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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n advance_v clear_a good_a 15 3 2.0641 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62644 Sixteen sermons, preached on several subjects. By the most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson late Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Being the third volume; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his Grace Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1696 (1696) Wing T1270; ESTC R218005 164,610 488

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final_o by_o his_o mercy_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n three_o another_o powerful_a argument_n to_o care_n and_o diligence_n be_v the_o fatal_a danger_n of_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n we_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o he_o break_v with_o our_o saviour_n only_o upon_o one_o point_n he_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o distribute_v they_o in_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o thereupon_o he_o leave_v our_o saviour_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o find_v never_o return_v to_o he_o again_o if_o the_o world_n govern_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o we_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n first_o and_o make_v these_o our_o 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secure_v against_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o whereby_o they_o may_v discern_v truth_n from_o imposture_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o not_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o there_o be_v two_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o do_v not_o real_o come_v from_o he_o first_o to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n this_o 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he_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o in_o despise_v he_o they_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v he_o second_o there_o be_v also_o another_o dangerous_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o this_o likewise_o the_o jew_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o in_o receive_v the_o false_a prophet_n which_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o send_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o truth_n greedy_o to_o swallow_v error_n and_o delusion_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o jew_n john_n 5._o 43._o i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v this_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o jew_n be_v full_o accomplish_v for_o after_o they_o have_v reject_v he_o who_o give_v 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convenient_a and_o comfortable_a and_o consequent_o he_o that_o torment_v himself_o about_o the_o get_n of_o these_o thing_n contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o design_n because_o he_o make_v his_o life_n miserable_a that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o comfortable_a 3._o the_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n in_o get_v consist_v in_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o thing_n infinite_o better_a and_o which_o be_v of_o far_o great_a and_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o he_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n who_o so_o mind_v the_o world_n as_o to_o neglect_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o busy_a and_o intent_n upon_o make_v provision_n for_o this_o life_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o other_o so_o concern_v for_o the_o few_o day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n here_o as_o to_o have_v no_o consideration_n and_o regard_n for_o his_o eternal_a abide_v in_o another_o world_n god_n allow_v we_o to_o provide_v for_o this_o life_n and_o consider_v the_o 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for_o many_o year_n design_v at_o last_o to_o have_v take_v his_o ease_n and_o have_v fall_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v get_v to_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o have_v be_v merry_a and_o this_o though_o it_o prove_v but_o a_o foolish_a design_n in_o the_o issue_n he_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o that_o very_a instant_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o point_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o enjoyment_n yet_o be_v it_o infinite_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n with_o a_o full_a resolution_n never_o to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o second_o man_n be_v covetous_a in_o keep_v a_o estate_n when_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o charitable_o when_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o spare_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o abundance_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n though_o a_o man_n get_v a_o estate_n without_o covetousness_n and_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o enjoy_v it_o yet_o so_o far_o he_o be_v covetous_a as_o he_o be_v uncharitable_a he_o love_v money_n more_o than_o he_o ought_v who_o have_v enough_o to_o spare_v choose_v rather_o to_o keep_v it_o than_o to_o do_v good_a with_o it_o and_o to_o use_v it_o to_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v a_o estate_n three_o they_o likewise_o be_v covetous_a who_o place_n their_o chief_a trust_n and_o happiness_n in_o riches_n who_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v job_n 31._o 24._o make_v gold_n their_o hope_n and_o say_v to_o the_o fine_a gold_n thou_o be_v my_o confidence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o covetousness_n be_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n call_v idolatry_n because_o the_o covetous_a man_n set_v up_o his_o riches_n in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n put_v his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o they_o and_o set_v his_o whole_a heart_n upon_o they_o love_v they_o as_o he_o shall_v love_v god_n only_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n and_o therefore_o mammon_n which_o signify_v riches_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v as_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n as_o a_o servant_n or_o worshipper_n of_o mammon_n so_o that_o in_o scripture_n he_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n who_o place_v his_o chief_a felicity_n in_o a_o great_a fortune_n and_o will_v venture_v to_o lose_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o to_o part_v with_o that_o who_o will_v quit_v his_o religion_n and_o violate_v his_o conscience_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n rather_o than_o forfeit_v his_o estate_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o advance_v it_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o this_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o difficulty_n be_v the_o great_a temptation_n to_o which_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v expose_v when_o a_o man_n may_v not_o only_o save_v himself_o but_o get_v considerable_a advantage_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o change_v his_o religigion_n may_v have_v a_o good_a sum_n of_o money_n to_o boot_v or_o which_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o a_o good_a place_n this_o to_o a_o covetous_a mind_n be_v a_o very_a strong_a temptation_n and_o almost_o irresistible_a when_o error_n and_o delusion_n can_v bid_v so_o high_a and_o offer_v so_o good_a term_n no_o wonder_n if_o it_o gain_v some_o proselyte_n among_o the_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a part_n of_o mankind_n this_o the_o apostle_n give_v warning_n of_o as_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o rich_a man_n in_o time_n of_o suffer_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v lust_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o sad_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n who_o choose_v rather_o to_o leave_v christ_n than_o to_o part_v with_o his_o great_a possession_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v demas_n who_o forsake_v the_o apostle_n and_o christianity_n itself_o to_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n 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 the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n which_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n caution_n man_n so_o earnest_o against_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o vice_n but_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v i_o have_v make_v entrance_n into_o a_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n observable_a first_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o sin_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o warn_v his_o hearer_n against_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n and_o three_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o caution_n because_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o discourse_v of_o the_o second_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n i_o propose_v 1._o to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n do_v consist_v 2._o to_o show_v the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v dispatch_v and_o now_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n to_o show_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n now_o covetousness_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v
