v they_o for_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o charge_v they_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o they_o and_o st._n peter_n take_v particular_a notice_n of_o some_o man_n wrest_v some_o difficult_a passage_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n as_o likewise_o in_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o where_n speak_v of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n he_o say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a
if_o you_o know_v and_o do_v they_o now_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o so_o important_a a_o truth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n second_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o it_o first_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o first_o sermon_n where_o he_o repeat_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n so_o often_o he_o make_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o to_o the_o mere_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o habit_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o pâ—râ—ty_n and_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o matth._n 7._o 2._o our_o saviour_n do_v most_o full_o declare_v that_o the_o happiness_n which_o he_o promise_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o doctrine_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o if_o themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v not_o practice_v it_o not_o every_o one_o that_o â—aith_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o wondrous_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n though_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v he_o yet_o because_o their_o life_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o but_o bid_v they_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v that_o though_o a_o man_n attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o descend_v into_o his_o life_n and_o govern_v his_o action_n all_o that_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v fond_a and_o groundless_a and_o only_o that_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v well_o ground_v who_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v it_o ver._n 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v not_o for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rocâ—_n and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o though_o a_o man_n have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n as_o great_a and_o perfect_a as_o that_o which_o solomon_n have_v of_o natural_a thing_n large_a as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o sea_n shore_n yet_o all_o thâ—s_n knowledge_n separate_v from_o practice_n will_v be_v like_o the_o sand_n also_o in_o another_o respect_n a_o weak_a foundation_n for_o any_o man_n to_o build_v his_o hope_n â—f_a happiness_n upon_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n speak_v rom._n 2._o 13._o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n be_v just_a before_o god_n but_o the_o dâ—ers_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v justify_v so_o likewise_o st._n james_n chap._n 1._o 22._o be_v you_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v your_o own_o self_n and_o ver_fw-la 25._o who_o be_v look_v into_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o libert_n that_o be_v the_o law_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v therein_o he_o be_v not_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o word_n and_o order_v of_o our_o life_n ver._n 26._o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n this_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affâ—iction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n man_n talk_v of_o religion_n and_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o but_o nothing_o will_v pass_v for_o true_a religion_n before_o god_n but_o the_o virtuous_a and_o charitable_a action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o god_n will_v accept_v no_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o most_o express_o heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n second_o as_o god_n have_v make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o become_v like_a to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o nothing_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n knowledge_n indeed_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n but_o that_o alone_a as_o it_o do_v not_o render_v a_o man_n like_o god_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o dispose_v he_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o angel_n he_o may_v for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o devil_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o whatever_o knowledge_n such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v he_o be_v of_o a_o devilish_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o be_v like_o god_n and_o only_o by_o our_o likeness_n to_o he_o do_v we_o become_v capable_a of_o the_o â—ight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o therefore_o every_o man_n that_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a by_o the_o bless_a â—ight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o life_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n in_o this_o life_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 3._o 3._o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a a_o wicked_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o reasonable_a hope_n of_o heaven_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o now_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o all_o this_o be_v to_o put_v man_n upon_o the_o careful_a practice_n of_o religion_n let_v no_o man_n content_v himself_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n unless_o he_o do_v it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v brief_o urge_v these_o three_o consideration_n first_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n to_o practice_v what_o we_o know_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n have_v so_o essential_a a_o respect_n to_o practice_n that_o the_o scripture_n will_v hardly_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v proper_o call_v knowledge_n unless_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n 1_o john_n 2._o 3_o 4._o hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o second_o practice_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o increase_v and_o perfect_v our_o knowledge_n knowledge_n direct_v we_o in_o our_o practice_n but_o practice_n confirm_v and_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n john_n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v god_n be_v to_o be_v like_o he_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v the_o lively_a image_n of_o his_o perfection_n imprint_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v