for_o reveal_v religion_n the_o only_a design_n of_o that_o be_v to_o revive_v and_o improve_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o our_o reason_n about_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_o gather_v by_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o vain_a and_o confident_a pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o if_o any_o doctrine_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o which_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n he_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o steady_a and_o sure_a notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o per●ections_n and_o by_o those_o he_o will_v easy_o discern_v whether_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o he_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v bring_v it_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v he_o will_v not_o reject_v it_o upon_o every_o idle_a pretence_n and_o frivolous_a exception_n that_o prejudice_v and_o ill_o mind_a man_n may_v make_v against_o it_o but_o after_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v to_o his_o own_o revelation_n and_o if_o the_o person_n that_o bring_v it_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o if_o he_o carry_v on_o no_o earthly_a interest_n and_o design_n by_o it_o but_o do_v by_o his_o life_n and_o action_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n in_o this_o case_n a_o good_a man_n who_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n will_v easy_o assent_v that_o this_o man_n doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o evidence_n which_o our_o saviour_n offer_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o vindication_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n joh._n 7._o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v hereby_o may_v you_o distinguish_v one_o that_o real_o come_v from_o god_n from_o a_o impostor_n if_o any_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o glory_n you_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o send_v he_o but_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o he_o who_o by_o his_o life_n and_o the_o course_n of_o his_o action_n demonstrate_v that_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o not_o any_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o he_o that_o be_v no_o falsehood_n or_o design_n to_o deceive_v for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v you_o may_v conclude_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v no_o deceiver_n or_o impostor_n and_o if_o any_o man_n sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o may_v by_o such_o mark_n and_o character_n as_o these_o judge_v of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n because_o he_o that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a thing_n second_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v and_o bias_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o lust_n for_o his_o great_a interest_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o he_o make_v all_o his_o other_o interest_n and_o concernment_n to_o stoop_v and_o yield_v to_o that_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v govern_v by_o any_o earthly_a interest_n or_o design_n he_o will_v measure_v all_o thing_n by_o that_o and_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o entertain_v any_o thing_n that_o cross_v it_o and_o to_o judge_v equal_o of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o his_o interest_n this_o our_o saviour_n give_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o great_a rabbi_n and_o teacher_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o believe_v and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o if_o man_n have_v any_o other_o design_n in_o religigion_n than_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o reject_v the_o most_o divine_a truth_n because_o these_o be_v calculate_v not_o to_o approve_v we_o to_o man_n but_o to_o god_n and_o as_o vainglory_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n so_o likewise_o do_v every_o other_o lust_n make_v a_o man_n partial_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o clap_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o his_o understanding_n which_o carry_v it_o off_o from_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o to_o lean_v towards_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o lust_n a_o vicious_a man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v those_o truth_n which_o will_v cross_v and_o check_v he_o in_o his_o course_n he_o have_v make_v the_o truth_n his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o oppose_v it_o and_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o the_o light_n of_o it_o offend_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o shut_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v not_o see_v it_o those_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n which_o be_v from_o god_n reprove_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o discover_v the_o deformity_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n likewise_o give_v of_o the_o fierce_a enmity_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n jo●_n 3._o 19_o 20._o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n be_v a_o dead_a weight_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o able_a to_o draw_v down_o the_o scale_n against_o the_o clear_a truth_n for_o though_o it_o be_v absolute_o in_o no_o man_n power_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o will_v yet_o man_n life_n have_v many_o time_n a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o understanding_n to_o make_v assent_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o as_o we_o be_v forward_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o so_o be_v we_o very_o backward_o and_o slow_a in_o yield_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o cross_v our_o inclination_n man_n that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n will_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n which_o charge_v man_n so_o strict_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v always_o use_v to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o shine_v into_o they_o and_o certain_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o infidelity_n be_v to_o debauch_v they_o in_o their_o life_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o last_o time_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 12._o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n when_o man_n once_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n infidelity_n become_v their_o interest_n because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o defend_v and_o excuse_v a_o wicked_a life_n but_o by_o deny_v the_o truth_n which_o oppose_v it_o and_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o
god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v over_o the_o abominable_a heathen_a to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n give_v they_o over_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o injudicious_a and_o undiscerning_a mind_n when_o man_n abandon_v themselves_o to_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n god_n withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o by_o his_o secret_a and_o just_a judgement_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o faculty_n of_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n 2_o thes_n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n will_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n that_o man_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o cheat_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o vile_a impostor_n god_n providence_n be_v concern_v for_o man_n of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a intention_n but_o if_o man_n take_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n god_n take_v no_o further_a care_n of_o they_o but_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o be_v seduce_v into_o all_o those_o error_n into_o which_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v they_o thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o show_v that_o a_o honest_a mind_n that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n both_o because_o it_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o the_o security_n of_o such_o person_n there_o remain_v ●an_v objection_n to_o be_v answer_v to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v make_v from_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a security_n and_o preservative_n against_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o now_o there_o be_v i_o tell_v you_o two_o great_a mistake_v in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o be_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o propose_v from_o this_o text_n to_o show_v how_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o security_n to_o man_n against_o both_o these_o danger_n namely_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n he_o that_o resemble_v god_n most_o be_v like_a to_o understand_v he_o best_o because_o he_o find_v those_o perfection_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o contemplate_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o give_v a_o man_n so_o sure_a a_o notion_n of_o thing_n as_o practice_n and_o experience_n ii_o because_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o seduce_v he_o and_o draw_v he_o aside_o in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o concernment_n that_o the_o contrary_a proposition_n shall_v be_v true_a have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o a_o traveller_n and_o no_o other_o interest_n but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v biased_a by_o any_o lust_n and_o addict_v to_o any_o vicious_a practice_n he_o be_v then_o a_o interest_v person_n and_o concern_v to_o make_v a_o partial_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o infidelity_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o because_o whatever_o the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v he_o can_v but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n second_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o great_a security_n in_o discern_a truth_n from_o error_n be_v because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o preserve_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n when_o man_n be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o obedient_a frame_n of_o mind_n god_n love_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o they_o psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o proper_a disposition_n of_o a_o scholar_n be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o that_o which_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v be_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o knowledge_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v only_o happy_a in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v take_v effectual_a care_n to_o secure_v such_o a_o one_o against_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o know_v it_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a and_o then_o draw_v some_o infer●nces_n from_o the_o whole_a after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v some_o perhaps_o may_v ask_v be_v every_o good_a man_n then_o secure_a from_o all_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a privilege_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o we_o find_v the_o contrary_a in_o experience_n that_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o a_o weak_a head_n do_v often_o meet_v together_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n that_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n this_o probity_n of_o mind_n and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o do_v it_o because_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n give_v a_o man_n the_o best_a advantage_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o god_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o such_o person_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o this_o because_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o a_o great_a many_o mistake_v in_o religion_n about_o thing_n not_o necessary_a for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o
of_o it_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v far_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o promise_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o direction_n or_o assistance_n or_o security_n from_o mistake_n to_o any_o church_n but_o the_o same_o be_v make_v in_o as_o full_a and_o express_a term_n to_o every_o good_a man_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o same_o to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o word_n john_n 14._o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n apply_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o every_o good_a christian_a heb._n 13._o 5._o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o for_o where_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o and_o i_o will_v make_v my_o abode_n with_o he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o be_v it_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o promise_v make_v to_o every_o good_a man_n john_n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n have_v god_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o same_o metaphor_n concern_v every_o man_n that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n mat._n 7._o 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o be_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n so_o that_o if_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n signify_v infallibility_n it_o belong_v to_o every_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o practise_v what_o he_o know_v as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o church_n when_o man_n be_v enable_v by_o god_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o those_o doctrine_n but_o without_o this_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o offer_v no_o evidence_n ●it_a to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o assist_v and_o i_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o the_o pope_n among_o all_o his_o privilege_n do_v pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n second_o from_o hence_o likewise_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o error_n and_o infidelity_n in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o infidel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o man_n interest_n and_o lust_n make_v they_o partial_a and_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o recommend_v it_o to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o conscience_n so_o that_o as_o st._n paul_n argue_v if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o if_o man_n do_v but_o stand_v indifferent_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o passion_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o man_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n fair_o propose_v to_o he_o will_v continue_v a_o infidel_n if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o suitable_a thereto_o be_v from_o god_n three_o and_o last_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n do_v we_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n let_v we_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will._n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o their_o vicious_a practice_n the_o best_a way_n certain_o to_o preserve_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o take_v great_a care_n of_o a_o good_a life_n god_n goodness_n be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n judgement_n to_o be_v betray_v into_o a_o damnable_a error_n without_o some_o vice_n and_o fault_n of_o his_o will._n the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o imprint_v upon_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o nor_o need_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o accompany_v they_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n may_v easy_o discern_v they_o from_o error_n and_o imposture_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o see_v any_o oppose_v the_o clear_a truth_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o to_o embrace_v gross_a error_n and_o delusion_n we_o may_v almost_o certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o worldly_a interest_n or_o lust_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n be_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o st._n peter_n exhortation_n the_o 2_o d_o of_o pet._n 3._o 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o luke_n xii_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v among_o all_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o man_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o common_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o of_o a_o more_o universal_a bad_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o this_o of_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o this_o vice_n i_o shall_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o even_o of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n truth_n and_o religion_n of_o which_o covetousness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o common_a cause_n so_o that_o if_o i_o can_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o great_a distemper_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v in_o so_o do_v remove_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o which_o word_n be_v these_o thre●_n thing_n observable_a first_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o caution_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v he_o double_v it_o to_o show_v the_o great_a need_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o caution_n or_o the_o vice_n which_o our_o
very_o evil_a and_o unreasonable_a upon_o these_o follow_a account_n i._o because_o it_o take_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n ii_o because_o it_o tempt_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o religion_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o iii_o because_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o insatiable_a desire_n iv._o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o riches_n v._o because_o riches_n do_v very_o often_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o misery_n and_o infelicity_n of_o men._n first_o covetousness_n take_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o covetous_a man_n be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o this_o world_n and_o his_o inordinate_a desire_n after_o these_o thing_n make_v he_o to_o neglect_n god_n and_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o employ_v all_o his_o time_n and_o care_n and_o thought_n about_o these_o temporal_a thing_n and_o his_o vehement_a love_n and_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o these_o thing_n steal_v away_o his_o heart_n from_o god_n rob_v he_o of_o his_o time_n and_o of_o all_o opportunity_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o divert_v he_o from_o all_o serious_a thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v mat._n 6._o 24._o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n so_o different_a as_o god_n and_o the_o world_n be_v because_o they_o will_v give_v cross_a command_n and_o enjoin_v contrary_a thing_n god_n he_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o mind_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n to_o have_v a_o serious_a regard_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o business_n and_o a_o eager_a appetite_n of_o be_v rich_a call_v we_o off_o from_o these_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a employment_n or_o disturb_v we_o in_o they_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o distribute_v and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o our_o covetousness_n pull_v we_o back_o and_o hale_v we_o another_o way_n and_o check_v all_o merciful_a and_o charitable_a inclination_n in_o we_o god_n call_v we_o to_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n and_o command_v we_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 worldly_a consideration_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o world_n inspire_v we_o with_o other_o thought_n and_o whisper_v to_o we_o to_o save_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v righteous_a over_o much_o and_o rather_o to_o trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n than_o man_n with_o our_o body_n and_o estate_n if_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n strong_o upon_o any_o thing_n they_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o object_n which_o they_o be_v conversant_a about_o for_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v as_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o if_o a_o great_a estate_n be_v our_o chief_a end_n and_o design_n if_o riches_n be_v our_o treasure_n and_o our_o happiness_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v find_v among_o the_o stuff_n we_o can_v bestow_v our_o affection_n free_o upon_o two_o object_n we_o can_v intense_o love_v god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v two_o ultimate_a end_n two_o principal_a design_n our_o riches_n may_v increase_v but_o if_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o and_o give_v they_o the_o chief_a place_n in_o our_o affection_n we_o make_v they_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n whatever_o we_o make_v our_o ultimate_a end_n we_o give_v it_o a_o sovereignty_n and_o empire_n over_o we_o we_o put_v ourselves_o under_o its_o dominion_n and_o make_v ourselves_o subject_a to_o all_o its_o command_n so_o that_o if_o it_o bid_v we_o go_v we_o must_v go_v come_v we_o must_v come_v do_v this_o we_o must_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v under_o authority_n the_o world_n be_v our_o master_n and_o we_o be_v its_o slave_n now_o he_o that_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n of_o this_o master_n must_v withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o god_n and_o in_o many_o case_n decline_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n this_o worldly_a covetous_a disposition_n be_v that_o which_o make_v those_o in_o the_o parable_n to_o make_v so_o many_o excuse_n when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o supper_n luke_n 14._o 18._o one_o have_v buy_v a_o farm_n and_o he_o can_v not_o come_v another_o have_v buy_v so_o many_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v riches_n do_v so_o fill_v the_o covetous_a man_n heart_n and_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n so_o possess_v his_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v no_o room_n leave_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o any_o other_o guest_n intus_fw-la existens_fw-la prohibet_fw-la alienum_fw-la that_o which_o be_v full_a already_o can_v receive_v no_o more_o the_o covetous_a man_n heart_n be_v take_v up_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o keep_v out_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o better_a thing_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o this_o degree_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a mat._n 13._o 7._o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o thorn_n which_o spring_v up_o among_o the_o seed_n and_o stifle_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v any_o permanent_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o ezek._n 33._o 31._o god_n give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prophet_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o come_v unto_o thou_o say_v god_n there_o to_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n a_o heart_n that_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n will_v stand_v out_o against_o all_o the_o invitation_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n invite_v such_o person_n it_o be_v like_o make_v love_n to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o fix_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n elsewhere_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n signify_v but_o very_o little_a to_o such_o man_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o worldly_a thing_n and_o all_o their_o affection_n be_v bend_v that_o way_n all_o their_o hope_n and_o desire_n be_v worldly_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o abound_v in_o wealth_n and_o all_o their_o fear_n be_v of_o poverty_n and_o loss_n now_o such_o a_o man_n can_v only_o be_v move_v with_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a thing_n for_o no_o promise_n have_v any_o effect_n upon_o we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o good_a which_o we_o care_v for_o and_o value_n nor_o be_v any_o threaten_n apt_a to_o move_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o we_o dread_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o therefore_o when_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o world_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n he_o do_v not_o desire_v it_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o sensible_a of_o the_o value_n of_o it●_n the_o man_n heart_n be_v full_a already_o of_o other_o hope_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n promise_v to_o such_o a_o man_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o eternity_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v to_o such_o a_o man_n any_o good_a or_o happiness_n that_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o or_o know_v how_o to_o relish_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n threaten_v he_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n and_o a_o eternal_a separation_n from_o that_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n and_o with_o the_o unspeakable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o long_a eternity_n these_o thing_n though_o they_o be_v terrible_a yet_o they_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v enure_v to_o sense_n and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v move_v with_o thing_n present_a and_o
we_o and_o when_o man_n find_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o they_o will_v without_o any_o great_a persuasion_n take_v comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o but_o till_o they_o discern_v the_o condition_n in_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o himself_o for_o till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v he_o have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n than_o if_o such_o a_o promise_n have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o no_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o do_v otherwise_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a trouble_n which_o perplex_v many_o people_n that_o they_o can_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o whereas_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o their_o trouble_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o they_o will_v apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o other_o be_v a_o endless_a trouble_n let_v they_o but_o look_v to_o the_o condition_n and_o the_o promise_n will_v apply_v itself_o i_o speak_v all_o this_o on_o purpose_n to_o free_a man_n from_o those_o perplexity_n wherewith_o many_o have_v entangle_v themselves_o by_o false_a apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n either_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o we_o upon_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o or_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v comfortable_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v make_v such_o promise_n for_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a or_o expect_v thing_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v they_o may_v trouble_v themselves_o eternal_o and_o all_o the_o world_n can_v help_v it_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o thing_n viz._n what_o influence_n these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o 2_o peter_n i_o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n the_o last_o day_n in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v the_o promise_n here_o speak_v of_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n second_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v do_v with_o and_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o influence_n which_o these_o promise_v aught_o to_o have_v upon_o we_o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n not_o that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o some_o have_v blasphemous_o affirm_v pretend_v in_o their_o cant_a and_o senseless_a language_n to_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o chri_v with_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o will_v be_v for_o man_n to_o become_v god_n and_o to_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o state_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n signify_v a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o have_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n rectify_v and_o purge_v from_o all_o sinful_a lust_n and_o irregular_a passion_n and_o from_o all_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n so_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o explain_v it_o these_o two_o way_n by_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o corruption_n or_o defilement_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o by_o a_o diligent_a endeavour_n after_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n faith_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o a_o universal_a charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o all_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a influence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n full_o declare_v to_o we_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o uncleanness_n and_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n such_o as_o wrath_n envy_n malice_n hatred_n strife_n revenge_n cruelty_n pride_n and_o the_o like_a perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v continual_o aspire_v still_o more_o and_o more_o after_o further_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o by_o practise_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n we_o shall_v by_o degree_n raise_v and_o advance_v ourselves_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n imitate_v in_o all_o our_o action_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o term_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v partake_v of_o a_o divine_a nature_n or_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n express_v it_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a this_o the_o gospel_n design_n to_o raise_v we_o to_o and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o this_o be_v effect_v be_v those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o and_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o effect_v it_o these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o second_o by_o way_n of_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n both_o these_o way_n some_o or_o other_o of_o these_o promise_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o godlike_a temper_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v to_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n first_o by_o way_n of_o internal_a efficacy_n and_o assistance_n and_o this_o influence_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o gracious_a help_n and_o assistance_n thereof_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n incline_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n and_o commiseration_n of_o that_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n which_o we_o have_v contract_v in_o that_o degenerate_a and_o deprave_a condition_n into_o which_o mankind_n be_v sink_v to_o help_v we_o who_o be_v without_o strength_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o that_o evil_a and_o miserable_a state_n into_o which_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o be_v fall_v to_o quicken_v we_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o condition_n of_o unregenerate_a person_n to_o raise_v ●s_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o cherish_v this_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v common_o weak_a at_o first_o and_o to_o carry_v it_o through_o alldiscouragement_n and_o opposition_n to_o
genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_n and_o the_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v appoint_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n shall_v demean_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v to_o suffer_v and_o this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o like_a expression_n chap._n 3._o of_o this_o epist_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o be_v if_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a second_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o faithful_a creator_n that_o be_v to_o deposit_v our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n and_o custody_n of_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o providence_n who_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o will_v faithful_o keep_v what_o we_o commit_v to_o he_o for_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o will_v not_o abandon_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n to_o support_v they_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o to_o reward_v they_o for_o it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o great_a encouragement_n in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n cause_n and_o truth_n to_o commit_v our_o soul_n to_o his_o care_n and_o custody_n our_o soul_n that_o be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o our_o life_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o a_o word_n ourselves_o for_o so_o the_o word_n soul_n be_v frequent_o use_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n psal_n 7._o 5._o let_v the_o enemy_n persecute_v my_o soul_n and_o take_v it_o that_o be_v my_o life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n yea_o let_v he_o tread_v do●n_o my_o life_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o psal_n 54._o 3._o oppressor_n seek_v after_o my_o soul_n and_o psal_n 59_o 3._o they_o lie_v in_o wa●t_n for_o my_o soul_n that_o be_v my_o life_n and_o psal_n 16._o 10._o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n my_o soul_n that_o be_v myself_o thou_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o will_v raise_v i_o up_o to_o life_n again_o and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mar._n 8._o 35._o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o same_o shall_v save_v it_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v life_n in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n be_v render_v soul_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o be_v his_o life_n and_o so_o likewise_o jo●_n 12._o 25._o he_o that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n signify_v soul_n he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v who_o neglect_v and_o expose_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a and_o luke_n 9_o 25._o that_o which_o the_o other_o evangelist_n render_v by_o the_o word_n soul_n or_o life_n he_o render_v himself_o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n advantage_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v himself_o and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n three_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n by_o well-doing_n be_v here_o mean_v a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o do_v our_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o hazard_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 7._o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n it_o signify_v sometime_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o charity_n but_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o chap._n 2._o 15._o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n that_o be_v by_o a_o resolute_a constancy_n in_o a_o good_a course_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n and_o ver_fw-la 20._o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o s●ffer_v for_o it_o that_o be_v if_o when_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n and_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 6._o as_o long_o as_o you_o do_v well_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a with_o any_o amazement_n that_o be_v be_v resolute_a and_o constant_a in_o do_v your_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o threaten_n and_o terror_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o for_o it_o be_v better_a if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o that_o you_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n than_o for_o evil-doing_a that_o be_v for_o your_o religion_n and_o constancy_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n as_o christian_n and_o not_o as_o criminal_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v wherefore_o be_v forewarn_v of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o direction_n and_o advice_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v this_o that_o since_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n commit_v yourselves_o in_o the_o constant_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o the_o faithful_a creator_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o particular_a point_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o first_o that_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n second_o always_o provide_v that_o we_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n if_o we_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o god_n providence_n will_v not_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n three_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n afford_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n first_o when_o man_n do_v suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n they_o may_v with_o confidence_n and_o good_a assurance_n commit_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o not_o 2._o how_o far_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o these_o suffering_n 3._o what_o ●●ound_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o more_o particular_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o case_n of_o such_o suffering_n 1._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v real_o and_o true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n truth_n and_o when_o not_o in_o these_o case_n first_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o not_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o declare_v against_o it_o and_o apostatise_v from_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n about_o suffer_v for_o religion_n do_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o among_o christian_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n
no_o express_v and_o direct_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o common_a sense_n because_o the_o admit_v of_o transubstantiation_n do_v undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v more_o immediate_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o yea_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o reason_n and_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a animosity_n and_o indignation_n at_o confident_a nonsense_n a_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o generous_a mind_n will_v as_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o declare_v or_o swear_v that_o twice_o two_o do_v not_o make_v four_o but_o five_o as_o to_o profess_v his_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n yet_o all_o truth_n be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o truth_n at_o all_o time_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o deny_v or_o renounce_v any_o truth_n nor_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n or_o error_n for_o it_o be_v mere_o because_o of_o the_o intrinsical_a evil_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v it_o worth_a his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n so_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o joh._n 18._o 37._o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o these_o plain_a instance_n to_o which_o most_o other_z case_n may_v be_v reduce_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o truth_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o or_o three_o case_n wherein_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o can_v true_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o first_o when_o man_n rash_o expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n and_o run_v upon_o suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n thus_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n voluntary_o expose_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v in_o question_n and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n offer_v themselves_o to_o martyrdom_n when_o none_o inquire_v after_o they_o this_o in_o the_o gracious_a interpretation_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o zeal_n be_v please_v to_o overlook_v the_o indiscreet_a forwardness_n and_o rashness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v justify_v so_o a●_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n and_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o excuse_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a zeal_n yet_o he_o can_v approve_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suffer_v cheerful_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n when_o he_o call_v we_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o resist_v unto_o blood_n and_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o strait_a that_o we_o must_v either_o die_v for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n or_o deny_v they_o to_o suffer_v i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n with_o courage_n and_o patience_n be_v one_o of_o the_o noble_a of_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n but_o to_o be_v perfect_a volunteer_n and_o to_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o suffering_n when_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o they_o look_v rather_o like_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n which_o though_o god_n may_v merciful_o excuse_v and_o pardon_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o action_n for_o the_o good_a mean_v of_o it_o yet_o he_o can_v never_o perfect_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o it_o but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v little_a need_n nowa-day_n to_o caution_n man_n against_o this_o rashness_n it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o second_o nor_o can_v man_n be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v not_o for_o their_o faith_n but_o their_o fancy_n and_o for_o the_o wilful_a and_o affect_a error_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n as_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o in_o heat_n and_o passion_n they_o call_v superstition_n and_o idoltary_a and_o for_o their_o own_o false_a opinion_n in_o religion_n which_o they_o mistake_v for_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o this_o case_n their_o mistake_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o turn_v their_o suffering_n into_o martyrdom_n and_o yet_o many_o man_n have_v certain_o suffer_v for_o their_o own_o mistake_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n when_o they_o kill_v his_o faithful_a servant_n so_o likewise_o may_v they_o be_v so_o far_o deceive_v as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o their_o own_o culpable_a error_n and_o mistake_v but_o this_o be_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_v not_o the_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o but_o that_o which_o come_v from_o beneath_o and_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v heat_n without_o light_n three_o and_o last_o nor_o can_v man_n true_o be_v say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o defence_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a truth_n yet_o he_o be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v to_o deny_v they_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v either_o to_o declare_v or_o defend_v they_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o peace_n at_o other_o time_n and_o be_v silent_a about_o they_o especial_o when_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o they_o will_v probable_o do_v no_o good_a to_o other_o and_o will_v certain_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v such_o truth_n will_v be_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_v of_o erasmus_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v he_o mean_v it_o of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a adeo_fw-la invis●_n sunt_fw-la mihi_fw-la discordi●_n ut_fw-la veritas_fw-la etiam_fw-la contentiosa_fw-la displiceat_fw-la i_o be_o say_v he_o so_o perfect_a a_o hater_n of_o discord_n that_o i_o be_o even_o displease_v with_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o contention_n as_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o deny_v truth_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o if_o he_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n he_o can_v justify_v it_o to_o his_o own_o prudence_n nor_o have_v comfort_n in_o such_o suffering_n because_o he_o bring_v they_o needless_o upon_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n but_o in_o suffer_v for_o do_v his_o 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 inquire_v into_o namely_o when_o man_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o how_o far_o man_n may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o provide_v we_o do_v what_o become_v we_o and_o be_v our_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o cause_n one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n first_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n or_o second_o in_o case_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o a_o temporary_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o by_o repentance_n and_o a_o great_a resolution_n and_o constancy_n under_o suffering_n i_o shall_v speak_v several_o to_o these_o 1._o either_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o
chap._n ver_fw-la 14._o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v here_o promise_a to_o strengthen_v and_o support_v all_o that_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o very_a conspicuous_a and_o glorious_a manner_n according_a to_o that_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n col._n 1._o 11._o that_o christian_n may_v be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n according_a to_o god_n glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n for_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v good_a man_n with_o trial_n more_o than_o humane_a and_o such_o suffering_n as_o be_v beyond_o the_o common_a rate_n of_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v he_o have_v engage_v himself_o to_o endue_v and_o assist_v they_o with_o more_o than_o humane_a courage_n and_o resolution_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n who_o have_v not_o then_o feel_v the_o utmost_a rage_n of_o persecution_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o no_o temptation_n or_o trial_n have_v yet_o befall_v you_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n that_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v frequent_o incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o what_o by_o humane_a strength_n with_o a_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v grapple_v withal_o but_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v call_v you_o to_o extraordinary_a suffering_n he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o that_o be_v as_o he_o have_v order_v and_o appoint_v so_o great_a a_o temptation_n or_o trial_n to_o befall_v you_o so_o he_o will_v take_v care_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o happy_a issue_n by_o enable_v you_o to_o bear_v it_o by_o afford_v you_o grace_n and_o strength_n equal_a to_o the_o violence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o temptation_n for_o as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o be_v conquer_a by_o it_o so_o he_o be_v say_v to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o or_o escape_v it_o who_o be_v enable_v to_o bear_v it_o and_o in_o so_o do_v get_v the_o better_a of_o it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o may_v rely_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v try_v above_o our_o strength_n either_o not_o above_o the_o strength_n which_o we_o have_v or_o not_o above_o the_o strength_n which_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v daunt_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o suffer_v whatsoever_o if_o we_o be_v secure_v that_o our_o comfort_n shall_v be_v increase_v in_o proportion_n to_o our_o trouble_n and_o our_o strength_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o sharpness_n and_o weight_n of_o our_o suffering_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o temporary_a fall_n the_o providence_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o grace_n and_o opportunity_n of_o recover_v themselves_o from_o their_o fall_n by_o repentance_n for_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v sometime_o for_o wise_a end_n and_o reason_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o leave_v good_a man_n to_o their_o own_o frailty_n and_o to_o faint_v and_o fall_v shameful_o under_o suffering_n so_o as_o to_o renounce_v and_o deny_v the_o truth_n sometime_o to_o punish_v their_o vain_a confidence_n in_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o peter_n who_o declare_v more_o resolution_n and_o bear_v it_o out_o with_o a_o great_a confidence_n than_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i_o and_o yet_o after_o this_o he_o fall_v more_o shameful_o than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v his_o master_n with_o horrid_a oath_n and_o imprecation_n and_o this_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v pray_v particular_o for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v from_o which_o instance_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n do_v not_o engage_v himself_o absolute_o to_o secure_v good_a man_n from_o fall_v in_o case_n of_o a_o great_a temptation_n and_o trial_n but_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a he_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v final_o though_o he_o may_v suffer_v they_o to_o miscarry_v grievous_o for_o a_o time_n to_o covince_n they_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o strength_n sometime_o god_n my_o suffer_v good_a man_n to_o fall_v in_o order_n to_o their_o more_o glorious_a recovery_n and_o the_o great_a demonstration_n and_o triumph_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o constancy_n afterward_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o happy_a instrument_n of_o our_o reformation_n here_o in_o england_n archbishop_n cranmer_n who_o after_o he_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o champion_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v so_o overcome_v with_o fear_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o approach_a suffering_n as_o to_o subscribe_v those_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o he_o have_v so_o stout_o oppose_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n but_o he_o do_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o this_o state_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v not_o forsake_v he_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o suffer_v give_v such_o a_o testimony_n of_o it_o and_o of_o his_o faith_n and_o constancy_n as_o be_v more_o glorious_a and_o more_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o than_o a_o simple_a martyrdom_n can_v have_v be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o fall_v for_o when_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o stake_n he_o put_v his_o right_a hand_n withwhich_v he_o have_v sign_v his_o recantation_n into_o the_o fire_n and_o with_o a_o undaunted_a constancy_n hold_v it_o there_o till_o it_o be_v quite_o burn_v for_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o true_a repentance_n for_o that_o foul_a miscarriage_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v give_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v which_o he_o endure_v with_o great_a courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n to_o the_o last_o so_o that_o he_o make_v all_o the_o amends_o possible_a for_o so_o great_a a_o fault_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v more_o glorify_v in_o his_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n than_o if_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v when_o notwithstanding_o these_o promise_n of_o extraordinary_a comfort_n and_o support_v in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a suffering_n so_o great_a number_n be_v see_v to_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o their_o steadfastness_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o sad_a instance_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o have_v likewise_o be_v of_o late_a in_o our_o own_o time_n and_o n_o place_n near_o to_o we_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a melancholy_a consideration_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n and_o first_o of_o all_o let_v this_o be_v establish_v for_o a_o firm_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v much_o rather_o to_o suppose_v in_o all_o these_o case_n that_o there_o be_v some_o default_n on_o our_o part_n than_o any_o failure_n and_o unfaithfulness_n on_o god_n part._n thus_o st._n paul_n determine_v in_o a_o like_a case_n when_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v make_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n he_o lay_v the_o blame_v of_o it_o on_o their_o unbelief_n but_o acquit_v god_n of_o any_o unfaithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n rom._n 3._o 3_o 4._o for_o what_o if_o some_o do_v not_o believe_v shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n or_o fidelity_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n this_o i_o confess_v do_v not_o answer_v the_o difficulty_n but_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o incline_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o interpret_v what_o can_v fair_o be_v offer_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o with_o all_o the_o favour_n that_o may_v be_v on_o god_n side_n i_o say_v then_o second_o that_o when_o good_a man_n fall_v in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o recover_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o give_v great_a demonstration_n afterward_o of_o their_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v as_o in_o the_o case_n i_o mention_v because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v not_o absolute_a that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o fall_v but_o that_o the_o temptation_n shall_v have_v a_o h●ppy_a issue_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o final_o
time_n of_o the_o general_a suspension_n of_o trade_n and_o business_n from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o approach_a trouble_n by_o reason_n whereof_o both_o the_o number_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v great_o and_o daily_o increase_v among_o we_o and_o beside_o the_o poor_a of_o our_o own_o nation_n god_n have_v send_v we_o great_a number_n from_o abroad_o i_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v flee_v hither_o for_o shelter_n from_o that_o violent_a storm_n of_o persecution_n which_o have_v late_o fall_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o common_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o compassion_n we_o show_v to_o they_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n will_v either_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o like_a suffering_n or_o gracious_o support_v we_o under_o they_o what_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o god_n be_v now_o try_v we_o and_o have_v purposely_o put_v this_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o prevent_v or_o mitigate_a or_o shorten_v our_o own_o suffering_n according_a as_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o pity_n to_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v so_o deep_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n seven_o provide_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o above_o all_o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o our_o religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v universal_o good_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o large_a sense_n of_o well-doing_n and_o the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o suffering_n and_o to_o give_v we_o courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o engage_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o we_o and_o concernment_n for_o we_o if_o he_o shall_v ●ee_n it_o fit_a to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v but_o if_o we_o live_v in_o open_a contempt_n and_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n if_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o action_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o well_o ground_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o his_o providence_n set_v itself_o against_o they_o for_o evil_a bad_a man_n draw_v many_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n upon_o themselves_o as_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o their_o action_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n haunt_v and_o pursue_v evil-doer_n and_o his_o just_a providence_n many_o time_n involve_v they_o in_o many_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n beside_o and_o beyond_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n upon_o the_o wicked_a say_v david_n he_o will_v rain_v snare_n so_o that_o as_o ever_o we_o expect_v the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n we_o must_v live_v in_o a_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o god_n holy_a will_n and_o law_n bad_a man_n may_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v it_o though_o they_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o for_o all_o this_o out_o of_o mere_a generosity_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n they_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v threaten_v and_o terrify_v out_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o will_v endure_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n before_o they_o will_v renounce_v it_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n that_o they_o stand_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o hope_v perhaps_o thereby_o to_o make_v some_o amends_o for_o their_o bad_a practice_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v nothing_o give_v a_o man_n true_a courage_n and_o resolution_n like_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n concern_v our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o resolution_n and_o patience_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n and_o to_o restrain_v his_o appetite_n and_o to_o subdue_v his_o irregular_a passion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v not_o easy_o bring_v himself_o to_o submit_v to_o great_a suffering_n upon_o that_o account_n there_o be_v considerable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o resolute_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a to_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v we_o shall_v do_v than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o it_o and_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o upon_o another_o occasion_n he_o that_o can_v prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o live_v like_o a_o saint_n will_v much_o more_o hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o die_v a_o martyr_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o faithful_a creator_n do_v afford_v to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o a_o good_a censcience_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well-doing_n as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n and_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a and_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o under_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n to_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n as_o a_o faithful_a creator_n one_o that_o be_v not_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a in_o his_o affection_n and_o kindness_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v true_a to_o his_o own_o design_n and_o will_v not_o abandon_v and_o forsake_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o benefit_n as_o that_o of_o our_o being_n free_o confer_v upon_o we_o be_v but_o a_o earnest_n of_o god_n further_a kindness_n to_o we_o and_o future_a care_n of_o we_o if_o by_o our_o ill_a carriage_n towards_o he_o we_o do_v not_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a and_o incapable_a of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o have_v kindness_n for_o we_o if_o he_o have_v not_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v we_o as_o it_o be_v excellent_o say_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n cap._n 11._o 23._o 24._o thou_o have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o for_o thou_o love_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o abhor_v nothing_o which_o thou_o have_v make_v for_o never_o will_v thou_o have_v make_v any_o thing_n if_o thou_o have_v hate_v it_o and_o ver_fw-la 26._o thou_o spare_v all_o for_o they_o be_v thou_o o_o lord_n thou_o lover_n of_o soul_n to_o who_o then_o may_v be_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n commit_v ourselves_o as_o to_o he_o who_o free_o give_v we_o our_o be_v from_o who_o may_v we_o expect_v so_o tender_a a_o regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o case_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o from_o this_o great_a founder_n and_o benefactor_n for_o he_o that_o make_v we_o know_v our_o frame_n and_o whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o how_o much_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v he_o consider_v our_o strength_n or_o rather_o our_o weakness_n and_o what_o courage_n and_o resolution_n he_o have_v endue_v we_o withal_o and_o what_o comfort_n and_o support_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o the_o day_n of_o tribulation_n and_o as_o they_o who_o make_v armour_n be_v wont_a to_o try_v that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v good_a and_o well_o temper_v with_o a_o strong_a charge_n not_o to_o break_v and_o hurt_v it_o but_o to_o prove_v and_o praise_v it_o so_o god_n exercise_v those_o who_o he_o have_v fit_v and_o t●mpered_v for_o it_o with_o manifold_a temptation_n that_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 7._o be_v much_o more_o precious_a th●n_n of_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fir●_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n do_v as_o i_o may_v say_v oblige_v he_o in_o faithfulness_n to_o his_o own_o act_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o his_o bring_v we_o into_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o afterward_o so_o as_o never_o to_o abandon_v we_o nor_o quite_o to_o take_v away_o his_o lovingkindness_n and_o mercy_n from_o we_o till_o we_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o and_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o make_v we_o that_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n a_o person_n or_o people_n must_v have_v proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o degeneracy_n when_o god_n will_v consider_v they_o no_o long_o as_o his_o creature_n nor_o show_v any_o pity_n or_o favour_n to_o they_o thing_n must_v be_v come_v to_o extremity_n when_o god_n deal_v
thus_o with_o we_o as_o he_o threaten_v the_o people_n of_o issr●el_n isa_n 27._o 11._o when_o the_o bough_n be_v wither_v they_o shall_v be_v break_v off_o and_o set_v on_o fire_n for_o it_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o point_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o handle_v from_o this_o text_n and_o the_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o they_o do_v all_o along_o apply_v itself_o by_o direct_v we_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o suffer_v especial_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n viz._n in_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o by_o a_o firm_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o d●vine_a providence_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o who_o make_v we_o and_o know_v our_o frame_n will_v have_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o we_o and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a and_o as_o to_o our_o present_a danger_n and_o that_o terrible_a storm_n which_o threaten_v we_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o divert_v it_o but_o if_o otherwise_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o it_o and_o let_v we_o be_v fervent_a and_o earnest_a in_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o not_o that_o he_o be_v move_v by_o our_o importunity_n but_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v qualify_v and_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o mercy_n which_o we_o beg_v of_o he_o and_o let_v we_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v without_o it_o to_o brea●_n off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o to_o turn_v every_o one_o of_o we_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o ways●_n that_o hereby_o we_o may_v render_v god_n propitious_a to_o we_o and_o put_v ourselves_o under_o the_o more_o immediate_a care_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o we_o may_v prevent_v his_o judgement_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n from_o we_o as_o he_o do_v once_o from_o a_o great_a and_o sinful_a city_n and_o people_n upon_o their_o sincere_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n jonah_n 3._o 10._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o people_n of_o niniveh_n that_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o above_o all_o let_v we_o be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o nothing_o will_v bear_v we_o up_o under_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n like_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o apostolical_a blessing_n and_o prayer_n colos_n 1._o 10_o 11._o that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n according_a to_o his_o glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n and_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 16_o 17._o now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o god_n even_o our_o father_n who_o have_v love_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n comfort_v your_o heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_v to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o john_n ix_o 4._o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v these_o word_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o certain_a work_n and_o employment_n appoint_v he_o during_o he_o abide_v in_o it_o a_o great_a work_n indeed_o to_o instruct_v and_o reform_v and_o save_v mankind_n a_o work_n of_o great_a labour_n and_o pain_n and_o patience_n not_o to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o yet_o the_o time_n for_o do_v it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o begin_v it_o and_o after_o he_o begin_v it_o the_o time_n of_o work_v be_v not_o long_o before_o the_o night_n come_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v but_o this_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o which_o proper_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o no_o other_o may_v ye●_n be_v accommodate_v to_o every_o man_n with_o some_o allowance_n for_o the_o difference_n and_o disproportion_n for_o though_o every_o man_n be_v not_o send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n after_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n and_o upon_o so_o particular_a and_o vast_a a_o design_n yet_o upon_o a_o general_a account_n every_o man_n be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o this_o world_n and_o have_v a_o work_n give_v he_o to_o do_v in_o it_o which_o he_o be_v concern_v vigorous_o to_o mind_n and_o to_o prosecute_v with_o all_o his_o may_v and_o though_o every_o man_n be_v not_o send_v to_o save_v the_o whole_a world_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o every_o man_n be_v send_v by_o god_n into_o the_o world_n to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v in_o a_o very_a good_a sense_n accommodate_v these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o handle_v these_o word_n according_a to_o this_o moral_a accommodation_n of_o they_o and_o apply_v what_o our_o saviour_n here_o say_v of_o himself_o to_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o every_o man_n have_v a_o work_n assign_v he_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n by_o he_o that_o send_v he_o into_o it_o and_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n say_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v of_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o second_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o limit_a time_n for_o every_o man_n to_o do_v this_o work_n in_o while_o it_o be_v day_n three_o that_o after_o this_o season_n be_v expire_v the●e_n will_v be_v no_o further_o opportunity_n of_o work_v the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v first_o every_o man_n have_v a_o work_n assign_v he_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n by_o he_o that_o send_v he_o into_o it_o and_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n say_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v of_o himself_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o ●ent_v i_o god_n who_o make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o have_v endow_v he_o with_o faculty_n whereby_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o serve_v he_o have_v appoint_v he_o a_o work_n and_o service_n suitable_a to_o these_o faculty_n and_o have_v infuse_v a_o immortal_a soul_n into_o this_o earthy_a body_n have_v certain_o design_v he_o for_o a_o state_n beyond_o this_o life_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a as_o he_o use_v and_o demean_v himself_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o the_o work_n which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o that_o eternal_a duration_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o after_o death_n for_o the_o life_n which_o we_o live_v now_o in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o time_n of_o exercise_n a_o short_a state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o a_o durable_a and_o endless_a state_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v immutable_o ●ixt_v in_o another_o world_n this_o world_n into_o which_o we_o be_v now_o send_v for_o a_o little_a while_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n school_n in_o which_o immortal_a spirit_n clothe_v with_o flesh_n be_v train_v and_o breed_v up_o for_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a